Sometimes things just kind of fall into place. Like when you receive a notice about a Celtic compilation just before St. Patrick’s Day. (Speaking of which, have you seen our St. Patrick’s Day issue yet? It is chock full of good stuff for your St. Paddy’s celebration: an interview with The Mahones, reviews of Irish beers, a cocktail with Irish whiskey, and a list of Irish whiskeys to try in that cocktail.) This concludes the shameless self-promotion portion of the post.
Larry Kirwan’s Celtic Invasion is a great album to add to your St. Paddy’s playlist although I should note for the record that you’re out of luck if you’re expecting a compilation filled with Celtic rock and punk. Don’t get me wrong. There are some fine Celtic rock bands and songs on this album: including Barleyjuice, Runrig, and Black 47. Oh, and if you’re into those Celtic songs that you can hear on any jukebox, check out “The Irish Rover” by Blaggards. This is as punk rock (yes, even more so than the version with The Pogues and Dubliners) a version as I have heard. If this one doesn’t get your foot stomping, I’m not sure what will.
This album also has a song with more of a folk rock feel (“You’re So Beautiful”) and a song partially in Gaelic that sounds more like progressive rock than traditional Celtic music.
If you’re looking for some music for your St. Paddy’s Day bash, this will be a welcome addition.
Related:
Garrahan’s Ghost joins Celtic Invasion (York Dispatch)
Remarkable introduction to Celtic Rock (World Music Central)