The Blue Nile: High

A few days ago High arrived. It's the fourth and likely final album of The Blue Nile in my collection. Released in 2004, there hasn't been any news from the Scottish band ever since. Although surprisingly enough a new solo album (Mid Air) has been announced from Paul Buchanan, the band's frontsman. I'll certainly follow that up.

High a fine album but to my mind not as memorable as Hats (1989) and Peace at Last (1996; probably still my favourite). The ambiente is rather relaxed with mostly downtempo, thoughtful tracks. In contrast with the earlier albums I feel that the songs are not as well crafted. A few come even across as perfunctory and underdeveloped. In any case, there is nothing that really jumps out, as did, for example, Over the Hillside on Hats or Tomorrow Morning on Peace. But there are plenty of good things on this CD too. Paul Buchanan is in fine form and his voice continues to mesmerise. The arrangements are tasteful, as always. And the recording quality is at the stellar level of the other albums (although it was not recorded by Linn, as were the earliest releases). It really sounds glorious. So all in all it's a good, but not too demanding album. Good for long rides in the car, or for drowsy late evening listening sessions.