Customer Reviews

Celtic Moods: A Celtic Companion to Pure Moods

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I have been a fan of the Pure Moods series since the first CD (in fact, I'm counting the days until "Pure Moods IV" is released), and I've loved Celtic music all my life. Consequently, I leapt at the opportunity to buy a "Celtic Moods" CD. However, the Pure Moods CD's are well-known for their wide variety of songs, and I did have an apprehension that the songs on this CD would all sound very similar to each other, since all the songs are one type: Celtic.

But I was pleasantly surprised; one Celtic song sounds very different from another. Some are upbeat and sound like Riverdance, while others are slower and yet still have a sense of Celtic mysticism in either the lyrics or instruments. And I used to think that all Celtic songs were played on old-fashioned instruments, but some here make excellent use of modern drum sets and even electric guitars. This CD is not without a few sore spots, however. Here is my report card for each song:

1. "Overture"--Carter Burwell. The theme song for the 1994 film "Rob Roy" is a romantic flute and string song followed by a European chant with a bouncy drum beat. A good introduction, but it does get a bit repetitive. Grade: A-

2. "Theme From Harry's Game"--Clannad. You've probably heard this song before. It's a beautiful chant, with haunting vocals and music. It could've been just a bit longer, though. Grade: A

3. "Samain Night"--Loreena McKennitt. Another slow song, featuring Loreena McKennitt's ethereal vocals and a dreamy string harmony. Very nice. Grade: A

4. "Only a Woman's Heart"--Eleanor McEvoy. This ballad makes a good use of strings and drums, combined with Eleanor McEvoy's soft vocals. And although the lyrics sound like those in a pop song, they too have a feeling of Celtic mysticism to them. Grade: A-

5. "Strange Boat"--The Waterboys. I like the violin, guitar, and piano in this song. But the vocals, drums, and especially the harmonica make it sound more like a country song. Grade: B

6. "Invisible to You"--Mary Coughlan. Similar to "Only a Woman's Heart", but not as good. The lyrics are overly poppy, and the music doesn't have much "Celtic" to speak of. The vocals are low and quite pleasant, but they don't have same Celtic feeling that was present in "Only a Woman's Heart". Grade: B-

7. "The Call to Dance Medley"--Leahy. The first Riverdance-like song on this CD is one of its greatest moments. It starts off quiet, with a distant but catchy drum beat in the background, then it really gets upbeat with a lively string melody and a terrifically fabricated modern drum beat. My one caveat is that near the end it does get a bit faster than it needs to. Grade: A

8. "The Gaelic Reels"--Capercaillie. Another song from "Rob Roy", this is a Riverdance-like song with a string and woodwind melody that plays for a full minute without rest. The hand claps make this song even catchier, although the song is pretty short. Grade: A

9. "Sleepy Maggie"--Ashley MacIsaac. This is a modern arrangement of a traditional European song, and the results are fantastic. It features a marvelous modern drum beat integrated superbly with a robust string harmony and a vigorous chant. I can't turn on the CD without listening to this song at least 3 times in a row. Grade: A+

10. "The Crib of Perches"--Matt Maloy. A very ordinary song, with just a single continuous flute melody and a guitar in the background, both of which get faster as the song goes on. Sounds nice, but has nothing in it that makes you want to listen it over and over again. Grade: B

11. "Blackbird"--Sharon Shannon. A happy song with a melody that sounds like a mouth organ, and with a guitar and piano in the background. Doesn't sound bad, but it gets a bit tiresome, and I think it's too jazzy to be considered "Celtic" in my book. Grade: B

12. "Heroine"--Sinead O'Connor. A great song, featuring Sinead O'Connor's searing vocals and enchanting lyrics. It's also one of the most modern songs on the CD, with electric guitars and contermporary drums, but the eerie harmonies continue to give the song a Celtic feel. Grade: A

13. "No Frontier"--Mary Black. This song sounds a bit like a French folk song, with interesting lyrics. A pleasant listen, except for the somewhat annyoing vocals. Grade: B

14. "The Island"--Paul Brady. BLAH! I learned to like most of the songs on this CD after a while, but this song is an absolute dud. Wimpy vocals, pointless lyrics, and no music except a very dissonant piano harmony that I could improvise in one 20-minute sitting. Not good. Grade: F

15. "Caide Sin Don Te Sin?"--Altan. A simple but very pleasant song, with a pretty chant and guitar melody. Could've been a little longer, but quite good as it is. Grade: A-

16. "Ride On"--Christy Moore. The guitar and strings make a more-than-passable harmony, but I find the vocals to be unimpressive and the lyrics to be overly depressing. Again, a song that doesn't sound bad, but doesn't have anything in it that really makes me want to listen to it over and over again. Grade: B-

17. "Woodbrook"--Micheal O'Suilleabhain. A delicate piano song with a lyrical string accompaniment. Makes a lovely conclusion. Grade: A

Celtic Moods is part of Virgin's very successful and highly entertaining "Moods" series of CD's. This one is the most different of the bunch, combining both more contemporary, "New-Age" celtic compositions like Clannad's famous "Theme from 'Harry's Game'" with more traditional pieces. Every song is a keeper. Carter Burwell (who wrote the brilliant music for "Fargo") has two wonderful songs at the start of the disc that set the mood perfectly. Other than the Clannad track, you probably haven't heard much of the rest of these songs before, but after hearing "Sleepy Maggie," "Heroine," and "Woodbrook," you won't forget them. Unlike so many compilations that attempt to capture the unique sound and seductive appeal of Celtic music with unsatisfying B-grade music, this one succeeds. It's a keeper.

I have to admit, I got Celtic Moods for free when I ordered Pure Moods 3 via the telephone therefore didn't have to waste a single penny on it. This cd is excellent. I have been a huge fan of Loreena McKennitt's music for a long time as well as Eleanor McEvoy's so I'm quite familiar with those two artists, along with Sinead O'Connor. I found the melodies hypnotic and transcending. I can definitely get into celtic music after hearing this compilation. I was pleasantly surprised to hear another version of "No Frontier" (which the Corrs covers on their unplugged cd). It didn't dawn on me that this was the same song the Corrs had covered until I heard Mary Black singing it. Other faves include Eleanor McEvoy's "Only A Woman's Heart" and The Edge & Sinead O'Connor's "Heroine". This cd is a must have for fans of Virgin Records' Moods series.

I have to hand it to the people who compile these CD's for keeping this one real. It is an unfortunate thing that "Celtic" culture has become associated with the New Age movement. Unfortunate because so often what is referred to as Celtic sometimes is so in name only, not to mention the fact that I can't tell people about my passion for it without getting some who roll their eyes. I am pleased to say though that aside from the packaging this is a collection that passes muster as it contains artists who are no less than the genuine article. Granted, Loreena McKennit is Canadian, but she has proven a strong dedication to the genre and when coupled with the likes of Paul Brady, well, let's just say his is a tide which lifts all boats. I recommend this along with any of the Celtic Twilight series as good introductions to this style of music.

"Celtic Moods" is a great compilation album for either the established fan of Celtic music or for the newcomer looking to familiarize herself with all the Celtic music world has to offer.

The high points:

"Samian Night"---Loreena McKennitt. Loreena is best known for her 1997 hit "The Mummer's Dance." This song, while not as polished as "Mummer's," is still a delight.

"Strange Boat"---Waterboy.

"The Gaelic Reels"---Capercaillie. What can be said of legendary Celtic band Capercaillie that hasn't already been said? They are a joy to listen to, an auditory treat.

"Sleepy Maggie"---Ashley MacIssac.

"Heroine"---Sinead O'Connor and the Edge. I am personally of the opinion that the Edge & O'Connor don't get the recognition they deserve, so it's only fitting for these two under-appreciated gems to get together. What they've created is a joy.

"No Frontier"---Mary Black.

"Caide Sin Don Te Sin?"---Altan.

"Ride On"---Christy Moore. This is one of those tunes that gets stuck in your head for days--and you're glad of it!

My only complaint is their inclusion of the overplayed "Theme From Harry's Game" by Clannad instead of one of their lesser-known but better-quality tunes.

It's a great album....and it'll give ye th' luck o' the Irish! OK, I made that last part up...but it's still a great buy, luck or no luck.

I have this CD, and enjoy it everytime I get the change to hear it. I am a huge fan of Celtic music, and this is a perfect CD to add your Celtic music library. This is an album that all Celtic music fans should have. Other Celtic albums you should try out are : Scottish Moods, the Christian "Eden's Bridge" collection, and the Celtic music from Lifescapes at Target.

I have both this CD and the first Pure Moods disc and enjoy them both very much. Celtic Moods has a lovely blend of vocals and instrumental tunes. People who are new to Celtic music will probably enjoy it very much. If you've been a Celtic fan for a while though, this CD may not appeal to your seasoned tastes.

Also recommended: Loreena McKennitt, Clannad, Great Big Sea, Cherish the Ladies

Celtic Moods is a really good CD. I like it alot. But then again I like anything IRISH. I've lost this CD a few times over the years and this is probably the 3rd time I had to buy the CD and I have no regrets. My favorite song on the CD is probably Ashley MacIsaacs Sleepy Maggie. Awesome song.

Copared to the other pure moods celtic moods brings you music from Ireland,Scotland & wales

This is a very good cd. It is perfect for someone who has alot of interest in celtic music but not to much This cd has the right amount of celtic music without over doing it
I own this cd and love it