Star
rating – 7/10
Whilst trying to preserve the exhilarating
soulfulness of my recent Highland adventures, I came across this beautifully evocative
CD by The Magnetic North, which is a hymn to another Scottish isle – Orkney. It’s
the work of ex Verve member Simon Tong, along with Hannah Peel, and Erland
Cooper, whose hails from this remote part of the British Isles.
And the music reflects the windswept landscapes in
a wonderful way. The album is dedicated to Betty
Corrigall, a young woman who killed herself in the late eighteenth century after her lover deserted her
after she became pregnant, and who was not allowed to be buried in consecrated
ground for her sin. It’s a very sad story, and a delicate eponymous song, with
gentle guitar and mournful lyrics. Read more about her at:
My favourite track, Bay of Skaill bemoans the lack of opportunities for work on the distant
island, and has beautiful vocals and a strong drum beat. All the songs are very
evocative, and the delicate vocals, in places with added depth by the accompaniment
of a local pub choir, are just right.
The lovely music is just the thing to take you
right back to the wild yet peaceful remote islands around our shores. I feel
another trip coming on...
No comments:
Post a Comment