Celtic Music ReviewsCeltic MP3s Music Magazine is a free weekly Celtic music & mp3 magazine featuring free music downloads of Celtic, Scottish, Irish music from around the world. Subscribe for a chance to win free Celtic CDs. Don't just download. Catherine's Top Ten Celtic CDs of 2007
by Catherine L. Tully
1. Victims Of Irish Music ~ Compilation (Irish & Celtic Music Podcast) Compilations tend to highlight some of the best, and Marc Gunn has done so in this wonderful grouping of independent Celtic musicians. At 17 tracks, this CD gives the listener a wide range of tunes, and serves as a great introduction to the variety that is available out there. You just might find yourself a new favorite band here.. 2. "The New Colossus" by MacTalla Mor I love this band, and if you like the highland bagpipes--so will you. With a unique "fusion" style and hints of unusual musical influences, this is the real deal. From a bagpipe duet to more unusual fare, look for sounds outside the typical range here--but blended in so well that they will add to the overall sound. Smashing! 3. "Four On The Floor" by Old Blind Dogs This popular Scottish band is well-known for a reason, and this CD is the perfect example of why. Songs like "Terror Time" have an amazing depth and the musicianship is stellar. This album is not to be missed! 4. "Tales from Windsor's Tavern" by The Merry Wives of Windsor Although not technically square in the middle of the "Celtic" genre, this CD makes the list because it is just too good not to be here. The Merry Wives of Windsor consist of eleven singers that present an amazing sound which is a combination of renaissance and folk music with English influences. The reason it sits here is because the harmonies are so tremendous--three and four part--and done so well. 5. "Athas" by Athas Those who love set dancing will want this in their collection. Besides delivering up a great CD, the band has included five tracks that can be used to dance to for the Borlin set. A mixture of traditional and original music, this album provides a great listen in its fifteen tracks. 6. "Far From The Hills of Donegal" by Oisín McAuley This is McAuley's solo debut and it showcases him well. Once the lead fiddler of the traditional group Danú, this fiddler has been playing since he was nine years old--and it is obvious by his skill! This CD is marked by range, with McAuley calling forth both fire and yearning from his instrument on this 13 track effort. No doubt there will be more where this came from. 7. "Zephyr in the Confetti Factory" by Jamie Laval and Ashley Broder Another album that is centered around the fiddle, this is a very innovative CD that combines Irish, Scottish and other Celtic fiddle music--quite successfully! Championship fiddle playing reigns on this album, but it is done with a bit of a stretch from the traditional--without being crazy experimental. 8. "Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion" by Marc Gunn & The Dubliners' Tabby Cats You just have to hear it! Marc Gunn has released this CD full of the original songs that were featured on his "Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers" album. Check out the first versions of those songs such as "Finnegan's Wake" and "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" and compare! Gunn is his usual, fun self here and the 13 tracks are sure to please! 9. "One Lump or Two?" by The Tea Merchants A great CD that gives the listener the unexpected--with a whole lot of energy! Take track 4 for example--"Led Zeppelin Polkas." Need I say more? Lighthearted but skilled describes this group well, and this album has them at their most interesting yet. 10. "Tales Through Time" by Rowan A combination of World Music and Celtic sound, Rowan has earned its place in both genres. This CD is a perfect example of their layered style. If you are looking to expand your horizons and experience something different--try this! Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in the arts. She has written for American Style and Classical Singer, among other magazines, and reviews music for Marc Gunn's Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her through her website at www.catherineltully.com. Labels: staff_picks
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Thursday, January 03, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. Donelle's Top 10 Celtic CDs of 2007
by Donnelle McKaskle
Celtic Storm airs every Monday morning on KOOP 91.7FM produced and hosted by Donnelle McKaskle. Playing the Best in Traditional and Not so Traditional Celtic Music. Labels: staff_picks
--posted by Marc Gunn, Wednesday, January 02, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. Celtic Music CDs - Top 10 For 2006
by Catherine L. Tully
1. The Circle - Compilation CD (Bob Brinkman from Modern Bard and Marc Gunn from Renaissance Festival Podcast/Celtic MP3s Music Magazine) A Renaissance Festival compilation CD--benefits hurricane Katrina relief and is spectacular! 22 tracks by various artists. This was such a great CD--it's a must in anyone's collection. 2. An Ancient Muse by Loreena McKennitt Long-awaited, and worth it. McKennitt doesn't break new ground, but stands firm and sounds gorgeous. 3. The Holy Grail of Irish Drinking Songs by Brobdingnagian Bards I'm partial to drinking. And drinking songs. And these are terrific! 4. Se by Lunasa This is an impressive CD. I continue to enjoy Lunasa's unique musical arrangements. 5. Fair Play To You by Bow Triplets Expert musicianship and a truly beautiful 16-track CD. 6. Bring Yer Wellies by Gaelic Storm Their best effort to date. 7. Yours Truly by Natalie MacMaster Um...it opens with a song called, "Volcanic Jig." Need I say more? 8. Live From Dublin 2006 by Christy Moore Can't believe a live CD makes my top ten 2 years running. This is a nice one though, and if you like Christie Moore--there is a lot here...2 discs! 9. Paddy Keys For Mayor by The Larkin Brigade Irreverent and just plain fun! Out of my normal comfort zone, but sometimes that is a really good thing! 10. Dealin' Craic by The Sandcarvers Celtic rock at its best! Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in the arts. She has written for American Style and Classical Singer, among others and reviews music for Marc Gunn's Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her through her photography website at http://www.moonbeamdigital.com/. Labels: cd_charts, staff_picks
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Sunday, January 28, 2007. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. Catherine's Pick of the TOP 10 CELTIC CDs of 2005 by Catherine L. Tully
Can't go wrong when the pipes are good! Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer specializing in the arts. She has written for Dance Teacher Magazine, Classical Singer and Dance Spirit among others, and reviews music for Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her at www.freelance-zone.com. Labels: staff_picks
--posted by Marc Gunn, Wednesday, February 01, 2006. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards.
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