The Book of Invasions (album)
| The Book of Invasions: A Celtic Symphony | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 original 1976 LP cover | ||||
| Studio album by Horslips | ||||
| Released | 1976 | |||
| Genre | Celtic rock, Progressive rock | |||
| Length |
41:55 (LP) 1:06:32 (Expanded CD) | |||
| Label | Horslips Records (Ireland), DJM Records (all other countries) | |||
| Producer | Alan O'Duffy/Horslips | |||
| Horslips chronology | ||||
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| Professional ratings | |
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| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |   link |
The Book of Invasions: A Celtic Symphony is the sixth album by the Irish Celtic rock band Horslips. It was a concept album based on an adaptation of Irish legends built into a complex story. It is named for the Lebor Gabála Érenn, a book of Irish mythology known as The Book of Invasions in English. Released in 1976, it is usually considered their best work. It was their only UK top-40 album, peaking at #39. "Trouble (With a Capital T)" and "The Power and the Glory" were released as singles.
The 30th anniversary of this album was celebrated at a small gathering in Dublin organised by Horslips fans and was attended by some band members.
Track listing
The album is divided into three movements: "Geantraí" (tracks 1–8), "Goltraí" (tracks 9–11) and "Suantraí" (tracks 12–14).
- Side one
- "Daybreak" (instrumental) – 2:30
- "March Into Trouble" (instrumental) – 0:51
- "Trouble (With a Capital T)" – 3:24
- "The Power and the Glory" – 3:56
- "The Rocks Remain" – 2:49
- "Dusk" (instrumental) – 0:37
- "Sword of Light" – 4:55
- "Dark" (instrumental) – 1:37
- Side two
- "Warm Sweet Breath of Love" – 3:26
- "Fantasia (My Lagan Love)" (instrumental) – 2:55
- "King of Morning, Queen of Day" – 4:32
- "Sideways to the Sun" – 4:47
- "Drive the Cold Winter Away" (instrumental) – 0:35
- "Ride to Hell" – 4:07
- Expanded CD with bonus tracks
- "Daybreak/Drive the Cold Winter Away/Ride to Hell/Sideways to the Sun/Sword of Light" – 18:04
- "The Rights of Man" – 3:56
- "Trouble (With a Capital T)" – 3:20
Personnel
Musicians
- Charles O'Connor - fiddle, mandolin, concertina, vocals, cover design
- Jim Lockhart - keyboards, flute, whistles
- John Fean - guitar, vocals
- Barry Devlin - bass, vocals
- Eamon Carr - drums, percussion
Technical
- Alan O'Duffy - producer, engineer
- Robbie McGrath - assistant engineer
- Ian Finlay - photography
- Eric G. Bannister - art direction
- Evelyn Lunney - make-up