Planxty is a legendary Irish folk band that emerged in the 1970s and played a pivotal role in the revival of traditional Irish music. The band was formed by four musicians, Christy Moore, Dónal Lunny, Liam O’Flynn, and Andy Irvine, who were all well-respected musicians in their own right. The band’s name comes from the Irish word “plancstaí,” which means “musician.”
Planxty’s music is characterized by their use of traditional Irish instruments such as the uilleann pipes, bouzouki, and fiddle, combined with their unique vocal harmonies and innovative arrangements. The band’s repertoire includes traditional Irish ballads, reels, jigs, and hornpipes, as well as original compositions.
Planxty’s self-titled debut album, released in 1973, is widely regarded as a classic of the genre and is considered to be one of the most influential Irish folk albums of all time. The band’s subsequent albums, including “The Well Below the Valley” and “Cold Blow and the Rainy Night,” continued to build on their early success, earning them critical acclaim and a devoted following.
Throughout their career, Planxty remained committed to the revival and preservation of traditional Irish music, while also incorporating new and innovative elements into their sound. The band’s influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who have been inspired by their unique blend of tradition and innovation. For fans of Irish folk music, Planxty remains a must-listen band and an essential part of the genre’s history.
1. “The Blacksmith”
“The Blacksmith” is a classic Irish folk song that has been recorded by countless artists over the years. Planxty’s version of the song is a standout track from their self-titled debut album and is widely regarded as one of the band’s signature songs. The song tells the story of a young woman who falls in love with a blacksmith, only to be rejected by him. The melody is haunting and beautiful, while the band’s use of traditional Irish instruments adds an extra layer of depth and authenticity to the track. “The Blacksmith” is a timeless classic that has earned its place in the pantheon of Irish folk music.
2. “Arthur McBride”
“Planxty Arthur McBride” is a traditional Irish folk song that has been popularized by various artists, including the eponymous Irish band Planxty. The song tells the story of two men, Arthur McBride and his cousin, who encounter a group of soldiers while out for a walk. The soldiers try to enlist the two men, but they refuse and instead engage in a physical altercation. The song features a lively and intricate melody, accompanied by instruments such as the mandolin, fiddle, and bouzouki. The lyrics are poetic and vivid, showcasing the rich storytelling tradition of Irish folk music.
3. “Si Bheag Si Mhor”
“Si Bheag Si Mhor” by Planxty is a traditional Irish instrumental tune that showcases the group’s virtuosic musicianship and deep connection to Irish folk music. The song features intricate fingerpicked guitar melodies, accompanied by lilting flute and fiddle lines that weave together in a hypnotic and enchanting manner. The tune has a wistful and nostalgic quality, evoking a sense of longing for a simpler time and place. “Si Bheag Si Mhor” is a classic example of the rich and vibrant tradition of Irish folk music, and a testament to Planxty’s status as one of the genre’s most iconic and influential groups.
4. “The Well Below The Valley”
“The Well Below The Valley” is a hauntingly beautiful track that showcases Planxty’s ability to convey deep emotion through their music. The song is built around a sparse and atmospheric arrangement that gradually builds in intensity over the course of its seven-minute runtime. The lyrics are based on an old Irish ballad that tells the story of a man who discovers a well that leads to a magical underground kingdom. The melody is mournful and ethereal, while the band’s use of traditional Irish instruments adds a sense of authenticity and timelessness to the track. “The Well Below The Valley” is a standout moment on an already exceptional album, and a testament to Planxty’s gift for crafting deeply affecting folk music.
5. “As I Roved Out”
“As I Roved Out” is a traditional Irish folk song that has been performed by numerous artists, including the legendary Irish band Planxty. The song tells the story of a young man who sets out on a journey, leaving behind his love and his home. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles and trials, including a violent encounter with a gang of robbers. The song features a lively and upbeat melody, with traditional Irish instruments such as the tin whistle and fiddle. The lyrics are poetic and evocative, conveying a sense of adventure and longing that is central to the Irish folk music tradition.
6. “The Good Ship Kangaroo”
“The Good Ship Kangaroo” by Planxty is a lively and spirited traditional Irish folk song that tells the tale of a sailor’s adventures aboard a ship bound for Australia. The song features jaunty mandolin and bouzouki riffs, accompanied by lively rhythms and rousing vocal harmonies. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of life on board the ship, with lines like “We had a long journey on the sea, we were not so fond of salt beef and weevily bread” conveying a sense of the hardships and joys of seafaring. “The Good Ship Kangaroo” is a classic example of the rich and enduring tradition of Irish folk music, and a testament to Planxty’s talent for bringing these timeless songs to life.
7. “Bean Phaidin”
“Bean Phaidin” is a beautiful and haunting track from Planxty’s album, “The Well Below The Valley”. The song features a delicate and intricate arrangement that is anchored by a simple but evocative melody. The lyrics tell the story of a woman waiting for her lover to return home, and the longing and heartbreak that accompany his absence. The band’s use of traditional Irish instruments, such as the fiddle and uilleann pipes, adds a sense of timelessness and authenticity to the track. “Bean Phaidin” is a standout moment on an album that saw Planxty at the height of their creative powers.
8. “Little Musgrave”
“Little Musgrave” by Planxty is a haunting and melancholic traditional English folk ballad that tells the tale of a tragic love affair. The song features intricate acoustic guitar and mandolin melodies, overlaid with plaintive vocal harmonies that capture the sense of sorrow and loss at the heart of the story. The lyrics speak of the forbidden love between a lord’s wife and a young knight, with lines like “Oh it’s narrow, narrow make my bed, and the lady shall lie down with me” conveying a sense of the doomed passion between the two characters. “Little Musgrave” is a timeless and poignant example of the power of folk music to tell timeless stories of love and loss.
9. “Smeceno Horo”
“Smeceno Horo” is a traditional Bulgarian folk dance that has been popularized by numerous artists, including the Irish band Planxty. The song features a fast-paced and infectious melody, driven by the distinctive rhythms of Bulgarian folk music. The instrumentation includes traditional Bulgarian instruments such as the gaida (bagpipe) and tupan (drum), as well as the mandolin and bouzouki. The song’s title refers to the specific dance that accompanies the music, which involves fast footwork and intricate movements. Planxty’s interpretation of “Smeceno Horo” showcases their ability to blend different musical traditions and create a unique and dynamic sound that appeals to audiences across cultures.
10. “The Rambling Siuler”
“The Rambling Siuler” by Planxty is a rollicking and upbeat traditional Irish folk song that tells the tale of a wandering minstrel who travels the country entertaining people with his songs and stories. The song features lively rhythms, jaunty mandolin and bouzouki riffs, and energetic vocal harmonies that capture the free-spirited and adventurous nature of the protagonist. The lyrics speak of the joys of travel and the freedom that comes with living life on one’s own terms, with lines like “And when I’m old and feeble, and I cannot work no more, I’ll pack my bags and travel away” conveying a sense of the joy and excitement that comes with a life lived on the road. “The Rambling Siuler” is a classic example of the rich and enduring tradition of Irish folk music, and a testament to Planxty’s talent for capturing the spirit of these timeless songs.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
