Fairytale

Ballycotton's sophomore release Fairytale showed considerable growth, as the group expanded its influences beyond those of traditional Irish music. "The Irish Opera" introduces Middle Eastern sounds to the Celtic foundation in a manner perfected years earlier by the House Band. "Whispering" is a gentle Windham Hill-esque contemporary instrumental piece possessing no distinct cultural origins. "The Horny, Drunken Wife" is a lively Irish-sounding number featuring fiddle and bouzouki. The traditional numbers "Michael Gormans," "Sweet Little Pussycat," "Ships Are Sailing," and "Home With the Girls" demonstrate musical preferences that still lie with the Celtic persuasion, while revealing subtle Middle Eastern, gypsy, and new age touches that make Ballycotton a more interesting group. "Sexy Pin-Up Girl," with its unusual rhythms and unique melody, is indicative of the band's growth and expansion.