Great Big Sea transforms into solid rock band

With Something Beautiful, Great Big Sea pretty much completes its transformation from a Celtic combo into a full-fledged rock band, a metamorphosis which might, somewhat understandably, concern the Newfoundland group's hard-core fans.\nGreat Big Sea first broke into the American musical consciousness by producing inspiring -- dare we say beautiful? -- modern versions of traditional Celtic classics like "General Taylor," "Jack Hinks," "The Night Pat Murphy Died" and "Rant and Roar," and giving them a distinctive Newfie spin. The band repeatedly proved its adeptness at recreating the sound and feel of a sea chanty filling the smoky air of a crowded St. John's bar in the wee hours of a snowy winter morning.\nBut with their eighth album (and third for Rounder Records), original members Alan Doyle, Sean McCann and Bob Hallett veer a little bit from that tried and true course, largely by adding bassist Murray Foster (who came from Moxy Früvous to replace the departed Darrell Power) and drummer -- yeah, a drummer! -- Kris McFarlane, and by penning 10 original songs to go along with only three traditional interpretations.\nAnd it's a gamble which largely pays off. Something Beautiful is filled with full-tilt rockers ("Helmethead," "Chafe's Ceilidh") and pretty ballads ("Sally Ann," the title track) which dare the listener to discern which are original songs and which are traditional tunes.\nSure, some listeners (including this one) would have liked to hear more brilliant cover songs. But those listeners also have to realize that Great Big Sea is growing, and so must we.