25 Years of Greatness

Wolfe Tones | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 1, 1991)
• Original Release Date: 1991
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Shanachie
• ASIN: B000000E0K
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #24,990 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #7 in Music > Indie Music > Folk > International Folk
  • #24 in Music > Indie Music > World Music > Europe
  • #83 in Music > Folk > British & Celtic Folk > Irish Folk

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Celtic Symphony

2. The Merry Ploughboy

3. Women of Ireland

4. Rock on Rockall

5. The Foggy Dew

6. James Connolly

7. The Man from Mullingar

8. Flow Liffey Waters

9. First of May

10. The Piper That Played Before Moses

See all 16 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Boston Rose

2. The Zoological Gardens

3. The Broad Black Brimmer

4. Newgrange (Brú Na Bóinne)

5. Treat Me Daughter Kindly

6. Come Out Ye Black and Tans

7. Slieve Na Mban

8. Far Away in Australia

9. Goodbye

10. Helicopter Song

See all 16 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Silver Anniversary of Solid Gold!, August 29, 2003

By 

Wachkatze (Central Illinois) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 25 Years of Greatness (Audio CD)

While a 25th anniversary is known as a "silver" anniversary, the music on these two CDs is solid gold!

True to their unwaivering spirit, the Wolfe Tones deliver another generous portion of human courage, faith and smiles on a silver platter.

This album is like a seven-course meal, it's loaded with variety. You'll hear everything from slow, melodic ballads of struggle and strife to heartlifting and invigorating songs of steadfast rebellion. For dessert, some of the songs have been sweetened with an accordian, drums and electric guitar. The electric guitar in "Broad Black Brimmer" fits this moving song like a well-worn and comfortable shirt. It rocks, and rocks very well; The polka-like tempo of "Rock On Rockall" makes me want to sing and dance all night; and the light-hearted "Janie Mac I'm Nearly Forty" is one that those of us over 30 can certainly identify with. What a smile this song brings.

There's just not enough room in this forum to describe the heart of each and every song on this album. It's a great sampling of the Wolfe Tones' tremendous ability to ford the gap of musical style with equal enthusiasm, ability and heart. When I play their music in my office at work (which is quite often), it's amazing how many colleagues suddenly feel the need to confer with me about this or that. If you're looking for some outstanding Irish folk music that really has something to say, you need to look no further than the Wolfe Tones and this album.

A tip of the brimmer and a shot of Jack Daniels to the Wolfies! Up the Tones!!!!!!!!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Two hours of absolute brilliance - unbeatable., August 7, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: 25 Years of Greatness (Audio CD)

To hear the powerful voice of Tommy Byrne in full flight, as Brian and Derek Warfield and Noel Nagle pile on the pressure on the banjo, mandolin and whistles respectively, to hear it just once for an instance is unforgettable. You know what I mean, that magical moment when the whole air sparkles with electricity, when you feel a shiver down your spine, it's that magical moment that can be be provided by the Wolfe Tones. This album is a real gem.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Anthology has many surprises, May 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: 25 Years of Greatness (Audio CD)

Rather than assemble a standard greatest hits/concert favourites package, the boys went for all sorts of little-known tunes on this, their final album before (apparently) breaking up. You won't hear such well-known tunes as My Heart Is In Ireland or Irish Eyes, but there are some new tunes (including a surprisingly enjoyable cover of a Bee Gees ballad) and remakes of older stuff. Wait 'til you hear the full drums and electric guitar version of Broad Black Brimmer. It's a load of fun.