2008 Woodie Awards
Dropkick Murphys Redefine Punk-Rock
Fan favorite Irish band step-up music expectations with latest album.
Jarrod Moore
Issue date: 9/19/07 Section: Entertainment
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Such isn't the case in Boston, as Dropkick Murphys continues to prove with their new release, "The Meanest of Times."
Fusing the old-school punk-rock of Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. with the folk-rock structure of the Pogues and the late-night gang vocals shared among liquor-happy patrons at any local pub's last call, "The Meanest of Times" is an exciting, powerful ride through Boston's Irish-American punk-rock scene.
The lead vocals of singer Al Barr and bassist Ken Casey weave back and forth through each song conversationally, touching subjects as simple as the trials and tribulations of growing up and as difficult as the blue-collar working-class lifestyle.
The lyrics and music match beautifully from beginning to end, from a light-hearted mockery of hope to a spirited release of sadness and frustration.
Known for interesting covers of traditional Irish folk songs as well as energetic, well-written originals, Dropkick Murphys do not disappoint with their new record.
From the heavier, guitar-driven politics of "Tomorrow's Industry" and "Shattered," to the ballad feel of "Fairmount Hill," to the interesting spin on traditional Irish anti-war song "Johnny, I hardly Knew Ya," there's quite a bit of versatility that makes "The Meanest of Times" a gripping musical journey.
Guitars, bagpipes, punk, folk; Dropkick Murphys provides just enough of everything to escape monotony and boredom and create possibly their best record to date.
While all of these elements of a great album could be overlooked, this record also serves as perfect background noise for pretentious St. Patrick's Day parties on college campuses across America. Murphy's "The Meanest of Times" deserves an intimate and personal listen from anyone and everyone who knows how to have fun through the rough times.
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