This has been called one their weaker albums. I would agree that it doesn't have the same cohesion as the "concept" albums, but I did like the album.
"Nighttown Boy" is almost a blues tune with heavy use of piano trumpet and sax. Charles O'Connor produces some amazing sounds out of what sounds like an electric fiddle.
"The Blind Can't Lead the Blind" features female choral-style voices.
"Stars" has some of the sound that would appear in later albums.
"We Bring the Summer With Us" has a sort of Céilí sound to it.
I can't fault "King of the Fairies". It's a great version of a lively trad tune.
"Mad Pat" makes me think of Pink Floyd for some reason.
"Blindman" continues the Pink Floyd feel of "Mad Pat".
The brass instruments make a re-appearance in "Sunburst" along with female backing vocals to create another interesting Irish-rock-blues crossover.
"Lonely Hearts" foreshadows the sort of style they would use in "Aliens", The Man who Built America and Short Stories, Tall Tales".
"The Best Years of My Life" has some very good traditional-sounding instrumental work but is a weak ending to the album.
| Martin Feeney | martin@tuatha.org | Last Modified: 05 October 1997 |