Artist: Big Country Album: The Buffalo Skinners

Year: 1993
Duration: 0:0-1

A Deep Dive into Big Country's The Buffalo Skinners

In the world of music, there are always those albums that stand out as truly innovative and timeless. One such album is The Buffalo Skinners by the Scottish band Big Country. Released in 1993, this album was a departure from their previous sound and opened up new doors for the band. In this post, we will take a of The Buffalo Skinners, along with a brief history of the band, the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and a critic to the album.
Big Country was formed in 1981 by Stuart Adamson, Bruce Watson, Tony Butler, and Mark Brzezicki. Their unique blend of Scottish folk music and rock gained them recognition in the UK charts, with hits like In a Big Country and Look Away. They were known for their use of the e-bow guitar effect and twin guitar leads, which gave them their distinctive sound. The Buffalo Skinners saw a departure from their previous sound, which surprised their fans at the time.
The Buffalo Skinners is a mix of rock, folk, and Celtic music. The album features songs with political and social commentary, which was a departure from their earlier albums' themes. The use of traditional folk instruments like the mandolin and fiddle gives the album a unique sound that stands out in Big Country's discography. The album also features backing vocals by Kirsten Adamson, who gives an ethereal quality to some of the songs.
The standout songs of The Buffalo Skinners include What Are You Working For, The Selling of America, and Alone. These songs showcase the band's ability to blend folk and rock seamlessly, and their politically charged lyrics. The Selling of America is a particularly relevant song today, with its commentary on America's political and social landscape. The song critiques the political system, the media, and the gun culture of America, making it one of the most innovative tracks of the album.
One of the most innovative parts of The Buffalo Skinners is its use of traditional Scottish and Irish folk music. The mandolin and fiddle are prominent in many of the songs, giving a unique sound to the album. The use of Kirsten Adamson's backing vocals gives an ethereal and haunting quality to some of the tracks, like The One I Love. These elements added depth and richness to the album, making it a standout in Big Country's discography.
Now, for a critic of the album. While The Buffalo Skinners is a standout in Big Country's discography, some fans found it a departure from their traditional sound. The political and social commentary in the lyrics was praised by some and criticized by others. Some found it too heavy-handed and took away from the music's enjoyment. However, it is important to note that this album was a departure for the band, and they were taking risks with their music, which should be praised.
In conclusion, The Buffalo Skinners is an album that stands out in Big Country's discography for its innovative use of traditional Scottish and Irish folk music and political commentary. It may be a departure from their traditional sound, but it is a risk-taking move that paid off with some critical acclaim. The Selling of America and Alone are standout tracks, showcasing the band's ability to blend folk and rock seamlessly. While some may criticize the political and social commentary in the lyrics, it is a testament to the band's desire to take risks with their music and push themselves artistically. The Buffalo Skinners is an album that should be listened to by any music listener interested in innovative and thought-provoking music.