Customer Reviews

Craigie Dhu

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

 

 

There's no getting around saying this...so here it is: Dougie MacLean is not only one of Scotland's national treasures...he is a musical genius for the ages...and one of my favorite artists of all time. "Craigie Dhu," one of his earlier solo albums, is a thing of intense beauty and skillful mastery.

Dougie's voice sounds much younger than the Dougie of the 1990's and beyond...but that's not saying anything bad one way or another. I was taken aback for a couple moments (I had been introduced to the Dougie of "Riof" and "Marching Mystery"). Yet in the end, what the young Dougie's voice lacks in maturity, he more than compensates for in sweetness and honesty. As far as the music itself goes--Dougie's playing is, as always, mind-blowing (the title track being just one such instance).

"Craigie Dhu" is loaded with great songs. It has sweet love songs (Gin I Were A Baron's Heir; High Flying Seagull; It Fascinates Me) excellent arrangements of traditional tunes (the afore mentioned Baron's Heir; It Was A' For Our Rightfu' King; Bonnie Bessie Logan; and Tullochgorum). Dougie's own songs stand up well next to the classic tunes he arranges here.

The highlights of this disc for me are: the heartbreakingly beautiful "Gin I Were A Baron's Heir," "ready For The Storm" (which was covered by Rich Mullins on his album "Winds of Heaven Stuff of Earth"), the rollicking "Tullochgorum" and my favorite song on the disc--"Caledonia"--if it doesn't stir your soul...you'd better go check and make sure you have one.

Craigie Dhu is so deeply lovely I must give it my highest recommendation.

This was the album that sent me searching for Mr Maclean. It's an honest and clean start to a lengthy career and even after a dozen albums, it's still my favorite. The live fiddle track (Edmonton/ Craigie Dhu) is testement to a great performer - the crowd takes off with the tempo and somehow Maclean keeps up, fiddling for his life. I wore the first tape out in short order and remember kicking my car stereo when it ate the tape. I have replaced it several times throughout the years.

I was given a Putumayo Celtic compilation CD with 2 tracks onit by Dougie MacLean. I was so pleased by what I heard that I began an... listening frenzy for MacLean. Another reviewer advised starting with this CD (Craighe Dhu). I did. That was about 3 weeks ago. I have not stopped playing it since. If you like folk or celtic music, or soothing music in general, you will love this CD. If you are fond of James Taylor (for example) you will be grateful to have found Dougie MacLean. His music and lyrics are gorgeous, as well as his performance of traditional Scottish songs. The timbre of his voice, the command and interpretation he displays of the music (often accompanied only by his guitar) is some of the most affecting sounds I've ever heard. Yes, this is the album to start with, a wonderful introduction to MacLean. Don't miss it!

I stumbled on to Maclean's music by watching a Celtic music special on television. I immediately sat down and ordered this cd. While I love every song on Craigie Dhu, special favorites are "Gin I Were a Baron's Heir", "Bonnie Bessie Logan" and of course, "Caledonia". I will be ordering more of this man's cds. Highly recommended to anyone who loves Celtic music or just wants to hear a beautiful voice singing lovely songs.

You don't have to be Scottish to appreciate the beauty of these songs. All of them are so achingly beautiful that they transcend any small difficulties a listener may have with Dougie's accent and some of the Scots words, leaving the soul of the lyrics and melodies to be cherished. The opening track - "Gin I Were A Baron's Heir", a Robert Burns poem, lovingly performed by Dougie, is so filled with longing it might just break your heart to hear it. Likewise with the final track - "Caledonia" - Dougie's own declaration of love for his native land. But again, the soul of the words and tune can be applied to any country and sound just as heartfelt. Heart is the word to use frequently about Dougie McLean - in his own work and his interpretation of others. But Scotland does not hide this treasure. His soul is here for you to enjoy - wallow in it.

I have all of Dougie's albums and have seen him in concert twice, even got to talk with him. Cragie Dhu is my favorite of his. Dougie's songs have lyrical depth, his voice and guitar picking style make him instantly recognizable. This CD is on my "desert island" list for sure. The "Celtic" label is appropriate, but so is the "folk" label. I can't imagine anyone not loving this recording...you might even feel led to sing along!

Just another of Dougie's wonderful collections of songs, both traditional and original.

If you're already familiar with Dougie, you'll love this CD. If you've not heard him before, or only slightly, this will get you hooked on his smooth Scottish voice and uplifting words.

Wonderful. Buy it.

I had never heard of Dougie Maclean until a few weeks ago when NPR's "Thistle & Shamrock" played his "High Flying Seagull." I immediately got online and discovered Maclean's discography. I was stunned. How had I missed this prolific singer/songwriter? How could Dougie Maclean have been absent from my understanding of folk music? I have listened to "Craigie Dhu" nearly everyday since my Amazon package arrived.

This CD is my mood adjuster. "Ready for the Storm" sets me right when I'm facing a difficult task; the live, rowdy title track takes me to a tavern I'd like to hang out in every Friday night; "Tullochgorum" and "Caledonia" hand me ancient memories that my only ancestors held. I"ve never been to Scotland, but this CD makes me long for it.

I will buy more Dougie Maclean. But first I'm trying to see if I'll get tired of listening to this CD over and over. I'm thinking it'll take a good long while....

There's no one like Dougie MacLean. No longer living in Scotland, it's great to throw a MacLean CD in and be transported back to the hills, glens and lochs. Craigie Dhu is one of our favorite.

I was disappointed by this CD. I don't think his voice was very good when he was in his early twenties. And that Caledonia was a disgrace. Don't get me wrong I'm his biggest fan. The fiddle tune Craigie Dhu was awesome, just not the singin'.