AMG Review of Parallel Lines: Andy Irvine and Dick Gaughan

Chris Nickson
All Music Guide

The combination of Gaughan and Irvine, towering figures in Scottish and Irish music, respectively, makes this more of an interesting mix -- even if not all the material comes from those Celtic sources (no one's going to mistake Dylan's "My Back Pages" for something Celtic, even though Gaughan's rendition brings a while new perspective to it). It's very much an equal partnership, each bringing plenty to the table; Irvine's version of "Captain Colston" (probably better known from an older Steeleye Span cover) is a standout for its heartbreak, although it pales next to the album's gem, a stunning take on the Scots "Floo'ers o' the Forest" that doesn't seem a moment too long at seven and a half minutes. The bonus cut, "Thousands Are Sailing to Amerikay," is applicable to both countries and forms a perfect conclusion to what is often a commonality between cultures with a common root. Beautifully played and wonderfully performed, this is a delight of a record.