Search - Maire Brennan :: Misty Eyed Adventures

Superb; just make sure you know what you're getting first!

Wenda Rose | Montrose, CA | 02/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love this album, but it definitely isn't for everyone. Moya Brennan's first two solo albums were VERY experimental, with mixed results. The first one ("Maire") was a mess, but somehow, by the grace of God, "Misty Eyed Adventures" picks up where that one left off and comes together. That doesn't mean it's not weird, though. Don't just go by whether you like Clannad or not on whether to purchase this--listen to the samples first. Some people may find certain songs on here (especially "Heroes") downright unlistenable, while others, such as myself, will fall in love with them.



The overall effect is more "world music" than Celtic--African percussion is used extensively, and a Mediterranean/Middle Eastern flavor prevails on songs such as "The Mighty One" (which was written about Mount Everest) and "The Days of the Dancing." My favorite track is the slow, dreamy "An Fharraige," with its Gaelic lyrics and minimalist instrumentation--only a synthesizer drone, bodhran drum, and a little bouzouki support her voice for a meditative song on which truly, less is more. In other places, an American, almost country-western sound comes through (in no small part due to the clever addition of the dobro on several tracks), especially on "Dream On" and her cover of Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi." The album comes to a big finish with the exquisite, orchestrally-arranged "Eirigh Suas A Stoirin," the only traditional song on the CD.



Another gem is the title track, which was written by Moya as a mother's love song to her son Paul, when he was first born. It's very personal material for her to sing--and it's quite emotional.



Overall, if you are open-minded and like eclectic music, I believe this is Moya Brennan's strongest album. Just be sure you know what you are getting before you buy it."

Very Enjoyable Brennan Record

Terence Allen | Atlanta, GA USA | 04/12/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Maire (Moya) Brennan maybe not be as well known outside of her famous group, Clannad, or as famous as her sister, Enya. But she is an extremely talented and gifted musician, which is readily apparent on "Misty-Eyed Adventures."



Brennan uses traditonal Irish songs and Irish instruments skillfully. She also performs Joni Mitchell's classic folk song "Big Yellow Taxi." But songs like "The Days of the Dancing," " A Place Among the Stones," "Ah Fharraige," and "Eirigh Suas a Storin" are the reason to enjoy and buy this CD.



This is a great CD for someone's Irish folk music collection."

Moya's second solo effort includes some real musical gems

Ronnie P. Guimond | Reston, VA USA | 10/25/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Moya's (Maire) second solo CD is a very good production overall. What stands out with this CD is that there are 4 great songs among a collection of average music. They stand as among the best examples of Moya's work as a solo musican. This is CD for me represents the height of Moya's creativity as a solo artist.



The first track, The Days Of The Dancing, is my favorite Moya song of all time. This song is so many things at once. It is joyful, fun, catchy, and a musical treat with all those interesting instuments and those background vocalists singing "LA LA LA". Even if Moya's music isn't your favorite, this song will win your heart.



The second great song, Dream On, has an American pop flavor to it. Again, like Days of the Dancing, this song stands as a unique effort among Moya's body of work. The real strength of this song is Moya's passionate verses and emotional delivery. It's about feeling the deep eternal love of another--one could make the case that the love Moya speaks of here is that kind that one only experiences with the divine. Musically, it is pretty song that beats with a passionate heart.



The Mighty One is another musical treat where once again Moya's unique mix of musical instruments and backgound vocals brings this song to life. It is a song I like to turn up the volume to. The background singers, to me, are the feature act here.



Heroes is a similar song but here those background singers get to let their hair down a bit. The result is a musically interesting and entertaining piece. The percussion is the most intense of any MEA selection.



An Fharraige gets honorable mention.



The rest of the songs on this CD range from good to fair. The strength of the four songs above is enough to make this Moya production worth the cost to any prospective buyer."