Imaginational Anthem Vol. XIV: Ireland (curated by Cian Nugent) – Album Review
by Killian Laher

For the latest compilation in this series for Tompkins Square, Cian Nugent has pulled together some great Irish musicians to turn in some gorgeous instrumental pieces.  Steel guitar player David Murphy coaxes some gorgeous sounds from his instrument on The March of the King of Laois.  After the brief acoustic piece Paris Blues by Brendan Jenkinson, Junior Brother does a sprightly version of the trad song The Lark In The Morning.

Damian O’Neill of the Undertones turns in one of the highlights, a moody, evocative piece, Inside Out.  It’s light-years away from the Undertones, but it’s deeply affecting.  Nugent himself turns in a complex yet tranquil piece I Am Asleep and Don’t Waken Me.  Mark McKowski and Jerome McGlynn do a fine version of The Blackbird, while the album ends with another highlight, Sean Carpio’s Labour of Love is aptly titled, a blissed-out piece of atmospheric, acoustic music.

The whole thing works really well as an album; it’s a lovely listen to accompany sitting, staring out at the autumn sunshine.

Cian Nugent – I Am Asleep and Don’t Waken Me