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CAPERCAILLIE
Grace And Pride - The Anthology 2004-1984
Survival Records SURCD 030
As yet another anthology hits the racks, the cynical might be forgiven for dismissing this as another record company milking exercise. Capercaillie have now quit Survival, who should niftily trouser some hefty dosh here: with over a million albums sold worldwide, the first Gaelic Top 40 single and a global touring career, the band is one of the folk world's biggest sellers. However, it is their 20th anniversary and this collection does an excellent job of chronicling a fascinating musical evolution, in reverse chronology from 2003's Choice Language back to 1984 debut album Cascade.
Capercaillie are outstanding in the singular Scottish trad/fusion field; listen to
Karen Matheson's empyrean voice weaving Gaelic mouth-music with a funky stream of dance floor beats or harmonising with African chants over hugely atmospheric and original arrangements from a cast of gob-smackingly talented musicians, and you're transported to other times, other worlds.
Two CDs trace Capercaillie's development from their early innovative but 'straight' trad beginnings, the contemporary influences of Manus Lunny and the development of their own songwriting talents, through the percussion-driven energy hike in watershed album Delirium to the inspired addition of Michael McGoldrick and their current organic ancient/modern aural blend. Waulking songs and political commentary, tribal percussion and folk-rock, purest tradition and mellow funk: Gaelic heart and soul in a ceilidh at Turnmills.
With five bonus tracks (previously unreleased, deleted single mixes etc) among the 38 well-chosen numbers here, it's a highly listenable ride and a beast rarer than the bird for which Capercaillie are named - an essential compilation!
Mel McClellan - October 2004
See also:
Capercaillie | Choice Language
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Folk & Acoustic
