Scavenger (album)

Summary

Scavenger is the fourth studio album by The Walkabouts released September 1, 1991, on Sub Pop Records.[1] It received national exposure in the United States through NPR. The album is available in various forms (CD, cassette, digital download) from Amazon.com and as digital download from iTunes Store in the US and the United Kingdom among others.

Scavenger
Studio album by
ReleasedSeptember 1, 1991
RecordedSeptember/October 1990
GenreAlternative rock, alternative country
Length42:12
LabelSub Pop
ProducerGary Smith
The Walkabouts chronology
Rag & Bone
(1990)
Scavenger
(1991)
New West Motel
(1993)

Scavenger was produced by Gary Smith and features guest appearances by Brian Eno and Natalie Merchant.[2]

Track listing edit

Source: AllMusic[3]

All songs written by The Walkabouts, except where noted. All lyrics written by Chris Eckman, except where noted.

  1. "Dead Man Rise" – 3:27
  2. "Stir the Ashes" – 3:45
  3. "The Night Watch" – 3:28
  4. "Hangman" – 4:59
  5. "Where the Deep Water Goes" – 3:11
  6. "Blown Away" – 3:43
  7. "Nothing Is a Stranger" – 4:18
  8. "Let's Burn Down the Cornfield" (Randy Newman) – 2:51
  9. "River Blood" – 3:03
  10. "Train to Mercy" (string arrangement by Mark Nichols) – 9:27

The album was recorded at Steve Larsons Studios in Seattle during September and October 1990. Mixing was done in October 1990 at The Carriage House, Stamford, Connecticut. "River Blood" was remixed by Gary Smith and Matt Lane in December 1990 at The Carriage House. Additional recordings were done in the Skyline Studios, New York. The album was mastered at the Skyline Studios.

Release history[1] edit

Region Date Label Format Catalog
United States September 1, 1991 Sub Pop Records CD SP124[4]
Germany 1991 SPCD 019/161
LP SP 019/161
Glitterhouse Records CD GRCD 161

Personnel edit

The Walkabouts
  • Glenn Slater – organ, piano, synthesizer, accordion
  • Grant Eckman – drums
  • Carla Torgerson – vocals, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, cello
  • Michael Wells – bass
  • Chris Eckman – vocals, electric guitars
Additional musician
Bravura String Quartet

strings on "Train to Mercy"

  • Dave Beck – cello
  • Steven Toda – violin
  • Gregg Rice – violin
  • Sam Williams – viola
Technical personnel
  • Gary Smith – production, mixing on "River Blood"
  • Ed Brooks – engineering
  • Steve Haigler – mixing
  • Jim Haviland – recording technician
  • Bruce Calder – additional recording
  • Sam Hofstedt – engineering assistant
  • Matt Lane – mixing assistant, mixing on "River Blood"
  • Greg Calbimastering
Additional personnel
  • Jane Higgins – design
  • Tony Kroes – design, paintings
  • Charles Peterson – color photo
  • Chris Peters – paintings

Critical reception edit

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic     [3]
The Village Voice [5]
The Washington Post(mixed)[6]

Jason Ankeny writing in a positive review for AllMusic said: "like its predecessors, Cataract, [Scavenger] refines the Walkabouts' sound even as the band's scope broadens."[3]

References edit

  1. ^ a b The Walkabouts at Discogs
  2. ^ Schinder, Scott (1997). "The Walkabouts". In Ira A. Robbins (ed.). The Trouser Press Guide to 90's Rock: The All-New Fifth Edition of The Trouser Press Record Guide (5th ed.). A Fireside Book Published by Simon & Schuster. ISBN 9780684814377. Retrieved May 28, 2012.
  3. ^ a b c Jason Ankeny (1991). "Scavenger, The Walkabouts > Review". AllMusic. Retrieved May 28, 2012.
  4. ^ "Sub Pop, The Walkabouts, Scavenger". Sub Pop Records. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
  5. ^ Christgau, Robert (January 28, 1992). "Consumer Guide Jan. 28, 1992". The Village Voice.
  6. ^ Jenkins, Mark; Jenkins, Mark (February 23, 1992). "Beyond Nirvana: Seattle Bands Worth Checking Out". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved August 12, 2017.