Customer Reviews

For Love and Laughter

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

 

 

Contemporary Irish-American folk at its best, from one of the finest bands in the field... Although former members Karan Casey, John Doyle and John Williams will be missed, newcomer Mairead Phelan makes a fine lead vocalist, while the album is anchored by the top-flight musicianship of guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Seamus Egan, fiddler Winifred Horan (the band's two remaining founding members) and dazzling accordionist Mick McAuley. The group is undeniably a powerhouse, although reactions of fans towards the modern folk style that predominates on this disc will vary, depending on the listener's devotion to (or rejection of) strictly traditional material. Fans with more modern tastes, who are looking for the genre to expand its horizons, should be quite happy with this one! (DJ Joe Sixpack, Slipcue Guide To World Music)

I am a BIG Solas fan. Great musicians, wonderful people.
I've followed them, now, through 3 changes in lead singers. Each time it took awhile to get used to the new "voice" in the mix.The album itself is great. It's not just another "same old, same old" next album that you find with so many other groups. Very enjoyable.

I have always loved this band, since its inception. As with most Irish music groups, they can already boast of some impressive PAST members, including John Doyle, John Williams, Karan Casey, and Donal Clancy, but the current ensemble is still wonderfully talented and retains founders Seamus Egan and Winnie Horan. They have always played with a kind of gypsy flare, sort of Irish music "kicked up a notch," (as Emeril might say). The pop influence has grown even stronger with this CD, which might put off some rigid traditionalists, but I find it an irresistible confection (and I love traditional Irish music).

I loved the driving rhythms of the traditional song "Seven Curses," the wonderful song about life as a "Merry Go Round" (which could probably double as country music hit), the contemporary feel of "There is a Time," the expressive guitar and fiddle work on Sunday's Waltz/Double Oh," and the instrumental set that begins with "John Riordan's Heels." They also render a wistful, slowed down version of the classic song "Mollai na gCuach Ni Chuilleanain," which I have always heard played as an up-tempo song, but is successfully reinvented here.

Egan and Horan manage to imprint the same fiery signature that seems to transcend this band's various incarnations. Mairead Phelan from Ireland is a terrific lead singer, and the talented Mick McAuley and Eamon McElholm complete a world class quintet. If you ever liked SOLAS you will love this CD. I am tempted to say that if you love music period, you will be happy to bring home "For Love and Laughter." This one is worth five stars in my book.

So very good and satisfying. It has instantly become one of our perennial favorites, didn't take it long to rise to the top of my iPod's most frequently played list! What I most like about this CD is the mix of original and traditional tunes all done in Solas' wonderful style.

Another excellent CD from Solas! The new vocalist has a lovely voice, breather than Deirdre. I enjoyed all the selections.

Always been a huge fan of Solas. This CD is one of their best ever! New sound with the new vocalist, makes them younger and more hip. Merry Go Round is a great track, one of my current favorites!

I have been a fan of Solas for over 10 years and have seen them live countless times. Though the line-up of musicians has changed over time, the quality of music remains fantastic. Although new vocalist Máiréad Phelan is a beautiful person as well as a talented singer, I find her vocal style to be too soft and airy for the Solas that I know and love. Of course, no one can quite replace Karan Casey. Musically, it is amazing. Seamus and co. have brought forth a powerful traditional sound, as always. If you like this one, you will love their earlier work, as well as side projects from Winnifred Horan and former Solas members Karan Casey, and John Doyle (especially his work with Liz Carroll).