Beautiful Wasteland [Import]

Capercaillie | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 2, 2002)
• Original Release Date: 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Valley
• ASIN: B00005OW74
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #77,543 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Even a Scotsman's wallet should open for this one!, June 21, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Beautiful Wasteland (Audio CD)

Since the early 80s Capercaillie have been turning out breathtaking music based on the Scottish tradition. The voice of their lead singer, Karen Matheson, would alone be reason enough to buy any of their several albums. But add to that the inventive instrumental and song-writing skills of the other band members, and even a Scotsman's wallet should gladly surrender its contents.

This stunning new album only raises their already high standards. There is an exquisite mixture of tunes and songs starting within the tradition, but often ending up in another galaxy altogether! The title track is a classic example, with its simple melody built on a catchy, syncopated rhythm and then launched into the stratosphere by some sublime uilleann piping (from guest Michael McGoldrick).

We are kept guessing about musical sources, with a couple of tracks featuring the Guinean female vocal duo Sibeba. So for instance "Co Ni Mire Rium" sounds African, but is actually a Gaelic clapping song. The percussive element on a number of tracks adds to this world music feel, but the bubbling use of fiddle, accordion and bouzouki remind us that the music is Celtic at heart. And on songs like "The Tree" and "Finlay's" the incredible Gaelic mouth-music vocalisations of Karen Matheson nail us back among the Scottish islands, whatever the exotic beat may try to tell us.

Ironically it is the contemporary compositions that have the more laid-back, traditional feel to them. "Am Mur Gorm" puts verses of Skye poet Sorley MacLean to the band's music; and Manus Lunny's "Thiocfadh Leat Fanacht" is a gentle trad. sounding exile's song.

On an album already full of brilliance, mention should be made of guest Michael McGoldrick's contribution on pipes and whistle. His playing is almost as breathtaking as Karen Matheson's singing, and his tune "Kepplehall" is coupled with fiddler Charlie McKerron's "25kts" to create an instrumental ornament on an album not lacking in hi! ghlights.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique and Fabulous!, December 13, 2002

By 

antithesis90 "antithesis90" (Hamel, MN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beautiful Wasteland (Audio CD)

Yes, it sounds like a concept that wouldn't work: traditional Celtic music and African chants. It is FABULOUS ~ it's a lively, driving CD that is wonderful from start to finish; it is by far my favourite Capercaillie, perhaps because of its uniqueness. This album is unlike anything you've ever heard, even put out by the band. There's plenty of mouth music to show off Karen's talent, and lots of fiddle work for fans of Charlie (like me!). It's brilliant and a must have for any Capercaillie fan! (My mom plays it when she cleans her house 'cause she says it motivational.)

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Capercaillie's best!, January 5, 2004

By 

Roderick Gilchrist (Pebble Beach, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beautiful Wasteland (Audio CD)

Absolutely the best Capercaillie album. The Celts and Scots were far ranging people and the African infusion blends perfectly.