Your Favourite Irish songs

[Arthur_Friend]

Their rendition of the Rocky Road to Dublin is shite. I'll perhaps have a look at a few of their other tunes to see if they aren't shite.

[Arthur_Friend]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpANsdfuobM

They've murdered this old chestnut as well.

[BarryBreensBandage]

Thanks folks for the opinions -

Sheamy, that version of Dempsey's is unbelieveable - I didn't know that one existed.

Would go so far as to say it is the best of the four after listening and watching a couple of times, and here is why:

I doubt there is any traditional song that Luke Kelly performed that has been sung better than him. Voice, Control, Emotion, Timing - He has the lot.
That's what I love about the Pogues version. You sometimes think Magowan isn't going to keep up with the song, but does, and it is a bit more wild and raucous, just like the song.

But, if you look at the videos, Dempsey's version is unique because it has the raw nature of Dempsey's performance, added to his perfect timing, but most of all he plays the guitar as well singing the song.

This song is known to be one of the hardest to get the breathing right for - I have tried to sing this song whilst playing the bodhran and guitar (though not at the same time), and have ran out of puff and rhythm.

Notice that Kelly doesn't play the guitar, and the two lads in the High Kings play the Bodhran with their hands which looks good - the bodhran you hear is the back-up one to the side. Also, the guitarist stops playing when he has to sing.

And Dempsey does both live on Morning TV, not a bother!

So I have a new favourite - Great Dempsey rendition and fair play Sheamy, Thanks.

[BarryBreensBandage]

They're not that bad at all, to be fair. Certain songs don't suit them though. You can't have them sing a Dubliners or a Pogues song. They aren't raw enough for that. They give Go Lassie Go or Marie's Wedding a decent lash though.

Fair Point, HS

[Fear Bun Na Sceilpe]

Óró, Sé do Bheatha 'Bhaile

Any particular artist?

The Cassidys were good at

[Denn Forever]

On TG4 tonight.

17:55 Cara Dillon - Beo i mBeal Feirste Cara Dillon performs traditional songs from her album Hill of Thieves in the Grand Opera House in Belfast.