Album Review: Here’s to Dear Old Erin

The Pride of Ireland is one of the acts where words cannot always do them justice. A musician whose voice is so perfect each and every time you see them that you’re just blown away. I finally got to see them live this year at Sherwood and discovered the rumors were true about his voice. One of those bands where what you hear in person is as good if not better than what is on the album. His second release is Here’s to Dear Old Erin and it has been a smashing success. Now he plays traditional songs and is far more versed in their history than I so I can only go based on my own experience.

A reminder on how we do reviews on the show. I write my thoughts here as I listen to the album; in a sense what you’re reading is a stream of thought from yours truly. I am in no way qualified to give my opinion but as the Proprietor of the Inn I do feel duty bound to do reviews of the bands, for the bands and for our listeners as well. I also don’t appear to have a set way in how I do these reviews so expect track name, thoughts, and a score. At the end the scores are averaged to get the overall rating.

The Holy Ground: We begin with the album name, something you don’t normally see. The instrumentation are well balanced, though I’d have the vocals slightly louder. That being said it does transport me to an Irish pub with the additional vocals. Not a song I’m overly familiar with but quite enjoy. 4

The Rising of the Moon: Remember that wanting vocals slightly higher? Got it right here while keeping that balance of instrumentation. I have know a few version of this song but this is well paced and if it makes sense a happier tone than I usually hear with it. 4

The Rare Auld Mountain Dew: I believe I have heard this song title before but not sure if I’ve ever heard someone perform it. Definitely has that old traditional feel to it that some Irish songs have but apparently it’s from the early 20th century. May explain that slight disconnect I have with it; for some reason it takes me to Disney’s Robin Hood and not in the best way. They sing it well, the song itself does nothing for me. 3

The Foggy Dew: There has definitely been some work gone into the production of this song in the studio. When folks do this song it is usually either fast or slow; where this tricks you at first with the slow open and then picks up the pace. I am intrigued by the guitar in this as it almost has a Spanish flair to it. Right now the most interesting take on a song on the album. 4

Whiskey in the Jar: If you’re gonna play in an Irish band you gotta play Whiskey. It doesn’t rework the book on the song, but of course he kills the vocals. What I do enjoy immensely is the subtle fiddle/violin in the background that is only barely audible. An intriguing choice since so many feature it right in the forefront so it does make this version stand out. 4

Roddy McCorley: I have no frame of reference for this song, not sure if I’ve ever heard of it. Lyrically you can tell immediately it’s a traditional Irish folk song about a fallen hero. There is a presence in his voice that adds that little something extra befitting such a song. Especially like the inclusion of a, what I assume is, the tin whistle. 4

Red is the Rose: This should be interesting as I’m a big fan of almost all versions of this song. The instrumentation is that soft and beautiful style you usually associate with it but the deepness of his voice brings a surprising element that is an interesting juxtaposition. In a certain way it is a very masculine meets feminine that I don’t know if I’ve seen in quite some time. However when it is time to soften things he does it beautifully. 5

The Leaving of Liverpool: Another song we are a big fan of, though not as consistently of Rose. Having this follow Rose is an interesting choice as the vocals are much softer the entire time, which makes sense when you look at the lyrics. There’s a sadness in the song that many miss and by gawd if he doesn’t pick up on it. 5

I’ll Tell Me Ma/Britches Full of Stitches/The Kerry Polka: A mashup of traditional songs can always be an interesting situation; usually totally hit or total miss. I know certain listeners would LOVE the Tell me Ma portion of the song as they prefer the more traditional takes on it. It has the right speed for it as well. When we enter into the Britches/Pola portion, not the biggest fan. I’m not sure if it’s the whistle/flute, but it takes me back a bit. 3

Black Velvet Band: Another song I am quite fond of, even if I usually hear Black Leather Band in my head. I guess the real test of this song now is, does this song stop my head from doing that? In this case, yes it does. The vocals are so strong and confident; it is the perfect level for this song. 4

Rattlin’ Bog: When I saw this listed on the track listing I was intrigued. Not my favorite of songs, but it is always more difficult than I think people think it is. It is a bit of a departure from his usual style but it still works. The bodhran in particular does some strong work here. 3

Finnegan’s Wake: Another one of the “must haves” as an Irish band so no surprise to see it here. It’s the little touches that are changed ever so slightly that make this an interesting version. I’m not sure how to explain it exactly, surprising notes I guess you could say which makes it stand out from every other version of Finnegan. 4

The Irish Rover: Definitely in that you know these songs portion of a pub show. It doesn’t have any surprising changes as we had with Finnegan’s, a much more traditional version of Rover. That’s not a knock on it, just doesn’t rewrite the book but still a very solid version. Sometimes you just have to give the people what they want. 4

Whiskey You’re the Devil: The lead with just the bodhran definitely gets your attention; and in fact as we continue on, it may just be only bodhran. Which I have to say is an excellent idea, it definitely sets it apart from all the versions of this song that I can think. This song does a great job of featuring their ability with the bodhran and vocals all at the same time, no other frills. 4

Humors of Whiskey: A traditional Irish song that I’m not that familiar with, but we talked about showing off in the previous song? Yeah, the beginning of the song definitely does that for his vocals. The bodhran eventually joins in, but if you want an example of this able for his ability the beginning of this song is there. The various stages of this song is a delight and really does take you on a musical journey of their ability. 5

The Parting Glass: We begin as we end, with the album name. The perfect place for this song and again we’re getting a showcase of their vocal ability. Many versions of this song take a very somber tone, but this is not that. This is much more a goodbye from a party, pub, etc and less someone has died. I think that is the right call as there is an important distinction and that’s what this song needs. 5

I think more than their previous album, Here’s to Dear Old Erin gives you a great idea of what The Pride of Ireland show has in store for you. Beautiful traditional Irish tunes performed by a master musician. No sophomore slump here, it is a great album and goes to show why you’re seeing The Pride of Ireland become more and more desired by various faires and festivals around the country.