Capercaillie

I've loved Capercaillie for years. They're tops in Celtic rock, folk infused with contemporary electronics and a bit of Afro sound through in for good measure. Their lead singer, Karen Matheson, has one of the most amazing voices I have ever heard--in studio recordings and in person.

"Roses and Tears" is not in my opinion their best CD, but it's a strong addition to their work. It's a mix of traditional and contemporary, English and Gaelic lyrics.

Anti-war songs are strong right now and this CD doesn't let that anthem go lightly. "Don't you Go" and "Soldier Boy" both deliver a solid punch.

I love hearing Karen Matheson singing Gaelic and there's enough tunes here to keep me happy. "Him Bo" is a great opener. "A Racan' A Bh Againne" is also lovely. I have no idea what she's singing, could be a grocery list for all I know of Gaelic, but it's so worth listening to.

Rebecca Kyle, September 2008

CD arrived as expected and was a real treat. Capercaillie just keep getting better and better.

There is really only one thing you can say about "Roses and Tears", it is another MASTERPIECE. I don't think Capercaillie are capable of failing to be at their best when recording a new album. I had the pleasure to see them performing live when they came to Australia a few years ago and it was one of the best concerts I've been to.

Capercaillie is always consistently wonderful, and this album is no exception. I love the traditional tunes with a contemporary spin, and Karen Matheson's voice is as lovely as ever!

Another strong Celtic crossover set by Scotland's fusion-y Capercaillie, with lead vocals from Karen Matheson and an lineup that includes Donald Shaw on accordion, Manus Lunny on bouzouki and Michael McGoldrick playing the pipes. The album opens up with the funky, resolutely pop "Him Bo," and then weaves back and forth between tradition and modernism. There's an anti-war anthem, courtesy of John Martyn, lots of mellow, electronic-tinged grooves, and a hefty dose of trad, woven deep into the mix. Personally, I love it when Matheson sings in Gaelic, and like many old-fashioned folkies, I prefer a more traditional acoustic sound. But Capercaillie fans know what to expect by now, and this album certainly will not disappoint listeners who are open to a bit of pop in with their Celtic music. (DJ Joe Sixpack, Slipcue Music Guide)

Fiona Ritchie, the host of NPR's Celtic music program "The Thistle & Shamrock," compiled the 17 tracks found on this wonderful collection of Celtic music. For those disappointed reviewers who thought they were buying a collection of well known American Christmas songs, they obviously didn't read the track listing. [Did you think "Maneo Da Ulla" was perhaps Gaelic for "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"?]

So what is a "ceilidh" (pronounced kay-lee)? After a quick google.com search, I learned that it is simply "an Irish or Scottish social gathering with traditional music, dancing, and storytelling." The hour's worth of music on this disc (taken from the vaults of Green Linnet Records) is--to quote the liner notes--"to echo the spirit of her village Christmas Ceilidh." It is not Christmas music per se (only John Renbourn's solo guitar rendition of "I Saw Three Ships" and the Tannahill Weavers' gorgeous reading of "Auld Lang Syne" are recognizable holiday songs), but the music certainly captures the feeling of the holiday as Fiona Ritchie envisioned it. [As a bonus, the booklet includes a recipe for Mrs. Wilkinshaw's Dundee Cake--one of the prizes awarded as part of the Christmas Ceilidh raffle.]

One benefit of this not being recognizable holiday music is that you can enjoy it year 'round. So throw another yule log on the fire, hoist a pint of your favorite ale, and enjoy! [Running Time - 62:43] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

There is something about playing a disc of Celtic Christmas music that brings the whole spirit of the season closer to home; and Fiona Ritchie has done a marvellous job putting together this disc. She has picked out her favourite Green Linnet selections in order to echo the spirit of her village's Christmas Ceilidh. Fiona is the host and producer of National Public Radio's The Thistle and Shamrock, which is one of the most popular and longest running music programs on public radio in the States.

You won't find anything here to disappoint you, but much to put you in the mood for trimming the tree, wrapping gifts, and of course for baking those yummy Christmas goodies for family and friends. In fact, included is a recipe for Mrs. Walkinshaw's Dundee Cake! I'll be trying this one out next week!

With 17 different tracks and artists I could be easily driven to distraction trying to figure out which three to share with you. The entire disc is that good! So I went with one which has some familiar history, and then one of the two traditional Christmas pieces which are recognizable world-wide. And I had to choose the one which stood out above all others for the final pick. So without further ado - here we go!

Andy M. Stewart and Manus Lunny give us a delightful track entitled At It Again. It is a humorous tale, believe me, and nobody could deliver it like this talented artist, once the renowned vocalist for Silly Wizard. And when you join this incredible voice with the Uillean pipes, well, you have the beginnings of something compelling and passion filled! This track will bring a smile to your heart and a laugh to your lips!

John Renbourn provides a seasonal staple with I Saw Three Ships. Johnís a very gifted guitarist, and shows his stuff with this piece, embellishing the chorus with extra notes and picking the melody out quite clearly. I could sit and listen to him play for hours, but all too soon the piece is over.

The Moving Cloud by Kips Bay is the piece which leapt out and stayed in my mind with each and every listen. It is taken from a live performance, and the disc Into the Light. This group is incredibly unique, well gifted, and very diverse in its background! Front man Pat Kilbride is amazing on the guitar, as is button accordionist John Whelan. Steve Missal once played in Ted Nugent's band, and was also Billy Idol's drummer. Richard Lindsey is a stellar world beat bassist, and Kenny Landrum is a keyboardist with flying fingers! I love reels, but this one is supercharged!

This is a spectacular taste of Celtic talent and will add much to your festive spirit! From Altan to Wolfstone, you'll find it here, as well as the included tale of a village Ceilidh. Treat yourself this Christmas; you'll be glad you did!

Review Originally Posted at LinearReflections.com

Don't expect traditional Christmas carols here, or (unfortunately) any narrations by The Thistle & Shamrock's Fiona Ritchie, but nonetheless, this is an enjoyable collection of boisterous party music and a few wistful winter recollections from artists on the Green Linnet label. Featured is an all-star cast at their best: Altan, Andy M. Stewart and Manus Lunny, the House Band, Liz Carroll, Capercaillie, John Renbourn, Touchstone, Milladoiro, Phil Cunningham, Patrick Street, Cherish the Ladies, Niamh Parsons and the Loose Connections, Wolfstone, Lunasa, Manus McGuire, the Tannahill Weavers, and Kips Bay. Radio host Fiona Ritchie's selections are always well-chosen, and the tracks on this album are no exception. And while we don't hear her voice, the liner notes do contain a lengthy narrative penned by Fiona, as well as a recipe for Mrs. Walkinshaw's Dundee Cake. Beannachtai na Feile!

I was looking forward to this album, but as with many Celtic Christmas albums I have purchased, this was a major diappointment. It didn't particularly have anything to do with Christmas. The album title and list of artists made me think that this would include traditional Christmas songs from the Irish and Scottish traditions. I would love to find such an album. This definitely was not it. On the other hand, unlike my other Christmas music, it is something I can play year-round as well as at Christmas time. I just would have liked to know that before I bought the album.

I was sorely disappointed by this album, which is a fine collection of Celtic music, mostly instrumental, but I was expecting an album with the word "Christmas" in it to have some, I don't know, Christmas music? There ain't none. It has a misleading title.

Not so hot. They have so many good tunes in stock, which were not used on this that I wonder what the reason was...this CD does not to me, offer the best of Capercaillie. IMHO

Cha bu mhath leam na h-òrain Shasannach, ach bha iad brèagha fhathast...agus na h-òrain Gàidhlig... ro-bhrèagha... uill, ceart gu leòr, chan urrainn dhaibh ro-bhrèagha a bhith! Chan eil seo gu h-uile rud, gu dearbh, ach tha mi ga mhailteann gu mòr! 'S "Ailein Duinn" as fheàrr leam; rinn Cairean Mhathanach gu h-àlainn leis; 's e Annag Chaimbeul a th'innte! Tuilleadh na Gàidhlige! Cùm a' Ghàidhlig beò!

Tha mi a' moladh an n-obair!

I was pleased overall with this cd--it took awhile to grow on me, since it was sort of "dated" in its sound, and because it is more in the "euro-technopop" category on some songs than true Celtic. However, the traditional stuff is wonderful, and I like their use of other world rhythms blended to create their unique sound. A good buy!

Having listened to Irish music for several years now I had bought but not bothered to listen to this particular Scottish band until recently. What a waste of several years! Like so many other reviewers have said I listen to this CD non-stop. I love each and every song and plan on getting more Capercaillie albums.

The cog that really makes Capercaillie work, I believe, is Karen Matheson's vocals. She sings equally well in Gaelic or English although I've read she prefers Gaelic. Her voice is stong and true yet she can put so much emotion into the words that you will be moved whether you understand what she is singing or not.

Of course the other band mambers are as important but I was especially pleased to discover an Irishman among the bunch (Manus Lunny) who's influence in some of the songs is unmistakable. It always helps, too, if an artist like Davy Spillane (Moving Hearts and solo artist) play uilleann pipes on a song or two. Another Irishman (and brother to Manus), Donal Lunny, helped Capercaillie produce an entire album from which songs like the beautiful but haunting "Breisleach (Live)" and the commentary "Waiting for the Wheel to Turn" came from.

"The Whinney Hills Jigs", "Kepplehall/25KTS" and "Dr MacPhail's Reel" are all instrumentals. The songs with English titles (except for "The Tree" and "In Exile") are sung in English and the rest are sung in Gaelic. While I don't know a lick of Gaelic, I still thoroughly enjoy the music and songs. If I ever become motivated to actually learn Gaelic (or at least Irish) I'll probably love this album even more -- if that's possible.

My very favorite songs are "Outlaws" and "Four Stone Walls" not only because of the upbeat music but also for the smart social remarks (and, of course, I can understand the words, LOL). And last, but not least, "Breisleach" for Karen's moving vocals.

Enjoy!

my oh my. im just glad i survived it. it was a little shakey there for a bit... but i made it.

Good CD! Really like about 1/2 of the songs. Others are ok.

I bought this album back in 1987 direct from the band (and signed) at a gig in Wales, within three years I had worn out the vinyl, so I was unable to play it any more.
That should give you an idea of just how good this record is, many say that the early Capercaillie stuff is less honed than the their later stuff, but I think it has the rawness that the music needs to be shown off to it best.
The style is younger than the records they produce today, but they were younger, and we've all matured from 1987.

I first heard "Puirt A Beul/Snug In A Blanket" on a Green LInnet sampler album, and when it came on I just stopped what I was doing and said to myself, my God, that's the most beautiful thing I've ever heard.

I still feel the same way about that song, and for that matter, everything else on this early Capercaille album. If you're a fan of any Celtic music you simply must own this disk.

I will buy anything that lead singer Karen Matheson records, but the best is to be found on the early albums - Crosswinds, Sidewaulk, Delirium - which are predominantly traditional in character. Sean Connery is quote as saying that Matheson's voice has been "touched by God" and I couldn't agree more. The other members of the band provide perfect backing to Matheson's powerful ballads and show their great talent in rousing jigs and reels on the instrumental tracks. Capercaillie is a favorite of mine among the current crop - along with Altan and Deanta.

I am absolutely amazed at the high reviews this CD got, when in my opinion it isn't good at all. I bought this at a thrift shop hoping for a good Celtic CD, well definitely not what I got. The first two or three tracks were great, I mean you could definitely feel the Celtic influence in the drums and the violin river dancing sort music. When it started going up in the tracks, the whole Celtic influence disappeared altogether in my opinion. It became western guitar music with Texan sort singing. I am not understanding how the coffee shop, western guitar mixed music is Celtic in any way. LAter on there is also some piano music involved. I am not saying the tracks themselves are bad, but I really feel that this CD mistitled beyond belief. If you even listen to the lyrics most are not at all influenced by the Celtic culture. I am not at all claiming to be an expert, but hearing Celtic sort songs in Irish movies and various CDs this just kind of doesn't do it for me.

"The success of the New Age compilation Pure Moods in early 1997 led to the release of Celtic Moods later in the year. Like its predecessor, Celtic Moods is essentially a New Age collection -- here, Celtic is code for mystic. A few songs, such as the Waterboys' 'Strange Boat,' adhere to the earthy spirit of Irish folk, but much of the music -- including cuts by Clannad, Loreena McKennitt, Ashley MacIsaac, Sharon Shannon, Mary Black, Altan, Christy Moore and the Edge & Sinead O'Connor -- is atmospheric and ambient, evoking the mystical elements of Celtic music. In other words, if you're looking for true Irish folk, go elsewhere -- the [sic--this?] is New Age music with vaguely Celtic overtones, and if you are a fan of that style, there's no better compilation available than Celtic Moods. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide"

Celtic Moods is a really good CD. I like it alot. But then again I like anything IRISH. I've lost this CD a few times over the years and this is probably the 3rd time I had to buy the CD and I have no regrets. My favorite song on the CD is probably Ashley MacIsaacs Sleepy Maggie. Awesome song.

Copared to the other pure moods celtic moods brings you music from Ireland,Scotland & wales

I have this CD, and enjoy it everytime I get the change to hear it. I am a huge fan of Celtic music, and this is a perfect CD to add your Celtic music library. This is an album that all Celtic music fans should have. Other Celtic albums you should try out are : Scottish Moods, the Christian "Eden's Bridge" collection, and the Celtic music from Lifescapes at Target.

In the late 1980s Capercaille quickly distinguished themselves as the foremost Scottish ensemble for traditional tunes and Scottish Gaelic songs. SIDEWAULKS was one of their early successes. The title puns on waulking songs, a genre meant to accompany the beating of cloth. The rousing opening "Alasdair Mhic Cholla Ghasda" is a fine example of such songs. Lead singer Karen Matheson has stunning enunciation. The reels and jigs are performed with great confidence. Green Linnet has nicely provided the lyrics, with translation of the Scottish Gaelic materials.

It is a pity that such a talented ensemble had to bring in synthesizers. While authentic folk music is timeless, synthesizers just make an album embarassingly dated in the 1980s. If Capercaille had done like their Irish counterparts Altan and stuck to acoustic instruments at this stage, SIDEWAULKS would have held up better over time.

Despite further successes, the best of Capercaillie lies in their early recordings. This one is no exception.

Now with new members Manus Lunny and John Saich, the skill level of guitar, bouzouki, and bass reaches new heights. You can especially notice this in the bass lines, as Saich's melodic bass lines give a new depth to Capercaillie's sound.

Of course, Karen Matheson, Donald Shaw, Charlie McKerron, and Marc Duff are in excellent form. Karen's voice really shines here as both Gaelic and English songs take center stage (Sidewaulk is the first Capercaillie album to have English songs as well as Gaelic songs).

With wonderful songs and impeccably performed tunes, how can you go wrong here?

Modernized Celtic music that follows in the path of early Clannad albums -- brisk instrumentals interspersed with glossier vocal numbers and a thumping electric bass or intrusive synthesizer here or there. Talented, it's true, but for the more traditionally-minded among us, this Scottish ensemble may be a hit-or-miss affair. They are more true to their roots on the instrumental numbers -- bad news for folk like me who prefer hearing songs. I'm also not terribly fond of vocalist Kathy Matheson... I guess I just don't like the timbre of her voice, or perhaps I'm just used to hearing a Hebrides accent in a rougher context. This early album is perhaps your best shot to size them up as a proper "trad" band.

I don't own "Sidewaulk" yet (that's why I'm ordering it), but the song "Fosgail an Dorus/Nighean Bhuaidh' Ruadh," track number six on this CD, is amazing! I have it on another CD, and I listen to it all the time! That song alone gives me the impression that Capercaillie is a wonderful group.

I was hooked on this album from the very first song, "Alasdair Mhic Cholla Ghasda" a beautiful, spinning reel. After that, the haunting "Fisherman's Dream" could almost sound like a country-western song. "Fosgail an Dorus" is another traditional gem that makes you want to get up and dance, and the album ends with the transcendent "Oh Mo Dhuthaich". Karen Matheson's crystalline vocals and the sprightly, joyful instrumentation make this a record that never gets old.

I heard several songs from this album on a celtic radio show in Honolulu and they gave me chicken skin! which is what mainland folks would call goosebumps...anyway, I bought the album right away and love every piece on it. Can't wait to get a few more...Beautiful Wasteland has some traditional sounding Scottish pieces but also a wonderful piece with some African influence. You won't regret buying this one!

Th anthology is a great selection of the music of Capercaillie - it may be the great voice of Karen Matheson - I just cant stop listening to it!!!

I've adored Capercaillie ever since I grabbed a handful of their early works in Edingurgh more than 10 years ago. I was hoping this one compilation would be the one I took wherever I went. But it's not. I'll still be hauling around 10 CDs. (Yeah, I need an MP3 player!) A few songs are better than the originals, more are less good. One--the lovely "Oh Mo Dhutaich"--is more than a minute shorter. "Stinging Rain" is torture, with its simple beat replacing the original beautiful orchestration. About a half of the tracks are jigs and reels--great at a ceilidh to dance to, but otherwise, well...The band's virtuosity is far better displayed on their tour de force "Grandfather Mountain." Many of my favorites didn't make the cut, and I sure can't tell why some others did. Now I'm waiting anxiously for the next CD, hoping this trend won't continue.

If Capercaillie has done anything consistently and successfully, it has been to change the sound of their performances. "Secret People" took a long while to grow on me, for it definitely has a hard, more rock influenced sound than any other CD. Yet it still maintains and exhibits the band's strength: mouth music featuring Karen Matheson, reels and jigs that fulfill the necessary "traditional" sound we appreciate, and softer, more melodic songs. This CD also has a very political aspect to it, exhibited best in "Black Fields" and "Four Stone Walls" (reminiscent of "Crooked Mountain" in terms of sound). But the driving beat behind this album is addicting (particularly "Bonaparte") and will only enhance a Scottish collection.

There is something about the voice of Capercaillie's lead singer, Karen Matheson, that just sends shivers down my spine (in a good way). She has one of the most beautiful voices that I have heard, whether she's singing in English or Gaelic, it's a pleasure.

This CD has a wonderful mix of fast-paced reels and slow, haunting tunes that really take advantage of Matheson's voice. Probably the best song on there is "Grace & Pride" as far as vocals go, with "Crime of Passion" a close second. But then it changes focus and makes you want to get up and dance along with the fiddle during "Whinney Hills Jigs."

If you're a fan of Celtic music, you will love this CD. If you haven't experienced it yet, this would be a good CD to start with. Matheson's voice is worth the price of admission by itself.

There's a lot of Celtic music out there, and sometimes it's hard to decide which of the myriad artists are the ones to purchase and listen to. After a half-dozen friends all started recommending Capercaillie, I picked up Secret People and gave it a try. Well, I wasn't disappointed -- every track on this disc, in its own way, shines through with a lyrical beauty and a musical power that is difficult to find anywhere else. Capercaillie continues mixing tradition ("Hi Rim Bo", "Seice Ruairidh", among others) with their own spin and abilities, as well as their own songs, to create an album that is just a great experience for an hour at a time.

During a 1998 visit to Scotland, I was taken with the lush voice of the lead singer who's songs seemed to grace every establishment I entered. After no less than six days of running into "Four Stone Walls" I asked the name of the recording, as I knew that the music enjoyed by so many was going to be a part of my personal library. An artist in a candle shop at Traquair House brought out a well-worn copy of the CD, and said, "Secret People" and explained to this Yank' that this music inspired his work. The sound of the islands of Scotland is contained in nearly an hour music, and exemplifies the proud and romantic essence of an outwardly practical people. Some of the tracks use synthesizer to recreate the mood of the modern landscape of the Highlands, with success. Percussion is used to express the contemporary world, with impressions and images of day-to-day life. We all seek and listen to music that inspires and celebrates us in this life. "Secret People" is a classic because the artists in Capercaillie have succeeded in fulfilling both these categories.

Celtic music at its best. Capercaillie is a fine example of mixing traditional music with a popular ensemble. We loved it!

I especially recommend tracks # 1, 3, 4, 7, 15, 19, 21, 23, and 25.

Indeed, as some have said, many of the songs and instrumentals don't have a traditional Celtic sound. Instead, these are more "mystical" in feeling - moody, meditative, spiritual.

My 5-star rating is for all the songs I love, not for the ones I don't like as much. Track 15 "Fear A Bhata" is worth the price of the album, IMO.

This is my favourite Capercaillie, even though the material is mainly original not traditional. I do love their renditions of traditional music, but some of their later original music was certainly not as good as this. The music here is inspired, fresh and unaffected.

The Blood Is Strong is the soundtrack to a beautiful 3-part documentary on life in the highlands and islands of Scotland, and the music is like a magic carpet that takes you right there (believe me I know, I travelled around Scotland for 3 months, visiting many places in the documentary). This is evocative, plaintive and joyful Celtic music that hits the spot every time. Karen Matheson's young voice mellowed later, but here it just soars.

This re-issue also includes a wonderful 4-track EP that Capercaillie made for a short documentary on the Prince of Wales visit to Scotland, and a couple more extra tracks.

Yes it's different from later albums but it's essential Capercaillie. I never tire of this album, and my copy is now autographed!

This was the first Capercaille album I bought. I've since bought many others and love the band, not just Karen Matheson's vocals.

But this CD was a huge dissapointment. I'd heard some Capercaille songs on compilation CD's before I bought this, and chose this CD because it had a large number of tracks.

This is not the Capercaille I've grown to love. This CD isn't even what I'd call Celtic folk. There are about 3 or 4 decent songs on the album. But the rest are a mix of keyboards, synthesizers, and echoey voices. Strange, foreign, and altogether nothing like I expected.

If you are looking for a place to explore Gaelic folk music, I'll always recommend Capercaille. But try "From Dusk Till Dawn" instead. I also recommend the band Solas.

Warning: THIS IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT FROM ANY OTHER CAPERCAILLIE CD!!! This is, interestingly enough, the first one I bought, and it's wonderful; it managed to get me hooked on the band. But as a compilation of soundtracks, many of the tracks are short, transitional music; many are instrumental. The vocalised songs are nice, but showcase merely Karen's beautiful voice, not necessarily her magnificent talent. It's a wonderful addition to a complete Capercaillie collection, but not necessarily representative of the band's other offerings.