The World's Room

Old Blind Dogs

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 12, 1999)
• Original Release Date: October 12, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Green Linnet
• ASIN: B00001ZSTI
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #131,217 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

These Old Blind Dogs have had to learn some new tricks. With the departure of longtime vocalist and venerable folkie Ian Benzie, in addition to other lineup renegotiations, Dog veterans Jonny Hardie and Buzzby McMillan are all that remain of the old order. In spite of the inherent need to shed the doubts and quibbles of long-time listeners, The World's Room takes these Scottish neotraditionalists in an exciting new direction while retaining the strengths of the band in its former incarnation. Jim Malcom, a fine melodious singer, admirably fills the shoes vacated by Benzie, while Rory Campbell's pipes and whistles flit and float and teen sensation Paul Jennings' percussion keeps the group within a tightly wrought framework. As ever, multi-instrumentalist Hardie's fiddle sings out sweet and McMillan's bass and cittern lend symmetry to the set's marriage of traditionals and originals, notably Campbell's "The Ritual" and "Soup of the Day," the latter a willy-nilly band jam to a funky pipe tune. --Paige La Grone

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The World's Room, November 9, 2000

By	Michael Chavez (Atlanta, Georgia USA) - See all my reviews

I first heard The Battle of Waterloo on NPR's Thistle and Shamrock show and had to pull my car over, I was so taken by OBD's sound and soul. Extremely Scottish, without being overly folksy, this CD blends traditional Scottish musical forms with some very innovative rhythms and vocal treatments. Jim Malcom's voice is hauntingly beautiful and suited perfectly to the music--and vice versa. You do NOT have to be into Scottish Folk music to love this CD. It is completely modern yet evokes the past almost romantically. Lose your stereotypes of kilted Scottish soldiers playing "Scotland the Brave" on 40 bagpipes...and enjoy.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ranks with Tannahill Weavers, Capercallie, Silly Wizard, September 27, 2000

By	L. C KAUFMAN (Long Island, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Old Blinds Dogs is definately the heir apparent to such long established Scots neo-folk groups as The Tannies, Capercallie and Silly Wizard.

As a long time lover of folk from the British Isles, I am always on the lookout for groups with right combination of new sound and old rhythm, and OBD hits the mark on every track of "The World's Room".

While I cut my "folkie" teeth on the Steeleye Span version of "Edward" - I think I will soon come to enjoy the OBD version much, much more. As to "The Mill O'Tifty" - I can't listen to it in the car - it's hard to drive with the tears streaming. This is one of the most tragic songs I've ever heard.

Don't pass this one by - no serious lover of Scots folk should be without this CD in the collection.

Lita

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Old Blind Dogs - The World's Room, October 20, 2000

By	Karl M. Esolen (Loch Sheldrake, NY, USA) - See all my reviews

A friend had an extra ticket for a live performance of Old Blind Dogs in the small upstate, NY village of Oxford. Scottish folk music sounded interesting so i went along. I was instantly blown away by this band. I could have listened to them all night. I purchased this cd at the show and haven't taken it out of my cd player since. My favorate cut on the cd is "Mill O' Tifty" which tells the true sad story of a young lady, Bonnie Annie who falls in love with a common man. A trumpeter by the name of Andrew Lammie. Scorned and shamed by her family for lowering herself to court such a man. She is disowned by her mother and father, scorned by her sister, and killed by her brother. Her headstone still stands to this day, dated in the 1600's. This cd is full of moving, and joyfull songs. A wise investment for anyone who enjoys quality folk music.