Those Wild Corries / Kishmul’s Galley CD

3 reviews for Those Wild Corries / Kishmul’s Galley CD

1. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Mary Ann Brading (verified owner) – 29 June 2005

   THOSE WILD CORRIES

   Those Wild Corries is a rollicking, rousing swan song for the Corrie Folk Trio’s last hurrah. But this disc is not so much an end as a beginning — already in evidence are the dynamic duo of Roy and Ronnie. One senses that things are heating up, that the lads are ready to shed the Fair Isle sweaters and Clancy Brothers stylings and become the twa Corries.

   Despite Bill Smith’s driving guitar and mannered baritone, the songs spotlighting Roy and Ronnie are arguably the strongest. Roy’s innovative guitar style and talent as musical arranger blossums on this album. No longer fledgling vocalists, both Roy and Ronnie sing with confidence, their voices soaring solo and in harmony, interpreting songs of lament and joy with equal grace.

   Listen with delight as Ronnie whistles and warbles on “There Are No Pubs in Kirkintilloch,” and “The Galway Races” (for those who love birdcalls, Ronnie’s uncanny whistling ability rates an disc all its own). And Roy’s gentle lilt gives unique expression to “The Quiet Lands of Erin” and the first showcase of his own songwriting talent, “The Reiver’s Galley” (presented here as a slow waltz). For lovers of sea chanties, “Lowlands Low” features a seaworthy vocal by Roy and a swashbuckling chorus. Three’s a crowd can be a good thing when the trio joins in boisterous harmony on “Lammas Tide” and “Cam Ye by Atholl,” two standout Scottish tunes in a primarily Irish repertoire. It’s a wild ride and it’s about to get wilder …

   Buy this CD and enjoy a rowdy pub crawl!

   KISHMUL’S GALLEY

   On Kishmul’s Galley the Corries realize their full potential, crystallizing their unique blend of talent and personalities. As the cover photo suggests, the disc is a joyful celebration of Scottish folksong. One cannot help but wonder how many musicians were influenced by this ground breaking album, with its wit and whimsy of sound and innovation. Both traditional and modern songs are brilliantly interpreted, either with restrained simplicity or daring experimentation. As a result, the music never grows dim with time, but retains its sparkle and vibrancy.

   Roy and Ronnie pack a Viking punch with the title song, “Kishmul’s Galley” (even if they don’t have Viking blood, they should be admitted to Vahalla on the merits of this song alone). Ronnie demonstrates with zeal what can be done with a hank of hide and a sheep’s leg bone (bodhran), and Roy displays a bardic gift for anything with strings, adding a new and unique sound with his own creation, a 28-string guitar. “Kishmul’s Galley” could be considered the Corries’ theme song — spotlighting their musical daring yet always recalling their traditional roots.

   The Corries established an early pattern of contrast in their music, painting songs in dramatic shades of light and shadow. The songs here range from the radiance of spring — “The Lewis Bridal Song” is cheery as May, brightened with frisky Spanish guitars — to the wistful melancholy of “October Song”, with Roy’s plaintive solo, luminous harmonies, chiming zither guitar, and lilting tin whistle. The playful “Roving Journeyman,” with only a percussive accompaniment of matchboxes, (ending with a cheeky striking of a match and blowing it out) contrasts with the eerily gothic “Twa Corbies,” made even more haunting with Roy’s discordant 28-string guitar and Ronnie’s throbbing fiddle. “Gallas Bloke,” featuring Roy’s lively bandurria and Ronnie’s joyful warbling, offers comic relief from the tragedy of “Cruel Brother,” given a hypnotic Eastern flavor with the zither guitar. In the tradition of Celtic black humor, “Toon of Kelso” twists murder into farcical mayhem (note Ronnie’s wonderfully frentic banjo picking). “Highland Lament” evokes a sadder mood with both Roy and Ronnie using their own voices to echo the keening of the Northumbrian pipes.

   On this disc, Roy also demonstrates his newfound skill on the flute with the Irish tune, “Doran’s Favorite” and both Roy and Ronnie showcase even more musical accomplishment with “The Spanish Shawl,” a Celtic symphony featuring whistle, concertina, harmonica, and bodhran. And should you think this album is only about the new and wonderful sounds they were creating, “The Night Visitor’s Song” illustrates why the Corries are the best at what they do — two guitars and two voices — pure and simple magic.

   For “The Shamrock and the Thistle,” grab a bottle and get as giddy as the fellows – the raucous instruments, exuberant singing, and unsuppressed giggles make this a sing-along and drink-along favorite.

   Buy this CD and hear the best Scottish folk music ever!

2. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Doug Furchner (verified owner) – 21 November 2005

   Just received this wonderful CD courtesy of Gavin and the crew. What wonderful compilation of rousing drinking songs, wistful ballads and nationalist sentiment. You would think that combination would not work together, but I’m here to tell you it flows perfectly.

   For any fan of The Corries this disc is a must have. Just as an after thought, I live in Canada and have counted my blessings for every CD I have received through this site as finding this wonderful group here is like pulling hens teeth.

   Great music. Highly recommended to all.

   Corries Nut from Canada

3. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Anne Reid (verified owner) – 11 February 2006

   I have just replayed Those Wild Corries for the umpteenth time after listening
   to versions of some of the tracks by the Furys and the Dubliners , but the
   Corries versions still remain top and this CD is definitely one of the best and
   I have loads to choose from thanks to Gavins hard work on his webside and
   friends who know I’m a Corries nut.