Robert Kinsler’s St. Patrick’s Day Wrap Up

When it comes to modern rock, count me as a true believer in the “Luck of the Irish.” The parade of fantastic Irish artists who have issued groundbreaking and memorable albums over the past couple of months includes U2, Van Morrison, The Saw Doctors, the Young Dubliners and new musical heroes Bell X1.

Here is a rundown of some of my favorite Celtic-styled albums definitely in tune with St. Patrick’s Day, but guaranteed to sound great no matter when you give them a spin.



Although U2 had planned to release its 12th studio album “No Line On The Horizon” (Interscope) in late 2008, a flurry of new songs and other delays pushed the disc’s release back to March 3. No worries, since U2 still issued this epic release before St. Patrick’s Day. From the rocking “Breathe” to the shimmering “Magnificent,” this album reveals more surprises and scope with every listen.

 Get the U2 CD for 9.99 Here

 

Bell X1 is one of the greatest bands to arrive on the modern rock scene in recent memory, as revealed on 2008’s “Flock” and confirmed with the release of “Blue Lights On The Runway” (Yep Roc Records) on March 3. Although the release of Bell X1’s new album came on the same day as its better-known Irish countrymen in U2, “Blue Lights On The Runway” is already generating plenty of well-deserved buzz. From the beautifully experimental “How Your Heart Is Wired” with its cascading finish to the Talking Heads-minded “The Great Defector,” this 10-song album will likely finish in my top 10 list of 2009 albums.

Blues Lights on the Runway CD

MP3 version for 7.99



It’s that good. Van Morrison’s “Astral Weeks: Live At The Hollywood Bowl” (released Feb. 10, 2009 on the EMI-distributed Lion Records) is a lasting reminder of the first-ever complete performance of the Belfast-bred soul singer’s 1968 seminal “Astral Weeks” album. Recorded over two nights at the Hollywood Bowl on Nov. 7 and 8, 2008, the historic shows were staged in connection with the 40th anniversary of Morrison’s gold-certified “Astral Weeks.” At the concerts, Morrison was accompanied by an orchestral string section and a band composed of top-notch players, several of whom played with Morrison on the original “Astral Weeks” sessions in the late 1960s. Released Feb. 3,

Get Astral Weeks Live here



The Young Dubliners’ aptly-titled “Saints and Sinners” (429 Records) is a one of the Los Angeles-based outfit’s best-ever albums. There are rousing pub rockers (“Howaya Girls”), propulsive Celtic punk (“Rosie”) and tender ballads (“In the End”) showcasing singer-songwriter Keith Roberts’ emotive vocals. The Young Dubs are truly one of the best proponents of Celtic rock (a movement that includes Orange County’s own Fenians and American Wake), and the band’s singular sound is showcased across the 12 tracks on “Saints and Sinners.”



Saints and Sinners CD

mp3 version for 7.99



Although The Saw Doctors have scored several well-deserved number one hits in their native Ireland, the Galway rockers have not achieved anything approaching that kind of success on this side of the Atlantic. But make no mistake, the group’s rollicking sound and powerful live shows have made them a favorite among American lovers of Celtic rock. The good news for fans of The Saw Doctors is the group is celebrating the release of St. Patrick’s Day with a tour of the U.S., as well as the release of a new documentary DVD, “Clare Island to Cape Cod: The Saw Doctors in Concert” and its companion live CD, “Live at the Melody Tent” (Shamtown Records). The CD boasts a number of audio tracks from the Steven Lock-directed concert, including The Saw Doctors’ best-known hits (“N17,” “Hay Wrap,” “Green and Red of Mayo”). Raise your glass and drink a pint to 2008 because several Irish CDs were released last year that I didn’t hear until more recently.

Saw Doctors on CD



Fans of traditional Irish music should definitely invest a listen in the self-titled release from The High Kings. Fans of groups such as Solas, The Clancy Brothers and Orange County’s own Gypsy’s Kiss will love “The High Kings” (Manhattan Records), featuring the talents of Finbarr Clancy, Martin Furey, Brian Dunphy and Darren Holden. The album revisits some of the best-known folk and ballads in Irish music, with a tender “The Black Velvet Band,” an a cappella “The Parting Glass,” lively “The Rocky Road to Dublin” and sing-along version of “The Wild Rover” among the standouts on the album. The beauty of the human voice and timeless emotion of classic Celtic songcraft shine on “The High Kings.”

Get the High Kings Here



Limerick-based indie quartet Seneca released a wonderful debut in June 2008, “Sweeter Than Bourbon” and it’s worth seeking out. A blend of modern-styled guitars, haunting melodies and winning songs, “Good For What Ails You” recalls “Final Straw”-era Snow Patrol and the title track mixes up acoustic guitar, fiddle and hushed male vocals in a completely original way sure to please listeners looking for something new. “Smile” is beautiful and dreamy, with Lindsay Buckingham-styled guitar work courtesy of Seneca lead guitarist Brendan O Gorman. The rest of the talented outfit includes Robert Hope (principal songwriter, vocals, guitars, keyboards), Yvonne Conaty (bass, vocals, keyboards) and Daragh O’Loughlin (drums, percussion).

Get Sweeter Than Bourbon on CD Baby