In the 1960s and '70s there was growing concern within Celtic music circles that the perceived lack of interest and participation could jeopardize the future of that tradition. With the arrival and subsequent success of artists like Altan, Seamus Egan, Eileen Ivers, and Ashley MacIsaac, those worries amount to nothing but a distant memory. The educational opportunities are now abundant, the development of talent is ongoing, and the fruits of these efforts are being harvested routinely. One of the 1990s' most exciting and gifted fiddlers is Natalie MacMaster from Cape Breton, the wonderfully Celtic-rich region of Nova Scotia.

Just as the title implies, 25 Years of Greatness is a career-spanning 32-track compilation covering most of the highlights of the Wolfe Tones' first quarter of a century. There is the important caveat, however, that like many folk groups, the Wolfe Tones have recorded many of their most popular songs several times, and this collection tends to favor more recent and/or more arranged versions of the Spartan originals that graced early albums like Let the People Sing. That's not as much of a problem as it would be with some groups, however, as the Wolfe Tones have wisely resisted any temptation to "update," "modernize," or otherwise ruin a traditional Irish folk style that has worked for them for so long; even the Fairport Convention-like electric track of the new "Rock On Rockall" has a bracingly traditional feel to it. This is the Wolfe Tones set to have if you're having just one, but there's plenty more where this came from.

Frankie Gavin and Alec Fin provide a vintage 1977 duet of Irish fiddle and bouzouki (large octave mandolin) that has withstood the test of time. Frankie and Alec are founding members of the group De Danann, a group that only recently retired after over 30 years of great music. Frankie is a legendary fiddle player known for his fast and fluid style. Alec is playing counterpoint and double lead bouzouki in complete synch. This could be called the typical old pub style back when it was rare to find more than two or three musicians playing together. The happiness of the music is overpowering and immediately stimulates toe tapping if not Irish style dancing.

It's the collection Pogues fans never dreamed would be released! This remarkable five CD collection of previously unreleased gems chronicles the bulk of the groups career; from demos recorded in 1983 through to live recordings from 2001 and all the B-sides, rare mixes and out-takes that came in-between. Also featured on this 111 track collection are unreleased soundtrack recordings, alternate versions and live recordings.