The Night: World Music

I– Best Of Irish Ballards.
An album featuring ‘Various Artists’ that centers on the rich tradition of Irish ballads. The collection encompasses a range of moods—from romantic to exuberant—that effectively capture the character of Irish folk music. This compilation brings together a selection of tracks performed by various artists. Fans of Irish folklore will find authentic ballads on this CD that convey the essence of the genre, without being confined to a single specific atmosphere or subject matter.
CD. 20 Best of Irish ballads.
LABEL: ARC Music (2007) code: EUCD 2107. VIDEO

II– The Dubliners.
As one of the most influential Irish acts of the 20th century, they celebrated their fiftieth anniversary in 2012, making them Ireland’s longest-running musical act. That same year, they received a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. The Dubliners were an Irish folk band formed in Dublin in 1962—initially under the name ‘The Ronnie Drew Ballad Group,’ after one of the founders—before later adopting the name The Dubliners. Although the lineup underwent many changes throughout their fifty-year career, the group’s success was primarily driven by lead singers Luke Kelly and Ronnie Drew. The band achieved international success with their lively Irish folk songs, traditional street ballads, and instrumental tracks.
CD. Dublin – The Dubliners.
LABEL: Celtic 2008 code: 8471. VIDEO

III– Manau.
The French group Manou consists of Martial, Cedric, and R.V. The latter studied at the conservatory for seven years and plays a wide variety of instruments. Manou’s French-language raps, which incorporate Celtic influences, are based on myths found in books belonging to Martial’s parents. “La tribu de Dana,” a single taken from this album, spent weeks high on the charts in France and eventually made its way to Belgium and the Netherlands, carried over by returning tourists. It is to be feared, however, that “La tribu de Dana” will prove to be the group’s only success in our country.
CD. Panique Celtique – Manau.
LABEL: Universal Records (1998) code: 5578872. VIDEO

IV– MAM [FR]
A French group featuring Viviane Arnoux (accordion, vocals), François Michaud (violin, viola), and Olivier Marc—later joined by Thomas Fiancette and Enrico Matuchet (drums). This initial collaboration saw the group in search of a new sound, resulting in a fusion of rock, jazz, musette, and Celtic music. The title *Flammes* serves as a symbol for the group’s journey. The name “MAM” appears here for the first time, derived from the initials of the musicians: Michaud, Arnoux, and Marc.
CD. Flammes – MAM [FR].
LABEL: Buda Musique (1998) code: 829492. VIDEO

V– Mary Black.
Mary Black (Dublin, May 23, 1955) is an Irish singer. She began her musical journey in her family’s band; her father, Kevin Black, was a violinist, her mother, Patricia Daly, was a singer, and her brothers had a band of their own. Her sister, Frances Black, is also a celebrated singer. In 1983, Mary Black launched a solo career. She has performed alongside a number of international artists, including Joan Baez and Van Morrison. The British magazine *What Hi-Fi?* considers Mary Black’s voice to be so pure that they have repeatedly used it to test and compare the sound quality of various hi-fi systems. Mary Black is truly an Irish treasure, and her talent is a gift from small Ireland to a grateful world.
CD. Down the crooked road – Mary Black.
LABEL: 3ú Records (2014) code: TUCD 035. VIDEO

VI– The Pogues.
An Irish-English folk band infused with punk energy, founded by Shane MacGowan under the name Pogue Mahone (Irish for “kiss my arse”). MacGowan began his musical career in the London punk band The Nipple Erectors, but with The Pogues, he returned to his Irish roots. Despite their hard-drinking reputation, The Pogues managed to record several magnificent albums—most notably 1985’s *Rum, Sodomy & the Lash*. However, alcohol increasingly took its toll on Shane MacGowan; in 1991, the deteriorating singer was ousted from his own band. Shortly thereafter, he formed The Popes, though he was never able to reach the same level he had achieved with The Pogues.
CD. The very best of The Pogues – The Pogues.
LABEL: WEA Records (2001) code: 8573-874592. VIDEO

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