Fields Of Fire

Big Country - The Crossing [MERS 27 UK 1983 24-Bit FLAC]

The combination of a flimsy Phonogram pressing and a studio production by Steve "Muddy" Lillywhite is not a good thing. It did not stop Big Country having one of the biggest selling albums in 1983. 

I am a little confused as to the veracity of my copy. The sleeve is the green textured version with the original MERH 27 catelogue number, however the label carries MERS 27 and has the revised track running order with Fields Of Fire and 1000 Stars swapping sides. The matrix number does not match anything listed on Discogs, however I would assume that the label pressed the album on repeated runs using different plants. For now, I am assuming it is just a record store masterbag cock-up. 

The Crossing features all of Big Country's biggest hits, all driven by the stunning twin guitars of Bruce Watson and the late Stuart Adamson. Chance has always been a huge favourite of mine, Fields Of Fire and In A Big Country sold in their zillions, however if you are looking for a stand out album track, seek the magnificent eight minutes of Porrohman.

Likely the most Scottish of the bands in this current run of posts, Big Country released another four albums, though none were to reach the commercial success of their debut. Stuart Adamson sadly took his own life in 2001, fighting alcoholism and depression in the solitude of a Hawaiian hotel room.

A1 In A Big Country
A2 Inwards
A3 Chance
A4 1000 Stars
A5 The Storm
B1 Harvest Home
B2 Lost Patrol
B3 Close Action
B4 Fields Of Fire
B5 Porrohman