Title - 'The Essential Clannad'
Artist - Clannad
Taking their name from the Irish Gaelic for ‘family from Dore’ or ‘Clann As Dobhar,’ members of the Brennan and Duggan families make up the wonderful Irish band, Clannad.
An incredible double disc containing 30 tracks these discs makes this an excellant introduction to the group. Basically, 'The Essential Clannad' touches on fan favorites, collaborations, and songs from films. Inclusive of newer new age facets of their work, it also includes a stronger celtic flavor also - a little something for everyone.
This collection features some of Clannad's best songs from the 80's, from their albums Magical Ring, Legend, Macalla, and Sirius. It opens with one of Clannad's movie theme hits, "I Will Find You" (the theme From 'The Last Of The Mohicans') and is followed by their second greatest hit, "In A Lifetime."
Some songs are instrumental pieces, others involve voices, but all draw you into a lilting, almost ethereal world of Celtic beauty. There are no fast fiddle pieces, just intricately crafted, delicately beautiful musical charms, one and all. Indeed, the second disc carries the more traditional tracks like "Buachaill An Eirne", "Coinleach Glas An Fhomhair" and "Ta Me Mo Shui".
The lack of two instrumental tracks, "Lady Marian" and "The Fairy Queen" is a little disturbing, but you'll get over it. For as you yourself will quickly discover, Clannad had quite a few really beautiful songs as well as exciting pop songs. But, for my money, the stunning "Harry's Game," even though it is so short, will always be the best song the band has taken the time to record.
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