Search - Battlefield Band :: Home Ground - Live From Scotland

Somewhat disappointing

R. Shumskis | Maryland, USA | 06/15/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I feel this album suffers from two things: too much '80s digitalization and too much American pop.(1) Alan Reid is a great musician, but he went overboard with his keyboard work on this one. Almost every track has a prominent keyboard piece, even the bagpipe 'solos'. I like Alan a lot but there are times I wish he would've kept quiet. The modern B.B. plays excellent music -- the traditional instruments (bagpipes, whistles, fiddle, guitar, etc.) are at the forefront and the keyboard plays mostly in the background. And when Alan does play it's more of a traditional piano sound. But on the "Home Ground" album it's digital which just doesn't sound right to me. On a couple tracks there are also drums employed, which is disjointed, albeit not as badly as the keyboard. If I wanted a modern/traditional music mix I'd listen to someone else... but I expect the B.B. to play traditionally arranged songs. Thus, when I bought this album I was somewhat disappointed.(2) Apparently Scots like American music more than I was aware. Really only two tracks (9 & 12) feature American songs, but that's more than enough for me. I actually like B.B.'s version of "Bad Moon Rising"; it's amusing. But others, like "Lets Twist Again" don't translate well I guess.Altogether, they tried to make this album too modern. They might be able to accomplish this successfully if they chose a better set of songs. I gather this was a persistent problem with their albums from the '80s (reference a review of "Anthem for the Common Man") so, therefore, I think I'll avoid their other mid-80s work.Not to be a total douser, I grant that tracks 3, 4, 6, 7, and 10 do present some nice work.This disc is alright; just good enough to purchase. But not one I listen to often."

Celtic Heaven

steve healey | Rochester, NY | 12/12/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you enjoy Celtic music and wouldn't mind a mix of instrumentals, covers, classics, ballads, originals, and the rockingest bagpipe numbers I have ever heard, then get this CD **immediately**. I cannot stop listening, and I am buying copies for everybody. The integration of the bagpipe with other instruments in this small but incredible band is like nothing I have heard anywhere else."

Best I've heard!

Elizabeth J. Weaver | La Mirada, CA United States | 07/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A friend of mine lent me his copy of Home Ground during a painting class, and I've been hooked ever since! Battlefield Band has not only a great sound (as heard best on The Rovin' Dies Hard, My Bonnie Yew Tree, The Dear Green Place, and of course, After Hours) but also a great sense of humor (Bad Moon Rising, Band of 1000 Chances). These guys are great! Anyone who likes any guitar based music will like this, and the bagpipes are a plus!"