Cornerboys

Released in 1996 on Green Linnet, Cornerboys represents a pivotal moment for the Irish supergroup Patrick Street. This fifth studio outing marked the introduction of Ged Foley on guitar and Northumbrian pipes, replacing the legendary Arty McGlynn. Foley’s presence subtly shifts the band's harmonic foundation, introducing a slightly different rhythmic lilt that complements Andy Irvine’s bouzouki. Recorded in Vermont rather than Ireland, the album possesses a unique 'cabin' acoustic - dry, immediate, and rich in mid-range frequencies. The tracklist is a balanced mix of Irvine’s signature narrative songs and high-level instrumental medleys. Critical reception highlighted the album's 'unforced' nature, praising the band for maintaining their technical precision while leaning into a more relaxed, mature ensemble sound. It remains a definitive example of how traditional music can be recorded with modern clarity without sacrificing its ancient, communal soul.