by Catherine L. Tully

1. Victims Of Irish Music ~ Compilation (Irish & Celtic Music Podcast)
Compilations tend to highlight some of the best, and Marc Gunn has done so in this wonderful grouping of independent Celtic musicians. At 17 tracks, this CD gives the listener a wide range of tunes, and serves as a great introduction to the variety that is available out there. You just might find yourself a new favorite band here..

2. "The New Colossus" by MacTalla Mor
I love this band, and if you like the highland bagpipes--so will you. With a unique "fusion" style and hints of unusual musical influences, this is the real deal. From a bagpipe duet to more unusual fare, look for sounds outside the typical range here--but blended in so well that they will add to the overall sound. Smashing!

3. "Four On The Floor" by Old Blind Dogs
This popular Scottish band is well-known for a reason, and this CD is the perfect example of why. Songs like "Terror Time" have an amazing depth and the musicianship is stellar. This album is not to be missed!

4. "Tales from Windsor's Tavern" by The Merry Wives of Windsor
Although not technically square in the middle of the "Celtic" genre, this CD makes the list because it is just too good not to be here. The Merry Wives of Windsor consist of eleven singers that present an amazing sound which is a combination of renaissance and folk music with English influences. The reason it sits here is because the harmonies are so tremendous--three and four part--and done so well.

5. "Athas" by Athas
Those who love set dancing will want this in their collection. Besides delivering up a great CD, the band has included five tracks that can be used to dance to for the Borlin set. A mixture of traditional and original music, this album provides a great listen in its fifteen tracks.

6. "Far From The Hills of Donegal" by Oisín McAuley
This is McAuley's solo debut and it showcases him well. Once the lead fiddler of the traditional group Danú, this fiddler has been playing since he was nine years old--and it is obvious by his skill! This CD is marked by range, with McAuley calling forth both fire and yearning from his instrument on this 13 track effort. No doubt there will be more where this came from.

7. "Zephyr in the Confetti Factory" by Jamie Laval and Ashley Broder
Another album that is centered around the fiddle, this is a very innovative CD that combines Irish, Scottish and other Celtic fiddle music--quite successfully! Championship fiddle playing reigns on this album, but it is done with a bit of a stretch from the traditional--without being crazy experimental.

8. "Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion" by Marc Gunn & The Dubliners' Tabby Cats
You just have to hear it! Marc Gunn has released this CD full of the original songs that were featured on his "Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers" album. Check out the first versions of those songs such as "Finnegan's Wake" and "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" and compare! Gunn is his usual, fun self here and the 13 tracks are sure to please!

9. "One Lump or Two?" by The Tea Merchants
A great CD that gives the listener the unexpected--with a whole lot of energy! Take track 4 for example--"Led Zeppelin Polkas." Need I say more? Lighthearted but skilled describes this group well, and this album has them at their most interesting yet.

10. "Tales Through Time" by Rowan
A combination of World Music and Celtic sound, Rowan has earned its place in both genres. This CD is a perfect example of their layered style. If you are looking to expand your horizons and experience something different--try this!

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Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in the arts. She has written for American Style and Classical Singer, among other magazines, and reviews music for Marc Gunn's Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her through her website at www.catherineltully.com.

Labels: cd_review_2008

Posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, January 03, 2008.
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