An alphabet of bands and artists as a series for February. These were selected by the Spotify algorithm.
Once again, this is a band I have a long history with in terms of having seen them play live numerous times, and listened to their music for over 40 years.
Their album 'Magical Ring' included the theme from Harry's Game, and also a track called 'Newgrange'. This is a prehistoric structure into which the rising sun intrudes on just one day a year: the winter solstice- there is a lottery system to be there in the chamber when it happens.
Newgrange is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in county Meath.
In 2024, they released an extended version of this album with a whole set of new music which they thought may have been lost. Even now, some of those songs have a great pull, and memories of times as a student in Huddersfield.
In 1984, they produced the music for a TV series which was watched by millions: 'Robin of Sherwood'. This was essential viewing at the time. It wasn't the first TV programme they had been associated with, but was the one that still resonates with a lot of people, with Michael Praed playing Robin.
At the time we had a TV which was rented and which had a coin box at the back. A 50p coin would provide a certain amount of viewing time. I remember watching an important episode of the show, and we had to run to get a coin as it ran out during the episode and the screen went blank.
I saw Clannad a number of times during the 1980s, including a tour to promote their Macalla album - possibly their best in terms of the range of music and the arrangements. At this time they recorded an album with Bono from U2 on vocals on 'In a Lifetime'.
They also released a single from the soundtrack from the film 'Last of the Mohicans' featuring Daniel Day Lewis.
Another album of note for me was the album 'Sirius', which was recorded with Bruce Hornsby - of which more to come later in the blog. He added a special atmosphere to that album, along with a new production sheen a long way from their earlier folkier albums with songs about seaweed.
This included the song 'Something to Believe In'.
In November 2024 the band decided to bow out from live performance with one final show.
They managed to secure the Royal Albert Hall for the venue. I was very lucky to notice this concert was being held while I was down in London overnight ahead of an early Eurostar. I logged online and saw a seat in the front stalls. It was a memorable night.
Here they are taking a final bow.
Clannad means 'family' and many of the family members had success in other ways.
One Brennan sister was Enya. More on her in a later blogpost. Moya Brennan released several solo albums and Pol Brennan was in a trio called 'Trisan' who released an album with Real World Music.
Discography:
What 'C' band comes up on your algorithm? Let me know in the comments... along with any memories of Clannad and their music.
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