Search - Declan Orourke :: Since Kyabram

A story of love and loss and death

Judy K. Polhemus | Louisiana | 01/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this CD in Dublin on a vacation to Ireland. I found a music store near Trinity College and asked the clerk to help me find great Irish music. This CD was playing, the song was "No Place to Hide." I asked about it. He said the music was by a friend of his and that I probably wouldn't find the CD in America. Of course I bought it.



Declan has a mellow voice. I am playing the CD as I write this review. "Birds of a Feather" is playing and I'm thinking: This sounds like a song that should have been in the movie "P.S. I Love You." Simple guitar, light orchestral background, nice cello. Picks up tempo, nice song. In fact, Declan sounds a bit like Chuck Prophet from the movie.



All songs are written by Declan. "Galileo (Someone Like You)" is on and is divine!! "I was lonely, and unhappy, and my lips were cold as ice. But you kissed me, and good heavens, now I'm here in paradise." Exquisite love song!



"Way Minds" is a gently rocking love song with a little country flair that emphasizes his slightly deep, mellow voice. Nice gentle fiddling and acoustic guitar.



And the loveliest song: "Sarah (Last Night in a Dream)--lovely melodies, a modern tearful Irish loss of love song. This loss is by death.

"Everything is Different" is a sad, mournful song delivered low-key and bluesy because she died.

"Marrying the Sea" is a contemplation of suicide and is sung a capella, then is followed by a gentle mandolin and string accompaniment, "Til Death Do Us Part," followed by the final lapping of gentle waves.



This a gutsy CD. The ensemble of songs is a story, a narrative, beginning with love, then loss of love, and finally an embrace of death in the arms of the sea. These are not "radio singles," although one or two could be. I am left speechless and stunned.



"

Gorgeous

C. Doyle | Derry, NH USA | 11/25/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the best CD I own, and I have had it for two years, the constant playing is why I have to buy another. It was a terrible trouble to find when I lived in Utah, SoCal is not much different -- but now I can get it here, good to know. Declan O'Rourke's music is gorgeous. The songs Galileo, and Sarah are beautiful. The lyrics are poetry, and the music is lush. O'Rourke's voice is the best accompaniment to the lyrics, not surprising since they're his. I can honestly say that I listen to a lot of different styles, and this suits all moods. You will sincerely enjoy this."