Herding Cats

1	Drink the Night Away 3:14
2	Strawberry Beds 4:00
3	South Australia 4:12
4	Hewlett's Set 3:40
5	Heart of the Ocean 4:29
6	Western Lilt 4:06
7	Polka Set 3:46
8	Spanish Lady 3:53
9	Devil's Set 5:48
10	Barnyards of Delgaty 2:35
11	O-Mahonny's 4:35
12	She Was the Prize 4:11
13	Titanic Set 3:22

Barnes & Noble

This California-based Celtic group got their break colliding with an iceberg -- that's right, Gaelic Storm played the steerage band in "Titanic," and there's a "Titanic Set" here to prove it. The dozen other tracks on the disc prove that there's much more to Gaelic Storm than livening up a sinking ship, though. Their take on the sea chanty genre, "South Australia," is full of fire and spirit. Celtic jigs and reels provide a basis for the multinational and multi-instrumental ensemble's interpretations, but they'll throw in touches of bluegrass, African percussion, and Spanish rhythms when they feel like it (check out "Spanish Lady" and "O'Mahonny's Set"). And it works far better than many such contemporary combinations. Producer John Whelan's edgy style can be heard too, especially in the slower tunes such as the memorable "Heart of the Ocean." Kerry Dexter

Barnes & Noble

While the Titanic sank beneath the Atlantic, the fortunes of Gaelic Storm, the film's steerage band, floated to the top. If their high-spirited gig in the movie enthralled you, you won't be disappointed with their vigorous performance on HERDING CATS. The quintet's good humor is evident throughout, from the wry liner notes to the cover art to the foot-stompin' panache of the music. This band plays with the abandon of folks who really know their stuff. "Drink the Night Away" is a jolly tune for those who love their pints, and whoever set the heave-ho pace for the sea shanty "South Australia" must be a real whip-cracker. The fun continues through medleys of lively reels and jigs, as well as in songs about ocean life, love life, and barnyard life. Add cheers, clapping, toe tapping, and the clink of glasses, and you'll feel like you're out for a night at the pub having a grand ol' time. Gaelic Storm members include Patrick Murphy on vocals and accordion, Shep Lonsdale on djembe and percussion, Samantha Hunt on fiddle, guitarist Steve Twigger, and Steve Wehmeyer on didgeridoo and bodhran. Guests include John Whelan (button accordion), Eric Rigler (whistle and uillean pipes), and Marie Reilly (fiddle). And yes, the album includes the music from Titanic. Carol Wright

All Music Guide

Herding Cats is a step forward for Gaelic Storm, applying the energy and technical skill of their debut to a deeper, better-crafted set of songs. That's no slag on the debut; it just means that Herding Cats has a bit more emotional resonance to go along with Gaelic Storm's infectious enthusiasm. The songs move from sing-alongs and pub anthems to dances and airs. Steve Huey