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CD Ratings 2000


Ratings of traditional and related CDs

Here is a list of my ratings of the CDs and tapes I heard for the first time in 2000. Most of the recordings are in the genre of Irish and British traditional muisic, while some come from other genres. The evaluation scale comprises five stars: * being the lowest and ***** being the highest. The midpoint, I think, is now in accordance with the rating of Philippe Varlet, who evaluates Dervish's Midsummer's Night (Whirling) as *** in his CGI News. It happens to be one of my best 1999 albums. You get the idea. The scale is roughly as follows: * can be interpreted as the one with which you find it difficult to discover anything good; ** as quite good; *** as excellent (in the modern sense); **** as stupendous, exceptional, or as 'killer'; ***** as a classic. You can guess the ratings in between: e. g. *1/2 can be interpreted as good. For your information Philippe runs Celtic Grooves Imports where he sells many of the items he rates. Needless to say, apart from the above Dervish album, my ratings are quite independent of his views. -- Mícheál

Notes: If an album is not released in 2000, the year of its release is given. Each album may or may not be available at the time you see this list. Check the website, if any, for its availability. Irish fadas (acute accent diacritics) are best viewed with a European font set, such as Arial.

| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N |
| O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |
    | A | Index |

  1. 'ac Dhonncha, Seán: An Aill Bháin (cassette) (Claddagh 4CC9, no date) ****
  2. 'ac Dhonncha, Seán: An Spailpín Fánach (CIC, 1994) ****1/2
  3. Atlan: Romances Sefardies: Noches [Sephardic songs] (Buda, 1997) **1/2
    | B | Index |

  4. Bäckstrom, Ola: Ola Bäckstrom (Giga, 1994) ***1/2
  5. Bäckstrom, Hedin, Knutsson: Triptyk (Atrium, 1998) **
  6. Baka Beyond: Sogo (Hannibal) **
  7. Beginish: Beginish (Inis 001, 1998) ****
  8. Bhreathnach, Gearóidín: Ar Fhoscadh na gCnoc (CIC, 1997) ***1/2
  9. Black, Frances: The Smile on Your Face (Dara, 1996) **
  10. Boot: Virvla (Silence, 1999) ***1/2
  11. Bradley, Harry: Bad Turns & Horse-shoe Bends (Outlet, 1999) ***1/2
  12. Brady, Paul: Oh What a World (Ryko) **
  13. Breatnach, Cormac: Musical Journey (Peer Music, 1999) ****
  14. Brightman, Sarah: One Night in Eden (DVD) (Angel, 1999) *1/2
  15. Brown, Phil: Pendle Moon (Big Whistle Music) *
  16. Burland, Dave: Daleman's Litany (Leader, 1971/1999) **
  17. Burland, Dave: Benchmark (Fat Cat, 1994) **
    | C | Index |

  18. Calennig: A Gower Garland (WildGoose) **1/2
  19. Campbell, Roddy: Tarruinn Armoch (Late Cull) (Greentrax) ***
  20. Card, Michael: Joy in the Journey-10 Years of Greatest Hits (Sparrow, 1994) *1/2
  21. Carthy, Martin & Dave Swarbrick: Prince Heathen (Topic, 1969/1977/1994) ***
  22. Ceolbeg: Cairnwater (Greentrax, 1999) *1/2
  23. Clannad: 2 (Shanachie, 1988) **1/2
  24. Cliar: Cliar (Macmeanmna) ****
  25. cMc: Snap & Roll (Snap) *1/2
  26. Connolly, Rita: Granuaile (Tara, 1985) ***
  27. Coughlan, Mary: Under the Influence (WEA 2292-42185-2, 1987) **1/2
  28. Cran: Lover's Ghost (Black Rose) **
  29. Craobh Rua: If Ida Been Here Ida Been There (Lochshore) **
  30. Cronin, Elizabeth: The Complete Song Collection (Four Courts Press) ***1/2
  31. Cronshaw, Andrew: On the Shoulder of the Great Bears (Cloud Valley) *1/2
    | D | Index |

  32. Danu: Think Before You Think (Shanachie) ***
  33. De Andre, Fabrizio: Anime Salve (Ricordi/BMG, 1996) ***
  34. Deiseal: The Long Long Note (Starc SCD 193, no date; maybe deleted) ***
  35. Dempsey, Kev and Tom Leary: Ancora (Dex) **1/2
  36. Dennehy, Tim: A Winter's Tear (CIC, 1993) **1/2
  37. Dervish: Midsummer's Night Session (VHS) (Whirling) **1/2
  38. Dransfields, The: Up to Now (Free Reed, 1976/1997) **
    | F | Index |

  39. Falu Spelmanslag: I Stoten (AllWin AWCD-18, 1997) *1/2
  40. Farlanders: Moments (Jaro 4230-2) ****
  41. Fernhill: Whilia (Beautiful Jo) **1/2
  42. Finn, Alec: Blue Shamrock (Celtic Heartbeat, 1994) **
    | G | Index |

  43. Graham, Len: Ye Lovers All (Claddagh, 1984) **
  44. Graham, Len, Garry Ó Briain, & Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin: When I Was Young (Fonn, 1996) **
    | H | Index |

  45. Hank Dogs: Bareback (Hannibal, 1998) *1/2
  46. Hard to Find: Apple Blossom (Konpei, 1994) *1/2
  47. Hard to Find: Paparl'n Night (Konpei) **
  48. Harte, Frank: Daybreak and a Candle-end (Spin, 1987) **1/2
  49. Harte, Frank: 1798 the First Year of Liberty (Hummingbird, 1998) ***1/2
  50. Hayden, Cathal: Cathal Hayden (Hook, 1999) **1/2
  51. Heaney, Joe & Gabe O'Sullivan: Joe & The Gabe (cassette) (Green Linnet, 1979) ***
  52. Herreweghe, Philippe: J.S. Bach: St. Matthew Passion (Harmonia Mundi, 1999) ***1/2
  53. Holmes, Joe & Len Graham: After Dawning (cassette) (Ossian Publications, 1979/1993) ***1/2
    | J | Index |

  54. Jarrett, Keith: Melody at Night, with You (ECM, 1999) **1/2
  55. Johnstons, The: The Johnstons-The Barley Corn (Essential, 1968/1969/1996) **1/2
  56. Jones, Bill: Turn to Me (Bedspring) **
    | K | Index |

  57. Kanamori, Kosuke: Ryokuchi Nite (At a green park) (Hickory Wind, 1997) ***
  58. Kanamori, Kosuke: Shizukana Ongaku Ni Natta (It turned into quiet music) (Hickory Wind, 1999) **
  59. Keane, Dolores: There Was a Maid (Claddagh, 1978) **
  60. Kelly, Alan: Mosaic (Tara) **
  61. Kila: Lemonade & Buns (Green Linnet) ***
  62. King, Geraldine: Traditional Old Time Irish (Rusheen, no date) *
    | L | Index |

  63. La Lugh: Brighid's Kiss (Lughnasa Music, 1996) *1/2
  64. Larner, Sam: Now Is the Time for Fishing (Topic) ***
  65. Lenihan, Edmund: Storyteller 1 & 2 (story-telling) (Claddagh, 1986/1988/2000) **1/2
  66. Little Johnny England: Little Johnny England (LJECD1) **
  67. Lunny, Donal: Journey, the Best of Donal Lunny (Hummingbird) ***
    | M | Index |

  68. Macalla: Mna na hEireann (incl. Seosaimhin Ni Bheaglaoich's excellent solo singing of 'Mna na hEireann') (cassette) (Gael-Linn, 1984) ***
  69. MacAlias: Highwired (Greentrax) ***
  70. McConnell, Cathal: Long Expectant Comes at Last (Compass) **
  71. McDonaghs of BallinaFad, The: Play Traditional Music of Sligo (CCE) ****1/2
  72. Macdonald, Catriona: Bold (Peerie Angel) ****
  73. Mac Donnchadha, Dara Bán: Rogha Amhrán (CIC, 1999) **1/2
  74. Mac Donnchadha, Johnny Mháirtin Learai: Contae Mhuigheo (CIC, 1993) **1/2
  75. McNamara, Brian: A Piper's Dream (Drumlin) ***
  76. McNamara Family: Leitrim's Hidden Treasure (Drumlin, 1998) ****1/2
  77. McNeil, Flora: Orain Flora (Temple) **
  78. Malinky: Last Leaves (Greentrax) ***1/2
  79. Moore, Christy: Prosperous (Tara, 1972) **1/2
  80. Moulden, John: Thousands Are Sailing: a Brief Song History of Irish Emigration (songs from the book of the same title) (cassette) (Ulstersongs, 1994) *1/2
    | N | Index |

  81. Nenagh Singers Circle: Nenagh Singers Circle (incl. two unaccompanied songs by Deirdre Scanlan) (Nenagh Singers Circle NSCCD001, 1997) (may be obtainable from The Living Tradition) **
  82. Ni Bheaglaoich, Seosaimhín: Under the Sun (Gael-Linn, 1994) ****
  83. Ni Chéileachair, Máire: Guth ar Fán (Secret Garden, 1999) ***
  84. Ni Dhonncha, Máire Áine: Deora Aille (cassette) (Claddagh 4CC6, no date) **1/2
  85. Ni Ghuairim, Sorcha: An Chéad Dólás (cassette) (CIC, 1945/1990) **
  86. Ni Mhiolláin, Treasa: An Clochar Bán (cassette) (CIC, 1989) **1/2
  87. Ni Riain, Nóirín: Soundings (Ossian Publications, 1993) **1/2
  88. Ni Shúilleabháin, Eilís: Cois Abhann na Séad (CIC, 1997) ***1/2
  89. Ni Uallacháin, Pádraigin: A Stór 's a Stóirú‹ (Gael-Linn, 1994) **
  90. Ni Uallacháin, Pádraigin: An Dara Craiceann (Beneath the Surface) (Gael-Linn, 1995) ***1/2
  91. Ni Uallacháin, Pádraigin: Irish Lullaby (Shanachie) ***
    | O | Index |

  92. Ó Cadhla, Labhras: Amhrain O Shliabh gCua (RTE) ****
  93. Ó Callaghan, Graham: In This Heart (Dragon DRGN CD 001) **
  94. Ó Catháin, Darach: Ó Catháin, Darach (Shanachie, 1992) *****
  95. Ó Ceannabháin, Peadar: Mo Chuid den tSaol (CIC, 1997) ***
  96. Ó Dochartaigh, Seoirse: Oíche go Maidin (CIC, 1994) **1/2
  97. O'Donnell, Colm: Farewell to Evening Dances (BogFire, 1999) ****
  98. Ó hAllmhuráin, Gearóid and Patrick Ourceau: Tracin' (Celtic Crossings, 1999) **
  99. Ó Laoire, Lillis: Bláth Gach Géag Dá dTig (CIC, 1992) ****
  100. Old Blind Dogs: New Tricks (Lochshore, 1992) **1/2
  101. Old Blind Dogs: The World's Roon (Green Linnet, 1999) **1/2
  102. Ó Riabhaigh, Eoin: Tiomnacht / Handed On (Gael-Linn) ****
  103. Ó Riada, Seán: Mise Éire (VHS video) (Gael-Linn, 1959) **1/2
  104. Ó Riada, Seán: Ceol an Aifrinn (cassette) (Gael-Linn, 1971) ***1/2
  105. Ó Riada, Seán: Aifreann 2 (cassette) (Gael-Linn, 1979) ***
  106. Orion: Blue Room (Keltia Musique, 1993) **
  107. Orion: Restless Home (Keltia Musique, 1998) *1/2
  108. O'Rourke, Jason: The Bunch of Keys (Outlet) **
  109. Ó Siochru, Finola: Searc mo Chléibh (Own label, 1999) ****1/2
  110. Ó Súilleabháin, Diarmuid: Bruach na Carraige Báine (CIC, 1995) ***1/2
    | P | Index |

  111. Paddy & Bridget & Their Great Friends: Paddy & Bridget & Their Great Friends (PBCD 001) *1/2
  112. Pardon, Walter: A World Without Horses (Topic) **1/2
  113. Parsons, Niamh: Blackbirds & Thrushes (Green Linnet, 1999) ***
  114. Parsons, Niamh: In My Prime (Green Linnet) **1/2
  115. Piggott, Charlie and Gerry Harrington: The New Road (CIC) ****1/2
  116. Prior, Maddy & Rick Kemp: Happy Families (Park, 1990) ***1/2
  117. Providence: Providence (Rolling River RRCD 001, 1999) **
    | R | Index |

  118. Relativity: Gathering Pace (Green Linnet, 1987) ***
  119. Robson, Carolyn: All the Fine Young Men (Reiver, 1999) **
  120. Rose, Tony: Bare Bones (Boneshaker BSCD2001, 1999) **1/2
  121. Ryan, Cathie: Cathie Ryan (Former lead singer of Cherish the Ladies) (Shanachie, 1997) *1/2
    | S | Index |

  122. Scanlan, Deirdre: Speak Softly (DSCD001, 1999) **1/2
  123. Seewald, Zahava: Psamim: Ashkenaz Songs (Sub Rosa SR89, 1994) **
  124. Sheáinín, Máirtín Tom: Blath na hÓige (CIC, 1997) ***1/2
  125. Show of Hands: Cropredy Village Hall '99 (Hands On Music) **
  126. Simpson, Lester: One (No Masters) **1/2
  127. Skara Brae: Skara Brae (Gael-Linn, 1971/1998) ***1/2
  128. Stewart, Rosie: Adieu to Lovely Garrison (Spring SCD 1041, 1998) ***
  129. Synge, J. M.: The Playboy of the Western World (play) (RTE) **
    | T | Index |

  130. Tabor, June & Martin Simpson: A Cut Above (Green Linnet, 1989/1992) ***1/2
  131. Tabor, June: Quiet Eye (Topic, 1999) **
  132. Tickell, Kathryn: Debateable Lands (Park, 1999) ****1/2
  133. Toibín, Nioclás: Rinn na nGael (CIC CICD 104, 1999) ****
    | U | Index |

  134. Ui Laoi, Áine Bn.: Cuimhní Ceoil (cassette) (CIC, 1992; deleted) (may be obtainable from Ulstersongs) **1/2
  135. Ui Cheallaigh, Áine: Idir Dha Chomhairle (Gael-Linn, 1992) ***1/2
    | V | Index |

  136. VA: Amhráin ar an Sean-Nós: Ó: Dún na nGall, Muigh Eo, Conamara, Ciarrai, Corcaigh, Na Déise agus Ráth Cairn (RTE CD185, no date) ****1/2
  137. VA: Beauty An Oilean (Claddagh CC56CD, 1992) **1/2
  138. VA: Bird In the Bush (Topic, 1996) **1/2
  139. VA: Blas Meala I (cassette) (Camus C050, no date) **
  140. VA: Blas Meala II (cassette) (Camus C051, no date) **
  141. VA: The Bothy Songs and Ballads of North East Scotland Volume One (Sleepytown, SLPYCD001, 1999) **
  142. VA: The Bothy Songs and Ballads of North East Scotland Volume Two (Sleepytown, SLPYCD006) **
  143. VA: Ceol Tacsi (Vertical) ***
  144. VA: Claddagh's Choice (Claddagh CC40/65CD, 1998) **1/2
  145. VA: Classic Ballads of Britain and Ireland Volume One (The Alan Lomax Collection) (Rounder) ***
  146. VA: Classic Ballads of Britain and Ireland Volume Two (The Alan Lomax Collection) (Rounder) ***
  147. VA: Classic Irish Legends (story-telling by Seosaimhi/n Ni/ Bheaglaoich, Niamh Parsons and Eimear Quinn) (Hummingbird) *1/2
  148. VA: Cois Mara Thoir sa Rinn (MSN 001, 1998) (hard to find, but a cassette version may be obtainable from Open Ear) ****1/2
  149. VA: Cork Folk Festival Archive (CFFCD001) ***1/2
  150. VA: Croch Suas É Arút Eile! (cassette) (CIC, no date) ***
  151. VA: Crosskeys Inn, Live at the Kitchen (Own label) **
  152. VA: Éist (Dara TORTV 105 CD, 1999) **
  153. VA: English Originals (Topic, 1999) ***
  154. VA: Faith of Our Fathers: Classic Religious Anthems of Ireland (VHS video) (Valley Entertainment, 1997) ***
  155. VA: Ffidil (Fflach Tradd. CD182H, 1997) ***
  156. VA: Fleadh 'gus Fe/asta: Amhra/in Choilm de Bhaili/s (CIC, 1995) **1/2
  157. VA: Gaelic Women: Ar Canan 'S Ar Ceol (Greentrax, 1999) **
  158. VA: Grand Airs of Connemara (cassette) (Ossian Publications, 1989) ****
  159. VA: Here Is a Health (cassette) (Arts Council of Northern Ireland, 1986) ***
  160. VA: Ireland/Irlande (from the archives of the Department of Irish Folklore, University College Dublin, formerly the Irish Folklore Commission) (Auvidis, UNESCO D 8271, 1997) **
  161. VA: Kindred Spirit (Green Linnet) *1/2
  162. VA: The Lark in the Morning (Tradition TCD 1001, 1955/1996) ***
  163. VA: Live pa Halkaer Kro (Halkaer) ***1/2
  164. VA: More Grand Airs of Connemara (cassette) (Ossian Publications, 1991) ***1/2
  165. VA: Na FonnadóirE Leitir Móir - Taispeántas agus Anailú (3 cassettes) (CIC, 1996) *1/2
  166. VA: Pale Rainbow / An Dubh ina Bhán I (cassette) (Camus CP006, 1988) ***
  167. VA: Pale Rainbow / An Dubh ina Bhán II (cassette) (Camus CP007, 1988) ***1/2
  168. VA: Root & Branch 2: the Fifties: 1947-63 (EFDSS) ***
  169. VA: The Rough Guide to World Music Volume One (World Music Network, RGNET 1032 CD, 1999) ****
  170. VA: Seachra/n Si/ (CIC, 1998) ***
  171. VA: Seoda Sean-Nóis as Tír Chonaill (CIC, 1996) **1/2
  172. VA: Songs of the Troubadours and Trouveres (Bard BDCD 1-9711, 1997) (produced with the anthology of the same title, New York: Garland Publishing, 1997; ISBN 0-8153-1341-1) **1/2
  173. VA: Traditional Songs of Ireland (Saydisc CD-SDL411, 1995) ***
  174. VA: Voice of the Folk (Topic, 1996) **
    | W | Index |

  175. Waterson, Lal & Mike: Bright Phoebus (Leader, 1972/2000) ****
  176. Waterson, Norma: Norma Waterson (Hannibal, 1996) ***
  177. Waterson, Norma & Martin Carthy: Waterson: Carthy (Topic, 1994) ****
  178. Watersons: Frost and Fire (Topic, 1965/1977/1990) ***
  179. Watersons: Green Fields (Topic, 1977/1981/1998) **
  180. Willemark, Lena: Windogur (Amigo Musik) ***
  181. Woods, Rosemary: Rosemary Woods (Spring CSPCD 1027, 1992) **1/2
    | Z | Index |

  182. Zugasti, Olatz: Bulun Bulunka (Elkarlanean) ***1/2
Last updated: 26 November 2003

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