Runrig Album: “BBC Session and Live at the Royal Concert Hall”

If you are not already a listener to the music of Runrig then what are you waiting for. Long distance is more than a culmination of a lifetime in the world of music. Runrig are a band who are not afraid to change as they know the fans will come with them, on their latest "In Search of Angels" the sound changes again. But at the heart of every piece lies the Heartland of Scotland and the will to survive of all Celts, be they from Galicia in Spain or Shetland in the north. Without them the dream of the Scottish parliament would not be here, as they sang of in "Maymorning" "I'm alive again". But they have made such an impact, making the songs of the Heartland fashionable, such as Loch Lomond, whilst playing homage to what made the Scots people great in the "Mighty Atlantic/Mara", "Flower of the West" and "Siol Goraidh", Our indestructable will to survive.

Long live Alba and long live Runrig!

I bought Runrig's tape, Long Distance, while in Scotland, and have played the microns off it! The beauty of Scotland is revealed in this album, bringing back memories of a people and land so wonderful as to be almost inconceivable. The songs in Gaelic are so soulfully sung, it bring tears to the eyes. I still don't know the meaning but it doesn't matter. Being of Irish blood, the somewhat rebellious songs made me yearn to return to a land torn between its people, some wanting freedom, others wanting British support. I cannot recommend these 2 CD's highly enough. Even if one has never been to the Scottish Highlands, tried Haggis, or seen the battlefields of "Braveheart", these CD's will take you there, just close your eyes, put the headphones on, and let Runrig take you away. I am buying another set, just in case (God forbid) they are no longer available in the future!

Old favorites already--even though I didn't even know about these guys until this year--I've been living under a rock. The Gaelic songs are my favorites, but so many foot-tappers on this one.

Even if you think you only "might" be interested in this musical genre and/or Runrig, try BBC Session/Long Distance. You'll be convinced. There are several duplicate tracks on this two disc set,but they are all worth listening to twice. What a shame that this great band doesn't get more air play in the States. They deserve much greater exposure. Production values are excellent and the "live" tracks very well done. It is all I can do to stay in my seat when "Loch Lommand" gets going and "Alba" makes me want to book the next flight out;"Rhythm of My Heart" rivals Rod Stewart. The vast majority of the material is original and thoughtfully written. There is some real poetry here. I only hope that I get an opportunity to enjoy Runrig live someday, for now these CD's will have to do.