Magical Gathering: A Clannad Anthology CD

As a survey of the first quarter century or so of Clannad's recording career, this double-CD compilation is intelligently selected and annotated. It draws pretty evenly from the various phases of the group's lifespan, from their most traditional folk-based albums in 1973 and 1974 to the slicker rock, pop, and new age-influenced sounds that gave them some crossover pop success in Europe and America in the 1980s and 1990s. Their most well-known tracks, and cuts with celebrity cameos, are here: the big early-'80s British hit "Harry's Game," "In a Lifetime" (with Bono of U2), "Something to Believe In" (with Bruce Hornsby), "I Will Find You (Theme From 'The Last of the Mohicans')," and four early-'80s songs on which a young Enya (then known as Eithne Brennan) was a vocalist with the band. No criticism can be levied at the packaging, complete with a 44-page booklet of liner notes. What's more problematic is the variation in quality, as the band changes from an exciting group who merged traditional Irish folk with folk-rock and jazz to a less-exciting, still folk-based one to a more successful but blander group who submerged the folk deeper in contemporary mainstream pop, rock, and new age production. The break is particularly noticeable toward the end of disc one: prior to that point the collection is wholly comprised of traditional material, but it then switches primarily to group originals for the rest of the anthology. It's likely that there will be a significant number of Clannad listeners who won't find

34 tracks on 2 CDs spanning the enchanting and entrancing blend of traditional Celtic, folk and pop sounds that the group made so popular in their 3 decades. A glorious reunion of classic songs that truly bridge all musical boundaries. Housed in a unique tri-fold digipak with a 43-page full-color booklet filled with pictures, notes on the band and discography. Housed in a slipcase. 2002.

Additional personnel includes: Bruce Hornsby (vocals, accordion, piano);

Bono (vocals).

Includes a 43 page booklet with liner notes by John O'Regan.

Digitally remastered by Dave Donnelly (DNA Mastering).

Producers include: John Curran, Donal Lunny, Nicky Ryan, Richard Dodd, Tony Clarke.

Compilation producer: John O'Regan.

Personnel: Padraig Duggan (vocals, guitar, mandola, mandolin, harmonica); Ciaran Brennan (vocals, guitar, mandolin, piano, keyboards, double bass); Noel Duggan (vocals, guitar, harmonium); J.D. Souther (vocals, electric guitar); Máire Brennan (vocals, harp, keyboards); Bruce Hornsby (vocals, accordion, piano); Eithne Brennan, Bono (vocals); Anto Drennan (guitar, electric guitar, synthesizer); Robbie Blunt (guitar, electric guitar); Ian Melrose (acoustic guitar); Ed Deane, Pat Farrell, Philip Donnelly (electric guitar); Frankie Kennedy (flute); Mel Collins (alto flute, saxophone); Grainne McMonagle (tin whistle); Tom Keane (Uilleann pipe); James Delaney (keyboards, synthesizer); Denis Woods, Ian Parker , Jai Winding, Peter-John Vettese, Steve Nye (keyboards); Paul Moran (drums, percussion); John Donnelly (drums, programming); John Wadham, Russ Kunkel, Charlie Morgan , Vinnie Colaiuta (drums); Dónal Lunny (bodhran); Danny Cummings, Frank Ricotti, Nigel Thomas, Noel Bridgeman (percussion); Paul Ridout, Richard Rainey (programming).

Audio Mixers: Greg Ladanyi; Pearse Dunne; Ren Swan; Brian Masterson.

Audio Remasterer: David Donnelly.

Recording information: Angel Studios, Islington, London, England; Babybetagh Wood, Dublin, Ireland; Battery Studios, London, England; Connys Studio, Koln, Germany; Eamonn Andrew Studios, Dublin, Ireland; Livingston Studios, London, England; Nova Studios, London, England; Powerplay Studios, Zurich, Switzerland; Ridge Farm Studio, Surrey, England; Rockfield Studios, Monmouth, Wales; Switzerland; The Greenhouse, Dublin, Ireland; Trident Studios, London, England; Windmill Land Studios, Dublin, Ireland; Woodtown Manor, Dublin, Ireland; Woolhall Studios, Beckington, England.

Photographers: