Without Tommy Makem, Clancy Brothers' albums lose a bit of their Irishness, both in vocals and in playing, but it is definitely not a fatal blow. Lou Killen is a skilled singer and musician, and this 1973 double-LP has much that is worthily done. In fact, it would be my recommendation as an introduction to the Clancys for anyone who might find their bitter anti--Brit renditions, or mournful (and bitter as well) anti-World War I songs a bit much. This collection strikes a nice balance...the humorous songs are not as silly as some the Brothers have recorded, and the serious tunes are not as grim as others in their repertoire available on other CD's. For the beginner in Clancy lore, this should hook 'em. I've been a fan since 1962 or so. The ones I like best on this disc include "Gallant Forty-twa"; "Whistling Gypsy"; "Roddy McCaulay"; "Irish Rover;" "Old Woman From Wexford" and "Holy Ground." For the price, I don't think there is a better or larger collection available. (Just as an aside, I want to thank the original Kingston Trio for putting out several of these songs on their albums between 1958 and 1962. They led me to not only the Clancy Brothers, but to Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and Cisco Houston as well...and probably others, and those artists led me to investigate their own inspirations, role models and favorite writers. Such is the connective power of good music.)

Having married an Irish lass I have been dragged off to Irish Fest in Milwaukee for the past several summers, where I have been entertained by Tommy Makem on many a fine night (it usually rains). It was explained to me that Makem used to sing with the Clancy Brothers, which, of course, got around to who the Clancy Brothers might be, which, eventually, got me to listening to this album. While I have enjoyed Makem singing "Whistling Gypsy," "The Leaving of Liverpool," and "The Irish Rover," there is something to be said for the harmony of voices raised in song. "The Clancy Brothers: Greatest Hits" offers up a wide variety of Irish folk songs, as many having to do with romance and the history of the land as they do with drinking whisky. At this point the group consists of Liam, Pat and Tom Clancy along with Lou Killen (Don McLean shows up to play guitar and banjo on a track or two). I cannot speak as to how this collection stacks up against other collections of songs by the Clancy Brothers, but there is certainly nothing here to complain about.

This is one of my favorite Irish ballad CDs.The tunes are well chosen for sadness, Patriot Game to the funny Old Maid In The Garrett.There is humor and rebellion and history here, all to be enjoyed by the Irish where ever they maybe,and as my father used to say, those that wish they were Irish.

This is by far the best Clancy Brothers CD I have listened to. Not only is the price right but there are 24 songs on here with a wide range of appeal. Many are upbeat arrangements by the Clancy Brothers but there is also traditional fare here as well. BUY THIS AND YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!!

Some of the songs are little known, but all are wonderful to listen to. They're easy to sing with, and lots of fun. It's one of my favorite irish albums.