Plain and Fancy: Tir Na Nog - A Tear And A Smile (1972 ireland, wonderful folk rock, 2012 remaster with bonus tracks)

Monday, June 17, 2024

Tir Na Nog - A Tear And A Smile (1972 ireland, wonderful folk rock, 2012 remaster with bonus tracks)

Tir Na Nog expanded their horizons on their 1972 sophomore release by adding drums (Barry DeSouza) and bass (Larry Steele), as well as some effective string arrangements. Produced by the legendary Tony Cox (Caravan, Francoise Hardy, Family), A Tear and a Smile retained all of Sonny Condell and Leo O'Kelly's offbeat phrasing, playful melodic deviations, and pastoral balladry, while subtly turning an eye to the prospects of a little commercial appeal.

The easy folk-rock of O'Kelly''s "When I Came Down" and "The Same Thing Happening" wouldn't have sounded out of place on the country-rock-heavy airwaves of U.S. radio, and even though Condell's lighthearted Noel Coward imitation on the bouncy "Bluebottle Stew" is like listening to a half-baked Monty Python skit, it works because -- like everything on A Tear and a Smile -- it's executed so sincerely. Tir Na Nog were more than mediocre, but a few songs shy of great, and fans of Ralph McTell, the Dransfields, and Cat Stevens will find common ground and much to love here.

by James Christopher Monger

The second album A Tear and a Smile takes the first steps in a more rock-oriented direciton with the addition of the rhythm section of Larry Steele (bass) and Barry DeSouza (drums). Producer Tony Cox who'd previously worked successfully with Family and Caravan adds string arrangements to some songs and there are subtle developments suggesting stronger commercial appeal. Sales remained modest but the album did manage to secure a release in the USA, with some tracks substituted for with songs from the debut. The single preceeding the album "The Lady I Love" was Melody Maker Single Of The Week!