Links
1973 Clannad Album 1974 Clannad 2 Album 1976 Dulaman Album 1979 Clannad in Concert Live Album 197? Ring of Gold Live Album 1980 Crann Ull Album 1982 Fuaim Album 1983 Magical Ring Album 1984 Legend Album 1985 Macalla Album 1988 Sirius Album 1989 The Angel and the Soldier Boy Soundtrack 1989 PastPresent Compilation 1989 Atlantic Realm Soundtrack 1989 In a Lifetime CD Single 1989 Theme from Harry's Game CD Single 1989 Hourglass/Theme from Harry's Game CD Single 1989 The Hunter CD Single 1990 Anam Album 1990 In Fortune's Hand CD Single 1990 Why Worry? CD Single 1992 The Collection Compilation 1992 Themes Compilation 1992 Theme From Harry's Game CD Single 1993 Banba Album 1993 Mystery Game CD Single 1996 Lore
1992 Maire Album 1992 Jealous Heart CD Single 1992 Against the Wind CD Single
1986 Sirius - Promo Promo 1991 Paul Young - "From Time to Time" Album 1991 Clannad & Paul Young - "Both Sides Now" CD Single 1992 Patriot Games Soundtrack 1992 Trisan - A Womad Production For Real World Album 1993 The Last of the Mohicans' Soundtrack 1993 Jameson - Irish Whiskey - Promo Promo
19?? Pop Classic Compilation
1973 Clannad Maire Brennan (Harp, Vocals) Paul Brennan (Flute, Bongos, Guitar, Vocals) Ciaran Brennan (Double Bass, Guitar, Piano, Vocals) Noel Duggan (Lead Guitar, Vocals) Padraig Duggan (Guitar, Mandola, Vocals) John Wadham (Drums) Grainne McMonagle (Tin Whistle) 4:50 Nil Se Ina La 2:55 Thios Chois Na Tra Domh 3:50 Brian Boru's March 4:30 Siobhan Ni Dhaibhir 2:10 An Mhaighdean Mhara 2:00 Liza 4:03 An tOilean Ur 3:03 Mrs. McDermott 2:40 The Pretty Maid 3:00 An Phairc 1:40 Harvest Home Hornpipe 3:45 Morning Dew I have heard this was also released on LP as "The Pretty Maid" in 1982, same catalog number (Philips). Produced by John Cunan at Eamonn Andrews Studios LP Philips 6392013 (Ireland) LP Boot Records ITB 4016 (Canada) I believe that this is their first album; I found this in Canada in summer 1974. Copyright is 1973. Very early and a bit raw; the band's heart is on its sleeve here.[JMC] [Rumour has it that the master tapes of this album were lost, but it has been remastered and rereased in 1997, by Royal Records - GM] Track info: Nil Se Ina La 4:50 ------------- Collected from a woman in Creeslongh, Co. Donegal who had heard the song on Tory Island off the Donegal Coast, telling the tale of a drinking nomad. Thios Chois Na Tra Domh 2:55 ----------------------- Translated this title means down by the blank strand, the songs origin is a controversial one and relates of a seaside graveyard and is a lament by a lone man who discovers his comrades are interred there. He bids farewell to his friends, both past and present. Brian Boru's March 3:50 ------------------ A tune composed in commemoration of the Battle of Clontarf which occured in 1014 and in which the Irish repelled the Vikings and in so doing lost their gallant leader Brian Boru. The tempo of the tune traces the victory and eventual discovery of the slain leader. Siobhan Ni Dhaibhir 4:30 ------------------- The age old story of a complicated relationship between a young man and a woman. The song is based on the western seaboard and concludes at Erris Head in Co. Mayo. An Mhaighdean Mhara 2:10 ------------------- Meaning the sea maiden or mermaid, who marries a mere mortal. The husband knowing his wife cannot return to the sea without a cloak she wore as a mermiad, he hides it but he is left lamenting her when one of their offspring discovers it and his wife returns to the open sea from whence she came. Liza 2:00 ---- A group composition penned by Padraig and Paul for the Slogadh 70 competition, telling the story of an ilash girl who roamed from man to man not finding solace till she returns to her first love. An tOilean Ur 4:03 ------------- In bygone days America was given this name by Irish emigrants, The New Island, the song relates to a land new in the eyes of the young man who has deserted his homeland and his parents, and is mystified by the changes and new found freedoms. Yet eventually disillusionment sets in and the young man returns to his homeland and to his real friends. Mrs. McDermott 3:03 -------------- A tune by the famed harpist O'Carolan who dedicated many of his compositions to females both regal and otherwise. The Pretty Maid 2:40 --------------- A translation of an Irish tune depicting the chance meeting a young man with a singing milk maid; the youth falls quite madly in love with the fair maiden's voice and her beauty; he proceeds to make his advances yet she feels quite inadequate towards him as does the young man until he states he would bestow on her all he possesses. An Phaire 3:00 --------- An anti-pollution song written by Michael Hanly for the National Song Contest '73, in which 'A Field' as is the title of the song, has been exploited by land developers and has lost its former beauty Harvest Home 1:40 ------------ The group interpretation of a traditional hornpipe played on the harp. Morning Dew 3:45 ----------- A composition by Bonnie Dobson and Tim Rose recorded by innumerable artists yet given the Clannad treatment. 1974 Clannad 2 Maire Ni Bhraonain Ciaran O Braonain Pol O Braonain Noel O Dugain Padraig O Dugain 3:14 An Gabhar Ban 2:49 Eleanor Plunkett 5:46 Coinleach Ghlas An Fhomair 1:51 Rince Philib a'Cheoil 5:41 By Chance it Was 3:16 Rince Briotanach 5:38 Dheanainn Sugradh 2:33 Gaoth Barra Na dTonn 2:49 Teidhir Abhaile Riu 2:21 Fairly Shot of Her 6:11 Chuaigh Me Na Rosann CD Shanachie 79007 (USA) LP Gael Linn 41 (IR) The Shanachie copyright is 1979, but I think that this is a reissue of an earlier recording that precedes "Clannad in Concert." "Eleanor Plunkett," a tune from the prolific Turlough O Carolan, features lovely harp and flute work. Two dances, the bright "Rince Philib a'Cheoil" and the more rhythmically complex "Rince Briotanach" (from Brittany) offer differing delights. The work song "Dheanainn Sugradh" gets a generally traditional sound -- until the band inserts a wildly bluesy break. "Teidhir Abhaile Riu" is a charming setting for the tale af a girl's refusal to obey her parents and marry close to home. Listen for accompaniment on wire-strung harp and guitar by Triona Ni Domhnaill and her brother Micheal on "Chuaigh me na Rosann," as well as Triona's one-verse duet with Maire. [JMC] 1976 Dulaman Maire Ni Bhraonain (Harp, Vocals) Ciaran O Braonain (Bass, Guitar, Mandolin, Electric Piano) Pol O Braonain (Flute, Whistle, Guitar, Bongos, Vocals) Noel O Dugain (Guitar, Vocals) Padraig O Dugain (Mandola, Guitar, Vocals) Nicky Ryan (Vocals) 4:30 Dulaman 4:05 Cumha Eoghain Rua Ui Neill 4:09 Two Sisters 5:09 Eirigh Suas a Stoirin 3:05 The Galtee Hunt 4:09 Eirigh Is Cuir Ort Do Chuid Eadaigh Coiriu 5:47 Siuil a Run 2:40 Mo Mhaire 1:22 dTigeas a Damhsa 3:09 a) Cucanandy b) The Jug of Brown Ale CD Shanachie 79008 (USA) CD Intercord 860 065 (Germany) LP Gael Linn 58 (IR) The band really hits its stride with this album. The rollicking "Two Sisters" is a delightful study in sibling rivalry -- makes me wonder about Maire and Eithne. Maire's voice is in full flower on "Eirigh suas a Stoirin." Everything comes together perfectly on "Eirigh is cuir ort do chuid Eadaigh Coiriu" -- the instrumental break is the epitome of the band's style. Clannad's take on "Siuil a Run" is vastly different and deeper than the shallow passes that American folkies made at this Gaelic classic in the early 1960s. The acappella dance "dTigeas a Damhsa" is chidhood personified in song. [JMC] 1979 Clannad in Concert Maire Ni Bhraonain (Harp, Vocals) Ciaran O Braonain (Double Bass, Guitar, Vocals) Pol O Braonain (Flute, Whistle, Guitar, Bongoes, Vocals) Padraig O Dugain (Mandola, Guitar, Harmonica, Bongoes, Vocals) Noel O Dugain (Guitar, Harmonium) 3:00 Bhean a Ti 3:20 Fairies Hornpipe off to California 4:45 Neansai Mhile Gra 1:08 Mhaire Bruineall 3:42 Planxty Burke 2:10 An GioBog 4:36 Down by the Sally Gardens 10:20 Nil Se'n La CD Shanachie 79030 (USA) CD Shanachie CD-16407 (Germany) LP Ogham BLB 5001 Recordings from the band's tour of Switzerland in 1978. William Butler Yeats would have been pleased with the rendition of his "Down by the Sally Gardens." The jazz/rock breaks in "Ni'l Sen La" must be heard to be believed. Nicky Ryan produced, engineered and edited. [JMC] 197? Ring of Gold Maire Ni Bhraonain (Harp, Vocals) Pol O Braonain (Flute, Whistle, Guitar, Bongos, Vocals) Ciaran O Braonain (Double Bass, Guitar, Vocals) Padraig O Dugain (Mandolin, Guitar, Vocals) Noel O Dugain (Guitar, Vocals) 3:35 An Gabhar Ban (The White Goat) 4:05 Mrs. McDermott 2:44 Rince Philib A'Cheoil 4:29 Down by the Sally Gardens 3:46 Teidhir Abhaile Riu 3:15 Eleanor Plunkett 1:48 D Tigeas A'Damhsa 4:57 Eirigh Is Cuir Ort 8:48 Do Chuid Eadaigh Nil Se'n La CD Celtic Music CM CD 034 (Germany) 1980 Crann Ull Maire Ni Bhraonain Ciaran O Braonain Pol O Braonain Padraig O Dugain Noel O Dugain 3:28 Ar a ghabhail 'n a 'chuain damh 4:17 The Last Rose of Summer 2:36 Cruscin Lan 2:34 Bacach Shile Andai 3:49 La Coimhthioch fan dtuath (A Strange Day in the Countryside) 3:46 Crann Ull 2:41 Gathering Mushrooms 4:17 Bunan Bui 4:13 Planxty Browne CD/LP Tara 3007 (Ireland) CD Intercord 860 153 (Germany) The shortest of the albums, but the sweetest, I think. Maire is in full command of a beautiful and mature voice. "The Last Rose of Summer" is just perfect. "La Coimhthioch fan dtuath" reminds me of Marty Balin's lyrical pieces (like "Comin' Back to Me" on "Surrealistic Pillow") in Jefferson Airplane's heyday. The title tune and "Gathering Mushrooms" let Maire show off her upper register, and she weaves a magic spell over the sparse accompaniment to the ballad "Bunan Bui." Still more lovely harping on a well-known O Carolan tune, "Planxty Browne." [JMC] 1982 Fuaim Maire Ni Bhraonain (Harp, Vocals) Eithne Ni Bhraonain (Enya) (Keyboards, Vocals) Ciaran O Braonain (Double Bass, Guitar, Synthesiser, Piano, Mandolin, Vocals) Pol O Braonain (Flute, Guitar, Tin Whistle, Vocals) Padraig O Dugain (Mandola, Mouth Organ, Vocals) Noel O Dugain (Guitar, Vocals) 2:56 Na Buachailli Alainn 4:17 Mheall Si Lena Glorthai Me 2:38 Bruach Na Carraige Baine 0:45 La Brea Fan Dtuath 3:06 An Tull 2:45 Strayed Away 6:11 Ni La Na Gaoithe La Na Scoilb? 3:28 Lish Young Buy-a-Broom 1:42 Mhorag's Na Horo Gheallaidh 4:08 The Green Fields of Gaothdobhair 2:53 Buaireadh An Phosta CD Tara 3008 (Ireland) CD Cooking VL COOKCD-035 (UK) CD Cooking VL COOKCD-035 (Germany) If you think you might want to explore Clannad's music, start with this album. It's beautiful stuff, all of it. Enya fans will be interested in the ways she makes her presence felt here. She provides a lighter tone to the backing vocal work, and her keyboarding shows up on several tunes, especially the hypnotic "Mhorag 's no horo Gheallaidh." Her only solo is a light and rather girlish double-tracked vocal on "An tUll" -- she certainly sounds different now. The other tunes are just great. "Mheall si lena glorthai me" sounds a bit stolid until an insanely great blues guitar break brings out the intended irony. Ciaran's guitar is featured on the brief "La brea fan dtuath," which seems to be influenced by John Fahey and Leo Kottke. "Ni la na gaoithe la na scoilb?" and the dramatic "Buaireadh An Phosta" show strong jazz influences. The three English-language offerings are interpreted wonderfully by Maire: an emigrant song, "Strayed Away," is sorrow incarnate over a country blues backdrop; "Lish Young Buy-a-Broom" is a fanciful traveling-saleswoman joke; and "The Green Fields of Gaothdobhair" is a reverent homage to her family's home. [JMC] 1983 Magical Ring Pol O'Dugain Maire Ni Bhraonain Pol O Braonain Noel O Dugain Ciaran O Braonain James Delaney (Special Guest) Charlie Morgan (Drums) Frank Ricotti (Percussionist) Alan Dunn (Accordian) Ed Deane (Electric Guitar Solo) 2:30 Theme from Harry's Game 3:51 Tower Hill 2:20 Seachran Charn tSiail 3:44 Passing Time 5:57 Coinleach Glas An Fhomhair 4:23 I See Red 3:13 Ta Me Mo Shui 4:03 Newgrange 2:40 The Fairy Queen 3:16 Thios Fa'n Chosta CD/LP Tara 3010 (Ireland) CD RCA PD70003 (UK) CD RCA ND-71473 (Germany) CD RCA BVCP-5028 (Japan) A slicker sound here, deep in the reverb. On "Tower Hill," counter-rhythms play tag with one another. Maire's rendition of "Conleach Glas an Fhomhair" on the earlier "Clannad 2" is lovely, but contrast it with her later version here -- it's like tasting a favorite vintage again after letting it mature a few years. "The Fairy Queen" is a traditional harper's tune, beautifully realized by Maire with supporting flute from Pol. Maire's wild-tinged vocal on "Thios Fa'n Chosta" is embedded in solid rock from the rest of the band. [JMC] 1984 Legend Maire Brennan (Lead Vocal, Harp) Paul Brennan (Guitar, Flute, Tin Whistle, Keyboards, Vocals) Ciaran O Braonain (Double Bass, Synthesisers, Guitar, Vocals) Pat Duggan (Mandola, Guitar, Vocals) Noel Duggan (Guitar, Vocals) James Delaney (Keyboards) Paul Moran (Drums) Pat Farrell (Electric Guitar) Frank Ricotti (Percussionist) 2:48 Robin (The Hooded Man) 3:32 Now is Here 5:08 Herne 3:28 Together We 1:59 Darkmere 3:10 Strange Land 5:08 Scarlet Inside 3:20 Lady Marian 1:01 Battles 2:59 Ancient Forest CD RCA PD70188 (UK) CD RCA ND-71703 (UK) CD RCA ND-71703 (Germany) LP RCA AFL1-5084 (USA) Sound track music for "Robin of Sherwood," a television series. Those of you who live near Silicon Valley may have seen the series on KTEH, a local PBS station. Not my favorite Clannad work, but pleasant enough to listen to. [JMC] 1985 Macalla Maire Ni Bhraonain Pol O Braonain Ciaran O Braonain Padraig O Dugain Noel O Dugain Bono (Additional vocals on In a Lifetime) Mel Collins (Sax) Anton Drennan (Electric Guitar) Danny Cummings (Percussion) Steve Nye (Keyboards) 2:06 Caislean Oir 4:41 The Wild Cry 3:29 Closer to Your Heart 3:08 In a Lifetime 4:51 Almost Seems (Too Late to Turn) 3:53 Indoor 3:08 Buachill On Eirne 4:15 Blackstairs 2:42 Journey's End 4:58 Northern Skyline CD RCA PD70894 (UK) CD RCA PD70894 (Germany) CD RCA 8063-2 (USA) CD RCA PCD1-8063 (Canada) Don't be put off by the cover shot, which has Maire doing some kind of takeoff on Edvard Munch's "The Scream." MTV watchers may remember the video of "In a Lifetime," my least-favorite cut on the album. "Almost Seems (Too Late to Turn)" and the two Gaelic songs, "Caislean Oir" and "Buachaill On Eirne," are particularly fine. [JMC] 1988 Sirius Maire Ni Bhraonain Pol O Braonain Ciaran O Braonain Padraig O Dugain Noel O Dugain Steve Perry (Harmony Vocals on White Fool) Bruce Hornsby (Accordian, Vocals, Piano on Second Nature; Harmony Voice, Piano on Something to Believe In) Mel Collins (Sax) Many Others... 3:53 In Search of a Heart 3:20 Second Nature 4:39 Turning Tide 4:46 Skellig 3:53 Stepping Stone 4:38 White Fool 4:46 Something to Believe In 3:32 Live and Learn 3:25 Many Roads 5:33 Sirius CD RCA 6846-2 (USA) CD RCA PD-71513 (Canada) CD RCA PD-71513 (UK) CD RCA PD-71513 (Germany) CD RCA R32P-1136 (Japan) Strong performances all around with a tighter sound than on "Macalla." Guest work by Bruce Hornsby and J. D. Souther. The band's politics are up front in "White Fool" and the title song, and "Live and Learn" honestly rocks. [JMC] 1989 The Angel and the Soldier Boy Maire Ni Bhraonain Pol O Braonain Ciaran O Braonain Padraig O Dugain Noel O Dugain 25:00 Music from The Angle and the Soldier Boy (Instrumental) a) A Dream in the Night b) The Pirates c) The Soldier Boy d) The Angel e) The Flies f) The Spider g) The Cat h) The Jolly Roger i) Into the Picture j) Pirates Merrymaking k) Finding the Key l) Pirates on the Island m) Sea and Storm n) The Love Theme o) The Chase p) The Toys q) The Rescue r) Back to the Book s) A Dream in the Night (Instrumental) 25:00 Music from The Angle and the Soldier Boy (Narrated by Tom Conti) CD RCA PD 74328 (UK) 1989 PastPresent Maire Ni Bhraonain Pol O Braonain Ciaran O Braonain Padraig O Dugain Noel O Dugain 2:26 Theme from Harry's Game 3:28 Closer to Your Heart 4:48 Almost Seems (Too Late to Turn) 4:53 The Hunter 3:19 Lady Marian 5:34 Sirius 5:56 Coinleach Glas An Fhomair 3:19 Second Nature 4:00 World of Difference 3:07 In a Lifetime 2:49 Robin (The Hooded Man) 4:44 Something to Believe In 4:02 Newgrange 3:07 Buachaill An Eirne 4:37 White Fool 3:52 Stepping Stone CD RCA 9912-2 (USA) CD RCA 74074 (Canada) CD RCA 74074 (UK) CD RCA 74074 (Germany) 1989 Atlantic Realm Maire Ni Bhraonain Pol O Braonain Ciaran O Braonain Padraig O Dugain Noel O Dugain 3:47 Atlantic Realm 3:04 Predator 3:09 Moving Thru 1:15 The Berbers 2:03 Signs of Life 3:05 In Flight 3:30 Ocean of Light 1:51 Drifting 3:16 Under Neptune's Cape 3:19 Voyager 1:10 Primeval Sun 2:41 Child of the Sea 1:19 The Kirk Pride CD BBC CD 727 (UK) 1989 In a Lifetime 3:02 In a Lifetime 4:36 Something to Believe In 2:06 Caislean Oir 4:41 The Wild Cry 3:25 Atlantic Realm CD5 RCA PD 42874 (UK) CD5 RCA PD 42874 (Germany) 1989 Theme From Harry's Game 2:25 Theme From Harry's Game (P.Brennan) 3:50 Hourglass (P.Brennan) CD5 RCA/BMG - PD43075 1989 Hourglass/Theme from Harry's Game Maire Ni Bhraonain Pol O Braonain Ciaran O Braonain Padraig O Dugain Noel O Dugain 4:22 Hourglass 2:30 Theme from Harry's Game 4:03 World of Difference 2:43 Journey's End CD5 RCA PD 43076 (UK) 1989 The Hunter 4:08 The Hunter 4:27 Skellig 4:38 Turning Tide 3:25 Atlantic Realm CD5 RCA PD 42610 (UK) CD5 RCA PD 42610 (Germany) 1990 Anam Maire Brennan (Vocals, Harp) Ciaran O Braonain (Vocals, Double Bass, Electric Bass, Guitar, Piano/Synth) Padraig Duggan (Mandola, Harmonica, Acoustic Guitar) Noel Duggan (Guitar) Bono (Additional vocals on "In a Lifetime") Mel Collins (Saxophones) Paul Moran (Drums, Percussion) Ian Parker (Keyboards) Anton Drennan (Electric Guitar, Dobro) Bridin Brennan (Harmony Vocals) Vinnie Kilduff (Wooden Whistle (Bansari)) 3:58 Ri Na Cruinne *3:08 In a Lifetime 4:00 Anam 3:52 In Fortune's Hand 3:51 The Poison Glen 2:04 Wilderness *2:30 Theme from Harry's Game 4:25 Why Worry 4:18 Uirchill An Chreagain 4:54 Love and Affection 3:52 You're the One 2:42 Dobhar CD RCA PD 74762 (UK) CD RCA PD 74762 (Germany) CD RCA BVCP-26 (Japan) CD Atlantic 782409-2 (USA) (1992) * Atlantic release only. 1990 In Fortune's Hand 3:55 In Fortune's Hand 2:38 Dobhar 2:36 An Mhaigdean Mhara CD5 RCA 43972 (UK) 1990 Why Worry? 4:24 Why Worry? (C.Brennan) 2:51 Gaothbearra (Trad.Arr. Clannad)* 2:05 Wilderness (C.Brennan) * recorded live at Royal Albert Hall, London CD5 RCA 44372 (UK) 1992 The Collection Theme from Harry's Game Closer to Your Heart Lady Marian Newgrange Mhorag's Na Horo Gheallaidh Nil Se'n La Caislean Oir In a Lifetime Now is Here Na Buachailli Alainn Down by the Sally Gardens Dulaman Robin (The Hooded Man) CD KTel CD215 1992 Themes Both Sides Now Robin (The Hooded Man) Ri Na Cruinne Ancient Forest Atlantic Realm Theme from Harry's Game Herne A Dream in the Night Lady Marian The Pirates/The Soldier Boy Voyager Drifting CD KTel KCD355 1992 Theme From Harry's Game 2:29 Theme From Harry's Game 2:48 Robin (The Hooded Man) CD5 RCA 7432111812-2 (UK) 1993 Banba Maire Brennan (Vocals, Harp) Ciaran Brennann (Vocals, Bass, Keyboards, Guitar, Mandolin) Noel Duggan (Guitar) Padraig Duggan (Guitar, Mandolin) Anto Drennan (Guitars) John Donnelly (Drums, Programming) Mel Collins (Saxophone, Alto Flute) Ian Parker (Keyboards) Frankie Kennedy (Flute, Whistle) Bridin Brennan (Vocals) Denis Woods (Keyboards, Synth Programming) 5:20 Na Laethe Bhi' 3:27 Banba O'ir 4:11 There For You 4:24 Mystery Game 4:05 Struggle 5:16 I Will Find You (Theme from The Last of the Mohicans') 4:26 Soul Searcher 4:22 Ca De' Sin Do'n Te' Sin 4:19 The Other Side 4:12 Sunset Dreams 3:11 A Gentle Place CD RCA 74321 13961 2 (UK) 1993 Mystery Game 4:24 Mystery Game 2:08 Do Na Dlo Sv (from the Last of the Mohicans) 4:24 Mystery Game (instrumental) all tracks by Ciaran Brennan CD5 RCA/BMG 74321 14987 2