North Atlantic Current

North Atlantic Drift
Studio album by Ocean Colour Scene
Released	July 72003
Recorded	?
Genre	Britpop, blues rock
Length	58:21
Label	Sanctuary
Producer	Martin 'Max' Hayes
Professional reviews
Allmusic link Drowned In Sound (2/10) link Entertainment.ie link Gigwise link Rolling Stone link The Times link Uncut link
Ocean Colour Scene chronology
Mechanical Wonder (2002) North Atlantic Drift (2003) A Hyperactive Workout for the Flying Squad (2005)

North Atlantic Drift is a 2003 album by Ocean Colour Scene

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

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"