This is the indomitable Corkman’s first album after a five-year break from recording duties. It sees him in peak form, abetted by the venerable Donal Lunny on both sides of the control desk, a band of impeccable musicians and eleven newly-recorded songs.
‘By The Drum’ takes an acerbic look at modern celebrity and “the Sky channel jive.”
‘Tears To Picardy’ is a paean to compassion and forgiveness, while ‘The Pyramids At Sneem’ – which name-checks Rory and the late Noel Brasil – has a languorous feel and deliciously subtle guitar from Anto Drennan. The anti-war song ‘Begin Again’ has terrific organ from Graham Henderson and stirring vocals from the Thukolo gospel choir. “Failed by the politician, shame on the priest,” from ‘Hey Ho Believe’ clearly reveal where MacCarthy stands in relation to the Ireland we’re suffering in, as does the reference to “no reply on the Christian telephone” on ‘Christian Telephone’, which masterfully segues into the standard ‘Stand By Me’ to close the album on an emotional high.
MacCarthy has the uncanny knack of weaving our tradition into fiercely contemporary songs, making them timeless. As always, MacCarthy’s voice is precise and weighted to convey the full value of both lyrics and melody. He is one of our few songwriters whose lyrics stand up on the page too. It’s good to have him back.
KEY TRACK: ‘CHRISTIAN TELEPHONE’