MUSICAL AGITATION 2 (Featuring Capercaillie)

This Celtic (Gaelic) Scottish band's songs exemplify Scotland's culture, both old and new. Their sound intertwines traditional Celtic and folk music with contemporary and global styles. Despite being named after a wildfowl native to Scotland's forests, the music of Capercaillie is no mere bird call, especially those songs that have become my all-time favorites. Embodying the Celtic qualities of Scotland, they are what they are to Scotland, as Enya is to Ireland, I think. Here are some of my favorite tunes of theirs...

1. Alasdair Mhic Cholla Ghasda ("Alexander, Son of Gallant Cholla")
"Alasdair Mhic Cholla Ghasda" is a Capercaillie song that I have always regarded as one of the quintessential tracks of Celtic music, in my opinion. The recorded version is already ear-candy for me, with the primally rousing quality of the bodhran, mystique of the plucked strings, haunting vocals of the band members, and magical blending of flute and fiddle. It was only recently that I realized it was a song about a Scottish warrior from the 15th century. And for a long time, I've been looking for a video on Youtube featuring a live performance of this song. The more recent ones lack that "umph" that I find in the recorded version. Good thing, I found this:

 2. Rann Na Mona
I always make this song as my happy tune. Every time I hear this, I feel like I'm brought to some coast in faraway Scotland in the summertime, which is apparently the topic of this song. And I imagine there would be merrymaking and dancing. I love the flute/tinwhistle solo by Marc Duff in the middle, as well as the unison of Karen Matheson's singing, Manus Lunny's bouzouki, Charlie McKerron's fiddle, James Mackintosh's drums, and Donald Shaw's keyboard. :3


3. Coisich, A Ruin ("Come, My Love")
Creepy but intriguing intro for a song about calling to one's lover. I did not expect an upbeat tempo, until the bodhran (hand drum) started pattering. Karen Matheson's style is similar to Enya's and I love the guys' backing vocals and the bass too. And it was the first time that I saw a violin/fiddle being plucked THROUGHOUT AN ENTIRE SONG.

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Apparently, this is my second Musical Agitation post. There will be more to come, if I find the time. In the meantime, good luck, godspeed, God bless!