Dulaman was the third studio album from Clannad, circa 1976. As with much of their early material, a first airing might convince listeners that they are in the presence of a fairly traditional and pleasant if somewhat unadventurous Irish band. This is a complete delusion. From day one Clannad were much more than this. The jazz and world influences, the use of harp and flute in lieu of the more standard fiddle and accordion, the unique vocal stylings, and the sense of magic and mystery have affected all of Clannad's work to varying degrees, and in these early years took them and their fans where even the modern Celtic bands fear to tread. Maire's vocals had matured considerably by this time as had the accompaniment of her kith and kin. The interpretations are liberal and yet respectful, especially on the stunning title track, the musically cheery but lyrically macabre "Two Sisters", the classic "Siul a Run", the dissonant "Mo Mhaire", and the gorgeous instrumentals "Cumha Eoghain Rua Ui Neill" and "Cucanandy/The Jug of Brown Ale", the latter suite being one of the most spiritually uplifting epilogues imaginable. The production is superb and the acoustic instruments blend into the channels in a gratifying way. Before Clannad were complex, before they influenced Enya and she in turn influenced them, they were deceptively simple, understated, and rock solid, as demonstrated by this timeless work.

I love this CD...From the opening strains of the title track to the gaeity of "Two Sister" and the bittersweetness of "The Galtee Hunt", this is a true Celtic masterpiece. Both playful and mystical, it takes me far away and offers escape.

Nevermind the review which says some tracks are "god-awful" it's all wrong. I don't like Clannad's later synth music, but back in the 70's, they were an amazing band. There is not a bad track on this album, although 'Suiul A Run' and 'd'Tigeas A Damhsa' stand out above all the others. Even though the album is celtic, it's got a sound which is all it's own.

As a child I used to sing the chorus of the song Dulaman whenever my mom played her LP version. I absolutely love this cd; this is Clannad at their best. Two Sisters is a a very popular song...it's just one version out of many different versions about a tale where the oldest sister pushes the youngest sister into the water just because of a man. Lorenna McKennitt has made a a version of this: The Bonny Swans. And after hearing the Two Sisters, Clannad's version is remarkably better. Give this cd a chance, you'll be glad you did.

I was never much of a fan of Irish traditional/folk music. I mainly liked Clannad for their later, 'new age' music. But I was given this album and, let me tell you, it rocks. The songs feature great musical arrangements, especially "Eirigh Is Cuir...Coiriu," my favorite fast song on the album. It's a really catchy song (I especially love the instrumental-only part of the song) that will get your feet tapping. The album also includes some beautiful, moving ballads, such as "Eirigh Suas a Stoirin," which feels like a soft mist descending and then rising. Those 2 songs alone make the album worth buying, but the other songs are great also. In fact, if I were more of a traditional-music fan to begin with, I would probably give the album 5 stars.