Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion
Earlier I mentioned how I had received three albums within the last three days and that I would be reviewing Marc Gunn's latest album, Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion. Now, I'll try to avoid sounding too much like a podcast host, but no promises... (Marc, here's the real review!)
The first thing that caught my attention was the song choice. I was excited to see some old favorites such as "I'll Tell My Ma" "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" "Bonnie Ship the Diamond" and "Wild Rover." I am always interested in hearing the different artists' takes on these songs. Now, when I think of Irish Drinking Songs I usually picture a (stereotypical) scene in a pub with a (half)drunken crowd singing boisterously along, but you first listen to this album instead you are transported to a local bar where everyone knows everyone else (trying to avoid the "Cheers" theme song here, give me a break!) and they're sitting back, enjoying a pint with their neighbors, friends or family.
And of course, here I go ranting about lyrics again... (Anyone that's read my LiveJournal or listened to the podcast probably knows this already). I know that most of these are traditional songs, but Marc's voice is perfect for getting the message across in these songs. I believe this is the first time I've heard "Black Is the Colour" and it's mournful lyrics are just...well, I'm at a loss for words... But I really like this song. Another thing I like about the album is the random "meows" throughout it. My room mate keeps asking me if I hear a cat in the room, of course I lie and hide my smile as I reply with a 'no.'
Another of my favorites is "Wild Rover." Although I'm used to listening to "Wild Kitty" and I keep meowing along with the song even though the meows are absent. I'm actually listening to it as I type this and am mentally adding the meows--I wouldn't want my room mate and her friends to think I'm crazy(er than they already think I am!).
To keep this short and sweet (because I tend to ramble a bit) I enjoyed listening to this album and find that it is a great album to listen to when working on school work because it's mellow tunes don't distract me from the task at hand, unlike Brobdingnagian Bards songs which are to amusing to do work to (but great nonetheless!)
Well, I'm off to listen to more Irish and Celtic music (and perhaps catch up on the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast...I've fallen behind) before calling it a night and going to bed. As much as I love Wizard Rock, it's great to take a break from it's bouncy tunes and lyrical content for something sweet and familiar... (Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion gets two thumbs up in case you hadn't noticed...)
Live, Laugh, Love,
~Ashley
P.S. I'll tell my Ma when I get home, the boys won't leave the girls alone...
The first thing that caught my attention was the song choice. I was excited to see some old favorites such as "I'll Tell My Ma" "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" "Bonnie Ship the Diamond" and "Wild Rover." I am always interested in hearing the different artists' takes on these songs. Now, when I think of Irish Drinking Songs I usually picture a (stereotypical) scene in a pub with a (half)drunken crowd singing boisterously along, but you first listen to this album instead you are transported to a local bar where everyone knows everyone else (trying to avoid the "Cheers" theme song here, give me a break!) and they're sitting back, enjoying a pint with their neighbors, friends or family.
And of course, here I go ranting about lyrics again... (Anyone that's read my LiveJournal or listened to the podcast probably knows this already). I know that most of these are traditional songs, but Marc's voice is perfect for getting the message across in these songs. I believe this is the first time I've heard "Black Is the Colour" and it's mournful lyrics are just...well, I'm at a loss for words... But I really like this song. Another thing I like about the album is the random "meows" throughout it. My room mate keeps asking me if I hear a cat in the room, of course I lie and hide my smile as I reply with a 'no.'
Another of my favorites is "Wild Rover." Although I'm used to listening to "Wild Kitty" and I keep meowing along with the song even though the meows are absent. I'm actually listening to it as I type this and am mentally adding the meows--I wouldn't want my room mate and her friends to think I'm crazy(er than they already think I am!).
To keep this short and sweet (because I tend to ramble a bit) I enjoyed listening to this album and find that it is a great album to listen to when working on school work because it's mellow tunes don't distract me from the task at hand, unlike Brobdingnagian Bards songs which are to amusing to do work to (but great nonetheless!)
Well, I'm off to listen to more Irish and Celtic music (and perhaps catch up on the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast...I've fallen behind) before calling it a night and going to bed. As much as I love Wizard Rock, it's great to take a break from it's bouncy tunes and lyrical content for something sweet and familiar... (Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion gets two thumbs up in case you hadn't noticed...)
Live, Laugh, Love,
~Ashley
P.S. I'll tell my Ma when I get home, the boys won't leave the girls alone...