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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 folk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label celtic folk. Show all posts
Celtic Ladies (Dig) Review
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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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The Man with a Rhyme Review
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(More customer reviews)Two albums released in the 70s really established Archie Fisher as an outstanding singer-songwriter as well as an unusually talented interpreter of traditional song. This is the better of the two: better songs, better accompaniment and better production. Although he has put out some fine material later in life, you owe yourself the treat of hearing this performer in his prime -- warm vocals, beautiful guitar work, and so steeped in the tradition that you'll be hard pressed to distinguish the Fisher originals from the traditional ballads.
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Archie Fisher exemplifies all that is good about the folksong revival. His deep respect for the older musical traditions of his native Scotland enables him to approach them creatively; his understanding of those traditions is such that he has been able to compose a new ballad (The Witch of the West-mer-lands) that could easily assume a place among the classic ballads compiled by Francis James Child during the latter part of the last century.A superbly inventive guitarist, Archie's accompaniments are always appropriate to the song: never distorting it, never overwhelming it. Whether it be a rich underscoring of the original air or an exquisite counter-melody reflecting and complementing it, there is a satisfying sense of rightness in all of Archie's arrangements.His singing can be warm and tender - gentle, without sacrificing the strength that has sustained the tradition for so many centuries. Archie is a sophisticated person, yet he is able to approach the sentimental without self-consciousness.One is always reluctant to use the rather indefinable term charisma, but there is a quality about this (then) young man that invites such a description. Perhaps it is a combination of the kind of sensitivity that creates in him an unusual empathy, lending depth to his artistry, and a rare measure of native Celtic charm. Whatever it is, it is certain that you will sense it, too, as you listen to this, his first American recording.In 2008 Archie Fisher was made an MBE for his services to traditional Scottish music.He has been described as one of the most influential artists of his time. As well as a series of folk albums he has presented BBC Radio Scotland's awarding-winning Travelling Folk programme for 25 years.Mr Fisher said he was delighted to get the same honour as previously given to other famous Scots musicians."I looked at some other fellows who had an MBE, Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham and I thought I'd love to be a part of that outfit," he said. "So I'm on equal terms when it comes to honours. I've been doing this for a long time so it has been more of an endurance than choosing a highlight."
Shania Twain - Up (Live in Chicago) (2003) Review
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Shania Twain is a hit machine and all of her best showed up in Chicago. I really enjoy this DVD when I get home from work. Shania has a very high energy show, a rockin' band and great chemistry with her fans. I love her new songs like "She's Not Just a Pretty Face" and "I'm Gonna Getcha Good", but her old songs are performed with equal zest! Definitely a must have for the fan!
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UP! LIVE IN CHICAGO - DVD Movie
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Michael Flatley - Gold (2001) Review
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(More customer reviews)I must disclose that I am a bit of an overeager fan of Irish Dancing at least in the form of Lord of the Dance, Feet of Flames, and Riverdance. I have seen all of the shows several times and had the fortune of going backstage after a Lord of the Dance performance to meet a few of the dancers (who were quite friendly and generous with their time). And, I listen to the music as I work out. I have all of the shows on DVD and video and to this day watch them almost daily.
As such, I was very happy when I learned of this new DVD title, Gold. Michael Flatley cerainly is not shy and is known for his "confidence," but this new DVD is extremely entertaining. I do not necessarily buy the sometimes manufactured sounding humility in this production and his "accent" seems to vary depending upon his audience, but we overlook the shortcomings in those we admire, right?
The DVD contains highlights from the original Riverdance show and Michael Flatley's two shows including dance peformances of Feet of Flames in Budapest.
The DVD is arranged in a long interview format interspersed with performances in a chronological order. Included are clips from his days with the Chieftans, dancing at the Kennedy Center, performing at Eurovision, Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, Feet of Flames, and rehearsals for what may be an upcoming movie/video. The Budapest Feet of Flames performances contain short interviews with some of the dancers. The DVD is arranged in a home moview/documentary format begining with pictures of Michael Flatley's family and childhood all the way through and including performances and photographs from the present.
There also is a very interesting "making of" Feet of Flames which is included as well. One really can get a sense of what it was like making the "one off" show. In addition, you get to meet a number of the dancers.
Certainly this DVD will entertain and delight the loyal fan base, but it is extremely well done, and as with the other DVDs and videos, it can be watched repeatedly. I do not know how long the Irish Dancing craze will last, but I get the feeling its twilight may be near. Any additional worthy videos and performances, therefore, are treasured.
You will enjoy this one for years to come.
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Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca)Release Date: 01/09/2007Run time: 130 minutesRating: Nr
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Kill to Get Crimson Review
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(More customer reviews)I enjoy some of MK's music a lot. When listening to his albums, I just get the feeling that his music has 'quality written all over it' - fine songwriting (especially the lyrics), immaculate guitar playing and superior production. Yet, despite this, I often find each album contains only 3 or 4 songs that I really enjoy, a couple which bore me to tears, and the rest are just OK (but to be fair, enjoyment of his music does benefit from several listenings). There will be some people for whom MK 'can do no wrong' and I also feel that way about a few artists - but MK is not (yet) one of these. So, I was a little cautious about buying this album, but I thought I'd take a chance because some of the pre-release editorial reviews suggested that I might like it. As it turns out, I was not too disappointed.
THE SONGS - MK's lyrics are always fascinating but he seems to have surpassed himself on this album - in many songs, capturing the quintessence of post-WW2 life for ordinary English people. Although, for the most part, the melodies are good (a few having a distinct Gaelic flavour), I wouldn't describe them as 'infectious'; and I thought 2 or 3 were, by comparison, rather bland. There are no up-tempo songs to speak of (a couple come close) and there are certainly no 'full-tilt rockers'. Few of the songs have that 'americana' influence to be found on previous albums (the 'Springsteen-esque' 'True Love Will Never Fade' being the main exception) - MK has moved eastwards across the Atlantic for much of his inspiration on 'Kill to Get Crimson'. It is the songs that define the mood of the album and I would describe this as 'nostalgic-reflective' (in a very English sort of way).
THE PLAYING - You get little in the way of 'rock guitar' and most guitar solos are brief; but MK's playing permeates all tracks and the sound is absolutely sublime. In addition to percussion and bass, accompaniment is provided by accordion, violin, cittern, flute, saxophone, trumpet, clarinet and vibraphone; these are used judiciously (and very effectively) to enrich the overall sound - the phrase 'less means more' is very apt here.
THE VOCALS - MK has a rich baritone voice which is 'slightly frayed around the edges' - a voice which may be an acquired taste for some but one which I find very appealing; his singing is somewhat smoother than on past albums and he manages to inject a 'folksy' lilt from time to time. His limited vocal range has occasionally let him down in the past, but there is little evidence of this on 'Kill to Get Crimson'.
For a change, I enjoyed the majority of the songs on this album; for what it's worth, the following in particular : 'Heart Full of Holes', 'We Can Get Wild', 'Secondary Waltz', 'Punish the Monkey', 'Behind With The Rent', and 'Madame Geneva's'.
If I were rating this album purely on it's all-round musicality and 'technical' proficiency, then 5-stars would be amply justified (as another reviewer has summed it up, it is 'clean, clear and perfect'). However, 2 or 3 songs didn't do a lot for me and so, in terms of my subjective enjoyment, 3.5/4-stars are more appropriate. The extent to which you are likely to enjoy this album much depends on whether you prefer MK's music with a North American or an English/Gaelic influence. Also, if you liked All the Roadrunning, there's a good chance you will like 'Kill to Get Crimson'. When considering the album's mood and musical content, of his earlier albums, The Ragpicker's Dream probably comes closest - so this is something else to bear in mind (but don't sue me if I'm wrong!). It's a very mellow and relaxing album which, vocally and instrumentally, is almost devoid of any edginess.
I liked this album quite a lot, but if your initial reaction is 'more boring stuff from Mark Knopfler', I would ask you to sit down and LISTEN to the music, one or two tracks at a time spread over a few weeks, because 'coming to terms' with MK's music is a gradual process. I think this is a good way to start appreciating, more fully, MK's beguiling songs and accomplished playing.
If you are not too familiar with MK's solo work and would like to try a compilation of his music, I can recommend Private Investigations: The Best of Dire Straits & Mark Knopfler. Just over half the tracks are Dire Straits' best known songs and the others are MK solo performances. This album is available as a 'Standard' version (1 CD & 14 tracks) and a 'De-luxe' version (2 CDs & 21/22 tracks); the link here directs you to the 'De-luxe' version.
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Building on last year’s Grammy®-nominated All The Roadrunning collaboration with Emmylou Harris, his highest charting non Dire Straits album to date Top 20 Pop, scanning 400,000 copies in the U.S. acclaimed singer-songwriter guitarist Mark Knopfler unveils his fifth solo album, Kill To Get Crimson. While certain to appeal to his loyal fan base, the album’s artful guitar rock will also entice new fans to Knopfler’s signature sound (he’s #27 on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitarists Of All Time), instantly recognizable vocals and smart lyrics. A multiple-Grammy winner who has sold more than 110 million albums worldwide, Knopfler remains one of rock’s most admired artists.
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Sports Review
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(More customer reviews)This is one of my all-time favorite albums; it certainly brings back lots of memories of 1984. My favorite track would have to be "The Heart of Rock and Roll," followed closely by "I Want a New Drug" and "If This is It," which, coincidentally, were the three biggest singles.
However, this "re-mastered" edition, which was released in 1999, is very, very poor. I purchased this edition in the summer of 2003, at which time I was taking an internship in audio engineering. This "24-bit re-master" is an engineer's worst nightmare. The engineer who re-mastered this disc has taken some pretty tasteless liberties with the bass and treble.
On most of the tracks, there is too much low end bass, which makes them sound muddy and overbearing. There is also a lack of treble (high-end), making this an extremely poorly-balanced re-master. The best example of this is track #4, "I Want a New Drug." The bass drum pounds and pounds away, ready to break my car stereo speakers at any given moment. The high-end is not as airy or clear as it sounds on the old CD edition. And the following track, "Walking On a Thin Line," opens with a synthesizer bassline that is overbearing in its intensity.
At first, I thought that this was intentional, but after downloading mp3s of each track, presumably ripped from the original CD release, I can safely say that this release was severely botched up. The mp3s, particularly "I Want a New Drug," sound much more balanced out and tighter.
Again, a great album, but a very poor re-master. To think that this edition was intended to replace the original CD release is unthinkable.
Also, Chrysalis/Capitol Records missed an opportunity to include the extended 12" remix of "I Want a New Drug," as well as the very rare 12" remix of the first single, "Heart and Soul." I would have listened to those more than once, which is more than I can say for the existing bonus tracks, which consist of alternate session takes for "The Heart of Rock and Roll" and "Walking on a Thin Line," respectively, as well as live, concert versions of "If This is It," "Heart and Soul," and "I Want a New Drug."
It's a shame that the album's 20th anniversary has come and gone; they should have made an effort to release a better-sounding edition.
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Limited Edition Japanese pressing of this album comes housed in a miniature LP sleeve and includes five bonus tracks. EMI. 2008.--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.
Sarah Brightman - One Night in Eden (1999) Review
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(More customer reviews)I was under the mistaken impression that Amazon were there to sell products, not put people off. The childish and spiteful Editorial review by Marshall Fine is completely inappropriate and misrepresents this excellent concert entirely.
While I respect the views of the people who had reservations about the concert, Fine's so-called 'review' is a very different affair. That this creature should attack Sarah's 'pudgy build' - precisely the same kind of comment that triggered Karen Carpenter's ultimately fatal anorexia - speaks volmes about the kind of fool he is.
Sarah, like Marilyn (size 14) Monroe, has a beautiful womanly figure. Marshall Fine obviously prefers 100 lb catwalk models to normal-looking women who understand that females are supposed to retain body fat, as a survival mechanism, they being the childbearers of the species.
That aside, this is a wonderful concert which features many great songs and is a visual delight. Sarah looks gorgeous throughout, as you might expect.
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Studio: Emi Music DistributionRelease Date: 03/16/2006
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Heritage Review
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(More customer reviews)There is good and bad about this CD - and I'll deal with the "bad" first. Paul Byrom, a/k/a The Swanky Tenor, has left the group to pursue his solo career. I wish him well, and according to Phil Coulter, Celtic Thunder does, too. He's been replaced by Emmet Cahill, whose debut solo, "Kindred Spirits" is on this CD. It was specially written for him by Phil Coulter, who has a number of original songs on "Heritage" as well. Emmet's voice is very different than Paul's, but I think that he'll actually blend better with the other guys. The CD is very different than the DVD - it has only 13 tracks, yet not all its tracks appear on the DVD, so you might want to get them both.
Once again, the guys all have a solo on the CD. Damian reprises his earlier Buachaill on Eirne, "Come from the Hills," this time in Gaelic, but also in what Phil Coulter calls his dark brown voice. Keith shines in "The Dutchman" - be sure to listen closely to the lyrics, they're hauntingly beautiful. Neil Byrne brings "Noreen" to life, proving that while he's a wizard on the guitar and the mandolin, his voice adds so much to the sound that has become Celtic Thunder. Ryan brings a different self to "Black is the Color" - it's quiet and lets you hear his plea; as does Paul's "My Love is Like a Red Red Rose." Students studying English Literature need only listen to these and sing along - a guaranteed A-plus! Still on that rose theme, George adds "Red Rose Cafe".
Everyone knows that these men can sing and can handle themselves as solo artists, but my favorite songs this time are the duets and group numbers. We see pairings of Paul and Damian, Ryan and George, and Keith and Neal, all on music that works well with their particular talent. Paul and Damian do "Just a Song at Twilight," blending so well that it's hard to tell who's got what part. Ryan and George sing "Gold and Silver Days" - again, listen to the lyrics about lives. Keith and Neal perform a rousing "Whiskey in the Jar", bringing everyone to life, clapping and just plain having a great time with them. No you don't hear the crowd on the CD, but I'd be willing to bet that virtually every listener will find themselves participating!
Now it's on to my favorite part of Celtic Thunder - their group songs! I dare you to sit still in your seat, not moving when they do "Home from the Sea" a rolicking sea chanty about sailors going out from town to rescue a boat that is foundering. "Galway Girl" is yet another, but it's with "A Place in the Choir" that they shine as only Celtic Thunder can. It's a rousing ditty that gives each of them a moment to shine, and then come back to the group and have fun. You don't need a DVD to see them doing a bit of fancy footwork, with one of them going the wrong way or stepping up instead of down. It's plain old fun and they bring you right along. By the time Damian does his part, you're sitting there with your mouth hanging open, amazed at the depths to which he can take his voice!
Buy this CD? Definitely! In fact, buy the DVD as well - there are enough differences in the two that you don't lose - you only come out a winner...and you have such fun getting there. At least I did...Thanks Celtic Thunder, for yet another wonderful piece of work. I'm glad to have been there. Emmet, I wish you well, and Paul...well, Swanky Tenor suits, and I'll be watching for your successful solo albums. Take care now, and God Bless...
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Following the success of their last 4 shows the new Celtic Thunder show Heritage accentuates the musical culture of Ireland. The CD features 12 new recordings including: An Irish Blessing, A Place In The Choir and Whiskey In The Jar. In 2011 March PBS pledge will feature Celtic Thunder's Heritage airing the program over 1,000 times. In the fall of 2011 Celtic Thunder Heritage will be on tour. Over the past 3 years Celtic Thunder has been one of the most successful PBS music programs. Celtic Thunder have sold over 100,000 tickets in concert during the last year.
The Harem World Tour: Live from Las Vegas Review
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(More customer reviews)I was fortunate enough to have experienced a very surreal evening with the angel of music, Sarah Brightman, last March on her Harem World Tour concert in Anaheim, CA and just had to acquire her first live recording, which took place in Las Vegas here, so that I could relive the experience whenever I wanted to. I was naturally skeptic as there aren't many live albums that can capture the magic of the event as it's actually happening but this nailed it quite well. Sarah's voice is in perfect form and the production is superb! Crank up the volume, close your eyes, and you'll be taken to Sarah's harem...
"Kama Sutra" is a nice two minute intro into "Harem", which brings me to my one and only gripe about this album, and that would be how they chose to cut out most of the good parts and pretty much make this an overture instead of using the entire song. Also, I could have lived without "Who Wants To Live Forever". It seems she includes this song on every tour she does when in fact it is one of my least favorite songs of hers. I was, however, thrilled to hear "Phantom Of The Opera Suite" and, even though I would have loved to hear "Music Of The Night" as well, "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" was probably the better selection. I also enjoyed "Anytime, Anywhere" (always a highlight for me) and the somewhat extended version of "Dust In The Wind", which I prefer over the original found on EDEN. Granted, Sarah also closed her LA LUNA set with "A Question Of Honour", this is hands down the best version I've yet to heard of that song. I could really feel the energy of the crowd with their harmonious clapping to the beginning drum section after the brief "La Wally" aria.
Many complain about the music being too loud but, HELLO!, that's how it is when you attend a live concert! And Sarah handles the ethereal power of her vocals like the pro she is; never failing to soar above it all without sounding as if she's trying too hard. This is a wonderful live recording that I recommend all fans get - even if it's only for the brand new studio track, "Snow On The Sahara", which I've been playing excessively as of late... It is absolutely gorgeous and has quickly become a favorite of mine!
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