Rude Awakening.

This is such a fierce, strong masterpiece, I can't understand its "limited availability." But this IS the music business, isn't it?

If you know Irishman Andy Irvine from Sweeney's Men, Planxty, or Patrick Street, you've got some idea of his skill on the plucked strings, that perfectly controlled ragged voice, and his songwriting ability. Seems he likes to do albums with other people, though (the duo with Paul Brady is another masterpiece, and the best thing Brady ever did, I think). So there are precious few "Andy gets out into the spotlight" moments in recorded history. This one is for the most part a series of narrative songs with a careful lyrical wit and fine tunes and playing. Arrangements tend toward the small combo and work throughout. And this album is, in its amazing way, "telling" without trying to wave that fact in your face. Some folks discussed will be familiar (Wallenberg), some won't (polar explorers); but the picture of Sinclair Lewis on his way down is painfully spectacular.

Andy records when he's ready, but rarely enough, sadly. Grab this stirring, tough-minded, beautiful moment before it disappears entirely.