The CDs in this column were released in 1995, but may have been overlooked by the classical music-buying public (the Max Bruch disc). The Garth Brooks CD is still displayed prominently in record stores and people are still discovering the Chieftans on their own. The Beat Farmers may not beat down your door, but if you knock politely, they may let you enter their world.
This column originally appeared in the Herald Times Reporter, where I work as assistant managing editor. As always, e-mail me with any suggestions or to request the post office address of any record labels for the discs I review. If you have any requests for review, let me know and I'll try to oblige them. That's all there is to say - let the music play.
Garth Brooks, The Hits (Liberty Records)
What can anyone say about a best of Garth Brooks disc? His name alone implies the same thing as the title, except applies to him as the best of musician.
This disc contains 18 songs lasting 66.5 minutes. Most of Brooks' best songs are included: "The Dance," "The River," "Friends in Low Places," "Thunder Rolls," "Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)," "Shameless," "Tomorrow Never Comes" and "What She's Doing Now."
A few of his best songs are akin to Ropin' the Wind, meaning they're not here: "Somewhere Other than the Night" and "Learning to Live Again," both from "The Chase."
The CD format allows enough time so that Brooks could have included both songs and even a few more. Maybe he's holding some of his truly best for a second volume of hits.
Surprisingly, there are no new songs or remakes on this disc. Brooks has sold so many albums that it's probably almost reasonable to think many potential buyers of this disc also have all of his other six releases. That would leave them with no reason to buy this, although perhaps he gambled his fans adore him so much they would buy anything with his voice on it.
Fans may need to decide soon whether to buy the disc, because a label indicates it's available for a limited time only. Perhaps that means Liberty Records will limit its availability to as long as it sells. Despite a few limitations, The Hits overflows with great music and should be a big hit itself. Follow this link to the Garth Brooks Home Page.
Chieftains, The Long Black Veil (RCA Victor)
This disc gives listeners music filled with all the beauty and charm that is Ireland. It also offers many surprises.
The long list of guest vocalists alone is enough to warrant purchasing this disc. But hearing them play traditional Irish or even contemporary U.S. songs translated into the Chieftains' style almost demands serious consumer attention.
Sting's help on "Mo Ghile Mear," sung in Gaelic, almost sounds surreal. Mick Jagger's voice on the title track haunts listeners, even if the U.S. country song inspired by a woman who frequented Rudolph Valentino's grave is unfamiliar.
Sinead O'Connor brings her own haunting sound to "He Moved through the Fair" and "The Foggy Dew." "Lilly of the West" with Mark Knopfler sounds less dire and more straightforward.
The Rolling Stones, Ry Cooder, Marianne Faithfull, Tom Jones and Van Morrison, who sings his own famous song "Have I Told You Lately that I Love You," join the Chieftans on other selections.
The music itself is highly danceable and traditional sounding - with or without the guest stars the recording sounds great. The disc reminds listeners of the adage, "We all belong to the same tribe." The Chieftains make excellent band leaders to follow. Follow this link to the Chieftans Home Page.
Beat Farmers, Viking Lullabys (Sector 2 Records)
These guys have had radio airplay for a number of years but never really became famous. The music on this disc proves they deserve wider exposure, at least in most cases.
Songs such as "Baby's Liquor'd Up," "Gettin' Drunk" and "Are You Drinkin' with Me Jesus?" have more than just alcohol in common. They express better than others how the band takes itself hilariously. Well-known zany musician Mojo Nixon collaborated on these songs. They also have a way of keeping the Farmers non-commercial.
But tracks such as "Garden" and "Southern Cross" sound great and command mass appeal. The band's style on the more serious numbers resembles Red Rider, Elvis Costello and a little John Mellencamp.
The band seems to enjoy its standing and relative famous anonymity. Otherwise, the Beat Farmers wouldn't have as much fun and might need to start working for a living.
Lutz Herbig, Bruch: Works for Violin & Two Pianos (Vox Allegretto)
Bruch's "Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 26," and in particular the first movement, is among the most emotionally charged in classical music.
It conjures images of Frankenstein's monster going on a spree of destruction after the family he has helped find food rejects him as different.
It sounds like nothing else in the genre. Matthias Kuntzsch conducts the Bochum Symphony and Ruggiero Ricci shines on violin.
Also on the disc is Bruch's "Concerto for Two Pianos & Orchestra," "Fantasy for Two Pianos" and "Swedish Dances for Piano 4 Hands," all of which sound good, but none of which stand out like the violin concerto.
(C) 1996 Daniel E. Klatt Enterprises.
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