Loreena McKennitt - Troubadours on the Rhine (LP)

Loreena McKennitt's "Troubadours on the Rhine" is a captivating journey through Celtic, New Age, and Medieval musical landscapes, released on March 7, 2012, under the Quinlan Road label. This enchanting album spans 44 minutes, featuring nine tracks that blend traditional and original compositions, showcasing McKennitt's signature ethereal vocals and masterful instrumentation.

The album opens with "Bonny Portmore," a traditional Irish tune, followed by "Down by the Sally Gardens," a poignant Irish folk song. McKennitt's rendition of "The Wind That Shakes the Barley," a classic Irish ballad, is particularly stirring. Her original compositions, such as "Between the Shadows" and "Penelope's Song," demonstrate her ability to weave contemporary themes with ancient storytelling techniques.

"Troubadours on the Rhine" also includes a haunting interpretation of "The Lady of Shalott," a medieval poem set to music, and a mesmerizing take on "The Stolen Child," inspired by W.B. Yeats' poetry. The album concludes with "The Parting Glass," a traditional Irish farewell song, leaving listeners with a sense of both melancholy and reverence.

McKennitt's intricate arrangements and evocative performances make "Troubadours on the Rhine" a standout addition to her discography, offering a rich tapestry of sound that appeals to fans of world music and those seeking a deeper connection to the past.

This 2016 Limited Edition Numbered Reissue LP is pressed on 180g vinyl.