For anyone who thinks Irish country music begins and ends with Daniel O'Donnell, this album, produced in conjunction with RTE, will prove an education. For those who love Irish country, this is an outstanding collection with many gems hard to find elsewhere. Big Tom contributes three tracks: Back in My Baby's Arms, Gentle Mother and Wedding Bells. Listening to his vocals and the infectious dance beat it is easy to understand why he is still selling out venues all over Ireland. And lest we forget, Susan McCann is here to remind us that, Big Tom Is Still the King. Philomena Begley is represented by her two great hits - Truck Drivin' Woman and Blanket On The Ground. Larry Cunningham contributes his signature song, Lovely Leitrim, as well as The Grass Grows The Greenest. Tipperary So Far Away and Gone, Gone, Gone are given his distinctive touch by Mick Flavin. Another giant of Irish Country, Ray Lynam, contributes If I Were Not Back in Love by Monday and The Gambler.

Other selections among the forty tracks include: Fair Country Roads, Back Home in Ireland, My Connemara Marble Ring, Offaly, My County, My Home and Ireland Swings. This is the genuine sound of the Irish and the music you are most likely to hear in pubs all over the country.

RTE 9018 Double-CD $20