Oysterband Greatest Hits

This is, essentially, my take on the top 20 songs the Oysterband has ever produced. This goes back to the 1988 "Wide Blue Yonder." This is a lot harder than it looks, with 30 years of music, and easily looking at 15 or so albums with 10 tracks a piece. This makes for relatively 150 numbers to choose from, and without hesitation I say that out of that 150, 130 are fantastic numbers. Well, maybe not fantastic, but if you were to give it a rating it'd be close to 6-10 for 130 of 150 potential songs. See what I mean? this compilation is greater than just a collection of some 20 songs, these are influential, intellectual, british folk rock tunes performed by the underground idols of celtic music.

Here... We..... GO! (part one of four)

#20: Put Out The Lights

This song, featured on "Shouting End of Life", proves that in their loudest form they can still tone it down and turn off the amps. The acoustic riffs and melodies found in this gem are probably not the first thing that you expected from a politically slanted folk-rock/punk album, but you find it as a staple on your radio as well as in their live shows. It's one that will keep you coming back to the Oysters time and again.

#19: No Reason to Cry

In an album of what is considered 'slower, softer, melodic folk with hints of rock', this one stands out as a hard hitting, pulse pounding, intellectually stimulating number. By far superior to anything else on this album (lyrically speaking only), this tune is as close to political as "Deep Dark Ocean" gets. It is not however, a dark song in meaning. At least not from what I can gather from it. Ever wanted to reminisce days you were growing up? This song will leave chills down your spine for hours after listening.

#18: All That Way For This

This is, in my opinion, the first 'modern' Oyster hit. It's what defines their sound in the last 20 years, less traditional, more driving, and always a happy upbeat tune to lyrics that are usually uplifting and promote trusting our fellow man instead of starting wars. This song sort of drops the theme of the album "Deserters" but it's a refreshing beginning to what has become the greatest stretch of 30 years in the folk-rock music scene.

#17: The Road To Santiago

The lyrics to this song not only rock, but they are indeed indicative of the 'not so comfortable' place the band may just end up in one day. The tin whistles and celtic melody make this a die-hard staple on the celtic musician's iPod or radio. The song is essentially about the devil following you, knowing who you are for real, and that maybe being half way up to heaven really is more like halfway down to hell.

#16: Street Of Dreams

I can't say how much this song has grown on me. I seriously had it on my playlist for weeks and weeks and just recently it's hit me as to how marvelous the tune really is. It's a standalone on "Here I Stand" as far as the sound and style are concerned, and female vocals added in to the mix only enahnce the orchestral backdrop in the instrumental ending. Phenomenal work, but sadly one that is impossible to replicate on stage. Needless to say it's been included in compilations for celtic music and such.