An Interesting Addition
antithesis90 | Hamel, MN USA | 12/13/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Warning: THIS IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT FROM ANY OTHER CAPERCAILLIE CD!!! This is, interestingly enough, the first one I bought, and it's wonderful; it managed to get me hooked on the band. But as a compilation of soundtracks, many of the tracks are short, transitional music; many are instrumental. The vocalised songs are nice, but showcase merely Karen's beautiful voice, not necessarily her magnificent talent. It's a wonderful addition to a complete Capercaillie collection, but not necessarily representative of the band's other offerings."
Certainly not their best.
AE | USA | 07/07/2004
(2 out of 5 stars)
"This was the first Capercaille album I bought. I've since bought many others and love the band, not just Karen Matheson's vocals.But this CD was a huge dissapointment. I'd heard some Capercaille songs on compilation CD's before I bought this, and chose this CD because it had a large number of tracks. This is not the Capercaille I've grown to love. This CD isn't even what I'd call Celtic folk. There are about 3 or 4 decent songs on the album. But the rest are a mix of keyboards, synthesizers, and echoey voices. Strange, foreign, and altogether nothing like I expected.If you are looking for a place to explore Gaelic folk music, I'll always recommend Capercaille. But try "From Dusk Till Dawn" instead. I also recommend the band Solas."
The highlands are calling
J. TIMMERMAN | Lawson, NSW Australia | 04/21/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is my favourite Capercaillie, even though the material is mainly original not traditional. I do love their renditions of traditional music, but some of their later original music was certainly not as good as this. The music here is inspired, fresh and unaffected.
The Blood Is Strong is the soundtrack to a beautiful 3-part documentary on life in the highlands and islands of Scotland, and the music is like a magic carpet that takes you right there (believe me I know, I travelled around Scotland for 3 months, visiting many places in the documentary). This is evocative, plaintive and joyful Celtic music that hits the spot every time. Karen Matheson's young voice mellowed later, but here it just soars.
This re-issue also includes a wonderful 4-track EP that Capercaillie made for a short documentary on the Prince of Wales visit to Scotland, and a couple more extra tracks.
Yes it's different from later albums but it's essential Capercaillie. I never tire of this album, and my copy is now autographed!"