Clannad
This album is a collection of some of Clannad’s best songs. If you
have never heard of them before and would like a taster of all the wonderful
albums they have produced since the 70s, then this is a great introduction
to the family from County Donegal. Many of their songs are sung in Irish Gaelic.
Maire Brennan has one of the best voices I have ever heard. I have loved Clannad
for over 20 years. They write some of their own songs and take traditional
songs and give them their own unique sound. I will not describe all the tracks
but comment on my favourites.
The first track, Dulaman is fast paced complete with Celtic harp and pipes.
It is about seaweed!
The third track, Siuil a Run has a wonderful folk sound, sung both in Irish
Gaelic and English.
Nil Se Ina La, the fourth track, is a live version of a traditional drinking
song, fast paced and full of pipes, bodhran and guitar. It is sung in Irish
Gaelic and is the perfect campfire song to dance to! But be warned- you will
be exhausted at the end as it’s a very long song!
The sixth track, An tUill, is a wonderful acoustic guitar song with bodhran
and a lovely upbeat feel. Again it is sung in Irish Gaelic.
The seventh track, Na Buachailli Alainn, begins slowly with a harp and the
pace picks up with the introduction of an acoustic guitar. Again, a lovely
cheerful tune, sung in Irish Gaelic.
The eighth track, Green fields of Gaothdobhair is a beautiful traditional
ballad sung in English.
Newgrange, the eleventh track is a real gem. Mystical and magical, it is
about the amazing Neolithic “passage chamber” in County Meath,
Ireland. Close your eyes and imagine you are there, the song is so atmospheric
and describes some of the legends about it. . It is sung in English.
Following this track is Robin (The Hooded Man), the theme song to the brilliant
80s TV series “Robin of Sherwood” (Clannad wrote songs for the
whole series, the album is called Legend). It conjures up the spirit of the
Greenwood perfectly.
Track 18, The Hunter, would have been better following Robin (The Hooded
Man) as it to me, evokes the spirit of Herne who was an important feature
of the TV show. I am not sure if the song is meant to be about Herne, but
it certainly is evocative of him, and the atmosphere is very in keeping of
the spirit and music in the TV show.
Fawn
Audio CD UK June 30, 1998)
UK Label: RCA
Publisher: MSI MUSIC; Audio CD edition (April 30, 1997)
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