Customer Reviews

Special Reserve

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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!

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!

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!!!

There is nothing better than taking a pause at times and reflecting where you currently stand in terms of perhaps what your expectations are of where you hope to be and where you in fact are. Music is really no different in that respect as often times bands need a moment to reflect on the years past and determine where they hope to be heading going into the future.

Gaelic Storm's fourth album released in 2003 allowed the band this sort of reflecting time all while providing the listeners with a simply sensational greatest hits album. Special Reserve packs the best music of Gaelic Storm's previous three albums and some new material all onto one disc and allows music fans to truly gain a good appreciation for the band. Though some bands might choose to release a greatest hits album only after their musical career has just about come to an end, Gaelic Storm here has wisely released a greatest hits album that allows people perhaps unfamiliar with the music of the band to grab this album, give it a listen to and forever fall in love with the brilliant Irish music performed by Gaelic Storm.

On Special Reserve, Gaelic Storm is comprised of Pat Murphy (vocals, harmonica), Steve Twigger (guitar, vocals), Steve Wehmeyer (bodhrán, vocals), Tom Brown (Deger pipes), Ryan Lacey (Percussion ), Deborah Clark-Colón (Fiddle) and Dave Pomeroy (Bass).

Johnny Tarr is an interesting song that sort of has a deeper and darker sort of tone to it as there is certainly not the same high intensity and high octave vocals that so often grace their way into the music of Gaelic Storm. Rather, this sort of somewhat more somber toned song highlights the capability of the band to reach out to a sound that for them is a bit different but nonetheless still impressively solid.

Thankfully there is just the right amount of instrumental sounds that make their way onto this album since it is both the vocals and the instrumentation that the band is so capable of that makes Gaelic Storm truly enjoyable to listen to. On the track The Schooner Lake Set the pipes take the forefront musically and grab the listeners ears for the entire track. The pipe set on this track sounds simply amazing and it is nice to hear the pipes transition well onto the studio album as often times there is a high level of distortion when this takes place. For the listener the track emphasizes that the music of Gaelic Storm can stand alone on instrumentation alone and can still be considered some of the finest Irish sounds around.

Titanic Set is perhaps more than any other reason why folks likely have heard the music of Gaelic Storm. Think back to watching the amazingly popular film Titanic and the scene in the bottom of the ship when the Irish locked away with the water rising ever so quickly are dancing to the music of an Irish band. That band is Gaelic Storm. As is evidenced when watching the movie the music of this track is inspiring to the feet and has an upbeat feel to the instrumentation at play. The music maintains a great traditional Irish dancing feel to it and the talent of Gaelic Storm shines through proving why the music is polished enough to land in a major motion picture.

Not just original tracks make their way onto the album as the traditional song Tell Me Ma is found on the album. Gaelic Storm takes the song and makes it their own by bringing a sense of modernity to the song with a bit of a modern almost pop rock feel mixed into the track. There is not a giant rift caused between the fusion of what is modern and the typically traditional nature of Irish music because Gaelic Storm ensures that their music holds a genuine appreciation and respect for where their music comes from close by adhering to the sounds that worked for generations of Irish music before Gaelic Storm was even around.

Track listing:

1. Courtin' in the Kitchen
2. Johnny Tarr
3. The Schooner on Lake Set
4. The Leaving of Liverpool
5. Drink the Night Away
6. After Hours at McGann's
7. Swimmin' in the Sea
8. Nancy Whiskey
9. She Was the Prize
10. Johnny Jump Up/ Morrison's Jig
11. Titanic Set
12. Tell Me Ma
13. Beggerman

It is always enjoyable when you can find a band that can play both traditional and modern Irish tunes and yet still appeal to all generations of Irish music fans. The music of Gaelic Storm reaches across generations and falls into not an age category but instead a category of brilliant Irish music that can be enjoyed by all. The instrumentation that the band is capable of is next to none and when the strong vocals are folded into the music the end product that we music fans are left with is a magnificent compilation of songs on this greatest hits album.

Special Reserve is on the OmTown Music record label.

For more information about Gaelic Storm, check out their website at www.gaelicstorm.com.

Yes, there's quite a few songs (most of them actually) that are not exactly brand new. But one might also call them "classics". And I was pleasanlty surprised how well Gaelic Storm performed those. Especially "The Beggarman" had me happily tapping my feet, not to mention "Courtin' In The Kitchen", "Nancy Whiskey" and "Tell Me Ma".

For fans of Gaelic Storm - it's probably not their best CD but you'll love to listen to it anyways.
For those unfamiliar with the group - this CD has loads of Irish classics with a little "Gaelic torm" twist and is great fun. You might just want to come back for more - I'd recommend "Bring Yer Wellies" next!

This is an awesome CD. I just got it today and I think I have already worn it out! This is a great mix of old and new. I recently saw these guys in concert-it was the most energetic show that I have ever seen and that energy definitely carries over into their music. I feel that new fans and old will enjoy this disc!

Not only are they great musicians, they are great performers and really nice people! I've seen them perform at two Irish festivals and saw them play in a pub in Pittsburgh--so much fun to watch and listen to!

The music puts me in a great mood! I like the traditional songs with a more up-to-date sound. My 7-year-old son loves them, too!

I also recommend their self-titled debut album--excellent!

I bought this CD after seeing them live and it just kept the great experience going! The songs on this CD are fun and energetic while giving a good sample of the rest of their work. I definitely recomend it to any fan of Celtic music!

I just saw Gaelic Storm in concert last night at my school...They were GREAT!!! Everyone was dancing in the isles and clapping their hands. The groupe was also very interactive with our group!! I bought the CD and loved it as as well. It will always be a great memory of the concert :)

Higher Octave presents the latest up-beat release from Gaelic Storm with "Special Reserve", featuring some of the best vocal harmonies and Celtic tunes this side of the green hills of Ireland. Makes you want to head for the nearest pub and celebrate with "COURTIN' IN THE KITCHEN". Especially remembering the steerage party in the "Titanic", keeps ringing in your head long after you've seen the film. Each cue with all the energy and enthusiasm that the fans crave.

Just take a look at the stand outs ~ "THE SCHOONER LAKE SET", "NANCY WHISKEY", "TELL ME MA" and "BEGGARMAN", with every inch of rhythmic impressions that comes shining through with folksy upbeat sounds. Whether it's contemporary or traditional you can't help listening and falling for their style and one-of-a-kind delivery...gotta love it!

Total Time: 49:17 on 13 Tracks ~ Higher Octave 617945 ~ (8/19/2003)