Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must for Capercaillie fans!, May 4, 2004
"Choice Language" picks up where "Nadurra" left off in terms of developing a more jazzy, modern sound on which to overlay their traditional music. The instrumentals contain a more coffeehouse jazz feel (think of some of Solas's work) which highlights the piano lines, a nice addition. Donald Shaw continues to write timely music with "Who Will Raise their Voice?", a beautiful anti-war song along the lines of "God's Alibi" (from "To the Moon"). For the traditionalists, there are some wonderful puirt-a-beul songs featuring Karen's spectacular voice. Is this album like any before? No. Will it please everyone? Probably not. But is it a different sound from a well-established and respected band that, ultimately, increased my respect for their talents as musicians, not to mention voices of traditional Scottish music? Most certainly!
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Something for everyone, May 5, 2004
The finest Scottish band you've never heard of is at it again - perennially faithful and fascinatingly original at the same time, they're still masterfully managing to bridge the past and the present. Traditional material is always a pleasure when it's done well - ok, for me at least - but it's even more fascinating when a group refuses to fall into a generic rut, insisting on pushing themselves into different territories in the process. In that respect Capercaillie succeeds wonderfully with their latest gem Choice Language, which has something to offer for just about anyone.As always, the group's method is to blend something traditional with something modern. The opener "A Thousand Curses On Love" is more smooth jazz-pop than Scottish reel. "The Old Crone (Port na Caillich)" has Karen Matheson's vocals sporadically filtered to add a smidge of electronic production. "At Dawn of Day"'s slow-bouncing groove is sheer low-key bliss. Amid the reworkings are a handful of originals, from soul-melting ballads ("Who Will Raise Their Voice?," "Little Do They Know") to new jigs like "Homer's Reel" (a Greek homage, although it's "also in praise of the other great philosopher, Homer Simpson"). Every minute is packed with wonderful ear candy, whether it's danceable fiddling or slow balladry lifted by Karen's exquisite voice. Joy, loss, humor, hope, sadness and outright fun are here in abundance on the course of this madly addicting album. The singing is enchanting, the musicianship is top-notch (though not flashy), the spirit and vitality the band brings to the music makes it soar. I don't know nearly enough about the whole Capercaillie catalogue to say whether this is the prime pick, but on its own merits it's endlessly enjoyable. Look this one up and discover a real treasure.
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10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excelent Record!!, September 30, 2003
For all Capercaillie fans, you have to buy this cd. The bagpipes, fiddles and of course, the Karen Matheson voice, make this CD an excelent choice.
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~ Capercaillie
~ Capercaillie
~ Karen Matheson
~ Karen Matheson
~ Karen Matheson
by Capercaillie 
