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Showing posts with label Entertainment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Entertainment. Show all posts

Best Celtic Songs of 2025

Photo by Thanh Thiện Tô: 
https://www.pexels.com/photo/pink-mp3-player-with-earphones-on-textured-surface-29609210/

2025 was a great year for Celtic music. From traditional Celtic music to pop and rock and everything in between, this year’s releases truly had something for everyone to enjoy. These songs were the standout songs for me from the year. This is my opinion, so it is okay if you disagree and think other songs deserve to be here. These are my favorite songs. The songs are in no particular order.

1. “Up Hope” by Deacon Blue

“Up Hope” is from Deacon Blue’s tenth studio album. This whole album is phenomenal and upbeat, but this song perfectly captures the essence of the album. It is a song of hope, unity, and bringing people together. In a world of darkness and division, this song reminds us that there is still love and light in the world that unite us.

2. “Take A Sexy Picture Of Me” by CMAT

This song is an anthem for all women who deal with so much on a regular basis. Women are expected to do so much and look good doing so. Society puts so much pressure on women to look good from an early age. This song questions the importance of that when women have so many other important things to do. The second verse of the song was a hit across social media, becoming the soundtrack to a viral dance and video trend.

3. “Hey Brother” by the Red Hot Chilli Pipers

I was lucky enough to hear this song live, even before I listened to the album. I discovered the band in September of this year and went to see them in concert. This song was an absolute standout in the concert. It was played early on in the set. I was drawn into other songs that were played prior to the song, but this song solidified my love for the band for me.

4.  "A Mother's Heart for Palestine" by Mothers Against Genocide

2025 was an amazing concert year for me. I got to see Mary Black perform with the High Kings back in March, which was a great experience. She is featured on this song, among other musicians. Not only is the song a beautiful song in its own right, but the message behind it and the awareness it is raising make it even better. The original song, “A Mother’s Heart,” is one of my favorites, but this rendition adds a new layer of meaning to it.

5. “Lovers and Friends” by Varo

This song is about the current political climate around the world. It was written by Sean Mone about politicians who only work for themselves, ignoring the needs of their constituents. The song says that our social connections will get us through. Though the song was written and released by other musicians prior to this year, Varo’s rendition is timely for all that is going on in the world currently.


Related Articles:

-Album Review: "The World That I Knew" by Varo: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/05/album-review-world-i-knew-varo.html 

-Mothers Against Genocide Release "A Mother's Heart for Palestine": https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/08/mothers-against-genocide-release-mothers-heart-for-palestine.html

-Concert Review: Red Hot Chilli Pipers: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/09/concert-review-red-hot-chilli-pipers.html

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Celtic Christmas Carols

Photo by Lorna Pauli: https://www.pexels.com/photo/festive-grafton-street-night-scene-in-dublin-29545950/

One of the most special things about the Christmas season is the music. People look forward to listening to Christmas music on the radio and singing the carols in church. From more secular tunes to sacred hymns, many of the beloved songs of the season have Celtic roots.

“Auld Lang Syne”

“Auld Lang Syne” was originally a poem written by Scottish poet Robert Burns. It is believed that it was written in 1788, though Burns may have transcribed it from a folk song. The song is commonly sung at New Year’s celebrations as well as at Burns Night festivities. The phrase “auld lang syne” translates to “for old times' sake’ and is a reflection on the friendships and events of the previous years.

Angels From the Realms of Glory

This hymn was written by Scottish poet James Montgomery. He sent the poem that contained the lyrics to the hymn to the Sheffield Irish newspaper on Christmas Eve in 1816. It appeared in the newspaper the following day. The song was inspired by the Gospel of Luke, specifically in chapter two, when the angels were heralding Jesus’ birth. Henry Smart, a blind organist from England, wrote the melody, and the song was performed for the first time on Christmas day in 1821.

Deck the Halls

“Deck the Halls” is a Welsh tune that dates back to the sixteenth century. John Jones (Talhaiarn) wrote the Welsh lyrics in 1862. The English lyrics were written by Thomas Oliphant, a Scottish musician, also in 1862. There have been variations to the lyrics throughout the years. Originally, the title and lyrics were “Deck the Hall,” but the pluralization of “halls” came as early as 1892.

First Noel

“The First Noel” originated in Cornwall during the Proto-Renaissance. It is believed that the hymn was first featured in a Miracle Plays, which were plays that portrayed Bible stories. One of these plays would likely be about the Christmas story, depicting Jesus’ birth. Since then, residents of Cornwall began to sing the song in the streets of the nation, and it has since become a staple for churches to sing during the Christmas season.

Once In Royal David’s City

This carol was written by Irish poet Cecil Frances Alexander. It was originally published in her hymnbook, “Hymns for Little Children,” in 1848. In 1849, it was set to music by British composer Henry Gauntlett. The collection of hymns was written to explain the parts of the Apostles’ Creed. “Once In Royal David’s City” focuses on Jesus being born to Mary.

Wexford Carol

Also known as “The Enniscorthy Carol,” “The Wexford Carol” originated from Enniscorthy in County Wexford. The focus of the song is the nativity of Jesus Christ. It was originally published in the 15th or 16th century based on its music and lyrics, and it was popularized through the work of Irish author and composer William Grattan Flood. Originally, only men were supposed to sing the song, but women have covered it, from Loreena McKennitt to Celtic Woman. 


Related Articles

-Album Review: "Nollaig-A Christmas Journey" by Celtic Woman: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/12/album-review-nollaig-christmas-journey.html

-Album Review: "A Cosy Christmas" by Keith Harkin: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2024/12/album-review-cosy-christmas-by-keith.html

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Album Review: "Nollaig-A Christmas Journey" by Celtic Woman

 

Celtic Woman,  "Nollaig-A Christmas Journey"

On November 7, 2025, Celtic Woman released their latest Christmas album, “Nollaig- A Christmas Journey.” The album features 13 beloved Christmas songs as well as some that are not as well-known, all with a Celtic Woman stamp.

New Celtic Woman members Caitríona Sherlock and Ciara Ní Mhurcú join singers Mairéad Carlin and Muirgen O’Mahony and fiddle player Tara McNeill on the album. Sean-Nós singer Sibéal is featured on three songs, and Tara Howley is featured in the band playing Uilleann Pipes & Whistles.

Throughout the years, Celtic Woman has seen several shifts in personnel. Despite this, the group remains strong and continues to stay true to the sound and the voice that their fans have come to expect and love. Listeners who have followed the group since its beginnings can appreciate the continuity in the overall vibes of the group.

While many of the songs on the album are familiar, Celtic Woman put their own Celtic stamp on the songs. This keeps the songs alive and freshens up even the most popular songs of the season. Most of the songs feature the singers, but “Silent Night” and “The Bells of Dublin/Christmas Eve/Navan in the Snow” are instrumental tracks.

In true Celtic Woman fashion, the album starts out with a vibrant and dramatic version of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” The song bursts with Christmas joy and spirit right off the bat. The energy of the song remains strong and powerful, drawing listeners in for the merriment of the rest of the album.

“Silent Night” is the first instrumental piece on the album. It starts off with the traditional tune that is well-known after a Celtic introduction. By the end, the tune morphs back into the same motif that was a part of the song’s introduction. It continues to be a classic Christmas tune, but this rendition

“The Bells of Dublin/Christmas Eve/Navan in the Snow” is an instrumental set. Those who are also Celtic Thunder fans may recognize this kind of instrumental set from Celtic Thunder, so Celtic Woman’s own version is a nice nod, even if it was unintentional. This song is fun and upbeat, capturing the festivity and merriment of the holiday.

Celtic Woman has performed “Auld Lang Syne” on previous albums, but this is a nice update, especially since there are new members. Listeners may be surprised to hear the two versions of the melody represented on this track, which is not something that is done. Usually, musicians pick one or the other, but the combination is perfect for those who love one or the other, or both, versions of the melody.

Overall, this album is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you want to listen to it for yourself or buy it for a Celtic Woman fan in your life for Christmas, it is a great option for a gift. None of the songs on the album are labeled as explicit, making it a great listen for holiday gatherings with loved ones of all ages. 

Track list:

1. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 

2. Nollaig na mBan 

3. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas 

4. River 

5. Codail a Linbh 

6. Silent Night 

7. Wexford Carol 

8. Little Drummer Boy 

9. Don Oíche Úd i mBeithil 

10. Silver Bells 

11. In the Bleak Midwinter / Goin’ Home 

12. The Bells of Dublin / Christmas Eve / Navan in the Snow 

13. Auld Lang Syne 


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-Album Review: "A Cosy Christmas" by Keith Harkin: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2024/12/album-review-cosy-christmas-by-keith.html


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Beyond the Song: "Loch Lomond"

Loch Lomond by Thomas Nugent, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

“Loch Lomond” is one of the most popular Celtic songs around. Ireland has its own lyrics to the song with “Red is the Rose,” but Scotland’s “Loch Lomond” has historical meaning behind it, dating back to Jacobite times.

Back in the Battle of Culloden in 1746, an hour-long battle which took place during the Jacobite Risings, leaders were either killed on the battlefield or taken to London for show trials. During the “trials,” they were found guilty and executed in a gruesome way.

The heads of those executed were put on pikes and paraded from London to Edinburgh by way of the highway, which is referred to in the song as the “high road.” This parade was meant to be a warning to those who might be planning to rebel.

One theory is that the song is written from the perspective of a woman who was in love with one of the men who was executed. The families of the men executed, including their wives and girlfriends, would go to London to watch their loved ones being tried and executed. They would travel on the “low roads,” which were the roads and paths they were able to take on their way to London. They would take the same way home, getting home before the heads and corpses of their loved ones.

Another theory says that the song is a conversation between two captured soldiers. Though the captured prisoners were given a trial, it was mostly for show. However, the fate of the prisoners, particularly who would live and who would be executed, was left to chance and lots. In the song, the prisoners are discussing the bleakness of the situation.

There are many theories about the origins of “Loch Lomond.” Some claim that the song was heard or composed by Lady John Scott in the 1840s. Others, including the Clancy family, believe that the song is derived from the Irish version “Red is the Rose,” though some say the Irish lyrics seem more recent.

 The song remains popular today, though most have no clue about the dark history behind the song and its connection to the Jacobite Rising and Culloden. 

Related Articles:

-Beyond the Song: "Mo Ghile Mear": https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/09/beyond-song-mo-ghile-mear.html.html

-Beyond the Song: "The Minstrel Boy": https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/08/beyond-song-minstrel-boy.html

-Beyond the Song: “Yma o Hyd”: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/07/beyond-song-yma-o-hyd.html

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Album Review: "Phases" by Beoga

 

Beoga's "Phases" https://www.beogamusic.com/store/phases-2025-vinyl

On June 6, 2025, Irish band Beoga released their latest album, “Phases.” The band consists of Liam Bradley, Niamh Dunne,  Sean Og Graham, Eamon Murray, Damian McKeem, and Foy Vance. The album was produced by Alex Borwick and Sean Og Graham.

The band expertly blends traditional sounds and styles with a modern approach. While it is important to remember traditional music styles, it is also important to acknowledge the future of Irish music and allow the music to change as the years go on. The stories and music of the past are still relevant and are remembered by plenty of current musicians, but other musicians have taken on the task of moving the music genre forward. Beoga has done so beautifully and respectfully. 

The album is a mix of instrumental tunes and songs with vocals and lyrics. The vocals also resemble the traditional Irish vocals of the past, but with new lyrics and melodies. Listeners will are transported to Ireland and will feel like they are time-traveling as they bounce between modern sounds blended with more traditional feels. 

“Shore Road Punk” was the first single off the album. It is an instrumental track that has the feel of being on the shore of a body of water. It is a relaxing song and tends to lean more traditional than modern, but it does have moments when the modern sounds come out strong. 

“Subject to Change” has a traditional style with some modern twists thrown in. For me, the title accurately sums up what Beoga has done with this album and their music as a whole: pay homage to traditional Irish music while making it desirable and accessible to modern audiences. 

“Tradfather” reminds me of Talisk’s style, especially during their “Unleashed” show. This song combines modern digital flair with a traditional feel. People may be skeptical of the more modern approach to traditional music, but the band does a good job at blending the styles while staying true to the traditional feel. Other bands have struggled with this, but Beoga does it seamlessly.

Overall, this album is perfect for those who love traditional Irish music but are also looking for a more modern twist. Those who like Talisk will appreciate the styles presented on this album, even though Talisk is a Scottish band. The band does a great job of bringing traditional music to the world through a modern lens. 

Track List:

 1. Anne Bonny

 2. Subject to Change

 3. Tradfather

 4. Firewater

 5. Blackbirds & Thrushes

 6. Phases

 7. Shore Road Punk

 8. Low Lady Low

 9. Monos

 10. Old Fashioned Waltz

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Talisk Collaborate With Valtos, Release "Ember"

Cover art for Talisk and Valtos' new single, "Ember," out now.

As a part of their 10th anniversary celebration, Scottish band Talisk released their new single, “Ember,” on November 14, 2025. The song features Scottish electronic band Valtos and has been in the works for the past five years. “Ember” is available to listen to across music streaming platforms.

The live debut of “Ember” will be performed at a special warm-up show at Park Bar on Argyle Street in Glasgow. The performance will take place on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Fewer than 100 people will be able to attend. 

Those who wish to attend need to buy their tickets for the O2 Academy and submit an online ballot to win a chance to see the warm-up show by Sunday, November 16.. Winners will be contacted on Monday, November 17. 

In addition to the single, Talisk is performing a show at the O2 Academy in Glasgow, Scotland on November 22, 2025. The show will feature previous members of Talisk and special guests Valtos, as well as other surprises. eTickets are available now. 

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Album Review: "The Tombs of the Faeries" by Beluga Lagoon

 

"The Tombs O' The Faeries" by Beluga Lagoon

Scottish music group Beluga Lagoon released their latest album, “Tombs O’ The Faeries,” on April 28, 2025. The album consists of 10 tracks, none of which are labeled as “explicit” on streaming platforms.

Beluga Lagoon is a Scottish production company and musical project that was founded by wildlife film-maker Andrew O'Donnell.  Aside from their music projects, they have released the BBC Scotland series “Roaming in the Wild” and the film series “Sullivan’s Wild Scotland.”

The balance between the vocals and the background instrumentals is perfect, even when the vocalist is whispering. The singer has a strong Scottish accent, so it may be difficult for some listeners to fully understand everything that is being sung.

The band’s sound combines a love of the outdoors with traditional sounds and modern lyrics. Lovers of traditional Celtic music will appreciate the classic storytelling elements on this album that echo across Celtic music of the past.

This album sounds like it was meant to be listened to on an outdoor adventure. Each song has an openness to it that gives the sense of radiating to the sky and to the wilderness. This tracks with the band’s wildlife production company side.

The music videos for the tracks on the album perfectly fit with the wildlife aspect of the album and the sense of adventure. They also keep with the storytelling element of the album that resonates with the history of Celtic music as a whole.

Aside from the wildlife connections, the songs on the album also connect to traditional Celtic music in both the sound and the content of the songs. The sound takes on traditional instruments and rhythms. The songs discuss places and mythologies that are known throughout Scotland that people will be able to connect with. The stories alone will speak to a broader audience, even for those unfamiliar with the traditional stories and places mentioned.

 Overall, this album is perfect for anyone looking for a soundtrack for an outdoor adventure, whether that means a cross-country road trip or a camping adventure. The songs themselves speak to going on adventures and seeing where life takes us. 

Related Articles:

-Album Review: "Utopia" by Gwenno: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/09/album-review-utopia-by-gwenno.html

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Beyond the Song: "Mo Ghile Mear"


Scottish and Irish flags in a heart. "Mo Ghile Mear"
“Mo Ghile Mear” is an Irish song written in the Irish language. The title has several variations to the translation, including "My Gallant Darling", "My Spirited Lad,” “My Lively Lad,” and others. It was written as a poem by Seán Clárach Mac Domhnaill in the 18th century. This poem was Domhnaill’s most famous poem. It is a lament by the Gaelic goddess Éire for Bonnie Prince Charlie, who was in exile.

Domhnaill was born in 1691 in Churchtown, County Cork, Ireland. Like many poets of his time, he was forced to work as spailpíní, or migratory labourers. Luckily, despite the Penal Laws that were in effect, he was able to receive an education. His learning included languages such as Latin, Ancient Greek, English, and Irish.

The song personifies Ireland as a woman who is a widow whose husband is simply far away. Because of this, the land and nature are declining. It honors Prince Charlie as well as those who fought during the Jacobite rebellions. Poems written around the time “Mo Ghile Mear” was written would have been sung, not just recited as they are today.

While the Jacobite rebellions took place in Scotland, the people of Ireland felt the loss just as deeply. They had hoped that there would be a just king on the throne in England, and they preferred a Catholic king. Domhnaill’s poems tended to discuss this dynamic in Irish, and Celtic, politics.

The song may have a more personal metaphor as well. It can represent the soul’s desire and need for faith. This echoes the other interpretations of the song that are about the loss of Catholic leaders in Ireland and in England. Today, many sing the song to honor the lives of the men and women who served in the military, both recently and throughout history.

The modern tune was written by composer Seán Ó Riada. Ó Riada founded an Irish language choir Cúil Aodha, County Cork, in the 1960s. He died in 1971, and many claim that he has become the “hero” in the song. Select verses were chosen from Domhnaill’s poem and were put to Ó Riada’s tune.

“Mo Ghile Mear” was most famously performed by singer Mary Black and is considered an Irish folk song and political song. It has been covered by artists such as Orla Fallon, Celtic Woman, Sting & The Chieftans, Deirbhile Ní Bhrolcháin, Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin, Celtic Thunder, Sibeal, Susan McCann and Liam O Maonlai, Annmarie O'Riordan, Brid O Riordan, Donal Lunny, and others. 

Related Articles:

-Beyond the Song: "The Minstrel Boy": https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/08/beyond-song-minstrel-boy.html

-Beyond the Song: “Yma o Hyd”: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/07/beyond-song-yma-o-hyd.html

-Beyond the Song: "Braes of Killiecrankie": https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/07/beyond-song-braes-of-killiecrankie.html




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Album Review: "Utopia" by Gwenno

Gwenno Utopia Album
Gwenno's "Utopia" album artwork

Welsh singer Gwenno Saunders, known professionally as just “Gwenno,” released her fourth solo album, “Utopia,” on July 11, 2025. Her previous work includes three prior solo albums, a leading role on Michael Flatley’s “Lord of the Dance,” and performances with The Pipettes.

Gwenno’s vocals blend Enya’s dreamy and smooth quality with a pop feel. Her voice sounds amazing across various styles, from New Age to a more pop feel. This demonstrates the incredible versatility of her voice and her willingness to mix things up. She is clearly so connected and passionate about the music she performs, with sincerity blossoming from each note she sings.

“Utopia” has a wide variety of musical styles across the ten songs on the album. As mentioned, the songs range from New Age to pop. Gwenno’s voice remains strong throughout, both her literal voice and her songwriting. She is able to do a wide variety of things with her music, showcasing her vocal versatility and her immense musical ability.

Fans who have followed Gwenno for some time know that, previously, she wrote albums in the Welsh and Cornish languages. However, this album is the first album where she writes her lyrics primarily in English.

Not only is the language different, but the subject matters she covers are more down-to-earth and relatable. From pregnancy to memory, the topics of the songs speak to the human experience here on earth, allowing her to connect with audiences. This album spans the past 25 years of her life, documenting her adulthood.

This album is also different because the songs originated on the piano, where songs would be composed electronically on her previous albums. These shifts in her music show a maturity and a willingness to keep things new. She is willing to experiment to try new things and see what works best for her. This is crucial, no matter how long she has been in the music industry.

Overall, this album is a beautiful album that reflects Gwenno’s journey of maturity through her adult life so far. The songs will connect to audiences in a new way, especially now that they are primarily English (though keeping the Welsh and Cornish languages alive is a crucial and worthy endeavor). Audiences will be able to put this album on and just relax with its dreamy sound and relaxing feel. 

Track List
1. London 1757
2. Dancing On Volcanoes
3. Utopia 
4. Y Gath 
5. War 
6. 73 
7. The Devil 
8. Ghost of You 
9. St Ives New School 
10. Hireth 

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Bram Stoker

 

Bram Stoker
Author Bram Stoker
en:W. & D. Downey[1], William Downey (1829-1915) and Daniel Downey (1831-1881), 
Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Bram Stoker was born on November 8, 1847, in Clontarf, which is north of Dublin, Ireland. He was the third of seven children in his family. His parents were Dubliner Abraham Stoker, who was a civil servant, and Donegal native Charlotte Mathilda Blake Thornley, who was a civil servant. 

In the early years of his life, particularly in the first seven years, he was a sickly child who often found himself bedridden. From a young age, he would listen to stories that his mother would tell his father, and he wrote ghost stories of his own. He anticipated that he would grow up to be a writer and started getting writing experience early on.

Stoker received his B.A. in 1870 from Trinity College, Dublin, where he was awarded mathematics honors. He then attended Middle Temple in London and was called to the Bar in 1890. He began his career as a civil servant in Dublin from 1867 to 1877. 

Throughout his college years, Stoker was friends with fellow Irish writer Oscar Wilde. Wilde previously courted Stoker’s future wife. When Wilde was exiled from Ireland, Stoker even went to visit him in his new home. 

From there, he went on to be a drama critic for the “Dublin Mail” from 1871 to 1878 and an editor for “Halfpenny Press” in 1874. He was the manager of the Lyceum Theater and the acting manager for Sir Henry Irving from 1878-1905.

Stoker’s writing career occurred between 1880 and 1912. He is best known for his fiction novel, “Dracula,” but he wrote more than 25 other works and contributed to periodicals. Early critics of “Dracula” said that the events in the novel involved excessive horror, it became one of his most popular works. 

On December 4, 1878, Stoker married Florence Anne Lemon Balcombe, with whom he had one child, Noel. Aside from his career success, Stoker was awarded a medal from the  Royal Humane Society in 1882 for his efforts to prevent a suicide attempt.

Stoker died of syphilis on April 20, 1912, in London, England. After his death, his widow sued the German filmmakers who made “Nosferatu,” which was the first vampire movie, for replacing Dracula with Nosferatu to copy the rest of Stoker’s work. She won the case in 1925. 

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Beyond the Song: "The Minstrel Boy"

Photo by Artem Kulinych: https://www.pexels.com/photo/clouds-over-palace-13158121/

“The Minstrel Boy” was written by Irish poet Thomas Moore and set to an Irish air called "The Moreen.” The song is one of Moore’s most famous works, along with “The Last Rose of Summer.” Moore was born in Dublin in 1779 and died in 1852. He is known as a poet, singer and songwriter, and author.

“The Minstrel Boy” was written to honor and remember Moore’s friends who fought and died in the Irish Rebellion of 1798. The character of the song has a mission to defend his country with the sword and sing its praises while playing his harp. He destroys his harp when he falls in battle because he would rather destroy it than have his enemies get their hands on it.

In the song, the warrior musician symbolizes the patriots who showed up during the rebellions over the course of 100 years. Moore envisioned this person as idealistic yet likely naïve. He was passionate and ready to fight, yet young and new to warfare.

The warriors represented in “The Minstrel Boy” symbolize the patriots Moore met while at Trinity College, though Moore was never a revolutionary himself. These men were from well-off families and backgrounds and were often not well-acquainted with warfare. One of these patriots was Robert Emmet, who led an unsuccessful rebellion in 1803.

This type of soldier represented the overall makeup of the Irish military of that time. In the 19th century, most of Ireland’s skilled military became a part of the British army, leaving behind passionate and devoted soldiers who were not nearly as skilled. This was seen in Moore’s time, as well as the 1867 Fenian Rising and the 1916 Easter Rising.

Right away, “The Minstrel Boy” tells listeners that the main character is not a soldier, which is on point with the military of the time. He lacks military experience, but is passionate and will readily sacrifice everything for Ireland.

While the song is a rebel song, it is a bit more subtle and has more depth than many other rebel and nationalist songs, which aided in the song’s popularity. Since Ireland was never specifically mentioned in the song, it appeals to those in other countries as well. The song remains one of the most performed songs in the world on St. Patrick’s Day. 

Related Articles: 

-Beyond the Song: “Yma o Hyd”: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/07/beyond-song-yma-o-hyd.html

-Beyond the Song: "Braes of Killiecrankie": https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/07/beyond-song-braes-of-killiecrankie.html

-Beyond the Song: "Bonnie Dundee": https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/07/beyond-song-bonnie-dundee.html

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Book Review: "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde

 

"The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde
"The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde

“The Importance of Being Earnest” was written by Irish author Oscar Wilde. It is an attack on morals and manners, making fun of certain aspects in society, particularly in the upper class. The characters are of the late Victorian era, and they all take turns making fun of different aspects of high society.

The book’s dry and quick humor will have readers laughing to themselves. It is considered to be one of the greatest comedies written in the English language, and it certainly lives up to this distinction.

The audiobook, which was narrated by a cast of characters, was very well done. While I was not around for radio “sitcoms,” I have a feeling this audiobook is similar in nature. The only difference is that this book has notes about what the characters are doing, which allows listeners to get a sense of what the characters are doing.

The book and audiobook are short, as Wilde only wrote one full-length novel (“The Picture of Dorian Gray”). However, this work does exactly what it needs to do in the brief amount of time it has. It is entertaining, captivating, and funny. It gets a message across perfectly. Wilde had a way with words and messages that many authors today are lacking.

From the first few minutes of the audiobook, I knew this book was meant to be poking fun at society’s expectations and morals that people of this time were held to. It captured my attention immediately. While I was not immediately bonded to one character, all of the characters were important in their own way.

While the standards in the book were for upper-class Victorian society, people now can relate to certain pressures and expectations. Wilde’s message is timeless and resonates just as loud and clear today as it did when this was written. In a time such as now, this message and these characters are so crucial.

No matter where or when we live, society will always have expectations and pressures that it expects its citizens to uphold, and citizens expect each other to uphold. For many in society today, it is becoming more normalized to make our own decisions and not pay attention to what is expected of us, and do what we deem is best for our lives. Wilde’s message in this short but poignant piece not only gives us permission to do so but seemingly applauds those who take this risk.

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Cailíní Lua Release Single About Irish Revolutionary Tomás Malone

Irish Minister of Posts and Telegraphs, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

On October 31, 2025, Irish band Cailíní Lua released their new single, “Brave Malone.” The single was recorded, mixed, and mastered at Wanderland Recording. Ben Wanders provided the drums for the song. The release of the single was announced in a Facebook video on October 27, 2025.

The song tells the story of Tomás Malone, who was an Irish republican and nationalist who fought in the 1916 Easter Rising, the Irish War of Independence, and the Irish Civil War. Not only was he passionate about Ireland from a political perspective, he loved all aspects of Irish culture, from music and dance to literature.

The inspiration for the song came when band member Tara Brady, who has a Master's in Public History and Cultural Heritage, was giving a lecture about Malone and his story. Someone came up to her afterwards and said she had not heard about him before, but his story needs to be shared widely.

Brady’s lecture took place on February 13, 2025, in The Roundhill Bar in County Tipperary, Ireland. It covered Malone’s life from the 1916 Rising and the years after. She is one member of Cailíní Lua, an all-women traditional Irish band.

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Beyond the Song: "Zombie" by the Cranberries

Duke Human Rights Center, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

“Zombie” by The Cranberries was released in 1994 and became one of the most powerful protest anthems of the decade. The key theme of the song was addressing the ongoing violence in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.

The Troubles were a period of violence and conflict that took place from the late 1960s to 1998. The main fighting was between the unionists/loyalists, who wanted Northern Ireland to stay in the United Kingdom, and the nationalists/republicans, who wanted Northern Ireland to reunify with the Republic of Ireland.

The Specific event talked about in “Zombie” was the Warrington bombing on March 20, 1993. In this attack, the IRA planted two bombs in the town of Warrington, England. These bombs ended up killing two children, Johnathan Ball and Tim Parry, as well as injuring dozens. The attack and its aftermath shocked the public in the UK as well as Ireland.

The song relays the feelings that many felt after the attack. It became one of the most “aggressive" songs written and performed by the Cranberries. Unlike other Cranberries songs, the song was written only by O’Riordan and reflects her sadness about the event.

“Zombie” was released as the lead single for the band’s “No Need To Argue” album on September 19, 1994. Both the song and the video that was released and promoted made a significant and powerful impact. The goal of the song was to promote peace between Ireland and England.

The music video was filmed in Belfast during The Troubles, using real-life footage. It was shot by Samuel Bayer. The people featured in the video are real British soldiers and local children. O’Riordan’s paint was her idea, and it symbolized the pain that was caused. The paint also had some religious connotations as well.

On August 31, 1994, a few weeks after the song’s release, the IRA declared a ceasefire, ending the conflict that had lasted 25 years. Some critics wonder if the IRA was willing to call the truce to prevent the Cranberries from writing any more songs about the conflict and the IRA itself.

To this day, the song is still played frequently on the radio. In some cases, radio stations play it around Halloween, not knowing the context and history behind the song. It is important to realize that this song is not about actual zombies and tells the story of a conflict that took innocent lives. 

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Book Review: "An Early Wake" by Sheila Connolly

 "An Early Wake" by Sheila Connolly
"An Early Wake" by Sheila Connolly

“An Early Wake” by Sheila Connolly tells the tale of Maura Donovan, who is figuring out a way to keep Sullivan’s Pub alive. When she finds out that the pub is a music hotspot, she has to figure out how to keep the pub alive.

As someone who loves Irish music, I love the plotline of the Trinity College student studying Irish music in terms of Sullivan’s Pub. I would love to do a deep dive into the history of Irish and Celtic music, which I have done a bit of.

A part of me is also jealous that Maura got to work in such a place where Irish music was strong. She grew up in Boston, but she was not aware of, nor could she fully appreciate, the history of Irish music. It is okay that people are not into music, but she should have known at least something about Irish music. This is especially true since music is so much a part of Irish culture and history.

In my opinion, and this is nothing against the author, but one would think that Maura would have been briefed on the history of the pub before she became the owner. You would also think that someone would have taught her how to do basic accounting beyond what she learned in Boston. However, I do love that Maura had the chance to learn these things as she went along. It is cool to see the journey she goes on to learn and to see her progress as the story unfolds.

The audiobook was an incredible listen. It was only about seven hours long, and the narrator, Amy Rubinate, was engaging. I looked forward to listening to the book while getting things done and could easily multitask without missing anything in the book.

Overall, this book was decent. Personally, I loved that it focused on Irish music and showed Maura’s learning process. It is easy to be frustrated that Maura did not already know a lot of things about running a pub and about its history, especially with some information we find out about how others could have been chosen. However, seeing her grow and learn as she handles difficult situations is phenomenal. We love a woman-owned business, especially a pub!

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Concert Review: Talisk and Gardiner Brothers

Talisk and the Gardiner Brothers at the Keswick Theater in Glenside
Talisk and the Gardiner Brothers at the Keswick Theater in Glenside

On September 30, 2025, Scottish band Talisk and the Irish step dancing duo Gardiner Brothers brought their show, “Unleashed,” to the Keswick Theater in Glenside, PA. The show combines the neo-traditional melodies of Talisk with the dynamic dance moves of the Gardiner Brothers and the dance troupe they assembled.

Before the show started, as people were waiting outside to go in, there was talk about who people were there to see. Most people know the Gardiner Brothers from their social media presence, so they were excited about that. However, I was also excited to see Talisk. I stumbled upon them a few years ago and have been a fan ever since.

When we were able to go inside, the lights on the stage were blue, and fog filled the theater. My seat was in row AAA, front and center. I could not wait to see how my seating choice would impact my viewing experience. I got there early and went to my seat, and it was cool to hear the venue fill up as more and more people arrived.

The announcer came over the room, stating the announcements and policies for the show (the usual no flash photography, know where the emergency exits are). The air was filled with anticipation as the lights went down a few minutes later and Talisk walked on stage. They started playing as a voice over the sound system set the tone for what the show was set to do.

Talisk
Talisk

The Gardiner Brothers joined them on stage shortly after and the rest of the dance troupe came out as well. From the very first song, the audience was captivated. At the end of the first song, everyone was cheering, and the momentum only built up from there. By the end of the show, both the band and the dancers had everyone on their feet, clapping and dancing along.

The show had an intermission. At the Glenside show, it was about 30 minutes long, which is long for an intermission. However, this gave people a chance to check out merch, get something to drink, or do whatever else they needed to do.

The Gardiner Brothers
The Gardiner Brothers

Overall, the show was an amazing experience. The band and dancers were all at the top of their game. They energized the audience and encouraged them to have fun, and they fed off that energy throughout the night. Many performers fail to get people as energized as they did and allow them to interact, so this show is perfect for anyone looking for that vibe.

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Book Review: "City of Ghosts"

 


“City of Ghosts” is a book written by Victoria Schwab is a story about Cassidy, who has the ability to interact with ghosts after an accident. She and her family moved to Edinburgh, Scotland, which is known as the “City of Ghosts” in the book, for her parents’ work. 

The book is the first of the Cassidy Blake series. Other books in the series take place in Paris and New Orleans. It is great that this took place in Scotland and that Scotland has become a popular setting for books in recent years (thanks, “Outlander”!). It seems like the author chose other haunted locations, especially with the Catacombs in Paris. “City of Tombs” was a great introduction to the series, and it would be interesting to see how Cassidy navigates the Catacombs with the bones of the deceased.

The story of the book is unique and creative. While it is a young adult book, it was still a bit scary yet captivating at times. There were events throughout the book where the chapter ended, and listeners may find it difficult not to continue. It was captivating and suspenseful at points, keeping listeners engaged and wanting more.

The audiobook was excellent. The narrator used her voice to convey the story and emotions. There were some moments where the chapters ended on a cliffhanger, and I wanted to keep reading (listening). Her voice was interesting and inflected the different aspects of the story and characters.

The only thing that may be upsetting for some was Cassidy’s obsession with “Harry Potter” and her praise of J.K. Rowling. Rowling has made transphobic comments on social media, and the “Harry Potter” series has been shown to be racist and full of other issues.

Overall, the book was well written. It was interesting to see how the story ended and how things wrapped up. Even at the points that seemed like details may not be concluded, the details were not forgotten, and questions were answered. The resolution at the end was satisfying and really sweet. I, for one, am intrigued to continue the series to see how Cassidy navigates the next locations and how her relationships with Jacob and Laura evolve.

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Beyond The Song: “Óró Sé Do Bheatha Abhaile”

Grace O'Mally's Tower and Achill Lifeboat Clogmore by Peter Skynner, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

“Óró Sé Do Bheatha Abhaile” is one of the most famous Irish songs around. Some even claim that it is the most important song in the Irish repertoire because of its history.

The original version of the song was written as a Jacobite song in Scotland. The Young Pretender is called "Shearlais Oig, a Mhic Re Sheamais" (Young Charles, King James's grandson"), and he is the one who is welcomed home to Ireland in 1745. The Irish supported Prince Charlie because they thought if they helped him, he would remove the English landowners from Ireland, who had taken so much land. Unfortunately, the Jacobite rebellion did not succeed.

The newer version of the song was written by Padraig Pearse, who was one of the leaders of the Irish Rebellion in 1916. He wrote the lyrics as an invitation for Irishmen who left the country to come home to fight for Irish independence. In this version, Gràinne Ni Mhàille (Grace O’Malley) replaces Prince Charles. Pearse chose her because he wanted an Irish figurehead instead of a Scottish person, as was the case in the original song. Prince Charles was also unsuccessful in his rebellion, and Pearse felt like having someone who was not successful would lead to a lack of inspiration.

On the contrary, O’Malley was the Irish “Pirate Queen” who had been a symbol of Irish resistance and rebellion.  She was a military leader who ruled the seas off the west coast of Ireland for more than 50 years. She is also seen as someone who fought against the foreign rule of Ireland.

In Pearse’s version of the song, his lyrics say that the warriors are “Irish-not French or Spanish,” which is a direct reference and reply to the original Jacobite version of the song. The song symbolizes welcoming home a spirit of rebellion with O’Malley as inspiration.

Pearse’s version achieved its goal of reaching over 200,000 Irish soldiers who fought with the British army during World War I. Like many Irish nationals at the time, Pearse thought that Irish independence would be achieved if these soldiers would come fight for the Irish.

Today, this song is still sung and celebrated as an ode to Ireland. The tune kept the original tune. The tune has also been used for the sea shanty, “Drunken Sailor.” The song was used as a marching song during the 1916 Rebellion.

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Album Review: "Little Dream Come True" by Damian McGinty

Damian McGinty's "Little Dream Come True"
 Damian McGinty's "Little Dream Come True". Source: https://www.damianmcginty.com/

On September 19, 2025, Irish musician Damian McGinty released his third solo album, “Little Dream Come True.” The album chronicles the past two and a half years of McGinty’s life, from finding out he was going to be a dad to officially being a father.

McGinty was born in Northern Ireland and now lives in Nashville with his wife and daughter. He is known for being a singer with Celtic Thunder, which he joined when he was 14 years old. Since then, he has released solo music and has even done some acting, including being a guest star on “Glee.”

The songs on this album fit McGinty’s voice and style perfectly as they are tailored for his own voice. His voice has really matured over the years, from being 14 and starting Celtic Thunder to now having a child. Those who are Celtic Thunder fans who have heard his voice change, especially when it got deeper, can attest to the work he had to put in to develop his voice.

 McGinty’s voice has a particular style of song that works for him, but some songs he has performed with other projects do not fit his style and range as well as the songs on his personal album do. This may leave some people wondering if it is worth listening to the album. He is able to make these songs work for him and his voice as they are his own.

As someone who grew up listening to McGinty’s music since he first started out with Celtic Thunder, this CD is surreal, especially “Little Dream Come True.” Anyone who has also been a Celtic Thunder fan from the beginning knows that Damian was only 14 years old when they filmed the first concert. I am Damian’s age (my birthday is literally a week after his in the same year), so listening to him sing about his daughter is really heartwarming. It feels like we have been on life’s journey and growing up together, even though we do not even know each other.

“Superhuman” is a beautiful song about his wife and all she is doing for their little family. Most of the time, women are expected to be mothers without praise and acknowledgement for how hard it can be to be a mother. This song changes that narrative as McGinty thanks his wife for all she has done as a mom and wife. Anyone who is looking for a song to dedicate to a woman in their life who is a wife and mother can use this song.

Overall, this album is a beautiful tribute to his wife and daughter and the life they are building together. It is so evident that McGinty is passionate about the songs on this album. The emotion he conveys through each note is palpable, from the love he has for his wife to the pride and joy he has for his daughter. 

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Concert Review: Red Hot Chilli Pipers

 

Red Hot Chilli Pipers at Sellersville Theater, Sellersville, Pennsylvania

On September 12, 2025, Scottish bagpipe band Red Hot ChilliPipers performed at Sellersville Theater in Sellersville, Pennsylvania. This was my first time seeing the band, and they did not disappoint.

The lighting effects for the show were absolutely incredible and added to the show. There were moments that stand out in my mind solely for the lighting alone. One of these happened near the beginning of the show, where there were white lights pointed at the band in a way that made them seem close. In that moment, it felt like time froze for a second, which was a cool effect. There were many times throughout the show where the lights were flashing quickly and strobing, which could cause problems for those sensitive to lighting effects like that. The theater was smoky, even when the doors opened at 7:30 pm.

The musicians were phenomenal, both in technical skill and showmanship. The sound was balanced between the bagpipes and the other instruments and vocals. Bagpipes tend to be a loud instrument, especially live, and when there are multiple bagpipes playing at the same time, but this was not an issue.

The songs the band played were a nice mix between traditional Celtic songs and covers of pop and rock songs. They had some slower songs in the mix, but the songs were mostly upbeat and fun. The band encouraged the audience to sing, clap along, and even dance. By the end of the night, everyone was on their feet rocking out, even those I thought would never do that.

The band’s interaction with the crowd was incredible. It was obvious that they were feeding off the audience’s energy for the whole show. There were times throughout the show that I was rocking out, having a ton of fun, and it seemed like they would notice and smile. A few times, Andrew seemingly looked at me in these moments and pointed, though it is hard to tell if it was intended for me.

On a personal level, this show was exactly what my soul needed. I do not remember the last time I saw a show that made me so genuinely happy. I was rocking out to the songs and even teared up at “Highland Cathedral.” The band put so much love, passion, and talent into the show, and their dedication to their music shows.

When the show finished after an encore (a Queen song, no less), “Don’t You Forget About Me” by Simple Minds played. This song was perfect in that moment, as I had just seen “The Breakfast Club” for the first time the previous weekend. Simple Minds is a Scottish band. It made me feel like the Pipers did not want us to forget the show, which I most certainly will not.

Overall, this concert is a show I will not soon forget. It was my first time seeing the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, and I look forward to seeing them again in the future. I thoroughly enjoyed the music as well as my interactions with other audience members, who encouraged me to have as much fun as possible, and I did. 

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