Search - Paul Brady :: Nobody Knows: The Best Of Paul Brady

Introduction or introspection?

Max Hirshfeld | Washington, DC | 01/17/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a gift!Rykodisc has managed to heighten the already beautiful aural splendor of Paul's combination of early Irish folk with his take on 90's folk-rock. Ever since I read that Bob Dylan said that he wishes he could write like Paul Brady I was hooked. My kids, two girls 21 and 15, have become fans and...need I say more?"

The best indeed

naimfan | UK | 03/31/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD delivers what most "Best of.." albums signally fail do do - it is indeed a collection of Paul Brady's best work. The irony in the title(Nobody knows: etc.) is well meant. For many years respected artists have praised his songwriting ability but he himself is still comparatively unknown. This CD is a showcase for his talents as a traditional singer - The Lakes of Ponchartrain, Arthur MacBride) and his incisive, self-aware songwriting(everything else on the album!).This is an excellent introduction to the man and his work - Rykodisc is to be congratulated for this release and for releasing his back catalogue."

Incredible Stuff!

Jonathan h> Reilly | Colorado Springs, CO. United States | 05/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If we can agree that Van Morrison is the Otis Redding of the island of Ireland, then Paul Brady is the island's Marvin Gaye. Both share in the stew of Irish folk and the finest early traditions of American R&B and rock, yet each has his own beauty. Since Morrison continues to make albums celebrating other musicians, he should consider Brady. I happened upon Paul Brady at the first Lisdoonvarna Folk Festival. He was part of the renaissance of incredible young Irish musicians reestablishing the magic of their folk traditions. I believe the year was 1977. The festival remains the greatest of my life, and Paul Brady had two of the many show stoppers during those three magical days. These two songs, "The Lakes of Pontchartrain" and "Arthur McBride", appear on this album as newer recordings. They sound as beautiful as they did that night and "Arthur McBride" still remains one of my favorite Irish folk songs. Before Paul's set was over, he was joined by Andy Irvine, Christy Moore and others in what would became a reunion of Planxty. The Bothy Band was there,and I believe that Matt Molloy sat in on flute. I was biking through Ireland that summer, but managed to mail home 10 albums from that concert which included the Chieftans, the Furey Brothers, and all those already mentioned. Christy Moore later wrote a song about that Lisdoonvarna Concert. This album should be in the collection of every serious music lover. Only three of the songs on it are in the folk tradition, but the rock gems that Paul has mastered are as moving. There are some real nuggets here and 11 of its 14 songs are as wonderful as Morrison's finest. Three of its songs, including "Paradise is Here", "Nothing but the Same Old Story", and "Trick or Treat" with Bonnie Raitt, are good, but somewhat diminish the power of the others. I left them off my own compilation, which includes selections from Paul's newest album, "Oh What A World", also well worth owning. Incredible Stuff! Everyone who I have shared these albums with from 25 to 55 loves them."