San Patricio [CD/DVD] [Deluxe Edition]

Comment: This CD helped me to appreciate the situation of the Irish Americans who served in the US Army then decided to join the Mexicans. When the Irish first came to America they faced the oppression of the Protestant majority. Political parties such as the 'Know Nothings' did not want Irish Catholics in the US. When these Catholics join the army they faced discrimination from the Protestant troops. When they were sent to the Mexican/Texan border they identified with the Mexicans because of their common religion and also there historically dislike for the English.

Books such as "The Rogue's March" by Peter F. Stevens and "The Irish Soldiers of Mexico by Michael Hogan give good descriptions of why these soldiers joined Mexico. They were not really deserters. Rather they were joining the army they could most identify with. The barbarism and cruelty show by the US command to these soldiers only reinforces the correctness of the decisions made by these proud soldiers.

Later in the US civil war in their desire to join in and become part of America the Irish were very brave and proud soldiers on both sides.

Comment: First of all,there are 2 versions: CD only & deluxe with CD & DVD. I purchased the deluxe version. I received my purchase approx 10 days after ordering. Upon receiving it I noted that the cd/dvd was encased in cardboard type casing (no jewel box plastic) it slides in the black outer case. There is a small but gorgeous foldout poster/artwork of our Lady of Guadeloupe holding a fallen soldier,along with other artwork motifs from the different songs. On the flipside it contains all the information for each song : featured artist and musicians/instruments played. No lyrics. A lot of the song titles are in Spanish with a few in English giving me a heads up that this was going to be a pretty unique album from the Chieftains. The Chieftains like to explore music from different cultures that usually have some sort of cultural connection in which they weave their music and songs into. I understand very little Spanish, however I love the many varied Hispanic cultures; this one focuses on the different styles of traditional Mexican music plus some little know intertwining history of Mexico and Ireland during the Spanish American war. Okay with that out of the way, I popped the CD in and I found this cd a joy to listen to. In true Irish spirit it has the dancing/foot stomping music, to the gut wrenching songs/airs. I watched the DVD and it is a running commentary by Paddy Maloney & Ry Cooder of the history of the San Patricios, interspersed with behind the scenes recording music for the CD with some of their guest artists. The only song fully videotape is Luz de Luna which is awesome. This was certainly Paddy's project, it looked like he had a great time making this CD & DVD, even if you don't view the DVD the joy comes through on the CD. I really liked this CD and gave it 5 stars; as with most music, taste is subjective. If you enjoy pure trad Irish, this is not for you. If you like exploring other cultural music tweaked a bit with some Irish, then you will most likely enjoy it..whether you speak Spanish or not.

Comment: I found it having historical value as well as great music combination of mexican and irish traditions,

Comment: My wife is a hugh Chieftans fan and I bought this as a surprise gift for her. She loves it.

Comment: Spanish music is lovely, story behind the CD interesting BUT 1)if you are a Chieftains fan of Trad Irish music , you will be disappointed and 2) its not at the high level the Buena Vista Social Club .
DVD is only of Paddy Maloney and Ry Cooder. Don't bother, save your money.