Definitive Versions of Irish Folk Songs

thejuice · August 17, 2009, 10:02:51 PM

Lads,

something I've been thinking about for a while, been wondering who does 'the definitive' version of popular Irish songs. There are hundreds upon hundreds of versions of popular folk/trad songs, but I'd like to get together a list of the classic versions. I'm sure this will have plenty of debate etc.

To get the ball rolling, I am having trouble finding a really great version of 'The Wests Awake', perhaps the best one I've heard was by Joe McDonagh on the steps of the Hogan in 1980, not impressed by any version that the Dubliners did nor anyones else I've heard so far.

vav · August 17, 2009, 10:23:34 PM

hmm I've never heard any other version but The Wolfe Tones until I You Tube'd the two versions ya just mentioned and I have to say I prefer the Wolfe Tones singing it..

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

Though I can understand if yer from Galway why ya would feel Joe McDonagh did justice to the song.

...

While we're on topic, can anyone recommend a good version of "The Whistling Gypsy Rover" I can download? Thanks

thejuice · August 17, 2009, 10:34:50 PM

Quote from: vav on August 17, 2009, 10:23:34 PM
why ya would feel Joe McDonagh did justice to the song.

Just because I really don't like any other version I've heard.

there;s also this version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBRQvo4FoEY

which i prefer to the Tones version.

Gnevin · August 17, 2009, 10:35:46 PM

Luke Kelly : Raglan Road.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19qdV2vgM-o

Any one have a definitive version of the Foggy Dew?

Gnevin · August 17, 2009, 10:38:29 PM

While not technically an Irish song or Irish band for that matter

The Pogues: Waltzing Mathilda
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPFjToKuZQM

moysider · August 17, 2009, 10:44:41 PM

Ryans Fancy did a very decent version of The West s Awake.

As for ' The Whistling Gypsy Rover' I think it has to be Tommy Makem. Has to be.

vav · August 17, 2009, 10:48:29 PM

Quote from: moysider on August 17, 2009, 10:44:41 PM
As for ' The Whistling Gypsy Rover' I think it has to be Tommy Makem. Has to be.

will look that version up thanks moysider

I love The Irish Tenors version of Óró 'Sé do bheatha 'bhaile
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfqjTq0yw9Q

moysider · August 17, 2009, 10:51:01 PM

Quote from: Gnevin on August 17, 2009, 10:38:29 PM
While not technically an Irish song or Irish band for that matter

The Pogues: Waltzing Mathilda
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPFjToKuZQM

That song is The Band Played Waltzing Matilda written by Scot Eric Bogle and probably performed best by Liam Clancy.

Waltzing Matilda is an Australian folk song of which there are a few versions. My favourite rendition of that is by the late Slim Dusty. He memorably sang it in the closing cermony for the Sydney Olympics - with Kylie nearby. It s often sang before rugby internationals.

Eoghan Mag · August 18, 2009, 02:15:54 AM

Best version of The Wests Awake I've heard was by another Galway man - Frank Patterson.

Bud Wiser · August 18, 2009, 08:44:08 AM

Frank Patterson was not from Galway but was a Tipp man but lived up the road from me in a place called Agafarrell at the back of Glenasmole.