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(More customer reviews)If you like Celtic music, you will love this. These songs are beautiful. It has great vocals. I would recommend it to anyone.
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Showing posts with label celtic music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label celtic music. Show all posts
Celtic Ladies (Dig) Review
Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)If you like Celtic music, you will love this. These songs are beautiful. It has great vocals. I would recommend it to anyone.
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Celtic Woman - The Greatest Journey: Essential Collection (2008) Review
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(More customer reviews)Yes, it is basically just clips from the other Celtic Woman DVDs, BUT the documentary ALONE is worth buying.
If you are a big Celtic Woman fan you will really want this. The hour long "The Story So Far" Documentary is fantastic, and a great behind-the-scenes look at how Celtic Woman all came about, and the girls' thoughts about it so far. Great interviews with all of the girls, and a great view of how they interact with each other. I really loved this documentary, and to me, it is what makes this DVD worth the cost. Plus, this is a great DVD if you are looking to share the magic of Celtic Woman with someone else who is not familiar with them. It really goes through all the great hits and well-loved songs. They've added in some beautiful shots of Ireland in between the songs and they do compliment the music so well!
As for new stuff, CW will be filming a new DVD this summer, so be on the look out for that.
Long live Celtic Woman, and bring on the Spring 2009 tour!!!!!
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Companion DVD to Celtic Woman, The Greatest Journey: Essential Collection (CD) includes a very special intimate behind-the-scenes documentary.
THE IRISH TENORS: Home for Christmas Review
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(More customer reviews)Like millions of others I discovered the Irish Tenors through PBS. I promptly began looking for anything else by these wonderful performers and found this Cd. The music is soul-satisfying as the Christmas music is all sacred (the closest to secular is "Good King Wenceslas"). The arrangements are in turn glorious, tender, and sweet. "Suo Gan" by McDermott, ''Sweet Little Jesus Boy" and "The Wexford Carol" by Kearns are highlights. Of the ensemble pieces, "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World" stand out. But the crowning selection is "The Holy City." We are wearing the album out and it's only May. We'll have to have another copy for Christmas!
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Courage & Patience & Grit - Great Big Sea In Concert Review
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(More customer reviews)GBS is awesome... and the disc is pretty good (CD & DVD) but the "live" sound quality leaves a little to be desired.
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Specially priced 2-disc set! Having sold millions of albums intheir native Canada, Great Big Sea is now one of that country's mostpopular exports. Courage & Patience & Grit: Great Big Sea in Concertfeatures a 26-song DVD with traditional live favorites such as "JackHinks," "Scolding Wife," and "Captain Kidd," plus Great Big Sea originals"When I'm Up," "Consequence Free," "Sea of No Cares," and many more, allpresented in stereo and 5.1 Surround Sound. The DVD also includes 4 musicvideos, including a rare clip for "Lukey," a song the band recorded withThe Chieftains. This specially priced package also includes a separateaudio CD of 22 of the concert's 26 tracks (only 22 would fit on one CD!)."Great Big Sea has been more successful than any other contemporary NorthAmerican band in bringing Anglo-Celtic folk sounds into rock clubs." -Dirty Linen
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Best of Acoustic Review
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(More customer reviews)Being a devoted Jethro Tull fan for 30 ++ years, I have always been partial to acoustic Tull, and I believe in his pre-golden years, Ian is too!! The set list could not be better. I highly recommend this collection to anyone who knows there is more to Jethro Tull then Aqualung and Locomotive Breath!
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On this Compilation of Jethro Tull and Ian Anderson Music, You Will Find a Variety of Styles, Tempos and Moods, Presented in a Chronological Order. Ok, Train Spotters - Jack Frost was Recorded in 1982, but Not Released Until 1988. The Tracklisting was Compiled by Ian Anderson who Picked Some of the Obvious and More Audience-friendly Songs as Well as Putting in Some of his Personal Favorites.
Distant Bell Review
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(More customer reviews)The tracklisting is
1. Gently Johnny
2. So Uncool
3. Innocence Sleeping
4. Banks of the Nile
5. Simple Lyric
6. No More Words
7. Too Late
8. The Trees They Do Grow High
9. Greenwood Laddie
10. Timeless
11. Handful of Ashes
12. Farewell to Music (w. Paddy Moloney of The Chieftains)
13. Gently Johnny (Extended Version)
"A Distant Bell" is Caroline Lavelle's third solo album. She has collaborated with many artists ranging from BT ("The Great Escape"), Chicane ("Lost You Somewhere") and Massive Attack ("Home of The Whale") to Vangelis ("Come To Me"), Hector Zazou ("The Freeze, "Lies Will Flow") and the violinist Nigel Kennedy ("Breathing Stone"). She has also contributed to Muse's "Origin of Symmetry", Radiohead's "The Bends", Loreena McKennitt's "Book of Secrets" and the legendary Irish band Chieftains, attending live tours of these artists with her cello and backing vocals.
A versatile sought-after vocalist and cellist by artists of classic, new age, electronic, chamber folk genres, Caroline Lavelle established alongside her collaborations a parallel solo career that has been one of profound experimentation. Merging traditional Irish tunes with electronic blends (on debut "Spirit", produced by William Orbit), she released an album which surpasses all the likes of Enya. Her second album, "Brilliant Midnight" is a brilliant showcase of her own song-writing and producing skills as well as the depths of her personality.
"A Distant Bell", her third solo effort intermingles, again, the traditional British-Irish tunes with that very creative and sensual attitute towards song-wirting and performing that she exhibited in her previous records. All the songs are crafted with a careful sense of perfection alongside many moments of inspirational spontaneity.
To the changes undergone, "A Distant Bell" has a minimum electronics and maximum of acoustics. The majority of the songs are performed with strings, haunting guitars, pianos and Lavelle's wonderful voice. The result is a unique and fresh interpretation of evergreen traditionality. Her distinctive voice accompany the album's emotive melodies so smoothly as to put you into a state of insurmountable captivation of music.
The haunting emotional essence of the record is further reinforced with her well-crafted self-written songs like gentle "So Uncool", the catchy Irish gem "No More Words", "Too Late" and the glorious climax "Timeless", which goes
"But old love grows so long / that the part above the ground has less effect / and time can wither tender shoots / but leaves those roots secure and strong / But the best love has no time / no forwards, backwards but only now / It's strong arms hold you when you walk and / if you fall you're always caught"... This is exquisite poetry clothed with music, at its best! A perfect 50 min. for forgetting the day and embarking on an acoustic chamber folk journey!
Also don't forget visit Caroline's website carolinelavelle.com where you can stream all the the songs on the album plus discover background of her previous albums, her own record label and some B-sides!
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The Irish Tenors / McNamara, McDermott, Kearns, Tynan Review
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(More customer reviews)After watching the Irish Tenors on PBS I immediately went out and bought the CD. I listen to it ever day and enjoy it now as much as I did the first time I heard it. I also have a tape that I listen to when I go walking on my lunch break. I loved Anthony Kearns' singing of "Boolavogue" and "Grace", Ronan Tynan's rendition of "The Town I Love So Well" and John McDermott's "The Old Man" and the "Voyage". When they sang "Spanish Lady" and "Will Ye Go, Lassie, Go?" they looked like they were really enjoying themselves and it made it fun to watch them. I also bought the video so not only can I enjoy the music but I can enjoy their performance as well. I was so hoping to see them when they come to the West Coast but alas I was disappointed to hear that they will not be making a stop in Canada. I hope they will visit us in the near future.
I hope another TV special is in the works. The power, passion, and beauty of their singing makes me want to hear more. They are truly a joy to listen to.
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Spirit Of The Glen Review
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(More customer reviews)The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards was formed in 1971, by the amalgamation of two earlier regiments (the Prince of Wales's Dragoon Guards and The Royal Scots Greys). They are a crack armored regiment, equipped with Challenger 2 tanks, which saw action in the 1991 Gulf War, Bosnia, Kosovo, and the recent invasion of Iraq. All this is to say that this is a real regiment of real soldiers. But, they are also real musicians.
This album is not just a collection of bagpipe tunes, but is instead a wonderful selection of wonderful, modern Scottish musical pieces. All of the tunes include bagpipes, which is considered by many to be THE Scottish musical instrument, but they are backed up by a many other instruments, including the keyboard and guitar.
Overall, I found the effect to be excellent, reminiscent of the more modern Scottish music I have heard at Scottish music festival. It has a more rounded sound that your older pipe-and-drum music, one that is sure to please anyone that likes ethnic music. I must say that I liked the selection of older and newer tunes, including Mull of Kintyre and Dances With Wolves.
I think that this is a great album, and I don't hesitate to recommend it to everyone!
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The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards is Scotland's senior regiment and her only regular cavalry.The band members, as well as being trained musicians, are all Army soldiers who crew tanks and have served two tours of duty in Iraq. The album, both Scots and classical tunes, is a tribute to the dedication and talent of this group of military pipers.While they are first and foremost soldiers, the music on Spirit of the Glen is a heart-warming and beautiful demonstration of the incredibly powerful and emotive sound of bagpipe music. Some album highlights: the McCartney popularized #1 single, Mull of Kintyre, Amazing Grace 2007, a reworking of Rod Stewarts `Sailing,' and film themes Dances with Wolves & The Last of the Mohicans.
An Ancient Muse Review
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(More customer reviews)AN ANCIENT MUSE. Just the title seems to suggest songs celebrating the past. Fans have waited a decade for this album, myself included. Many reviewers will tell you it falls short of expectations or explores no new territory.....in some ways I find I have to agree...
The album opens with the sun illuminating ancient landscapes in "Invocation" an instrumental chant both haunting and beautiful. We walk through "The Gates of Istanbul" starting our journey thru the ruins of the Ottoman Empire and the splendor of modern Turkey. The song is steady and rhythmic and Loreena's voice has the same banshee/angel quality it always had...no disappointment here.
The night finds weary journeymen who have camped for the night at a "Caravanserai"...an inn for the caravans of Asia. She weaves a story of the many adventures and scenery she has seen before stopping to rest...on a journey home. Easily her best song....great live performance can be seen at her website.
Next a tale of Scotland's woe...words by Sir Walter Scott set to an arrangement of music by Loreena...as she sings of the tragic love between "The English Ladye and the Knight". This kind of poetic adaption has been done before by McKennitt...."Snow", "Dark Night of the Soul" and "The Highwayman" to name a few examples. Her voice is strong and emotionally charged.....the most beautiful song on the album.
From here on out....the rest of the album delivers some fine songs. However, they are not as striking as the first four. Disappointed? I'm not...these songs will grow on me...I didn't wait 10 years just to tear apart her new album!! So for now, I can say it is worth buying.
If you like stories of history, tragic love affairs, and poetry...listen to Loreena McKennitt's AN ANCIENT MUSE.
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An Ancient Muse is "eclectic celtic" - singer/composer Loreena McKennitt's highly-anticipated first new studio recording in nine years. Taking up where her previous work left off, McKennitt fuses the melodic sensibility of Celtic Balladry with musical traditions from Greece, Turkey, Spain, and beyond. Once heard, never forgotten, Loreena MacKennitt leads the listener on a timeless journey from the Scottish borders to the caravanserais of the Silk Road to the wine-dark seas of Homer's Odyssey. McKennitt's worldwide multi-platinum sales culminated in her most recent album, 1997's The Book of Secrets, which reached #17 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart.--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.
The Book of Secrets Review
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(More customer reviews)Loreena McKennitt is a singer songwriter who defies generalizations. While primarily in the Celtic tradition, she is always pushing the borders. Sometimes traditional and sometimes completely inventive she is capable of perpetual surprises.
"The Book of Secrets" is a musical journey through the relatives and contemporaries of the Celtic tradition. She mixes themes from Europe and Near East with the rhythmic and instrumental approaches of the Celtic world. The effect is hypnotic. The eerie and contemplative 'Prologue' shifts to the strong melodic work of 'The Mummers' Dance' recalling ancient spring rituals of rebirth. 'Skellig' has an almost Renaissance flavor as it voices the contemplative farewell song of an Italian monk.
'Marco Polo' echoes Oriental touches with Sufi melodies, capturing the ecstatic nature of that tradition perfectly. The, in an almost magical transition McKennitt switches to one of my favorites, 'The Highwayman.' This is a resetting of an Alfred Noyes poem, a dramatic stories of sacrifice and vengeance over melodic fiddle work and dancing drums. 'La Serenissima' is a return to the medieval contemplative, playing harp and fiddle against each other.
'Night Ride Across the Caucasus' uses Asiatic styling over the pulsing beat of horses in motion to recall the spiritual journey of the alchemist and the quest of the mystic. 'Dante's Prayer,' the final song of the album, is another personal favorite. Occasioned by a trip across the Russian Steppes it opens with an echo of Russian Orthodox melody and then shifts to a melodic, contemporary sound as McKennitt voice sings a beautiful plaint that echoes the love songs of Sufi poetry, whose object is the Beloved, the divine. "Cast your eyes on the ocean, Cast your soul to the sea," she sings, "When the dark night seems endless, Please remember me."
Recording quality is immaculate, with a fine atmospheric aura. McKennit's voice is soft and full, possibly the best I've ever hear hit. Her skill as a lyricist is every bit as good as her musical talents. This is an extraordinary album which will provide countless hours of pleasure and thought. Enjoy.
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BONUS DVD (PAL)--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.
Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration (2007) Review
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(More customer reviews)The lovely and all so talented young women from the Emerald Isle have once again achieved perfection. The long awaited Christmas DVD "A Christmas Celebration" is finally out and is it ever a treat for the whole family! Shot in Dublin, back in July just three weeks after the show completed a wildly successful five month concert tour of the US performing the "A New Journey" show. Dazzling in the most beautiful gowns and lovely stage settings Orla, Lisa, Chloe, Mairead and Meav (making her farewell appearance, sorry that's what we're told) breath new life into many of our favorite Christmas classics. Backed by the world famous Irish Film Orchestra, the Celtic Woman band and choir,
the ensemble entertain to the max!
A few of the highlights, and beleive me there are many- White Christmas: Chloe, Lisa and Meav, The Little Drummer Boy: duet by Orla and Chloe, Oh Holy Night: ensemble, Away in a Manger: Orla, The Christmas Song: Lisa, O Come All Ye Faithful: ensemble, Let It Snow: ensemble, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas: ensemble, The First Noel: ensemble, The Christmas Song: Lisa and many more.
These very gifted young women blew this writer away with their first concert and they just keep getting better and better. The "A New Journey" live at Slane Castle is from all aspects a perfect music video yet the "A Christmas Celebration" takes perfection to a higher level. With the great success the show is having the girls appear to be having more fun than ever if that's possible. We'll really miss Meav, her wonderful voice, charm and grace is irreplaceable and we hope she can rejoin the show somewhere down lifes road.
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Celtic Thunder Review
Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I can't believe that people are giving this low stars just because it does not have all of the songs from the concert DVD (which is a separate product altogether). You really should rate the CD on what it IS and what it is not.
Besides, executive producer Sharon Browne posted on their official web site that there will be a 2nd CD containing the "missing" songs that will be coming out in September, and featuring a bonus track of "Danny Boy."
So my review of the CD, as it IS....
Wonderful! If you are looking for traditional Irish music, this probably isn't the album for you, but if you are looking for five talented vocal performers coming together to produce a terrific contemporary album, then hold on to your seats! Each song is beautifully arranged and executed to perfection, producing a coherent album that embraces each of the strengths of the individual soloists.
Definitely recommended!
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For Celtic Thunder, Sharon Browne has teamed up with Grammy-nominated Irish songwriting and composing veteran Phil Coulter to produce a show that includes an eclectic mix of songs ranging from the traditional "Mountains of Mourne" and "Come By the Hills" to international hits such as "Brothers in Arms" and "Desperado," as well as original compositions by Coulter, who has written hits for Elvis Presley ("My Boy") and the Bay City Rollers, and performed with Van Morrison, Tom Jones, and the Rolling Stones. The ensemble numbers in Celtic Thunder reflect the power of the vocalists, who range in age from 14 to 40, and feature songs that celebrate a common Celtic heritage.
Christmas Celebration Review
Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Thanks to Public Broadcasting, the musical quintet CELTIC WOMAN has quite a fan base. It's easy to see why. They are pleasing performers who perform beautiful music together. They have their own sound which has a broad appeal. This makes the group natural candidates for a Christmas collection that will be loved not just by fans but anyone who loves holiday music. This collection does not disappoint.
Most of the tracks in this collection are traditional Christmas titles both religious to the secular. The temptation of many performers is to just sing some Christmas songs and hope for the best. CELTIC WOMAN does the opposite. There is a true ensemble approach to the music and we never get a sense of competition or jealousy. The carols are performed with reverence and the contemporary songs are pleasant. The authentic Celtic music and selections from the British Isles are perhaps the strongest in the collection. There is a distinct Celtic sound where appropriate including the beautiful violin (fiddle) playing of group member Mairead Nesbitt, but numbers where a Celtic flair would be out of place are performed traditionally with wonderful arrangements. The selections are varied, so it should be enjoyed by just about anyone who loves holiday music.
My guess is that fans of CELTIC WOMAN will not need a review to convince them to purchase this CD. For those who may not be familiar with this ensemble, if you're looking for a varied Christmas CD with beautiful music and wonderful arrangements that will both entertain and sooth, then CELTIC WOMAN: A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION fits the bill. I'm sure it will be a popular holiday release this year and in many years to come.
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No Description Available
Track: 10: Panis Angelicus,
Track: 11: Don Oiche Ud I Mbeithail That Night In Bethehem,
Track: 12: O Comes All Ye Faithful,
Track: 13: The Little Drummer Boy,
Track: 14: The Wexford Carol,
Track: 15: Let It Snow Bonus Tracks,
Track: 1: O Holy Night,
Track: 2: Away In A Manger,
Track: 3: Ding Dong Merrily On Hight,
Track: 4: White Christmas,
Track: 5: Silent Night,
Track: 6: Christmas Pipes,
Track: 7: The Christmas Song,
Track: 8: Carol Of The Bells,
Track: 9: Have Yourself A Merry Little ChristmasMedia Type: CDArtist: CELTIC WOMANTitle: CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONStreet Release Date: 10/03/2006
A Mediterranean Odyssey Review
Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)For those who could not see Loreena in Budapest, this is the next best thing. I nearly gave this four stars - but decided that five stars were merited for both Loreena's talent and for the incredible musicians. What almost lost her a star was that there IS NO NEW MATERIAL on this CD set. All of the songs are available on her other sets.
One CD is just a sampling of her music, sort of a "greatest hits" collection without actually putting that on the CD cover - maybe Loreena thought that was too passe', too ABBAish, if I can turn that group into an adjective....(And Yes, ABBA was a fun band)
The other CD has an assortment of her music recorded at the various locations on her latest tour and it would have been fantastic to see her perform these in Budapest and Istanbul. She has changed some of the songs slightly, and her voice has a warmth and depth that it does not have on the Alhambra DVD. The other change is a greater emphasis of the bass guitar, which can seem out of place with the Celtic/Byzantine direction she had been going, and makes it sound a little more jazzy. The violin is not as pronounced as it was on Alhambra, which is a capital shame since Hugh is so singularly talented, and Nigl has been entirely replaced on the hurdy gurdy, AND YOU CAN TELL. What happened to Nigl?
I enjoyed this for the warm tone of Loreena's voice, and it is replete with beauty and talent - just wish it had some new material. If I had to pick one CD to take with me, it would still be the Alhambra.
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A Mediterranean Odyssey comprises a richly designed Limited Edition 2 disc set commemorating Loreena McKennitt's 2009 Mediterranean Tour. Designed to attract not only the legions of devoted Loreena listeners, but to expose and inspire the uninitiated to an exotic, haunting and emotional musical experience they will never forget. A glittering addition to Loreena McKennitt's catalogue - A Mediterranean Odyssey combines NEW live performances of audience favourites from her 2009 Mediterranean Tour with a collection of previously released studio recordings. Inspired by the tones, textures and rich cultural heritage of the Mediterranean, this latest release features virtuosic performances on authentic instruments including oud, lyra, bouzouki, harp and hurdy-gurdy alongside electric guitar, cello and percussion. Experience the continuing journey of the Celts across the Mediterranean and Aegean seas with this evocative 2-disc set. Disc 1 "The Olive and the Cedar" A Mediterranean-inspired collection of 11 studio recordings personally selected by Loreena McKennitt from her back catalogue. Disc 2 "From Istanbul to Athens" Is 56 minutes of concert highlights from the 2009 Mediterranean Tour including five songs not featured in previous Loreena McKennitt "in concert" releases. Includes a 24 page, lavishly illustrated booklet featuring on-location photographs captured during the tour.
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A New Journey Review
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(More customer reviews)Celtic Woman is back in a refreshing new album, rivaling, if not surpassing, their previous work. Once again, recurring themes of nature, destiny, history, heritage and love are infused with Celtic melodies to make this music timeless and classic. And don't discount the fantastic arrangement by David Downes. His genius is clearly exhibited in the orchestral and choral background for the songs, as well as song selection.
Describing this music is a hopeless task; if the words were sufficient, we wouldn't need the music. But I'll try.
1. The Sky and the Dawn and the Sun:
Begins with the lush, evocative strains of mystery and exotic nostalgia as only Celtic styles can weave. The music is enriched as the five vocals (Chloë, Órla, Lisa, Méav and newcomer Hayley) join their voices into a spectacular blossoming melody of morning and dawn, of newness and awakening.
In a musical interlude, the wondrous violinist Máiréad takes charge with her rapturous performance. To listen to her is not enough. To fully understand her talent (indeed, the talent of the entire group) you have to buy the DVD or catch a viewing on PBS. Máiréad is a fleet-footed fairy similar to J.R.R. Tolkien's character Tinuviel. She dances and darts about the stage, bounding from one end to the other, flinging her flaxen hair to and fro, kicking up her heels. All the while she is playing, her hands moving almost faster than the human eye can follow, sawing the bow across the strings, eliciting fast-paced melodies beyond the scope of human imagination. There is almost a devilish glint of innocent mischief in her eyes and smile as she dances.
In short, the first song is the perfect opening track to reintroduce us to the Celtic Woman reverie.
2. The Prayer
A song that fits its name; a simple prayer for guidance and aid. Chloë's voice has clearly matured since the previous album.
3. Newgrange
As with "Harry's Game" from the previous album, the mystical, foreboding songs are entrusted to Órla's voice, the deepest of the group. In this case, the song is of a secret place filled with the memory of heroic kings and druids.
4. Over The Rainbow
The classic song is given a unique "a cappella" interpretation by all of the vocals sans Lisa. I've never been particularly fond of the piece, but the group does an excellent, almost lullaby-like rendition of the song, worth repeating.
5. Granuaile's Dance
A solo performance by Máiréad that is half traditional Irish music, half lively dancing music.
6. The Blessing
Solo by Lisa, a soft, simple song of love and devotion, blessings imparted to one's significant other.
7. Dúlaman
A song dominated by percussion and something we haven't heard much of before, male-dominant background vocals and even a brief male solo. Otherwise, the song is a solo by Méav in Gaelic. The translation has something to do with Irish seaweed and courtship. Don't expect to make much sense of it; just sit back and enjoy.
8. Beyond The Sea
A far more ethereal rendition of the song frequently appearing in movies such as Finding Nemo or Apollo 13. Possibly the best version I've yet heard, speaking to future love and rest from one's weary travels.
9. The Last Rose of Summer
Hayley's first solo, this is Thomas Moore's poem set to music. The arrangement is more operatic and classical than Celtic.
10. Caledonia
One of the top three on the CD. It is another solo from Lisa, and there is just something about this song you just can't put your finger on. It is filled with warmth, love and romance, and the higher calling of "Caledonia" (the romanticized name for Scotland).
11. Laschia Ch'io Pianga
Another operatic solo from Hayley, the song is somewhat repetitive and the melody is monotonous. (Blame Handel.) Probably one of the more uninteresting tracks. It does not even correspond to the sadness that the translated lyrics suggest. It's still good, just not phenomenal.
12. Carrickfergus
A quiet ballad from Órla (accompanying herself on the harp), a nostalgic song of bygone days in the Irish town of Carrickfergus.
13. Vivaldi's Rain
Another very classical piece sung by Chloë. The song is translated as a prayer to the Lord for guidance, but this time because the singer has fallen in love.
14. The Voice
One of the most hauntingly beautiful, fast-paced tracks of the CD, "The Voice" speaks to the past of Ireland. Transcending time, "the voice" is of nature, of history, of both past, present and future, with all the sadness and glories of both. Hence, the song is both promising and melancholy. With the mournful violin and the harsh percussion mixed with Lisa's crystal clear voice, there's no denying this is one of the top songs of the album.
15. Scarborough Fair
A decidedly unhappy song, it is the third solo exceptionally performed by Hayley. She has clearly earned her place in the group. The song is abbreviated from the original, which is a woebegone tale of sundered lovers.
16. Mo Ghile Mear
"Now the time has come to leave / Keep the flame and still believe / Know that love will shine through darkness / One bright star to light the wave."
An excellent closing song performed by the entire group, consisting of both English and Gaelic lyrics, a song of happy farewell much resembling "The Soft Goodbye" from the previous album.
In closing, let me just say, there's a reason this group has spent more than a year on the top of the world record charts. Their music transcends individual styles. The arrangements are appealing. In the performers, talent is manifested in celestial voices and radiant countenance. You're out of excuses. Buy the album. Or the deluxe. Still further, buy the DVD.
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CD > POPULAR MUSIC > ROCK
Celtic Thunder: Take Me Home (2009) Review
Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Okay, many of the reviews here either pre-date the DVD release, or refer just to the group themselves, not this DVD. Which can be misleading to someone considering this purchase. I'm going to just address the Take Me Home DVD.
The guys sound great on the DVD (unquestionably live this time 'round) and are just as cute and talented as ever, though I do have some issues with this set. Damian needs more mature songs to go with his more mature voice, and Keith fans will be disappointed that he sings nothing new here (the only one who doesn't. And I'm not counting Castles in the Air, since it was included in the Act II cd). The Take Me Home cd has two new Keith songs, which for some reason don't make it into the show. The CD may be more worth your money, as it consists of all new songs, plus a new version of Steal Away, that you do hear on the DVD. As others have said, this DVD seems to just recycle a lot of songs from the first DVD, which is disappointing.
But none of that bothers me as much as the AWFUL production value of the DVD. It looks like someone from a college video class made it. Crazy camera angles, unnecessary zooms, shaky-cam to the point of vomit-cam a couple of times. Bad lighting, strange crowd shots, and even my DVD menu didn't work. I can't do anything in the Song Selection on the main menu. It keeps looping and looping. I have to play the first song, stop, hit menu, and THEN I can select a particular song. At the end of the DVD, if I hit stop, it won't, and then after it plays out on it's own, I again get booted back to the Song Selection menu, which still won't let me select a song. Anyone else having this problem? It is just another example of how this DVD was shoddily made in an effort to cash in quickly on the Lad's popularity. It is insulting to them and their fans.
So, to sum up, Celtic Thunder, the group, get 5 stars. Celtic Thunder, Take Me Home, the DVD, gets a 0. If you are a CT fan, as I am, you'll get this anyway (or even pre-ordered it like me, whaaa) but just be prepared that it is nowhere near as nicely done as the first one.
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A DVD with a running time of almost 2 hours features 13 new Celtic Thunder performances!Since March 2008, Celtic Thunder has spent over 45 weeks at the top of the Billboard World Music Charts, knocking themselves off the number 1 spot with their second CD "Celtic Thunder Act II." Now after scanning close to 400K units and playing to over 200,000 people on their second North American Tour Celtic Thunder presents Take Me Home (filmed at Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada on April21st '09) an all new show on CD and DVD.The event features almost all new material with only three of the most popular songs from the original Celtic Thunder pledge show included. The new songs are dynamic and exciting. Damian (a foot and a half taller with a new deeper voice) has great new songs in "Happy Birthday Sweet 16" and "Breaking Up is Hard to Do" and would give a young Neil Sedaka or Frankie Vallie a run for his money! Ryan's dark destroyer character develops well with a rendition of Sting's "Every Breath You Take", George's personality and sense of humour comes to the fore in "500 Miles", a highlight in the show and Paul's performance of "You Raise Me Up" is not to be missed. Keith, the blonde surfer heart-throb is set to steal more hearts with "Castles in the Air" accompanying himself on the guitar. The guys come together for both "Working Man" and "Take Me Home", as ever their voices even more powerful in these ensemble songs, and in the harmony pieces. "Danny's Boy" A Cappella, has been included due to popular demand after their performance on 5th Ave for "St Patrick's Day" and performing it at the White House that night - the highlight of their success in the USA.Also Available: A new studio CD that features 15 songs/14 never before on CD!
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Drunken Lullabies Review
Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Flogging Molly is the band that got me interested in punk. I wasn't really into it, and my friend was having me listen to a Warped Tour Cd that had "What's Left of the Flag" on it. After I heard that I made him play it again I think 10 or 11 times. I instantly went out and bought this album, and eventually got all three albums and went to a live concert. If you ever get a chance to, these guys are a must live. Best Concert I have ever been to. This album is my personal favorite, and almost every song is fantastic, it's an album that you have no need to push "shuffle" on, just sit back and listen. That is, if you can sit still, it's almost impossible. The music just makes you want to grab a Guiness and pick a fight. If you have an open mind, or enjoy punk or celtic music, this is a must. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECCOMMENDED!!
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This is the second album from the Los Angeles based octet, Flogging Molly. Taking influence from their Irish roots and the sound of the Californian punk scene, 'Drunken Lullabies'is a mix of brash punk rock guitars, violins, whistles and accordians. The band are often compared to the Pogues and fellow punk band, The Dropkick Murphys.