While no new Altan album is in sight, the artist has been road testing new songs during 1983 tour in Australia. On Ceaol Aduaidh album, Altan have renewed their membership in the ‘if it ain’t broke…’ school of songwriting. Nowhere is this more so than on their re-working of Altan on ‘An Clar Bog Deil’. Cool, but I like their other actual stuff better like Ceaol Aduaidh.
Brown-Sailed Boat-The Maids Of Tullyknockbrine - Check out that bassline! After few listenings I started to like Shoe The Donkey more and more. Altan sings his heart out in An Spealadoir. Outside of the singles, my favorite song on Ceaol Aduaidh is Rileanna Tommy Peoples. You have to get essence of the An Peata Sa Chistineach’s power, to truly understand this masterpiece. Voice and instruments in Germans complement each other. I’ve found myself listening to Thios I Dteach A’ Torraimh back to back and back many times. Cloch Na Ceithre Mhile (Ril) is such a amazing and optimistic song that things can get just better. Con O Casaide, Pilleadh Wellington actually sounds so joyous, that you can practically see a smile on Altan’s face. Meilti Cheann Dubhrann (Fonn Mall) - This one is lively and fun. Inion A’ Bhaoghailligh had me crying as I was able to relate so well. The song Mazurkas Phroinsias Ui Mhaonaigh ending is my favorite… so catchy! Rileanna is a song that takes you on the journey before it reaches the conclusion.
Ceaol Aduaidh CD


