AMG Review of 20 Best of Celtic Moods

Heather Phares
All Music Guide

20 Best of Celtic Moods collects instrumental airs, horn pipes, and reels from Scotland, Ireland, and England, including "Scotland the Brave," "Kitty's Gone-A-Milkin'," and "Ruffy Tuffy," as performed by the 101 Strings Orchestra. The collection is at its best when it's at its most traditional, as on tracks such as "Liverpool Hornpipe," "Glasgow City Police Pipers," and "Skye Boat Song," all of which feature Celtic instruments such as the uilleann pipes and bagpipes prominently. The more string-based pieces, like "Traditional Irish Suite 1" and "Annie Laurie" aren't bad, but they sound less authentic. Even so, the collection's rendition of "Riverdance" works surprisingly well, as does most of 20 Best of Celtic Moods. Purists should avoid this album, but it might be worthwhile for those looking for just a little bit of Celtic atmosphere.