Music of Ireland: Welcome Home chronicles the contemporary Irish folk scene from the 1960s into the 21st century. Released as a companion piece to the DVD of the Public Television program of the same name, the 13 tracks chosen for the compilation are wonderfully indicative of the arc that Irish traditional music has taken since the
Clancy Brothers,
Andy Irvine, and
the Chieftains, all of whom are featured, began bringing the music of their homeland across the pond. Add in stellar cuts from contemporary Irish icons like
Sinead O'Connor,
Damien Rice,
Shane MacGowan, and
Moya Brennan, and you've got yourself the perfect mix to complement a roaring fire, a dog at your feet, and a frosty pint. [
Music of Ireland is also available packaged with the aforementioned DVD]. ~ James Christopher Monger