CLANNAD
A Magical Gathering - The Clanad Anthology (Rhino)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Formed in 1970 by siblings Pol, Ciaran and Maire Brennan and their uncles Padiraig and Noel Duggan, Clannad have become established as one of the leading groups in Irish music while they've busied themselves redefining what, in fact, Irish music means to the international audience. From their beginnings as exemplars of the traditional Gaelic music of their native Donegal to their current status as New Age superstars, their only constant has been excellence, and that excellence in all its incarnations is in full display on this comprehensive overview of their career.

The lineup has remained remarkably consistent over the years. Brother Pol left the group in the late 70's and was replaced for a time by younger sister Eithne, who left to establish her own stellar career as Enya. Otherwise, Clannad is still a family band from Donegal, and while hard core aficionados of Irish trad music might scoff at some of their innovations over the years, they've remained closer to their roots than they're sometimes given credit for. It's frankly absurd to think that a band that still offers most of its lyrics in Irish Gaelic has been overcome by commercial considerations, even if their efforts have led to best selling soundtracks and Grammy awards. Selling does not imply selling out, regardless of what cynics might infer, and there's a good deal more to Irish music than jigs and reels. No one has done a better job of making that point than Clannad, who remain deeply rooted in their own Irish traditions while creating music that's fully contemporary, at least in the sense that excellence is always in style.

This is the ideal set for those who once loved the band but lost track, as well as those who've recently discovered them but haven't heard their early traditional artistry. And if, by chance, they've somehow completely escaped your attention, A Magical Gathering is your perfect opportunity to catch up.

Track Lists:

Disc One: Nil De Ina La * Thios Cois Na Tra Dom * Teidhir Abhaile Riu * Fairly Shot Of Her * Dulaman * The Galtree Hunt * Siuil A Run * Down By The Sally Gardens * Ar a Ghabhail 'n a 'Chuain Damh * Na Buachailli Alainn * Bruach Na Carriage Baine * An Tull * Coinleach Ghlas An Fhomhair * Thios Fa 'N Chosta * Theme From Harry's Game * Newgrange

Disc Two: Robin(The Hooded Man) * Now Is Here * Ancient Forest * Caislean Oir * Almost Seems (Too Late To Turn) * Buachall On Eirne * Second Nature * Something To Believe In * Sirius * Ri Na Crunne * The Poison Glen * I Will Find You * Banba Oir * Seanchas * Croi Groga * An Gleann * A Mhuirnin O

© 2002 - Shaun Dale