I heard about this from a Irish newspaper I get but here is the description from Amazon: For Celtic Thunder, Sharon Browne has teamed up with Grammy-nominated Irish songwriting and composing veteran Phil Coulter to produce a show that includes an eclectic mix of songs ranging from the traditional "Mountains of Mourne" and "Come By the Hills" to international hits such as "Brothers in Arms" and "Desperado," as well as original compositions by Coulter, who has written hits for Elvis Presley ("My Boy") and the Bay City Rollers, and performed with Van Morrison, Tom Jones, and the Rolling Stones. The ensemble numbers in Celtic Thunder reflect the power of the vocalists, who range in age from 14 to 40, and feature songs that celebrate a common Celtic heritage.
"Irishness is not primary a question of birth or blood or language; it is the condition on being involved in the Irish situation, and usually of being mauled by it."-Conor Cruise O'Brien
I watched the Celtic Thunder special on PBS the other night. Gotta tell you: not what I expected. It is essentially a male version of Celtic Woman. The guys are talented no doubt. But the Mrs. and I both commented that it seemed that only 1 of every 3 songs had a celtic influence. Frankly, they seemed more akin to Broadway show tunes. If you have Celtic in your title, I expect a bit more celtic tunes. What was up with the one song performed with the female cello player? And how about the chick in the red dress? I didn't get it. Also, during "Knights in White Satin", the red dress girl shows up again. But when the kid came out and broke into "Puppy Love", I said, "Thats it! I've seen enough!", and switched the channel!
Overall, I agree these gentlemen were talented, but question the song selection. I give it two poops:
Agree with the Broadway-esque format opinion and also changed channels when the young McGinty started on Puppy Love. Puhleese. And it was kinda scary watching the way the older women watched the kid sing that song.
But - I did record it later on because I really like McGinty's Come By the Hills and then the whole crew singing Mull of Kintyre. I like a couple more 'numbers' here and there - but not the whole show so much.
And really - what's up with the chick in red. Was she same as the one in grey?
I'd like to thank the original poster here; because of this post it generated alot of interest and the producer - Sharon Browne - contacted us. They are going to send us their CD for the broadcast and for review!
The power of Celtic Radio - rates high in the search engines and gets noticed!
I saw them on PBS as well. Some parts were great , but it was a roller coaster ride from blah to great and back! I expected more. But I DID like them better than Celtic Woman, who I find to be EXTREMELY squishy and mediocre!
--------------------
Hoka Hey! The more Liberals I meet, the more I like my dogs!
I didn't see the PBS special, but I have the album. Two thumbs down from both my wife and I. Certainly not what I expected. For a group that has Thunder in their name, I expected, well, a bit more thunder. I'm not even sure that I'd go so far as to say they were extremely talented. I just couldn't bear to listen to them again.
I can't wait to see what kind of ratings the songs receive here on CR.
I didn't see the PBS special either and was not familiar with Celtic Thunder until this evening at Barnes and Noble. I was checking out with the "High Kings" CD and happened to see the Celtic Thunder on the counter. I picked it up and the cashier looked up and said that my money was being better spent on the "High Kings" CD. I didn't ask him for any further commentary, purchased the "High Kings" CD and left.
--------------------
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."" Psalm 91:1-2
"Be what you would seem to be--or, if you'd like it put more simply--Never imagine yourself not to be otherwise than what it might appear to others that what you were or might have been was not otherwise than what you had been would have appeared to them to be otherwise." from "Alice in Wonderland"
I've seen their PBS Special several times, and I really enjoy them. Especially their version of Caledonia, which is in the special, but not on the album.
I borrowed the CD from the library about a week ago.
It's good, but not as good as any of the Celtic Woman CDs.
--------------------
Mike F.
May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you. May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.
Man! I just heard about this group last week from my family who are extreme adoring fans and are attending their concerts in Atlanta in November. Then I heard they will be in LA the weekend I will be there. Gotta check these guys out as according to my family in GA, they are better than Celtic Woman. I would imagine each person has their own personal taste, just like with any music or art piece.
wow i must say i am surprised at all the negitive posts. frankly i understand what people saying about the music and expecting more celtic stuff but all in all i found the guys singing and whatnot was pretty good. i own the dvd and both cds and i listen to them basically everyday. i also own the celtic women dvds and i like them as well but it was nice to see/hear a good group of guys. i say keep it up and hope for a second dvd
--------------------
May all your hardships fade away till night becomes morn, may love remain to guide your way... till the day we are reborn.
Untill the day till all are one.
Every man dies, not every man really lives.
0 User(s) are reading this topic (0 Guests and 0 Anonymous Users)