Customer Reviews

Strong in the Sun

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The duo of Sonny Condell and Leo O'Kelly survived a five year career until their split in 1974. But occassionally they reunite with better success, including a recent Live at the Hibernian release. Condell went on to form the band Scullion. Scullion has a sound that comprises a shifting and eccentric blend of folk, pop, jazz, reggae, blues and rock. Some of that blend one can still hear the sound of Tír Na Nóg live on. Both musician play the acoutic guitar and write some of the most quirky edged lyrics and melodies. Their debut album include the lively audience favorite, 'Aberdeen Agus'.

The 'Strong in the Sun' album has strong singing, sensitive guitars and some of the duo's best songs that include the anthemic 'Free Ride' with accompaniment by Nick Drake, and the melodic title track. This moves much closer to Rock as does their 'A Tear and a Smile' album. If you like a mix of Frank Zappa and Shawn McGowan then try out this album.

If you like obscure Irish folk-rock of the 1970's, this is a must-have album. I especially love the "B" side. Use of traditional Celtic instruments (clay pots and pipes) in combination with contemporary instrumentation and haunting lyrics create a unique, other-worldly sound. If you like it, you'll love it, and will want Tir Na Nog's only other album, A Tear and a Smile.

This is good, but..... the eponymous first album, Tir Na Nog, is better. Although I think it's only available in Britain.