Customer Reviews

No Gods

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

 

 

Brian McNeill has really developed as a songwriter since his first compositions with the Battlefield Band. The songs on this CD seeth with intensity, portraying him as a fierce Scottish patriot and a fighter of social injustice. The title song gets things off to a rousing start, focusing on the dangers of looking to quaint perceived Scottish history and tradition for modern answers. Fighter looks at a boxer and a pacifist and the fierce convictions uniting the two that Scotland could use in role models today. Any Mick'll Do starts with the too frequent scapegoating of Irish citizens in the quest for someone to blame terrorism on and explores the attitudes at the core of such thinking. The CD book has a wealth of info, detailing Brain's views and the inspirations for the songs.

Brian only shows off his fiddle virtuosity sporadically on this release, but it shows the intensity you would expect from him. There's also a great original tune on concertina, and some nice guitar work. Production varies from fairly simple to pretty grandiose, with horns and pipes assualting you on the opening and closing tracks. A nice rounded effort, musically interesting with some thought provoking songs.

This is bar none the best CD I've ever heard. I don't even like Celtic music, but I fell in love with this CD and subsequently Brian McNeill's music. I had the pleasure of meeting him recently, and he's as beautiful as his music. Be warned that this is thinking man's music. It's powerful, and moving.