Customer Reviews

Riof

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I discovered Dougie MacLean when I fell in love with his version of "Auld Lang Syne" on the BRAVE HEARTS NEW SCOTS MUSIC CD I recently purchased. I had never heard of him but after hearing that song I was inspired to look into his other works and purchased Riof through Amazon. Every song on this CD is awesome. Dougie's lyrical voice just flows right through you, and the instruments backing him up are just as mesmerizing. I know I'll be playing this CD over and over and over....

I fell in love with Dougie's music over the stereo in the gift shop at Balnain House (Inverness, Scotland) and bought Riof immediately (and paid a pretty pound for it, though I have never regretted it). "The Scythe Song" and "Stepping Stones" are two of my favorites. This album is a great example of modern Celtic-influenced music that is not rock or merely a "new" version of the traditional songs. Dougie's music is very uplifting and inspiring; I find Riof is a great album for putting on during a long soak in the tub at the end of a rough day. Finally, if you ever get the chance to see Dougie live--do it! (Last year's May Day performance at the Cactus Cafe was awesome.) If you don't get that chance, or while waiting, buy Riof instead.

A friend of mine recently introduced me to the music of Dougie MacLean. I have just about worn out the tape he sent me. Luckily, I received a copy of "Riof" as a Christmas gift...

It is one of the best albums I have ever had the privilege to hear. Every song reeks of greatness, and simple wonder.

I am a "lyrics man" when it comes to music (not that "Riof" has bad instrumental playing...it actually has some of the best guitar playing I've ever heard). I love the way Dougie uses his words on this disc. Some examples:

In the beautiful "Scythe Song" Dougie expresses a truth about how it feels to find ourselves truly free when he says: "Oh wild are the ways we run when at last untethered out we fly straight into the burning sun need no direction, no not I."

The opening track, "Stepping Stones," contains this great passage: "And in these silent hours when reflection lays our journey down and we think on all departed conversations it's such an earthy sound."

My favorite song on the disc is probably "Distant Son." The whole song is an intricate piece of beauty. I particularly like the words of the chorus: "And now I can be free within these winds of change it wildly comes to me unfolding endlessly." Amen.

I recommend this disc wholly, completely, and with all my heart. But don't take my word...get the disc and be convinced for yourself.

I happened upon Dougie Maclean's music quite by accident when I spotted him on a tv show about Celtic music. I ordered my first cd and have been collecting them since. Just when I think I've gotten the best cd ever, I order another one and it becomes my new favorite. Such is "Riof". What sets this cd apart is the sheer poetry of Dougie's always thoughtful lyrics. Each track gets better and better and as usual, he closes his album with probably the strongest song. I truly regret not being aware of Maclean's music on my trip to Scotland, it would have been a joy to stop by Dunkeld. But his songs bring back wonderful memories of that amazing land and it's people. I cannot recommend his music highly enough and "Riof" is a great way to start. If you enjoy beautiful music sung extraordinarily well you will not regret buying this cd.

Dougie MacLean's "Riof" is a wonderful collection of Scottish-themed singer/songwriter selections. It is wonderfully produced with gentle piano, acoustic and electric guitars, and numerous other instruments, many played by Dougie himself. His strong vocal interpretations joined with strong instrumentation make this an overall excellent piece of work. With his wife's paintings on the cover, his mother playing melodeon on one cut, and his son's percussion and technical assistance, this is truly a family enterprise. While it has some Scottish instruments and themes, this music will appeal to folk music enthusiasts everywhere. The heavily textured music and vocals are evocative of universal themes of love and longing. Dougie MacLean's expert wordsmithing have produced a fine collection of songs that won't stray far from the turntable.

I had the pleasure of seeing Dougie in concert last weekend, and they were selling his CD's in the club. I asked the friend I had gone to the concert with to choose one for me. He selected Riof, and I am so grateful to him. Nothing is as moving to me as really good music, and this far surpasses that. Dougie has a gift that we are fortunate enough to have him share with us. Each time I listen to this CD I am transported to a warm and wonderful place. His lyrics are magical, his melodies are riveting. Stepping Stones, Scythe Song, Feel So Near, Gneiss Wind, She Will Find Me and Distant Son are particularly beautiful. My first, but certainly not my last Dougie CD! I just ordered Indigenous and Perthshire Amber, and I can't wait to get them. In the meantime, I will continue to listen to Riof - it is a gem.

This is my fav Dougie LP...Absolutely brilliant folk music, that happens to come from a Scots man...gorgeous melodies, wonderful lyrics and a great voice to bring it all home!!!
What is with the comparisons to James (Coo-Coo) Taylor???- the only similarity perhaps, is they both play accoustic guitars...Dougie is far superior in all aspects of songwriting (and live performances) and one listen to this record will hook you to this guy's music!!...

I ran into Dougie MacLean when Folk Alley played "Scythe Song" and I knew I had to have it. When the CD arrived I realized that I'd gotten much more than I expected. This is a gem! I recommend it to anyone who is a "folkie" or even close.

This is one of the best cd's that my husband and i have ever bought. We had the oppurtunity to see Dougie Maclean in Pasadena at a small acoustic concert. Needless to say that once you hear his music you will be hooked.

I accidentally came upon Dougie Maclean while tuning past our local progressive/alternative music station on my way to finding NPR on the radio. I heard a song which I loved, went to the station's website and searched the playlist. It was Dougie singing Feel So Near. I then listened to excerpts from each of his albums(thank you, Amazon), trying to find my favorite. I purchaced Riof and Essentials. I love, love, love Riof and play it constantly. Simple sounding, yet musically complex with extremely thoughtful lyrics. My favorite is Distant Son, then Stepping Stones, followed by Feel So Near. My other favorite, not on this CD, is Caledonia.

Serendipity is everywhere.

My father was born in Ireland of Scots-Irish parents. My mother was Scots-Irish Appalachian. I'm tempted to learn Scottish Gaelic.....

Italy was the birth place of my husband, and I am only a few generations from Scotland.....both countries so fabulous...