I love this! I like how Hayley's arrangement has a different feel than Loreena's. Music isn't supposed to always stay the same. It's supposed to change with the performer. Both recordings are amazingly good.
I totally agree. She has the rare voice which is able to stand al capella without getting boring. The songs written on her body as well. If youre a heavy metal fan, we then there simply is no base for comparing.
I think this young lady has a true angelic voice. i just think that everyone is so comfortable with Loreena's masterpiece, that it would be hard for anyone to match it. I absolutely dig hayley's voice, but the country sound is what takes it away from me. adding a tin whistle could have kept in the celtic sound. Thumbs Up, Hayley. Now I have to listen to more of your music.
With the differences in style, I would not discount either Lorena or Hayley. They are both good and do justice to this song. The majors strength being their voice.
Your right shortround4271, I just checked Amazon and in the Editorial Reviews section for Celtic Treasure [LIMITED COLLECTOR'S EDITION] it mentions The Mummer's Dance as the Bonus Track.
I like both the original version & Hayley's. Both have a beat & sound great. & to the person who said Enya's version comes close: Enya does not sing this song & never has, & I know because I have all of Enya's cds.
Some people have commented that there is lack of instrumentation on Hayley's version of this song, but actually for me I feel sometimes less instrumentation is better. Sometimes a song can have too much instrumentation & can be distracting;taking away from the vocals with overpowering instrumentation/overproduction to a degree.I am one who does prefer less instrumentation on this song & nice to hear the lovely voice of Hayley.I am a Loreena fan & was fortunate to see her once in Los Angeles.
I agree. Much as I love all the girls of Celtic Woman, they really shouldn't try to cover Loreena McKennitt. They're brilliant and talented, but Loreena really lives and breathes everything she sings and makes it absolutely come alive. Next to her, the Celtic Woman covers all sound like voice recitals.
I found Loreena McKenitt through Hayley Westenra, listening to this song specifically. I can't really say I have a preference. I thought it was a cool song and decided I had to hear the original and found a new singer who is a harper as well.
Not necessarily. They have such different voice styles, they can't really be compared on the same level. But, yeah. Loreen's instrument version kicks this one to kingdom come. This one is just missing the "I can listen to this a billion times in a row and not be tired of it" feeling.
Could not agree more! It's no fault of Hayley's, but Loreena is just so much more than a beautiful voice. She is natural, raw passion, and she lives and breathes every song she touches, turning it to gold. She is one of those truly rare talents.
I'd love to hear them sing it together, I think that with Hayley's (well not to sure how to put it so i wont) and Loreena McKennitt's passion it would be better then the two apart.
The chorus is where Hayley sounds closest to Loreena. However I have to agree Loreena makes this kind of song come alive. Still I love that Hayley is up for the challenge of matching Loreena.
@AdoreYouInAshXI Loreena is by far my favorite artist that ever lived but Hayley has a better voice. I still prefer Loreena's version to Hayley's because there is more to a performance than a great voice. You nailed it talking about Loreena's band. How she can get those fantastic performers together to tour with her is a tribute to Loreena as a person and to her musical genius.
@lapuriter Mummer's Dance is a Loreena McKennitt original. I am a huge fan and I have never heard anything about this song other than it being written by Loreena. If you have any proof for your claim please let me know.
I wonder what version of Treasure you have, because no versions contain The Mummers' Dance. It can be found on the collector's edition bonus CD of the New Zealand version of Pure and the Japanese version of Odyssey.
@Delgift Fair comment. Westenra is somewhat more "classical" Great singer. I especially like her treatments of Pokarekare Ana. L McK is somehow earthier I think.
If you listen to the original, it sound's like she is doing her best to imitate the vocals. I actually like it, but its a matter of taste. I honestly prefer Hayley's voice to Loreena's but both versions are fantastic...I have them both on one CD.
@KimyaEn I also agree with you, might just be the fact that she can't have had as much of a connection with the song. Coming from her it just sounds like pretty words :/
One of the best songs I've ever heard, but I prefer Loreena's version better. But of course no offense! Hayley sings this song with such a voice that is undescribeable who, Loreena has as well!
She sounds alot like she might have a cold, I like the original one alot better but this one is alright though I prefer when she sings it live (she's older).
On another note, Hayley did an ok job on the song but Lorennas version is much better. Not just her voice but no one can top Lorennas band.. they play musical instruments like a mad genius.
I absolutely love this song and Hayley's voice (it's gorgeous), but this made me bored. Loreena's original fully embodies the spirit of the festival she's singing about, all the wildness and fire.
She has a beautiful voice, but I tend to agree with a previous commenter - she just seems a bit flat. Especially compared to Loreena, who is so passionate.
Hayley is a great singer with great power and range, but this is Loreena's song, so covering her makes Hayley look kind of a cover artist.... Hayley could do much better if she made her own songs...
