When I first put this CD in my ears said, "Ouch, why are they shouting?" Then I realized they weren't mad about anything, it was just the Dropkick Murphys' way. I had heard their song "Shipping Off to Boston" because it is in the movie "The Departed." It's a great song and a great movie. I highly recommend both. But I digress. After listening to John Coltrane's jazz CD, this jolted me in another way.
The Dropkick Murphys are described as an Irish-American Celtic punk band. This is a surprisingly accurate description of them. Their songs have a definite Irish sound to them with the bagpipes sometimes but mostly it is just the melody to the songs that make it sound Irish. This ain't no wimpy Irish band though. They scream (or pretty close to it) their lyrics and the guitars and drums are pretty strong and thrashing. This is not a CD for the meek or weak of heart.
Even though they are a punk band I was really struck by the words to their songs and the topics are serious ones about death and loss. My favorite songs are "Echoes on "A" Street" and "Surrender." "Echoes on "A" Street" is about how thankful they are for their families being showing them support even though they are gone for long periods of time touring. I love the words:
"And she'll wait by your side,
you're the one thing that matters in her life,
as she waits patiently by the window,
she knows you'll be coming home soon."
I love the beat in "Surrender." It's starts out fast and seems like it gets faster the longer the song goes on, finally reaching a crescendo at the end. It's a great mosh pit song. The words in this song really hit home for me though too:
"I was at my weakest state
and you kept me pushing on
you gave me something to believe in
and it keeps me standing strong
these lessons that I've learned
these things I'll carry on
and when you're gone I'll honor you
each day, however long."
Wow, that's pretty profound for a punk rock band. I have a feeling they have seen lots of loss in their lives and it hasn't been good. They also have songs about a woman who was on drugs and had her family taken away from her and a family who lost all their sons from different horrible things: alcohol, war, suicide, and guns. These guys don't take the easy road but it seems as though they are writing what they know about.
Ross loved the song "Shipping Off to Boston" so I am pretty sure he bought this CD after he bought that song. It's a good CD, not really my taste, but then I am beginning to wonder how I would define my tastes anymore. When I first listened to this CD I wanted to shut it off, but as I listened to the words and heard that Irish melody in the background, I got drawn in. I have ended up liking this CD but it isn't something I need to keep, so if anyone wants a kick ass CD, this is it. I am giving it away.
I think the more I listen to all of Ross's CDs the more I appreciate all kinds of music. Isn't that the goal here?
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