Variously described as purveyors of transplanted Irish music, or the practitioners of cheery Irish folk, as opposed to, for example, Clannad's often somber early folk music, the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, who moved to New York City in the 1950s to pursue acting, are the symbols of the Irish folk revival. They paved the way for the success of the Chieftains, the Dubliners, and others.
The Brothers' bawdy, almost theatrical approach to these traditional folk songs is now legendary. This two CD set features live versions of many Clancys favorites, including "The Rising of the Moon," "Portliarge," and "Rosin the Bow," to name a few. All of the material heard here is taken from live concerts at Carnegie Hall in the early '60s, and it stands as among their most spirited on record. Highlights here include rousing versions of "Whiskey Is the Life of Man," and the harmonically beautiful "Love Is Kind."