Billboard Picks - Album Picks

September 25, 2004,

Change in Your Pocket

Ceili Rain creates music that is thought-provoking and smile-inducing. The talented sextet has built a rabid following by touring the world, from Rome to Syracuse, N.Y. This is one of those rare albums that captures the vibrant showmanship that makes the band's concerts so potent. Tracks like the driving opener "Like a Train" and fan favorite "Stomp" demonstrate its engaging personality. Ceili's Celtic- flavored pop/rock is propelled by the songwriting and vocal chops of frontman Bob Halligan Jr. His voice is warm, supple and brimming with raw emotion. Among the highlights on this collection are "You Just So Never Know," "I'll Stick With My Own" and "Dead Presidents on Parade." Ceili Rain continually delivers smart, inventive, non-preachy music that uplifts the human spirit.—DEP