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Libertango

Sharon Shannon

Grange Court

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1. Whitestrand Sling
2. Libertango - Kirsty MacColl, Sharon Shannon
3. Duncan's
4. Phailist�
5. Albatross
6. Hogs and Heifers
7. Seven Rejoices of Mary
8. All the Ways You Wander - Pauline Scanlon, Sharon Shannon
9. Burst Mattress
10. Space Party
11. Anachie Gordon
12. Wishing Well
13. What You Make It (Da da da Da) - Lady K, Marvel, Sharon Shannon

Average customer rating:

Not traditional but wonderful

I have several of Sharon Shannon's earlier albums and I love Irish traditional music. This one is very eclectic but gorgeous. Sinead O'Connor's voice has not dimmed through the years, and the songs Seven Rejoices of Mary and Anachie Gordon are beautiful, but my favorite thing is the rap song at the end that is superimposed over the Irish tune that was played at the beginning - it's so upbeat and joyful.

Very Nearly as Good as Diamond Mountain Sessions

The only reason I didn't give this CD the full 5 stars is because it has a weak track, whereas Diamond Mountain Sessions (the other Shannon CD I have) didn't, in my opinion. If you liked D M, then you'll definitely like this. It's not exactly more of the same, because it's largely Irish, compared to D M's more international feel, incorporating American folk influences, but you will be easily absorbed into the jaunty reels, and the heartfelt airs, courtesy of Pauline Scanlon and Sinéad O'Connor.

Hogs and Heifers is a delightfully dainty fiddle piece, which I'm still trying to learn to play by ear. An Phailistín is very enjoyable and has an overwhelming "home made" feel to it. This isn't because the recording standards are bad(!). I think it's because the chorus, which the whole family joins in with, has a sense of unity. That may not make sense until you hear for yourself!

The Seven Rejoices of Mary is a very interesting piece, which Sinéad learned from some monks. At first, I found it quite boring and uninspiring, but like several of the other tracks on this CD, the more I listen to it, the more I appreciate it.

The only track that I'm not keen on is the title track, Libertango. The track lacks, I think, the essence of Shannon's other music. It's not as "catchy" and doesn't really draw you into it. At first, I really wasn't that keen on the last track, What you Make it, either - it's basically a re-hash of the The Whitestrand Sling, with an overwhelming rap element. But as I've continued to listen to it, it's grown on me somewhat.

This CD has some beautiful melodies, notably Anachie Gordon, which is very skillfully sung. Its more upbeat tracks are what we have come to expect of Shannon - uplifting, original and above all, they entice you to reach for the repeat button!

I would absolutely recommend this to anyone, but particularly those who have another of Sharon's CDs. It's not quite as accessible at first as D M Sessions and you may well find it a slight let-down at first, but the CD will definitely grow on you. Put it this way - I now love it just as much as D M!