The Best of Irish Folk Music
Contents
A look at some of the best Irish folk music artists and bands that you should be listening to.
Irish Folk Music Basics
Irish folk music is the traditional music of Ireland. It is a genre of Celtic music. Celtic music is a genre of folk music that is native to the Celtic countries of Europe, including Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, and the Isle of Man. Irish folk music has been influenced by many other genres, including rock and roll, blues, and pop music.
What is Irish Folk Music?
Irish folk music is the traditional music of Ireland. It has been influenced by many other genres of music, such as American country music and British folk music. Irish folk music has a distinctive sound, which is often based on traditional Irish instruments such as the tin whistle, the fiddle, the accordion, and the bodhran (a type of drum).
Irish folk music is often accompanied by Irish dancing, which is another important part of Irish culture. Irish dancing is usually done in groups, and it can be either solo or group dancing. The most famous form of Irish dancing is probably step dancing, which is often seen in traditional Irish pubs. Other forms of Irish dancing include ceili (pronounced “kay-lee”) dancing, set dancing, Sean-nós (pronounced “shan-nose”) dancing, and Morris dancing.
Irish folk music has been popularized by many famous performers, such as The Dubliners, The Chieftains, Planxty, The Pogues, and The Globetrotters. Irish folk music is also sometimes known as Celtic music or Gaelic music.
The Origins of Irish Folk Music
Irish folk music is the traditional music of the island of Ireland. It has been influenced by many factors, including Celtic music, English and Scottish music, and Continental European traditions. The Irish have a strong musical heritage, and their traditional music is an important part of their culture.
The origins of Irish folk music can be traced back to the ancient Celtic people who inhabited Ireland. These people were known for their love of music and their skill at playing instruments. The Celts were also known for their storytelling traditions, which helped to shape the Irish folk music tradition.
Irish folk music was first brought to the United States by Irish immigrants in the late 1800s. These immigrants brought with them a love for traditional Irish music and a desire to share it with others. The popularity of Irish folk music in the United States surged in the 1960s, when American folk musicians began to incorporate elements of Irish folk music into their own work.
Today, Irish folk music is enjoyed by people all over the world. It has been influenced by many different cultures and has become a staple ofIrish culture.
The Best of Irish Folk Music
Irish Folk music is some of the most beautiful music in the world. It is sad, it is happy, it is angry, it is peaceful. It is the music of a people who have seen great joy and great sorrow. Irish Folk music is the music of the heart and the soul.
The Best Irish Folk Music Albums
Whether you’re looking for a traditional Irish folk album or something with a more modern twist, there are plenty of great options to choose from. Here are some of the best Irish folk music albums that are sure to get your feet tapping.
The Dubliners – The Definitive Dubliners
This classic album from one of Ireland’s most iconic folk bands features some of their best-loved songs, including “The Wild Rover” and “Whiskey in the Jar”. If you’re looking for a taste of traditional Irish folk music, this is the perfect place to start.
The Pogues – Rum, Sodomy & the Lash
If you’re in the mood for something with a bit more of an edge, check out The Pogues’ classic album Rum, Sodomy & the Lash. With its mix of traditional folk tunes and hard-hitting political songs, it’s sure to get your blood pumping.
The Waterboys – Fisherman’s Blues
For something on the softer side, take a listen to The Waterboys’ Fisherman’s Blues. This beautiful album mixes traditional Irish folklore with elements of blues and rock to create a truly unique sound.
The Best Irish Folk Music Songs
Whether you’re looking for a rebel song to sing along to or a ballad to help you wallow in your sorrows, Irish folk music has something for everyone. Ireland has a long tradition of folk music, and the genre has produced some of the country’s most famous musicians, including The Dubliners, The Pogues, and Enya.
If you’re new to Irish folk music, here are some of the best songs to get you started:
-The Rocky Road to Dublin by The Dubliners
-The Galway Girl by Steve Earle
-The Wild Rover by The Pogues
-The Minstrel Boy by Thin Lizzy
-Raglan Road by Luke Kelly
-Black Velvet Band by The Dubliners
-Whiskey in the Jar by Thin Lizzy
-I’m a Man You Don’t Meet Every Day by The Dubliners
-Spancil Hill by Michael Coleman
Irish Folk Music Today
Irish folk music has undergone a resurgence in popularity in recent years. More and more people are interested in learning about the traditional music of Ireland and its history. Irish folk music is the perfect way to connect with your heritage and learn about a different culture. It can also be a fun and festive way to celebrate your Irish heritage.
The Future of Irish Folk Music
There is no doubt that Irish folk music is enjoying a renaissance at the moment, with more people than ever before attending concerts and festivals, and buying CDs and downloads. But what does the future hold for this vibrant musical tradition?
There are many different factors that will influence the future of Irish folk music, including changes in technology, demographics, and cultural trends.
One of the most important changes facing Irish folk music is the increasing popularity of digital streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music. This has led to a decline in CD sales, as more people are listening to music online instead of buying physical copies. This has been a challenge for many traditional musicians, who have seen their income from CD sales decrease dramatically.
However, there are also opportunities presented by these new streaming platforms. For example, Spotify offers a feature called “Spotify for Artists” which allows musicians to upload their music directly to the platform and receive payments based on how often their songs are streamed. This presents a new revenue stream for musicians, who can reach a global audience of potential listeners with just a few clicks.
Another change that will impact Irish folk music is the aging of the Baby Boomer generation. This group has always been an important part of the traditional music scene, both as performers and as audiences. As they enter retirement age, it is likely that many will no longer be able to participate in musical activities to the same extent as they have in the past. This could lead to a decline in attendance at concerts and festivals, as well as a decrease in support for traditional music groups and venues.
Finally, cultural trends also play a role in shaping the future of any musical tradition. In recent years there has been an increase in interest in so-called “heritage” or “roots” music genres such as country, bluegrass, and folk. This trend has coincided with a growing interest in traditional crafts such as quilting, canning, and baking. It is possible that this trend will continue to grow in popularity, leading more people to seek out traditional Irish folk music.
predicting precise future developments in any musical tradition is difficult, if not impossible. However, by understanding the changes that are taking place in society today, we can get a better sense of where Irish folk music might be heading in the years to come.
