19 Feb 2010
Ever since my gay Donal pointed me in the direction of Crystal Swing, I've been... speechless. There is so much to say, and yet it's hard to know where to start.
But I will start by saying that, despite appearances, I am a culchie through and through, born and bred in Co Mayo, where the Irish country music scene is part of the background. Brendan Bowyer, Circle C, Big Tom... these are names that are as familiar to me as Madonna or Kylie. And yet, somehow, the world of Crystal Swing remains as arcane to me as a masonic lodge. Their amazing website is like a window into another world, that is at once familiar, and at the same time, as foreign as Mars.
But there's no point in me even trying to describe Crystal Swing. I can't possibly do them justice. What could I possibly say that could even come close to describing for you their awesomeness? I'm not even sure the words exist. At times like this, English seems like an impoverished language, lacking the kind of adjectives and superlatives that would be necessary. Is there another language that could be used to describe them with justice? German, with it's compound adjectives? Italian, with it's descriptive passion? The clicking of the Kalahari bush men? I doubt it...
How to describe this mother/daughter/son trio? How to convey the awkwardness of the lascivious glances between family members? The delicacy of the keyboard playing? The energy of the performance? The lustiness of the lyrics as sung by brother and sister?
Perhaps this quote from the "What The Stars Say" section of their website is as close as anyone can get to summing up Crystal Swing.
What can I possibly say about Crystal Swing that hasn't been said already?
I first met Mary Murray-Burke two years ago, at a tea dance for Active Retirement members in Midleton, performing alongside her son, Derek for the assembled crowd.
And this should tell you everything you need to know about Crystal Swing.
Or perhaps this one:
thanks for the great backing and accompaniment to my singing. You made it very easy for me. You provide great music for dancing. The crowd really got involved.
Fr. Donal Leahy
PP, Kilworth, Co. Cork and
Star of the Holy Show
Anyway, you must check out their website, in detail. Really. You won't be disappointed. But first, enjoy their performance of He Drinks Tequila. Turn up the volume. Live it!
The video has been up for quite a while and yet has only 200 views. Gays, this is not right. It is our gay responsibility to bring the joy of Crystal swing to the world! Go forth and multiply it!
And let me leave you with a couple of questions.
Did you know there was a "Rural TV" channel on Sky? I did not know that. I feel cheated by NTL. I'm going to immediately change cable supplier.
And lastly… Should I book Crystal Swing for Pantibar? I think I should. Wouldn't you just die to see them live? If you think I should book them, leave a comment.
UPDATE: Oh my Good Dolly! I've broken Crystal Swing! They've made their video 'private'! Whaaaaat? Noooooo!!! What have I done? Whyyyyy???!!!
Well, even though it's by FAR their best one, if you click through to YouTube you can see other ones. Not as amazing as He Drinks Tequila, but still...
UPDATE 2: And they're back! Thanks to some hard working nerd, the music hasn't died after all.
music
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