Different Drums of Ireland. Various Artists. Mini-CD, 5 tracks; total playing time: 16 minutes. £5.00. Available from: Roy Arbuckle, 12 Stewarts Terrace, Londonderry BT48 7LH.
Different
drums is a real joy to
listen to. Roy Arbuckle has brought together a group of
artists to develop a completely new sound using - you’ve guessed it -
different drums. The drums in question are those notorious weapons of war, the
lambeg drum, the bodhran and a drum of their own invention. They call it the
long drum. Add to that, pipes, tin whistles, flutes, a snare drum and guitars
and you have a unique musical style.
Roy Arbuckle has a fine singing voice which brings the second track, We’ve got the right to life. It’s got a catchy tune that stays in you head for ages. Arbuckle’s voice is also prominent in track three, Biddy M’Dole which most people know through Houl yer Whist’s classic album, On Boyne’s Red Shore. That version featured the lambeg and a fife. This version has much, much more. I like it better.
It’s true to say that you won’t have heard anything quite like this album before. I might have only two minor quibbles. One, I’d prefer it if it was different drums of Ulster, or even of Northern Ireland, but in this instance I could live with the present title. Two, it’s far too short! It’s only five tracks. I know it’s not bad these days for a fiver, but I’m hooked and I want more! Roy, I hope that you’ve made money on this venture. You deserve to! When’s the full album coming out? Can I book a copy? Please!
Those readers who want to know what the fuss is all about should contact the address at the top of this review or drop into Good Vibrations in Howard Street. I’m sure that Terry Hooley will be happy to sell you a copy.
 | STOP PRESS! September 28th 2002. Sad news indeed. Terry Hooley has gone bust and the terrific Good Vibrations shop has closed, probably forever! This was a great place for independent labels and for those with idiosyncratic musical tastes. We'll never see its like again. Virgin and HMV are soulless places in comparison. What a shame! |