Various Artists - B�id�n Fheidhlim�- Selected Gael Linn Singles 1968-80

This CD will evoke memories of good times in the past, when the ballad boom was at its height and every pub and club in Ireland was echoing to the sounds of rousing Irish folk songs.Emmet Spiceland were the first Irish boyband with songs such as �B�id�n Fheidhlim� and �N�ra Bheag�. It was Skara Brae who prompted the upsurge of the singing of songs as Gaeilge with their beautiful harmonies. One popular song from the late 60s, that has endured better than most, is Se�n � S�s version of �An Poc Ar Buile� Adrienne and Lucy Johnston, Paul Brady, Mick Moloney were the four members of The Johnstons, who contributed handsomely to the folk revival with �Gleannt�in Ghlas� Ghaoth Dobhair�. The compilation has the sophisticated sound of We 4 singing �C�il�n�, music by Roger Whitaker and lyrics by Niall T�ib�n and �N� hOscail do Bheola�, again had T�ib�n�s lyrics, this time to music by Jim Doherty.Also included on the compilation are Mac Murrough, a very attractive three-piece ballad group from Wexford, and, from Dublin, the very popular group Deirdre Downes and The Broadsiders remind us of their sweet version of �Gleann na Sm�l.� �The eclectic measc�n of styles is what makes this compilation such an engaging, warm, nostalgic experience and the music speaks for itself - by its excellence.� Shay Healy