Celtic MP3s Music Magazine: 09/2008

The Celtic MP3s Music Magazine is a free monthly Celtic music magazine featuring free music downloads of Celtic, Scottish, Irish music from around the world. Here, you will find free music downloads from independent Celtic artists. Some MP3s are time sensitive. So download them now. All of the latest MP3s are available for at least a month. As always, if enjoy the music, please help the artist out and buy their CD. Serving Celtic music fans since 2000!

Don't just download.
Support your favorite Celtic music groups.
Buy Celtic music CDs.

Review: "Far From Home" by Pitch The Peat

Artist: Pitch The Peat
Album: Far From Home
Year Produced: 2008

Traditional Irish music from a band in Cleaveland, Ohio--and a LOT of it too! This CD not only delivers a wide range of songs, but it doesn't skimp on length or number of tracks either. Pitch The Peat was formed in 1998 and this was their debut CD.

Songs such as "The Stone Hills Of Clare" show interesting arrangement by doing things such as pairing a tender female voice with a simple, almost tentative musical background. The effect creates a mood that is very delicate. These "match ups" seem to continue throughout the album, and you can tell that everything was done and selected with thought and care. The word "crafted" comes to mind; truly artistic. Always the amount of music is just right--never overwhelming.

Don't take that to mean that there are no tracks here that highlight musical ability, however--you'll find that too. Check out "Hartigan's Fancy" or "Ormond Sound" if you'd like some proof! The flute is especially engaging on some of the tracks on the album, and it is willowy in a way that sets it apart from other players I've heard; in a good way. In fact, all the musicians are outstanding. If you want a good traditional CD that packs a lot of songs into an album and a lot of effort into their work, this is a great choice--there is plenty here to keep you ears busy--and you toes tappin'!

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.

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs.

Labels: cd_review_2008

Posted by Catherine L. Tully, Tuesday, September 30, 2008.
New to Celtic MP3s Music Magazine? Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or sign up to get email updates. Find free Celtic music downloads from Marc Gunn!

Review: "Out Of The Nest" by Hawke

Artist: Hawke
Album: Out Of The Nest
Year Produced: 2008

What a fun album title--and you'll get some fun and fancy on the CD as well as a tug on the heartstrings too. Hawke is Rick Morrow; one of the Bedlam Bards, so this is far from his first foray into the musical sphere. His unique voice is both rough and full at the same time, and is sometimes paired here with a soft, feminine voice that whispers in the background along with him. It's a nice mix that isn't overdone.

On this CD you'll find Hawke's version of "The Unicorn," and "Lucky Man" along with 10 other songs; all of which are chock full of emotion of one sort or another. That is the thing that stays with you; despite the fact that the music and vocals are good. You feel the songs. I would say that this is something many bands shoot for and fall short on. Hawke has got that down.

Morrow is no stranger to the world of making music. He has collaborated on many other efforts prior to releasing "Out Of The Nest," including the popular "On The Drift" songs that were inspired by Firefly and Serenity. This is a little window into the background and history that came before this current effort, and helps to explain the passion with which Morrow creates his songs. Have a listen and see what I mean!

Labels: cd_review_2008

Posted by Catherine L. Tully, Saturday, September 27, 2008.
New to Celtic MP3s Music Magazine? Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or sign up to get email updates. Find free Celtic music downloads from Marc Gunn!

Review: "The Drunken Priest and the Ghostly Hymns of Autumn" by Damanta

Artist: Damanta
Album: The Drunken Priest and the Ghostly Hymns of Autumn

Year Produced: 2008

Hmmm. This is a different CD! I love the unexpected if done well and this effort certainly qualifies. Damanta is an Irish-Canadian band that weaves together masterful storytelling with alt-rock style while still maintaining their Celtic influence. I've heard a Jethro Tull comparison which I can totally relate to--but the sound has more of a pulse and some serious style. Nice!

The second track, "The Drunken Priests of Donegal" is fantastic, as is the fourth track on the CD, "Rambles at Night". Both have a great energy and the music is terrific as well. If you are looking for traditional Irish fare, this music is a little bit different than that. But if you are open to a bit more mood and exploration, this is an excellent pick to push the boundaries a bit with.

I adore the vocalist--his delivery is perfect and his voice is truly interesting. The whole thing really comes together; vocals with great music and thoughtful subject matter. You haven't heard this stuff before; yet it seems familiar; a great blend of styles and sounds. It has heart and soul, yet gives the nod to the past that it so deserves. Difficult to describe, yet easy to listen to, this is a CD with many layers that you can appreciate again and again.

Labels: cd_review_2008

Posted by Catherine L. Tully, Thursday, September 25, 2008.
New to Celtic MP3s Music Magazine? Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or sign up to get email updates. Find free Celtic music downloads from Marc Gunn!

Review: "Come by the Hills" by Appalachian Celtic Consort

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Appalachian Celtic Consort
Album: Come by the Hills
Year produced: 2006

This is simple, beautiful music. Traditional sounds of both Scottish and Irish music with a dash of other things for interest makes this CD a good investment for those looking for a nice mixture of tunes that doesn't get dull. The addition of "Appalachian" in their name helps to explain the fact that there are other influences going on here; but they don't stray too far out either. The CD has solid appeal for those who are fans of Celtic music.

I'm a big fan of harmony that is done well and this album definitely qualifies. Check out "Capernaum" for a stellar example of what I'm talking about. Smooth as it gets. It's a cover from the Tannahill Weaver's Capernaum album that is terrific. I love to see a cover done well! Too often you wonder why the band bothered--but not in this case.

Some unique arrangements, original work and a tight, practiced sound help to set this band apart from the ordinary. The whole CD was well thought out, as there is the perfect mix of sounds and songs here. I can't say that I have a favorite song, but I can't say there was one I didn't like. This is a keeper that I'll listen to over and over again...

Labels: cd_review_2008

Posted by Catherine L. Tully, Wednesday, September 24, 2008.
New to Celtic MP3s Music Magazine? Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or sign up to get email updates. Find free Celtic music downloads from Marc Gunn!

"Match of the Day" by NUA

NUA is the Irish word meaning "New." And "new" is exactly what you get when you listen to NUA. Their unique style meshes Irish folk with indie rock. Not only will it get you on your feet, but it will make you take note of their fun sound.

Hometown: York, Pennsylvania, USA
Website: NUA
Download MP3: Match of the Day
Buy CD: NUA

Similar Artists: Christy Moore, Dubliners, The Pogues