There’s no denying that the traditional Irish music scene is in fine health today, you only need to look at the young artists coming onto the scene to realise this – the likes of Lisa O’Neil, Lankum, Ye Vagabonds, John Francis Flynn, Clare Sands and more are fuelling that resurgence of interest which, arguably, is reaching its biggest audience since the 1970s.
Tom Coll, the drummer of Irish post-punk band Fontaines DC is clearly a passionate fan and has announced the release of a vinyl compilation featuring some of his personal favourites ranging from The Bothy Band and Planxty through to Ye Vagabonds and Lisa O’Neill.
Lisa O’Neill and Radie Peat:
‘Goitse A Thaisce (A Compilation of Irish Music – Volume One)’ will be released on his own independent label Skinty Records as a limited edition of 1000 Vinyl Albums on August 6th 2021.
Tom explains why he felt compelled to take on the project; “The idea for this record came from an extended period of time living back in my family home in the west of Ireland. Here, I found myself in the midst of a vast, mountainous landscape, a place that vividly recalled my childhood memories of old Irish traditional music. This experience sparked a need to immerse myself in the tradition once again. Trad was my first musical love over any other, so it feels very gratifying to put together this compilation.
“Every tune on this record holds a special place in my heart. Whether it’s by lifelong heroes such as The Bothy Band or Planxty, family friends like Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh or Emer Mayock, or by contemporary artists pushing the boundaries of the tradition like Lisa O’Neill or Ye Vagabonds, these songs have soundtracked my life thus far.
“If this record can introduce just one person to the world of Irish music, then it has served its purpose. The tradition has so much depth and richness to it, and I urge you to please delve into it with an open heart. The title of the record roughly translates to “come here my darling,” which is the sentiment I feel when I hear these tunes. Hopefully they can bring about that same feeling for you.”
The Bothy Band live 1976:
Goitse A Thaisce – Album Track Listing:
Side A
1. Martin Wynn’s / The Longford Tinker – The Bothy Band
2. Arthur McBride – Andy Irvine & Paul Brady
3. Apples In Winter – Dervish
4. Bacach Shíol Andaí – Ye Vagabonds
5. Farewell To Whalley Range – Sharon Shannon / Mike McGoldrick / Jim Murray / Dezi Donnelly
Side B
1. Sí Bheag, Sí Mhor – Planxty
2. Oro, Se Do Bheatha ‘Bhaile – Joe Heaney
3. Méiltí Cheann Dubhrann / Cloch Na Ceithre Mhíle – Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh & Frankie Kennedy
4. John Doherty’s / Charlie McKernon’s / The Antrim Rose – Emer Mayock
5. The Factory Girl – Lisa O’Neill
6. The Parting Glass – The Dubliners
Album Pre-Order Link: https://www.skintyrecords.com/products/goitse-a-thaisce