Enter the Haggis - new CD (2006)

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Greg B
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 11:44 PM

>Oh, I wish I was Shane McGowan, yes I wish I was Shane McGowan
>Oh, I wish I was Shane McGowan, yes I wish I was Shane McGowan

That's the sort of thing that can get your teeth knocked out, that
is...

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 01:10 PM

Here you go Mick, just so you don't feel left out!


Gaelic Storm:
http://www.myspace.com/gaelicstorm

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Effsee
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 12:40 PM

Sorry Emma B, thought you'd got them confused with the REAL thing!
Keeping fine, living quiet! How are you?

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Emma B
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 11:24 AM

Sorry Frank - the choice of music on the Blazin' Fiddles web site was not mine!
Heard them do a great couple of sets on the "Celtic Day" at the recent International Eistedfford in Llangollen a great dance of music, dance and song from Scotland, Isle of Mann, Wales, Ireland, Brittany any beyond - no "My Fair Lady" sets there :)
Nice to hear from you again - hope you're keeping well

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Big Mick
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 10:51 AM

OK, I listened. They have a fun, and polished, sound. I am not nuts about the lyrics, but I can see why they have a following. The music seems formulaic to me. It seems that ever since groups like Gaelic Storm have been around, there are all these imitators. And that is what they sound like to me. Nothing new or unique. What they do, they do well, and I found myself tapping my foot. But I surely wouldn't buy there stuff or go out of my way to see them. But then again, they aren't after my dollars.

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 10:32 AM

OK - my opinion. Please bear in mind that is all it is!

It would not load 'New monthly flavour'.

'One last drink' was very pleasant. I like the 'fusion' of sounds with some sort of pipe (don't think it was bagpipes, sounded more like another type of woodwind), violin and electric guitar.

'The apothacery' Gave up part way though. Rhythm too similar to 'One last drink' but none of the good bits.

'Gasoline'. Didn't enjoy much. The least 'Celtic' of the ones I heard.

Talking of the least Celtic I can well understand why a lot of people were disappointed. They are about as Celtic as I am. Not that there is anything at all wrong with that apart from when people are expecting Celtic, Celtic is what they should get. This was transatlantic rock with a bit of folk thrown in so the marketing people can label them.

I am sure they are good musicians. Far better than me. But if I went to see a folk band and got the best pop band in the world I think I would be very disappointed, regardless of how good they were. And that would reflect in any comments I made about the concert.

In all I feel they are not Celtic and as a rock band there are far better on the scene. I don't think I will be buying their albums. Sorry 'Guest, Loves music' and Lizzie. It is to your taste and I am sure you will enjoy them for years to come but they are not my cup of tea.

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 09:47 AM

Dave...there's a link to Enter The Haggis further up, the initial post has one to their main site....and there's a Myspace one from me.

The Road Of Tears? They played that at Siddy last year...beautiful!

Go on....I LOVE old folkies really! ;0) I'm one myself, don't forget!

xx

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Mr Fox
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 09:12 AM

Lizzie Cornish worte: - "A bit of folk rock never hurt anyone...."

Obviously written by somebody who has never heard of Scafell Pike. Or Corkscrew. Or Elencampe. Or - saints preserve us! - New Saint George.

All a cause of eardrum damage, nervous twitching and projectile vomiting in true music lovers.

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 08:39 AM

Was that a freudian slip? I think not, Just a spulling masteak:-)

NoW that's what I call music.

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 08:38 AM

Wow - Just waiting for any links to ETH and spotted the 'Road to tears' on the Battlefield webspace. What a song. From the Highland clearances to the Iraq war in four stunning verse. To coin an advertising phrase. Not that's what I call music...

:D (tG)

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: DoctorJug
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 08:35 AM

Surely Enter the Haggis can hardly be deemed offensive or illegal since we all so easily accepted Muffin the Mule.

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Mooh
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 08:19 AM

To be clear, they themselves don't lay claim to to being specifically celtic. They state that they intend a mix of influences from celtic, rock, metal, even disco...

Beauty is in the ears of the beholder.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Effsee
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 08:11 AM

Emma B, Orange Blossom set, My Fair Lady......Celtic?
Are you not thinking about "Blazin' Fiddles"?
These people are imposters!

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 07:48 AM

Lizzie - there is a whole world of difference between someone criticising the music you like and you calling them 'old folkie's' or suggesting that they must be dead! If you cannot tell the difference maybe that is why people sometimes shout at you?

Not me of course:-)

I know most of the stuff on the links you provided. Can you send us any for the band in question? I have nearly finished listening to Gerry Rafferty's 'On a wing and a prayer' so, before I load my Anthony John Clarke playlist I could give them a listen and tell you what I think.

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 07:15 AM

Mmmmm....they're good Em....you're not Baby Spice by the way, are you?

Can't beat these guys though!

http://www.myspace.com/peatbogfaeries

They even play 'Folk Police'.....and they're coming to Sidmouth any day now! YAY!

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Mooh
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 07:15 AM

I enjoyed their DVD "Live At Lanigan's Ball" including some of the extra stuff like interviews, backstage stuff, and the "making of" stuff. They aren't The Waterboys, Bohola, Lunasa, Steeleye Span, or Fairport Convention, all from whom they could take some tips, but they are a good-time rowdy sort of group that appeals to the more rock minded than the folk minded. That's okay with me, I'm not particularly biased in that regard. Their marketing is better than many such groups, putting them ahead of the pack when it comes to visibility it seems.

Trevor Lewington (guitars/vocals) has sat in with one of my bands (not the celtoid one, the rocking folk/blues one "The Preachers' Sons") and we had a fine time. Seems he's related to someone local who knows one of boys in the band.

Before we judge too harshly, remember that they are young and full of fun, and someday various members mat drift into more refined groups, or the group may suddenly "get it" and release a cd that's the living end. Have a listen to some early recordings of your current favourites, they aren't all brilliant. In the meantime, I'll like ETH for who they are now.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Emma B
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 07:08 AM

No knicker waving, no endless star struck drivel dribbling, no CAPS LOCK or pointless punctuation, no silly series of smileys
but -
just good "celtic" (whatever that means) music

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 06:52 AM

Besides MacKenzie, Dave's too busy being 'away with the Myspace Faeries and Runrig' to vote right now.... ;0)

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 06:51 AM

MacKenzie!! I've informed The Clan Wallace about you lot!

They march this evening!! Get your kilt on and prepare for battle!!!

x ;0) x



Myspace is total MAGIC!! Bringing the whole music world to your doorstep!

WOULD SOMEONE PLEASE TELL COOPE, BOYES, SIMPSON & TAMS THAT MYSPACE NEEDS THEM..URGENTLY!!!!!!

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 06:45 AM

Is knowledge of html coding a blessing or a curse?

Please vote here. {Remember; vote early vote often!}

G.

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 06:41 AM

Mmmmmm....Those Batties...don't you just love them Dave!

Awww...come on now....I'm no spring chicken myself Dave...but some of the things on this thread...well...they're not very er...pleasant are they? I'm not into being beastly about folks music....OK if you don't like something fair enough, but I get a bit peeved at some of the things folks write...that's when I jump up and down and wave my knickers in the air! AND...I really DO like Enter The Haggis, I have had them on my Myspace page for ages now! ;0)

Here you go...just for you then Dave on this hot summer's day...


http://www.myspace.com/runrigofficial


http://www.myspace.com/thebattlefieldband

AND...because I am feeling in such an excellent and happy mood today...my new favourites! (Measuring 500 on the Musical Swoonometer!)

http://www.myspace.com/theclanwallace

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 06:18 AM

I thought it was a Scottish Kung Fu movie.

Lizzie, nice to see you back and winding people up again after your sojourn:-)

The fact that you enjoy music is obvious. The fact that you call people who do not like your taste 'old folkies' and lifeless does not endear you to anyone though. May I suggest that you stick to cheering and keep off the insults for a while if you don't want people to get angry with you again?

For your information my favourite Scottish band is Runrig, closely followed by Battlefield. I also like some standard rock with the more melodic bands like Metalica and Aerosmith being at the top of my list but I also enjoy some of the heavier and 'thrashier' sounds like Korn (who use bagpipes incidentaly!).

The fact that this band, who I have not heard to be honest, play music does not necesarily make them good. I would trust many people on this site, including posters on this thread, when they tell me a band does not play well. I would reserve final judgement until I heard them myself but from what I have read above I will not go out of my way to catch ETH.

I must say I do find myself in the minority occasionaly as well - I don't particularly like, at one extreme, the Saw Doctors and, at the other, Kate Rusby - But I would never question the tastes, mental health or physical well being of those that do.

Hope you don't take this as criticism but as a piece of friendly advice on how stop people shouting at you:-D

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Megan L
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 06:04 AM

James henry that is a cruel slander I have seen the haggi in Sutherland and they all lokk perfectly content, ask Giok.

It is only the corncrake that that talks with a high pitched voice

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 05:16 AM

Hurruumhph! Well MacKenzie...some of us may keep quiet over that one! ;0)

Mick....I LOVE all types of music...traditional music can sometimes bring me to tears....but equally folk rock reminds me that yes...I AM still alive...and the old bones can still boogie a bit! ;0)

Musical 'taste' is all down to brainwave patterns, imo, and how we interpret music. I never hear the one bum note....I'm way too busy going to all the places that good music takes me in my head...and Enter The Haggis are lively and great to listen to...I'd certainly go and see them if I get the opportunity....

Equally I can't WAIT to see Coope Boyes & Simpson in a few days time at Siddy, or George Papavgeris...or Seth or Duncan McFarlane...who really ROCKS those traditional songs up when he wants to....but equally can play them very tenderly.....

Either way....it's all music, and I've no barriers....to people, music or much else in life really.....

And Sorcha....that's sad...not wanting to smile...I reckon you need to listen to Enter The Haggis for the entire day....with may be a bit of Blue Horses thrown in...and then rock around to Duncan's version of Canadee-i-o, Benjamin Bowmaneer or the Twohey Step....now the DMcF Band will DEFINITELY make ME smile...from ear to ear!! :0) :0) :0)

Go on.....take a listen to The Twohey Step....you won't be able to keep still....even MacKenzie will be rockin' in his kilt! ;0)

http://www.myspace.com/theduncanmcfarlaneband


WhoooooooOOOOOOOooooooo!

Lizzie ;0)

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 04:31 AM

Funnily enough Amergin I find that most people prefer the Real Mackenzie!

Genuinely yours

Giok

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Amergin
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 02:36 AM

I agree with Molly and several others here.....they may add pipes to the sound...but that is where the similarity with Scottish music ends...nd a very vague similarity it is too....and the lyrics are so, so....I have heard much better....I think people try to label themselves as Celtic as a marketing ploy....

I much prefer the Real Mackenzies....

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Sorcha
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 01:47 AM

So, now we know where Little Lizzie Sunshines' taste lies????

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: harpmolly
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 01:00 AM

Oddly enough, based on the tracks I heard on their MySpace page...they feel more like a quasi-celtic boy band than rock to me. Kind of an 'NSync meets Barenaked Ladies (on a really bad day), with the aforementioned Shane McGowan hero worship thrown in. Not really my cup of tea.

I'd much rather go off to the pub and mosh cheerfully to the Clumsy Lovers , who blithely steal from every tradition they can get their hands on and don't try to classify themselves as anything but fun. ;) Ahhh, Trevor...*staring dreamily into the distance...*

I'm sorry...what were we talking about? ;)

Molly

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: JohnB
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 11:15 PM

I know the piper from ETH and have heard the band a couple of times. Sorry Liz they are on the mediocre side of Great.
A "really" Great Canadian Celtic Rock band was (not sure if they still exist)Rawlings Cross.
JohnB

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: theballadeer
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 09:44 PM

I loved the Pogues, but have had little use for every "Celtic Rock" that has followed...

It seems to me they are singing the same song, and it goes like this...

Oh, I wish I was Shane McGowan, yes I wish I was Shane McGowan
Oh, I wish I was Shane McGowan, yes I wish I was Shane McGowan

...that's pretty much the whole song.

Nick

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: GUEST,maryrrf
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 08:50 PM

Well said, Big Mick!

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: MaineDog
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 08:16 PM

I have encountered them at several Scottish Highland Games and other festivals, and they are normally MUCH TOO LOUD and drown out everything else in the entire venue. Other than that they seem to be marginally acceptable.
MD

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Sorcha
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 07:24 PM

No, actually, Miss Sunshine, I don't want to smile.

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Big Mick
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 06:47 PM

I have listened to many of the "celtic rock" bands. I always ask them which "celts" they are representing. They look at me strangely. The fact is that they are not celtic in much more than name and dress, and that is a stretch. What most of them think they are imitating is Irish or Scottish influenced rock music. But once again, they miss the mark. What they are is rock bands. They might set Irish or Scottish lyrics to rock music such as Whiskey in the Jar.

There is a regional band in the Midwest. They asked me to help them with their sound and presentation. I tried to point out to them that they were just playing rock rhythms, that if they wanted to play rock with an Irish or Scottish style, they would find the thing that would make them unique would be the rhythm. I told them to listen to Bohola, which is strictly trad, but listen hard to the rhythm backing that Pat Broaders set up. Take that, apply it to the rock sound they already had, and they would be well on the way.

I don't know Enter the Haggis, and there are a number of these bands that I at least find enjoyable. Most are lost.

Lizzie, it takes more than passion to make music. It takes a willingness to study that which you are basing your music on. If you just want to make your own style, fair enough. Just don't call it "celtic rock" whatever the hell that means. I get the distinct impression from your posts that you are opposed to anything old or trad. I don't doubt that you love music, I just don't think you are discerning about what defines it.

Mick

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Greg B
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 06:37 PM

Well, it may be that they're not all that awful, but that
the engineering on the recording is awful. They may be,
like Wagner's music, 'better than they sound.'

If that's the case, they'd be wise to fix that problem
because the overwhelming consensus here is 'not good.'

And as I noted, I'm not an anti-Celtic rock fusion-hating
fuddy duddy, nor are some of the other commenters.

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 05:49 PM

Er....to be brutally honest again Dave....they ARE! ;0)

Not insisting at all Emma, just jumping up and down a bit and waving my flag high for Enter The Haggis....that's all! ;0)

Makes a nice change from ploughboys though doesn't it!

Come on....smile....you know you want to! ;0)

Yay! A bit of folk rock never hurt anyone....brings life to the parts you'd all forgotten you had!

Eh MacKenzie! ;0)

Sorry...listening to 'One Last Drink' as I type this and am jigging up and down and spluttering as I write this....:0)

"..So fire up that fiddle and give me one last drink...When the sun comes up, I will leave without a fight, the world is mine tonight!"

Mmmmm.....music with PASSION!

AYE CARAMBA!! WHOOOOOOOO!

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Emma B
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 05:20 PM

Lizzie I love lots of bands, even some of those you have gushed all over my screen like a pre-teen about, but I don't feel obliged to insist that everyone else shares my taste!

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Folkiedave
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 05:12 PM

Errr.......Lizzie - to be brutally honest - they are not.

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 05:01 PM

Ye Gods and Ancient Folkies!!

Where is the LIFE on this board???????

Can't you hear the LIFE in that music????????

They are BRILLIANT!!!

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: JamesHenry
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 04:47 PM

Georgiansilver:

Entering the haggis was indeed outlawed during the last century but it is still rumoured to be practised in remote areas of the highlands.
The custom was first mentioned in professor Duncan Biscuits' "Perversions In the Scottish Highlands" or P.I.S.H. as it became widely known. In it he describes the ceremony surrounding the entering of the haggis from when it is piped into the hall before the assembled gathering to the tune of "Duelling Bagpipes", to the lifting of the kilts and finally to the aforementioned entering.
As a test of manhood it is only allowed when the clan elders are satisfied that sufficient expertise has been gained at the "Tossing of the Caber". The "Tossers" can then be elevated to the position of "(S)haggis of the Clan".

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 04:28 PM

Crouching Dragon Hidden Talent.
G.

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 04:25 PM

I have shared a stage with Enter The Haggis on more than one occasion.
I find them all to be very nice guys. Witty, fun to talk with, happy to   
show you how to do anuthing on their given instruments. All are better than good musicians.

Can't stand the music tho'. Too loud, too limited tune wise, the vocals are usually burried in the mix.

But I keep giving them a new listen for all the reasons in the first paragraph.

Don

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Megan L
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 04:19 PM

OH give that up dear just say what you think. Honesty you know

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Emma B
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 04:18 PM

I thought they were terrible - but on closer listening decided they were worse than that !

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Sorcha
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 04:14 PM

I'm trying to behave, Megan!!!

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Megan L
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 04:14 PM

now that has never stopped you before my dear :)

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Sorcha
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 03:59 PM

I could say something nasty but I won't.
:)

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Folkiedave
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 03:57 PM

It's bad Celtic and worse rock sums it up precisely.

Errgghhh.

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 03:42 PM

I think they're great!

http://www.myspace.com/enterthehaggis

Subject: RE: Enter the Haggis
From: GUEST,maryrrf
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 03:37 PM

Have to say I agree with Greg B. Not a fan of Enter the Haggis.