The Laughing Wolf

Music Review: Heather Alexander

I’ve been wanting to get more reviews and such up, so decided that is what I would do today. There is no better place to start than with the wonderful Heather Alexander.

My introduction to her came from the fiction works of John Ringo who is published by Baen Books. Actually, it came from tavern discussion generated by John and his fans. I was intrigued enough that I went to her site and ordered some of the CDs. Normally, I would not get but one to check things out, but the reaction at the tavern had been such that I decided to take the plunge.

Am I ever glad I did. When I first listened to her, I admit the voice threw me a bit but that was because I had it in my head that she was another Loreena McKinnett. Ms. Alexander’s voice is different, and can do some interesting things. She does do a “funny voice” every now and then that reminds me of the “funny voice” done by Lucy Lawless on Xena on occasion. Once I got over my preconceptions, I very much enjoyed her work.

Now, I am biased about what I do like of her work. Not everything she has done thrills me, but the majority is much more than simply likeable. She is an accomplished song writer as well, and does some truly amazing lyrics, from extremely serious to side-splittingly funny.

The song that launched my foray into her music is a good example of the serious side. "The March of Cambreadth" has to be the best war song ever written. It very much fits with my version of rational pacifism, and the lines that echo my thoughts are:

"Guard your women and children well,
Send these bastards back to hell
We'll teach them the ways of war,
They won't come here any more"

My introduction to this wonderful song came at night, parked under some trees and if listening to this with the drums and pipes under those circumstances does not get your Celt/Primitive up, check your pulse because you may be dead.

For those wanting less serious music, she does have a much lighter side as can be found in the song “Brannigan’s Special Ale” She has also done a mixture, by putting some of the words to her children’s music to the tune of “March of Cambreadth.” This action came about in part because of some fans talking on the internet. She decided that courage was the better part of valor in this case, and decided to pre-empt them.

My favorite album so far, overall, is her live “Festival Wind” though "Midsummer" is a close second. Mishearing some of her lyrics one day did almost cause a problem in traffic. I had been around some small ones that day, and with the music turned down low I misheard the lyrics as “Gypsy Bardic Tinkle People” instead of “Gypsy Bardic Tinker People.” Definitely focused my attention there for a few minutes…

This artist is well worth checking out, and I hope to finish purchasing all of her albums soon. That should say a good bit right there. Go check her out, listen to some of the music at her site if you can (Mac people will have trouble), and enjoy. Highly recommended.

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