Too Bad For Heaven, Too Good For Hell...

Craicmore | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 8, 2001)
• Original Release Date: March 17, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Kilts On
• ASIN: B00005RD7V
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #514,025 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Sing Out! magazine, Summer 2002. Vol. 46 #2

"a rich, absorbing listening experience, beautiful arrangements and sensitive interplay create an album that's as contemporary as it is timeless."

Product Description

Craicmore’s release "too bad for heaven, too good for hell..." is an engaging mix of jigs and reels, Scots and Irish songs and haunting melodies. The CD provides an irresistible showcase for the seductive vocals, driving rhythms and adventuresome arrangements that have earned this L.A.- based foursome an ever-growing following of fans.

Too Bad For Heaven, Too Good For Hell is the group's second CD. Produced by John MacAdams, the 12 tracks are proof positive that Craicmore is a group that's not only willing to take chances, but that combines musical versatility with musical expertise and, maybe most importantly, plays for the sheer joy of playing.

Among the selections are favorites such as "The Mooncoin Jig," "Kid on the Mountain," "Banish Misfortune," and "The Bucks of Oranmore." MacAdams treats listeners to a bit of his own wide-ranging musical interests on the intriguingly textured "Didgeridoo/Curlew." Mated with "The Wind That Shakes the Barely," the familiar "I'll Tell Me Ma" is a musical romp through Irish, country and bluegrass traditions. A more mature relationship is explored in "Sí Do Mhameo Í," the band's wry eye underscored by Nancy Johnston's and MacAdams' vocals and an arrangement that captures the song's rhythms through cello, clackers, guitar and electric bass. Johnston's rich, smoky vocals are featured on Robbie Burns' "Brose and Butter and The De'il's Awa' wi' th' Exciseman" and the Scots Gaelic "Seallaibh Curaigh Eoghainn." But the album's centerpiece is the "Cape Clear Set." A celebration of notes that takes the listener through the "Cape Clear" air and "Morrison's Jig" to the singing of "Gi'e Me ! A Lass Wi' a Lump o' Land" and concludes with "High Road to Linton" and "Atholl Highlanders," the set is, says the band, "the heart and soul of our sound."

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ...and good for us!, February 26, 2002

By 

marchfool (Santa Monica, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Too Bad For Heaven, Too Good For Hell... (Audio CD)

Easily one of the finest bands around today, Craicmore's "Too bad for heaven, too good for hell..." is a celtic eclectic mix of sound and rhythm guaranteed to move your feet and fill your soul. Singer Nancy's vocals weave perfectly in and around Craicmore's unique musical landscape. Absolutely love that Didgeridoo. The only thing better than listening to this CD is seeing them live. Better yet. Do both.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Celtic charm, February 25, 2002

By 

Michael Staton (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Too Bad For Heaven, Too Good For Hell... (Audio CD)

This is music to soothe the savage traffic jam. I love to play the CD again and again to hear the clear vocals, wonderful harmony, wonderful instrumentation, and festive arrangements. They are a band who take their music seriously, yet make it fun while they do it.

The CD is second only to their live performances. Fortunately, being in Southern California I have the pleasure of both.

5.0 out of 5 stars Gl`e Mhath!, September 20, 2009

By 

Andrea McCann (El Campo, TX) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Too Bad For Heaven, Too Good For Hell... (Audio CD)

I discovered Craicmore on YouTube and immediately bought this album-TOO BAD FOR HEAVEN TOO GOOD FOR HELL. I really like Nancy Johnston's vocals. Her voice conveys much emotion and in particular, a wee hint of mischief. Si' Do Mhameo' I' is probably my favorite on the album but I also really like the Robert Burn's pieces-BROSE AND BUTTER and DE'IL'S AWA' WI" TH'EXCISEMAN too. All the vocals blend so nicely and the harmonies are rich and spot on. There is excellent guitar playing on this album which is showcased on COLLIER'S & GUNS. The fiddle playing is also superb. I also like the melody-like bass parts that circulate throughout the tunes. And what is a Celtic music CD without a little puirt-a-beul or mouth music? The song PUIRT-A-BEUL shows off the vocal harmonies of this band! This CD is a fine addition to my collection and I hope to acquire more music performed by Craicmore!