Customer Reviews

Stamping Ground

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The Stamping Ground is easily Runrig's best album of the last decade, and possibly longer. My ears feel like they have reconnected with an old friend given up for lost. This is a brilliant return to form in every way, from the strength of the individual tracks to their miraculous interconnectedness and faith. Canadian lead vocalist Bruce Guthro is now as rooted as the rest of the band in the Isle of Skye, which is no small statement. The percussion, guitars, and pipes have never been more prominent. At times Runrig seems to link with the network of global indigenous sounds, particularly on "An Sabhal Aig Neill" which also features a surprising but potent use of a mellotron, an instrument generally associated with 70s progressive rock and displaying Runrig's willingness to unabashedly embrace its various influences fashionable or not; "The Ship"; and the title track with its call-response and changes of mood. The blend of the more traditional acapella "The Summer Walkers" with the technologically saavy "Running to the Light" is enhanced by a subtle repeat of the first's melody in the intro to the second on fiddle against an infectious rhythm. "The Stamping Ground" is Runrig quite simply reasserting itself as the premiere Celtic rock group on the planet, and it makes most of the albeit talented newcomers seem timid by comparison.

When I first listened to this CD, my favorite was the 1st song, Book of Golden Stories because of its easy melody. But some of the songs in this CD have become more meaningful to me because of recent historical and sadly tragic events that followed shortly after its release. When 9/11 occurred, the lyrics of the song Big Songs of Hope and Cheer really had a deep impact on me. Every time I saw pictures of those survivors walking away covered in dust like snow, I was reminded of the words from this song that really seem to illustrate the turning point in our world history as we were plunged into a new kind of war - almost prophetic.

Then there is the song Running To The Light and the Spaceshuttle Columbia tragedy. You see Runrig was a favorite band of astronaut Laurel Clark and she carried this very CD with her aboard the Spaceshuttle. The song Running To The Light was also used as a wake-up call for her that was for a time available for the rest of us to hear online before the crash. Many Runrig fans knew about this and we were all following her journey on the 'net and waiting for her to come back with pictures of the CD taken aboard the Columbia and tales of it being played in space. Sadly this was not to be. Yet like a strange miracle, this and The Cutter and The Clan, the other Runrig CD taken aboard, were both discovered among the wreckage and the Stamping Ground has since been given to the Band by the Clark family. The words of the song seem almost a haunting tribute to the tragic event while at the same time inspire us to reflect on the deeper meanings of our life and what drives the human spirit.

Of the 2 Gaelic songs, "An Sabhal Aig Neill" (Neil's Barn) is a rollicking upbeat acoustic number and is my favorite. I love the melody of "The Ship" but have bit of a difficulty trying to understand the references made in the song - somehow it reminds me of the Scottish movie "Breaking The Waves" but thats probably just me.

New lead singer Bruce Guthro really sounds strong on this CD and its really amazing how differently he sings on the Runrig CD's from his own solo work which of late has been a little less inspiring. Of the 2 Runrig CD's with Bruce on lead vocals, this is the one I prefer - much more upbeat, despite all that I've stated above.

For anyone looking for romanticism in modern music, look no further than Runrig. The songs on this album are melodic, deep and heartfelt. Throughout Runrig's music lies a profound reverence for nature and simple living.

Most of the album is pop/rock sounding, but there is a spiritual depth and optimism in the music and lyrics rarely found in today's rock bands.

This album proves again that Runrig is a cut above all the meaningless pop and angry ravings that charaterize today's commercial music scene.

"Wall of China" and "The Ship" are excellent upbeat anthems that celebrate meekness and divine providence respectively. "The Engine Room" is a rocking instrumental that makes bagpipes seem like they were created for rock n' roll. "Summer Walkers" is an earthy and rolicking acapella pub song that makes you want to get on a plane and fly to Scotland right away.

This is by far one of Runrig's best albums. If you like Celtic things, nature, spirituality, and romanticism, buy this album right away!

"The Stamping Ground" is certainly Runrig's most brilliant album in their 28 year- long career. Being the second album with Canadian born singer Bruce Guthro it essentially means a return to their initial background as is indicated by the title. Stamping Ground contains different kinds of music, ranging from a-capella song "Summer Walkers" to the use of electronic loops in "Running to the Light." But always it's the most successful combination of traditional and modern elements - with no exception to the rule. Runrig remain what they've always been: down to earth, convincing, personal and spiritual. But to my opinion they have never been so good.

Love the CD!!Especially like "The Stamping Ground", "Engine Room" ,"One Thing" and "Running to the Light" Well done Runrig!!!

Runrig's new album features both their new Canadian lead singer, and Calum and Rory's best songs for some time.

The usual mixture of a melodic rocking sound accompanied by a plaintive strong Scottish flavour feature in songs both upbeat and slow.

We have social comment, romance, and a track from a good old live Ceilidh, sung a capella.

If you want a taste of Scotland that will evoke visions of mountains and glens, a small helping of Gaelic for flavour, and some cracking good rock music then this is for you .... but don't blame me if it makes you long for The Highlands and a visit to Skye and Sutherland!

Well done Runrig!

The music is upbeat, musical, lyrical and easy to listen to. The title tune has been my favorite - yet all are lovely.

Stamping Ground is like a great relationship. it begins with intensity and just keeps getting better and better. and you want it to last forever.