Irish Pub Songs
In the case of this buoyant CD, "various artists" actually means "Clancy Brothers," since there is always a Clancy or more to be found on each tune. Then again, who else do you want to hear sing "Irish pub songs" anyway? Most of the 18 songs find the Brothers joining forces with Lou Killen; three cuts feature Liam in solo performance and one features the Brothers with Robbie O'Connell. Like the Eskimos and snow, the Irish seem to have a million words for alcohol and all of them seem to pop up here at some point. Mixed in with the jolly drinking songs are songs about women, history, odd characters, and politics, but they don't spoil the joyous mood and they last just long enough for you to refill your jug. By the way,Bob Dylanfans will want to hear O'Connell and the Clancys' spot-on reworking of "Ramblin' Gamblin' Willie," a tune that Dylan based on the Clancys' reading of "Brennan on the Moor."--Marc Greilsamer