Portland
Mícheál Ó Domhnaill · 1982
35 min · 9 tracks · music of Ireland
A vibrant tapestry of traditional Irish melodies woven with intricate instrumental exchanges and rich cultural storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Maudabawn Chapel / The Wild Irishman / The Moher Reel — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its lively jigs that showcase Ó Domhnaill's mastery of rhythm and melody, inviting listeners into an engaging journey through Irish folk traditions.
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Éirigh a Shiúir — This piece highlights Ó Domhnaill's ability to blend hauntingly beautiful melodies with intricate guitar work, creating a reflective moment that contrasts with the album's energetic tracks.
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Paddy’s Return / Willy Coleman’s / Up in the Air — The medley combines different styles seamlessly, showcasing not only Ó Domhnaill's technical prowess but also his deep understanding of traditional Irish music structures.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively blends traditional melodies with skilled instrumentation, making it a notable entry in Irish folk music.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- steady melodic exploration
- vibrant traditional atmosphere
- engaging session with friends
- joyful rhythms for gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer modern soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Upon the release of Portland in 1982, Mícheál Ó Domhnaill was solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in Irish folk music, following his departure from the influential group The Bothy Band. This album showcased his exceptional skills on the guitar and bouzouki, marking a significant step in his solo career after several notable collaborations.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lúnasa· Altan· The Gloaming
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Maudabawn Chapel / The Wild Irishman / The Moher Reel 3:02
- 2 Éirigh a Shiúir 4:03
- 3 Breton Gavottes 2:46
- 4 The Rolling Waves / The Market Town / Scatter the Mud 3:59
- 5 Aird Uí Chumhaing 3:39
- 6 Paddy’s Return / Willy Coleman’s / Up in the Air 4:34
- 7 Lucy's Fling / S’Iomadh Rud a Chunnaic Mi / Some Say the Devil Is Dead 4:21
- 8 Is Fada Liom Uaim Í 4:17
- 9 Tom Morrison’s / The Beare Island Reel / George White’s Favourite / Dipping the Sheep 4:58
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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