The Chieftains are about the most popular traditional Irish group I know of, and rightly so. I have a 4-disc Chieftains box set that's decent, as well as "The Long Black Veil" and "The Bells of Dublin" (the latter of which is technically more of a Christmas album). They've got a ton of other CDs I haven't heard, but I do love what I know of their work. Anyway, Solas is another good group, but I only really know a couple songs of theirs that I saw videos for on Link TV. Oh yeah, and Clannad is good, though I just know what's on their greatest hits album Rogha. As for non-traditional Irish bands, I suppose there's U2. Y'know, if you want to call them Irish. Personally, I prefer The Cranberries. And Van Morrison is good. I like Enya, though her music is New Age, which means it sounds more traditional than modern, but still isn't strictly speaking "traditional." I think. I could be wrong. Actually Clannad might also be New Age. Maybe so is Loreena McKennitt? I dunno, I'm not really good with figuring out genres. Then there are bands like Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly, but I don't know them, really, I've just sort of heard of them. I'd like to get into their music someday, though.

Anyway, suffice to say, there are lots of different Irish artists and groups with lots of different sounds. And lots of Celtic artists around the world. Especially in Canada. And Boston. Sometimes I like to play some Green Day on St. Pat's, though I don't suppose they have anything to do with Ireland. I just think the name of the band fits the holiday, okay? And that's all I have to say about music. For now. Oh yeah, and you should listen to The Thistle & Shamrock on NPR, once in a while. And by the way, I don't care what anyone says, Riverdance is a good show.