Customer Reviews

Celtic Thunder

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

 

 

I was first introduced to Celtic Thunder by the sister of the Winch brothers. I can thank her for introducing me to the wonders of Irish music, because Celtic Thunder was and still remains my favorite Irish-American band. I was especially moved by "The Best Years of Our Lives," which tells the story of the father of Terry and Jesse Winch. A beautifully crafted piece and a wonderful album, from a spectacular group!

OK, I've found there's some confusion, as there's two different groups called "Celtic Thunder," although I believe this group disbanded some time ago. The confusion has meant that this group's other CD, "The Light of Other Days" is getting a lot of one-star reviews by customers who bought it thinking it's by the new all-male pop-oriented band.

THIS Celtic Thunder is a Baltimore-based rough-n-ready folksy traditional Irish group, with less slick production values but loads of soul and authenticity. The music ranges from jaunty dance tunes to reflective vocals, including the moving "The Best Years of Our Lives," based on the songwriter's family story. This is the sort of music you enjoy with a pint at your local Irish pub, and have a good chat with the musicians later, not some slick overproduced group seen a mile away at a stadium. Sadly out of print, this CD deserves revival and rediscovery.

If you're looking for traditional Irish folk, this is your CD.

I was looking at the channel guide a week ago and saw "Celtic Thunder" on the PBS schedule. I thought, "Whuh?! Those guys are still together. How nice. Wonder where they've been?"

Well, no, they're not still together, and as other reviewers have said, the PBS Celtic Thunder is totally unrelated. The latter group probably makes better use of the name, though, as they're big, loud, and flashy. This Celtic Thunder is much more restrained and, in my opinion, much more tasteful. They play straight-up, no B.S Irish music, and do it well.

I would not rank them in the same league as the great Irish bands that started up in the 70s, say, Planxty, or The Bothy Band, or De Danann. But it's a solid effort, and "The Best Years of Our Lives" is a gem, worth the price of the album by itself.