Friday, October 5, 2012

Clannad - Clannad (Phillips, 1973)


Clannad is probably best known as the family band that introduced the world to Enya, and for their celtic inspired new age pop hit "Theme From Harry's Game." But before the days of digital synthesizers, Clannad's sound was rooted in traditional Irish music. This influence can be heard on their eponymous debut, as well as the influence of their contemporaries The Pentangle. Most of the songs are group arrangements of traditional tunes with a few self-penned pieces. Beyond the traditional acoustic instruments like harp, mandola and tin whistle, you can hear the occasional pop and jazz influence, especially in the drumming. Even with their later success, Clannad's first album was only released on vinyl in Ireland and Canada. Shanachie Records, who reissued much of their later albums, didn't revisit their first, keeping it hard to find. You can download it here.

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