Search - Alias Acoustic Band :: 1798-1998 Irish Songs Tunes Poetry

Superb stuff, thought provoking and brilliantly sung

K. J. Walker | London | 04/18/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having come across this by sheer accident, I cannot recommend it enough. From the haunting speeches of Easter 1916 and Robert Emmet's last words, the superb Boolavogue, Shan Van Vocht, Johnny I hardly knew ye, the stirring Cry, Cry Cry, Home Fire-Beyond the Pale & Follow me up to Carlow, all of the songs, without exception, are thought provoking and still relevant. From the Praties they grow small during the starvation of Ireland, they wish that they were geese, so that they could live their lives in peace, eating corn. Tragedy upon tragedy upon horror and injustice. Buy this with confidence."

Not for the faint of heart

Marigold | Media, PA United States | 01/01/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you are a diehard traditionalist who believes no one should ever change a note, you may not like the way some of the tunes are handled--some are a little hard to recognize. Having said that, however, you may find yourself caught up in the sheer emotion of the Kavana arrangements, which are thought-provoking and sometimes hauntingly beautiful, with gutsy, arresting vocals (sort of an Irish Bob Dylan?). The content is strongly nationalistic though not abusive of the opposition. If you're ready for something different in Irish music--albeit with mostly traditional instrumentation--give this one a listen."