4 out of 5 people found the following review helpful:
Not the Ireland I KnowSunday, June 06, 2004
An anthology which attempts to introduce a listener to Irish music but fails to include The Chieftains, is akin to discussing Irish literature and failing to mention James Joyce. Most of these tracks are the new-age approach to celtic music which are not traditional. Irish music is my favourite music of all, and here are my recommendations:
Dolores Keane with John Faulkner - Sail Og Rua (simple, gorgeous minor-celtic harmonies that send shivers down your spine)
The Chieftains - Anything, start with Best Of or Greatest Hits
The Dubliners - The Best Of (my 2-cd set came from Holland through Amazon.com and it's fantastic
The Johnstons - Barley Corn (gorgeous husky female voices, great fiddle & guitar playing)
The Johnstons - Bitter Green (their version of Lord Thomas and Fair Ellender, in 3-part harmony, is one of the most haunting things I've ever heard)
Happy listening - slainte!
2 out of 2 people found the following review helpful:
A "Various Artists" CD with loads of talent.Friday, March 07, 2003
I usually avoid "various artists" CD's due to mediocre talent being involved. In consideration of Ireland, it must be said that there is a wealth of real talent that is never recognized outside of Ireland. Many musicians are content to simply impress their friends with local recordings or pub performances. While I can't rank this CD with specific artist CD's, this is still a strong example of what the U.S. would declare as "undiscovered" talent. If this is your introduction to traditional Irish music, this is a good start. Please see my other reviews of "undiscovered" groups such as Nomos and Arcady. If you get serious about traditional, accoustic Irish Music, the Dervish "Live in Palma" or "Decade" albums are required listening and must have's for any collection.
6 out of 6 people found the following review helpful:
An excellent sampling of traditional Irish musicSunday, June 17, 2001
The Irish version of this series diverts around many of the biggest names in Irish music, but still brings an interesting selection of 20 songs and tunes from many, very competent musicians who live outside the brightest spotlights, but definitely deserve your notice. The CD features excellent cuts from some of my favorites including tin whistle players extraordinaire Brian Hughes and Seán Ryan, Cherish the Ladies, Dé Danaan, fiddler Paddy Glacknin, Déanta, Jackie Daly, singer Seán Tyrell, and Craobh Rua. The highlight for me was uillean piper Declan Masterson's absolutely ripping an amazing set of reels. Very good liner notes.