Potentially (way) OT: Dropkick Murphys

[PurpleCrayonWriter]

I realize Dropkick Murphys aren't metal. But they are "progressive" in the truest definition of the word -- they combine Celtic instruments and melodies with raucous punk, folk, and even metal-ish arrangements. So, at best, they can be labeled prog punk. Still...

They've been on the periphery of my listening for years. I never really gave them a serious listen until this past week...and I discovered I love their energetic Irish-flavored songs. Their latest album -- The Meanest of Times -- was just released today. They're currently on tour, and will make a stop in Detroit on November 14th.

What do you think of the Murphys? Has anyone seen them in concert? They seem like they'd be one wild, bacchanalian party band on St. Paddy's Day, that's for sure.

Thoughts?

 

[kittybeast]

I like their sound, punky w/ some heavy sounds. I got turned onto them while watching a movie full of their music....can't remember the movie but I remembered the band!

 

[mëtålspëd]

They are big around here, because they are local. I am not a big fan of their tunes, but I can appreciate how they fuse different things together.

 

[mëtålspëd]

I like their sound, punky w/ some heavy sounds. I got turned onto them while watching a movie full of their music....can't remember the movie but I remembered the band!

I know they did some tunes for 'The Departed', but not sure if anything else.

 

[Claus / Intromental]

I HATE THEM!!!

Well, not really ... but they are a total favorite down at our club here in Copenhagen, so I have to endure listening to their hitsongs over and over again. Apparently people really dig them, so more power to them! I honestly should like them, considering I really love celtic folk music, but naaah ...

c.

 

[Dolamite S. Biffle]

I cant stand them either even though I love Celtic stuff.

 

[dcowboys311]

I'm not really a fan.

 

[TychoCelchu]

Before I got into metal I was into punk rock, and the Murphys were at the top of that list. Since at least 98, and possibly a little ways before then, they were the biggest oi band in America by a landslide. I got to see them once, touring for The Gang's All Here, in 2000 (supported by another fun band, The Bouncing Souls) at Clutch Cargo's in Pontiac MI. Although they were getting predictable backlash since their at-the-time new singer Al did not sound like the recently departed (no pun intended) Mike, that show still turned up enough rowdy hooligans, skinheads, and punk rockers to make one of the wildest and most fun shows of my teen years. (It's also notable that they were packing out venues that size after only 2 albums.)

I sort of lost interest with their 03 album Blackout, which I thought started to pander to the Blink 182 crowd. It was an obvious try for greater commercial success and dropped most of the oi element from their sound. Despite hearing a lot about the hype behind their cover of "Tessie" in 04, I still have not actually HEARD that song, and their album Warrior's Code went by me completely. However, I am planning to pick up their new one, and see (hear, actually) what they're up to these days. I am guessing their fanbase is not quite the same as it was back in the late 90s, but I'm trying to get tickets somehow to their sold out hometown Boston show at the end of the month here to see them again.

 

[PurpleCrayonWriter]

Before I got into metal I was into punk rock, and the Murphys were at the top of that list...Despite hearing a lot about the hype behind their cover of "Tessie" in 04, I still have not actually HEARD that song, and their album Warrior's Code went by me completely. However, I am planning to pick up their new one, and see (hear, actually) what they're up to these days. I am guessing their fanbase is not quite the same as it was back in the late 90s, but I'm trying to get tickets somehow to their sold out hometown Boston show at the end of the month here to see them again.

Many thanks for this info!

Warrior's Code is actually my favorite so far. Their new one is good, but it's more punk rock than Celtic. Fewer bagpipes and accordion, more bashing guitars and Clash-like vocals. You'd probably like it.

I just bought a ticket to see them at The Fillmore Detroit on November 14th. I have no idea what I'm in for. But I love to discover new music.

Bill