Customer Reviews

Capercaillie

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

 

 

CAPERCAILLIE, a self-titled disc, is a set of remixed and reworked songs, mostly from SECRET PEOPLE (which is, for some strange reason, getting hard to find).

Most of the songs give an even greater showcase of Capercaillie's singer Karen Matheson but, to tell the truth, the original versions are better. Giving songs like "Alisdair Mhic Cholla Ghasda" an afro-sounding beat might make them hip and modern, but the remixing takes away from the traditional nature of Capercaillie's repetoire.

Because a lot of the tracks of SECRET PEOPLE were already pretty contempory-sounding, a few songs like "Bonaparte" and "The Miracle of Being" aren't very different from the originals. But nonetheless, I would encourage anyone to pick up SECRET PEOPLE (or any other Capercaillie album) before listening to this interesting, though uninspired, diversion.

I was disappointed in this album. Most of the songs were remakes from the "Secret People" CD (I already knew this) and I guess I just expected better. There is liberal use of musical programming on each song and (in my opinion) it gets monotonous pretty quickly. I'm a big fan of Capercaillie but this one just didn't cut it for me. The versions on "Secret People" are better.

This album includes one of my favorite Capercaillie tunes -- actually in two versions -- the incredible "When You Return." Both versions are very soulful and Karen's signing is at its very best. The longer version has its own distinct feel, and it creates a very unique mood from beginning to end. Although this album does contain some songs from other albums, this album as a whole offers an unique window into Capercaillie's musical sensibilities. This is a "must" album for anyone who enjoys the music of Capercaillie.