The Wind That Shakes the Barley

For those who have long admired the mystical musings of Canadian singer and harpist Loreena McKennitt, The Wind That Shakes the Barley is an album that brings her right back to her musical roots. Traditional tunes, with lyrics occasionally supplied by W.B. Yeats and James Joyce, the album is obviously close to McKennitt’s heart and mind. “The Star of the County Down” kicks her into a most spirited gear, however she’s just as emotional and true with the soft folk musings of “The Death of Queen Jane.” “On a Bright May Morning” aches with a soulful yearn that brings her Celtic connection in line with a classic folksinger such as Jody Collins. The title track offers a haunting modal drone that sways towards McKennitt’s ethereal side. By staying true to her musical roots and listening to her fellow musicians’ instincts, McKennitt has made an album that sounds so incredibly pleasing to the ear that it’s hard to believe that it’s taken her this long to get around to making it.