North Atlantic Drift (album)

North Atlantic Drift is the sixth album by Ocean Colour Scene.

North Atlantic Drift
Studio album by Ocean Colour Scene
Released	7 July 2003
Genre	Alternative rock, blues rock
Length	58:21
Label	Sanctuary
Producer	Martin 'Max' Hayes
Ocean Colour Scene chronology
Mechanical Wonder (2001) North Atlantic Drift (2003) A Hyperactive Workout for the Flying Squad (2005)

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[1]
Drowned in Sound	(2/10)[2]
entertainment.ie	[3]
The List	[4]
No Ripcord	[5]
Rolling Stone	[6]
The Times	[7]
Uncut	[8]

The title track is political commentary on American cultural imperialism and its support by the UK government, particularly the then impending US-led invasion of Iraq, which was opposed by the majority of the British public. (OCS had shown their anti-war tendencies with the previous protest song Profit in Peace and associated with Paul Weller). "Meanwhile Rome burns" appears to be a reference to the September 11 Attacks, analogy with the Sacking of Rome, "Between the Euphrates and the other river now the home of the Devil and the liar" is a reference to Iraq and US President George W. Bush and British prime minister Tony Blair, respectively.

The first track, I Just Need Myself was played by Virgin Radio and reached #13 in the charts, though the other two singles did less well but still charted inside the top 40. The folky Second Hand Car was released as a single in Germany and Holland. She's Been Writing is dedicated to Sandy Denny, one of Fowler's favourite bands being Fairport Convention

The U.S. version was released on 19 August 2003, and contained four bonus tracks, all of which were b-sides to the U.K. single releases of "I Just Need Myself."

The album was released to a largely mixed-to-negative reception. It was the last album released with the original line-up after Damon Minchella left the band in late 2003.

Track listing

1. "I Just Need Myself"
2. "Oh Collector"
3. "North Atlantic Drift"
4. "Golden Gate Bridge"
5. "Make the Deal"
6. "For Every Corner"
7. "On My Way"
8. "Second Hand Car"
9. "She's Been Writing"
10. "The Song Goes On"
11. "When Evil Comes"

U.S. Track Listing

1. "I Just Need Myself"
2. "Oh Collector"
3. "North Atlantic Drift"
4. "Golden Gate Bridge"
5. "Make the Deal"
6. "For Every Corner"
7. "On My Way"
8. "Second Hand Car"
9. "She's Been Writing"
10. "The Song Goes On"
11. "When Evil Comes"
12. "Will You Take Her Love"
13. "Me, I'm Left Unsure"
14. "Questions"
15. "I Want To See The Bright Lights"

References

1. Thomas Erlewine, Stephen. "Ocean Colour Scene - North Atlantic Drift". AllMusic. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
2. "Ocean Colour Scene - North Atlantic Drift". Drowned in Sound. 10 July 2003.
3. "Ocean Colour Scene - North Atlantic Drift". entertainment.ie. 18 July 2003. Archived from the original on 20 March 2012.
4. Rae, Carolyn (4 September 2003). "Records". The List (477): 106. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
5. Mattinson, Peter (14 July 2003). "Ocean Colour Scene - North Atlantic Drift". No Ripcord. Retrieved 23 December 2018.
6. Dugan, John (19 August 2003). "Ocean Colour Scene - North Atlantic Drift". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 25 July 2008.CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown (link)
7. Sinclair, David (11 July 2003). "Ocean Colour Scene: North Atlantic Drift". The Times. Retrieved 2 December 2018.
8. "Business as usual for much-derided dadrockers". Uncut. 1 September 2003. Retrieved 12 June 2017.