This
Greatest Hits recording from
the Clancy Brothers also features English folkie
Louis Killen, who replaced
Tommy Makem in the brothers' band. It runs through a stirring set of traditionals adapted and arranged by
the Clancys and includes such live favorites as "Mountain Dew," "Jug of Punch," and "Whisky, You're the Devil," which features the memorable couplet "Whisky, you're my darlin', drunk or sober." The Clancy Brothers have always been known for their rousing vocals and they don't disappoint here, punctuating songs with whoops and hollers. The a cappella "Haul Away Joe" is a great example; you can just about feel the ocean spray and sail riggings. The presence of
Killen switches up the set list a bit, with
the Clancys tackling more Scottish fare than they might normally. There's also "Fathers Grave," which features the group in a harmonizing vocal configuration much different than its normal arrangement. These factors, in addition to the general entertainment of the affair, perhaps give
Greatest Hits a little bit of wiggle room amidst the group's numerous retrospectives.