The Long Black Veil (1995)

This shouldn't work — an album featuring the likes of Sting, Mick Jagger, and Sinead O'Connor as guests of the reigning kings of traditional Irish music. However, the old and new are balanced in intriguing ways. Mark Knopfler's heartfelt ''The Lily of the West'' is tasteful, while Tom Jones' rococo ''Tennessee Waltz'' provides the schlock. Luckily, the Chieftains' authoritative presence ensures that the rockers check their egos at the door, and the songs emerge as the real stars on The Long Black Veil. A-

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