Search - Various Artists :: Thousands Are Sailing: Irish Songs Of Immigration

This is a clever repackaging of some of the better recordings in Shanachie's back catalog. Immigration is probably one of the overriding themes of Irish music, particularly for Irish in America. This album takes a look from both sides, with songs about coming to and being in America balanced by songs of longing by those who stayed behind. You can't complain about a collection that includes Boys of the Lough, Karan Casey, De Dannan, Dolores Keane, Planxty, and Kathy Ryan, and if you aren't familiar with the sweet and somewhat formal a cappella of Voice Squad, their heartbreaking contribution will hook you. There are also two obligatory and typically maudlin Wolfe Tones tracks. Thousands Are Sailing goes from synth-soaked to absolutely pure folk, and unless you own albums by all of these artists, you will find much to enjoy here. --Louis Gibson