The Cold blow album, doesn't get as a good a review as it should, in my opinion. I think sometimes people can get wrapped up far too much in the politics of the band and who is in and out of the band. I have read many reviews around the time saying that now Lunny is out of the band that it will never be the same. Of course it won’t but take the time and listen to this album and you will find the new formation just as impressive. For me, I love Johnny Moynihan's additions to Planxty, as I did with ‘Sweeney’s Men’ and I truly wish it had gone on for many more albums. To be extremely honest with you, the very disappointing part of this album is Not that Lunny left the band but it is actually the very lame performance by Christy Moore. I really enjoy Christy’s work a lot but his performance is lifeless and sung with no passion or feeling at all. I know it was a difficult time for the band financially and artistically but I do feel that Andy is superb on this album, as is Johnny. Listen to Andy’s ‘Green fields of Canada’ next to Christy's ‘Lakes of Pontitrain’ and you will see exactly what I mean.
Funnily enough if you actually look at many of the later Planxty albums Andys sings more songs than Christy. 'Cold Blow', ' The Woman I Loved So Well' and even their last album 'Words and Music'. I somehow feel that Andy does not get the recognition that he heartly deserves. Not only does Andy sing more songs on the later albums but his mandolin and bouzouki playing has made them a very firm part of what many people love about these albums.
‘Cold Blow and the Rainy Night’ is one of the first Planxty albums I actually picked up and at the time didn’t actually realise that Christy was the front man. This album only has three songs sung by him and five by Andy. Andy and Johnny stand out as towers of strength on this album, for me.
'Johnny cope' is a wonderfully arranged track. Sit down and turn this track up and just listen to how many changes in the arrangement of instruments there are on this short piece. This song and hornpipe of the same name, has such a powerful start that it reminds me of the feeling I had when hearing “Raggle Taggle Gypsy” for the first time. Not exactly the same feeling, but all the beauty and strength of the band hit you instantly.
The ‘Dennis Murphy’ set was one of those sets that filled every Irish session across the planet. It was a gift to every mandolin player and a real treat for both the fingers to play and for the ears to listen to. You can not help feeling a rush when the bodhran bursts in to the composition.
‘Cold Blow And The Rainy Night’ sung mainly by Christy with backing vocals of Johnny and Andy. Christy’s only strong performance on the album. I have since heard a version of this sung by Johnny Moynihan, when Christy left the band and I love that version. His vocal style works great with this track
‘P Stands For Paddy’. Johnny Moynihan vocals lead this track beautifully along in a lonesome way, till it is picked up by Liam’s whistle and finally the magic of the mandolin and bouzouki. I have always had a place in my heart for this track and indeed Johnny’s vocals. It is such a shame that Johnny never went on to make solo albums as his voice is wonderful.
‘Baneasa’s Green Glade’ IS one of those classic songs and compositions that stand the tests of time again and again. This track is still played today in Andy’s stage set and it is still as passionate and powerful as it was when recorded in 1974. This was also rerecorded on both Andy’s solo album ‘Rain on the Roof’ and by Andy’s Mozaik . Both versions must be heard if you like the original, as both version only add to the magic.
Mominsko Horo, stopped me dead in my tracks. It was after drinking far too much very cheap red wine and this music jumped out of the speakers and insisted I listen. I had never heard anything like this before and it started a love affair with Balkan music and indeed Andy Irvine’s playing for years to come. This track alone made a very deep impression on my senses and it really has a powerful presents on the album. This is still one of my all time favourite instrumental tracks and a real treat to hear and play for any bouzouki player.
Little Drummer. He is Christy as we love to hear Christy, full of passion and singing beautifully. When he sings it well, he is truly one of greats. This recording still stands today as one of my favourite Planxty songs. When Planxty performed this live, this track has even more life and energy. Simply a wonderful track.This is a song that came from Andy Irvine and Andy's mandolin playing on this is wonderful, from opening riff to the end.
'Lakes of Ponchartrain', for me this is the weakest song on the album, it just lacks energy and lacks feeling. I have indeed heard Christy perform this many times and with alot more passion behind it. I have to say though, I much prefer Paul Brady’s version but I know that this song has really touched the hearts of millions and indeed sung by everyone who owns a guitar.
‘Green fields of Canada’ again Andy’s power coming to the front here and sung with such passion and atmosphere that you will surely find the tears fill your eyes. Liam’s piping on this track is also exquisite. This has to be one of the most beautiful and moving final tracks of all time. Sung and played to sheer perfection.
This album went on to win best album of the year in 1974 and is still a wonderful album to play today. Planxty disbanded after this album, and reformed a few years later with more of the same magic. It is worth remembering though, that through all the band member changes, highs and lows, Andy Irvine and Liam O’Flynn have been the core members through it all. Their musicianship and perfection has kept Planxty’s very high standards of sound and performance constant through the years. They are still two of the most highly regarded Irish music performers to the present day.
Kieron