A two-CD compilation of
Golden Bough recordings that effectively covers their range, from originals to covers of songs by
Ewan MacColl and
Archie Fisher and then, of course, to the traditional material tackled mainly in a traditional manner, with some extra air and grace injected in a few of the pieces (though they don't fall into the breathing-in-a-cavern effects that
Clannad and
Enya gave themselves to). There are some quite jolly moments, as well as one very perverse entry that proclaims celebration and gaiety lyrically, while being pensive and mournful musically. It all sounds good, if not great, and makes for a pleasurable repeated listening experience. A particularly welcome treat is the inclusion of a lyrics booklet, rather unusual in the traditional music field. ~ Steven McDonald