The Rough Guide to Irish Music: 2nd
Edition
World Music Network RGNET
1148 CD; 71 minutes; 2005
My, oh my, the arrogant old git’s reviewing his own
album! 
Of, course, I wouldn’t stoop so low and this isn’t
intended to be a blatant plug, nor is my chosen instrument the trumpet. I would
just like to make a few points via a RAQ. That’s ‘Rarely Asked Questions’, in
case you were wondering and the opposite of a FAQ.
Q1 Why does
the compilation omit Danú, Solas, Martin Hayes, Patrick Street, etc.?
A1 The reason’s simple. I persuaded the label not to touch Green Linnet as the class action suit had not been resolved (hence no Hayes and Patrick Street). Anything released by Shanachie was also unavailable because of licensing problems and there’s nothing from Claddagh because it will not truck with compilation labels.
Q2 Why has
Clannad been omitted?
A2 Because
a) the band hasn’t recorded anything new in years, and b) even if the band had done
so, it would have been on a major label which would have charged a Gargantuan
licensing fee – hence also the reason why there’s nothing by Christy Moore.
Q3 You
mentioned Christy, but there’s nothing by Planxty, Moving Hearts or (I know he
wasn’t in it) The Bothy Band either?
A3 That’s
because I wanted the new RGtoIM to reflect what’s been happening in Ireland and
elsewhere over the last few years (and the album by the reformed Planxty is
again on a major label).
Q4 So why
has the Paul Brady track been included as it comes from 1978?
A4 A
reference point and a key moment and maybe just a little nudge to Paul that
it’s about time he recorded another traditional album.
Q5 Who are
some of these people? I’ve never heard of them.
A5 Buy the
album and read the liner. Better still, buy two copies of the album and give one
to a friend.
Q6 And, if I bought a
copy, would you benefit financially?
A6 Not in the
slightest.
Q7 Are you happy with
the final product?
A7 Absolutely, though
I’m not convinced by the ‘Dublin to Donegal’ reference on the liner.
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