Words & Music
Planxty · 1983
40 min · 8 tracks · music of Ireland
A vibrant tapestry of traditional Irish melodies interwoven with contemporary folk sensibilities and rich storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Thousands Are Sailing — This track poignantly reflects on emigration, combining haunting melodies with evocative lyrics that capture the bittersweet experience of leaving one's homeland.
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I Pity the Poor Immigrant — A powerful interpretation that addresses themes of displacement and longing, showing the band's ability to merge traditional storytelling with emotional depth.
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Lord Baker — This lengthy narrative ballad showcases the band's expertise in weaving complex tales through intricate instrumentation and harmonies, highlighting their roots in Irish folklore.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends traditional and modern elements but lacks a strong cohesive arc throughout its runtime.
What we noticed
- The storytelling in the lyrics is prominent, often reflecting themes of emigration and cultural identity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- 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
- rich storytelling in each track
- vibrant melodies for social gatherings
- captivating narratives that unfold gradually
- short bursts of lively energy
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, immediate songs
- want heavy production
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1983, Words & Music marked Planxty's return after a six-year hiatus following their last studio album. By this time, the band had evolved from their origins in the Irish folk revival to incorporate more diverse influences, solidifying their role as pioneers of Celtic rock. This album came during a period when they were re-establishing their identity within the changing landscape of Irish music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Chieftains· Altan· Lúnasa
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Thousands Are Sailing
The moment shifts from nostalgia for home to a stark observation of the immigrant experience as it draws on personal and collective memories.
This transition deepens the emotional weight by juxtaposing the warmth of memory with the harsh realities faced by those who leave.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Queen of the Rushes / Paddy Fahys Jig 3:27
- 2 Thousands Are Sailing 5:21
- 3 Táimse im' Chodladh 4:10
- 4 Lord Baker 9:18
- 5 Accidentals / Aragon Mill 6:04
- 6 The Acorny Lasses / The Old Wheels of the World / The Spike Island Lasses 3:34
- 7 I Pity the Poor Immigrant 4:28
- 8 The Irish Marche 3:37
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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