CD Reviews

by Michelle Osborne Artist: The PoguesAlbum: If I Should Fall From Grace With GodYear produced: 1988 I knew nothing of the world of Celtic rock until I was sent a preview copy of Marc Gunn’s newly-released compilation, “The Secret World of Celtic Rock.” Instantly, I was intrigued and was told to go listen to...
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by Phil Hall Artist: CapercaillieAlbum: “Choice Language”Year produced: 2003 Here’s something you don’t hear that frequently: Celtic-style muzak. Capercaillie titled this release “Choice Language,” but one can’t help and wonder if any other choices are available. None of the 12 selections rise to anything resembling a memorable song. In fact, the only way the...
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by Brenda Stokes Artist: Moya BrennanAlbum: “Two Horizons”Year produced: 2004 After listening to “Two Horizons” by Moya Brennan for the first time, I was left speechless. Her flawless voice and instrumentation make for a unique Celtic musical collection that combines old and new styles seamlessly. The album begins with the haunting melody of “Show...
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by Phil Hall Artist: AltanAlbum: “The Blue Idol”Year Produced: 2002 This offering from the Irish folk sextet consists mostly of traditional tunes from Eire, although “The Low Highland” made its way over from Scotland and “Daily Growing” arrived via England. On the whole, “The Blue Idol” is a pleasant but strangely unmemorable production. There...
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by Phil Hall Artist: Mary O’DowdAlbum: “At the Close of an Irish Day”Year Produced: 1991 One of the more elusive voices of Celtic music is the Irish-American balladeer Mary O’Dowd, who only recorded one album prior to 1991′s “At the Close of an Irish Day” and none since. Her stirring voice was in command...
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