[FM] review of Great Big Sea's CD "Road Rage"

[celtic-folk@surfnetusa.com]

Below is my review of Great Big Sea's CD "Road Rage".

To see the review nicely formatted in your web browser, please view
the version on my web site at:

http://www.surfnetusa.com/celtic-folk/index.html
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                            A Review of the CD
                                "Road Rage"
                              by Great Big Sea

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"Road Rage"
by Great Big Sea

copyright 2000
Rounder Records - 279 157 000-2
One Camp Street
Cambridge, MA 02140
ph: (800) 694-5354
http://www.rounder.com
mailto:info@rounder.com
http://www.greatbigsea.com

This review is written by Kevin McCarthy, 11/00
"Kevin's Celtic & Folk Music CD Reviews"
http://www.surfnetusa.com/celtic-folk/index.html
mailto:celtic-folk@surfnetusa.com

Whoever said ignorance is bliss was unfamiliar with the Great Big Sea--for
discovery is a real joy in life. This fact was underlined yet again while
hearing this foursome from Canada for the first time. Featuring an
extremely energetic and frolicking blend of music criss-crossing celtic,
folk and pop genres, this group also provides the most danceable acoustic
music, including some traditional tunes, heard in many a moon. It's almost
impossible to remain seated, even at home.

This is a live release, with cuts gleaned from a 1999 cross country tour.
The band generates audience reactions and this album captures those
reactions. The crowd sings along during various tunes and, applause and
cheers, though limited in length, occur at the beginning, middle and end of
a number of the tunes.

Although about a third of the songs could be deemed slower paced, even that
description is relative. Plug in the Great Big Sea and they could solve the
next world energy crisis by themselves. A prime example, "Mari Mac," has
the fastest rhythm for an intelligible song heard in a long time--it's pace
is wearing on the listener.

Don't look for overpowering angst, personal confessions or great insights
into the human condition here. Mind you, while it's not fluff the band is
presenting, this group has a party band effect--everyone has a good time.
You will too. Is there a good road rage? In this case, yes.

Gret Big Sea consists of Alan Doyle on vocals, guitar and bouzouki; Bob
Hallett on fiddle, bouzouki, whistles, Irish flute and accordion; Sean
McCann on vocals, guitar, bodhran and tin whistle; and Darrell Power of
vocals, drums and bones.

Track List:

   * Donkey Riding
   * When I'm Up
   * Everything Shines
   * Goin Up
   * Boston and St. John's
   * The Night Pat Murphy Died
   * Consequence Free
   * Captain Wedderburn
   * The Old Black Rum
   * General Taylor
   * Lukey
   * Feel It Turn
   * I'm A Rover
   * Fast As I Can
   * Jack Hinks
   * Mari Mac
   * Ordinary Day
   * Excursion Around The Bay
   * Hangin Johnny

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Kevin McCarthy. Ownership, copyright and title are not transferable or
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Send inquiries to: celtic-folk@surfnetusa.com.



================================================
Kevin McCarthy
mailto:celtic-folk@surfnetusa.com
Celtic & Folk Music CD Reviews
http://www.surfnetusa.com/celtic-folk/index.html