More than three decades and many albums spent charting the gorgeous musical landscape of Ireland have made the Chieftains by far the world's most recognized and qualified ambassadors of Celtic sound and rhythm. Having toured the globe and garnered numerous awards, the traditional sextet has set its sights on something bigger: the pop charts. Though they've worked in the past with names like Roger Daltrey, Nanci Griffith, and Willie Nelson, on The Long Black Veil the Chieftains graduate to A-list guest stars with appearances by Sting, the Rolling Stones, and, yes, even Tom Jones.

It's a testimony to the considerable talents and character of the Chieftains that none of the celebrity personalities or egos upstage the band on this record. Rather, the musicians always stay in control and the instruments remain at the center of the songs. So while Mick Jagger delivers a stirring reading of the title song, it's the pipes and fiddles that transform the country standard into deep Gaelic soul music. Turns by Marianne Faithfull, Ry Cooder, Mark Knopfler, Sinead O'Connor, and old buddy Van Morrison (doing his own "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?") come off predictably and competently, but breathing life into familiar, mostly traditional tunes like "The Lily of the West" and "The Foggy Dew" is ultimately the province of bandleader/tin whistler Paddy Moloney and his more-than-competent mates. --Roni Sarig

2008-12-31 -- 4/5:: Keeping The Celtic Tradition Alive
If you want to hear good old-fashioned Celtic music as played in the old days then The Chieftains is one place where you will have to visit to get a taste of that music done in a way to be a delight to more modern sensibilities as well. The lads have gone to Nova Scotia here to compile music from another location in the Celtic diaspora. Moreover, as displayed here and on a number of their previousl albums they have gotten virtually a who's who of top-notch musicians from many genres to play along with them. That is always a sure sign of respect. What else can you ask for? Well here how about Mick Jagger and the boys doing "Long Black Veil" or Marianne Faithfull doing "Love Is Teasin'" (also known by many other names but the result remains the same of a love affair gone bad to a jilted lover). If you want to go to Gaelic tradition how about Sting and "Mo Ghile Mear" or "He Moved Through The Fair" (also known by other names) by Sinead O'Connor. My favorite is Ry Cooder (yes, that Ry Cooder of Buena Vista Social Club fame) doing "Coast Of Malabar". His grandmother used to sing it to him back in the days. My grandmother did the same. Nice.

2008-10-01 -- 5/5:: Long Black Veil
The Chieftains music blends so excellently with the wonderful voices that comprise this album. Whether it's the haunting "Long Black Veil" or the nostalgic "Mo Ghile Mear", the Chieftains get it right every time. If you like Irish music, Irish ballads, or even just Mick Jagger, this album is a must-have.

2008-06-23 -- 5/5:: Very good! Not for those seeking pub songs.
A fine album, with an interesting choice of songs. "Foggy Dew" and "The Long Black Veil" are especially moving.

For those seeking chipper pub music, look elsewhere. This is a fine, reflective view of Irish music. Top notch, all the way.

For serious Irish music, you can't do better than this.

2008-04-08 -- 5/5:: Different, But Worth It
This album is a lot different than the ones that Chieftains had put out before. However, having grown up and matured and now aging in Irish Traditional Music, I have to say that sometimes I need to hear and play something a bit different!
Instrumentally, The Chieftains are at their usual prime. I loved the arrangements and effort that the guests put in for this production. Hearing other artists perform in their own styles as well as keeping the Celtic spirit was inspirational and exciting to me.
I was lucky as a child to participate in 'fire in the kitchen' song eruptions whenever my family got together. As it was back then, no-one on this CD sings or plays the songs the same way. Everyone lends their own unique part to the overall performance and I found that even though the music sounded different, the spirit of playing and singing together was intertwined throughout the entire CD, making it a uniquely traditional listening experience.
Sting was exceptional. Rolling Stones, Sinead - hearing Tom Jones on the Tennessee Waltz might have sounded schmaltzy to those who are critical, but if you're listening with your heart instead of with the need to analyze everything you're listening to, you'll love hearing it as much now as you might have when it first came out. Maybe even more so because after all this time, listening to Tom Jones sounds as familiar as hearing a long lost relative. Although,The Long Black Veil I have to admit that he sings with more soul and range than any relative of mine!
I couldn't be more satisfied with my purchase. I've been sharing it with friends and family and people. Many who had not listened to The Chieftains before were impressed and are buying other Chieftain CDs now. A rather good way to share an introduction to the Heritage...

2007-10-04 -- 5/5:: Gaelic soul music...
The amazing musical talents of the Chieftains combined with some legendary rock stars doing the vocals. The result is an awesome Gaelic rock/folk cd of old Gaelic tunes which you'll love. It's a combination of Gaelic folk, rock and country which works on all levels. Kicking things off with a soulful version of MO GHILE MEAR, Sting is haunting as he sings this old Gaelic folk song. Mick Jagger is also incredible on THE LONG BLACK VEIL. Sinead O'Connor, Tom Jones, Ry Cooder, Mark Knopfler all contribute their powerful talents and a beautiful version of LOVE IS TEASIN by Marianne Faithful. The musicians never overpower the singers and vice versa it's all about the song and the story within. My only knock is Van Morrison's singing of his song 'Have I Told You Lately That I Love You', he sings it well but there isn't anything about the song that seems to make it fit here. It sounds like a cut from a Van Morrison album rather then a song of this unique album by the Chieftains. Just doesn't seem like it belongs here but watch out for the powerful DUNMORE LASSIES and the whimisical COAST OF MALABAR which would bring an old Irish friend of mine in NYC to tears every time he heard it. Powerful stuff.