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Fresh: My Lagan Love : ANÚNA (featuring Michael McGlynn)

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The ethereal sound of ANÚNA, featuring the solo vocal of Michael McGlynn, sing Michael’s arrangement of the Irish classic “My Lagan Love”.

If you are a true Celtic music fan, then I am sure you’re aware that Anuna’s new album has dropped. There is also a new music video featuring Michael McGlynn and his haunting sean nos singing style. The aspect I love about Traditional Irish music and Celtic music, in general, is its elemental aspect. The spirit of that music lives in nature, in the rushes, the river, the trees’ leaves, and the mists. This music video captures that spirit. There are no gimmicky things here. Just a pure representation of the atmosphere of what Lagan Love is. Although 

According to Wikipedia:

My Lagan Love” is a song to a traditional Irish air collected in 1903 in northern Donegal.

The English lyrics have been credited to Joseph Campbell (1879–1944, also known as Seosamh MacCathmhaoil and Joseph McCahill, among others).[1] Campbell was a Belfast man whose grandparents came from the Irish-speaking area of Flurrybridge, South Armagh. He started collecting songs in County Antrim. In 1904 he began a collaboration with composer Herbert Hughes.[2]. Together, they collected traditional airs from the remote parts of County Donegal.

I love listening to Anuna because they bring something different to Choral music. It’s how they arrange the music they sing how a slight shift in the notes and the scales can add a different flavor to the traditional tune. I am reminded of the vocal Jazz group Manhattan Transfer for that exact vocal harmony arrangement when I listen to them. I am not a jazz expert, but I hear a faint trace of blue notes in their recordings. And this characteristic is what makes them unique and refreshing. 

10 Songs and Reasons You Should be Talking About Clannad Music

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Clannad is your ear candy during the pandemic


I got my second dose of the covid vaccine today! And while I felt the relief of that, I also kept in mind that fitness is vital. That is why cycling has played a massive part in my darkest times. And when I am not pushing watts, I calm down to listen to my favorite bands in the genre.


Clannad is one band that has grown with me from my teen years up to this time. I don’t know if you are aware or agree that the band has undergone three significant musical evolution. There’s Clannad of the 70s still with their distinct sound. While other Irish bands have gone either folk, rock, or pop, this band has incorporated many styles. This is due to the many musical interests of various members. It’s Ciaran Brennan who infused the band’s rock energy and jazz sophistication. The latter is also what made their Celtic sound unique. While other bands go toward either electronic or New Age, Clannad never professes any loyalty to any genre. But of course, the record labels have to make that categorization for marketing purposes, right?


I do miss the Jazz (or smooth jazz)flavor they incorporated, starting with Anam up to Landmarks. The latter is, for me, their masterpiece album because it has all the elements that I admire in the band. These are months of introspection(Europe is approaching Autumn). It is refreshing to go back to the sounds that remind us of a far different world from today.
I have listened to some of the band member’s solo projects, like Moya Brennan’s solo albums. Their influences are evident, which is highlighted by the musicians they choose to collaborate with.


I have to say I miss hearing Pol Brennan’s soprano sax and also the input of other core band members like the Duggans.
Supposing you are introducing someone to Clannad for the first time, so where do you start? Below are my top ten picks:


1. Na Laetha Bhi (The Days that Were)-This might not be part of their more popular offerings, but this is the first song that hooked me. It’s from their 1993 album Banba. The first time I heard this was inside a record store. Everyone turned around because the sound what so different and haunting. It is further propelled by Moya Brennan’s contralto vocals.


2. Autumn Leaves Are Falling- This is taken from Landmarks. As I said, the album is a masterpiece with many excellent tracks. Yet, this one has that vibe that falls between folk and Jazz. It is also one happy tune that makes you smile at the thought of Autumn. Each instrument compliment this artfully crafted tune. It has imagery of churchyards, countryside-everything that makes Ireland fascinating.


3. Newgrange-The power of the band’s sound is its capacity to transport you. When they sing about the ancient Irish tradition, they don’t tell you. They take you there. This is what many bands lack now. I have been looking for that haunting quality in any band, but that is so rare these days.


4. The Hunter- This is another lovely song from the compilation album Past Present. By the way, that album is also a great introduction to the band’s music in the 80s era. I love the drums, the vocal layering and also the pulsing bass.


5. Forces of Nature(From Warriors of Virtue)-A beautiful song accompanying a movie that I enjoyed! This song is Clannad in the 90s.


6. A Dream In The Night-This song is from the animation The Angel and the Soldier Boy. This track is one of those tunes I love playing during the holidays.


7. In Fortunes Hand- This is a perfect song for driving. The energy is further embellished by the beautiful beats and that smooth saxophone.


8. Why Worry-This is a song I got from a smooth jazz compilation album before I got hold of Anam, where this song came from. The swaying track lulls you to daydream-which is the thing you need these days.


9. Let Me See- I haven’t seen a live version of this beautiful song anywhere. This one is an epic track that always makes me smile when I listen to it. That amazing snare drum and buoyant bass is the strength of this track. Clannad is an excellent band. Moreso because everyone brings their styles into the creative process. I hope they come up with another album like Landmarks.


10. Something to Believe In(with Bruce Hornsby)-People have probably forgotten that Moya Brennan had duets with many artists. Big names like Bono, Robert Plant, Bruce Hornsby, Paul Young, Michael McDonald, Shane MacGowan and more. She is an excellent live performer too. This song is a testament to the band’s musical range. This is a style that they might never revisit, but it is excellent that they explored this phase in their glorious musical career.

Let me know your favorite Clannad songs in the comments section below.

Listen to the new single ‘The Dawning of the Day by Celtic Woman. 

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The Dawning of the Day – Official Lyric Vide

The Dawning of the Day is an appropriate song to our current situation. Instead of succumbing to fear and hopelessness created by the pandemic, we need to look to hope. I’ve heard several versions of this beautiful song. One is from Mary Fahl (Former lead singer of the October Project) for her The Other Side of Time album(Sony). That is why the melody is familiar. 

Here’s the press release:

CELTIC WOMAN new single !!!

“The Dawning of The Day” is the first single release from Celtic Woman’s first studio album in three years, ‘Postcards From Ireland’.

The song will be released this Friday, September 10th.

Celtic Woman return with a brand-new studio album, Postcards from Ireland, due for release on 29 Oct 2021.

Postcards from Ireland – Celtic Woman’s new album and TV special – represents the sentiment they would like to share with their fans around the world. One of love, hope and expectation as the world looks towards getting back together again.

What better way to express these wishes than to write and send a postcard, but this postcard is written with the music and songs from Celtic Woman’s latest album. Stay tuned for more info on ‘Postcards From Ireland’ and Pre-order the single today or get it tomorrow here: https://celticwoman.lnk.to/thedawningoftheday…

Hurray, it is also my return to blogging. So this song marks my return to writing. I cannot promise to be consistent, but blogging is now part of my routine, whether I like it or not. Anyway, back to this tune, it is such a timely piece now that the season is getting cold and people are getting into an introspective mood. It is ideal for releasing any Celtic album during the fall and onwards because people will be more likely to be attuned to the vibe. This is just a personal view, and it is not supported by statistics, so don’t quote me on this one.

I also want to let you know that I always take my favorite music on a spin when I ride my bike. So it is like playing DJ while on two wheels. Cycling helps me meditate and also get in touch with my higher being. After the ride, I was inspired to write more articles. So my dear readers, expect me to get more conversational. Yes, I will talk to you and make sure my writing is authentic, unlike someone who writes a press release. You can bet on that. The new album by Celtic Woman is coming soon, so wait for that one. Let me know in the comments if you like the album, ok? 

Celtic Fairy Dream by 2002 is an Excellent Escape into a Kinder and Gentler World

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2002-Celtic-Fairy-Dream.jpg

I discovered the music of 2002 from Celtic radio stations on the web. The band’s dreamy and airy captivated my attention, and soon I can tell their distinctive sound apart from the rest. The band just released Celtic Fairy Dream this year amid the worrying pandemic. This is timely considering that people who are self-isolating need a kinder and gentler sound. This helps us tune into the higher vibration and avoid so much anxiety.

The new album has 10 songs, all composed, arranged, and performed by Randy, Pamela, and Sarah Copus. This is with the help of other musicians who contributed their styles in the creation of this captivating album. The thing I like about Celtic Fairy Dream is the consistency of mood in all songs regardless of the different arrangements and tempo. Added effects enhance the gentle vocals. The Green Fields of Autumn(Coinleach Glas an Fhómhair) is a personal favorite. A tune initially recorded by Clannad. Another stunner is the traditional song She Moved Through the Fair, which transports you into a dreamy world.

2002 merges the modern ”wet” sound of electronica and the lush organic beauty of folk music. This is a combination that really works. I really like this because I am not really a purist in a traditional sense. It is also a kind of album you can play after a stressful day, and help channel your higher self away from the darkness of these uncertain times.

8 Amazing Ways Background Music Affects Business Sales

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By Ronal Ross (Guest blogger)

We all know a thing or two about the magic of music, don’t we? It piques our minds and makes everything come to life.

But, how do retailers use it to make a mark and set their place in our hearts, minds and pockets? Let us find out with these small yet astonishing techniques that make us do so.

1. Customers Spend More Time If The Music Is Familiar
Have you ever walked into a store and thought for a second, “Wow, this is my playlist! I can spend some more time here.”

Yes, it is one of the tricks that retailers love to follow. Time flies by when we listen to music, and this is a leverage for them. It is pretty fool proof as more time equals more potential sales.

2. Music Sets The Mood
The type of music you play depends on the type of product or service you sell. For instance, when you enter a restaurant, calm and soothing music that doesn’t take up much headspace is used.

On the other hand, if you step inside an H&M or a Zara, you can very well listen to the songs trending on the charts, like the clothes they sell. It sets the mood and perception for them and can be a dealbreaker if done wrong.

3. Compels To Make Quick Decisions and Spend More Than Planned
Beats make you groove and chill. The sound of gongs or the strumming of the guitar in a variety of ways cause so many responses. They also decide the pace at which we do things.

According to various studies, music with a higher pace makes people move faster around the store. It compels them to make quick decisions. On the other hand, slow music makes you hang around for a while, chill, and thus maybe buy more than planned.

A study conducted by Ronald E. Milliman in 1982 gave a general overview regarding the positive effect of the tempo of background music on sales and traffic in stores.

4. Helps Target A Specific Audience
Do you want to know how your customer base’s nature is and to what segment they belong? The best way to do so is by monitoring their reaction to the kind of music your store plays. It helps in segregating the target consumers because if they don’t like the music you play, they most likely won’t be a fan of your brand.

5. It Affects People’s Perceptions
Let us look at a couple of instances where music majorly affects people’s perceptions, thus sales as well.

If you enter into a spa or a mindfulness class, the first thing you feel is the ambience. The tongue drums make the perfect background music for relaxing and taking a break from your busy lives. You can check out a review of tongue drums here if you’re curious to know more about how beautiful they sound.

On the other hand, walking into a luxury store like Gucci or Balenciaga, you will encounter sophisticated jazz or classical music. This is a very subtle cue that speaks volumes about its brand and legacy. We automatically associate these music genres with elegance and luxury.

6. It Enhances Productivity
Now, let us talk about some facts.

According to a concept called “stimulus production” given by a very prominent ex-company Muzak, background music enhances productivity in offices. This concept was then imbibed by retailers over the decades to boost sales.

Music helps in making deeper connections with brands, thus making them a part of our memory. Sometimes we are more likely to drop by a particular store over the others due to this faint memory.

7. Perfect Tool To Boost Engagement
Word-of-mouth marketing is a game-changer for every retail company, and you can make the most of it in your business. Music is a perfect tool for you to up your engagement and sales game.
8. Need Of The Hour
In the era of e-retail being a convenient solution to our demands, brick-and-mortar needs an extra boost that makes people want to make physical efforts. Music can be a big part of it if used wisely.

Not only is it cost-efficient, but it can help to get traction on social media by positive feedback and viral videos.
About the writer:

Ronald is a guy who loves music and understands how the global markets work. He is a freelance writer currently working with loudbeats.org to do his part of helping musicians find amazing and trustworthy resources to enhance their career.