Matching Sweaters

Definitely a bit more 'poppy' than the music I ordinarily listen to and review, but hey, if I like it, I like it. The members of Gaelic Storm have been delivering world class Celtic-influenced music for many years. If you've seen them live, you know they have an amazing charismatic stage presence. All of these accolades mean that when a new GS album hits the streets, the bar is set pretty doggone high. I am pleased to say that Matching Sweaters is all of that and a good pint of stout. They continue to put together songs that are infectious, fun and clever. The heavy influence of Irish Folk Music is still the anchor sound, but they continue to branch out and incorporate a very strong palette of other international musical flavors to add a wee bit of spice to their songs. Paddy's Rubber Arm is the tune that stands out as my top choice, but there is not a bad song on this album. This is definitely among their finest works, and I believe would make a fine addition to your music library.

This is the best Irish music from one of the greatest Irish bands to ever come to the states from the Emerald Isle. This album demonstrates their talent is a durable and evolving phenomenon. I'm a big fan and plan to purchase any future work they produce. My great wish is that someday I'll be privileged to experience a live performance while knocking back a pint or two with my wife. Great job!! The storm must go on! Phoenix Arizona wishing you were here. Sincerely, Scott McCabe.

If you're already a fan of Gaelic Storm, then you won't be disappointed with Matching Sweaters. The album contains an excellent collection of music that follows the same formula that has worked for the group the past 17 years. Recommended!

I give some of these songs five stars, ones I immediately liked. GS had played some of them in a concert in Bristol, VA. So, here's a list of my favorites from this one: 1) Another Stupid Drinking Song - probably my favorite just because of the clever lyrics and infectious tune. The title is similar to the Austin Lounge Lizards' "One More Stupid Song About Texas" and is just as clever and addictive. 2) Girls Night in Galway - a song about groups of girls invading bars and scaring the hell out of "the stoutest of men". 3) The Narwhaling Cheesehead - an instrumental reminiscent of Buzzards of Bourbon Street and Storks of Guadalajara....if you like this kind of piece you will like this one as well. 4) Paddy's Rubber Arm - about an appendage that will not let the singer stay sober... 5) The Rustling Goat Gang - allegedly based on a newspaper account of goat rustlers in Waterford....but a lot funnier. 6) What a Way to Go - a song about grief and loss and joy and celebration of life. Improves with more playing.... A lot of times, people seem to dismiss new material from groups, but this is worth a good few listens...I swear it grows on you. If you have never seen Gaelic Storm live, it's worth checking out. When they are rested, they are some of the most energizing groups around. Their musicianship is impressive, every one of them. OK...peace out.

Another brilliant collection of music from the always fun Gaelic Storm. Everyone in the band is really hitting on all cylinders on this one, creating a collection of fun songs that will have your feet moving, your hands clapping, and your eyes smiling.

I can't believe how many times I've listened to this album since receiving it. It's a great album with some fantastic, fun story telling. This is my 2nd Gaelic Storm c.d. I look forward to collecting them all.

If you like Irish diddies and drinking songs plus a few giggles and some awesome fiddle playing, you'll enjoy this album. I have all of Gaelic Storm's albums and love the funny songs so much. They really do lift my spirits and have me raising a glass of spirits as well (sorry, I couldn't help myself). There are some beautiful pieces as well, instrumental and vocal. Gaelic Storm is like comfort food for the ears. Since this year has been especially long and difficult, I find myself playing this album over and over. Enjoy!

Gaelic Storm is always good and I have most of there albums. This one is good, but not as much fun as others. Also, the liner notes and cover art are just pitiful. I guess I'm a bit prejudice, I REALLY miss Jessie Burns!!

Favourite album at the minute! Can't stop listening to it.

Endlich Nachschub von Gaelic Storm, der fid (d)elen amerikanischen Band, die mir neben Flogging Molly, den Dropkicks, den Dubliners und den Pogues immer die nötige irische Brise in mein Heim bringt! Die "Matching Sweaters" zaubert dabei schon vor dem ersten Hören ein Lächeln auf die Lippen: das Album ist nämlich extrem lustig und sympathisch gestaltet! Nicht nur Hund und Katz präsentieren sich auf dem Cover im Partnerlook - im Booklet zeigen sich auch Patrick Murphy & Co derart modisch gestylt. Damit nicht genug - auch dem Silberling wurde das Karo-Muster verpasst und mehreren Hinweisen im Innenteil und auf der Rückseite des dipipack's kann man entnehmen, wie die pflegeleichte Scheibe korrekt zu behandeln ist (Probleme wie Einlaufen oder dergleichen werden komplett ausgeschlossen - "Quality First is Our Motto!"). Musikalisch geht's da weiter, wo man 2012 mit dem "Chicken Boxer" aufgehört hat (die '13er Scheibe "The boathouse" muss man ja etwas differenzierter sehen, weil hier traditionelle Stücke neu vertont wurden): begeisternde irische Musik, gespickt mit tollen Instrumentals - und diesmal auch (endlich!!!) wieder verfeinert mit einer wunderschönen Ballade ("Six of One")! Gute-Laune-Musik, Fiddle, Pipes, Bodhran und Akkordeon "in Vollendung" - Irish Boy, was willst du mehr?! Zum fünften Stern konnte ich mich dennoch (noch) nicht durchringen. Die CD beinhaltet zwar keinen einzigen schwachen Song, DEN absoluten "Burner" hab ich allerdings auch noch nicht für mich entdeckt. Nun ja, kann ja durchaus noch passieren - immerhin läuft das Scheibchen fast täglich in meinem Player. Jetzt bin ich nur noch gespannt, wann es den "coolen Pullunder" auch im Fanshop zu kaufen gibt...

super

Fabulous music, a must have