Rifles of the I.R.A.

by The Wolfe Tones

Overview

Although Wolfe Tones claim to have no specific political loyalties, their career is filled with songs of praise for the Irish Republicans -- admittedly, it could just be that the Ulster Unionists haven't written any decent songs -- and 1991's Rifles of the I.R.A. is their most political album ever. Almost all of the Wolfe Tones' other albums added a few non-political songs to the mix, but all 14 of these tunes deal, at times obliquely but usually most directly, with The Troubles, both historical and current. About half the tunes are traditional ballads like "Holy Ground" and popular folk songs like "God Save Ireland," with the rest of the album given to stirring rebel songs like Brendan Behan's title track and a few band originals, mostly by mandolin player Derek Warfield. One does not need to have chosen sides to enjoy Rifles of the I.R.A., as the group singing and Tom Byrne's lead vocals are attraction enough for all but the most committed Unionists, but the historical liner notes, complete with suggestions for further research, do help to add a new layer of interest to the songs. ~ Stewart Mason

Product Details

Release Date:	09/30/1991
Label:	Shanachie
UPC:	0016351523020
Rank:	41072

Tracks

1. Slievenamon
2. In Garran Na Bhile
3. Four Seasons
4. A Row in the Town (Erin Go Brath)
5. God Save Ireland
6. The Sun Is Burning
7. Big Strong Man
8. Rifles of the I.R.A.
9. Skibereen
10. Sweet Carnlough
11. Ships in Full Sail
12. Sean Tracy
13. Holy Ground
14. Uncle Nobby's Steamboat

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Wolfe Tones   Primary Artist
Noel Nagle   Uillean Pipes,Vocals,Tin Whistle
Derek Warfield   Vocals,Mandolin
Brian Warfield   Harp,Banjo,Guitar,Bodhran
Tom Byrne   Guitar,Vocals

Technical Credits

Robert Vosgien   Digital Mastering
The Wolfe Tones   Composer
Bill Warfield   Composer
I. Campbell   Composer
Brian Warfield   Arranger,Composer
Traditional   Composer
Ian Campbell   Composer