Clannad - Beginnings (The Best Of The Early Years)

  by Peter Allison

published: 26 / 10 / 2008

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Review

While Clannad will have first come to people’s attention through the 'Robin of Sherwood' TV series, or the later solo career of Enya, what many fail to realise is that in order for their music to be used in the TV series, they will have needed to have an established track record. Thus this newly released 2-CD compilation seeks to correct this misunderstanding with highlights from the beginning of Clannad’s career. While I doubt this collection will convert any new fans, I believe it will appeal to the more recent fan. One aspect I must comment upon is that Clannad have remained true to their Gaelic ancestry, with it translating across into this album's central concept. While the Gaelic images and font makes for a dramatic impact, the Gaelic titles, however, are confusing at best. Although it may have seemed like a great idea in concept, the reality of this is that many heathens like me will simply refer to the tracks by their number which does destroy some of the atmosphere. This remaining true to their Gaelic roots translates into their lyrics as well, and though their vocals are as clear as always, the actual lyrical narrative remains a mystery as I am sadly not conversant in ancient Gaelic. Having said that, the music is simply fantastic, once again Clannad prove they are the unrivalled champions in folk/Gaelic music. What impressed me the most was their integrating their music with sounds from nature. From wind rustling through trees to a seagull’s lonely cry, all of which are blended with their wood and wind instruments, they create a fantastic emotional journey which actually makes the need for lyrical narrative unnecessary, as the music is more than powerful enough to evoke the emotions and images. In conclusion, while I suspect this is an album that will not convert new people to Clannad, and will only appeal to those who are already (recent) fans and wish to hear Clannad’s earlier music, this is an impressive album that proves Clannad were forerunners in folk music from the start.

Track Listing:-

1 Na Buachailli A'lainn
2 An Mhaighdean Mara
3 Down By The Sally Gardens
4 Dúlamán
5 Crann Úll
6 Rince Briotánach {Breton Dance)
7 Mhorag's Na Horo Gheallaidh
8 Thíos Chois Na Trá Domh
9 Teidhir Abhaile Riú
10 An Túll
11 DTigeas A Damhsa
12 Planxty Browne
13 Nil Sé Ina Ia
14 Cumha Eoghain Rua Uí Néill
15 Coinleach Ghlas An Fhómair
16 The Green Fields Of Gaothdobhair
17 Siúil A Rún
18 An Buinnéan Buí
19 Mhaire Bruineall
20 Eleanor Plunkett
21 Siobhán Ní Dhuibhir
22 Two Sisters
23 Bruach Na Carraige Báine
24 Ar A Ghabháil 'n A 'chuain Damh
25 Éirigh Suas A Stóirín
26 Fairly Sho Of Her
27 Buaireadh An Phósta
28 Gaoth Barra Na DTonn
29 Mrs. McDermott
30 Lá Coimhthíoch Fán Dtuath
31 An Pháirc

Band Links:-

https://www.facebook.com/ClannadMusic/