Celtic Thunder: Mythology

St. Patrick’s Day has passed, so let’s celebrate belatedly with the latest Celtic Thunder offering!

**Note: I ordered through Amazon, so I did not get the deluxe set: IE both CDs and both DVDs. Hopefully Sharon later releases these separately for those who chose to order the way I did.**

Mythology is thrilling.


Okay, I got that out of the way. Mythology opens with “Voice,” sung by all six members of Celtic Thunder. The opening might remind people of “The Show”: caped members walking in before the lads. Their voices blend together well. And the song seems to be in the same vein as “Heartland,” which they’ve used to open shows before. This is a good replacement.

Emmet Cahill starts off the solo numbers with “Isle of Innisfree.” It’s a ballad sung by a homesick person. And it is really sweet. Emmet is also visibly more comfortable on stage this go-around. This is followed by “Now We Are Free” sung predominantly by Keith Harkin but featuring all the lads at one point. I’m sure most of us thought the song was in Gaelic but it’s not. Looking around the internet, it seems the original writer says it is a made up language that she uses to talk to God. But if you look at the words, there is a mixture of nonsense, Hebrew and Gaelic—enough to translate. It does seem to be a prayer. Keith does well on the solo while the others voices blend well with his in the background.

This also marks the return of dancers, including one familiar to Celtic Thunder audiences. I spent the end of my first watch wondering “Was that Haley Jo? Quick, camera, stay on her for more than a second!”

(It was Haley Jo).

Next is George Donaldson singing “Scarlet Ribbons (For Her Hair).” It’s another return to the original show in that it taps into George-as-Father. But it suits his voice well and, naturally, ends with the camera panning to daughter Sarah in the audience. She’s growing up so fast!

Neil Byrne is next singing “Carolina Rua,” an upbeat ditty about love. Following this is a sad tune called “Carrickfergus,” sung by Ryan Kelly. It is about a person longing to go home at the end of his life. A common theme I’ve noticed in Irish music.

George, Emmet and Neil return with newcomer Colm Keegan for “Star of the County Down.” Also returning: Haley Jo. She’s all grown up now, folks! The song is about how the singer fell in love with the most beautiful girl in the County Down (Haley Jo). During the song, Colm and Emmet try to romance her—only one is successful, but I won’t tell you who.

Following this upbeat, hand-clapper of a song is “Tears of Hercules,” one of Keith’s original songs. Fans who bought his original album are already familiar with it. It is about someone who spots their ex in the street and the thoughts that occur. The quartet from “Star of the County Down” returns for “She Moved Through the Fair.” It’s slower and more somber and I think it’s about someone who falls in love with a ghost.

Next is two back-to-back solos. Ryan returns to sing “Hunter’s Moon.” It’s a return to his Dark Destroyer persona, about how the relationship in the song will only lead to a bad end and crushed dreams. Colm, meanwhile, accompanies himself on the piano for “Katie.” He sings to a lost love, urging her to return and promising to be better this time.

Another group number (sans Keith) follows these, “The Rocky Road to Dublin.” It’s about a young man’s journey from his hometown to seek work. Unfortunately, it’s a rough and unfriendly road. Neil stays behind to sing “Perfect.” It’s a jazzy little number which also features band members Laura Durrant, Nicole Hudson, Declan O’Donoghue and Dave Bakey. Neil has a good voice for jazz, which I did not realize until I heard this song.

Keith and Colm duet on “Sounds of Silence.” Their voices blend well together and the song is great. This is followed by my favorite, “Seven Drunken Nights.” Once again, the lads enjoy hamming it up. Especially Ryan, Neil and Keith. George has his fun and Emmet is definitely having more fun this go around. Colm is more comfortable than Emmet was in his first show but I think still a bit hesitant given the other five’s chemistry.

George then performs another oldie-but-good—“Life With You.” And we get another glimpse at Carrie and Sarah. “Danny Boy” also makes a comeback in this DVD. However, it’s not the a cappella version we’re used to with all the guys. This time, it’s a solo for Emmet . And it’s as poignant as ever.

All the lads return for “Turning Away,” wearing suits. I love when they wear suits. I’m not entirely sure what the meaning behind the song is but it’s a thrilling number.

Since it’s the second to last number, time for the band to show off! They perform “Lonesome Boatman into Reels” together. Once again, it proves why even the band gets as many cheers the lads.

Time for the encore! And it’s not “Ireland’s Call.” This time it’s “My Land,” an ode to one native’s country. It’s beautiful and one of my favorite songs from the show (and CD).

So there is Mythology! Or at least the part I own. I hope to get part two eventually and see what’s on that disc. Otherwise, I’ll just enjoy Mythology over and over!