Celtic Themes (The Very Best Of Clannad) - Clannad

Advantages: If you are new to Irish Folk music then this is the one for you!
Disadvantages: If you already have some of Clannad's other work you may already have most of this compilation.

...To most folks out there, Clannad is probably best known as "the band that Enya used to be in," although for me, they are more like "that great Celtic band that later got all goopy and New Agey..." Clannad are made up of various members of the Bhraonain (Brennan) and Dugain (Duggan) families, out of County Donegal in Ireland. Vocalist Maire Ni Bhraonain (now known as Mary Brennan) was at the vocal heart of the band, although the band's considerable collective instrumental skill was also nothing to sneeze at. Although they were always modernists, Clannad started off with a more traditional, folkloric orientation, and their records of the early and late 1970s are generally pretty satisfying to the trad-oriented among us -- smooth and ornate, but with a solid Celtic foundation. Over the years, Clannad's sound has gotten progressively... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: excellent easy listening
Disadvantages: I cant find any!!!!

...Clannad includes Maire, Moya and Ciaran Brennan and others include Bono, Bruce Hornsby.Clannad was one of the first Irish bands to attempt to get into ambient music. On this album THE GREATEST HITS, we listen to some of Clannad's best-loved songs, including the "Theme from Harry's Game." This song,was written for a popular BBC television program, Harry's Game which is probably Clannad's most moving, haunting composition, although some may say there are alot of choir-like vocals on this album. This album cover lots of 1982-1989 recordings. It's very cheap to buy with some wonderful harmonies to listen to and enjoy and comes from aband who have been a active family band now for 30 years or more in this time they have recorded approx 16 albums all listened to and loved by many . I'd say give it a listen I'm sure you'll love it . It seems... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Bonus tracks are beautfiul !
Disadvantages: None

...I am a life long fan of this group and I can tell you this album is a fantastic introduction to this bands music reportoire. Clannad use a mixture of contempary and traditional styles in their music. The haunting vocals of the lead singer (Moya Brennan) is absolutely fantastic. The music is so beautiul that it takes your mind, body and spirit and leaves you feeling relaxed and chilled. The band, in my opinion have taken the best songs from previous album (past and recent) and have wetted the musical appetite of those new to great celtic music. Phil Mison is a guest muscian/producer on the bonus tracks. His contribution has catapulted this album into a new arena and I would love to see him work with Clannad in future albums... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful