Review

The Saw Doctors: Live in Galway

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It’s a risky proposition when a band with a reputation as an exceptional concert act decides to release a live album. Will the dynamics transfer onto CD? Will the audience participation and enthusiasm contribute to or detract from the recording? Having had the privilege of seeing the Saw Doctors in concert at roughly the same time as receiving this CD I must conclude that the live show is preferable to the live CD but not by much. Touching on all of their popular songs, LIVE IN GALWAY’s home audience is probably most familiar with the songs of the Saw Doctors. In addition to the crowd’s approval and familiarity with the songs, lead singer Davy Carton appears to be equally stoked and enjoying the event. His good-natured giggling escapes throughout the show, particularly in the opening tracks “N17,” “To Win Just Once” and “Bless me Father” indicating that this band truly enjoys performing and appreciates their fans. Noticeably absent are any selections from their most recent studio album VILLAINS? For some reason that album didn’t seem to connect with the same passion as earlier recordings. As usual guitarist Leo Moran carries the tunes with his nonchalant yet deft style of playing. Making his recording debut on bass guitar is new member and ex-Waterboy Anthony Thistlethwaite. With clear and well-balanced sound this CD is indeed the next best thing to being there

March 2004

Review By Dave Sleger

http://www.sawdoctors.com/
Review

The Kissers: Fire in the Belly

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One of the most pleasant surprises in the first half of ’04 is the debut studio release by Madison’s the Kissers. Drawing equally from traditional Irish and American folk music as well as smarmy, melodic alternapop, they come across as an extension of (and perhaps a more focused) Boiled in Lead. With a bulk of their melodies emanating from instruments like fiddle, banjo, accordion and mandolin the folk component is duly addressed but the driving rhythm section and strategic electric guitar adornments affirms the modern rock affinities of this group. “69 Cadillac” is a prime example of the Kissers as a killer Blasters-styled rock & roll band while “American Folk Song” and “Scum of America” firmly places this band amongst the more clever and innovative of the modern folk-rock brigade. A thoroughly enjoyable recording FIRE IN THE BELLY rivals the eclectic recordings offered up by Reptile Palace Orchestra, (another Madison-based outfit) as some of the most original music emanating from the state of Wisconsin.

March 2004

Review By Dave Sleger

http://www.thekissers.com/
Review

The Electrics: Irish Invasion

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This 2001 compilation revisits two of the Electrics earlier and more obscure efforts — their second release BIG SILENT WORLD (1993) and their follow-up THE WHOLE SHEBANG (1995). While it would seem to be a laudatory effort to unearth these forgotten songs, this, frankly, is a hastily conceived compilation with little consideration given to the quality of song. For instance, of the 12 tracks contained here a whopping eight were culled from the less polished, more pedestrian sounding BIG SILENT WORLD, while a mere four were taken from what might still be their finest effort, the Buddy Miller produced, THE WHOLE SHEBANG. Furthermore, it’s practically criminal to think that perhaps their greatest, most rollicking song “Killicrankie” (from SHEBANG) was omitted. Thankfully Pila Music included their rendition of the Violent Femmes “Oh My (Jesus Walking on the Water).” Still, if you’re vaguely familiar with the Electrics but haven’t heard their early material, this collection serves as a suitable (but not ideal) introduction to their formative period when their development from album to album was quite evident.

March 2004

Review By Dave Sleger

http://www.theelectrics.com/
Review

Blood or Whiskey: Promo EP

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I’ve been a big fan of Blood or Whiskey since the release of their classic self-titled CD back in ’96 ( or ’97,) so when it was announced last year that Barney Murray – vocalist and main songwriter – was leaving the band due to ill health, I was disappointed and felt the game was up for a great band. The other original members: Dugs (guitar and now vox) and Chris O’Mara (drums) thought otherwise. Too much blood, sweat and tears had been invested over the previous 6 years to just give it up now. A new line up was recruited with Dugs now on vocals and the band have been working their collective bollox off since – touring Europe, the USA, crashing vans, going to jail and having Topper from the Clash sitting in on the drums one infamous night.

The 5 track promo was put out for the recent US tour with the Dropkick Murphys and basically it’s a one-take in the rehearsal studio deal so it wouldn’t be very fair to nit-pick against the two proper studio releases. So how do the new band sound you ask? Well, the familiar – banjo – tin whistle – accordion – sound is still there making the trade mark Blood or Whiskey racket but the band are playing much harder then before. It’s as if though they have changed from being a traditional band playing punk to a punk band playing trad. Dugs tries hard on vocals to pull of the Barney Murray voice but sounds too strained. Hopefully the vocal chords improve when they get to the recording studio proper.

March 2004

http://www.bloodorwhiskey.ie/
Review

Smoky Finish: Clear This Planet…Immediately

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Austria’s (that’s right Austria not Australia) Smoky Finish go a long way to prove what I’ve always said – you don’t have to be Irish or Scottish by birth or descent to play top notch traditional Celtic music with feel and passion. If you disagree with that statement give “The Rock’n’Reel Connection” a good listen and I think you’ll change your mind. Still disagree then go back to you Westlife tapes.

Smoky Finish serve up a platter of the finest rock tinged traditional Celtic music this side of Runrig or even the great Moving Hearts. I should also give a special mention to the tracks “Erin Go Bragh” which manages to incorporate GWB and the theme from Mission Impossible and the stunning cover of Andy Stewarts “The Queen of Argyll”

March 2004

http://www.smokyfinish.com/
Review

Wages Of Sin : Drink & The Devil – Demo

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One of the good things about blending various musical style together is this band from Seattle called The Wages Of Sin. (No need to discuss the bad right?) The Wages Of Sin self-describe their music as: Punk-Rock Sea Shanties & Appalachian Death Polka Since 1862. Considering the fact that they are dead on, I no longer need to continue with the review! The Wages Of Sin like to use fiddles, stand-up bass, mandolins, guitars, drums & vocals as their respective tools of evil! And according to their bio, they enjoy mixing Celtic with country with Appalachian with rockabilly with Tex-Mex with bluegrass and follow the whole mess with a bracing shot of punk rock. The standout for me where the rockabilly and Appalachian influences. If I were you i’d expect some great music coming from these guys in the future. Anyone heading up to Seattle for the Celtic/Arsenal football match this summer will have a great opportunity to see them live.(That is of course, if they’re playing that night..)

Oh yeah I need to mention that the 3rd track “Jolly Roger” is 100% Pirate-Approved! ARGGH!

March 2004

Review By The Reverend Brian Gillespie

http://www.thewages.com/
Review

Sally’s Gap: Monkey Bone

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Featuring: Johnny the Fox, Jason Bond, & The Warsaw Poland Bros.
Wow! All I can say is, Track this one down, press play & hold on for an interesting ride…It has a little bit of everything, from a Pogues cover, to plenty of ska-folk (folk-ska?), to a Thin Lizzy style “Whiskey In The Jar” I’ve been playing this album for months now, and still can’t get enough of it. With 17 tracks you’ll probably enjoy it as well. “Monkey Bone” contains the perfect blend of Ska, Celtic-Folk, & Rock..Ah, fuck it, I’ll just review each track.

1. Sally’s Gap: The first song on the album starts out with some Phil Lynott-ish guitar, and grabs your attention when the chorus repeats “This is the rap of Sally’s Gap.” over & over.

2. Monkey Bone: Starts out as a normal folk song about “The Legendary Monkey Bone” & then magically turns into a ska tune, (without missing a beat) complete with tin whistle, and a horn section.

3. Slow Down Sister: Just a groovy little ska number. Grab your dancin’ shoes for this one. If you catch yourself tappin’ a foot, or bobbin’ your head, go ahead a pat yourself on the back because it proves you have a pulse…

4. The Rattlin’ Bog: This is the same track the Warsaw Poland Bros. did on that St. Patrick’s Demo I reviewed a few months ago.

5. The Devil: Just a little rock number about some guy called The Devil…(Sure there’s plenty of rock songs that sing about the devil, but this one has a fiddle in it.)

6. Streams Of Whiskey: Yep, A Pogues cover. The lyrics are a bit different, but the effect is the same. (It makes ya thirsty!) As far a Pogue covers go, this one is better than most.

7. Whiskey Bar: What? A Doors song? Whoa! Any Doors fan will tell you this song is originally called “Alabama Song (Whisky Bar)” and it’s the 5th track on the first Doors album… It’s also based on a song by some guy in Germany called “Weill-Brecht” from the 18th century. That’s all I have for ya on this one.

8. Whiskey In The Jar: Another ska-folk song from the Warsaw Poland Bros. St. Paddy’s Day Demo album.

9. Whiskey You’re The Devil: Yep, another track from the St. Paddy’s Day Demo. Let me remind you this song goes from folk, to ska, to funk, back to a borderline polka/ska beat, to punk. Quite a ride, let me tell you. I feel dizzy, no shit.

10. Whiskey In The Jar: A must for all Thin Lizzy fans! Sounding almost exactly like the real thing! This is the Thin Lizzy cover I was telling you about. Phil Lynott would be proud! (If it’s not him in the song.)

11. Bow Down: Covering all the bases, those Warsaw guys turn a sea-shanty into a ska tune. Avast! Ye olde poopdeck has turned into a blimey dancin’ floor! Argghh!

12. Sullivan’s John: No it’s not a song about John Sullivan. It’s a song about Sullivan’s John.

13.The Rare Old Mountain Dew: Another track of Irish-folk-ska from the St. Paddy’s Day Demo by The Warsaw Poland Bros.

14. Mickey The Bags: Opening up with some squeezebox, “Mickey The Bags” comes across sounding much like an early Pogues tune, then suddenly it opens up into that typical Sally’s Gap sound that you’ll be familiar with this far into the album. Over 7 minutes long.

15. Drunken Sailor: Typically a song that’s way overplayed by alot of those shitty “celtic pop” bands, The guys down at Sally’s Gap makes sure this track stands way above that pile of shit left by those “other” bands. (Young Dubliners, 7 Nations, etc.)

16. Devil’s Dream: Holy god-damn Harmonica!

17. Stoli’s Tune: aka (Curse Of The Randy Bird) A wee lass singing a wee song about shaggin’. It’s a good way to end a great album.

Original as hell, let me tell ya!

March 2004

Review By The Reverend Brian Gillespie

Review

The Destroyed: Outta Control

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The Destroyed were 70’s Boston punk legends, in their own minds anyway. 25 years later they have reformed and are back with 10 new songs and 10 bonus, previously unreleased tracks from the glory days. So what does a bunch of guys in their late 40’s, early 50’s playing punk sound like? Like it was 30 years ago and the excitement of first hearing the Iggy and the Stooges was still ringing in their heads – must be the Viagra.

March 2004

Review

Seanchai and the Unity Squad: Rebel Massive

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Seanchai and the Unity Squad started off as a hip-hop side project for Black 47’s uillien piper and sometimes vocalist, Chris Byrne, when he released “Come on ye Boyz in Green” back in 1994, to celebrate the Republic of Irelands World Cup campaign in the US that year. eMC Byrne became Paddy-a-go-go (along with Eileen Eivers and Pat Maguire) and subsequently Seanchai, as the others moved onto other projects.

While I liked the early releases, I never really rated Celtic-Hip-Hop as anything more then an enjoyable novelty. So when “Rebel Massive” arrived I was certainly curious (this is the first Seanchai release I’ve heard since the debut.) On paper, the whole concept of the Unity Squad just doesn’t work – a rapping, uillien pipe playing Irish-American ex-cop with a passion for reggae. A Dublin born, female DJ with an angelic voice and finally a big riffing NYC guitar player. On CD it’s pure genius. “Rebel Massive” is way more then a novelty CD, it fact it’s just a great CD, no matter what box you try and fit it into.

Must hear tracks include; the title, “Missa Erin” with Shane MacGowan and Damien Dempsey, the 2004 remake of “50 Pints of Stout” (House of Pain have been booted for the Dropkick Murphys), “New York Fenian Bhoys” (to the tune of “McAlpine’s Fusiliers”) and the absolutely must, hear incredible cover of The Clash’s “Straight to Hell” sung by Miss Rachel Fitzgerald. In fact the only song I don’t like is the plodding “We’re in Seville” – I suppose if Celtic had actually won things would have been different.

March 2004

Review

Jon Gorey: Indeed!

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Indeed! Is Jon Gorey’s 3rd full length release (I think) and it’s a collection of stripped down, amped up rockers played with the passion of a signer-song writer that merge seamlessly with the more personal acoustic songs that betray Jon’s roots on the Boston folk circuit. Red Sox fans should check out “The Scarlet Letter” about the optimism and unending disappointment of life as a Red Sox fan. Very good, in a rocking, kind of mellow way.

March 2004

Potato-eating, Whiskey-drinking, Bog-trotting, CELTIC PUNK ROCK