The
Stockton's Wing Collection, released in 1991, is a 20 track
compilation of the first three Stockton's Wing albums, Stockton's
Wing, Take A Chance, and Light In The Western Sky. This album
charts the early years from the band's inception in 1977 to
their first major success with tracks like 'Walk Away', 'Skidoo'
and of course 'Beautiful Affair'.
The album features 5 tracks
from the first album 'Stockton's Wing' and 4 tracks from their
second release 'Take A Chance' as well as 9 tracks from the 'Light
In The Western Sky' album (currently available on cassette only).
In addition to this are the single Skidoo and the B-side of the
'Beautiful Affair' single 'Ceile Swing'.
Some tracks of note on this album include,
-
One of the first Stockton's Wing compositions
The Belltable Waltz, which was named after The Belltable
Arts Center in Limerick which was a regular venue for the
group during that period,
-
A haunting composition 'The Golden Stud'
which is a combination of Aboriginal and Irish music, the
aboriginal element was introduced by the arrival of Australian
bass and Digeredoo player Steve Cooney.
-
'Skidoo' which was composed
by Steve Cooney for the music for a television programme on
an Irish expedition to the Artic circle.
'Take
A Chance' was the first original song recorded by the
group and it features the then little known Maura O'Connell
on backing vocals.
-
'The Green Gates / The
Boy in the Gap' this track which features a
great tin Whistle solo by Paul Roche was a big hit with the
live audiences throughout the Stockton's Wing career.
-
'The Maid Behind The Bar'
again another favourite with live audiences this track displays
their ability and love of Irish traditional music which was
the founding stone of the band.
-
And of course 'Beautiful Affair'
the song that made the group a household name not only in
Ireland but also in the UK and paved the way for the success
that was to follow.