Customer Reviews

Beautiful Wasteland

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.)

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

I'm a big Capercaillie fan, as well as a fan of Celtic music in general. It took a while for this CD to grow on me; as previous reviewers have mentioned, it mixes African influences with traditional Celtic music to an extent that their previous CDs didn't. However, listening to it, I began to appreciate how beautifully they had melded the two structures. There was a definite feeling of "order out of chaos" in some of the songs, especially the sublime "Co ni mi ruin"-- it sounds a bit confusing at first, but by the climax of the song, it's all you can do not to sing along. Other exceptional songs on the CD were "Shelter," a very simple ballad which shows off Matheson's voice with a minimum of instrumental accompaniment, and "Beautiful Wasteland," which has more of their previous modernized-Celtic thing going on. This is one of my favorite CDs, simply because I liked what they did with the music, but if you're not a fan of the direction their experimentation's taking, it's probably not for you.

Let me begin by stating that I am a Celtic music neophyte who wanted to acquaint myself with this type of music, so I did some searches here on Amazon, read the reviews, listened to the samples, and finally decided to try _Beautiful Wasteland_. I'm glad I stumbled upon this. I love all the songs and even play this CD on repeat at work! Karen Matheson has a beautiful voice (you can hear this on _M'Ionam_) that I can't get enough of. She sounds much better on CD than on the samples here so don't let that discourage you. This CD has a good mix of English and Gaelic songs to keep it interesting. I enjoyed this CD so much that I just placed an order for _Delirium_ and also Karen's _Dreaming Sea_. I know I won't be disappointed.

To the person who wanted English translations: Since this CD did not provide lyrics to the songs, I did a search and found their official website where they have some lyrics and translations.

After listening to this album, I am slightly disappointed. From listening their old releases, its as though Capercaillie wants to drift away from its Scottish roots and become a trendy dance/hip-hop band. Now don't get me wrong, that's fine for those who are into dance/hip-hop music. Although, for the rest of us that are into modern celtic music, its not. I don't believe that mixing one type of music with another is called evolving. It's called changing the very definition of the type of music you are playing. And that's how you lose your devoted fans.

Picture it! Your first trip abroad and you made it to Scotland your on a tour bus speeding toward your historic location, and out either side of your window you have the Scottish countryside buzzing by you. Now imagine the powerfully romantic voice of Karen Matheson and the day dreamy rythmns of Capercaillie as you make your visual memory. Karen has the best voice that I have heard Noone compares to her. If you are looking for Scottish music at its best I highly reccomend this cd for you! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT I PROMISE YOU!

This CD is the best yet from Capercaillie! Granted, it does not reflect their previous releases by the way of slower, more traditional style such as "Secret People" contains. But nevertheless, they still have the sound we have all grown to love and admire from this group. "Beautiful Wastelands" brings out the musical talents of each one of the band members, vocally as well as musically. If you want to hear octaves drop and rise in a mili-second and listen to the best fiddle playing and accordion jamming around, then this is the album I recommend to buy first. Then, buy the rest of them..... With an added note, if they ever come to your town, make sure you see them.

I have enjoyed the music of Capercaillie since receiving the cd in just a couple of days - thanks for the excellent service. I will definitely purchase from this vendor again!

I heard several songs from this album on a celtic radio show in Honolulu and they gave me chicken skin! which is what mainland folks would call goosebumps...anyway, I bought the album right away and love every piece on it. Can't wait to get a few more...Beautiful Wasteland has some traditional sounding Scottish pieces but also a wonderful piece with some African influence. You won't regret buying this one!