Born from the struggle to keep acoustic Irish music alive and relevant, “Victims of Irish Music” gathers the finest independent Celtic musicians who are winning the fight to keep instrumental Irish and Celtic music as vibrant and meaningful as it was when musicians in Ireland were victimized for their love of music.
Last year, I borrowed a book from harper, Doc Grauzer, for casual reading about the history of Irish music. In the book, the author explained that many Irish musicians were forbidden by Britain to play the music of their heritage and suffered the consequences for disobeying. But the concept seemed to have greater depth to me as an independent Celtic musician.
Music has evolved a lot since those days. Styles have changed. Dylan went electric. Enya changed the whole concept of “Celtic music” to many in the United States. While I enjoy all styles of Irish and Celtic music, I feel that in order to know where you are going, you should know where you came from. Our cultural heritage is important, as is our musical heritage.
This album includes a wide range of acoustic instrumental music. It is not all traditional, but it is an exciting glimpse at how 21st century independent Celtic musicians are keeping tabs on their cultural heritage. It covers a wide range of musical styles by bands who refuse to allow their heritage to be victimized.
If you are love your Irish heritage, you can show your love of it with this captivating and energizing compilation of amazing music.
A portion of the money earned from this compilation benefits the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. Another portion benefits a non-profit Celtic organization (TBA). But all of it supports the heart of our Irish heritage.
- “Cooley's Set (Reels: Cooley's Reel,/Sporting Paddy/Toss The Feathers)” by Wild Clover Band from Behind the Blarney
- “Sleeping Under The Tables Set” by Kennedy's Kitchen from A Pocketful of Lint
- “Lannigan's Ball/Rambling Pitchfork/Tar Road Sligo” by Cady Finlayson from Harp and Shamrock
- “Staten Island Hornpipe/Morpeth Rant” by The Jolly Rogues from Captain Billy's Privateers
- “The Gneeveguilla Reel/Drag her Round the Road/The Golden Keyboard” by Arabesque from Glen Road to Cordoba
- “The Boys from Blue Hill/Cherish the Ladies” by Bow Triplets from One Spot On Earth
- “Princess Royale” by Thomas “Doc” Grauzer from Infernal Harp Racket
- “Chicago Trippin up the Stairs by Boston Blackthorne from Better Late Than Ever
- “Rocky Road to Brenham” by Celtic Stone from Digital Traditions
- “Geordie Lad” by Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer from Thumb Twiddling
- “Old Grey Cat” by Marc Gunn & The Dubliners' Tabby Cats from Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers
- “Congress Reel” by Poitin from Live!
- “The Road to Lisdonvarna/Morrison's Jig” by Vince Conaway from Distractions from the Muse
- “Polkas and Slides” by The Tea Merchants from The Tea Merchants
- “Banks of Spey/High Road to Linton” by Highland Fling from Highland Fling
- “Campbell's Farewell to Red Gap/Newcastle” by Bedlam Bards from Furious Fancies
- “The Skylark/Humours of Tulla/Lucy Campbell's” by Culann's Hounds from Year of the Dog
What are others saying about Victims of Irish Music?
Happy Peace
author: Matt H
Quite often I like to listen to a CD where I don't have to focus in order to enjoy it. Life is busy enough; one needs to unwind from its stresses. That is exactly why I love this compilation. It has enough bounce to lift the spirit, just take a listen to Cooley's Reel or Chicago Trippin and your feet won't stay still. But just as one cannot dance without taking a break once in awhile, songs like Pricess Royale and Geordie Lad come to the rescue and allow you to slow the pace. When dealing with a variety of artists, it is difficult to maintain a coherent whole. I believe that Marc and friends have done just that. Few CD's can bring as much rest and refreshment as this one does so well. I have no doubt with music like this that the Irish heritage will continue to thrive!
Mmm
author: Wing L Mui
This is a great “gateway drug” into Irish music. It's got a bunch of tunes that even I, who isn't that familiar with Irish music, find familiar. The playing is good and varied enough that even when I accidentally put a song on a loop for ten minutes I didn't notice—normally I'd go insane. Overall it's a great compilation. The energy level is a bit low for my tastes (I describe it as “why am I not drinking a Guinness?”, while my ideal level of energy is “why am I not dancing?”) and it's certainly not as good as a live rendition complete with Guinness and possibly dancing. But, hey, it's pretty close and it does the trick when you're driving, working, or in some other situation where you want to warm up for the drinking and the dancing later.
