Loreena McKennitt

naturephoto1 · Oct 24, 2010

Loreena McKennitt is one of my favorite Celtic/World Music artists. I would like to whole heartily recommend her for those looking for eclectic music and an absolutely beautiful voice.

One of the CDs that I like to listen to though not what I would consider her best is the following which is just a remarkable recording:

With my new OMA New Yorker speakers and my new First Watt M2 amp this is just a beautiful well recorded CD. If your system is up to it I think that you will be pleased particularly if you already know and like her work.

Rich

Johnny Vinyl · Oct 24, 2010

naturephoto1 said:
Loreena McKennitt is one of my favorite Celtic/World Music artists. I would like to whole heartily recommend her for those looking for eclectic music and an absolutely beautiful voice.

One of the CDs that I like to listen to though not what I would consider her best is the following which is just a remarkable recording:

With my new OMA New Yorker speakers and my new First Watt M2 amp this is just a beautiful well recorded CD. If your system is up to it I think that you will be pleased particularly if you already know and like her work.

Rich

Amazing artist! Very surprised she isn't better known!

John

naturephoto1 · Oct 24, 2010

Hi John,

Yes she is; according to Wikipedia she has sold 13 million records worldwide which certainly isn't bad for a Celtic/World Music artist that isn't main stream.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loreena_McKennitt

Rich

DonH50 · Oct 24, 2010

I bought an older DVD/CD set (Live at Alhambra or something like that) for my wife. We both like it a lot, though the instrumentation is a bit eclectic. I'm glad you started this thread; just realized we have not listened to it since I finished* the new media room system. - Don

* For now, of course.

amirm · Oct 25, 2010

I have some of her albums from years back. Agree that she is a very good find.

Wardsweb · Oct 25, 2010

I think The Mask & Mirror is my favorite album of hers.

naturephoto1 · Oct 25, 2010

Wardsweb said:
I think The Mask & Mirror is my favorite album of hers.

That or The Visit, or The Book of Secrets is probably mine. But, I will have to go back and listen to my 3 favorites of hers with the new set-up more carefully. I suspect though that the one that I opened the thread with may be an even better recording though not as good for the music.

Rich

MiTT · Oct 25, 2010

I've got one of her very early CD's. I can't remember the title of the disc itself but she does a very nice cover of "The Moon's a Harsh Mistress" on it. I'll have to dig it out and give it a listen, it's been many years since I've heard it.

Steve Williams · Oct 25, 2010

IMO no one can sing The Moon's A Harsh Mistress as well as Radka Toneff did in her memorable album

naturephoto1 · Oct 26, 2010

Last evening I went back and listened again to my favorite 3 Loreena McKenitt CDs again. With the new OMA New Yorker Prototype speakers and the new First Watt M2 in the system they sound so much better than they had previously. I still am not sure though if the CD that opened the thread with is still better recorded but it may well be. Regardless, on the proper system her voice just takes on an unbelievable presence and the 4 CDs (the 3 that I listed previously are the Re-masters) are extremely well recorded.

Rich

RBFC · Oct 26, 2010

Gee, Rich, what type of speakers do you have again???

These are good albums!

Lee

naturephoto1 · Oct 26, 2010

RBFC said:
Gee, Rich, what type of speakers do you have again???

These are good albums!

Lee

Hi Lee,

I have the Prototypes of the Oswalds Mill Audio New Yorker speakers. They are really wonderful as far as I am concerned. The Production versions still have not been released and it is unfortunate that Jonathan Weiss of OMA only brought the Mini horns and did not have these for RMAF 2010. Here are some of the photos to make it easier and a reminder:

Rich

naturephoto1 · Nov 1, 2010

A new Loreena McKennitt CD is scheduled for release on November 16. It is called The Wind That Shakes the Barley.

http://www.amazon.com/Wind-That-Shakes-Barley/dp/B0043ZDU1E/ref=rsl_mainw_dpl?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Rich

naturephoto1 · Nov 11, 2010

I pre-ordered the new The Wind That Shakes the Barley CD by Loreena McKennitt. I will post my assessment of the CD soon after its arrival.

Rich

amirm · Nov 11, 2010

Seems like another classic from here. You can listen to the preview here: http://www.quinlanroad.com/explorethemusic/thewindthatshakesthebarley.asp

naturephoto1 · Nov 11, 2010

amirm said:
Seems like another classic from here. You can listen to the preview here: http://www.quinlanroad.com/explorethemusic/thewindthatshakesthebarley.asp

Thanks Amir. I already ordered the CD from Amazon but I will probably also order the limited edition 100 gm version on vinyl from Quinlan Road.

Rich

muralman1 · Nov 12, 2010

She is one of my favorites. Celts populated lands from Ireland to Turkey with outposts as far away as China. Loreena McKennitt knows this, and has attained much of her inspiration from travels afar.

I have several of her discs discussed already. You have to have a system with excellent highs. Any brightness will smear her high register punishing your ears.

naturephoto1 · Nov 24, 2010

My CD copy of Loreena McKennitts new album The Wind That Shakes the Barley:

arrived today. My vinyl copy is supposed to ship on Friday from Canada.

I am so pleased that I ordered this new CD/vinyl recording and reserved comment listening to the MP3 download. This album is much simpler than many of Loreena's better known works. It lacks the Middle Eastern influences and is almost entirely Traditional Celtic music. It is extraordinarily well recorded and Loreen's voice is just absolutely beautiful. I can not wait to receive my vinyl copy. I initially was giving this album a 3 1/2 to 4 stars based upon the MP3 download. But, now after hearing this on the CD I would rate the album at least 4 1/2 stars and possibly as high as 5. So any of you Loreena McKennit fans out there should purchase this. You will be in for a real treat as to how well the album is recorded and Loreena's beautiful voice and vocals. Just remember this is a traditional Celtic album lacking the Middle Eastern influences. I am just not enamored with the packaging. The CD is one of those that has to be slid into the envelope at the end of the packaging.

flez007 · Nov 24, 2010

I think I have at the most two of her albums, but always worried on my impression that this sort of music is basically the same, so I stayed away from her new releases. i might try her newest production based on your recommendation.

katylied · Nov 9, 2013

I also have almost all the Loreena albums but the one I like most is probably her second work "To drive the cold winter away". My CD is not with me since I moved to China but I remember that the recording was brilliant and quite natural.

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