By Mark Fisher
Well, Major League Baseball is finished for another season and the Boston Red Sox are our new World Series champions. While hard work, determination and a little luck were certainly all factors, we must not dismiss the fact that Boston’s own Dropkick Murphys have just released “The Meanest of Times,” a career-defining album whose music managed to find its way into the heart of the Red Sox World Series run.
Anyone who followed the series either saw the band play at the Boston games, heard their music blaring over the loudspeakers or saw them joining players on the field for a little “jig” time. So, congrats to the Red Sox and the band for giving us a memorable end to this season!
For the unfamiliar, the Dropkick Murphys are a staple of rock and punk music. Having released a string of critically acclaimed albums, the band play a rollicking Celtic-inspired, punk-infused style of rock and roll. There aren’t many bands like these boys out there, but if you are familiar with bands like Flogging Molly, The Electrics or Street Dogs (which features an ex-Dropkick Murphy), then you can expect the same vein from these lads.
Basically these boys from around town enjoy a hearty pint, banjos, bagpipes, reminiscing about the good old days, and a strong doses of cranky rock and roll.
The album kicks off with the streetwise “Famous For Nothing,” the story of the neighborhood “gangs” and their love/hate relationships.
“God Willing” is an upbeat steamroller of a celebration that, when listened to alongside “The State of Massachusetts” and “(F)Lannigan’s Ball,” will force you to dance a jig. You can’t help it. It makes my legs feel like the “crazy legs” guys from that jeans commercial a few years ago.
“Fairmount Hill” steps in to highlight an already impressive album. A dark and dreary tune of sorrow, hope and history it is. Additionally, it’s about the best song the band has ever laid to tape. The massively angrier anthem “Loyal to No One” and the semi-traditional sound of “Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya” are highlights among highlights as well.
Overall this is the type of album you either love or hate. There won’t be many who find it “just OK.” For me, the Dropkick Murphys bring a great spirit to the current music scene, offering something different yet staying firmly planted in one of the world’s richest cultural histories.
“The Meanest of Times” is available everywhere now on Born & Bred Records/Warner Music. For more information, check out www.dropkickmurphys.com.
