28 Irish Pub Songs by Clancy Brothers (CD, Feb-1996, Madacy Records)

In the 1970s, because I have some Scotch Irish blood in my bloodline, I ordered a vinyl record that contained many of the songs on this CD, such as "The Moonshiner", "Whiskey, You're the Devil", "A Jug of Punch", "The Parting Glass", "Rosin the Bow", and other drinking songs. Of these, "Rosin the Bow" became a family favorite--my wife plays this tune on her Appalachian dulcimer. Historical war songs like the rousing "Rising of the Moon" and "The Foggy Dew" also touched a nerve with me for their haunting messages. I also like the upbeat, sardonic, war memories tune, "Whack Fol The Diddle".

I ordered this CD to recapture these songs for my family. They brought back a lot of memories. These songs are earthy, Irish pub songs, just as the title says. Some of them I can live without, and are even a little irritating to me. But these guys can really belt out the songs in pure Irish style.

If you like rousing-and sometimes a little rowdy-Irish songs, you will enjoy this CD. If not, buy it for the mournful "Rosin The Bow" , the bold "Rising Of The Moon" and the retrospective "The Foggy Dew". I really like it, and I think that you will, too!