Anam

1. Rí Na Cruinne

2. In a Lifetime - Bono, Clannad

3. Anam

4. In Fortune's Hand

5. Poison Glen

6. Wilderness [Instrumental]

7. Harry's Game

8. Why Worry?

9. Úirchill an Chreagáin

10. Love and Affection

11. You're the One

12. Dobhar [Instrumental]

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording
The Brennan family and their band Clannad led the new Celtic music revolution for many years, with a string of solid acoustic albums that made them a must to hear. But with the success of Brennan diva Enya, and the popularity the band achieved as their "Harry's Game" made it into TV and movies, they have slowly turned a course toward a more popular sound, awash in layered voices, reverb, and synthesizers. Anam is the center ground between the two careers, with plenty of rootsy folk supplied by fiddle, bouzouki, guitars, and harp. And it's impossible not to like the singing of Marie and Ciaran Brennan. But the album also marks the beginning of that wash of sound that was to make them famous, so this is possibly the last truly "Irish" album they made and the first "new-Celtic" one. --Louis Gibson

Tracks:

Ri Na Cruinne
In A Lifetime
Anam
In Fortune's Hand
The Poison Glen
Wilderness
Harry's Game (from Patriot Games)
Why Worry?
Uirchill An Chreagain
Love And Affection
You're The One
Dobhar

Amazon.com essential recording

The Brennan family and their band Clannad led the new Celtic music revolution for many years, with a string of solid acoustic albums that made them a must to hear. But with the success of Brennan diva Enya, and the popularity the band achieved as their "Harry's Game" made it into TV and movies, they have slowly turned a course toward a more popular sound, awash in layered voices, reverb, and synthesizers. Anam is the center ground between the two careers, with plenty of rootsy folk supplied by fiddle, bouzouki, guitars, and harp. And it's impossible not to like the singing of Marie and Ciaran Brennan. But the album also marks the beginning of that wash of sound that was to make them famous, so this is possibly the last truly "Irish" album they made and the first "new-Celtic" one. --Louis Gibson

Customer Reviews:

Stylistic mish-mash, incoherent.......2005-07-16

The problem with this, as another reviewer hinted at, is Clannad seems here to not know whether they want to be pop ("Love and Affection" and "In a Lifetime"), Celtic ("The Poison Glen" and "Harry's Game"), alt-country ("You're the One"), or "smooth jazz" ("Why Worry?"). It's hard to know exactly WHO will find this disc captivating.

HIGHLIGHTS:
The best known cut here is probably the best one. "Harry's Game" (from the PATRIOT GAMES soundtrack) is wonderfully ethereal as a layered wall of Maire Brennan's vocals meld perfectly with bandmate Ciaran Brennan's along with heavenly keyboard produced "oohs" and "aahs" that remind me of nothing so much as the backing vocals in 10CC's "I'm Not in Love". "Harry's" and "Ri Na Cruinne" will probably be the ones most beloved of ENYA fans. The title track is a soft peace anthem. ("when will I see/an end to destruction and woe/and how will I see/no division in my life?") "The Poison Glen" is a bit more traditional number but still mixes in rock influenced drumming, mandola, harmonica and what SOUNDS like an (uncredited) accordion.

LOWS:
"In a Lifetime" doesn't work...Bono's rocker wail sounds completely out of place amidst the more ethereal Clannad vocals and delicate harp which collides against wailing sax and almost jazz drumming. The whole thing is fraught with disaster. "Why Worry?" sounds like SADE's "Smooth Operator" with a lesser lyric.

BOTTOM LINE:
Enya fans...look elsewhere. "Harry's Game" fans...just get PURE MOODS. I don't know that I could honestly recommend this for anyone but Clannad diehards.

Sounds dated...but still has a spark........2005-05-14

I'm not new to Celtic or New Age music, but this recording doesn't seem very faithful to either of those genres. What it seems akin to is saxophone-y, lounge-y jazz of the early 90's. The time period makes sense since that's when this CD came out, but who can explain to me why a Celtic/New Age band is using saxophone this heavily?

The more atmospheric pieces (Uirchill an chreagian, Ri na cruinne) are lovely and very new-agey. I'm glad they don't provide English translations for the Gaelic, since the lyrics for the English pieces are uniformly really, really banal. For example, "Why must I worry/try not to hurry like other people/why must I worry/'cos you know yourself/that is not the way..." Um...okay.

Even the much-hailed "Harry's Game", which was on the Patriot Games movie soundtrack, doesn't really work as a song on its own--it goes better with dramatic things happening on-screen. And once you realize the chorus is nonsense syllables ("Fol lol the doh fol the day/Fol the day fol the day"), it loses a hefty percentage of its mystery.

Maire and Ciaran Brennan are ethereal and pleasing on vocals as usual, but the duet with Bono (In a lifetime) just doesn't work; his voice belongs to another genre, and the contrast is more dysfunctional than interesting. Bridin Brennan's occasional male backup vocals go with the women's voices much better.

This is just such an odd patchwork. "You're the one", a cheerful love song, even verges on a country sound; how many directions do they think they can profitably veer in on one CD? Overall nothing seems to unify this CD except the Brennans' voices and the sporadic intrusion of the saxophone. Die-hard Clannad fans will want this one, but no one else. One listen to this was plenty for me. I think I'll try to sell it.

This CD Has Soul!.......2004-06-15

Many tracks including "Poison Glen" transport one into another more soulful world. What a fresh sound this band has...unlike any other. Vocals from the lead singer are the strength of the group.

one of the album makes me cry!.......2003-07-12

I don't know Gaelic at all (actually I am an Asian from HK)
I borrow Banba from a fd of mine, I liked that (read the recommendation of that) and I run out to record store without hestitate, there are only 2 I found in the record store: Anam and The Magical Gathering, then I got both
once I played this, I am really blown away, I am really appreciated how good the sound in "The poison glen" and "Harry's game", they are really good
but the last 4 of the album are.....
You're the one and Dobhar should be consider as one, when I played these first time, I can't help myself...I cried
then I have no word to discribe how good this album be

Exquisit I tell you........2002-05-21

Don't listen to the negative reviews on this album. Anam is a beautiful CD with a very jazzy twist but still has that Celtic sound.

Anam is Gaelic for 'Soul' and the album title was perfect because the music touches your soul.

Ri Na Cruinne opens this CD with a bang. It's a very haunting song with haunting vocals, ambient keyboards, and thundering beats. This is a song to play on a trip through the mountains on a cloudy evening. In A Lifetime features a duet with U2 frontman Bono. It's a very jazzy song that will make you feel good. IAL is also available on the 1985 album Macalla. One of my all-time favorite duets. The title track is very much like Ri Na Cruinne only more serene and dreamier. I played this song when walking through the colorful gardens on a cloudy evening and I was in total bliss because this song blossoms with beauty, soul, and magic. We head into much more upbeat territory with the Celtic/jazz fusion of In Fortunes Hand. This song is very upbeat with a bit of a pop/jazz/Celtic sound. The Poison Glen is more laid back with beautiful vocals and acoustic guitars with snares. This song is much more Celtic with an accordian. Wilderness is a pleasant acoustic guitar instrumental. Theme From Harrys Game is a very haunting song with a sort of Medieval twist. This song is beautiful but nothing like the next song. Why Worry made this a CD worth buying multiple times. It's a very warm, jazzy song with awesome keyboards, and beatiful chants. I love how the song becomes dark and misty towards the ending. Uirchill An Chreagin is ambient keyboards and gorgeous vocals to make a song to enjoy on a sunny or cloudy afternoon. Love And Affection is more rock oriented with a more upbeat yet moody sound. The song kind of breaks down towards the ending and ultimately fades into mostly ambience at the ending. You're The One is a more country oriented song with a sunny feel-good sound. Dobhar is a piano instrumental that closes this amazing CD.

Tracks:

Spin Of The Reel
Headwind
The Willow
Shadow On The Glen
Forgiven
Anam Cara
The Wisdom Of Ages
Whisper On The Moors
Love Conquers All
Candle In The Dark
Anam Cara Reprise

Customer Reviews:

Closely Related to Inu Yasha.......2004-05-12

The tracks on this album, especially "Headwind" (track 2), are so closely related to Inu Yasha, a Japanese Anime series. If you watch Inu Yasha, then listen to "Headwind", you can easily tell that there are not much differences, even though the music on this album is of Celtic New Age genre. If you're an Inu Yasha fan, you'll definitely enjoy listening to this album, and wish the song "Headwind" was put in the Inu Yasha series.

Average customer rating:

TERRIFIC AND TUNEFUL
Riptide
Memorable recording from new voice on folk scene
Disappointing
Terrific CD - a must!!

Riptide
Anam
Manufacturer: Green Linnet
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Words That Remain

ASIN: B000007P3Y
Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

Reels: Riptide
This Time
Kjetil's Song
An Blew Treghys (Cornish Gavottes)
Mo Chailin Donn (My Brown Haired Girl)
Mary & The Soldier
Slip Jigs: The Long Night
Reels: House On The Hill
Westlin' Winds
Fourteen Days
Belgarth Waltz
Aird A Chuamhain
The Way Is Clear

Amazon.com

Anam deliver Celtic folk music in the best tradition of De Dannan and Patrick Street, in-your-face and with strong tunes, great vocals, and punchy ensemble instrumentals. The title track, a set of reels, rips the album open with its spirit and drive. They deliver some lightweight folk-rock (complete with kit drums and bass) and some sweet ballads that feature the waiflike voice of Aimée Leonard. The basic quartet plays acoustic guitar, bodhran, button accordion, mandolin, and bouzouki, with two vocalists. Guests include a rhythm section here and there, some great harmonica from the inimitable Rory McLeod, low whistle (Rory Campbell), and fiddle (John Martin). A fine album from a band with a lot of promise. --Louis Gibson

Customer Reviews:

TERRIFIC AND TUNEFUL.......2000-12-23

Once again I must chime in because it seems this CD is underrated-- I bought it in Dublin last year and listened to it over and over and over again. Their version of "Westlin' Winds" may be the best one on CD, and "This Time," one of their original tunes, is incredibly hummable and catchy. That will be on my "best of the year" tape, for sure. I disagree that the lyrics are disappointing-- they are not! they are simple, evocative and elegant. This group has it all-- vocal purity, instrumental versatility, and originality too. If you like Planxty or De Dannan you will like them too. I should add that I like the mellower side of De Dannan-- not that it needs to be slow, just that I get bored with long, driving reels that go on forever. So the upbeat quality of this album suits me to a t.

Riptide.......1999-12-21

I am not from Scotland or Ireland, but that is where my family begins. In starting to investigate my routes, I decided my love of music should be included. This is the first Celtic CD I have purchased and all I have to say is if all Celtic music is this pleasant, uplifting, and so easy to fall in love with, I can't wait to receive the next one! This CD seldom leaves my CD player for long.

Memorable recording from new voice on folk scene.......1999-08-24

Anam are a great new voice, or rather, two new voices in Irish/Scottish Folk Music because the vocals and harmonies of Aimee Leonard and Brian O'Headhra are delightful. The accompanying players, Treasa Harkin on box and Neil Davey on mandolin & bouzouki are distinctive and memorable. O'Headhra's guitar rhythms are great and his original songs well written. Leonard does justice to two classics "Mary and the Soldier" ane "Westlin' Winds". The guest artistes are tasteful and even the percussion is effective and non intrusive. An excellent CD and often played at home and in the car.

Disappointing.......1999-03-16

Always on the look-out for good Celtic bands, I took a chance on this album and ended up disappointed. While the instrumental work is solid and Aimee Leonard's voice is pleasant, the lyrics are mediocre at best and the overall impact of the album is "ho hum". If you want a superb mix of traditional and contemporary music, I'd recommend Capercaillie's recent work.

Terrific CD - a must!!.......1999-02-16

This CD is an excellent mix of traditional Scottish/Irish and modern music!! The vocals are amazing!!

Tracks:

Ra Cruinne
Anam
In Fortune's Hand
Poison Glen
Wilderness
Why Worry?
Uirchill an Chreagain
Love and Affection
You're the One
Dobhar
Ra Cruinne [Lazyboy Mix][*]

Album Description

Deluxe edition, digitally remastered from the original tapes, reissue of 1990 album features 11 tracks including 1 bonus chill-out remix track, 'Ri Na Cruinne' (Lazyboy Mix). Includes 12-page booklet with new sleeve notes & rare photos. BMG. 2004.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Reissue features New Liner Notes from Irish Journalist Stuart Bailie plus Original Artwork and Rare Photos.

Average customer rating:

Excellent celtic music

Tine Gheal: Bright Fire
Anam
Manufacturer: Linn Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004RBU2
Release Date: 2002-02-05

Tracks:

Tine Gheal (Bright Fire)
The Conundrum
In O
Will You Break My Heart?
Heb Dewa (Without End)
Mhurchaidh Bhig A Chinn A' Chonais (Little Murdoch, Best At Baiting)
Father Tim
S' Gann Gun Dirich Mi Chaoidh (It Is Unlikely I Will Ever Climb)
The Seagull
North Americay
Tane An Gove (The Smith's Fire)
Nan's Song
Ta An Oiche Seo Dorcha (This Night Is Dark)

Customer Reviews:

Excellent celtic music.......2002-06-11

This is the best release so far from Anam. A mixture of Gaelic and English songs populate this wonderful album. From the rhythmic "Tine Gheal" to the haunting "In O", this album is a wonderful blend of guitar and harmonic vocals. "S'Gann Gun Dirich Mi Chaoidh" is the sad lament of a Scottish immigrant who sings of never seeing his homeland again. I love this album, and if you like folk music with a Celtic twist, you'll enjoy it, too.

Average customer rating:

ready to live

Ready to Live
Anam Cara
Manufacturer: Strike First
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
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Anam Cara
The Search Party Never Came

ASIN: B000ERU720
Release Date: 2006-04-11

Tracks:

Intro
You're Not Aware
Our Air To Breathe
Consequence Of Being Irrational
Ready To Live
Closer
It's Not Too Late
Don't Look Back
Thief In The Night
Hear Me Out
Just Reassure Me That Everything Is OK

Customer Reviews:

ready to live.......2006-06-25

Anam Cara is, in my opinion, the strongest band on strike first, with jesus wept and kingston falls tied for second. Pick up the album. The vocals are amazing, the lyrics are inspiring, and the drum work is even better.

Average customer rating:

Asu Ga Mienai
Anam & Maki
Manufacturer: Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

International | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00005OOIS
Release Date: 2001-10-11

Tracks:

Japanese Title
Japanese Title
Japanese Title

Average customer rating:

wonderful, soulful music
Ceol Anam--"Music Soul"

Two Guitars
Ceol Anam
Manufacturer: Folk Legacy
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music

International | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00001XDLG
Release Date: 1999-10-26

Tracks:

Coarch Road to Sligo/Calliope House
The Congress/Delahunty's
Inisheer
Little Heathy Hill/Roger Burridge's
Minnie Young's/Culfadda
Druimfhionn Donn Dilis
Loch Tay Boat Song
Happy to Meet, Sorry to Part
A Week in January
Star of the County Down/Cliffs of Moher
Cailin Deas Cruite na mBo (Pretty Girl Milking her Cow)
Time Will End
Cabbage Jig
Humours of Scariff
Jamais Plus de Larmes Tristes
Chi Me Na Mor-Bheanna (The Mist-Covered Mountains of Home)
So Here's to You

Customer Reviews:

wonderful, soulful music.......2000-11-13

This is a lovely album. The first time I played it for some friends, one of them said "I had no idea guitars could sound like this." Another friend swears that it never leaves her CD player; she listens to it every evening to wind down at the end of the day. Most of the cuts are instrumental - 2 guitars, augmented occasionally by other instruments - and there are 2 vocal tracks, one sean nos song by Brigit Fitzgerald and a final song done by Sue Mogan-Mattison,with John and Carol singing harmonies. There is an error in the Amazon listing at this time - there are 17 bands on the recording, rather than just the one listed here.

Ceol Anam--"Music Soul".......1999-11-25

This is one of the finest Celtic guitar CDs I've ever listened to. John and Carol's playing styles blend flawlessly--melodies and harmonies are woven into a rich musical tapestry that captures each nuance of the traditional Celtic tunes they play. From bright jigs to haunting airs, these musicians, have, indeed, tapped into the Irish "ceol anam" ("music soul").

Average customer rating:

An obscure band worth checking out

Anam Cara
Anam Cara
Manufacturer: Strike First/Mordam
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000BO886I
Release Date: 2004-06-29

Tracks:

Clenched Fists Of Desperation
Words Cut Through
Written On A Cavern Wall
A New Sun Rises

Customer Reviews:

An obscure band worth checking out.......2007-04-28

Anam Cara's EP isn't the most mainstream of releases--in fact, I'll be surprised if more than a couple people ever read this review. But esoteric as they are, Anam Cara has released a fairly good metalcore production. It's not the most creative of releases--I could swear I've heard a few of those riffs before--but it has its memorable sections. Don't pay too much for it, but if you're looking for a quick metalcore fix, this might be exactly right for you.