Long Black Veil

Additional Long Black Veil Information

It's a testimony to the considerable talents and character of the Chieftains that none of the celebrity personalities or egos upstage the band on this record. Rather, the musicians always stay in control and the instruments remain at the center of the songs. So while Mick Jagger delivers a stirring reading of the title song, it's the pipes and fiddles that transform the country standard into deep Gaelic soul music. Turns by Marianne Faithfull, Ry Cooder, Mark Knopfler, Sinead O'Connor, and old buddy Van Morrison (doing his own "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?") come off predictably and competently, but breathing life into familiar, mostly traditional tunes like "The Lily of the West" and "The Foggy Dew" is ultimately the province of bandleader/tin whistler Paddy Moloney and his more-than-competent mates. --Roni Sarig

What Customers Say About Long Black Veil:

I could not, and still have not found a better CD of the Chieftans. In 2003, I had the luxury of taking a 3 month trip up the California Coast all the way from San Diego into Canada and back. This CD proved to be the best of the lot. In general, this one is very hard to beat as a travelling musical experience. During this trip I'd never tired of this CD and it had the most play amongst the best I'd owned.

This is the third time I've purchased this 14 yr old recording.first as a cassette tape, second as a CD, but left it in a rental car, and I had order it again.it is a treasure. It has such extraordinary collaborations with an eclectic mix of artists and songs.Jagger and the Stones, Marianne Faithful, Van the Man, Sinead O'Connor, Tom Jones(.)., Sting, Ry Cooder, Mark Knopfler.AND all the magic of the Paddy Moloney Chieftains. This is NOT your cute 'Oirish' collection.

REALLY nice-listening cd with beautiful irish music performed by a great group along with mix of fantastic musicians.

If you want to hear good old-fashioned Celtic music as played in the old days then The Chieftains is one place where you will have to visit to get a taste of that music done in a way to be a delight to more modern sensibilities as well. If you want to go to Gaelic tradition how about Sting and "Mo Ghile Mear" or "He Moved Through The Fair" (also known by other names) by Sinead O'Connor. His grandmother used to sing it to him back in the days. Moreover, as displayed here and on a number of their previousl albums they have gotten virtually a who's who of top-notch musicians from many genres to play along with them. Nice. That is always a sure sign of respect. The lads have gone to Nova Scotia here to compile music from another location in the Celtic diaspora. My favorite is Ry Cooder (yes, that Ry Cooder of Buena Vista Social Club fame) doing "Coast Of Malabar".

What else can you ask for. Well here how about Mick Jagger and the boys doing "Long Black Veil" or Marianne Faithfull doing "Love Is Teasin'" (also known by many other names but the result remains the same of a love affair gone bad to a jilted lover). My grandmother did the same.

The Chieftains music blends so excellently with the wonderful voices that comprise this album. Whether it's the haunting "Long Black Veil" or the nostalgic "Mo Ghile Mear", the Chieftains get it right every time. If you like Irish music, Irish ballads, or even just Mick Jagger, this album is a must-have.