Runrig Album: “The Best Of Runrig: Long Distance”

This is some of the most fantastic music I have ever heard. The singing is done with incredible passion, and I do mean passion. From the gut. The music is awesome. Some of these songs make you want to get up and dance, others leave you with a tear, and some of the sounds simple speak to your soul. It did take awhile to get this cd, but the wait was DEFINITELY worth it! Gets my vote.

If you've found this page and my review, here is my simple advice--just buy this CD, sit back in a dimly lit room, close your eyes and be taken on a musical journey like few others. Listen to it three or four more times, THEN come back to the Runrig section and start buying more of their CDs--all of which are terrific, fantastic, wonderful, beautiful, etc., etc.

Runrig is so underrated, undervalued, unhearalded, and undiscovered it is pathetic. A number of years ago, I bought a compilation CD of a bunch of unknown artists. The one Runrig track on that CD was "Beautiful Pain." I wore out that track. I also misread the group's name as "Big Rig" and went on Amazon, hunting for CDs. Of course I found, nothing with that song. Then, in searching iTunes for some songs, I stumbled on "Beautiful Pain" by RUNRIG!!!!!! On to Amazon for some purchases. Two weeks later--with 12 Runrig CDs and their DVD--the power of my CD collection was infinitely upgraded.

Runrig is a mixture of the Waterboys, early Van Morrison, and Big Country, with superb vocals, storytelling themes, and instrumental playing that is outstanding--YOU CAN'T GO WRONG. Just follow my advice in the first paragraph. Buy this CD first, then go from there!!!

I had the honor of not only living and working in Scotland for almost a year, but seeing Runrig at Sterling Castle for their 30th Anniversary tour. I grew up to booking agent parents through the 80's and 90's and woke up to Janis Joplin on the Stereo every morning as loud as my mother could get it. I've been a musician for over 30 years.

So, I know music and therefore when I say Runrig is incredible, I mean they're INCREDIBLE. I've been to hundreds of concerts over the years including Clapton, Santana, SRV, Motley Crue, etc. Groups and musicians known for their stage shows. But Runrig blew them all away on the grounds of Sterling Castle. It was by far the finest group of musicians together on a stage I've ever had the honor to see. My only regret was that I couldn't have my son there to see them with me.

Buy this CD. You won't regret it. Of all the CD's they have out, this one is out on top. Their live version of Loch Lomond, which I first heard on the shores of that same Loch, will bring tears to your eyes and fill you with Pride if you've got any Gaelic blood in you at all. If not, you'll love it anyway. I guarantee it'll be the best couple of bucks you've ever spent. After buying this CD, I ordered every one I could get my hands on including European imports and DVD's. Their live DVD of the 30 year concert is unreal.

SPEND THE MONEY!!!! IT'S WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!