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Mountain City Girls: The McGarrigle Family Album

Eugene Powell

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The McGarrigle Family Album is a 1975 album by the Canadian folk music group Mountain City Girls. The album is a collection of traditional folk songs and original compositions, and features the vocals of Kate and Anna McGarrigle, as well as the backing vocals of their mother, Joan McGarrigle. The album was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the most important albums in Canadian folk music history.

Background

The McGarrigle family has a long history in Canadian folk music. Joan McGarrigle, the mother of Kate and Anna, was a member of the folk group The Pennywhistlers in the 1960s. Kate and Anna began playing music together as children, and in 1972 they formed the group Mountain City Girls. The group's name was inspired by the Appalachian Mountains, where their father, Frank McGarrigle, was born.

Mountain City Girls: The McGarrigle Family Album

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9285 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	475 pages

The Album

The McGarrigle Family Album was recorded in 1974 at Soundstage Studio in Toronto. The album features a mix of traditional folk songs and original compositions, including the title track, which was written by Kate and Anna. The album also includes a number of covers, including "Farewell, Farewell" by Bob Dylan and "The Parting Glass" by traditional Scottish folk singer Ewan MacColl.

The album was produced by Joe Boyd, who is best known for his work with Nick Drake and Fairport Convention. Boyd's production gives the album a warm and intimate sound, and the McGarrigles' vocals are beautifully recorded. The album's songs are all well-written and performed, and the album as a whole is a cohesive and enjoyable listen.

Critical Reception

The McGarrigle Family Album was a critical and commercial success. The album was praised for its beautiful vocals, its strong songwriting, and its warm and intimate sound. The album was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Folk Album, and it was ranked number 47 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Commercial Success

The McGarrigle Family Album was a commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide. The album was particularly popular in Canada, where it reached number one on the charts. The album's success helped to launch the McGarrigles' careers, and they went on to release a number of successful albums in the years that followed.

Legacy

The McGarrigle Family Album is considered to be one of the most important albums in Canadian folk music history. The album's beautiful vocals, strong songwriting, and warm and intimate sound have made it a classic of the genre. The album has also been influential on a number of other folk musicians, including Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, and Gillian Welch.

The McGarrigle Family Album is a timeless classic of Canadian folk music. The album's beautiful vocals, strong songwriting, and warm and intimate sound have made it a favorite of fans around the world. The album is a must-listen for any fan of folk music, and it is sure to continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Mountain City Girls: The McGarrigle Family Album

4.2 out of 5