Review by Jesse Fox
Nationally, the Dropkick Murphys might be best known for their rocking song in 2006's "The Departed" (the one with the accordion, banjo, and yelling). Though the band has been around for over a decade now, they were born to have a song in this movie. They are so Boston (their home town) it hurts; they are brash, incredibly Irish, and die hard Red Sox fans (even recording the anthem for the 2004 championship team). Listen to the first 30 seconds of any song and it will scream (literally) Boston at you. This is due to their very honest mixture of Celtic folk music and hardcore punk.
The truth is Dropkick Murphys (I am really confused how to shorten their name, so from now on I will refer to them as Dropeys) are actually a faithful representation of the two genres they choose to blend. Blending punk music with another genre is natural and almost essential since its inception when poor, young punk kids started getting influenced by the reggae clubs located across the London street.
With the Dropeys the result is kind of a double-edged sword of sorts because if you know you don't like this type of punk and you know don't like Irish folk music then you know you won't like the band, unless you are from Boston where they get the hometown bias. Nothing about their combination will change your feelings about these two very different genres. The Dropeys are not looking to desaturate these influences for good or for bad.
Looking to expand your horizons? Than The Meanest of Times isn't a bad place to start. Though, hardcore punk and Celtic folk are not usually the hot itunes top downloads, the Dropeys are truly adept at making their music. The songs are tight and well produced, without losing the bands signature brashness and exuberance. It is an album about friends and family, using urban Boston as a backdrop.
The first single "The State of Massachusetts" reflects these themes and is very indicative of the sound of the album. It's gruff, Irish sounding, and surprisingly melodic. "God Willing" is just a joyous Celtic-punk romp, which also shows a band that is maybe stepping away from their hardcore roots. Most accurately, they sound a lot like Rancid after a six-pack of Guinness and a plate haggis (wait maybe that's Scottish). The true standout is "Fairmount Hill," the lone ballad amongst the chaos. It truly is heartfelt and touching.
When it is all said and done The Meanest of Times does have a few highlights but also gets quite monotonous. It's definitely worth a listen or two; however, if it doesn't catch your fancy at first glance it won't at second or third, it does not particularly grow on you. It is perfect though if you like punk music and also really liked that dancing scene in "Titanic."
Dropkick Murphys
The Meanest of Times
Tracklist:
01. Famous For Nothing
02. God Willing
03. The State Of Massachusetts
04. Tomorrow's Industry
05. Echoes On "A." Street
06. Vices And Virtues
07. Surrender
08. (F)lannigan's Ball
09. I'll Begin Again
10. Fairmount Hill
11. Loyal To No One
12. Shattered
13. Rude Awakenings
14. Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya
15. Never Forget
Nationally, the Dropkick Murphys might be best known for their rocking song in 2006's "The Departed" (the one with the accordion, banjo, and yelling). Though the band has been around for over a decade now, they were born to have a song in this movie. They are so Boston (their home town) it hurts; they are brash, incredibly Irish, and die hard Red Sox fans (even recording the anthem for the 2004 championship team). Listen to the first 30 seconds of any song and it will scream (literally) Boston at you. This is due to their very honest mixture of Celtic folk music and hardcore punk.The truth is Dropkick Murphys (I am really confused how to shorten their name, so from now on I will refer to them as Dropeys) are actually a faithful representation of the two genres they choose to blend. Blending punk music with another genre is natural and almost essential since its inception when poor, young punk kids started getting influenced by the reggae clubs located across the London street.
With the Dropeys the result is kind of a double-edged sword of sorts because if you know you don't like this type of punk and you know don't like Irish folk music then you know you won't like the band, unless you are from Boston where they get the hometown bias. Nothing about their combination will change your feelings about these two very different genres. The Dropeys are not looking to desaturate these influences for good or for bad.
Looking to expand your horizons? Than The Meanest of Times isn't a bad place to start. Though, hardcore punk and Celtic folk are not usually the hot itunes top downloads, the Dropeys are truly adept at making their music. The songs are tight and well produced, without losing the bands signature brashness and exuberance. It is an album about friends and family, using urban Boston as a backdrop.
The first single "The State of Massachusetts" reflects these themes and is very indicative of the sound of the album. It's gruff, Irish sounding, and surprisingly melodic. "God Willing" is just a joyous Celtic-punk romp, which also shows a band that is maybe stepping away from their hardcore roots. Most accurately, they sound a lot like Rancid after a six-pack of Guinness and a plate haggis (wait maybe that's Scottish). The true standout is "Fairmount Hill," the lone ballad amongst the chaos. It truly is heartfelt and touching.
When it is all said and done The Meanest of Times does have a few highlights but also gets quite monotonous. It's definitely worth a listen or two; however, if it doesn't catch your fancy at first glance it won't at second or third, it does not particularly grow on you. It is perfect though if you like punk music and also really liked that dancing scene in "Titanic."
Dropkick Murphys
The Meanest of Times
Tracklist:
01. Famous For Nothing
02. God Willing
03. The State Of Massachusetts
04. Tomorrow's Industry
05. Echoes On "A." Street
06. Vices And Virtues
07. Surrender
08. (F)lannigan's Ball
09. I'll Begin Again
10. Fairmount Hill
11. Loyal To No One
12. Shattered
13. Rude Awakenings
14. Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya
15. Never Forget
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