Traditions - Corries

Advantages: Hearty tales of wenches and conquest, performed with vigour and power.
Disadvantages: Still reliant on others' established styles at this stage.

...prominently into all of these songs as can be discerned from the titles, but despite going for the obvious themes (maps, battles, wenches, trezer), it never feels like a diluted pantomime version of piracy, and it's clear the band has done its research to add authenticity. Bowes' vocals take on a distinct piratey persona, growling in a gritty folk style on the slower and mid-range songs but being forced into a more traditional metal style in the faster offerings later in the album, reminiscent of Megadeth's Dave Mustaine, and the lyrics will stay with the listener afterwards just as much as the catchiest guitar moments. Each major song is afforded an extensive instrumental section for solos and such, which is actually something of a mixed bag (of pieces o' eight?): Harper's guitars are pleasant enough in their classic metal approach, but Bowes... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: A cd that makes you become familiar with Irish folk music at once
Disadvantages: The last song is a bit boring

...The band from Sligo presents 14 songs that are masterpieces of recent Irish folk music. The traditional instruments (fiddle, bouzouki, concertina, mandola, whistles) create a sweet atmosphere that perfectly integrates itself with the female singer's sweet voice. Chords and fiddle are played in an excellent way and every time you listen to tunes like Touching Cloth, Peata Beag and The Trip to Sligo Set, joy fulfils your heart and mind, giving you the opportunity to stand up and dance (if you are listening to the cd in a place where you can stand up and dance!). The singer's voice is wonderful and the lyrics of the songs are very touching. The songs she sings tell stories about several complex characters such as misunderstood lovers, men who had to leave from Ireland to find a job….. These songs are maybe a little too long but if you sit... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Nice voice, nice tunes
Disadvantages: A little on the bland side

...as the Michael Bublé end of the market, but not quite as pure pop as James Blunt. Naturally, the press notes say (cue John Miles) that music was his first love and that he saved up his first few wage packets from "Corrie" to buy a baby grand piano. After he left The Street in 2006, he turned down some offers, saying: "I would rather have played a piano in a restaurant for the rest of my life than make a record I was embarrassed about." However, while it's quite nice, the standout track is a cover, Semisonic's "Secret smile". "Back here" is quite nice as a slow ballad, "Skyline" has some nice guitar ad "Jealous" is pretty good as well. Overall, he does look like a soap star / talent show winner who can put his shameful past behind him and see success as a singer; downside, it's a little bland and in parts sounds like Robbie Williams in full cliché... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful