Sense of Freedom

Wolfe Tones | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 9, 1992)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Shanachie
• ASIN: B000000E0M
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #202,291 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic album, containing songs that needed to be sung., September 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Sense of Freedom (Audio CD)

I was very enthusiastic about reviewing this album until I sat down to write the review. Where does one start? There is such strong selection of songs on this album, quite amazing. What stands out about the Wolfe Tones in Irish balladry is that so many of these quality songs are their own. Brian Warfield proves his versatility starting with "The Merman", a tale about an old Irsh sailor shipwrecked and rescued by Mermaids. Such is the atmosphere invoked in this song that one could imagine the story being set to animation and becoming a success in it's own right. Derek Warfield, a brother of Brian, brings to us the tale of "Sgt William Bailey", an old British army recruiting sergeant sent to Ireland to persuade Irish youth to take the "dirty shilling". But his day, as the song celebrates, has come and gone.However the Wolfe Tones make sure it is not forgotten. "Farewell to Dublin" is such a bueatiful song reminding us of the wealth of characters that that city has given us. Again this song is written by Brian Warfield. The vocals are by Tommy Byrne, lead singer, who is simply the top man at delivering emotive ballads. Tommy then sings "Admiral William Brown", a powerful song written by Derek at the time of the British invasion of the Malvinas. The "Catalpa" celebrates John Devoy and the Fenians, and their American connections. It recalls a famous event at sea when the boys raised the "Stars & Stripes" above the ship to protect it from attack by the British. "Irish Eyes" was deservedly a big hit for the Tones in the eighties. If one was to think about recent blockbuster movies which were filmed in Ireland or indeed written about events in Irish history the next two songs might provide a clue. Once again the Wolfe Tones were ahead of the posse. "Flower of Scotland" is now recognised a the real Scottish national Anthem and these sentiments of Scotish Nationhood were portrayed recently by Mel Gibson in "Braveheart".

"Michael Collins" is a tribute to a huge figure in Irish history, and indeed a controvertial one. Long before Liam Neeson put on his tunic Derek Warfield was asking us through this song to come to terms with the Irish cival war."Brother on brother , they never should turn", It was during this war and the Tan War preceding it the many Irishmen found themselves "rebels on the run", as Tommy sings in the "Galtee Mountain Boy". "May their cause be ner' forgotten..." The next song "the Piper that played before Moses" is a bit of a comical turn delivered by Derek. However it is the bueatiful playing of thr "Uileann Pipes" by Noel Nagle that really gets to you. "Let the people sing " really describes what the Wolfe Tones and their songs and performances are about. Songs "warm and tender", in "song you can protest". How true, without these type of songs there would be no Dylan, no Lennon, no Wolfe Tones! As magnificent as this album has been so far, the final song, "Joe Mc Donnell", simply stands shoulders apart. If Brian Warfield never wrote another song, if Tommy Byrne and the Wolfe Tones never sang another song, this song would have been enough. The events of 1981, the great Hunger Strike, it was such an emotive issue, such an important event in Irish history. This song captures that emotion and despair in Ireland at that time and sets the record straight as to how the people felt. Then again, thats what the Wolfe Tones have always done, isn't it? And they continue to do so, 35 years on the road, the same vintage as Dylan,the same quest for justice through song. Long may they continue.I can not recommend this album high enough. Slainte don an bhaird , Dougie.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Musicians WIth Good Songs, June 20, 2000

By 

Patrick J. McGervey "Patrick J. McGervey" (Avon Lake, Oh United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sense of Freedom (Audio CD)

In the tradition of musicians who sincerely believe in what they are presenting, the Wolfe Tones present here a moving selection to arouse the emotions of those with Irish Rebellion flowing in their veins. Unlike most rebel albums, however, these world class musicians present their material with a beauty and grace that can stand apart from the message of their songs. When this album was presented in the wake of the 1981 hunger strike and Thatcher's response it was particularly poignant.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Sense of Freedom for the Senses!, February 28, 2004

By 

Wachkatze (Central Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sense of Freedom (Audio CD)

There are times when words simply cannot convey the feelings or perceptions to the extent intended by the speaker. Such times often involve issues extending far beyond the realm of what philosophers sometimes refer to as single-plane dimensionism. When faced with situations such as this, our senses often take control and grant us the ability to visualize and experience the intangible nature of the event. The Wolfe Tones present a profound example of this phenomenon in this CD. Through their lyrics the Tones strive to help one feel the very nature of the Irish experience: eight-hundred years of senseless pain,suffering and bondage; love of country and internal fortitude; a burning desire for their own identity and freedom; rebelliousness for the cause of right in the face of overwhelming adversity, and unyielding hope, courage and valor, and they will entertain you in the process with a unique down-home musical style and passion of character guaranteed to bring a smile to the face and a tear to the eye. As you listen to songs such as Joe McDonnell, Admiral William Brown, Farewell to Dublin and all the rest, you'll know what I'm talking about. Some things you just have to experience for yourself.

The Tones have been together now for 40 years, which has to be a world record. They are the greatest Irish rebel band in history, and their mystical ability to attract fans spanning the entire spectrum of age groups remains as solid today as it did 40 years ago. Only a very small number of groups can legitimately claim this impressive honor. What more can I say? The Wolfies are awesome. Up the Tones!