"It rocks!!! It probably belongs more at the X-Games that your local pub (actually they love it at my Irish pub).The music ranges from a jazzy piano opening on 'Wing-Stock' to speed-Celtic on 'Devil in the Kitchen' (you'll know what I mean when you hear it). I heard an MP3 of 'Wing-Stock' and it absolutely blew me away. I ordered the CD right away and was ecstatic about the rest of it. It is a must buy regardless if you are looking for alternative, rock or Celtic.If you buy this and like it check out Brigid Boden too. She is another alternative Celtic artist. If you know of any other artists playing this type of alternative/rock with a Celtic twist, please let me know!One note of caution: Ashley's other albums are nothing like this one. They are traditional Celtic Jigs and Reels. Don't get carried away and order his whole discography until you have sampled them."
Stinkin awesome album!
strangerjt | Portland OR | 06/04/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Celtic music to bug your parents with. This is probably the most hard rockin celtic album I've heard yet. Punk guitar and celtic fiddle, what a combo. Not quite as traditional as "Fine thank you very much", which I didn't care for all that much. The fiddle playing is incredible, as well as the arrangements of songs. I tend to skip the softer songs and head straight for the rockers. If I want more traditional I listen to Patrick Street or something. But that's just me though. I thought "Sleepy Maggie"'s poppy vocals were kind of annoying. And "What an idiot", well that was kind of annoying, but funny too. You don't expect it, that's for sure. I love tracks 3,4,10,11, and 12. If you like high energy rock and fiddles check it out. It's definitely a must have in any celtic-rock collection. If you like this, other good Celtic rock bands are Wolfstone, Seven Nations and Brother."
Well, if you can't see him in concert . . .
A. C. Walter | Lynnwood, WA USA | 07/30/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
". . . you still have to buy the CD! The full Ashley experience can only be had live, but this is the next best thing. When he revs his fiddle up to a fevered pitch, just imagine a whole lot of stompin' going on. Mr. MacIsaac learnt his fiddle playin' from the King of the Faeries, and the energy in this album proves it! Here you have the hit single, "Sleepy Maggie," sung in Galic but all about "sex and dancin'." And there's "The Devil in the Kitchen," a no holds barred, take no prisoners, gritty, grungy Fiddle Fest. In the middle of the album, the humor of "What An Idiot He Is" sneaks up on you; it's one of the funniest, wittiest songs I've ever heard. Point is: the album's all good. You've moshed, you've banged your head. Now learn how to stomp."
...
Meredith Bland | Austin, TX | 06/01/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"...No, really, it HASN'T been done before, and there's NO real comparison to Steeleye Span or that particular form genre of folk-rock/whatever-the-[heck]-you=want-to-call-it. Ashley Mac's giving it the Nova Scotian, Cape Breton nineties trance treatment, which is NOTHING I remember from Fairport Convention or Steeleye Span. At very least, the [smartie] whose review they've chosen to post as the 'official' word on MacIsaac's artistry did give up a few points for his playing. Otherwise, it's a poor way to present what for the most part is really an original, (yes, ORIGINAL)contemporary twist put on traditional tunes."
You've done it to me. . . .
Meredith Bland | 12/08/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Whatever it is. . I want more! I drive the back hill country roads with this music blaring until my soul screams for mercy. . .how do you do this to me? I don't even know you and now you are all I want to hear! I've gone off the edge, just where I like to be most all the time now. Buy this CD and you won't have many dull moments. . . but beware, you WILL go into the beyond. It is beyond the beyond. Thank you, Ashley!"