HAPPY TO MEET, SORRY TO PART

Many believe this to be the first genuine celtic-rock album. Folk-rock fusion was certainly in its infancy in the early seventies. "Happy to Meet" is a debut by a band having a great craic discovering how fun it is to twist rock music up with traditional Irish. From the swirling psychedelic originals "Hall of Mirrors" and "Furniture" to the mangled traditional covers "Flowers", "A Giddy Dance to yr Daddy". Personal favourites are "The Clergy's Lamentation", the sweet "The Shamrock Shore" and the rocking Gaelic drinking song "Bim Istigh Ag Ol" With the eloquent "Musical Priest", Horslips command the stage with virtuoso guitar and mandolin playing transformed by the rhythm section into a new music form. When Horslips were touring with this album the entire concert hall would be up dancing to the pulsating melodies. It is quite a gem and often underrated too. It has a homely intimate feel to it. If you like Irish music then this is just the icing on the cake. Four solid stars.