Name: Steeltown
Brand: Big Country

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

UMCLP019

Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

180 Gram Vinyl housed in Gatefold Sleeve.

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2023-02-24

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Proper

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

805520240192

Total Cap

1 / Black / LP

Artist

Big Country

Genre GB

New Wave / Post Punk

Label GB

Mercury

Big Country is a Scotland-based guitar band that was formed in the early 1980s. Managed by Ian Grant of Grant Edwards Management, the band has had various lineup changes over the years. The original members included Stuart Adamson on vocals, guitar, and synthesizer, Bruce Watson on guitar, Tony Butler on bass (until 2012), and Mark Brzezicki on drums. Other notable members include Mike Peters on vocals and guitar from 2010 to 2013, Jamie Watson (son of Bruce) on guitar since 2010, Derek Forbes on bass from 2012 to 2015, Simon Hough on vocals and acoustic guitar since 2014, Scott Whitley on bass from 2015 to 2021, and Gil Allan who joined as bassist in 2021. Despite disbanding in 2000, Big Country reunited for performances in 2007 and has been active again since then.

Please note that during the '80s UK releases were under the Mercury label although it may not be explicitly mentioned on their earliest singles' labels or sleeves. Phonogram was the publishing house for Mercury at that time.

Back In Stock

Formed by ex-Skids guitarist Stuart Adamson in 1981 with old friend Bruce Watson and, from 1982, rhythm section Tony Butler and Mark Brzezicki, Big Country proved a fascinating proposition, adding punk, new wave and even new romantic elements to heavy, meaning-laden pop/rock with a passionate Celtic slant and fierce integrity.

Using effects, Adamson and Watson's chiming guitars evoked traditional Scottish instruments. This was unique and proved highly influential. Within a year of their first release, many existing bands began to emulate the group's sound. Nobody achieved it quite like Big Country. Written as a critique of the collapse of industry in the 80s, Steeltown took its inspiration from East Midlands town of Corby, to which many Scots migrated during the Great Depression. Recorded at ABBA's Polar Studios in Stockholm, and produced by Steve Lillywhite, the album became the group's only UK No.1, when it entered the chart at the very top, preceded by the Top 20 single, East Of Eden. With its knotty instrumentation and references to politics, the album has long been a favourite of James Dean Bradfield – it is clear to hear the impact of Big Country on his group, the Manic Street Preachers. This re-issue faithfully replicates the original 1984 Mercury Records UK release with gatefold sleeve and is pressed onto high quality 180g vinyl.

Steeltown

Music GB