The Christmas Album by The Barra Macneils - DeepRiffs

ALBUM

Christmas albums are tricky things, since the artist is usually dealing with a listener's memory and emotions regarding the season when the song is performed. In the case of this CD, the Barra MacNeils wisely chose to stay fairly traditional and perform the songs as they heard them growing up on the East Coast of Canada. Scottish and Irish Celtic music flow through this CD with every drag of the bow over the violin; yet the traditional carols remain unharmed. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" is a prime example: its arrangement showcases their incredibly beautiful harmonies, but their version is faithful to the standard. Due to the traditional nature of the CD, it is both celebratory and sad at the same time. It is difficult to listen to these songs performed in this manner and not yearn for childhood innocence. The spoken word track "Singing in the Streets," for example, (featuring Tommy Makem) reduces the listener to tears. Also worth mentioning is "O Holy Night" performed flawlessly by Lucy MacNeil who possesses a truly angelic voice. This CD sits comfortably with the Chieftains' Bells of Dublin CD, and it is a welcome addition to anyone's collection.
© Aaron Badgley /TiVo

1. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

by The Barra Macneils

Primary Artist: The Barra Macneils; Main Performer
Composer: Traditional; Composer

2. Children's Winter

by The Barra Macneils

Primary Artist: The Barra Macneils; Main Performer
Composer: Dermot O'reilly; Composer

3. Carol of the Bells

by The Barra Macneils

Primary Artist: The Barra Macneils; Main Performer
Composer: M.leontouych; P.wilhousky; Composer

4. Ann am Baile Ri'oghail Dhaibhidh (Once in David's Royal City)

by The Barra Macneils

Primary Artist: The Barra Macneils; Main Performer
Composer: The Barra Macneils; Composer

5. Singing in the Streets

by The Barra Macneils

Primary Artist: The Barra Macneils; Main Performer
Composer: The Barra Macneils; Composer

6. Christmas Comes But Once a Year (Christmas in Carrick)

by The Barra Macneils

Primary Artist: The Barra Macneils; Main Performer
Composer: Seamus Mcgrath; Composer

7. Christmas in Killarney

by The Barra Macneils

Primary Artist: The Barra Macneils; Main Performer
Composer: J.cavanaugh; J.redmond; F.weldon; Composer

8. Snowplow Set

by The Barra Macneils

Primary Artist: The Barra Macneils; Main Performer
Composer: The Barra Macneils; Composer

9. O Holy Night

by The Barra Macneils

Primary Artist: The Barra Macneils; Main Performer
Composer: Traditional; Composer

10. Galician Carol

by The Barra Macneils

Primary Artist: The Barra Macneils; Main Performer
Composer: Traditional; Composer

11. O' Come Divine Messiah

by The Barra Macneils

Primary Artist: The Barra Macneils; Main Performer
Composer: Traditional; Composer

12. Taladh Chriosda (Christ Child Lullaby)

by The Barra Macneils

Primary Artist: The Barra Macneils; Main Performer
Composer: The Barra Macneils; Composer

13. Party in Washabuckt

by The Barra Macneils

Primary Artist: The Barra Macneils; Main Performer
Composer: The Barra Macneils; Composer

14. Auld Lang Syne

by The Barra Macneils

Primary Artist: The Barra Macneils; Main Performer
Composer: Robert Burns; Composer

Technical Specifications

Volume

1 volume only

Tracks

14 tracks available

Type

ALBUM

Format

Digital Media

Duration

54 minutes and 28 seconds

Explicit

None

Coverart

Available and up to 600x600 px

Booklet

Not available

Max Quality

CD Quality (Lossless)

16bit / 44.1 kHz

Stereo

Audio Extension

Lossless: FLAC, M4A, WAV, WV, AIFF

Lossy: AAC, MP3, M4A, MP4, OGA, OGG, OPUS, WMA

Archive Format

Available in these formats: ZIP, TAR, RAR

Lyrics

3/14 tracks have lyrics

Synchronized Lyrics

2/14 tracks have synced lyrics

Genres

Celtic, World, Holiday, Worldwide, Christmas, Holiday Music

Label

Barra Music Co. Ltd

Music Distribution Service

CD Baby

Country

United States

Language

English (United Kingdom)

Popularity

Release Date

Sep 1, 2011

Track Preview

Available

Delivery Charge

Free

Delivery Method

Digital download link via Email or Personal Dashboard on this site

UPC

627915096722