Fit?

If you like your traditional Scottish music with a lively rhythm, this is a must have album. This is the second incarnation of Old Blind Dogs with Ian Benzie replaced by Jim Malcolm for vocal leads (and flute), and Davey Cattanach wild snare drum set with congas percussion by Paul Jennings djembe, congas and snare drum set. The returning members of the original group are Jonny Hardie on fiddle / guitar and Buzzby McMillan on Cittern (a large, traditional, Scottish mandolin instrument) and bass guitar. Rory Campbell is added to the group and provides excellent Border bagpipes and whistle.Old Blind Dog here continues in the pace set by the original group with percussion driven, creative arrangements of traditional music. It is more traditional than Capercaille but the modern percussion sets it apart from the older generation bands, such as Tannyhill Weavers, Battlefield Band and Silly Wizard. Track one sets the fast pace with "Is There for Honest Poverty" a criticism of the nobility of court in contrast to the common man with "the pith o' sense an' pride o'worth - Are higher rank than a' that." The CD can be played straight through with no exceptions to all high quality tracks. The album ends with a non instrumental, voices and harmony only "Tatties and Herrin" - a tribute to a favorite Aberdeen and other sea port city fast food (potato pastry and fried fish). Unlike previous albums, this one provides the lyrics in Scottish English (a most delightful art form).I would rank "Fit?" altogether an equal to my other two favorite original group Old Blind Dogs albums, "Live" and "Close to the Bone." The 1999 album "Live" has more of an unplugged accoustic feel to it, which accents Buzzby's excellent Cittern. However, the Bagpipes in "Fit?" are an equal trade off. As a set, these albums are great listening, great to play to, and great to sing Scottish (Aberdeen) accent lyrics to. I currently own second copies of each album after playing the my first CD's to death.The group lost Buzzby after this album and the newest OBD simply has its own new chemistry that is different. Unfortunately, this leaves me missing the high energy of Ian, Dave and Buzzby. Maybe the next incarnation of the band will return to its high energy roots.

(I really want to give this 4.5 stars...)As I seem to have found most bands recently, I found out about OBD by doing a random search on Amazon. I prefer bands that can successfully blend the old with the new without getting perverted. "Perverted" in the way of utilizing strange instruments or overbearing electronic elements.Initially OBD seemed to have a new sound that I could get into. After listening to a few samples I decided to purchase "Fit?". I received my copy yesterday and I am indeed impressed.Jim's voice is... incredible. It has just the right tone and is perfectly clear and sharp. "Tramps and Hawkers" showcases this best, I think. I'd give my weight in gold to possess a voice and accent like that! Not to overlook the other members, I must note that they all seem highly competent and capable on their respective instruments. They play exceptionally well whether they are doing a solo or playing collectively.The only marks I have against their style are that they use the drums a bit too much and they only play the border pipes. Ideally, I would play the drums less and toss in some occasional highland pipes. Nevertheless, these are wee quibbles and I know I should shut up.I enjoy most of the tracks, but my top favorites are 3 - 5, 8, and 11. The first band I heard perform "Tramps and Hawkers" was the Battlefield Band, who did it rather slow; so when I heard Jim sing it I thought, "He does it too fast," but now his is my favorite version. The only two [tracks] I generally don't like are 7 (too slow) and 10 (too New Age).I haven't investigated the other OBD releases much to this point, but if they are anything like this one I will surely pick them up also.

Sitting on the back patio, last rays of the sun peeking through the trees of the forest, glass of red by my side, BBQ slowly cooks, Old Blind Dogs "Fit?" blasts through the outdoor speakers over my shoulders...it is my soul music!!!This effort even more brilliant than the last ("the world's room")...if you love, or just like modern celtic music buy this band's stuff!...

Bought this album for my stepdad and he loved old blind dogs. Very decent price for the cd he loves it

I liked most of this CD. It's not among the best for the dogs, but it's good. and that's what I think.

love it

Great group, love the cd!