Gladiators is the first track and I remember hearing Andy singing this as ‘Old Dusty Road’ , way back and introducing it as a new song. The words have been some what rewritten from his first attempt, and the melody refined to perfection. I will have to dig out that old recording and have a listen, now I think about it ! This is an excellent track, and a very powerful start to this album. His Harmonica driving in full attack, here and really carrying those words forward. He sang this one at the Galway gig, and it gave the words ‘’I made a vow to your memory as I stood on your burial ground, That I’d write this song and I’d sing it in your native Galway Town’’! a real edge.
Moreton Bay is an Australian convict ballad. I love this gliding intro to this track, the feeling captured here is just wonderful. Very tasteful additions of Linsey Horner’s double bass too!
They’ll never believe it’s true. Well this track wasn’t sappose to be on the album, and the melody was to be for a song called The Two Sisters. The Two Sisters was a song that Andy had rewritten the words for and written new music for, more than ten years ago, basically making it a new track. It was then recorded in Andy’s new form, by many artists…………….with no credit to Andy Irvine at all. I would really love to hear from anyone has a live recording of Andy doing this track as The Two Sisters. Anyone?? Anyway, the story goes that the producer for the album thought that the wonderful melody line was too gorgeous for the harsh words of the sisters track, so Andy wrote a new song and here it is. This a lovely track, and the mandola sounding spot on. Magic! Followed by a great jig, they work great together here.
The Girl I left behind. This is an old tune but I can't think of anyone else doing a version of it. My heart really goes out the man in this song, Yeah I know, he's asking for it but still, it brings a tear to your eye. This has a wonderful old time tone to it.
Way out Yonder. Well deserving of a title track, Check out the sound of the Gadulka ( Bulgarian Folk Fiddle ) played by Nikola Parov on this track. Wonderful !
The Highwayman. This track uses the words of a poem of the same name by Alfred Noyes, and it has to be one of the highlights of the album. The atmosphere of this songs creeps up on you and demands your attention. You can do nothing but listen when this song is playing but quite breathe taking. I think Alfred would be extremely proud to hear this track and the conviction an emotion that Andy’s voice delivers them with. Is it really 9 minutes long……..A true classic !
When the Boys are on Parade. I really love the way this songs bounces along. There are a lot of words in this song but I could not get it out of my head, for weeks !
Born in Carrikfergus………………………………………………I have real difficulty listening to this track, infact it is the only song he has ever recorded that I skip !!. I was born in Northern Ireland…………………probably enough said.
This is a very rich and full recording, with a wonderful collection of musicians, very different from Rain on the Roof. A very impressive addition to anyones collection.
What can I say……………….buy it !
by Kieron