Casualties of Retail is the fourth album by the Celtic rock band from Toronto, Enter the Haggis. While the CD is full of the typical Haggis fare, it is also a bit of a departure for the band. Casualties of Retail contains bluegrass and traditional Celtic tunes, but at the same time the album could be considered a rock crossover album.

The album opens with an original tune by the band and is followed by two bluegrass-style tunes. The third song, "Gasoline," is where the band obtained the album's title.

Guitar player Trevor Lewington wrote two of the seven original tunes on the new album. Lead singer and fiddle player Brian Buchanan wrote three. Of the five traditional tunes Brian performs the most beautiful version of "She Moved Through the Fair" I have ever heard. One listen to "Minstrel Boy" and you will never view traditional Celtic tunes the same way again.

Seldom is it possible for a band to transfer the energy of a live show onto an album. Enter the Haggis has accomplished that task here. The album is a must-have for Haggis heads and Celtic rock fans alike. Even a pure-rock music fan should enjoy it.

- Rambles
written by Sherrill Fulghum
published 10 July 2004

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