Rating:
Genre:
Celtic
Release Date: 10/12/2004
Fans of modern
Celtic music will rejoice in the presence of
The Celtic Circle, Vol. 2 -- it truly is a great compilation, recycling fine material from principals of
Irish folk music like
Phil Coulter,
Clannad,
Máire Brennan, and (surfacing alone and in collaborative mode)
the Chieftains. The 30-song, two-disc set launches with
"The Foggy Dew," a haunting ode to freedom beautifully sung by
Sinéad O'Connor and augmented by the dramatic musical effect of the aforementioned
Chieftains.
Clannad generously include keepers like the soothing
"Almost Seems (Too Late to Turn)," "Newgrange," and
"Caislean Oír," but the finest song here arguably belongs to
Susan McKeown and
Natalie Merchant, who join forces for the uplifting, cascading
"River." Coulter's gorgeously orchestrated
"Tranquility" and the expressive, charismatic
"Ay Fond Kiss," a track from
Fairground Attraction that dates to 1990, are high points of the second disc. Of course,
"Mo Ghile Mear," the closing number, which pairs the omnipresent
Chieftains with
Sting, is a fine way to round out a collection with enormous value.
~John D. Luerssen, All Music Guide
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