Customer Reviews

Indigenous

5 star:		(7)
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Anyone who has listened to Dougie knows that it's difficult to pick a favorite album. Each is very different, with unique character and stories to tell. But this is the album I sing along to the most, the one that lingers in my mind long after it ends. So if you're new to this artist, I recommend starting here. These songs meld sadness and beauty in such a compelling way that I imagine myself in them. They explain the heart of a people and individuals through difficult ages and powerful loves.

It's tough to explain why this music speaks so much to me. My musical tastes range from alternative to classic rock to a bit of Christian. All I can say is, the quality and poetry here should be experienced by everyone...and it will naturally be appreciated.

Without saving justice and fair judgment, there can be no peace. Oppressors have always sought to crush the helpless. Yet through it all, an Eternal Truth endures--haunting the dreams of all Kings and Princes who would balance their prosperity on the backs of the poor.

Several of the songs on Indigenous deal with the theme of Man's oppression of Man. "Rank and Roses," "War," "Slave's Lament," "Turning Away," "Let Her Go," "Thundering In," (and to a lesser, more subtle degree)--"Eternity" all deal in some way with this theme of oppression. When I think about it, an album that deals so much with this topic usually would not rate high on my list of things to listen to...but then again, this is Dougie MacLean we're talking about.

Though oppression is a main theme there is so much more to take away from here than just that... "Rite of Passage" is a great song about the need for defining experiences in our lives. The chorus says it all:

"you need that rite of passage before you can continue on--that brave self understanding you can lean your dreams upon."

"Slave's Lament" and "Ae Fond Kiss" are both wonderful arrangements of songs by Robert Burns (Dougie's version of Ae Fond Kiss is one of the sweetest love songs you will ever hear).

It is no secret that Dougie is my favorite living artist. He always blows me away. I have to second the sentiments of the reviewer of December ninth as to whether this is my favorite of Dougie's CD's...I can't really make up my mind between Riof and Indigenous. Both albums are so strong it is hard to decide.

Indigenous has no less than three of the songs that might just be my favorite song by Dougie (I've narrowed it down to seven songs that might be my favorite). "Rank and Roses" is one of the most lyrically moving songs Dougie has written. "Turning Away" sets my bones on fire. The last track (and Dougie is the undisputed master of the last track) "Eternity" resonates deeply in my soul.

If I could give more stars to Indigenous, I would...this is a GREAT album. I recommend it most highly.

The poignant and passionate delivery of these tracks makes it easy to see how dedicated Dougie is to his music. This artist conveys oppression in such melodic terms, and the version of Burn's `Ae Fond Kiss' is the most beautiful I have heard. Dougie's music never fails to move me to extreme heights of awe. A talented musician indeed, and his vocals are so delightful to listen to.

When it comes to Celtic music, I find Dougie's creations in a class of their own: absolutely addictive.

A couple of years ago, I was introduced to music by Dougie MacLean. I found him to be absolutely one of the most moving and talented musicians I have ever had the priviledge to listen to.

In short, Indigenous is one of the greatest CD's I have ever listened to. The music wraps around you and touches your soul. It is Dougie's best. I recommend this to Celtic and non Celtic music lovers. It is well done and an extraordinary work.

I unknowingly was introduced to Dougie because of Kathy Mattea's cover of 'Ready for the Storm' which moved me deeply. That was years ago. A month or so ago I saw a television special about Celtic music, and Dougie was featured. I ordered this cd after watching that show. It is my goal to own all of his recordings within the next month. As I said above: It gets NO better than this.

I recently rewatched the movie "Angel Eyes." for a Jennifer Lopez movie it was surprisingly very good - I was disappointed though, when I went to Amazon to check out the sound track - the woman who performed the song, who was quite good, was mentioned, but not the originator of the piece. It is a shame that Mr. MacLean was not given credit on the CD single which the singer put out. We need more people to "sing the praises" of the the Scottish Bard!

It's hard to choose my favorite Dougie MacLean CD. "Riof" is high on the list because I picked up my copy in Scotland, at Dougie's own shop on Cathedral Street in Dunkeld. But before "Riof" was issued, "Indigenous" was firmly #1. Dougie MacLean is an amazing musician, singer, and writer. His talent is that of a master who patiently crafts lasting works of simple, smooth beauty.

On "Indigenous," the songs "Rank and Roses" and "Slave's Lament" offer harsh words against man's need to use and abuse his fellow men ("You have no hold on us like the fear you laid on them, we are the seeds they grew...it's we that you must answer to"). "Thundering In" and "War" speak to the unfairness of war and disrespect for people, for land and for heritage. Yet Dougie delivers these messages -- these protest songs, if you will -- wrapped in lyrical folk melodies and with an easy, conversational tenor voice that comforts even as it raises anger at man's inhumanity to man. But there is love and optimism here, too, in "Ae Fond Kiss," in "Eternity" and "Rite of Passage," that assures you that despite the indignities we do to each other, the human spirit is forgiving and eternally strong.

Dougie MacLean, the man and his music, are treasures. If you like Celtic-based folk music with a message, try Dougie. You'll be hooked.