Long Journey Home (1998 Television Mini-series)

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Music reviews of Long Journey Home (1998 Television Mini-series)

Music Review: A Celtic Must!
Rating: 5 Stars

Shenandoah- This song sounds like a combination of American gospel and Irish music. It is of American origin, but shows many of the feelings of the Amercians and Irish shared. Van Morrison the the chorum put a lot of rythm and beauty in the words.

Main Theme- This track goes to the tune of "The Dawning of the Day", or "Raglan Road". Hearing this song makes me think of the words of the poem by Patrick Kavanagh. I really love the Chieftains' interpretation of this melody.

Paddy's Lamentation/Ships Are Sailing- This song was veryu dramatically performed by Mary Black who has such an excellent voice, I regret never hearing her music before! The topic of the song is the hardships the Irish went through when some camm during the Civil War. Mary Black puts a lot of meaning and sincerity in the lyrics and melody alike. She is so good! Mairtin O'Conner, the master accordian who has been everywhere from Riverdance to Clannad, brings an uplifting melody in "Ships Are Sailing".

Emigration Theme- This music actually allows one to picture images, thoughts, and feelings of that time. Thousands of people were leaving home to come to a new land. Were they scared? excited? You have to interpret yourself.

The Bard of Armagh/Streets of Laredo- This is one my favorites, performed by the great singer Vince Gill. The lyrics are so beautiful and uplifting. Those in Ireland still remembered those who left and those who left still remembered those who stayed.

Skibbereen- Sinead 0'Connor does just as surprisingly well for this song as she did for "Factory Girl" on "Tears of Stone". She does well at dramaticising the mood, and telling stories in songs. "Skibbereen" tells of the dark hardships emigrants experienced before they left their native land. Sad and poignant, it touches feelings and thoughts.

The Night Larry Was Strechted- This is a fun jig to listen to. Long ago, the Irish brought many jigs to America that Americans fell in love with

White Potatoes- This Gaelic song is one of the best Gaelic songs I've ever heard and Paddy Moloney made an excellent arrangement on the uillean pipes. This song shows how sad poor farmers were to discover their crops and food were gone. It has an English translation, but I wish it also had the Gaelic words.

Famine Theme-This song brings all of the heartbreaking sorrows of that time period. This music does not just seem like the music you would hear in a documentary, but the music of the past and the stories of the tragedies.

Muldoon, the Solid Man/Grandfather's Tune- This is kind of a funny song, which was sung very well by Mick Moloney. It brings much joy and pride to the Irish, which helped many escape the horrors of the famine.

An Raibh Tu Ag An Gcarraig?- This is one of the best songs, performed by the very excellent Norwegian singer, Sissel, who also sang in the score to "Titanic". Her beautiful Scandanavian voice captures your attention and whispers the special message of the song. It also has well done keyboarding and fiddle music by other Scandanavian performers. The lovely words, enchanting harmony, and poignant feeling makes this song irresistable.

O'Carolan's Farewell- This song is by the ancient composer O'Carolan. It is very dramatic in feeling.

Bean Phaidin- This is a very simple song, performed by Kevin Coneff of the Chieftains. He sings in Gaelic and plays the bodhron. It has good rythm and sound. I wish it had a translation.

O'Donnel's Lament/ Reel With the Beryle- Eileen Ivers knows how to help give a Celtic touch. She playes with slow beauty at first, but moves on the the up beat jig. She brings a lot of energy to the fiddle.

American Theme- Oooh, this is such a good second to last track! It has very good instrumentation, but what is really good is the whole meaning of it. It brings a feeling of patriotism, honor, glory, and prosperity. For the Irish left Ireland in poverty and distress, but were reborn as Americans. The sound of the drum and echoes of whistles brings triumph and joy.

Long Journey Home Anthem- This is by far the best song on the whole album. The music is just as patriotic and triumphant as the previous track. It has orchestra, traditional instruments, drums, and powerful voices by the men of Anuna. There also are the beautiful lyrics, written and sung by Elvis Costello. I just love the verses and meaning of the words. It brings the heart of both Ireland and America! "Red, white and blue; Green, white, and gold".

So, this is one of the best Celtic albums I've heard. I still rank "Celtic Solstice" by Paul Winter and Friends as the best Celtic album I've ever heard, but this album I place as second. Third is "Legends" by Phil Coulter and James Galway. Anyway, this album is a must have! and a worth getting.

Description of Long Journey Home (1998 Television Mini-series)

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