Listen to Irish Music
From LoveToKnow Music
Do you want to listen to Irish music? Whether you have been an Irish music devote for many years or if you simply want to find out what all the fuss is about, there are plenty of websites where you can check out some of the best music Ireland has to offer, free of charge.
About Irish Music
As you might guess, "Irish music" is a bit of a vague term. There is not simply one style of Irish music. Ask ten people in Ireland what Irish music is, and you are likely to get ten different answers. In reality, every genre of music imaginable is being made by Irish artists. For the sake of our discussion, however, let’s focus on two main styles of music most associated with Ireland – folk music and popular music.
In terms of folk and traditional music, Irish folk music is relatively new. Some traditional music has a history that dates back many, many centuries, but the history of Irish folk music really only begins in the late 18th century, and the music did not really pick up steam until the 19th century. Despite the comparatively short history of Irish folk and traditional music, it has had an extraordinary amount of impact. Irish folk music, along with its very close cousin, Scottish folk music, is one of the most recognized forms of folk music around. The fiddle, flutes and whistles, along with the masterful storytelling of the lyrics, make this music immediately identifiable. The impact of Irish folk music has been far reaching, and its influence can certainly be seen in other forms of Irish music, especially Irish popular music.
In terms of popular music, Ireland has given the world many successful acts. One of the most enduring bands around, U2, is from Ireland. Van Morrison, The Cranberries, The Coors, My Bloody Valentine, The Boomtown Rats, The Undertones and Stiff Little Fingers all hail from Ireland and all combine traditional Irish influence with popular music sensibilities.
Other well known artists to emerge from Ireland include:
- The Chieftans
- The Dubliners
- Ann Moray
- Daniel O’Donnell
- Eleanor McEvoy
- The Frames
Listen to Irish Music
Ready to delve into the world of Irish music? The following websites are great places to get your Irish music fix, free of charge:
- Live Ireland – What better way to be sure that the Irish music are getting is authentic than to listen to a radio stream direct from Ireland? Live Ireland broadcasts from Dublin and in addition to playing classic and new releases from Irish artists, it also features interviews and live sessions with some of Ireland’s best known players.
- Celtic Radio – Another live streaming radio option, Celtic Radio features the best of traditional Irish music with Scots folk music thrown into the mix. Consider it a Celtic two-for-one special!
- Irish Drinking Songs – Not to perpetuate a stereotype, but it is a well known fact that the Irish like a wee drink or two, and there are so many Irish drinking songs that they may deserve to be recognized as a genre in their own right. This site lets you listen to some famous Irish drinking tunes, plus, it gives you a lyric sheet, in case you’re too many sheets to the wind to remember the words on your own as you sing along.
- Radio Tower – Radio Tower offers a clearinghouse of links to a variety of Irish radio stations that offer live streaming. It is a nice control panel page – you can go from Irish jig songs to modern popular music and back again, all with a single click of the mouse.
Your Irish Music Favorites
What do you think of when you think of Irish music? Danny Boy? Jigs? Riverdance? Sunday Bloody Sunday? Share your favorite Irish music and your favorite sites for listening to Irish music online by leaving us a comment.
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This page has been accessed 109 times. This page was last modified 22:25, 31 May 2009.
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