Great Big Sea
Rant and Roar
Sire
This is a real winner of an album put out by this hard-rocking traditional Irish band. There’s a good mix of traditional Irish songs like “The Night Pat Murphy Died,” and “Mari-Mac” with original tunes like “Ordinary Day” and “Fast As I Can.” Traditional Irish music has a lonely, rustic feel to it, whether it’s about getting really loaded and having a go with a pretty colleen or a call to arms for the rebellion against the English. Great Big Sea electrify these sounds for an even lonelier, almost creepy feel, but there are a few upbeat, almost ridiculous moments, for instance, they cover R.E.M.’s “End of The World,” which was, of course, ridiculous. Nonetheless, their powerful voices and interesting electrification of traditional instruments make for interesting and fun listening.
