Customer Reviews

Misty Eyed Adventures

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After listening to this album you will "know who wears the crown" in the renowned musical Brennan clan(nad). Forget categories, this is just plain beautiful music, with inventive instrumentation, gorgeous harmonies, and interesting songs, all but three written by Maire. There is much variety in the instrumental sound here. Of particular note is the Arabian-style playing of the bouzouki in "Days of the Dancing", dobro (a very effective Nashville flourish) in "Dream On" and "Misty-Eyed Adventures". Also in the title song is a lead melodic instrument that sounds like a muffled wooden marimba - could that be the African djembe? And what provides that resonant xylophone sounding melodic percussion in "The Mighty One"? For anyone interested in these unusual sounds, song-by-song musical credits would have been welcome. But for those simply interested in beautiful music it hardly matters. Although Maire mixes English and Gaelic lyrics on many songs, only "A Place Among the Stones" seems fully Celtic in inspiration, perhaps cloyingly so, and is my least favorite song on the CD. These are my favorites: "Pilgrim's Way" has clanging church bells and multilayered vocals. Maire gives me chills on the low notes (e.g. "city of joy"). "The Mighty One", brings an air of suspense "Will they know who wears the crown?" and up-tempo chanting. Thrilling is not too strong a word for this, and it's my favorite song on the album. "Heroes" is a mixed success, with a great Gaelic intro, just Maire and drums, developing into a drum-driven extravaganza, but marred by excessive "la-la"-ing from Maire's backup sisters. "Misty-Eyed Adventures" (the song) is tenderly rendered and full of exquisite vocal harmonies. Just listen to Maire's gentle trill on the word "you" in "I'm there when you fall", and she will make you shiver. Behind that pure, quiet voice hides a lot of skill! Finally, "Dream On" is the most American sounding of the songs (Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi" excluded), with dobro taking the lead and a gentle rocking beat, my second favorite on the album. Dare I suggest in this age of crass commercialism that it could have been a hit? The other songs are good too, but these merit special attention. This is a very, very strong album, and Mighty Maire definitely wears the crown.

I now have all of Maire's solo albums and I reallylove her music. I even once saw her in concert and ever since that time I've been a very big fan. I really loved this album and the songs were pretty good. There were beautiful haunting songs like "Standing Stones", "Pilgram's Way", and the title track "Mysty Eyed Adventures." The title track is one of my favorites not only for it's beauty, but also because of it's touching lyrics. Other good songs include "The Mighty One", "Heroes", and "The Days of Dancing". "The Days of Dancing" is another one of my favorites (in a way, it reminded me of Loreena McKennitt's "All Souls Night"). I also liked her traditional influence in "The Days of the Dancing" and "Heroes" and her solo version of "Eirigh Suas a Stoirin". However, I have to admit "Big Yellow Taxi", a remake of a Joni Mitchell song, did not belong here. The slang language was not meant for Maire's beautiful voice and it had too many 'pop' sounds. Joni Mitchell's quality and Maire's quality don't fit together that well. Other than that song, the other songs had good quality, excellent sound, and touching lyrics.

I love this album. I really love this album! Maire mixes beautiful Spanish beats ("The Days of the Dancing") along with almost Indian sounding beat ("The Mighty One") and her tradtional Irish ("Heroes"). Along with her gorgeous voice on it she adds her "wee sisters", Bridin, Olive and Dee. Their voices mix beautifully and Dee even wrote "An Fhairraige". This is definitely a family ordeal, Maire and her husband, photographer Tim Jarvis wrote "The Days of The Dancing" and "Pilgrim's Way" togethor along with Tim doing the photography. The title track was for Maire's son, Paul (who also appears on her new album, "Whisper to the Wild Water"). Beautiful is the best way to describe this album. Davy Spillane appears on "A Place Among the Stones" and Joni Mitchell wrote the wonderful "Big Yellow Taxi". Even though I love Maire's little sis, Enya, I have to admit Maire tops my list.

Maire Brennan, the front-person of the legendary Irish group Clannad, always seems to produce her best work for her solo efforts. This is Maire's second solo CD, and while she has a healthy "underground" following, I feel she deserves as much fame as her sister, Enya. Whereas Enya creates pleasant enough sounds, Maire's compostions are well-crafted; given a better overall shape and structure to compliment their undeniable sensual power. The opening track, "The Days of The Dancing," is a real stunner which uplifts and celebrates the joy of being alive through sheer musical bravado and creative passion. Several other of Maire's sisters provide backing vocals, and they all use their voices as instruments in the true sense. The rest of the album struggles somewhat to compete with such an amazing opening number, but it all holds together quite nicely. The only complaint from me would be the lackluster cover version of Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi," which seems out of place alongside Maire's own songs. Still, that alone is not enough to spoil this excellent album. Even the cover is marvelous and really makes one yearn for the days of vinyl LP record sleeves when the pictures were larger!

Maire Brennan has a beautiful voice as you'll see when you listen to this album. I can't pick out a particular favorite tune but on every track you'll see that she really layers things with melody and of course the lyrics. Her sister is perhaps better known, but Maire is probably just as good in her own way, you won't be disappointed.

Maire Brennan's sophomore effort as a solo artist is definitely worth a listen. She tackles not only her usual Gaelic and instrumental pieces, but also a folk classic -- "Big Yellow Taxi." Brennan manages to make this piece her own, using an interesting, slightly slowed-down arrangement. Check it out!

I love this album, but it definitely isn't for everyone. Moya Brennan's first two solo albums were VERY experimental, with mixed results. The first one ("Maire") was a mess, but somehow, by the grace of God, "Misty Eyed Adventures" picks up where that one left off and comes together. That doesn't mean it's not weird, though. Don't just go by whether you like Clannad or not on whether to purchase this--listen to the samples first. Some people may find certain songs on here (especially "Heroes") downright unlistenable, while others, such as myself, will fall in love with them.

The overall effect is more "world music" than Celtic--African percussion is used extensively, and a Mediterranean/Middle Eastern flavor prevails on songs such as "The Mighty One" (which was written about Mount Everest) and "The Days of the Dancing." My favorite track is the slow, dreamy "An Fharraige," with its Gaelic lyrics and minimalist instrumentation--only a synthesizer drone, bodhran drum, and a little bouzouki support her voice for a meditative song on which truly, less is more. In other places, an American, almost country-western sound comes through (in no small part due to the clever addition of the dobro on several tracks), especially on "Dream On" and her cover of Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi." The album comes to a big finish with the exquisite, orchestrally-arranged "Eirigh Suas A Stoirin," the only traditional song on the CD.

Another gem is the title track, which was written by Moya as a mother's love song to her son Paul, when he was first born. It's very personal material for her to sing--and it's quite emotional.

Overall, if you are open-minded and like eclectic music, I believe this is Moya Brennan's strongest album. Just be sure you know what you are getting before you buy it.

I have listened to Maire for a long time, and I love her music. This album is probably one of the most Celtic recordings I've ever heard. I feel like I'm in Ireland dancing with the ancient Celts while I'm listening to it. She sings in Gaelic throughout much of the album, and it's fascinating! Irish is a beautiful, and very musical language, and Maire shows this through her songs. "The Mighty One," is a very good song/chant, I love "Days of the Dancing" too. BUY THIS ONE! You won't regret it! I have all of her albums, and I can't wait until she comes out with a new one.

This album was my introduction to Maire Brennan and it has me looking for more by her! The Days of the Dancing, Dream On, The Mighty One are just some of the wonderful, memorable tunes. The whole album is listenable again and again.

This album is powerful with Maire's vocals and the powerful beat. DAYS OF THE DANCING and BIG YELLOW TAXI are the best album cuts but the other materials can stand on their own.