Libertango [Import]

Sharon Shannon | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 8, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Grange Court
• ASIN: B0000AM78B
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #888,329 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Whitestrand Sling

2. Libertango

3. Duncan's

4. An Phailistín

5. Albatross

6. Hogs and Heifers

7. The Seven Rejoices of Mary

8. All the Ways You Wander

9. The Burst Mattress

10. Space Party

11. Anachie Gordon

12. The Wishing Well

13. What You Make It (Da da da Da)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The gloriously unpredictable Irish accordion virtuoso, fiddler and bandleader returns with another remarkably varied set. She is accompanied by a consort of tried-and-true homies, such as her talented sister Mary, plus prominent guest stars. The tunes range from rhythmically robust yet minutely-crafted trad-arr extravaganzas to a neo-tango (with vocals by Kirsty McColl, no less) that made its way onto the album via Grace Jones and the late Argentinean composer/bandoneon master Astor Piazzolla. There is also a tongue-in-cheek tribute to Hogs And Heifers, a notorious NYC bar catering to bikers, frat boys and exhibitionists. However, Sinéad O'Connor's simple, ardent treatment of the The Seven Rejoices Of Mary raises the tone, as does All The Ways You Wander, featuring the girlish, bell-like soprano of Pauline Scanlon. An Phailistin describes the tragedy of the Palestinian people. Sung in Egyptian and Irish by Róisín Elsafty and her immigrant family, it is a genuine heartbreaker. --Christina Roden

Product Description

SHARON SHANNON Libertango (2003 UK 13-track CD including lyric booklet & also featuring Kirsty MacColl Roisin Elsafty Pauline Scanlon & Sin?ad OConnor yellow bordered digipack picture sleeve with white text on disc IRL001)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not traditional but wonderful, October 30, 2007

By 

Anna in PDX (was Cairo) "Anna" (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Libertango (Audio CD)

I have several of Sharon Shannon's earlier albums and I love Irish traditional music. This one is very eclectic but gorgeous. Sinead O'Connor's voice has not dimmed through the years, and the songs Seven Rejoices of Mary and Anachie Gordon are beautiful, but my favorite thing is the rap song at the end that is superimposed over the Irish tune that was played at the beginning - it's so upbeat and joyful.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Nearly as Good as Diamond Mountain Sessions, November 6, 2004

By 

Liam (London, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Libertango (Audio CD)

The only reason I didn't give this CD the full 5 stars is because it has a weak track, whereas Diamond Mountain Sessions (the other Shannon CD I have) didn't, in my opinion. If you liked D M, then you'll definitely like this. It's not exactly more of the same, because it's largely Irish, compared to D M's more international feel, incorporating American folk influences, but you will be easily absorbed into the jaunty reels, and the heartfelt airs, courtesy of Pauline Scanlon and Sinéad O'Connor.

Hogs and Heifers is a delightfully dainty fiddle piece, which I'm still trying to learn to play by ear. An Phailistín is very enjoyable and has an overwhelming "home made" feel to it. This isn't because the recording standards are bad(!). I think it's because the chorus, which the whole family joins in with, has a sense of unity. That may not make sense until you hear for yourself!

The Seven Rejoices of Mary is a very interesting piece, which Sinéad learned from some monks. At first, I found it quite boring and uninspiring, but like several of the other tracks on this CD, the more I listen to it, the more I appreciate it.

The only track that I'm not keen on is the title track, Libertango. The track lacks, I think, the essence of Shannon's other music. It's not as "catchy" and doesn't really draw you into it. At first, I really wasn't that keen on the last track, What you Make it, either - it's basically a re-hash of the The Whitestrand Sling, with an overwhelming rap element. But as I've continued to listen to it, it's grown on me somewhat.

This CD has some beautiful melodies, notably Anachie Gordon, which is very skillfully sung. Its more upbeat tracks are what we have come to expect of Shannon - uplifting, original and above all, they entice you to reach for the repeat button!

I would absolutely recommend this to anyone, but particularly those who have another of Sharon's CDs. It's not quite as accessible at first as D M Sessions and you may well find it a slight let-down at first, but the CD will definitely grow on you. Put it this way - I now love it just as much as D M!

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Nearly as Good as D M Sessions, October 7, 2004

By 

Liam (London, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Libertango (Audio CD)

The only reason I didn't give this CD the full 5 stars is because it has a weak track, whereas Diamond Mountain Sessions (the other Shannon CD I have) didn't, in my opinion. If you liked D M, then you'll definitely like this. It's not exactly more of the same, because it's largely Irish, compared to D M's more international feel, incorporating American folk influences, but you will be easily absorbed into the jaunty reels, and the heartfelt airs, courtesy of Pauline Scanlon and Sinéad O'Connor.

Hogs and Heifers is a delightfully dainty fiddle piece, which I'm still trying to learn to play by ear. An Phailistín is very enjoyable and has an overwhelming "home made" feel to it. This isn't because the recording standards are bad(!). I think it's because the chorus, which the whole family joins in with, has a sense of unity. That may not make sense until you hear for yourself!

The Seven Rejoices of Mary is a very interesting piece, which Sinéad learned from some monks. At first, I found it quite boring and uninspiring, but like several of the other tracks on this CD, the more I listen to it, the more I appreciate it.

The only track that I'm not keen on is the title track, Libertango. The track lacks, I think, the essence of Shannon's other music. It's not as "catchy" and doesn't really draw you into it. At first, I really wasn't that keen on the last track, What you Make it, either - it's basically a re-hash of the The Whitestrand Sling, with an overwhelming rap element. But as I've continued to listen to it, it's grown on me somewhat.

This CD has some beautiful melodies, notably Anachie Gordon, which is very skillfully sung. Its more upbeat tracks are what we have come to expect of Shannon - uplifting, original and above all, they entice you to reach for the repeat button!

I would absolutely recommend this to anyone, but particularly those who have another of Sharon's CDs. It's not quite as accessible at first as D M Sessions and you may well find it a slight let-down at first, but the CD will definitely grow on you. Put it this way - I now love it just as much as D M!

The bottom line: skip off to your local music shop and buy it now.