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ThePhanastasio · 11-21-2011, 01:07 PM

99.
Dick Gaughan
Handful of Earth
(1981)

Track Listing
1.) Erin-Go-Bragh
2.) Now Westlin Winds
3.) Craigie Hill
4.) The World Turned Upside Down
5.) The Snows They Melt the Soonest
6.) Lough Erne / First Kiss At Parting
7.) Scojun Waltz / Randers Hopsa
8.) Song For Ireland
9.) Workers' Song
10.) Both Sides the Tweed

What can be said about this highly underappreciated folk gem from Dick Gaughan that fully sums up the sheer mastery of the recording? It is lyrically, vocally, and instrumentally breath-taking, a true slice of folk music that can bring a smile to the face of even the most casual of listeners. I do not feel that I'd be laying it on a bit thick at all to say that it's a true masterpiece of the genre, and an album which should have a place in anyone's record collection. In short, it comes highly recommended from me, with two very enthusiastic thumbs up.

The Scottish Gaughan, who would later earn quite a bit of flack for his overtly socialist subject matter on subsequent recordings, was at the top of his game here - political at points but mainly traditional, making for a very special record indeed. Each song is approached with complete passion, heart, and dedication and it shines through with remarkable efficacy.

Stand-out tracks include the gorgeously heart-wrenching "Craigie Hill", a track on which Gaughan's vocals are at their powerful peak, "The Snows They Melt the Soonest", and "Worker's Song", although there doesn't appear to be a weak link on the album.

Some wonderful instrumental work, rough yet tuneful and emotive vocals, and superb subject matter really propel this album to the top of the heap. Definitely worth a listen or ten.

__________________

It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken
Perhaps they're better left unsung

Last edited by ThePhanastasio; 11-21-2011 at 01:14 PM.

11-21-2011, 01:07 PM	#3 (permalink)
ThePhanastasio Killed Laura Palmer Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Ashland, KY Posts: 1,679	99. Dick Gaughan Handful of Earth (1981) Track Listing 1.) Erin-Go-Bragh 2.) Now Westlin Winds 3.) Craigie Hill 4.) The World Turned Upside Down 5.) The Snows They Melt the Soonest 6.) Lough Erne / First Kiss At Parting 7.) Scojun Waltz / Randers Hopsa 8.) Song For Ireland 9.) Workers' Song 10.) Both Sides the Tweed What can be said about this highly underappreciated folk gem from Dick Gaughan that fully sums up the sheer mastery of the recording? It is lyrically, vocally, and instrumentally breath-taking, a true slice of folk music that can bring a smile to the face of even the most casual of listeners. I do not feel that I'd be laying it on a bit thick at all to say that it's a true masterpiece of the genre, and an album which should have a place in anyone's record collection. In short, it comes highly recommended from me, with two very enthusiastic thumbs up. The Scottish Gaughan, who would later earn quite a bit of flack for his overtly socialist subject matter on subsequent recordings, was at the top of his game here - political at points but mainly traditional, making for a very special record indeed. Each song is approached with complete passion, heart, and dedication and it shines through with remarkable efficacy. Stand-out tracks include the gorgeously heart-wrenching "Craigie Hill", a track on which Gaughan's vocals are at their powerful peak, "The Snows They Melt the Soonest", and "Worker's Song", although there doesn't appear to be a weak link on the album. Some wonderful instrumental work, rough yet tuneful and emotive vocals, and superb subject matter really propel this album to the top of the heap. Definitely worth a listen or ten. __________________ Phish: Studio Discography Reviewed 100 Albums I Heartily Recommend My last.fm It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken Perhaps they're better left unsung Last edited by ThePhanastasio; 11-21-2011 at 01:14 PM.