by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: The High Kings
Album: The High Kings
Year produced: 2008

This is superterrific--and then some! The High Kings deliver right out of the box with their first track, "Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore," which has fantastic harmonies and a big, yet gentle sound. The delivery on the tunes here is so heartfelt that it feels like you are watching them sing these songs live in your living room along with many friends. This is traditional music at its best--interpreted sweetly and with individual flair that stays true to the ideas and ideals that make it traditional.

The vocals really make this CD shine--every single voice is clear and expertly used. Harmonies abound. Galway To Graceland, track 3, is an interesting song with only vocals to communicate the mood. It works wonderfully and is a true masterpiece of sound and feeling mixed together the way they should be.

Track 5, The Rocky Road To Dublin, is a tongue twister of a tune that makes you want to listen again and again until you hear it all--or memorize it yourself--what a ride! These guys can't contain their energy; and that's a good thing. A live track caps off the album--a great choice and tasty finish to this delicious offering. It's rare I get super excited about a CD like I did with this one. It's one that merits several listens in a row, really. It gets better every time.

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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 CatherineLTully.com.

Labels: cd_review_2008

Posted by Marc Gunn, Tuesday, July 15, 2008.
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