Capercaillie - Grace And Pride: The Anthology 2004-1984 [2CD] (2004)

The dates in the title of this retrospective may seem a bit strange (you'd expect them to be arranged from earliest to latest), but in fact they accurately reflect the presentation of the material on this program, which begins with three selections from Capercaillie's most recent album (2004's Choice Language) and ends with one from their 1984 debut. In between are offered two-discs' worth of live recordings, 12" single mixes, and album tracks from the band's 20-year career -- an excellent overview of Capercaillie's frequently thrilling work that contains just enough rare and previously-unreleased material to tempt fans who already own most or all of the albums. Fronted by the sweet-voiced Karen Matheson, Capercaillie has always been unusually successful in its attempt to wed traditional Celtic songs and tunes to modern technology, alternating between straight-up trad fare ("Snuff Wife Jigs," "Rob Roy Reels") and Celtic-influenced pop songs ("Grace and Pride," "Waiting for the Wheel to Turn") with the occasional excursion into Irish/East European fusion ("Co Nu Mire Rium?") or disco-flavored mouth music ("Finlays") along the way. Very highly recommended.