Give Irish

The album is a body of work which sees Dexys putting their heart and soul into every track that Kevin has wanted to do since the mid-1980s. Drawing on Rowland and co-producer/core band member Sean Read's Irish roots, the album is a combination of their interpretations of Irish songs and other select compositions. Each song has been given at least the same level of attention and care as any of their own songs would be. This record is not a stop gap, or a fill in album. It is not a covers album. "The album is called Dexys DO Irish & Country Soul: DO it, not BECOME it," Kevin emphasizes.

Just as the title implies, 25 Years of Greatness is a career-spanning 32-track compilation covering most of the highlights of the Wolfe Tones' first quarter of a century. There is the important caveat, however, that like many folk groups, the Wolfe Tones have recorded many of their most popular songs several times, and this collection tends to favor more recent and/or more arranged versions of the Spartan originals that graced early albums like Let the People Sing. That's not as much of a problem as it would be with some groups, however, as the Wolfe Tones have wisely resisted any temptation to "update," "modernize," or otherwise ruin a traditional Irish folk style that has worked for them for so long; even the Fairport Convention-like electric track of the new "Rock On Rockall" has a bracingly traditional feel to it. This is the Wolfe Tones set to have if you're having just one, but there's plenty more where this came from.

On Ellis Island, the Irish Tenors offer the soundtrack to their PBS special. The performance, which took place in New York City in early 2001, is a smooth and classy effort that complements the incredible talent and power that this group possesses. Although many of these songs may be familiar to listeners, the versions offered here are very good and give the songs the power and clarity they deserve.