A Walk Across The Rooftops
The Blue Nile
1984
Album Summary
A Walk Across the Rooftops is the debut album by Scottish band The Blue Nile, released on 30 April 1984 on Linn Records in the UK and on A&M Records in the US. Although the album was released to little fanfare and was not a big hit on its initial release, it slowly accumulated fans and sales through word of mouth as the years passed, and by the time the follow-up Hats was released in 1989, A Walk Across the Rooftops had sold 80,000 copies. It continued to gather praise when reissued in 2012. The Irish singer Andrea Corr recorded "Tinseltown in the Rain" for her 2011 album of cover versions Lifelines and released it as the first single from that album. Duo Dave Stewart and Barbara Gaskin included a cover of "Heatwave" on their 1990 album The Big Idea.
WikipediaThe wikipedia article lists this album genre as "sophisti-pop" which gives you a good idea of what you're getting into. This is some of the most pretentious 80s crap ever. The lyrics are incoherent, the instrumentation is a disconnected mess, and the song structure is completely nonexistent. I almost gave this a star because the singer has a pretty good voice. But, no. It's not enough to save the album. It's like some some guys in a highschool drama club got really into Bowie and decided to give it a try "but, you know, let's make it ours, right? Let's get experimental." Luckily, the whole album is only 38 minutes long. Because it's utter trash.
This album is everything that's wrong with the music of the first half of the 80s. tuneless, wordy nonsense.
This was a really cool album. Reminiscent of the albums we've heard from Prefab Sprout and Simple Minds, so it comes as no surprise to see this also labeled "sophisti-pop." I really dug the structure, seven pretty long songs that you can sink your teeth into is always nice. Some very interesting instrumental choices, too. Quite a few tracks on here I'll return to. Favorite tracks: From Rags to Riches, Stay, Tinseltown in the Rain, Heatwave. Album art: Not bad for a band photo, the framing and multicolored text is pretty nice. But nothing special. 4/5
Goddamn this is a smooth album, especially Heatwave. Very short. First album/artist so far I know nothing about, and glad I’ve now heard it.
The Blue Nile's debut album has a rather fascinating genesis. Scotland's Linn Electronics wanted a demo track to demonstrate the fidelity and versatility of their new recording console and tapped a struggling local trio, the Blue Nile, to provide it. Their effort was a deliberately disjunctive song called "A Walk Across the Rooftops." To demonstrate the recording equipment's dynamic range and clarity, the song was arranged most peculiarly, with vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, and full string and horn sections all appearing, but never at the same time. Linn liked the song so much that they formed a record label and bankrolled the recording of this full album. The seven lengthy tracks on A Walk Across the Rooftops all follow the model of the opener, with Paul Buchanan's rich voice at the center of near-symphonic arrangements that manage to sound lush and incredibly austere at the same time. The tempos are deadly slow, with the most upbeat track, "Tinseltown in the Rain," barely rising above a graceful saunter, and the inventive arrangements make extensive use of empty space. This was a popular album for demonstrating the lack of hiss and background noise in the then-new compact disc medium, but A Walk Across the Rooftops works even better as a piece of music than as a stereo demonstration record.
When the bass line plays on A Walk Across The Rooftops, I feel like David Lynch is saying hello from the set of Twin Peaks. There is no melody to this song, just seemingly disparate musical parts. The parts are clearly synced together, but there’s no constant beat. Strangely I like this about the song. There are several other parts of the album that feel similar, like everyone is playing the same song, but they all started at different times. It’s really difficult to pin down a description. There is order to it, not randomness. It just feels like the music is constantly throwing me off. Again, I somewhat like this aspect of the album because I’ve never quite heard anything like it. Another thing I like is the lead singer’s voice. When he says “heatwaaave” in Heatwave, I think it could be the music dictionary’s definition the quintessential 1980s pop sound. I don’t know, I instantly recognize the decade by this one word. Easter Parade is sleep inducing, not in a good way while the bass driven groove on Stay is quite enjoyable. I’ve written quite a bit of positive things about this album, but I didn’t download it. Much like the album itself, my thoughts above are disjointed from my overall feeling about it. In the end I don’t really like the album as much as this review might indicate, but I do appreciate its strange uniqueness.
Incredibly well paced and measured; an excellent demonstration of restraint in pop music that is seldom seen. Rad.
I found this album to be an unexpected delight. Languid, sparse, and with unconventional structures and arrangements. All these songs feel tinged with sadness or melancholy in a way that cultivates a very distinct mood. 3.5/5 Favourite track: "Easter Parade"
Not having heard of Blue Nile previous to listening to this album I didn't know what to expect. On first listen I struggled a bit to find a sense of how I felt about the album and ultimately found myself having to stop what I was doing and give it my full attention. Once I started to relax and really listen I began to be mesmerized by the sound. What is interesting is the music lacks the usual hooks that I look for but there was something romantic about the music that drew me in offset by the raw vocals. Somehow it works. I will definitely give more time to this album. Favorite song: Tinsel Town in the Rain
Another band I never heard of!. Wikipedia says these guys are art pop or synth pop, and that feels pretty accurate. I wasn’t a big fan of the singer’s voice, but as always that is just a taste thing. The first track, which was also the title track, really drew me in. It had a very minimal feel, with the different instruments coming in one at a time. I wonder if this is where Spoon got the idea from. I loved both the tone of the bass, and the bass lines themselves, especially in the songs that were more musically spare where it could shine. The way the bass line hit in the title track reminded me a little bit of the way it comes in in Beck’s Soldier Jane, satisfyingly filling a rift in the song that you didn’t even know was there. Of the seven songs on this album, only 2-3 were in that sparse groovy style, with the others feeling too slow for my taste, or too much like other 80’s synth music. I would recommend listening to that title track, but not much else. As for belonging on this list, well, they don’t seem to be very well known, or very influential, or very consistent, to my ear. I think the list could have done without it. My personal enjoyment: 2/5 Did it belong on this list: 2/5
There's something about this album that makes me think of one of the best, if not THE best 80's movie, Brazil. s. I imagine that this must be one of those albums that was right for it's time, but out of place in any other. Released in 1984, Communism was on high, the Berlin wall was still a thing, Gordon Gekko / Michael Milken was selling junk bonds on Wall Street and we were in the middle of the Reagan years. Perhaps it's the Reagan connection, but the word 'bureaucracy' is a good descriptor word for A Walk Across the Rooftops. There's a lot of busy work here, but you never get anywhere with this album. It's like you keep jumping through hoops because you're programed to think 'if I just listen a little more I'm sure I'll find something interesting.' This album I'm sure was considered intellectual and avant garde when it was released. It's just oozing with the 'you're not smart enough to understand this music' vibe, but I don't think there's much here to consider. The underlying music is incredibly repetitive, I found myself wondering if maybe some of this was repurposed for use in Roblox games, and the singing doesn't contribute much. Sometimes his voice sounds like he's either yawning while singing or taking their last breath before dying and neither are dramatic. I haven't seen Brazil in probably 30+ years, but I suddenly want to rewatch in hopes that it hasn't aged as much as this album.
The Blue Who? I was dreading another very dated 80s album filled with synth. Turned out it was worse than that. "A Walk Across the Rooftops" did provide some brief glimpses of hope, with the incorporation of real piano and real strings, along with a funky baseline. But then came "Tinseltown in the Rain," which might be my least favorite song of this experiment so far. After tight 2 minute songs from Loretta Lynn the other day, the 5-6 minute songs here were agonizingly long. It's possible have good longer songs, that are dynamic and shift and change throughout. That's not what this was. They just droned on. And on.
This is just amazing… so much emotion and feel. It’s a lesson in less-is-more…. Just a wonderfully crafted album from start to finish!
Actually pretty enjoyable and I didn't immediately recognize the artist, but it sounds so familiar! Such a smooth voice. 4.5
Post New Wave, synth Soul, obra despojada de adornos. Hija de su tiempo suena sin embargo atemporal, para nada envejecida y muy actual. Se alarga en desarrollos. Muy bueno.
theatrical, brooding synth with sophisticated instrumentation and the ghost of Japanese citypop. Montages of a morose rainy walk around NYC. Excellent album for those pained with wistful nostalgia
Very complex and artsy arrangements Sometimes sparse instrumentation Can be quite atmospheric and lo-fi "Easter Parade" features a beautiful piano melody
Never heard of this genre before, but I absolutely love this album. Has such a nice ambience to it. Especially enjoying ''Heatwave''
Super je ovo četiri će dobit samo zato što je hats remek djelo. Ma kvrgu ipak pet. Ovo je definitivno najbolji sophisti pop
I feel like taking part in this project has changed my Spotify recommendations algorithm to the point where it's started pumping out tracks from albums on the list. Case in point: "Heatwave" by The Blue Nile, which I've definitely heard before, very recently. The album is good though, its percussive soundscape still sounds great and ensures it hasn't dated as badly as music by The Blue Nile's peers. I also assumed they were from downtown New York, not the highlands of Scotland.
Gotta give this a 5. Earnestly beautiful, expertly balancing heartfelt emotions with intricate arrangements to create songs that can truly captivate you. This is aided, in no small part, by the excellent production
Really enjoyable album, just mellow and moody, Stay was my favourite track.
It is impossible to overstate my love for this album. Tinseltown in the rain is the absolute stand out but the whole album is drenched in big synthy strings that sound fantastic when off set by that 80’s bass sound and Paul Buchanan’s soulful vocals. There’s so much going on in the mix that even now, after knowing and loving it for 20 years, I still discover new things on each listen
I really liked this album. Hadn't ever heard them before and was very pleasantly surprised. I'm going to spend some more time on them in the future. Those are refreshing sound. I really like musically how it moved and I do like the vocals. Very nice overall.
Four albums only and 4 perfect ones. All albums deserve 5 stars. All 7 songs of this album brilliant, Automobile Noise favourite track. Saw then live twice and you can't forget experiences like that,
Walk across the rooftops sounds like it may have inspired some of Sting's early solo work. I love the arrangement of the track. Lazy bass, dreamy time, I've wandered in this fog more than once.
Love the atmosphere here. Very unique and detailed sound. Headphone ride.
This was something really unique, I'm not sure how to classify the genre on it. Totally new to me and a welcome find.
This is wild. Bridging the gap between 70s Fripp, and 80s Talking Heads off-beat mellow weirdness. Really good, but best for a rainy work day morning.
it wasn't mediocre, but it wasn't my favorite. i'd never heard of them, and was apprehensive - but ultimately, i enjoyed this one.
surprisingly loved this album. i'm not huge on synth music, but it had a few banger tracks on it, and it was a cool listen to, very chill.
Like a more calm talking heads. Did not like the beginning of track one and I dreaded the rest. But then I got hooked! Very enjoyable, and I’ll definitely be revisiting.
This was a really relaxing listen, I enjoyed most of the songs and felt like I was listening to 80’s soft rock but it was unique enough to stand on its own. Very short and sweet
Aangename verrassing, al kende ik al wel een paar nummers. Een van mijn all time favourites is Let's go out tonight, maar dat staat op een andere plaat. Later prachtig uitgevoerd door Craig Armstrong en de zanger van The Blue Nile. Gaat dat luisteren! Nu houd ik op met m'n loftuitingen.
Some arresting melodies and lyrical flourishes made this a fascinating listen and I expect it will grow in my estimation on future listens.
A Walk Across the Rooftops really slowed my day down, as the members of Blue Nile strikes a good balance between sparse arrangements and raw vocals to great effect. The lyrics can be painful and bleak, but A Walk Across the Rooftops never loses steam. It's definitely an album I'll be returning to. Fav Tracks: "Automobile Noise", "A Walk Across The Rooftops" and "Tinseltown in the Rain"
Was not familiar with this band, but I did recognise the single Tinseltown in the Rain. Pretty good, but did not capture me enough for a top tier rating.
A fun album, not what I usually listen to, but pleasant background music.
Un mini clàssic per descobrir. Barreja del new pop elegantot i classicista d'uns ABC, amb el synth pop més seriós i fins i tot tocs del pop arty de The The. Cançons com 'Stay' reivindiquen la seva rellevància i tot ell és una obra per continuar recuperant de tant en tant
It's like if Frank Sinatra fronted a synth/electronic band. This is a fair assessment and not necessarily a negative critique. It's disarming and quirky. Tinseltown in the Rain though, feels like a lost Peter Gabriel song, and I love it. Stay is another stand out song here. This album is better than it should be.
Jättebra! som ett snäppet mer modernt Talking Heads. Otroligt bra ljud! Älskar den här mixen! Rolig och engagerande!
Before this, I hadn't heard of the Blue Nile. This album really surprised me and I gotta say it is one of those albums that really makes you feel an unnamable feeling. I looked it up and that's what "Sophisti-pop" is. Play this album on a rainy day and stare out the window while listening to this album, I dare you. Favorite song: Tinseltown in the Rain
Lots of ear candy here. Was glad to hear a proper synth album. Singers was a little mismatched for the style and these tunes are not as catchy as say Tears for Fears, Depeche Mode, pet shop boys. Favorite tracks: tinseltown in the rain, from rags to riches
I wasn't sure what to expect from a genre called Sophisti-pop. But I actually really like it. I definitely hear the Peter Gabriel influences and at times I feel a bit of lyrical style similar to Leonard Cohen. At times it can be an overload of Synth tones, but it is a very musically progressive sound that I do enjoy when the overload isn't too much. I think it is one of my favorite synth basses I've heard recently. I was not expecting a song that said automobile noise over and over again but it was honestly kinda good. I think my favorite part of this list is getting to discover new genres and actually enjoy more of them than I would have expected.
Really gorgeous, sparse production and vocals. I can see why this was commissioned to showcase sound systems. I definitely dig it.
Artful and elegant and evocative, has the feel of fully hand-crafted and intensely personal music. The combo of synths and strings is most impressive, really thoughtful textures with the observational lyrics and actorly delivery makes this feel quite a literary record – just a lovely summing up of what it means to be alive. “Automobile Noise” is a particular fave among uniformly strong tracks.
A cool and atmospheric blend of synths, funk and orchestral sounds. Didn’t keep my attention though and slide into the background after a few tracks.
J'ai vraiment aimé. J'ai beaucoup de vibe Peter Gabriel Solo et j'adore. 4.5
Définitivement à réessayer. Un son très brit et très 80s, mais en même temps très avant-gardiste et avec une personnalité propre.
Timeless sophistopop where so much of the magic is in the spaces. Tinseltown in the🏃♀️Rain: perhaps only Richard Hawley's Coles Corner gets close to the same fragile melancholy.
Olipa melankolisen kaunis ja musiikillisesti kiinnostava levy. Nautin! 4/5
Näiden Hats on upea levy ja niin on näemmä tämäkin. Tosi persoonallinen tunnelma näissä, sitä hyvää kasaria.
Very pleasant and relaxing. Not too interesting though, but maybe that's because I didn't pay enough attention.
Very enjoyable listen. The vocals reminded me of Thom Yorke and David Bowie blended together. Great bass lines and a wide variety of tunes. Overall a pretty sweet album. I'm surprised such a low key album was produced at the height of the new romantic era. Well there you go. I actually just listened to this twice in a row.... Not many of the 1001 have this on the stats list!
Somewhat of a challenge on first listen, but overall a good album. definite 80's feel all through
This was a very interesting album. Kind of a mix of avant-garde and electronica. I wouldn't call it prog but I could hear shades of Bowie in his voice. Some of the songs sounded like just noise. But the more I listened, the more subtle patterns started to emerge. I really had to listen to it twice to really get a handle on what I was hearing. I think this one is an acquired taste where you have to be in the right mood to enjoy it. Scale: 5 - My absolute favorites. 4 - Albums I like. 3 - I enjoyed listening to it but wouldn't seek it out. 2 - Didn't like. 1 - Absolute shit.
La performance du chanteur est totalement éclipsée par les lignes de basse ultra-charismatiques. Il n'y a pas de hasard, c'est moi-même qui en tiens le manche et fais étalage de ma technique, sous le regard agacé des différents membres.
Really interesting. Sounds like this is where LCD Soundsytem got their sound.
The songwriting was missing a bit of something, more catchy choruses or dynamics, but album has a beautiful sound throughout and that’s what sold me!
What an unexpected gem! I really liked this one and had not heard it before. It has a kind of Peter Gabriel vocals meets the music of Kate Bush’s 80s albums. I will be revisiting this one often.
I will admit, I was not too hopeful when I read the Wiki description, which lists it as "Scottish sophisti-pop/ambient". Thankfully, labels aren't everything, and it resulted in a really interesting album. I will admit, I'm pretty biased as I typically love the 80's synth-y sound. I was still very surprised to find that this album held up throughout. It reminds me of a Psychedelic Furs/Thompson Twins vibe, without being a copycat. Loved the overall sound and I feel like his voice fits in perfectly. The only thing it's missing is a true standout 'hit', but there wasn't a bad song on the album imo. Nothing was added yet, but I will be re-listening and adding 2-3 for sure. 8/10
This was good. The opening track is a bold choice. I like this more than I expected. But. Why are 2 of the first 10 albums Scottish Synth? Lol
Todella mielenkiintoinen uusi tuttavuus. Tykkäsin kovasti levyn tunnelmasta ja äänimaailmasta. Biisien laatu ei ihan riitä korkeampaan arvosanaan mutta täytyy pitää tämä nimi mielessä.
Never heard this before, but it was pretty good music. Not too intrusive, but perfect for the early evening.
This reminded me of the band Talk Talk a lot. Complicated, well-produced pop music. The song structures are something I haven’t really heard before. I like the first half of this record quite a bit. And Hoo boy those basslines. Favorite song: A Walk Across The Rooftops Least favorite song: Easter Parade
I liked it for a bit, then the content and execution fell a bit flat. Lyrics are too cheesy for me but it sounds alright.