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The Chieftains: The Bells of Dublin
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This came out in 1991. I don't remember when I got it, whether it was the 1990s or the 2000s, but I can tell you the song I find most memorable from the album is "The Wren in the Furze" (which is part of a medley). There are lots of guest singers and musicians playing with the Chieftains, who are of course a traditional Irish group. (Though all lyrics are sung in English unless otherwise noted.) Their work is mostly instrumental, so it's always nice to have guest singers, though they do a bit of singing themselves, sometimes (or at least one of them, Kevin Conneff does).

1. The Bells of Dublin - Christmas Eve: This is entirely instrumental.

2. Past Three O'Clock: with The Renaissance Singers.

3. St. Stephen's Day Murders: with Elvis Costello.

4. Il Est Né / Ca Berger: with Kate and Anna McGarrigle, who sing this in French.

5. Don Oiche Ud I mBeithil: narrated by Burgess Meredith, with Irish vocals by Kevin Conneff (of the Chieftains).

6. I Saw Three Ships A Sailing: with Marianne Faithful. This is probably as good a rendition of this song as I've heard.

7. A Breton Carol: with Nolwen Monjarret (liner notes say this is French Celtic style, whatever that means).

8-10. Carols Medley: with The Voice Squad

  • O the Holly She Bears a Berry
  • God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
  • The Boar's Head.

    11. The Wexford Carol: with Nanci Griffith.

    12. the Rebel Jesus: with Jackson Browne.

    13. Skyline Jig: I think this is instrumental; I didn't notice the transition from the previous song.

    14. O Holy Night: with Rickie Lee Jones.

    15-20. Medley "The Wren! The wren!"

  • The Arrival of the Wren Boys
  • The Dingle Set--Dance
  • The Wren in the Furze: with Kevin Conneff and The Voice Squad. As mentioned, my favorite part of the album.
  • A Dance Duet--Reels
  • Brafferton Village / Walsh's Hornpipe
  • The Farewell: "The Piper Through the Meadow Strayed" and "This Is the Season To Be Merry" with Kevin Conneff and The Voice Squad.

    21-23. Medley: with The Renaissance Singers

  • Once in Royal David's City
  • Ding Dong Merrily on High
  • O Come All Ye Faithful

    No notes. The whole album's practically perfect.


    Christmas music index