Clannad is a great band from Ireland that, not long after this recording, would become popular after fusing jazz and new age into their musical style. While all those later recordings were brilliant in their own right, they tended to be sad, slow, and a bit on the eery side. Not a problem on Fuaim. These tracks are warm, friendly, and inviting with excellent vocals.

The high point of the album is a beautiful accoustic track called, "Strayed Away" that's just Maire backed by harmonica and a single guitar.

The upbeat sing-along Lish Young Buy-A-Broom is a great old standard that you're sure to know by heart in no time.

The only track reminiscent of Clannad's later more "new age" style is the beautifully layered Mhorag's Na Horo Gheallaidh--in which the "reverbed" voices of Enya, Maire, and Ciaran blend together in rare and marvelous harmony.

As an added bonus to the new age fan, Enya appears on this album. She was a member before going solo.

This record is not at all like what you would expect from a largely-traditional set of Irish music. It's very accessible (aside from the whole Gaelic thing) and you don't have to be a Celtic enthusiast to enjoy it.

For more info on Clannad, and many of their lyrics and translations, I recommend this site:

http://www.empire.net/~whatmoug/clanhome.htm

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GENERAL INFORMATION ON THIS ARTIST –

CLANNAD (pronounced CLAN-ned, the A and E both long) takes its name from the Gaelic word for Family.

CURRENT LINEUP –

Maire Brennan (pronounced MOY-a) – Most lead vocals, Keyboard and Celtic Harp

brother Ciaran Brennen (pronounced KEER-an) – Additional vocals, Occasional lead, Keyboard, Acoustic, Electric, and Bass Guitars, Mandolin

cousin Noel Duggan – Acoustic Guitar

his twin brother Padraig Duggan (pronounced PAH-dug) – Acoustic guitar and Mandolin

PREVIOUS MEMBERS –

Pol Brennan – Brother to Maire and Ciaran

Enya Brennan – Sister to Maire and Ciaran (Yes, THAT Enya)


CLANNAD is an Irish band from County Donegal, not far from the Northern Ireland border. A traditional family band for some years, they decided to go into professional music making around 1970. Their first few releases were mostly traditional pieces sung in Gaelic. They’re “big break” came with the release of their 1982 album, “Magical Ring,” which included the Theme to Harry’s Game, a BBC made-for-television movie. Clannad is best known for their layered harmonizing vocals, a technique where Maire and Ciaran record numerous harmony parts on the same vocal track, thus producing an ethereal chorus-like effect. Enya adapted this method and fans of her music will find the style comparable (though much more organic in sound).

CLANNAD’s most recent studio recording was LANDMARKS in 1998.

MAIRE BRENNAN has produced several popular solo projects. These are (to date) –

MAIRE
MISTY EYED ADVENTURES
PERFECT TIME
WHISPER TO THE WILD WATER

FOR A FULL DISCOGRAPHY, PICTURES, LINKS, AN FAQ, LYRICS, AND ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS OF THEIR SONGS IN GAELIC, SEE THE UNOFFICIAL CLANNAD WEB SITE AT –

http://www.empire.net/~whatmoug/clanhome.htm


Recommended:
Yes

Great Music to Play While: Cleaning the House