Welsh-language music?

[Roguefemme]

I came across a very good suggestion somewhere for people trying to learn Welsh, which was: in order to get a feel for the language, get some music. Kid's music was recommended (for the simpler lyrics, presumably),

So, any suggestions for good music in the language? Preferably stuff that can be ordered over the 'net? ;-)

Diolch yn fawr!

[Ceri Shaw]

Hi Rogue....Celene has a superb selection of Welsh language music on her profile...names to conjure with include Ar Log, Datblygu and the inimitable Carreg Lafar.

[Ceri Shaw]

Also Reinhalt Rowlands is amazing...if you have a sense of humor....a wannabe Welsh Charles Bukowski....lol

[Gwenllian Baldock]

Just picked up this discussion and wanted to add that the videos are great too. Find them on U-tube. My brother was the voice of Rheinally aka, Owain Huw Wright and his partner Dewi Evans is still in the music business and hopefully bringing out his solo album soon.

[Ceri Shaw]

Also Anrhefn...the great Welsh language punk band...and of course Melys...much beloved of John Peel...heavy 80's influence...Human Leauge...(ish)...but better...most lyrics Welsh.

[celene]

Okay, I'm putting an Anrhefn song on my page, too! Don't have any Reinhalt Rowlands but, there is a Melys song on there already :)

[Fionnchú]

Alternative more rocking music?

Gorky's Zygotic Mynci-- especially earlier CDs, and songs on solo projects by Euros Childs; "Bore Da" the third CD by EC's all Welsh. Also Richard James' "The Seven Sleeper's Den" has a worthy song in Welsh.
Super Furry Animals-- songs off many CDs, not to mention their all-Cymraeg CD "Mwng," also see solo albums by its leader Gruff Rhys (and his early band Ffa Coffi Pawb -- great pun).
Big Leaves "Pwy Sy’n Galw".
Ectogram, especially earlier CDs (see an unfortunate trend here?)
Ankst label anthology "Volume One" from 1980s-90s.
"Welsh Rare Beat" compilations from Sain 1960s-70s.

These all lead me into finding out more about contemporary Wales and Welsh-language rock music. I prefer rawer post-punk and dronier neo-psychedelic sounds, so if you want harps and horns, find your inspiration elsewhere! Although I'd like electric folk rock similar to Horslips, Fairport, Steeleye, if any decent bands match them in Wales/Welsh.

Speaking of drones, did John Cale ever record in Welsh? Not that I know of, but I figured I'd ask.

If anyone knows of other similar works to those I've posted, kindly respond. I live faraway from any contact with anyone or anywhere in touch with this scene. I am eager to know if the GZM reissues of "Patio," "Tatay," and "Bywd Time" ever appeared anywhere for sale in Britain, as to my knowledge they were not released by Castle mid-decade as planned.

See my post from Jan. 22 over under the "Welsh Rock Music" discussion re: my review of Sarah Hill's "Blerwytirhwng?" on Welsh pop music and cultural theory. I posted on Amazon US about this book (in English) and also have reviewed both "Welsh Rare Beat" CDs, some earlier Gruff Rhys-related records, and Euros Childs' newest disc, "Cheer Gone."

Hwyl pob i chi...

[Wedi Gadael y Rhwydwaith]

Didn't John Cale do "Ar Lan y Môr" in Welsh on the film, Dal:Yma/Nawr? I don't know whether it's available anywhere. (Whoever it was, it was a cracking version - voice and piano).

There's loads of great music in Welsh - most genres. Listen to the various shows on Radio Cymru to get a cross-section (all available on bbc.co.uk/iplayer). Try especially "Hen Bethe Crwn" (when in season) for great archive material, and Huw Stevens' slot for new music.

What other good music programmes are there playing Welsh-language music? I know I'll be doing some St Davids' Day DJing on Brian O'Donovan's Celtic Sojourn (WGBH) - so we'll have the best part of an hour of Welsh right there - and possibly elsewhere, but as far as regular airplay over here is concerned, I'm at a loss.

[Emyr R. E. Pugh]

Although it's mainly in Chinese, http://www.withwelsh.com/music_song.html has a number of Welsh songs with the Welsh lyrics - if anyone's interested.

Also, http://www.bandit247.com/cy/archive/ has a great collection of modern Welsh music, but unfortunately no lyrics. If anyone needs a hand deciphering any particular song, I'd be happy to lend a hand.

[Wedi Gadael y Rhwydwaith]

The WithWelsh site is great, isn't it.

A pity Bandit's not available any more outside the UK.

[Richard Griffith]

Were you thinking of little children's songs like Dau Gi Bach, (Two little Doggies) Heno Heno (Rocking Lullaby), Robin Goch,(Robin Red Breast) or Y Ceffyl Bach? (the little horse).They are short and simple, a toddler could learn them. I have the Music and the chords, I could always upload them. My four year old is excited to learn short phrases, like Su' mae and Da Boch, hello, goodbye, good morning good night, and so on. But my Welsh is not that good, I learned it from a 100 year old bible when I was a kid, im not too good with conversational Welsh pronounciation.

[Roguefemme]

That would be great, thanks!

[Tracy Edwards Greene]

I'm very late to the thread, but, in case anyone else checks here...

Just wanted to add - http://www.danycownter3.com/ has ten tracks by various artists to download, all in Welsh, in a variety of musical styles. It's free, and I've really enjoyed it. I'm a beginning Welsh learner, and it is exciting when I hear a phrase I understand. :)

Cerys Matthews is supposed to be releasing a new album next month, with versions in Welsh and English. I love her Welsh EP - it's available through Amazon.