On Live: from the Ends of the Earth Dougie MacLean performs a dozen of his most famous compositions backed only by his own delicately finger-picked guitar, including "Ready for the Storm", the song that introduced him to American audiences when it was covered by Kathy Mattea. He also sings a moving, understated version of "Caledonia", a song that has become something of an anthem for supporters of Scottish independence. MacLean's melodies retain echoes of the ancient music of Scotland, but his lyrics have a universal appeal. His songs have been covered by singers like Mary Black and Dolores Keane, played by orchestras and marching bands, and even remixed with drum loops and techno backbeats, but MacLean's intimate renditions here are destined to become the definitive versions. Over the years, MacLean has played in the seminal Scottish folk bands Tannahill Weavers and Silly Wizard, composed music for numerous television and movie soundtracks, including The Last of the Mohicans, and written a piece for chamber orchestras called "Perthshire Amber". But even though he has been successful in every musical setting he has attempted, he is still best known for his songs. --Michael Simmons