Music of a Thousand Nights
Rita MacNeil
EMI (1997)
Rita MacNeil has been taking some heat for her latest album Music of a Thousand Nights. I think it’s safe to say it’s not Rita’s best album, but to be fair, it’s not bad. I think the reason Rita has taken some heat is because fans and critics expect Rita to keep topping her last album, but at some point this becomes impossible and you are going to disappoint those who expect a certain style. My favourite on the album is definitely “No Matter What”, her duet with Matt Minglewood. It’s upbeat, soulful sound definitely has radio potential. Depending on who you talk to, Rita’s version of “Snowbird” is the best or worst version of the gene MacLellan classic. Personally, I like it. Rita showed some gutsy originality adding a Celtic, bluegrass, downhome feel to the song. But again, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. “Troubadours” has a special meaning to Rita. It’s a dedication to her old band which included Joella Foulds, Dougie Johnson and Jerome Aucoin. It’s kind of a thank you to the troubadours and it’s not hard to tell it’s sincere. I think the critics have to loosen up a bit. Rita MacNeil is an icon. She has promoted this island and the music industry here more than anyone in canada and I, for one, am very proud of her, as we all should be. – Jack Bonaparte
