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If you want to hear good old-fashioned Celtic music as played in the old days then The Chieftains is one place where you will have to visit to get a taste of that music done in a way to be a delight to more modern sensibilities as well. If you want to go to Gaelic tradition how about Sting and "Mo Ghile Mear" or "He Moved Through The Fair" (also known by other names) by Sinead O'Connor. His grandmother used to sing it to him back in the days. Moreover, as displayed here and on a number of their previousl albums they have gotten virtually a who's who of top-notch musicians from many genres to play along with them. Nice. That is always a sure sign of respect. The lads have gone to Nova Scotia here to compile music from another location in the Celtic diaspora. My favorite is Ry Cooder (yes, that Ry Cooder of Buena Vista Social Club fame) doing "Coast Of Malabar".
What else can you ask for. Well here how about Mick Jagger and the boys doing "Long Black Veil" or Marianne Faithfull doing "Love Is Teasin'" (also known by many other names but the result remains the same of a love affair gone bad to a jilted lover). My grandmother did the same.
The Chieftains music blends so excellently with the wonderful voices that comprise this album. Whether it's the haunting "Long Black Veil" or the nostalgic "Mo Ghile Mear", the Chieftains get it right every time. If you like Irish music, Irish ballads, or even just Mick Jagger, this album is a must-have.
For those seeking chipper pub music, look elsewhere. A fine album, with an interesting choice of songs. "Foggy Dew" and "The Long Black Veil" are especially moving. This is a fine, reflective view of Irish music. Top notch, all the way.For serious Irish music, you can't do better than this.
This album is a lot different than the ones that Chieftains had put out before. Rolling Stones, Sinead - hearing Tom Jones on the Tennessee Waltz might have sounded schmaltzy to those who are critical, but if you're listening with your heart instead of with the need to analyze everything you're listening to, you'll love hearing it as much now as you might have when it first came out. Although,The Long Black Veil I have to admit that he sings with more soul and range than any relative of mine.I couldn't be more satisfied with my purchase. I loved the arrangements and effort that the guests put in for this production. Many who had not listened to The Chieftains before were impressed and are buying other Chieftain CDs now. Hearing other artists perform in their own styles as well as keeping the Celtic spirit was inspirational and exciting to me.I was lucky as a child to participate in 'fire in the kitchen' song eruptions whenever my family got together. However, having grown up and matured and now aging in Irish Traditional Music, I have to say that sometimes I need to hear and play something a bit different.Instrumentally, The Chieftains are at their usual prime. Maybe even more so because after all this time, listening to Tom Jones sounds as familiar as hearing a long lost relative.
As it was back then, no-one on this CD sings or plays the songs the same way. Everyone lends their own unique part to the overall performance and I found that even though the music sounded different, the spirit of playing and singing together was intertwined throughout the entire CD, making it a uniquely traditional listening experience.Sting was exceptional. I've been sharing it with friends and family and people. A rather good way to share an introduction to the Heritage.
The amazing musical talents of the Chieftains combined with some legendary rock stars doing the vocals. Just doesn't seem like it belongs here but watch out for the powerful DUNMORE LASSIES and the whimisical COAST OF MALABAR which would bring an old Irish friend of mine in NYC to tears every time he heard it. Sinead O'Connor, Tom Jones, Ry Cooder, Mark Knopfler all contribute their powerful talents and a beautiful version of LOVE IS TEASIN by Marianne Faithful.
It's a combination of Gaelic folk, rock and country which works on all levels. My only knock is Van Morrison's singing of his song 'Have I Told You Lately That I Love You', he sings it well but there isn't anything about the song that seems to make it fit here. The result is an awesome Gaelic rock/folk cd of old Gaelic tunes which you'll love.
The musicians never overpower the singers and vice versa it's all about the song and the story within. Kicking things off with a soulful version of MO GHILE MEAR, Sting is haunting as he sings this old Gaelic folk song. Mick Jagger is also incredible on THE LONG BLACK VEIL.
It sounds like a cut from a Van Morrison album rather then a song of this unique album by the Chieftains. Powerful stuff.
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