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26 Comments
Posted on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 10:25 PM
Celtic Thunder hits the wrong note with new album
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The first thing you notice when you look at the CD cover of the new Celtic Thunder CD, That’s Entertainment, is Damian McGinty, the apple-cheeked teen who stole our hearts with a jolly good read of Donny Osmond’s “Puppy Love.”
The lad is growing up before our eyes! He now has the black tuxedo jacket slung over his shoulder as the dark tie hangs precariously on his chest.
Puberty is obviously here, but in case the fans of the show hadn’t noticed, the producers waste no time trying to con us into thinking he has transformed into a Rat Packer playboy with a read of Michael Buble’s “Home.” He doesn’t have a thimble full of Buble’s swagger, and it’s the first sign of trouble for my favorite Irish franchise.
I really love Celtic Thunder because you want to see a friend succeed, and I consider Phil Coulter a friend. I am a huge fan of songs like “The Town I Loved So Well” and “The Old Man,” and it was a thrill to watch Coulter gain new fans when these timeless tunes were dropped into the Celtic Thunder setlist.
Coulter’s arranging genius was on full display as he punctuated his songs with tunes from Foreigner and the Moody Blues to create a uniquely Irish musical conversation. But over three Celtic Thunder albums of flawless execution, proof that Coulter loses his touch can be found when he casts the gorgeous tenor of cast member Paul Byrom onto the farcical “Doo Wacka Doo.” Doo Wacka Dude, what were you thinking?
This new CD makes me wonder if it’s too late to end things on a high note. As if to prove Celtic Thunder has “jumped the shark,” there is “Surfer Medley” which is so pale and devoid of sunshine that Keith Harkin, the talented singer songwriter with the blond surfer dude mop-top, comes off sounding more like Salthill than Santa Monica.
Just when you think he’s reached the shore, he is forced to swim back into the saccharine for Chicago’s “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” and holds on to that buoy for 3:46 of rough musical seas indeed. If I was on the Love Boat and this was playing, I would have Isaac whip me up a Dramamine smoothie, hold the pineapple wedge!
Ryan Kelly’s rakish good looks and arched eyebrows made him the perfect bad boy of the group, so it would be only natural to have him sing the seventies Jim Croce chestnut “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown.” The bare-knuckled blues piano riff of the original has been replaced by a whimsical trumpet and vaudevillian arrangement that completely castrates this once randy bull.
Credit must be given to Coulter for including the Proclaimers’ “My Life Without You” because the world needs to know that this band is more traveled than the “500 Miles” that made them famous.
That said, there’s a cold wind from the schmaltzy Catskills Mountains that blows through most of That’s Entertainment. It makes this writer suspect that the cast and crew are turning their back on their young demographic in favor of the Golden Girls set when they send teen heartthrob McGinty into the studio to sing “Standing on the Corner” from the Broadway musical The Most Happy Fella. Again, the lad will have to put a few more hairs on his chest and add a few new notches on his belt before taking on this crooner persona.
Maybe this collection of songs will make more sense in the context of the new Celtic Thunder show coming to us later this year. Something tells me that calling “that’s a wrap” on Celtic Thunder and That’s Entertainment will kick me off the free ticket guest list.
Oh, great -- like my mother needs another reason to hate this column!
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Posted by GapGirl on Mar 30, 2010, 07:09 PM EDT
Sorry for those of you who can't let the guys out of their niche. I love the new album and show as does my 82 year old Mom and my 10 and 11 year old grandsons. Neil is a great addition when moved up front for the harmonies and does great solo work, too. I have already purchased tickets for the FL show! Can hardly wait!
Posted by dannybhoy on Mar 14, 2010, 05:46 PM EDT
think hes talking rubbish, there doing an album on there favourite songs, i think fair play to them, they do some brilliant covers and think that you look to far into things. theres only so much you can song with Celtic Music.
Hope they keep going for a long time to come. They have been brilliant so far!
Posted by vandehey108 on Mar 11, 2010, 08:33 PM EST
After going to several shows, my friends & I are shocked to see what has become of Celtic Thunder. Is it "It's Entertainment" or "It's Embarassment"? It is surely clichéd, unoriginal, old-fashioned, and syrupy. What a waste of talent and opportunity. Fans may be upset at negative comments, but why support a collosal blunder.
Posted by jowadkins on Mar 03, 2010, 09:48 PM EST
I agree its not what we "Golden Girls" heard from the lads when they first started and I will admit that their first show is still my favorite. Then again Damian is a growing boy and I think he is doing a great job of entertaining us Golden Girls as well as all the other lads. The one thing I didn't like about this show is the other girls. We already have 4 (5) beautiful girls (AND WHERE IS ZARA?)I felt as if Ryan was cheating on her since he always did that song with ONLY her.
Posted by CAROLWEBER on Feb 22, 2010, 09:15 PM EST
I agree with Mike, but I hope its not too late to get back to the original Celtic Thunder that presented their awesome God given talent and beautiful harmony!
Posted by Terry Knock on Feb 21, 2010, 01:28 PM EST
I love them, but this DVD is beyond bad. The music selections, the set right out of a bad Welk set--watch this new DVD and follow it with their first and it will be clear they have lost their way in so many ways. I feel sorry for the lads, Phil and others have let them down big time.
Posted by Thunderfan on Feb 19, 2010, 10:43 PM EST
First I will say I am a proud CT fan. Have seen them in concert and I and six relatives really enjoyed it. We all have every cd and dvd. Sadly I am the only one to buy the cd this time and I am not in the least bit tempted to buy the dvd.
I agree with Mike that the song choices and the arrangements are questionable . The lads have tried their best with what has been given them. If we don't give our honest opinion Phil will think he can just keep doing the same thing each time.
Posted by figtirish on Feb 19, 2010, 11:30 AM EST
I think Mike Farragher is terrible. He has no idea about music
Posted by Lissa7799 on Feb 18, 2010, 10:00 PM EST
Mike, I have to agree, and I will add that the CD and DVD are overproduced and overchoreographed. Just my opinion. As someone pointed out, Paul has a right to express his opinion -- so do I, and so does the reviewer. ... As for Madeleine's comments on Michael Buble -- again, you have a right to your opinion, but I would like to add that I too have heard Buble sing live and he is NEVER off key. He is a tremendous performer, very easy to watch.
Posted by Greenfire on Feb 18, 2010, 09:13 PM EST
When I hear, "Celtic Thunder" I think of Celtic music/tunes, not Broadway! Celtic . . . So much rich material to draw from!
Posted by Madeleine on Feb 18, 2010, 05:05 PM EST
I love Celtic thunder, I prefer the irish tunes as well, Michael Buble is a canadian and I hate his voice, in person he is always off key, these boys sing so much better but right now they should stick to their Irish songs, thats what I watch them on TV for . They sure are a good looking lot.
Posted by suethenurse on Feb 18, 2010, 06:43 AM EST
I agree that this album and DVD is not of the same quality as the previous ones, but there are some redeeming qualities. Some of the songs are winners and I enjoyed the interviews on the DVD.
Perhaps I am a little more forgiving, since I am old enough to be the grandmother of several of the guys!
Posted by nancyjeanne on Feb 17, 2010, 05:59 PM EST
"It's Entertainment" lives up to its name & is a fun show. Although I love their Irish & Celtic tunes, the variety of material in these shows is what makes them so enjoyable. I'm able to watch & listen to them endlessly because of that variety. This won't be my favorite DVD, but I will have some new favorites from it.
Posted by missingpieces on Feb 17, 2010, 03:42 PM EST
I love Celtic Thunder and hope they return to good ole Irish songs that made them who they are! I have not yet heard this new album and hope maybe this is a bump in the road.
Posted by celticprincess1 on Feb 17, 2010, 01:37 PM EST
You know Mike. I have to agree with you.
Phil Coulter is brilliant. But his light dims here.
Sorry lads of Celtic Thunder, but GO BACK TO FOLKY, Irish hits!
Yeah, they had some goods, but mostly duds.
Goods- Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, Hallelujah, Lough Swilly Railway.
Duds- Surfer Medley, Doo Wacka Doo, Bad Bad Leroy Brown.
Posted by pgudzik on Feb 17, 2010, 12:41 PM EST
I am looking forward to their show and will decide then.
Posted by AlabasterJayde on Feb 17, 2010, 12:37 PM EST
'That's Entertainment' is fabulous. Featuring musical variety that appeals to all age groups, it's going to be a show the entire family can attend. In this day and age, that's a rarity. And, in this economy, appealing to a wide range of musical preferences is SMART. The lads sound great! 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For' will bring you to your feet. God bless Celtic Thunder to continue to entertain us!
Posted by justme1 on Feb 17, 2010, 11:41 AM EST
Mike, you have a right to your Opinion and since you know the lads personally it is interesting. But you are definitely sticking your neck out on this one. The CT fans are going to go absolutely nuts (especially the Americans, they adore these chaps). Good Luck to you. You are going to need it. Personally have not listened to it as of yet, just FYI!
Posted by jillsuzieq on Feb 17, 2010, 11:37 AM EST
this is their best show yet! what show did this guy watch? obviously not it's entertainment!
Posted by LCIGIRL on Feb 17, 2010, 11:04 AM EST
I was at the taping of Its Entertainment and was blown away by this show! It is meant as a tribute to music over several decades, and it does it justice! This is a class act, and I am looking forward to seeing it live again this Fall. The Thunder is indeed rolling on!
Posted by AdamMcP on Feb 17, 2010, 11:03 AM EST
Mike, i think your review is most definitely harsh. I quite like the album and i think there is a number of fantastic tracks on this album such as Home and Amazing grace. I have to say i agree with you about Damian Mc Ginty, although he puts across wonderful vocals on this album, it is certain that the best is yet to come. We have to give the lad time to grow, but in my opinion the best track on the album is Home, closely followed by amazing grace.
Posted by Hueysmom on Feb 17, 2010, 10:42 AM EST
I think that you are a musical moron. I had the privilege of seeing these guys tape the show in Toronto and loved them. And Paul has a right to his opinion ... that's called democracy.
Posted by waloco1 on Feb 17, 2010, 10:42 AM EST
Some people just do not like change. I loved all the numbers they performed on the new CD and the DVD was great. If any performer just stays with the same ol, same ol they get too boring. These lads did a wonderful job and I for one loved the music. "Open up your mind and let the music shine in".
Posted by onlyatheart on Feb 17, 2010, 10:05 AM EST
My heart breaks to be in complete agreement, this musical phenomenon that has brought so much enjoyment to my family seems to be losing its momentum, the thunder has given way to the lightest of after the storm breezes. I was waiting with great anticipation for the latest album and DVD, only to be crushed by the overwhelming ennui they generated.
Posted by betsyross on Feb 17, 2010, 09:56 AM EST
Since I haven't heard the CD it's hard to say. I'll wait until I hear it to give an opinion. They have been great in the past.
Posted by killowen on Feb 17, 2010, 09:37 AM EST
Someone needs to teach lads not to give opinions on anyone as Paul's dismissive mouthing on Susan Boyle
has angered me. Why we put foot in mouth (a brogue)
is a sad affliction.
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