Various Artists - ‘Dan Y Cownter 2’ (Welsh Music Foundation) Released 04/12/06

‘Dan Y Cownter 2’ comes from the Welsh Music Foundation and the Welsh Language Board. Even if you have only been vaguely aware of the Welsh music scene thanks to Super Furry Animals, this CD takes you by the hand and leads you through ten tracks of varying lyrical accessibility. Those who took Welsh at school and are just about able to sing ‘Sospan Fach’ and ‘Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’ may struggle a little.

The compilation is put together by DJ Huw Stephens, who has a strong reputation for  championing the Welsh language and music scene. Huw has his fingers in many pies. He works for the BBC Radio 1 and Radio Cymru as well as hosting the popular Bandit on S4C. So it can be assumed that Mr. Stephens knows his stuff. Kicking off with the stomping favourite Radio Luxembourg’s ‘Pwer Y Fflwer’, which has one of the most contagious choruses ever even when you’re not too sure what you’re actually singing. Slowing down into a psychedelic haze before working itself up into a frenzy.

But this eclectic compilation features something for everyone. Even kazoos. Bands like Swci Boscawen and Genod Droog make mellow and ethereal music that transcends language for language’s sake. Just the actual sounds of the words mixed with clever and soothing melodies make these tracks a pleasure to listen to.

It would be impossible to review this CD without mentioning ‘Tir A Mor’ which is perhaps one of the most beautiful folk melodies of the year. Richard James steals the show with this crystalline masterclass of acoustic guitars and haunting vocals. Those who mourned the demise of Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci wipe your eyes bask in his solo work. Y Diwygiad ‘Mewn Can Mlynedd’ is guaranteed to put the fear of God into any part time Welsh speaker. Luckily, there are lovely and reassuring female vocals are amongst all the hip hop.

All in all this is a lovely adventure into the ‘Land of My Fathers’ with a very comprehensive breakdown of Welsh language festivals and record labels. The only downside is that there are no lyrics included in Welsh or English which would have been helpful given that this CD is supposed to be an introduction.