Gleann Nimhe – The Poison Glen
Altan · 2012
52 min · 13 tracks · world music
A vibrant tapestry of traditional Irish melodies woven with intricate instrumentation and soulful vocals that evoke the spirit of the countryside.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Blackest Crow — This track stands out for its hauntingly beautiful melody and poignant lyrics that reflect themes of loss and longing, showcasing Altan's ability to blend emotional depth with traditional sounds.
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Caitlín Triall — A lively tune that highlights the band's virtuosic instrumentals and intricate harmonies, perfectly capturing the essence of Irish storytelling through music.
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The Wheels of the World — This song features compelling vocal delivery paired with rich instrumentation, creating an uplifting yet reflective atmosphere that resonates with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong compositions and skilled craftsmanship but lacks a cohesive narrative flow.
- 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
- dynamic journey unfolds
- celebratory melodies for gatherings
- rich harmonies invite participation
- wave-like pacing for exploration
- nostalgic tunes for reflection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone tracks only
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2012, Gleann Nimhe – The Poison Glen marked Altan's first album in six years, following their acclaimed 2006 album, Local Ground. At this point in their career, Altan was celebrated for revitalizing traditional Irish music, cementing their status as one of Ireland's premier folk bands while continuing to explore new musical territories.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lúnasa· The Chieftains· Clannad
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 A Fig for a Kiss / The Turf Cutter 2:48
- 2 Seolta Geala 4:00
- 3 The Ardara Girls / The Backdoor Highlands / Fáscadh Mo Léine (The Wringing of My Shirt) / Reel in A / Ciaran Tourish’s Reel 6:05
- 4 An Ghealóg 4:57
- 5 Caitlín Triall 3:23
- 6 The New Rigged Ship / Eddie Curran’s Monaghan Twig / Kitty the Hare 4:28
- 7 The Blackest Crow 4:50
- 8 The Lancers Jig / The Further in the Deeper 3:11
- 9 The Lily of the West 4:34
- 10 The Wheels of the World 4:04
- 11 Cailín Deas Crúite na mBó 4:23
- 12 Tommy Potts’ Slip Jig 2:48
- 13 The House on the Corner 2:32
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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