Search - Capercaillie :: Choice Language

A must for Capercaillie fans!

antithesis90 | Hamel, MN USA | 05/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Choice Language" picks up where "Nadurra" left off in terms of developing a more jazzy, modern sound on which to overlay their traditional music. The instrumentals contain a more coffeehouse jazz feel (think of some of Solas's work) which highlights the piano lines, a nice addition. Donald Shaw continues to write timely music with "Who Will Raise their Voice?", a beautiful anti-war song along the lines of "God's Alibi" (from "To the Moon"). For the traditionalists, there are some wonderful puirt-a-beul songs featuring Karen's spectacular voice. Is this album like any before? No. Will it please everyone? Probably not. But is it a different sound from a well-established and respected band that, ultimately, increased my respect for their talents as musicians, not to mention voices of traditional Scottish music? Most certainly!"

Something for everyone

spiral_mind | Pennsylvania | 05/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The finest Scottish band you've never heard of is at it again - perennially faithful and fascinatingly original at the same time, they're still masterfully managing to bridge the past and the present. Traditional material is always a pleasure when it's done well - ok, for me at least - but it's even more fascinating when a group refuses to fall into a generic rut, insisting on pushing themselves into different territories in the process. In that respect Capercaillie succeeds wonderfully with their latest gem Choice Language, which has something to offer for just about anyone.As always, the group's method is to blend something traditional with something modern. The opener "A Thousand Curses On Love" is more smooth jazz-pop than Scottish reel. "The Old Crone (Port na Caillich)" has Karen Matheson's vocals sporadically filtered to add a smidge of electronic production. "At Dawn of Day"'s slow-bouncing groove is sheer low-key bliss. Amid the reworkings are a handful of originals, from soul-melting ballads ("Who Will Raise Their Voice?," "Little Do They Know") to new jigs like "Homer's Reel" (a Greek homage, although it's "also in praise of the other great philosopher, Homer Simpson"). Every minute is packed with wonderful ear candy, whether it's danceable fiddling or slow balladry lifted by Karen's exquisite voice. Joy, loss, humor, hope, sadness and outright fun are here in abundance on the course of this madly addicting album.The singing is enchanting, the musicianship is top-notch (though not flashy), the spirit and vitality the band brings to the music makes it soar. I don't know nearly enough about the whole Capercaillie catalogue to say whether this is the prime pick, but on its own merits it's endlessly enjoyable. Look this one up and discover a real treasure."

"Who will raise their voice?"

Marc Ruby? | Warren, MI USA | 04/18/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Perhaps the reason I like Capercaillie as much as I do is the way the group manages to straddle the gap between traditional Irish music and the music of today. They aren't out to shock my sensibilities, but they are more than willing to incorporate modern instrumentation and sounds while staying true to a core that is almost timeless. If you are an absolute purist you may not like this album. But I'm not, and this type of eclecticism pleases me no end.Of course, the fact that the group has Karen Matheson for its voice doesn't hurt either. She has a strong sound with a lot of direct emotional coloring that allows her to shift from sorrow to sarcasm easily. Celtic music has more than its share of soaring sopranos. Listening to her unstrained, melodic singing with its slight edge is a welcome change.The music ranges from older traditional work ('At Dawn of the Day') to more modern songs that touch on Ireland's troubles ('the boy who,' and 'Who Will Raise Their Voice'). I admit affection for the ballad, and Matheson chooses a fine one for this recording ('I Will Set My Ship in Order'). Also included is one of those rare tidbits that demonstrate the overall musical skill of the group itself (Homer's Reel).Another completely satisfactory album from a group that seems in total control of their music. Even-paced and a bit 'folksy,' they are balladeers, offering a contrast to the more dance-oriented Irish folk music, providing yet another window into a rich musical tradition."