Review of IRISH Makeover!

What you say? Who? Well, there is a reason for this, trust me. My Space friend Skully has just released a very nice CD of Irish classics done up with a very modern twist. He is a master at the keyboards which is where most of the music is generated. His gift with the electronics makes this a very fun album to listen to. He is based in Cork, Ireland, and as it would happen, so is Mairead's younger brother Karl. In fact, Karl has two tracks on this CD. I received my copy, autographed by Skully, as a prize after winning a writing contest of his with a poem. So, here is the run down of the 11 tracks. You can visit the IRISH Makeover site on My Space and order a copy for yourself. You'll want to!

1) Molly Malone- Sung by Myles O'Reilly with instrumentation by Skully. This somewhat somber traditional piece is made very lively. It has a bit of a Mediterranean feel to it. It is the best arrangement I've heard.

2) The Lark- A wonderful instrumental by Skully. It is a gentle piece, and you can visualize a lark flying over the lush Irish countryside and over ancient ruins. It is as free as the bird itself. Lovely indeed.

3) The Lakes Of Pontchartrain- Sung by Mick Flannery with instrumentation by Skully. The voice almost reminds me of Leon Redbone from back in the 70's. It is a slow piece and sort of a lament.

4) Mardyke- Karl Nebitt on Bazouki with Skully in electronic percussion. This again has a bit of a Mediterranean feel to it, and almost nautical. It has a nice beat and is a very catchy tune. Quite the toe tapper. I can easily hear some great possibilities for Mairead fiddle parts in this air. It is obvious that Karl is as gifted as his sister at bringing a tune alive.

5) She Moved Through The Fair- Sung by Myles O'Reilly with instrumentation by Skully. This is a different setting and key than what we know from Meav. It is a soft piece with a nice keyboard break. There even are parts that sound like crickets/birds chirping.

6) Blackbird- Sung by Kate Murphy with Skully doing instrumentation. She has a very distinct Irish accent while singing this. It is a gentle piece that is very reminiscent of 1960's folk songs.

7) King Of The Fairies- Karl is back this time on the low whistle along with some lively instrumentation by Skully. It is a familiar tune that you can hear on LoTD/Feet Of Flames. However, this arrangement has a sort of urban funk about it. Another toe tapper. Is there an instrument that Karl doesn't play well?

8)Scarborough Fair- Sung by Annette Buckley with instrumentation by Skully. Very upbeat arrangement with lively electronic energy to it. This has a great beat and very happy feel about it. Not at all the usual. I like it.

9) Red Is The Rose- An instrumental version by Skully of one of the most well known tunes from Ireland. This is a funky urban rose that is full of life. Fun air that will stick with you.

10) All Around My Hat- Sung by Kate Murphy. I've never heard this song before. It is a very happy song that you could dance to. It almost has a Latin feel at times. A very catchy toe tapper. My favorite of the vocals on this CD.

11) Shirin- An instrumental by Skully. It is very lyrical and almost like a modern waltz. I could see myself waltzing with my love in various parts of the Irish countryside. Lovely.