Customer Reviews

The Capercaillie Collection 1990-1996

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you are not already a fan of the incredible Scottish group Capercaillie, you will be after viewing this performance-oriented video. As its title proclaims, it's a collection of previous video performances from 1990-1996...prime creative years for a group that continues to push the envelope for quality, artistic integrity and sheer musicality. Lead singer Karen Matheson displays a vocal quality that hovers between sheer beauty and classic tradition as she alternates between both Gaelic and English language songs. The production quality of the videos is high, but never over-the-edge. The visuals include straight concert footage (from the legendary 1992 "Two Nights of Delirium" concert in Scotland) to soft, dreamy images that intertwine the band's music with the Scottish countryside. Particular showcases on this tape are two of Capercaillie's best-known songs, "Coisich A Ruin" and "Alasdair Mhic Cholla Ghasda" (I don't understand Gaelilc, but the beauty and sincerity of Karen Matheson's voice is overpowering). The band, itself, is tight throughout the video. The video is quite a bargain...there are over 25 selections spread over 70 minutes. Bottom line: If you are already a fan of Capercaillie, rush out to get this video. Since they don't tour America very often, it is the perfect vehicle to witness a live performance of the music that's been displayed over their 10+ album releases. If you are not YET a fan but want to experience the best that Celtic music has to offer...highlighted by the truly awesome vocals of Karen Matheson...get this video.

I have a European edition of this DVD (it was released earlier). It is an excellent showcase of this great Scottish band! Live footage, music type videos and scenes from "Rob Roy". Karen Matheson is a beautiful woman with a beautiful voice! You will enjoy this DVD that tracks Capercaillie from 1990-1996. Enjoy!

I think I have every US release of Capercaillie's CDs. They have been in my town years ago and I missed their appearances. I look forward to their delayed US tour. This is a fine group of musicians who just work so well together. Karen Matheson's voice and musical range has no peer. She can sing gaelic songs in such a way that I care not that I have no understanding of what is being sung. Her voice and artistry are more than enough to make her music worth listening to. The band's musical and vocal harmonies tell me that these performers work to make it's audience happy. As to what musical genre they belong to, I could not say. This makes listening to Capercaillie a new and refreshing departure for those who like musical exploration. See this one and share it with a friend.

i'm a die hard capercaillie fan, but sadly haven't seen them live before :(..cancelled australian tour... this dvd does not make up for a live performance, but its a good alternative... watch it, and u'll be a fan in no time!.. karen matheson's voice is pure magic!

Not your typical overproduced gee-whiz video, here are 15 year old performances of the band in theaters, under tents, and at dockside with the band surrounded by a small crowd,some grainy video, some black and white and some with a lot of bells and whistles with a great deal of Scots countryside and cityscape thrown in. It's like a travelogue with really great music and 1980s fashions and hair styles and what comes through most is innocence. I do wish the band would do something more current on a DVD but Karen Matheson's voice is of course, timeless.

Excellent musicianship and to die for voice, but below standard sound & video quality. I have to put on Alison Krauss + Union Station or Eagles' Hell Freezes Over to remind me, that the DVD medium CAN be good. Any producer making a life recording should know this by now. Save your money, by one of Capercaillie's CD's instead.

Funny to think that this band of Scottish, British, and Canadian musicians first appeared on Green Linnet Records; a tiny American label. What makes Capercaillie so wonderful is their fearless blending of folk, rock, and jazz. Beginning as an electric folk band with interesting arrangements-- I recall seeing them play in 1990 at McCabe's in Southern California-- and a compelling lead singer, you can see in this DVD how they've grown into a world-class act.

The live concert footage ranges from the group playing Celtic folk tunes before a small crowd at the beach, to an adoring, large theatre audience caught-up in the mighty swirl of their jazz-syncopated rhythms, electro-acoustic trance music, and melodically rich rock songs. The concert video looks to be 35mm film and the sound quality is robust enough to do justice to Karen Matheson's remarkably pure, powerful voice.

Capercaillie have the power to shock with the quality of their songwriting and excitement of their musicianship and energy. This
DVD can happily fit in with music from The Corrs, Fairport Convention, or even Genesis while remaining unique.

I lived in the Western Highlands during the 80s when Karen and the band were pretty much a bunch of local kids(a very talented bunch having said that)playing the scene there. It's been a pleasure to watch them and their success-- you'll enjoy this!