Customer Reviews

The Blood Is Strong

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

We purchased Capercaillie: the blood is strong, while driving through the Scottish Highlands. What an amazing bit of fortune; we had taken a wrong turn and stopped to ask for directions at a local tourist information/gift store. This CD was playing,and we quickly purchased it and put it in our rental car CD player. Needless to say, we played it the entire trip, in our hotel as well as car. The music is absolutely beautiful; and Karen Matheson's vocals enchanting. Sean Connery has said her "throat has been touched by God". The first track, "AN CALLE BAN" is reminiscient of music from the "Braveheart" soundtrack, but with a more authentic sound. It helps that the vocals are all in Gaelic. The second tune, "Dembnall (Black Donald)" is a bit more upbeat and lively. I feel that the songs have been arranged well on this CD, with a good mix of upbeat and mellow tunes. In short, this is a CD which we have enjoyed over and over again, always reminding us of the magnificent beauty of the Scottish Highlands. I am anxious to purchase more of Capercaillie's music.

"The Blood is Strong" is a great way to introduce yourself to one of the best true Scottish bands, giving you a flavoring of what they can do, both instrumentally and vocally. The songs are culled from their work for a reason, though - they're the soundtracks to 3 films done by independent British TV. The instrumentals, ranging from moody to danceable, and the vocals, featuring the superb voice of Karen Matheson, catch the feelings of the Highlands at their best. I find myself drawn back to a family trip of a few years past that took us through the beautiful land of my fore-fathers. This CD is better listened to with the knowledge that it was done more to convey a feeling of a country than a "greatest hits" of a very talented group of musicians. If you want that, then "Dawn to Dusk" would be a better choice. If you just want to bring out the Gaelic in you, then buy this very well done musical collection.

Warning: THIS IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT FROM ANY OTHER CAPERCAILLIE CD!!! This is, interestingly enough, the first one I bought, and it's wonderful; it managed to get me hooked on the band. But as a compilation of soundtracks, many of the tracks are short, transitional music; many are instrumental. The vocalised songs are nice, but showcase merely Karen's beautiful voice, not necessarily her magnificent talent. It's a wonderful addition to a complete Capercaillie collection, but not necessarily representative of the band's other offerings.

I cannot believe the wonder of this music. I own several Capercaillie cd's, but this one, by far, has some of the most phenomenal, superior music I have ever listened to. The music is haunting, ethereal, and very sensual. Karen Matheson's voice simply must be what Heaven sounds like. When I die...I hope I end up next to this band...cause it will be eternal bliss!

Words will not describe this CD

It is the best you will come acrooss in a long tiem you may like all thins Scots, bagpipes etc but this CD is breathtaking it takes you there to the black isle and that the songs are in Scots Gaelic will bring tears to your eyes

Buy it sit back with a dram or 2 and enjoy !

I probably bought this album for the worst possible reason. I was looking for more 'Gaelic' music to add to a folk collection that contains very little. Having little knowledge I admit to selecting at random. And sure enough, I picked this for its interesting cover and quantity of songs.

I go considerably better than I deserved. While Capercaillie is by no means a traditional folk group, Karen Matheson's voice is something remarkable. Rich and full of dark colors, it grabs your attention and then holds it with her control of the details. For me it seems to be perfect for the music, especially in its more traditional moments.

Capercaillie's music is a fusion between traditional forms and 'New Age.' Since the pieces on this album were performed for films ('Highlanders,' 'A Prince Among Islands,' and 'The Blood is Strong'), there is a suspicious hint of 'bubblegum pop' that shows up every once in a while. They also occasionally lean too hard on the special effects pedals. On the whole, though, the group's efforts are consistently pleasing and blend will with Matheson's efforts.

This album has aroused my curiosity; I would like to hear Capercaillie in less 'filmic' settings - playing with more acoustic instruments and less electronic wizardry.

...a nearly mystic experience, everytime I listen to it I can almost feel the rain and cold wing in my face, I can breath again the Highland air and then I have to completely surrender to this musicians. I firmly believe they -all of them are equally inspired- made a deal with God to sound just like this. It's not just celtic music, it's a five-sense flight to Scotland, the wild and brave and solitary Northern Scotland. Just sit back and relax...because you will enjoy it. For sure.

This is my favourite Capercaillie, even though the material is mainly original not traditional. I do love their renditions of traditional music, but some of their later original music was certainly not as good as this. The music here is inspired, fresh and unaffected.

The Blood Is Strong is the soundtrack to a beautiful 3-part documentary on life in the highlands and islands of Scotland, and the music is like a magic carpet that takes you right there (believe me I know, I travelled around Scotland for 3 months, visiting many places in the documentary). This is evocative, plaintive and joyful Celtic music that hits the spot every time. Karen Matheson's young voice mellowed later, but here it just soars.

This re-issue also includes a wonderful 4-track EP that Capercaillie made for a short documentary on the Prince of Wales visit to Scotland, and a couple more extra tracks.

Yes it's different from later albums but it's essential Capercaillie. I never tire of this album, and my copy is now autographed!

The nice thing about this compilation is that some songs are taken from the TV-series "a prince among islands". These songs are easier if you are nbot into the celtic style music. It also have this great track "Alasdair Mhic Colla" and the more traditional styled tracks. Capercaillie is easy to like and combines traditional songs and pop in a way, so the pop does not in any way take over the music. The girl who sings is purely amazing.

I play this more often than any other CD I own. It turns long commutes to/from work into a joy. I have given out several copies to friends who appreciate Scottish and/or Celtic things, and they have all loved it. When I want to impress someone with how beautiful Gaelic can be, I use this CD for a shameless recruiting pitch: even if they wimp out and don't join the study group, they are impressed. But you certainly do not have to know any Gaelic to enjoy it; it is still a delight.
I mentioned to my wife that some have criticized it for being "too traditional," and her response was: "No. It's timeless."