Special Reserve

Gaelic Storm | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 19, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Higher Octave
• ASIN: B0000AM6H8
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,426 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #30 in Music > World Music > Celtic > Fusion
  • #32 in Music > World Music > Celtic > New Age
  • #43 in Music > New Age > Celtic New Age

Editorial Reviews

The collection of previously released material and three new tracks on Gaelic Storm's Special Reserve captures the infectious, somewhat raw energy that has become this band's trademark. An occasional detour into some other corner of the world's music adds softer fragrances, but even "Swimmin' in the Sea," which sounds like a Paul Simon interpolation of a Caribbean groove, bears that whiff of Watney's puddled on oak. Heard for the first time, "Courtin' in the Kitchen" tells a bawdy story over galloping drums and keening pennywhistles, "The Schooner Lake Set" showcases Tom Brown's rugged virtuosity on pipes, and "Nancy Whiskey" opens with an electronic bagpipe line whose retro-synth texture gives way to a cautionary message that seems intended, given the boisterous vocal, to be ignored. Capped inevitably by the medley played during their cameo in Titanic, Special Reserve offers a spirited introduction to the pride of Celtic Santa Monica.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I think it's GREAT!!, February 1, 2006

By 

traveler "traveler" (LaPorte, IN) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Special Reserve (Audio CD)

This is my first GS c.d. and I think it's a good one for someone unfamiliar with the group outside of "Titanic". The songs are very catchy and memorable. The problem with some Celtic music is the sonic similarity from song to song; it can be hard to distinguish one tune from another. (it's not a criticism, just an observation, relax!) but that is bound to happen given the unique to Celtic music instruments. GS serves up a c.d. platter that avoids the redundancy trap. This one will get lots of play especially as we get closer to St. Patrick's Day. Put this in your changer with Cherish the Ladies "Woman of the House" for a nice Gaelic/Celtic mix!

57 of 77 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Been there, done that!, September 26, 2003

By 

Robert Shepard Jr. (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Special Reserve (Audio CD)

The title of Gaelic Storm's latest CD reminds me of an amusing story I read once upon a time. It dealt with a certain unscrupulous tavern keeper who would go around the room after closing and collect the leavings from the tankards. Wine, mead, ale or hard liquor -- it all went down the drain into a special holding tank. The resulting notorious, somewhat noxious brew was known as the "Special Reserve", available to any of the regulars brave enough to ask for it.

And that's just what came to mind when I discovered the contents of this new CD, fortunately before I bought it. To say I was disappointed was an understatement. Frankly, I was disgusted that the recording industry once again has had the chutzpah to foist mostly recycled music onto us, for a hefty premium, and then wonder why their precious CD sales are steadily declining.

Don't get me wrong: most of the music on this CD is fine, and would warrant four or five stars if only it were new. The only Gaelic Storm track I've ever heard that I actively dislike -- even loathe -- is "Johnny Tarr". I think I've actually listened to it all the way through exactly once. The rest are mostly old favorites such as "Tell Me Ma" and "The Beggarman".

And, of course, there are the three genuinely new tracks, "Courtin' In The Kitchen", "The Schooner Lake Set" and "Nancy Whiskey", which I got to hear this evening at the local music store. They're all fine music, with the lively rhythms and harmonies which are the hallmark of this group. As a bonus, they've added a bagpiper to their lineup; his playing is featured in "Schooner Lake", and a little in "Nancy Whiskey", and it's quite good. If Gaelic Storm ever comes out with a truly new CD with the pipes on it, I'll be ecstatic. I had so hoped "Special Reserve" would be it.

So, should you buy this CD? That depends. If you're new to Gaelic Storm and want an overview of their more popular tunes, spanning the past five years or so, this is probably a good choice. If you're a Gaelic Storm fanatic, you've already ordered the CD for the three new tracks, and probably aren't even reading this review.

But as for me, a more casual fan, I already have their other three CDs, and hundreds of others cramming my shelves. I was tempted, but only for a moment. I have neither the room nor the money to buy just anything, unless I think it has significant value. I'm also not inclined to try downloading this music, legally or otherwise. I'll just take a pass. For equally good or even better bagpipe music than Gaelic Storm has to offer, I'll stick with my two favorite groups: "Deaf Shepherd" and "Battlefield Band".

Here's hoping the folks in the recording industry come to their senses -- before it's too late!

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars wow!, April 25, 2004

By 

Megan Losure (Morris, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Special Reserve (Audio CD)

I have never been to a concert where so many people got up and danced around the room! Gaelic Storm brought feelings of community and happiness to my college last Friday night, and I have not stopped listening to their CD since! I didn't want them to leave. If you've never listening to Gaelic Storm, give them a try! You'll be addicted!!!