Customer Reviews

Secret People

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

 

 

During a 1998 visit to Scotland, I was taken with the lush voice of the lead singer who's songs seemed to grace every establishment I entered. After no less than six days of running into "Four Stone Walls" I asked the name of the recording, as I knew that the music enjoyed by so many was going to be a part of my personal library. An artist in a candle shop at Traquair House brought out a well-worn copy of the CD, and said, "Secret People" and explained to this Yank' that this music inspired his work. The sound of the islands of Scotland is contained in nearly an hour music, and exemplifies the proud and romantic essence of an outwardly practical people. Some of the tracks use synthesizer to recreate the mood of the modern landscape of the Highlands, with success. Percussion is used to express the contemporary world, with impressions and images of day-to-day life. We all seek and listen to music that inspires and celebrates us in this life. "Secret People" is a classic because the artists in Capercaillie have succeeded in fulfilling both these categories.

There's a lot of Celtic music out there, and sometimes it's hard to decide which of the myriad artists are the ones to purchase and listen to. After a half-dozen friends all started recommending Capercaillie, I picked up Secret People and gave it a try. Well, I wasn't disappointed -- every track on this disc, in its own way, shines through with a lyrical beauty and a musical power that is difficult to find anywhere else. Capercaillie continues mixing tradition ("Hi Rim Bo", "Seice Ruairidh", among others) with their own spin and abilities, as well as their own songs, to create an album that is just a great experience for an hour at a time.

If Capercaillie has done anything consistently and successfully, it has been to change the sound of their performances. "Secret People" took a long while to grow on me, for it definitely has a hard, more rock influenced sound than any other CD. Yet it still maintains and exhibits the band's strength: mouth music featuring Karen Matheson, reels and jigs that fulfill the necessary "traditional" sound we appreciate, and softer, more melodic songs. This CD also has a very political aspect to it, exhibited best in "Black Fields" and "Four Stone Walls" (reminiscent of "Crooked Mountain" in terms of sound). But the driving beat behind this album is addicting (particularly "Bonaparte") and will only enhance a Scottish collection.

There is something about the voice of Capercaillie's lead singer, Karen Matheson, that just sends shivers down my spine (in a good way). She has one of the most beautiful voices that I have heard, whether she's singing in English or Gaelic, it's a pleasure.

This CD has a wonderful mix of fast-paced reels and slow, haunting tunes that really take advantage of Matheson's voice. Probably the best song on there is "Grace & Pride" as far as vocals go, with "Crime of Passion" a close second. But then it changes focus and makes you want to get up and dance along with the fiddle during "Whinney Hills Jigs."

If you're a fan of Celtic music, you will love this CD. If you haven't experienced it yet, this would be a good CD to start with. Matheson's voice is worth the price of admission by itself.

This is one great album. It is a mixture of contemporary and traditional Celtic music and I highly recommend it. The more I play it, the more that I love it. The only place that I have heard Capercaillie is on XM radio and I think that they are a fantastic band. If you like Celtic music with a rock undertone, you will love this album.