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Great music,Tami. I had a feeling you'd do a blog like this. You had me with the very first one. Liked it a lot. Gaelic Storm is such a terrific group. Loved them since seeing them in Titanic. Have some of their Cd's. And Rocky Road To Dublin is a great song. Altan I am also familiar with. Like them almost as much. You are correct about the lyrics of that song. I have a book of the complete works of Robert Burns,and it's in there. Sorry about the loss of your friend. He really was a gifted fellow.  Music can bind us together as humans. That's why you enjoy the folk festival so much I would imagine. For the friends you make as well as fine music.

I knew you'd like the pipe tunes, lol. And you're right about why I like the festivals I go to so much. Best session I was ever part of started when someone decided to check the acoustics in one of the rooms in the community center before heading out to go to bed by singing a verse of a shanty and pretty soon we had about 50 people taking part. Barry may have been the instigator, but I don't remember. He had such a huge voice for such a little guy. One of the nicest people I've ever met, too.

I am going to come back tomorrow to comment, too tired at present. I do love the theme, though. :)

I thought I remembered you saying something about an Irish grandfather.

Oh yeah, I had an Irish grandpa (on my mom's side, not sure about dad; unfortunately, I didn't know as much about my other grandparents, as my dad's dad wasn't alive when I was, his mom was in the hospital, and my mom's mom had Alzheimer's, so the only one with their sorts still about them growing up was my grandpa). My last name is Polish, and there's a few other nationalities in my blood, but I've always been told I'm about 75% Irish. I think March is a pretty good birth month for me. haha I see yours is just a couple days before mine.

As far as songs (and the tune) this entry, I have little to say except I loved them all. Something about Irish music that just puts me in a great mood, it's so lively and catchy, and the slow tunes are beautiful. I will, however, comment on some of the text before these entries

"Paddy on the Railway" - I had the same problem finding the live version of the Flogging Molly song I wanted. I ended up giving up and just posting one with a lively crowd, but there's a version with the crowd singing along the whole time that's my favorite, just couldn't find it on Youtube.

I think your hard work paid off though, this one was probably my favorite song you posted this blog.

"Salonika" - It was great, but I can't promise I made out all the lyrics, however I did hear Barry's story about the slackers and soldiers. My dad's dad was a WWII gunboat driver, and my mom's dad certainly respected soldiers, but I'm not sure if my mom's dad was ever totally ok with us helping the English with anything. lol

My mom has said my grandpa had no prejudices and was simply a loving man ... unless you were English. lol I even remember one time overhearing a song he was playing that went "I lend a hand to me Protestant brother, the British man I let fall." Disclaimer: I have no problems with the English, they make great music as well, and one of my best high school teachers was English.

And I have great sympathy for sounding tipsy when tired. For medical reasons I won't get into, I don't drink much any more, but when I do I'm usually just happier than normal. It's when I'm tired that I start stumbling around and slurring my speech! haha

Gaelic Storm - Funny you mention Titanic, as any scene with an Irish band and dancing in it pretty much becomes my favorite when I see it in a movie, and Titanic is no exception. I don't know that I hate Titanic, I think I like most of it, I just remember not liking how long it was and if my parents wanted to watch it there were TWO VHS tapes worth! Blah. lol

Speaking of Irish music in movies, have you ever seen Waking Ned Divine? It's one of my family's favorites, and there's a great Irish song at the end. It's a really funny movie too, in our opinion. Now to the next entry.

The song at the end of Waking Ned Devine is called The Parting Glass, and James Nesbit (the actor who played Finn) really did sing it. That's one of my favorite movies, by the way. If I hadn't already ODed on that list, a version of The Parting Glass would have found it's way on there. Plenty more Fridays for that, though.

The Cranberries are about the only Irish band I know and like. 

You've heard of U2, haven't you? Van Morrison? I bet you know more than you think you do.

Damn, I'm gonna listen to these tomorrow, but I have a feeling that after I do so, I'M gonna be Irish.  

Good possiblity, Matt!

We are headed to Saint Pats today to watch the parade and have some family fun time. Good way to start the morning.

Have fun, Larry!

I think a lot of people miss out on the fun of St. Patrick's Day. They think it's just about getting hammered drinking putrid green beer. To me it's a celebration of heritage. My wife is of Irish descent,and myself Scottish. But on this day we all come together as Celts. To dance,sing,celebrate,and listen to good music.

The funny thing is, it's a pretty low-key day in Ireland. It's a holy day of obligation, apparently. It's more the Americans over there visiting who make a huge deal about it.

I've been listening to this all morning.  I like most of it, except for the more top 40 poppy stuff that's trying to be modern too.  And I want to kick Seamus Kennedy in the head.  

but this is awesome.  My family probably thinks I'm enjoying st. patty's day by listening to this stuff all morning.  

Seamus is alright. Usually the butt of jokes in the crowd is someone he knows and knows won't mind if he gives them crap. I know from personal experience, lol. And which songs in particular were you referring to as the more top 40 poppy stuff? Just curious.

I'm not sure now which songs, but the ones that were more Hi-fi and recorded well, I like the ones that are kind of home made sounding or live and really organic, as opposed to ones you might hear on a radio station.  that's just my own prejudice against the music industry.  

Rocky Road t'Dublin. I've sung that song many times and I must admit I have no idea what the lyrics are. It helps when there are 3 or 4 other voices I can hide behind. I got really good at "Rocky Road t'Dublin one two tree fer five" so I did.

If you're ever in doubt about lyrics to trad songs, go to mudcat.org and check out the digitrad database. Beware of engaging anyone in discussion in the threads, though. The place is inhabitated by a bunch of cranky old people. I've been a member for many, many years and even I don't get involved in a whole lot of the threads there anymore. And whatever you do, don't ask "what is folk"!

Tami you have done it! Some Folk music I actually took a liking too!!

I keep telling people I can find something for everyone, lol. Which ones did you like?

pretty much all of them XD there wasn't one I didn't like!

"Drink the night away" is infectously upbeat! Though I don't have a history of bar hopping and drinking lotsa beer Gaelic Storm certainly makes it seem fun. lol.

Hi there!

accidently came across your blog and really appreciate the inclusion with some fantastic artists of folk music. Cheers!

that clip was taken in the bar of the late great and sadly missed Páidí O'Sé from Ventry County Kerry.

Dave Corbett (pauper's glory!! ;) )