THE TÁIN

"The Tain" is Horslips second release and it's an Irish Rock Classic with an intruiging concept. Much like the band's first album, it is quite a package with plenty of traditional Irish airs intermingled throughout all the tracks. Back in 1973, Horslips breathed life into Irish music making it more interesting to teenagers by giving it their rock edge. "Sentanta" actually kicks it all off with some weird psychedelic moods before we prepare for "Charolais", one of the main highlights. "You Can't Fool The Beast" and "Time To Kill" are also a real crackers. The instumentation is marvellous with thumping drums, beautiful flute and guitar work and even a fiddle solo. "Dearg Doom" is perhaps the most unusual with its solo from the pipes. There's some nice mellow sections too with "Cu Chulainn's Lament" and "Faster Than The Hound". And I just love the instrumentals, especially "Morrigan's Dream" which pops up towards the end. Lovers of the prog-folk genre should enjoy this album very much.