Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – The Boatman’s Call (1997)

[Album 22/1001]

It appears one really shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.

At first glance, the monochrome photograph of Mr. Cave could easily be mistaken for a Tarantino film poster about hardened killers.  He appears menacing, as if he was pointing a gun that was cropped out of the image.

Though I was not surprised by the absence of toe-tapping pop tunes, I was taken aback by the raw emotion throughout the twelve tracks.

The understated instrumentation by ‘The Bad Seeds’ (arguably the best backup band name since Jesse & The Rippers) allows Cave’s voice & piano to carry the songs nicely.  Into My Arms and People Ain’t No Good are two of the more memorable tracks.

My favourite 90’s breakup album (Weezer’s Pinkerton) is often derided for being too whiny.  It’s doubtful Cave would be accused of whining here, but I think that’s largely a credit to his sincere delivery.

I can’t imagine any of the songs from The Boatman’s Call being covered successfully by other artists…and that’s intended as a compliment to The Bad Seeds and in particular, Nick Cave.