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{{other uses|Final straw (disambiguation){{!}}Final straw}}
{{other uses|Final straw (disambiguation){{!}}Final straw}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox album
{{Infobox album
| name = Final Straw
| name = Final Straw
Line 8: Line 9:
| released = 4 August 2003
| released = 4 August 2003
| recorded = February 2003
| recorded = February 2003
⚫
| studio = [[Britannia Row Studios|Britannia Row]]
| venue =
⚫
| studio = [[Britannia Row Studios]]
| genre = {{hlist|[[Alternative rock]]|[[indie rock]]|[[power pop]]|[[post-Britpop]]}}
| genre = {{hlist|[[Alternative rock]]|[[indie rock]]|[[power pop]]|[[post-Britpop]]}}
| length = 44:00
| length = 44:00
| label = {{hlist|[[Fiction Records|Fiction]] <small>(UK)</small>|[[A&M Records|A&M]] <small>(US)</small>}}
| label = {{hlist|[[Fiction Records|Fiction]] (UK)|[[A&M Records|A&M]] (US)}}
| producer = [[Jacknife Lee]]
| producer = [[Jacknife Lee]]
| prev_title = [[When It's All Over We Still Have to Clear Up]]
| prev_title = [[When It's All Over We Still Have to Clear Up]]
| prev_year = 2001
| prev_year = 2001
| next_title = [[Eyes Open (album)|Eyes Open]]
| next_title = [[Eyes Open (Snow Patrol album)|Eyes Open]]
| next_year = 2006
| next_year = 2006
| misc = {{Singles
| misc = {{Singles
| name = Final Straw
| name = Final Straw
| type = Studio album
| type = studio
| single1 = [[Spitting Games]]
| single1 = [[Spitting Games]]
| single1date = 15 September 2003
| single1date = 15 September 2003
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}}
}}
}}
}}
'''''Final Straw''''' is the third studio album and major-label debut by Scottish-Northern Irish [[Rock music|rock]] band [[Snow Patrol]], released on 4 August 2003 in the [[United Kingdom]] and [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] and in 2004 in the [[United States]]. The album is notable for bringing the band their first mainstream success outside of their native countries of [[Northern Ireland]] and [[Scotland]]. In the 14 months following its release, a total of 5 singles were drawn from it. It is the first album to feature lead guitarist [[Nathan Connolly]] and the last to feature bassist [[Mark McClelland]].
'''''Final Straw''''' is the third album and major-label debut by Northern Irish–Scottish [[alternative rock]] band [[Snow Patrol]], released on 4 August 2003 in the UK and in 2004 in the US. The album is notable for bringing the band their first mainstream success outside of their native countries of Northern Ireland and Scotland. In the 14 months following its release, a total of 5 singles were drawn from it. It is their first album to feature lead guitarist [[Nathan Connolly]] and their last with bassist [[Mark McClelland]].


The album was re-released in the UK in 2004 with two extra tracks,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.snowpatrol.com/discography/default.aspx?pid=3 |title=Album : Final Straw |publisher=Snow Patrol |access-date=2012-02-16}}</ref> before being exported to the [[United States|U.S.]] (without the bonus tracks). The album was also released on [[Super Audio CD|SACD]] and [[DualDisc]] with 5.1 Surround mixes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.snowpatrol.com/discography/default.aspx?&in=8 |title=Single : Signal Fire |publisher=Snow Patrol |access-date=2012-02-16}}</ref>
The album was re-released in the UK in 2004 with two extra tracks,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.snowpatrol.com/discography/default.aspx?pid=3 |title=Album : Final Straw |publisher=Snow Patrol |access-date=2012-02-16 |archive-date=21 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090821060836/http://www.snowpatrol.com/discography/default.aspx?pid=3 |url-status=dead }}</ref> before being exported to the US (without the bonus tracks). The album was also released on [[Super Audio CD|SACD]] and [[DualDisc]] with 5.1 Surround mixes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.snowpatrol.com/discography/default.aspx?&in=8 |title=Single : Signal Fire |publisher=Snow Patrol |access-date=2012-02-16}}</ref>

A 20th anniversary edition was released on 4 August 2023, 20 years after the album's original release.


==Background==
==Background==
The band's [[Artists and repertoire|A&R]] representative Jim Chancellor explained the reasons for choosing rock producer [[Jacknife Lee]] to oversee the record by saying, "I wanted a record for them that was bigger and bolder and a lot different than their previous records. I wanted them to make a more of a rock album than an indie record."<ref name="hitquarters.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_JimChanc.html |title=Interview With Jim Chancellor |publisher=[[HitQuarters]] |date=Oct 26, 2005 |access-date=2010-06-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905141043/http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview%2Fopar%2Fintrview_JimChanc.html |archive-date=September 5, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Chancellor, Lee and the band chose fifteen songs to start working on out of an original pool of 24.<ref name="hitquarters.com"/> Critical to the new direction was Lightbody's development into a more rounded songwriter. "They played us some songs which were not indie. There were a couple of pop songs and then 'Run', which is an enormous emotional rollercoaster of a track," said Chancellor.
The band's [[Artists and repertoire|A&R]] representative Jim Chancellor explained the reasons for choosing rock producer [[Jacknife Lee]] to oversee the record by saying, "I wanted a record for them that was bigger and bolder and a lot different than their previous records. I wanted them to make a more of a rock album than an indie record."<ref name="hitquarters.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_JimChanc.html |title=Interview With Jim Chancellor |publisher=[[HitQuarters]] |date=Oct 26, 2005 |access-date=2010-06-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905141043/http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview%2Fopar%2Fintrview_JimChanc.html |archive-date=September 5, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Chancellor, Lee and the band chose fifteen songs to start working on out of an original pool of 24.<ref name="hitquarters.com"/> Critical to the new direction was Lightbody's development into a more rounded songwriter. "They played us some songs which were not indie. There were a couple of pop songs and then "[[Run (Snow Patrol song)|Run]]", which is an enormous emotional rollercoaster of a track," said Chancellor.


==Recording and composition==
==Recording and composition==
During the first couple of weeks in the studio the band found it quite difficult to adapt from an 'indie'-oriented sound to a more commercially viable [[pop rock]] sound.<ref name="hitquarters.com"/> Producer Lee offered constructive suggestions about how to both simplify their songs and augment them with other sounds such as strings, and Snow Patrol proved very receptive to his advice.<ref name="hitquarters.com"/> According to Chancellor, "Some bands tend to be more defensive about what goes on in the studio. Snow Patrol weren't. They were very much like, 'Yeah, we really want to be successful this time.'"<ref name="hitquarters.com"/>
During the first couple of weeks in the studio the band found it quite difficult to adapt from an 'indie'-oriented sound to a more commercially viable [[pop rock]] sound.<ref name="hitquarters.com"/> Producer Lee offered constructive suggestions about how to both simplify their songs and augment them with other sounds such as strings, and Snow Patrol proved very receptive to his advice.<ref name="hitquarters.com"/> According to Chancellor, "Some bands tend to be more defensive about what goes on in the studio. Snow Patrol weren't. They were very much like, 'Yeah, we really want to be successful this time.'"<ref name="hitquarters.com"/>


The lyrics, all written by Lightbody are about failing relationships and break-ups. They were inspired by his personal experiences. Quinn, his longtime friend, says that he knows who Lightbody sings about in those songs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/07/24/1090464906092.html |title=That's Snow business |date=25 July 2004 |newspaper=[[The Age]] |access-date=2009-10-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5kskyWtQq?url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/07/24/1090464906092.html |archive-date=2009-10-29 }}</ref> The lyrics deal with the themes of relationships and politics. Lightbody has said that his "finally learn[ing] to write a chorus" was the key to the album's success.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article6895899.ece |title=Snow Patrol: 'We're not ready for greatest hits' |last=Heawood |first=Sophie |date=30 October 2009 |newspaper=The Times |access-date=2009-10-31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5kvhEAV7s?url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article6895899.ece |archive-date=2009-10-31 }}</ref>
The lyrics, all written by Lightbody are about failing relationships and break-ups. They were inspired by his personal experiences. Quinn, his longtime friend, says that he knows who Lightbody sings about in those songs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/07/24/1090464906092.html |title=That's Snow business |date=25 July 2004 |newspaper=[[The Age]] |access-date=2009-10-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104050608/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/07/24/1090464906092.html |archive-date=2012-11-04 }}</ref> The lyrics deal with the themes of relationships and politics. Lightbody has said that his "finally learn[ing] to write a chorus" was the key to the album's success.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article6895899.ece |title=Snow Patrol: 'We're not ready for greatest hits' |last=Heawood |first=Sophie |date=30 October 2009 |newspaper=The Times |access-date=2009-10-31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100422010239/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article6895899.ece |archive-date=2010-04-22 }}</ref>


Guitarist [[Nathan Connolly]] joined the band during the recording sessions. He did not contribute much, as the whole album had already been demoed. He commented that he found it easy to start writing and sharing his ideas with the rest of the band, as he had a good relationship with the band before being a member.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.muzika.hr/clanak/22192/interview/nathan-connolly-snow-patrol-s-vremenom-postajemo-veci-bend-i-nemamo-straha-izaci-na-jednu-od-najvecih-pozornica-ikada.aspx |title=Interview - Nathan Connolly (Snow Patrol) |last=Jurilj |first=Igor |date=4 August 2009 |publisher=Muzika |language=hr |access-date=2009-10-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5kCKZVhAH?url=http://www.muzika.hr/clanak/22192/interview/nathan-connolly-snow-patrol-s-vremenom-postajemo-veci-bend-i-nemamo-straha-izaci-na-jednu-od-najvecih-pozornica-ikada.aspx |archive-date=2009-10-01 }} - [http://garylightbody.wordpress.com/2009/09/08/muzika-hr-interview/ Note: Translation can be found here.]{{dead link|date=July 2012 }}</ref> The album's music incorporates [[Distortion (music)|distorted guitar]], [[Audio feedback|feedback]] styles, and the vocals are gritty. The band's sound on the album was described as being a "cross between the sullen [[Folk music|folk]] of [[Nick Drake]] and the more punchy [[Rock music|rock]] moments of [[Simple Minds]] and the [[Pixies (band)|Pixies]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-13235006_ITM|title=Scotland's Snow Patrol jumps on gloom bandwagon|last=Weingarten|first=Abby|date=3 September 2004|work=AccessMyLibrary|publisher=[[Sarasota Herald-Tribune]]|access-date=2009-10-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020172515/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-13235006_ITM|archive-date=2012-10-20|url-status=dead}} '''Appears as''': "Using distorted guitar, feedback and gritty vocals, the band inserts lyrics with political and relationship themes." and "{{sic|comprised |hide=y|of}} Gary Lightbody (songwriting, vocals, guitar and keyboards), Nathan Connolly (guitar), Mark McClelland (bass and keyboards) and Johnny Quinn (drums), Snow Patrol has a sound that's a cross between the sullen folk of Nick Drake and the more punchy rock moments of Simple Minds and the Pixies."</ref> Reviewing the album, [[Pitchfork Media|''Pitchfork'']] described the performances as being based around "rigid, unwavering tempos that approximate dance music," created through looped sections of playing augmented with electronics. The first song, "How to Be Dead", introduces this sound with extensive use of drum machine programming.
Guitarist [[Nathan Connolly]] joined the band during the recording sessions. He did not contribute much, as the whole album had already been demoed. He commented that he found it easy to start writing and sharing his ideas with the rest of the band, as he had a good relationship with the band before being a member.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.muzika.hr/clanak/22192/interview/nathan-connolly-snow-patrol-s-vremenom-postajemo-veci-bend-i-nemamo-straha-izaci-na-jednu-od-najvecih-pozornica-ikada.aspx |title=Interview - Nathan Connolly (Snow Patrol) |last=Jurilj |first=Igor |date=4 August 2009 |publisher=Muzika |language=hr |access-date=2009-10-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090809234214/http://www.muzika.hr/clanak/22192/interview/nathan-connolly-snow-patrol-s-vremenom-postajemo-veci-bend-i-nemamo-straha-izaci-na-jednu-od-najvecih-pozornica-ikada.aspx |archive-date=2009-08-09 }} - [http://garylightbody.wordpress.com/2009/09/08/muzika-hr-interview/ Note: Translation can be found here.]{{dead link|date=July 2012 }}</ref> The album's music incorporates [[Distortion (music)|distorted guitar]], [[Audio feedback|feedback]] styles, and the vocals are gritty. The band's sound on the album was described as being a "cross between the sullen [[Folk music|folk]] of [[Nick Drake]] and the more punchy [[Rock music|rock]] moments of [[Simple Minds]] and the [[Pixies (band)|Pixies]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-13235006_ITM|title=Scotland's Snow Patrol jumps on gloom bandwagon|last=Weingarten|first=Abby|date=3 September 2004|work=AccessMyLibrary|publisher=[[Sarasota Herald-Tribune]]|access-date=2009-10-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020172515/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-13235006_ITM|archive-date=2012-10-20|url-status=dead}} '''Appears as''': "Using distorted guitar, feedback and gritty vocals, the band inserts lyrics with political and relationship themes." and "{{sic|comprised |hide=y|of}} Gary Lightbody (songwriting, vocals, guitar and keyboards), Nathan Connolly (guitar), Mark McClelland (bass and keyboards) and Johnny Quinn (drums), Snow Patrol has a sound that's a cross between the sullen folk of Nick Drake and the more punchy rock moments of Simple Minds and the Pixies."</ref> Reviewing the album, [[Pitchfork Media|''Pitchfork'']] described the performances as being based around "rigid, unwavering tempos that approximate dance music," created through looped sections of playing augmented with electronics. The first song, "[[How to Be Dead]]", introduces this sound with extensive use of drum machine programming.


==Release and reception==
==Release and reception==
{{Album ratings
{{Music ratings
|MC = 73/100<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/final-straw/snow-patrol|title=Reviews for Final Straw by Snow Patrol|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=3 October 2016}}</ref>
|MC = 73/100<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/final-straw/snow-patrol|title=Reviews for Final Straw by Snow Patrol|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=3 October 2016}}</ref>
|rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
|rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
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|rev3score = {{Rating|3.5|4}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-1531087.html|title=Snow Patrol, 'Final Straw' (A&M)|work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|date=2 May 2004|access-date=12 April 2018|last=Vrabel|first=Jeff|url-access=subscription|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413043042/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-1531087.html|archive-date=13 April 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|rev3score = {{Rating|3.5|4}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-1531087.html|title=Snow Patrol, 'Final Straw' (A&M)|work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|date=2 May 2004|access-date=12 April 2018|last=Vrabel|first=Jeff|url-access=subscription|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413043042/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-1531087.html|archive-date=13 April 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|rev4 = ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''
|rev4 = ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''
|rev4score = A<ref>{{cite journal|title=Snow Patrol: Final Straw|journal=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=2 April 2004|last=Vera|first=Marc|page=66}}</ref>
|rev4score = A<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Snow Patrol: Final Straw|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=2 April 2004|last=Vera|first=Marc|page=66}}</ref>
|rev5 = ''[[The Guardian]]''
|rev5 = ''[[The Guardian]]''
|rev5score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2003/aug/01/popandrock.shopping2|title=Snow Patrol: Final Straw|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=1 August 2003|access-date=12 April 2018|last=Sullivan|first=Caroline}}</ref>
|rev5score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2003/aug/01/popandrock.shopping2|title=Snow Patrol: Final Straw|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=1 August 2003|access-date=12 April 2018|last=Sullivan|first=Caroline}}</ref>
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}}
}}


''Final Straw'' received generally positive reviews from critics. According to [[Metacritic]], the album received a weighted mean review score of 73 out of 100 based on 21 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews". Before repromotion of the album, sales reached 20,000 copies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article1018127.ece |title=The flaky success of Snow Patrol |last=Jelbert |first=Steve |date=13 February 2004 |work=[[The Times]] |publisher=Times Newspapers Ltd. |access-date=2010-01-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5kCwW5mc1?url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article1018127.ece |archive-date=2009-10-01 }}</ref>
''Final Straw'' received generally positive reviews from critics. According to [[Metacritic]], the album received a weighted mean review score of 73 out of 100 based on 21 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews". Before repromotion of the album, sales reached 20,000 copies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article1018127.ece |title=The flaky success of Snow Patrol |last=Jelbert |first=Steve |date=13 February 2004 |work=[[The Times]] |publisher=Times Newspapers Ltd. |access-date=2010-01-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240524122623/https://www.webcitation.org/5kCwW5mc1?url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article1018127.ece |archive-date=2024-05-24 }}</ref>


==Track listing==
==Track listing==
{{track listing
{{tracklist
| all_lyrics = [[Gary Lightbody]]
| all_lyrics = [[Gary Lightbody]]
| all_music = Gary Lightbody, [[Mark McClelland]], [[Nathan Connolly]] and [[Jonny Quinn]] except where noted<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.snowpatrol.com/discography/default.aspx?pid=3|title=Final Straw|publisher=Snow Patrol|access-date=2009-08-30}}</ref>
| all_music = Gary Lightbody, [[Mark McClelland]], [[Nathan Connolly]] and [[Jonny Quinn]] except where noted<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.snowpatrol.com/discography/default.aspx?pid=3|title=Final Straw|publisher=Snow Patrol|access-date=2009-08-30|archive-date=21 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090821060836/http://www.snowpatrol.com/discography/default.aspx?pid=3|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| title1 = [[How to Be Dead]]
| title1 = [[How to Be Dead]]
| length1 = 3:21
| length1 = 3:21
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}}
}}


{{track listing
{{tracklist
| headline = Japan / UK re-release bonus tracks
| headline = Japan / UK re-release bonus tracks
| title13 = We Can Run Away Now They're All Dead and Gone
| title13 = We Can Run Away Now They're All Dead and Gone
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}}
}}


{{track listing
{{tracklist
| headline = iTunes bonus tracks
| headline = iTunes bonus tracks
| title13 = Post Punk Progression
| title13 = Post Punk Progression
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}}
}}


{{track listing
{{tracklist
| headline = [[DualDisc]] version bonus material
| headline = [[DualDisc]] version bonus material
| title13 = Chocolate
| title13 = Chocolate
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*The AOL sessions feature frontman Gary Lightbody & lead guitarist Nathan Connolly being interviewed, and performing an acoustic rendition of "Run".
*The AOL sessions feature frontman Gary Lightbody & lead guitarist Nathan Connolly being interviewed, and performing an acoustic rendition of "Run".
*The dualdisc version does not include the UK bonus tracks.
*The dualdisc version does not include the UK bonus tracks.

==In popular culture==
* The song "Wow" is featured in the [[PlayStation 2]] game ''[[Gran Turismo 4]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tower.com/gran-turismo-4-original-soundtrack-cd/wapi/105944138 |title=Music: Music from & Inspired By Gran Turismo 4 (CD) by Original Soundtrack |publisher=Tower.com |date=2005-04-04 |access-date=2012-02-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202160927/http://www.tower.com/gran-turismo-4-original-soundtrack-cd/wapi/105944138 |archive-date=2008-12-02 }}</ref>
*"Spitting Games" is featured in MVP Baseball 2004 by EA Sports.
*“Somewhere a Clock Is Ticking” is featured in the episode “17 Seconds” of Grey’s anatomy.


==Personnel==
==Personnel==
*[[Gary Lightbody]] – [[vocals]], [[guitar]], [[glockenspiel]], [[Backing vocalist|backing vocals]], [[Keyboard instrument|keyboards]]
*[[Gary Lightbody]] – vocals, guitar, [[glockenspiel]], backing vocals, keyboards
*[[Mark McClelland]] – [[Bass guitar|bass]], keyboards
*[[Mark McClelland]] – bass guitar, keyboards
*[[Jonny Quinn]] – [[Drum kit|drums]]
*[[Jonny Quinn]] – drums
*[[Nathan Connolly]] – guitar, backing vocals
*[[Nathan Connolly]] – guitar, backing vocals
;Other personnel
'''Other personnel'''
{{col-begin}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break}}
{{col-break}}
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*Louie Teran – mastering
*Louie Teran – mastering
*[[Iain Archer]] – background vocals (on track 12)
*[[Iain Archer]] – background vocals (on track 12)
*Bruce White – [[viola]]
*Bruce White – viola
*James Banbury – [[piano]], [[Strings (music)|strings]], [[cello]]
*James Banbury – piano, strings, cello
*Fiona McCapra – [[violin]]
*Fiona McCapra – violin
*Ben Georgiades – [[Audio engineering|engineer]]
*Ben Georgiades – [[Audio engineering|engineer]]
{{col-break}}
{{col-break}}
Line 174: Line 171:
==Charts==
==Charts==
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+ Chart performance for ''Final Straw''
!scope="col"|Chart (2003)
!scope="col"|Chart (2003)
!scope="col"|Peak<br/>position
!scope="col"|Peak<br />position
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Dutch Albums ([[Dutch Charts|Album Top 100]])<ref name="CHA">{{cite web|url=http://acharts.us/album/13722|title=Snow Patrol - Final Straw|publisher=aCharts|access-date=2009-06-27}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Dutch Albums ([[Dutch Charts|Album Top 100]])<ref name="CHA">{{cite web|url=http://acharts.us/album/13722|title=Snow Patrol - Final Straw|publisher=aCharts|access-date=2009-06-27}}</ref>
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==Certifications==
==Certifications==
{{certification Table Top}}
{{certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for ''Final Straw''}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Australia|artist=Snow Patrol|title=Final Straw|award=Platinum|certyear=2007|relyear=2003|access-date=24 October 2019}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Australia|artist=Snow Patrol|title=Final Straw|award=Platinum|certyear=2007|relyear=2003|access-date=24 October 2019}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Ireland|artist=Snow Patrol|title=Final Straw|award=Platinum|number=6|certyear=2005|relyear=2003|access-date=24 October 2019}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Ireland|artist=Snow Patrol|title=Final Straw|award=Platinum|number=6|certyear=2005|relyear=2003|access-date=24 October 2019}}
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==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{Reflist}}


{{Snow Patrol}}
{{Snow Patrol}}

Latest revision as of 02:45, 4 October 2024

For other uses, see Final straw.

Final Straw
Studio album by
Snow Patrol
Released4 August 2003
RecordedFebruary 2003
StudioBritannia Row
Genre
Length44:00
Label
ProducerJacknife Lee
Snow Patrol chronology
When It's All Over We Still Have to Clear Up
(2001) 		Final Straw
(2003) 		Eyes Open
(2006)
Singles from Final Straw
  1. "Spitting Games"
    Released: 15 September 2003
  2. "Run"
    Released: 26 February 2004
  3. "Chocolate"
    Released: 12 April 2004
  4. "Spitting Games (re-release)"
    Released: 12 July 2004
  5. "How to Be Dead"
    Released: 25 October 2004

Final Straw is the third album and major-label debut by Northern Irish–Scottish alternative rock band Snow Patrol, released on 4 August 2003 in the UK and in 2004 in the US. The album is notable for bringing the band their first mainstream success outside of their native countries of Northern Ireland and Scotland. In the 14 months following its release, a total of 5 singles were drawn from it. It is their first album to feature lead guitarist Nathan Connolly and their last with bassist Mark McClelland.

The album was re-released in the UK in 2004 with two extra tracks,[1] before being exported to the US (without the bonus tracks). The album was also released on SACD and DualDisc with 5.1 Surround mixes.[2]

A 20th anniversary edition was released on 4 August 2023, 20 years after the album's original release.

Background

[edit]

The band's A&R representative Jim Chancellor explained the reasons for choosing rock producer Jacknife Lee to oversee the record by saying, "I wanted a record for them that was bigger and bolder and a lot different than their previous records. I wanted them to make a more of a rock album than an indie record."[3] Chancellor, Lee and the band chose fifteen songs to start working on out of an original pool of 24.[3] Critical to the new direction was Lightbody's development into a more rounded songwriter. "They played us some songs which were not indie. There were a couple of pop songs and then "Run", which is an enormous emotional rollercoaster of a track," said Chancellor.

Recording and composition

[edit]

During the first couple of weeks in the studio the band found it quite difficult to adapt from an 'indie'-oriented sound to a more commercially viable pop rock sound.[3] Producer Lee offered constructive suggestions about how to both simplify their songs and augment them with other sounds such as strings, and Snow Patrol proved very receptive to his advice.[3] According to Chancellor, "Some bands tend to be more defensive about what goes on in the studio. Snow Patrol weren't. They were very much like, 'Yeah, we really want to be successful this time.'"[3]

The lyrics, all written by Lightbody are about failing relationships and break-ups. They were inspired by his personal experiences. Quinn, his longtime friend, says that he knows who Lightbody sings about in those songs.[4] The lyrics deal with the themes of relationships and politics. Lightbody has said that his "finally learn[ing] to write a chorus" was the key to the album's success.[5]

Guitarist Nathan Connolly joined the band during the recording sessions. He did not contribute much, as the whole album had already been demoed. He commented that he found it easy to start writing and sharing his ideas with the rest of the band, as he had a good relationship with the band before being a member.[6] The album's music incorporates distorted guitar, feedback styles, and the vocals are gritty. The band's sound on the album was described as being a "cross between the sullen folk of Nick Drake and the more punchy rock moments of Simple Minds and the Pixies.[7] Reviewing the album, Pitchfork described the performances as being based around "rigid, unwavering tempos that approximate dance music," created through looped sections of playing augmented with electronics. The first song, "How to Be Dead", introduces this sound with extensive use of drum machine programming.

Release and reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic73/100[8]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[9]
Blender[10]
Chicago Sun-Times[11]
Entertainment WeeklyA[12]
The Guardian[13]
Pitchfork6.7/10[14]
Q[15]
Rolling Stone[16]
Slant Magazine[17]
Uncut[18]

Final Straw received generally positive reviews from critics. According to Metacritic, the album received a weighted mean review score of 73 out of 100 based on 21 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews". Before repromotion of the album, sales reached 20,000 copies.[19]

Track listing

[edit]

All lyrics are written by Gary Lightbody; all music is composed by Gary Lightbody, Mark McClelland, Nathan Connolly and Jonny Quinn except where noted[20]

No.TitleLength
1."How to Be Dead"3:21
2."Wow"4:02
3."Gleaming Auction"2:04
4."Whatever's Left"2:39
5."Spitting Games"3:46
6."Chocolate"3:02
7."Run" (Iain Archer, Lightbody, McClelland, Connolly, Quinn)5:54
8."Grazed Knees"2:55
9."Ways & Means" (Archer, Lightbody, McClelland, Connolly, Quinn)4:47
10."Tiny Little Fractures"2:28
11."Somewhere a Clock Is Ticking" (Archer, Lightbody, McClelland, Connolly, Quinn)4:32
12."Same"3:54
Japan / UK re-release bonus tracks
No.TitleLength
13."We Can Run Away Now They're All Dead and Gone"3:15
14."Half the Fun"2:54
iTunes bonus tracks
No.TitleLength
13."Post Punk Progression"3:23
14."Steal"2:45
DualDisc version bonus material
No.TitleLength
13."Chocolate" (video)3:43
14."Run" (video)4:20
15."Spitting Games" (video)3:52
16."Sessions@AOL: Interview"6:14
17."Sessions@AOL: Run"4:33
  • The AOL sessions feature frontman Gary Lightbody & lead guitarist Nathan Connolly being interviewed, and performing an acoustic rendition of "Run".
  • The dualdisc version does not include the UK bonus tracks.

Personnel

[edit]

Other personnel

Charts

[edit]
Chart performance for Final Straw
Chart (2003) Peak
position
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[21] 98
Ireland Albums (IRMA)[21] 9
Scottish Albums (OCC)[22] 43
UK Albums (OCC)[21] 3
US Billboard 200[21] 91
US Top Heatseekers (Billboard)[23] 1

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for Final Straw
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[24] Platinum 70,000^
Ireland (IRMA)[25] 6× Platinum 90,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[26] 6× Platinum 1,800,000‡
United States (RIAA)[28] Gold 618,000[27]
Summaries
Europe (IFPI)[29] 2× Platinum 2,000,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Album : Final Straw". Snow Patrol. Archived from the original on 21 August 2009. Retrieved 16 February 2012.
  2. ^ "Single : Signal Fire". Snow Patrol. Retrieved 16 February 2012.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Interview With Jim Chancellor". HitQuarters. 26 October 2005. Archived from the original on 5 September 2018. Retrieved 29 June 2010.
  4. ^ "That's Snow business". The Age. 25 July 2004. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 29 October 2009.
  5. ^ Heawood, Sophie (30 October 2009). "Snow Patrol: 'We're not ready for greatest hits'". The Times. Archived from the original on 22 April 2010. Retrieved 31 October 2009.
  6. ^ Jurilj, Igor (4 August 2009). "Interview - Nathan Connolly (Snow Patrol)" (in Croatian). Muzika. Archived from the original on 9 August 2009. Retrieved 1 October 2009. - Note: Translation can be found here.[dead link]
  7. ^ Weingarten, Abby (3 September 2004). "Scotland's Snow Patrol jumps on gloom bandwagon". AccessMyLibrary. Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Archived from the original on 20 October 2012. Retrieved 19 October 2009. Appears as: "Using distorted guitar, feedback and gritty vocals, the band inserts lyrics with political and relationship themes." and "comprised of Gary Lightbody (songwriting, vocals, guitar and keyboards), Nathan Connolly (guitar), Mark McClelland (bass and keyboards) and Johnny Quinn (drums), Snow Patrol has a sound that's a cross between the sullen folk of Nick Drake and the more punchy rock moments of Simple Minds and the Pixies."
  8. ^ "Reviews for Final Straw by Snow Patrol". Metacritic. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
  9. ^ DiGravina, Tim. "Final Straw – Snow Patrol". AllMusic. Retrieved 1 July 2012.
  10. ^ Duerden, Nick (April 2004). "Snow Patrol: Final Straw". Blender (25): 136. Archived from the original on 10 December 2008. Retrieved 1 July 2012.
  11. ^ Vrabel, Jeff (2 May 2004). "Snow Patrol, 'Final Straw' (A&M)". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on 13 April 2018. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
  12. ^ Vera, Marc (2 April 2004). "Snow Patrol: Final Straw". Entertainment Weekly. p. 66.
  13. ^ Sullivan, Caroline (1 August 2003). "Snow Patrol: Final Straw". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
  14. ^ Deusner, Stephen M. (1 April 2004). "Snow Patrol: Final Straw". Pitchfork. Retrieved 1 July 2012.
  15. ^ "Snow Patrol: Final Straw". Q (207): 113. October 2003.
  16. ^ Wolk, Douglas (10 March 2004). "Snow Patrol: Final Straw". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 14 November 2009. Retrieved 1 July 2012.
  17. ^ Cinquemani, Sal (2 April 2004). "Snow Patrol: Final Straw". Slant Magazine. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
  18. ^ "Snow Patrol – Final Straw". Uncut (77): 130. October 2003. Archived from the original on 24 July 2011. Retrieved 1 July 2012.
  19. ^ Jelbert, Steve (13 February 2004). "The flaky success of Snow Patrol". The Times. Times Newspapers Ltd. Archived from the original on 24 May 2024. Retrieved 4 January 2010.
  20. ^ "Final Straw". Snow Patrol. Archived from the original on 21 August 2009. Retrieved 30 August 2009.
  21. ^ a b c d "Snow Patrol - Final Straw". aCharts. Retrieved 27 June 2009.
  22. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 2021-11-22.
  23. ^ Chart position on Top Heatseekers[dead link]
  24. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2007 Albums" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  25. ^ "The Irish Charts - 2005 Certification Awards - Multi Platinum". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  26. ^ "British album certifications – Snow Patrol – Final Straw". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  27. ^ "Brits Rock". Billboard.
  28. ^ "American album certifications – Snow Patrol – Final Straw". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  29. ^ "IFPI Platinum Europe Awards – 2008". International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
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