Customer Reviews

Anthem For The Common Man

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've listened to Battlefield Band for a long time and I grew up in the 80's, so Anthem for the Common Man was one of my favorite albums at the time. There was one reviewer who commented that it was heavy in the synth department and I agree to a degree, but I have to remind everyone listening to Celtic music that you can hold them to your own standard of "musical perfection" if you like, but that doesn't mean they record music just to "appeal to the masses." Many of them do it because they like it and want to share it with those who might like it too--not exactly the same thing as appealing to the masses.

Anthem for the Common Man has several good songs on it--here, I disagree with the reviewer who says the songwriting is cheesy--and while the instrumentation isn't as strictly "trad" as your average Scots trad listener expects, the songs are decent. I've always liked Anthem for the Common Man (the song), The Old Changing Way, and the Snows of France and Holland, not to mention the Yew Tree.

Overall, I'd say put your expectations in the closet and give it a sound listen to see what you think.

I would recommend "Anthem for the Common Man" to any fan of Battlefield Band, but I don't think it would be the best introductory recording.

The ballads "The Old Changing Way" and "The Port Of Call" are both very poignant, and are two of my favorite songs on this recording.

Some of the instrumentals are a bit heavy on synthesizer at times, but are still very enjoyable.

This band is wonderful to listen to, a perfect blend of old scots music and new. This album contains fine slow ballads, rousing dance songs, and lively jigs. This is truly one of Battlefield Band's best works.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of Celtic music and I respect the Battlefield Band, but this album is terrible. There are one or two highlights, such as "The Snows of France and Holland," but for the most part this album suffers from lousy songwriting and the abuse of cheesy early-80's drum-machine technology. Anybody looking for great, and I mean grrrreeeaat Battlefield Band music would be well advised to purchase the band's albums "rain, hail, or shine" and "Leaving Friday Harbour," but leave this fiasco alone.