On September 16, 1985, “Island” label released “This Is the Sea”, the third Waterboys album. It was recorded February – August 1985, at “Park Gates Studio” in Hastings; “Livingstone Studios”; “Seaview Studios”; “The Chocolate Factory”; “R G Jones Recording Studios”; “Townhouse Studios”, and “Good Earth Studios” in London, and was produced by Mike Scott, John Brand, Mick Glossop and Karl Wallinger.

Personnel:

• Mike Scott– vocals, lead guitar, rhythm guitar, piano, percussion, synthesiser, bells, drum machine programming, effects
• Anthony Thistlethwaite– saxophone, double bass, bass guitar, mandolin
• Karl Wallinger– bass synth, piano, organ, keyboard programming, synthesiser, celeste, percussion, backing vocals
• Kevin Wilkinson– bass guitar, drums
• Martin Swain – bass guitar
• Lu Edmonds– bass
• Matthew Seligman– bass
• Chris Whitten – drums, cymbals
• Pete Thomas– snare drum
• Martin Ditcham – percussion
• Roddy Lorimer– trumpet, backing vocals
• Stewart Bartlett – French horn
• Steve Wickham– violin
• Marek Lipski – violin
• Max Edie – backing vocals
• Lynn Goldsmith – photography

Track listing:

All tracks by Mike Scott except where noted.

1. Don’t Bang the Drum – Mike Scott, Karl Wallinger
2. The Whole of the Moon
3. Spirit
4. The Pan Within
5. Medicine Bow – Mike Scott, Anthony Thistlethwaite
6. Old England
7. Be My Enemy
8. Trumpets
9. This Is the Sea