Search - Arranmore :: Collection

The "Great " Collection

Margaret Bower | Chicago, IL United States | 12/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is an amazing snap shot of the evolution of the band Arranmore - from their earliest hit - I & M Canal - the folkies travel log history of the Irish building the long defunct Illinois & Michigan Canal you'll learn more history in 3 minutes listening to this song than reading books on the subject and gain an appreciation for the tremendous human sacrifice needed to build this country into the industrial giant it became. If you are looking for a traditional song that is all but guranteed to have you singing and crying along you've got to hear this version of "The Derry Aire - aka Danny Boy - without a doubt it will stir emotions deep within.

A really catchy tune that you'll find yourself singing for days is "Rolling and Ramblin" - the history and sad end to an American Icon in Nashville - I won't say more so as not to spoil the impact the first time you hear it.

In what has become the unofficial anthem of the Irish on St. Patrick's Day - "South Side Irish" has found an international following being the groups all time #1 requested song on the island of Arranmore and all points south of Madison Avenue in Chicago.

Tommy Makem joins the group in a rousing rendtion of a popular pub song - "Farwell to Carlingford" - order up a pint and join in the chorus!

I've heard it said the even Gordon Lightfoot thinks the Arranmore version of "It's Worth Believin" does a better job at capturing the raw emotion behind this Top Ten Chart hit than his own - - the arrangement and vocals are intoxicating!

If you want a song that capture a father and son relationship you'll not find a better one than "Dad" - a real tight tune that delivers quite an emotional punch.

"My Hometown" will really pull at your heart strings if you were born in a town and not a city. If you were born in a big city you'll wish that you were born in a small hometown after hearing this great song.

If you are looking for an original classic that can be enjoyed over, and over again, by everyone in the family - you've found it! I'll never take a family auto trip of more than 45 minutes without this Arranmore CD in my car!"

What a great "collection" by a wonderful act!

Brian Jackson | Nashville, TN USA | 01/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Finally, it happened. A truly great "collection" of songs awaits the listener in this terrific CD by this talented gifted cult act. Arranmore, long a staple on the Midwestern Folk/Roots music circuit has a winner in this retrospective of their past fifteen years or so of recorded efforts. This CD is a MUST for long time fans and the perfect introduction for those who are just hearing about Arranmore for the first time. This "Collection" is loaded with 17 winning sides. Don't miss this one!



Brian Jackson

Nashville, TN"