The North Sea Scrolls cover

The North Sea Scrolls

Luke Haines · 2012

129 min · 42 tracks · alternative rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of eclectic narratives woven through alternative rock with electronic undertones.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Mr Cynthia — This track exemplifies Haines' sharp wit and narrative prowess, combining surreal storytelling with catchy melodies that encapsulate the album's essence.
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    I Am Falconetti — Here, Haines crafts a vivid character study that intertwines personal reflection with broader historical themes, showcasing his literary approach to songwriting.
  • →
    Tim Hardin MP — This song stands out for its poignant commentary on political and social issues, using rich imagery to evoke both nostalgia and critique.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • kaleidoscopic narrative explorations
  • quirky storytelling with depth
  • engaging late-night listening sessions
  • intricate details for headphone use
  • playful irreverence throughout tracks

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2012, The North Sea Scrolls marks Luke Haines' first album after the dissolution of his previous project, Black Box Recorder. At this point in his career, he was exploring more experimental sounds and thematic storytelling, following a string of solo works that had solidified his reputation as an innovative artist in the UK music scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Pulp· The Auteurs· Suede

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Preamble (intro) 2:10
  • 2 Broadmoor Blues Delta 3:44
  • 3 Mr Cynthia 4:37
  • 4 I'm Not the Man You Think I Am Karen, I'm the Actor Tony Allen 3:57
  • 5 Witches in the Water 4:03
  • 6 I Am Falconetti 3:25
  • 7 The Papal Pagan 4:35
  • 8 Ayatollah Cornelius 4:01
  • 9 The Morris Man Cometh 2:15
  • 10 Tim Hardin MP 5:45
  • 11 Enoch Powell / Space Poet 3:41
  • 12 The Australian Ira Show 2:24
  • 13 My Mother My Dead Mother 2:49
  • 14 Narration (outro) 1:27
  • 15 Anthem of the Scrolls 4:15

Disc 2

  • 1 Preamble (intro) 2:11
  • 2 Scroll 1 1:57
  • 3 Broadmoor Blues Delta 3:43
  • 4 Scroll 2 1:55
  • 5 Mr Cynthia 4:37
  • 6 Scroll 3 1:39
  • 7 I'm Not the Man You Think I Am Karen, I'm the Actor Tony Allen 3:59
  • 8 Scroll 4 1:50
  • 9 Witches in the Water 4:04
  • 10 Scroll 5 1:39
  • 11 The Papal Pagan 4:35
  • 12 Scroll 6 1:38
  • 13 Ayatollah Cornelius 4:02
  • 14 Scroll 7 2:23
  • 15 I Am Falconetti 3:26
  • 16 Scroll 8 1:03
  • 17 The Morris Man Cometh 2:15
  • 18 Scroll 9 1:54
  • 19 Tim Hardin MP 5:46
  • 20 Scroll 10 3:01
  • 21 Enoch Powell Space Poet 3:41
  • 22 Scroll 11 2:19
  • 23 The Australian Ira Show 2:23
  • 24 Scroll 12 1:23
  • 25 My Mother My Dead Mother 2:49
  • 26 Scroll 13 (outro) 1:27
  • 27 Anthem of the Scrolls 4:15

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata