Ahoy, landlubbers and sea dogs alike! Remastered from the original Liberty master tapes and cut at Abbey Road Studios, prepare to be swept away on a tidal wave of absolutely no sea shanties whatsoever as we are invited once more to dive into the depths of High Tide’s classic 1969 debut album. Released during that period of seemingly inexhaustible musical experimentation and boundary-pushing, a mesmerizing journey into the depths of psychedelic and progressive rock, this album stands out as a unique and often overlooked gem of the era.
One of the defining features of Sea Shanties is the band’s masterful use of dynamics, which, combined with the musicianship on display throughout the album, makes it nothing short of a stellar listening experience. It’s clear that High Tide were far from afraid to blend genres and push the limits of traditional rock music. Guitarist Tony Hill showcases his virtuosity with inventive riffs and intricate lines that weave in and out of the music with ease. Simon House’s violin adds an extra layer of depth and texture to the music, elevating it to new heights. And the rhythm section of Pete Pavli and Roger Hadden provides a solid foundation, driving the songs forward with that unmistakable and anarchic 1960s thrust of the MC5 and The Stooges. And the lyrics, delivered in a doomy Jim Morrison style, reflect perfectly that period when the countercultural optimism that promised much and delivered little before giving way to the bleak pessimism of the 1970s.
The remastering has resulted in an album with a full-on sound that perfectly complements the band’s rock prog aesthetic, allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves in the sonic landscape – or should that be seascape? – that High Tide created 55 years ago! Sea Shanties is a testament to the creativity and innovation of the late 1960s rock scene and remains a must for fans of progressive and psychedelic rock. Though it may have been overshadowed by other releases of the time, this album deserves a place in the pantheon of classic rock albums. Buy it. Play it loud.
Review by Jason Guest
- Available from 23 February 2024 through Cherry Red Records here
Side One:
- Futilist’s Lament
- Death Warmed Up
- Pushed, But Not Forgotten
Side Two:
- Walking Down Their Outlook
- Missing Out
- Nowhere
