The Chieftains & Alison Krauss - Molly Ban

[lVlasaumi]

Who in the hell goes shooting swans.....

[caretaker245231]

@lVlasaumi back when the song was written, swans were also hunted. The song dates back to 1799... the printed version anyway.

[shamrocktuesday]

this song is just beautiful

[15JwaR]

Thumbs up if your still listening in 2012

[betzdoodle43]

Tis the last day of 2011 and soon to be 2012. I will listen to this lovely music every year I am able to I hope. Happy New Year. Enjoy the tunes always!!! <3 :)

[KeshHarp]

An rud a' lionas an tsuil lion~ann se an croi !...Alison ta si 's na'Bean mo chroi....go raibh mile maith agut, tarodnet.

[Lotrfan99]

as much as i love alison krauss, lets give some big ups to the back up vocalist. she adds to the haunting sound of the harmony. 

[kernow234]

OMG HOW ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL

[riogurls]

im in love with this song.....my uncle recently died and listening to this song make me feel a lot better....thank you alison

[MOXERDLEGEND]

That is unbelievable no words to describe how amazin that sounds..... Good woman Alison your amazing..

[melissaunde]

Turtleshell, how can we not listen???? Good stuff!!!!!

[jimmylee123able]

A beautiful job



[silentfaith1993]

Her voice gives me chillbumps. It's fantastic!

[chiversjf]

I love your song

[truetenik]

Holy mackerel. I have shivers.

[topgazza]

Sheer class...a thing of beauty...as Alison is herself as well

[kocean1]

The lyrics and her voice together are sooo haunting-thanks tarodnet for the great posting...Alison at her best-I have to see her live someday.

[tedbarsalou]

@terrybeaton - Well said - they do have a way with melancholy. And thank god faint echoes of that gift traveled over the seas to the heart of bluegrass country.

[terrybeaton]

Thank God for those morose Irishmen. Sad tragedy is something of the highest beauty in these old songs.

[MsSarahHeartburn]

@terrybeaton ---Lovely & true.

[snortbag]

It doesnt get any better than this!!!

[craigsanjose]

who are the 18 who disliked this. This is music at its highest on this earth.

[josdedam]

huh. go figure...../?



[Mojodamus]

I'll just go ahead and leave my thumbs up for 2021 and 2031....

[kevindarveaux]

Alison, Paddy Malony & the Boys . . .

[vuotopiuscuro]

i like it

[Mariekesone]

Beautiful Match...i can't think of a better voice with this one:-)

[TheIrishlad12]

paddy and the boys are perfect with Alison

[petelaw44]

Beautiful, thank you... Chieftains and Alison...bless you guys...always...

[raff32]

By god there are shivers running up and down my spine

[uuunderground]

Song seems even more magical when it tells a story.

[D29418]

Best voice since Karen Carpenter

[slow389]

@D29418

WHO.....

[olarcain]

If only you could make love to a voice as this.......

[kingsmen711]

Most gracious Lord above, thanks be to thee for this beatiful gift.

[Colonoscope]

Haunting...and beautiful...

[onepipes]

17 peoples ears are painted on.

[MsSarahHeartburn]

@onepipes ---Hysterical! you're absolutely right. If you don't feel anything when you hear this, get someone to check your pulse.

[emncaity]

@onepipes

You said it.

[Turtleshell04]

Thumbs up if your still listening to this in 2011 :D

[melissaunde]

@Turtleshell04 Good Lord willing we will still be listening for a long, long time to come!

[emncaity]

@Turtleshell04

2012.

[gloorbit]

Love those pipes. Wow!

[tedstocking]

she is still one of the best bluegrass female vocalists ever

[stevetadworkz]

@tedstocking One of the best female vocalists ever.

[dougj102463]

Wonderful! Ms Krauss is my favorite singer, with a close second being Ms. Nanci Griffith. They've both sang with the Chieftains... I wonder when the two ladies will get together for a duet? Would be interesting, for sure. Good stuff.

[blue29eyes]

the voice of an angel...so beautiful.

[kocean1]

This song is magnificent ! Her voice is just amazing-just when you've heard her at her best she comes out with this-she blows me away.

[EwolDJ]

Her vibrato matches that of the pipes - is it the voice processor? - whatever, it's awesome. Paddy and Alison raise the bar for each other. I have this concert on DVD - 'Down the Old Plank Road'. Highly recommended.

[bmantx100]

Pure magic. Thank you for posting this music.

[21Pfenix]

Beautiful song.  I love it.

[furtivedig]

love it!!

they did come or are going to come in Italy isn't it?

Unfortunately I'm under exams

[DHudelson]

This song a breaks my heart and kills me.

[gryphontamer]

I love her voice. It's just so clear and poignant. Reminds me of good Judy Collins, back in the day.

[0nman]

her voice to sombre and inspite of high pitch...very pleasant to ears and soull

[stevehowedbproud]

Ohooo, look, it's Ali WITHOUT Robert Plant. How refreshing.

[greenfire919]

I think I saw a few tears from the Chieftians..

[decmasta]

@greenfire919 i know i shed a few

[patmac1100]

Here is the mark of a natural real, (non manufactured) extraordinary talent that can jump into any genre and make it their own. I have 5 copies of this and this is up there at the top.

[xsosaidthefoolx]

Alison Krauss has one of the most beautiful voices and along with the most talented Chieftains, this has to be one of the most beautiful, soulful songs I've ever had the pleasure of listening to.

[NateXTube]

15 people need to reconsider their lives.

[juscurious]

@NateXTube They might have hit the wrong button. I hit the wrong button one time.

[NateXTube]

@juscurious OK. 7 people get a fat-finger pass. The rest still need to reconsider life.

[Paybacksoon]

The sound is angelic. One of my all time favorite performances.

[0nman]

15 dyslexics...thumbs up is the other way

[greyskull979]

heaven for 5:32 minutes.

[Eadhmonn]

Celtic Music resonants with so many ancient cultures that it seems to be something we can all relate to, the voice of all our ancient parents

[SunflowerMaggie7]

so beautiful, goosebumps !! what a lovely voice this woman has

[slgrib]

Anyone who doesn't recognize the foundation of bluegrass coming from the Celts is just stupid.

[texiban001]

Waht a fantastic song! No one could have done this any better than Allison and the Cheiftains!

[mishapism]

..couldn't agree with ruister63 more..GH

[Scotty1137]

She did this Irish ballad and the Chieftains proud!

[sb2244]

Alison Krauss is absolutley amazing....what a voice, an eath bound angel without wings.

[jghildre]

What a great song, the timimg, the voice just like an Angle

[BeepBop139]

@jghildre angel?

[jghildre]

@BeepBop139 I don't think I made a comment on this, but it is a wonderful piece of music

[jghildre]

@jghildre I did make a reply  I spelled Angel sorry

[BeepBop139]

@jghildre well i clicked reply to what you said a month ago lol

[seonidh]

ancient my ass it was composed in the 18th century and is first in print in about 1799 300 years old does not make it an ancient song.

[sford605]

@seonidh

Well, the fact that the song mentions young fellows handling guns proves that it would have to be relatively recent. Gunpowder was discovered- if my memory serves me- in the thirteenth century (at least in Europe). I think ancient wasn't the right word. That being said, this song is magnificent regardless of its age :-)

[Lotrfan99]

@sford605 Irish tradition is one of oral lineage, which means I am guessing the terminology and words were changed over the course of time. The emphasis is not on the gun but rather that she was killed, in ignorance. It would work equally as well with archery or some sort of projectile. My opinion at least.

[BlueHeeler1952]

@Lotrfan99 An opinion I'd endorse..... and then hit replay, again. Ain't it grand????

[MsSarahHeartburn]

@seonidh --"Someone's got a case of the Mondays."

[christinelaker]

Alison Krauss has the most beautiful Irish style voice and the Chieftans, as always, are sublime exponents of the art of traditional Irish music.

[keirasam100]

Alison Is Brilliant Singing This, Sings It Like No Other And As For The Chieftains No Greater Words To Describe This Irish Traditional Band.

[onno1976]

brilliant!! simply brilliant....

[midnite22155]

wow i hear Sandy Denny in this ... not to take away from alison shes great ....i just hear her in this :)

[ohtom1967]

I'll never understand, that listening to this, leaves time to think about the 15 that don't like it. Poor me.

[0nman]

watch movie "song catcher" you will understand blue grass root from Irish

[Steacy783]

@0nman Two North American music's are both influenced in some way by the Irish,Country and Rock and all catagories in between.

[Dillonel91]

@Steacy783 hell yeah! In fact, i believe with Country specifically that the Irish are singlehandedly responsible for the fiddle that country artists are so proud of.

[diane022755]

The origins of folk music are Irish and Scottish. Beautiful music. How can you not enjoy this?

[195511SM]

Makes me wanna' kick back in front of a rustic cottage, my feet propped upon a stone wall....as I stare out at the ocean with a big ol' glass of Irish whiskey.....

[terrybeaton]

You're right, you win.

[00ErgoProxy00]

15 people were thought to be swans. 

[johndjh]

God bless her she made a great job of this song, brings a tear to my eye

[mrtomburn]

@Devon you are so far out with your facts that I am beginning to think you are on wacky backy. As I have said in your small mind everyone is against America. I noticed lately you like to post stuff like this on many different pages just to try to disrupt and cause hatred. There is enough hatred in the world with out a fool like you stirring it up. Get a life or get help. Molly Ban is an old Irish Lament and will always be that no matter how you try to twist it. Learn then come back humbled..

[devno9904]

@mrtomburn I just pointed out the fact that the Chieftains were involved in the anti-war movement of the 60's and were associated with pro-communist groups. Im sorry you disagree on the facts, but if Im so small minded to be Pro America what does that make you?

[terrybeaton]

@devno9904 I think you need to be carefull what you believe from Glen Beck. Nelson Mandela, even more than The Chieftans and Jane Fonda, was "associated" with Communists and so was Martin Luther King. Today there are national holidays for both these great men. As for the Chieftans, the world would be poorer without them and their music. As for you and your mud slinging, the world is still quite tolerant. As it should be. It's not your mind that's small my freind, it's your little grinchy heart.

[devno9904]

@terrybeaton Pay attention folks. What you are seeing is a templated response from the left. 1) Blame Glenn Beck,Fox News. 2) Invoke the names of MLK etc. when convenient,but our founders,Washington,Jefferson,­Adams, were scoundrels and racists.3) Use of terms such as "tolerence" in the argument,while at the same time being intolerent of the opposing viewpoint.4) Personal attack against the one holding the facts based on evidence.CHECKMATE.

[mrtomburn]

@ Devno9904 , You are an ass and should be banned from posting on any page. Just because you say things about people or groups does not make them true except maybe in your small mind. Chieftains never gave money away to any organisation communist or other. Hate them but dont lie about them you fool..

[devno9904]

@mrtomburn Its common knowlege that these people were involved with the anti-war movement in the 60's along with the likes of Jane Fonda and other pro-communist groups. Do some research before you are revealed as the small minded fool.

[mrtomburn]

She is with out doubt very good, but Molly Ban Is an Irish song and many a good Irish Female singer can sing this better. Alison is in a class of her own but so are the Irish and their voices. Irish singing is an art in its own right. I am not knocking Alison who is a lovely singer in her own right.

[rufus566]

@mrtomburn

Alison is of Scots/Irish heritage who plays Scots/Irish immigrant music. Anyway, the pronunciation of "Molly Ban" instead of "Molly Baun" suggests that the tune is from the Ontario (Canadian) version which is different than the original. A song brought over by Scots/Irish collectors being sung by a lady with Scots/Irish heritage seems very appropriate. The Chieftains gig is to bring Irish music in different forms to the masses. Its like you have never heard of the Chieftains!

[pro3tlb]

I know of very few voices that are so clear and at the right pitch to be understood so well. Allison is at the top of that list along with the late Anita Carter.

[jethro035181]

....great song...great singer.....but....the chieftains are in the same league as chuck norris.....you're not allowed to knock them

[devno9904]

Hard to understand why these bunch of burnt-outs, aka The Cheiftans, are being honored by American musicians. If you would do a little research on these clowns you would find they protested Vietnam war, called our soldiers murderers, and donated large sums of concert proceeds to communist and anti-american organizations.

[mariat3900]

@devno9904 I'm not denying that, I actually don't know. What I do know is that they do a large amount of touring in America...

[TheMadbarc]

Only one word for it Fantastic Alison rocks and the Chieftains are no too bad as well.

[sleethmitchell]

has anyone heard this basic story sung as 'polly vaughn'? different melody but also

lovely. she is extremely good, but with the chieftains behind you, well, they could make daffy duck sound good.

[jjbaccus1969]

wow! that's really overthinking it. Just say that she has a beautiful voice.

[emncaity]

I wonder if she ever gets tired of being stunning with that voice.

[dawood17]

There's no accounting for tastes, but 15 people have devils in their ears and veins.

[val91201]

@dawood17

The 15 clowns are used to hear only Lady Caca and Britney Spreads (misspelings intentional)

[RolandJoynce]

How can an angel fall to earth?

[adcnortty]

Voice of the angels.....

[sandinmyears1]

I always knew this song as Polly Von from Peter, Paul, and Mary's album "In the Wind." A different tune but almost identical lyrics. I like both.

[rbcastillo]

How young was Molly Ban?

[k0vert]

@rbcastillo How old is your Molly Ban? That is how old she is. This is a song that is meant to touch everyone who hears it.

[meleeECI]

Such a classy lady, very pretty but she doesn't flaunt it like so many other stars do.

[joshewha]

This is one of the most beautifully sung songs I have heard in a while!

[SlightlySusan]

Whether you call her Molly Bond or Molly Ban,her song is sung again and again because so many people know in their hearts that the story is true.

[emncaity]

@SlightlySusan

It's "Ban" (or "Bawn," as it was earlier phoneticized).  If read as "bean" (pronounced approximately the same as "bahn" in Irish, as in "bean si" or banshee), it means simply "woman," which might indicate a way-back attempt to make the story archetypal (as with "Adam" and "Eve"). If read as "ban" with an accent over the "a," as it appears in many places, it means blonde or fair.

[thegreenroomX]

anybody know the name of the background singer?

[mturrini]

This song definetly is my all time favourite!

I love the voice of Alison Krauss and I love the Chieftrains!

A wonderful combination!!!

[Blindleoblake66]

Oh Aye !!

[sandinmyears1]

That was Frank McCourt at the beginning giving the intro. I'm reading his book "Angela's Ashes" right now. Excellent.

[ProudSpeakerofWhale]

Allison Kraus should stick to Celtic music. She has such a gorgeous voice but it's hard to appreciate it when she's singing over twangy banjos and things.

[jjbaccus1969]

@ProudSpeakerofWhale Guess she should put down the violin also...she is at heart

a bluegrass musician. She has enough talent to go around.

[jimaklan]

@ProudSpeakerofWhale

no, bluegrass accentuates her lovely voice also

jimaklan

[jessicamekeller]

Wow! 

[Terenceish]

Enchanting and enthralling Alison knows, I'm sure that she is in the company of the best traditional group in the world. Don't worry about Recession just sing and dance your way out of it. Money worries are for those with money. We'll have spuds, bacon and cabbage and an extra place at the table, for you. Slán agus Beannacht.

[MinisterAilingTongue]

Sweet melancholia.

[AndryMinimal]

I'm in love, really, but not in a normal way, i felt in another world listening to this, AMAZING Alison..beautiful!

[arinvests]

Beautifully sung.

[DAVY1944]

VERY NICE

[sightsizemethod]

I had this on in work and it just stopped me in my tracks. It is so powerful and brought tears to my eyes.Is it no wonder the great composers have been influenced by folk music through the ages?

[Undertaker2545]

man i like the way he playing them bagpipes they sound so good

[Marchrissa]

@Undertaker2545 not bag pipes illian pipes

[christoir246]

@Marchrissa its spelled uileann ;-)

[cheeriocheerios]

@Marchrissa I thought it was Uilleann :P

[walrus502353]

@Undertaker2545 uilleann pipes bud and they actually pre-date the bag pipes.

Paddy Maloney is the genius you refer to and yes he really can play those pipes

[sford605]

It's such a beautiful song, and when she sings it... wow, it's just amazing. She has such a clear, feminine voice. Anyone who could criticize this must just be trolling.

[tcolink]

Wow she's good

[ruister63]

15 people need to get their hearing checked, this is quite possibly the most beautiful song I have ever heard.

[RushReamsBoyz]

@ruister63 It's YouTube. It's full of haters looking for attention. This song is magnificent.

[MinisterAilingTongue]

@RushReamsBoyz They could be Star Wars indoctrinated 9 year olds who have used cell phones and ipods since they were 4 years old. It's YouTube.

[emncaity]

@ruister63

You said it.

[pearlsgirl61]

@ruister63

I totally agree with you. Her voice is so beautiful, there are hardly words to describe it. One quality I find is that her voice is haunting; another is emotion. She can make me cry, because I "feel" her hurt. lol It's late and I'm rambling. Alison is AMAZING!

[SpotterOz]

@ruister63 Gives the wife and I goosebumps it does. ;-D

[Caretaker24523]

@ruister63 you are SOOOOO right. And considering that Irish folk music is one of the foundations that bluegrass is built on..... I think this is a perfect tribute.

[Breiavis]

@ruister63 or turn up the volume ;)

[Blindleoblake66]

Aye ! Wow !

[xxEdwardTeachxx]

Wow this is amazing. I may like it better than Nickel Creek's "A Lighthouse Tale." I didn't think i'd ever say those words.

[k0vert]

thumbs up to grown men who don't mind weeping when songs like this come about.

[NinerJimFW]

Irish music is the father of bluegrass and the grandfather of country music. A bluegrass breakdown IS an Irish reel. For example Cotton Eyed Joe, new lyrics written a hundred years ago in Central Texas, tho the tune is a 1,000 year old Irish reel.

[sford605]

Amazing, tragic song.

[banjobubby]

thats thee most beautiful murder ballad ive ever heard.....im sincerly impressed

[sford605]

@banjobubby

It's not murder... it's an accident.

[banjobubby]

@sford605 akk deooends on witch way you look at it i guess, regaurdless i still love this song ha

[VISARKRASNIQI99]

This is the most beautiful song and melody I have ever heard. I am not a Celtic, but this thing makes me fall in love with that culture. absolutely terrific

[skapoosh]

People who don't like this must see the doctor!

[oresome1]

Global Harmonic Connectors <3