Search - Clannad :: Sirius

Many Roads

Mars Velvet | Green Tree, Blue Earth...Deep Space | 05/28/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Clannad took a lot of flack about this album. Some believed that an American production took away the raw energy and left nothing but a slick polished rock sound. But, do not dismiss SIRIUS too easily for on this album are some fine moments of music!Standout tracks include:The cymbal-crash of "In Search of a Heart" which proves to those who believe Clannad can only do slow songs that Clannad is not a one trick pony."Second Nature" has a big sound when it comes over the speakers. Electric instruments find an odd companion in the Irish pipes!"Skellig" should be filed with the "Clannad's Tour of Ireland In Song" catagory with songs like "Newgrange" and "Poison Glen". I love it when Clannad do historical music! "Skellig" refers to a group of rocky islands off the coast of County Kerry. Because of their placement ships have trouble getting in and out of the inlet. The music is very atmospheric with the sound of the ocean and wind blowing through a harp...beautiful!"White Fool" is a musical account of the Roman occupation of Brittain and Ireland when they pilaged for treasure and pushed back the Celts. Steve Perry (from Journey) joins the boys on the chanting of tribal Gaelic backing Maire's determined voice.Maire duets with Bruce Hornsby in "Something to Believe In". Just a perfect piece of pop showing off their amazing harmony.If you are just now getting into Clannad this was an important album for them, the last of the 1980s. The album isn't lush like LORE but hearing it will help you understand how they got to make LORE (which many fans consider their best). Artists must continue to grow and experiment and SIRIUS was a worthwhile effort and a must for listeners."

Skip the first three tracks!

Mars Velvet | 09/14/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"While this is definitely a Clannad CD worth owning, I suggest that you just skip the first three three tracks. They are not good and may leave such a bad taste in your mouth that you are unable to appreciate the remainder of the CD. It is best viewed as a CD from which you can draw several otherwise unattainable Clannad tunes for a personal compilation. In particular, it contains exceptional songs like Stepping Stone, Something to Believe In, Live and Learn, and Sirius. The songs Skellig, White Fool, and Many Roads also have their appealing moments. None of the above are one of the first three tracts!"