Planxty
Planxty · 1973
43 min · 12 tracks · music of Ireland
An exhilarating blend of traditional Irish melodies and contemporary folk arrangements, rich in cultural resonance and instrumental virtuosity.
Top tracks — play these first
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Arthur McBride — This track stands out for its engaging storytelling and lively instrumentation, capturing the spirit of rebellion against military conscription through its catchy melody.
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Raggle Taggle Gypsy / Tabhair Dom Do Lámh — The opening track is a dynamic medley that showcases the band's ability to seamlessly weave together diverse musical elements, setting an energetic tone for the album.
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Only Our Rivers — This poignant song features reflective lyrics and a haunting melody that encapsulates themes of longing and connection to place, resonating deeply with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Planxty blends traditional and contemporary elements, showcasing strong musicianship but with some uneven pacing.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate intricate instrumental interplay, where melodies are exchanged between instruments rather than solely led by vocals.
- The pacing varies significantly; some tracks maintain a lively tempo while others slow down to highlight lyrical storytelling.
- 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
Significant within its genre. 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
- exuberant energy for gatherings
- short bursts of lively storytelling
- rich cultural resonance in melodies
- invigorating tunes for outdoor activities
Maybe skip if you
- want lengthy, immersive tracks
- prefer subdued, introspective sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1973, Planxty was the debut album from the Irish folk band Planxty, formed by prominent musicians including Christy Moore and Andy Irvine. This album marked a significant moment in the revival of Irish folk music, showcasing a fusion of traditional instrumentation with modern sensibilities.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Chieftains· Altan· Lúnasa
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Raggle Taggle Gypsy / Tabhair Dom Do Lámh 4:28
- 2 Arthur McBride 2:52
- 3 Planxty Irwin 2:16
- 4 Sweet Thames Flow Softly 4:11
- 5 Junior Crehan's Favourite / Corney Is Coming 2:38
- 6 The West Coast of Claire 5:34
- 7 The Jolly Beggar / Reel 4:23
- 8 Only Our Rivers 4:06
- 9 Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór 3:34
- 10 Follow Me Up to Carlow 2:21
- 11 Merrily Kissed the Quaker 2:41
- 12 The Blacksmith 4:09
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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