Dropkick Murphys- Sing Loud Sing Proud LP

The Dropkick Murphys have an uncanny talent to fuse their culture and their music. "Sing Loud, Sing Proud" is a perfect example of that. Rooted in Irish folk, the Murphys brand of punk rock is some of the most unique and infectious music on the scene. Pounding 4/4 beats in conglomeration with "Oi!" styled lyrical chants lead people to pump their fists and raise their glasses all at the same time! In a very short period of time DKM has risen to the top, like the head of a fine Lager. Few can compare to the Murphys in the sense of style, attitude and fire. DKM has truly defined themselves with "Sing Loud, Sing Proud."

• 1 For Boston
• 2 Legend of Finn Mac
• 3 Which Side Are You On?
• 4 Rocky Road to Dublin
• 5 Heroes from Our Past
• 6 Forever
• 7 Gauntlet
• 8 Good Rats
• 9 New American Way
• 10 Torch
• 11 Fortunes of War
• 12 Few Good Men
• 13 Ramble and Roll
• 14 Caps and Bottles
• 15 Wild Rover
• 16 Spicy McHaggis Jig

Boston's Dropkick Murphys exude an energetic rowdiness, a definite slice of punk-o-rama appeal. Fans raise their fists in the spirit of Oi!, and the Dropkicks playfully snarl into Irish-American song traditions and musical unity. On Sing Loud, Sing Proud, it became more than a family affair. The band's new lineup featuring James Lynch (guitar), Spicy McHaggis (bagpipes), and Ryan Foltz (mandolin) allowed the album a broad-based instrumentation, a spastic composition scaling above 1999's The Gang's All Here. The fervor surrounding a hearty jig, a group of hearty men, and social woes in the midst of relaxing with a scally cap is something commonly found among the Dropkicks' fun-spirited chants. "The Torch" resonates Celtic folk vibes, acoustics blending inside Barr's and bassist Ken Casey's roughcast duet. "Good Rats" and the vinyl-only version "The Wild Rover" feature ex-Pogue Shane MacGowan on guest vocals. One of the '80s biggest headaches, MacGowan's presence adds a hint of old school rock ambience, but his contributions are lackluster. Barr's throaty growl overshadows MacGowan's monotone; the songs might have done decently without him. But again, it is Shane MacGowan, one of the original barroom heroes who helped lead Irish rock to near mainstream level. The Dropkick Murphys do remain at the heart of things, particularly on "Fortunes of War." Dedicated in memory of a punk rock fan who was killed in Texas, Cock Sparrer's Colin McFaull joins Barr for a touching swan song, skatepunk style. Recognizing the working class' blood and tears while patronizing the use of societal scapegoats, "Fortunes of War" makes Sing Loud, Sing Proud a decent addition to the band's album roster, but thanks to a pint of ale, of course.