Sing a Powerful Song

Saw Doctors | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 4, 1997)
• Original Release Date: November 4, 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Paradigm [Ryko]
• ASIN: B000003O8H
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #317,579 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

In 1990, the Saw Doctors, an obscure band from the rural backwater of County Galway, topped the Irish charts with their second single, "I Useta Lover." It remained in the No. 1 slot for nine weeks and became the biggest selling Irish single ever at that point. They play the sort of roots-rock that has seldom dented the American charts since the E Street Band disbanded, but the Saw Doctors' roots include a large dose of Irish folk music as well as American rockabilly and British pub-rock. By 1997, the group had gone on to release three hit albums and an EP, scoring three Top 30 British hit singles in the process. Even though they toured America three times, the Saw Doctors never had a U.S. release until Sing a Powerful Song was released late in 1997.

Culled from their previous Irish releases, this 17-song compilation makes a strong case for the Saw Doctors as one of the world's most appealing roots-rock outfits. The quartet plays with a loose-knit affability that de-emphasizes flashy solos and sonic innovation in favor of joyful gusto. This could easily lapse into bar-band clichés, but the songs written by the band's two singer/guitarists are too good for that. Davy Carton and Leo Moran have a sharp eye for mixed emotions and lyric detail, which they marry to bouncy melodies. They lionize Ireland's "N17" in much the same way Bobby Troup once celebrated America's "Route 66," but Carton and Moran are smart enough to balance the romance of the road with an acknowledgment of the price it demands. In "To Win Just Once," they have crafted an anthem for the losers of the world, and in "Same Oul' Town," they have mixed affection and frustration in their portrait of their provincial hometown. --Geoffrey Himes

Product Description

In 1990, the Saw Doctors, an obscure band from the rural backwater of County Galway, topped the Irish charts with their second single, "I Useta Lover." It remained in the No. 1 slot for nine weeks and became the biggest selling Irish single ever at that point. They play the sort of roots-rock that has seldom dented the American charts since the E Street Band disbanded, but the Saw Doctors' roots include a large dose of Irish folk music as well as American rockabilly and British pub-rock. By 1997, the group had gone on to release three hit albums and an EP, scoring three Top 30 British hit singles in the process. Even though they toured America three times, the Saw Doctors never had a U.S. release until Sing a Powerful Song was released late in 1997. Culled from their previous Irish releases, this 17-song compilation makes a strong case for the Saw Doctors as one of the world's most appealing roots-rock outfits. The quartet plays with a loose-knit affability that de-emphasizes flashy solos and sonic innovation in favor of joyful gusto. This could easily lapse into bar-band clich?s, but the songs written by the band's two singer/guitarists are too good for that. Davy Carton and Leo Moran have a sharp eye for mixed emotions and lyric detail, which they marry to bouncy melodies. They lionize Ireland's "N17" in much the same way Bobby Troup once celebrated America's "Route 66," but Carton and Moran are smart enough to balance the romance of the road with an acknowledgment of the price it demands. In "To Win Just Once," they have crafted an anthem for the losers of the world, and in "Same Oul' Town," they have mixed affection and frustration in their portrait of their provincial hometown. --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Saw Doctors are Brilliant!, January 23, 2000

By 

Elizabeth (Memphis, TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sing a Powerful Song (Audio CD)

Finally my favorite band has a U.S. release! This CD is worth any money spent on it. The songs are classics and you'll want to play it over and over. If you love Ireland or Irish music, you MUST buy this album as well as the rest of the Docs' music! This brilliant band is finally crossing over into the states, a godsend for those of us not living in the Emerald Isle. Now we statespeople can really get down to having a good Irish time with some good Irish music.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!, October 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Sing a Powerful Song (Audio CD)

I first heard the Saw Doctors when an Irish friend of mine sat me down and said 'Here...Listen to this." The song was 'I useta lover'. Two lines into the song and my foot was tapping away. I have been a huge fan ever since. I am sorry that I am not able to get some of their albums in Australia (thank God for Amazon!) The Saw Doctors great accents and natural tones are a turn on for any person. Double thumbs up!!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stirs the soul and taps the foot-- is simply great music!, June 26, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Sing a Powerful Song (Audio CD)

The Saw Doctors have done it again. Known as one of the world's best concert bands, the Doctors compilation album ranks with anyone's as pure rock and roll, flavored with Irish roots, and English pub grub style. Difficult to classify, and anti-R and B (no melodic, soulful tunes here), the Docs sing to you and me and we love it. Their following is as faithful as any's and the audience for this band is increasing every day. How long can we ignore this talented group of singers and songwriters form Galway any longer!? Wake up, America!! Get your head out of the garbage MTV and the record companies make you swallow and listen for yourself once again. To win just once....yeah...to win just once!