As a cat lover, I have to admit that I was fairly curious about this EP. Released as a promotional tool for the album "Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers " (Due out October, 2005) this is a fun little recording. There are three tracks on this CD and each is entertaining in its own way. 

First is a rendition of what I've long referred to as the "faire performer's contractual obligation" song. Wild Kitty gives a fun feline twist to Wild Rover, which is a song that almost everyone does and I think few of us even enjoy doing anymore. This version is fun and entertaining and the "meow meow" callbacks are delightful.

Next parodied is another old favorite, which is the title track to this EP. Light and fun, this tune gives hope that an entire album of cat parodied Irish tunes could really work. Indeed, the song seems so natural, that one unfamiliar with "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" might simply believe it to be an original tune.   

"Furagone's Wake" is certainly my favorite track. I've always loved the song and this is certainly a bit tougher to parody. Even the gaelic phrases from the original chorus get transformed, and to great effect.

This is quite an ambitious project, as it is difficult to pull something like this off without sounding like a children's album from the 70's. There are times when the EP walks that line, but it never crosses it. Overall, this is quite a bit of fun and it isn't every day that I listen to familiar songs and find myself forced to stop and listen to each lyric. That in and of itself made this a bit of fun.

The EP is $5.95 from CD Baby. A nice, inexpensive addition to any collection and certainly worth adding to your cart while picking up some of Marc Gunn's (and Brobdingnagian Bards) other albums .