There are eight volumes to Big Country's 'Rarities' series, but this is the only one I have purchased. Volume IV contains 18 demos from 1982, including every song that later became 'The Crossing'. This is before they were ever signed to Mercury, and it is not a big leap to assume these versions got them their contract. The very clean-sounding demos were remastered by bassist Tony Butler, but it is plain to see -- based on these versions -- producer Steve Lillywhite did a fantastic job with 'The Crossing'. There are two versions of B-side "Heart and Soul" here, as well as two future songs from the 1984 'Wonderland' EP -- "Angle Park" and "The Crossing". There are also four songs that never appeared on any Big Country record... not even a B-side. It is obvious to these ears why they never made it beyond the demo stage. I really enjoy listening to these demos, but none of them surpass the final versions, making 'Rarities IV' a must for die-hard fans only. Big Country - Close Action (demo) (mp3)
Big Country - Porrohman (demo) (mp3)
Big Country - Fields of Fire (demo) (mp3)
See Also:
Big Country Chronicles: 'Radio 1 Sessions'
Big Country Chronicles: 'Hold the Heart'
Big Country Chronicles: 'One Great Thing'
Big Country Chronicles: 'The Teacher'
Big Country Chronicles: 'Look Away'
Big Country Chronicles: 'Just a Shadow'
Big Country Chronicles: 'Where the Rose Is Sown'
Big Country Chronicles: 'East of Eden'
Big Country Chronicles: 'Wonderland'
Big Country Chronicles: 'Chance'
Big Country Chronicles: 'In A Big Country'
Big Country Chronicles: 'Fields of Fire'
Big Country Chronicles: 'Harvest Home'
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