Folk Tale
Christy Moore · 2011
38 min · 11 tracks · Celtic music
A rich tapestry of storytelling woven through traditional melodies and contemporary themes, reflecting the heart of Irish folk music.
Top tracks — play these first
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Tyrone Boys Start here — This track vividly portrays the experiences of youth in rural Ireland, blending nostalgia with a sense of longing that captures the essence of Moore's storytelling style.
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Haiti — Addressing the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake, this poignant song highlights Moore's ability to intertwine personal narratives with global humanitarian issues, showcasing his activism through art.
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Farmer Michael Hayes — This track stands out for its vivid character sketch and traditional folk sound, embodying the spirit of community and resilience found within rural Irish life.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and craftsmanship but has variable pacing that affects its overall flow.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements alongside singing, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
- The pacing varies significantly, with some songs maintaining a brisk tempo while others slow down to create reflective moments.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo storytelling
- vibrant narratives for reflection
- ideal for casual gatherings
- nostalgic themes of home
- warm melodies for afternoon
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Reflects mature artistry and storytelling, solidifying Moore's vital voice in folk.
- Career context
- By the time 'Folk Tale' was released in 2011, Christy Moore had established himself as a prominent figure in Irish folk music, with a career spanning over four decades. This album followed his earlier works like 'Listen' (2009) and continued his exploration of personal and political narratives through song.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Luka Bloom· Damien Dempsey· Andy Irvine
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Haiti
The song shifts from personal reflection to a collective call for awareness about suffering beyond local borders.
This transition emphasizes Moore's role not just as a storyteller but as a conscious artist urging listeners to engage with wider social issues.
Tracklist
- 1 Tyrone Boys Start here 4:46
- 2 Folk Tale 3:22
- 3 My Little Honda 50 2:40
- 4 Easter Snow 2:44
- 5 Farmer Michael Hayes 3:59
- 6 On Morecambe Bay 3:40
- 7 Tiles and Slabs 2:36
- 8 Haiti 3:21
- 9 Weekend in Amsterdam 3:35
- 10 Ballydine 2:48
- 11 God Woman 4:43
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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