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Four Drunken Maidens

"Four drunken maidens" is yet another song learned from Brian Kelly whilst with the Idle Fellows folk-group. There is a version with a slightly different tune and lyrics to be found in 100 Irish Ballads Volume 1 which in my opinion is somewhat inferior to Brian's version. Brian sang it in a light bantering manner.
A comparison between the two versions is quite revealing in that in Brian's (English!) version, the drunken maidens consume a modest 40 quarts of beer whilst the Soodlum's version (Irish!?!) the lasses scupper an astonishing 40 gallons. For those dear surfers not acquainted with imperial measures, either amount is a suicide trip with only one possible outcome.
"Four Drunken Maidens" has been recorded by:
 Brian Kelly on "Brian Kelly In Memoriam" 
 Maddy Prior on "Summer Solstice" RealAudio
 Fairport Convention on "Fiddlestix 1970-1984" 
 A.L. Lloyd on "English Drinking Songs" 
 Various Artists on "The Best of Ireland" 
 Maddy Prior on "Summer Solstice" 
 Danny Doyle on "Emerald Encore" 
 The Evergreens on "The Irish Rover" 
 Various Artists on "An Irish Celebration"