Sidewaulk

Sidewaulk

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
This gang of Scots broke a lot of barriers, paving the way for the overwrought synth pop of Enya that was just up the road. Hebridean vocalist Karen Matheson is the prize of this band, and this record is her shining moment. The disc opens with Matheson singing a traditional "waulking song," a thundering vocal piece with drums and a wash of keyboard. She is soulful on "The Fisherman's Dream," perhaps a bit too lush on Dick Gaughan's "Both Sides the Tweed," and delivers a piece of traditional "mouth music" with a modern gusto. Most of the instrumental tunes are more vibrant than their later recordings. Accordions, fiddles, whistles, recorders, guitars, and bouzoukis more than balance the occasionally overbearing electric bass and synthesizers, maintaining a lively contemporary feel and a traditional power. --Louis Gibson

Tracks:

Alasdair Mhic Cholla Ghasda
Balindore
Fisherman's Dream
Sidewaulk Reels
Iain Ghlinn' Cuaich
Fosgail An Dorus/Nighean Bhuaidh' Ruadh
The Turnpike
Both Sides The Tweed
The Weasel
Oh Mo Dhuthaich

Amazon.com essential recording

This gang of Scots broke a lot of barriers, paving the way for the overwrought synth pop of Enya that was just up the road. Hebridean vocalist Karen Matheson is the prize of this band, and this record is her shining moment. The disc opens with Matheson singing a traditional "waulking song," a thundering vocal piece with drums and a wash of keyboard. She is soulful on "The Fisherman's Dream," perhaps a bit too lush on Dick Gaughan's "Both Sides the Tweed," and delivers a piece of traditional "mouth music" with a modern gusto. Most of the instrumental tunes are more vibrant than their later recordings. Accordions, fiddles, whistles, recorders, guitars, and bouzoukis more than balance the occasionally overbearing electric bass and synthesizers, maintaining a lively contemporary feel and a traditional power. --Louis Gibson

Customer Reviews:

An early Capercaillie shines here.......2005-12-02

Despite further successes, the best of Capercaillie lies in their early recordings. This one is no exception.

Now with new members Manus Lunny and John Saich, the skill level of guitar, bouzouki, and bass reaches new heights. You can especially notice this in the bass lines, as Saich's melodic bass lines give a new depth to Capercaillie's sound.

Of course, Karen Matheson, Donald Shaw, Charlie McKerron, and Marc Duff are in excellent form. Karen's voice really shines here as both Gaelic and English songs take center stage (Sidewaulk is the first Capercaillie album to have English songs as well as Gaelic songs).

With wonderful songs and impeccably performed tunes, how can you go wrong here?

Not my cup of tea, though others may enjoy it.......2002-12-04

Modernized Celtic music that follows in the path of early Clannad albums -- brisk instrumentals interspersed with glossier vocal numbers and a thumping electric bass or intrusive synthesizer here or there. Talented, it's true, but for the more traditionally-minded among us, this Scottish ensemble may be a hit-or-miss affair. They are more true to their roots on the instrumental numbers -- bad news for folk like me who prefer hearing songs. I'm also not terribly fond of vocalist Kathy Matheson... I guess I just don't like the timbre of her voice, or perhaps I'm just used to hearing a Hebrides accent in a rougher context. This early album is perhaps your best shot to size them up as a proper "trad" band.

don't own it YET.......2001-05-08

I don't own "Sidewaulk" yet (that's why I'm ordering it), but the song "Fosgail an Dorus/Nighean Bhuaidh' Ruadh," track number six on this CD, is amazing! I have it on another CD, and I listen to it all the time! That song alone gives me the impression that Capercaillie is a wonderful group.

A truly sublime recording.......1999-06-28

I was hooked on this album from the very first song, "Alasdair Mhic Cholla Ghasda" a beautiful, spinning reel. After that, the haunting "Fisherman's Dream" could almost sound like a country-western song. "Fosgail an Dorus" is another traditional gem that makes you want to get up and dance, and the album ends with the transcendent "Oh Mo Dhuthaich". Karen Matheson's crystalline vocals and the sprightly, joyful instrumentation make this a record that never gets old.

A great collection of mostly traditional Celtic material.......1999-04-02

When my wife and I returned from a delightful trip to Ireland a few years ago, I started looking for work by traditional Celtic bands to add to my CD collection. I have found three bands that rise above the rest - Altan, Deanta, and Capercaillie - and, while the members of all three bands are fine musicians, Capercaillie is blessed with the haunting voice of Karen Matheson. I have read some criticism about Capercaillie's forays into non-traditional work on their later albums and, indeed, there are two such songs on "Sidewaulk". Personally, I like the mixture. Like, many Capercaillie fans, I prefer the vocal tracks, but haven't heard many bands whose reels and jigs I like better.

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