Customer Reviews

Nobody Knows: The Best of Paul Brady

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You know how it is - you buy an album based on what you've heard before - more often than not, you're disappointed. Fact is, I've been a BIG fan of Paul Brady and Andy Irvine doing Trad Irish... and, I couldn't help but notice Brady's work with Bonnie Raitt (of whom I am also a HUGE fan).

So, I thought I was setting myself up for a fall when I ordered this album; but, I was more than surprised - yeah - delighted!!

This album keeps me singing along, drumming and toe tapping... and reminds me a bit of a soft Sting, a taste of Boz Scaggs, and a male Bonnie Raitt (the fit is affiirmed).

And then there are the Trad Irish re-recordings.... This album has brought me much pleasure and if this style of music resonates, I highly recommend it!

Irish singer-songwriter Paul Brady long ago abandoned the comfortable confines of traditionalism for the shakier terrain of electrified, synthy pop-folk. It's not a style I much care for, although it must be said that Brady is a much better and more engaging songwriter than most who tackle this style. Plus, with jewels like "The Island," this collection has more than a a few nice moments to recommended. It'll certainly give you a good idea of Brady's range, though I wish they had included more of the old stuff.

Paul Brady's Collection is an exellent choice if you want to familiarise yourself with his musical career.Brady was once a Traditional,Folk Irish musician and was also once a member of the renowned Irish Folk Band Planxty.This collection gives you a good taste of an extrordinary career spanning the 70s 80s and 90s.For me personally Nothing But The Same Old Story is a classic among many.He has been recorded by Santana,Bonnie Riatt,and Dave Edmunds among others.Once known as Irelands best kept secret,that title has since diminished as he became known worldwide in recent times.Comparisons have been made with Van Morrison also,but I think Brady is more versatile with musical instruments and lyrics.Go out and buy this album as a starting point as each song has it's own story,and each song is a gem.

I have always been a lover of Irish Traditional music, but Paul Brady combines this with a funky up to date style. I especially love "The Island" and my all time favorite "Crazy dreams". There is a lot of talent here and can he play the guitar!

Anybody who hasn't heard Paul Brady, ought to. Among other things, he wrote, and sang backup on, two of the songs (including the title song) on the best Bonnie Raitt album ever: "Luck of the Draw." Brady has traditional Irish folk music roots, but he can write, sing and play more contemporary, rock & roll-sounding Irish-infused stuff with the best. Also, he sounds as good in concert as live. (With all respect, the first reviewer is wrong about "The Lakes of Ponchatrain." I spent about five years of Saturday nights helping throw the occasional obnoxious drunk out of the best Irish music bar in San Francisco. I'd always play "Lakes" on the jukebox as the last song of the evening.)

"It's nothing but the same old story . . . .

"The Island" was the main reason I made this purchase....."The Lakes of Ponchartrain" was probably the least. I was very pleasantly surprised at the entire CD. And although I have some trouble fully understanding all the lyrics, it's one of those "put the top down on your car on a sunny day & float down the highway" CD's. The sounds are upbeat, thought provoking,crisp & clear. Made me want to bounce as I drove!!! Though I'm an avid Irish Trad. person, Paul's sounds are universal. Not the usual Trad lamenting on war & tradgedy.I liked this CD from beginning to end! Nice, very nice!

I was introduced to Paul Brady on the Aerlingus Airline's audio entertainment system on the Dublin-Los Angeles flight home on 30 April 2004 after two wonderful weeks of vacation in Ireland. I purchased the CD on Amazon.com and listened to it this afternoon.
Unbelievable musical ability by a long-term artist.
Paul, thank you for your efforts and "staying with it".