1975: The First Album

It's important to remember that the Bothies and Planxty were pioneers at the time. They each added to the tradition in different ways. The Bothy Band added a drive and percussive sound that has come to be identified with Irish traditional music -- indeed, many people who only know the more modern bands and artists such as Lunasa and Altan are almost shocked to hear the pure-drop stuff now, as it generally has no accompaniment like guitars or bodhrans or basses or such. Each were pioneers in the 70's and changed much about the face of traditional Irish music.

Altan, now, is a wonderful band. Paddy Keenan said (in a Irish Music Magazine interview in Sept. 2000) that it's groups like Altan and Dervish that are now holding open the door, "opening the gateways, bringing the music to new audiences and putting their own mark on it, which is the way the tradition should evolve."

Irish traditional musicians and fans Who Know still revere and love The Bothy Band. Without The Bothies and Planxty, groups like Altan and Dervish arguably could not exist.


proto-album   June 15, 2000
 11 out of 12 found this review helpful

To say that I was shocked when I read the review of this album comparing it to Planxty and Altan would be an understatement. All three bands the first of their genre. Each has been unique because, in the broader catagory of "traditional folk music" they have managed to be truly inovative. This album, I remember well when it was releasd, was REVOLUTIONARY because of the fusion of driving rock like rythmns and traditional tunes. It turned everybodies head. To say that this was the most important album of the traditional celtic folk revival would not be far off the mark. Trust me. I was there!


The unwanted voice in the wilderness   February 17, 2000
 4 out of 25 found this review helpful

As the one who has to give the lower rate, I feel bad, as though I've maligned a great album. I have not. I enjoy it very much; I just think Altan and Planxty are better, though I don't mean to say the Bothies aren't good. I guess someone had to say it.