Street Dogs, Fading American Dream (Brass Tacks Records-2006)
The Dropkick Murphys released a cracking debut in Do or Die. Lead singer Mike McColgan left as he wanted to undertake a career elsewhere. He may have not understood the impact that first album had as the band went on to become one of the best American punk bands in a long time. Even the second album was fantastic helping to launch the band into a world audience.
A few years later Mike McColgan decided he wanted back in music and again a punk band was his goal. With many fans of the Dropkick Murphy knowing of him there was an reason for making album so this one is album number three. And what an album.
There is no messing about here you know what you are getting. Not much unlike the Dropkicks the music is fast and intense punk rock. Take out the obvious Irish influences and add in more loud guitars it was all done at 100mph. Jut the way I like it!
Songs have some really strange inspirations like "Fatty" about a fat kid being bullied. But the lyrics make you think. "Do you remember back in high school, that kid we all picked on, know one backed him, ever liked him, he takes carries that with him today". The song goes on to show the strength of that kid and not giving up. A song that could be used for so many other things.
The recording quality is very professional, and it should be. The whole band sounds great here and above all sound punk. Mike McColgan has to be one of the best vocalists ever in punk music. As I say the first Dropkick Murphys album is still a real important album, his voice helped to make that so.
"There Is Power in a Union" Is another highlight a Billy Bragg cover and for me way better than his version. The power and intensity in this could bring down companies alone. I had my own troubles with my work over the years and I fought them the whole way even to the point of seeing a lawyer just to know where I stand. This song is why I done it , Again Mike singing "let's Fight" is the difference from Bragg and him. Listen to this on the walk to work to pick up a redundancy letter and I will dare you not to fight back.
Some songs have even crossed that line of comedy while still being serious. "Tobe's Got a Drinking Problem" is about a band member who has that little bit more than he should. The song is delivered in a comedy way as I think he has managed to control his drinking. "I swear on almighty God that I am never drinking again" is a key lyric.
There are many Irish influences on here but a little less than the Dropkick Murphy went on to include on later albums. "Shards of Life" shows a full on folk sound with a nice mix of rock music. It is a welcome lighter structure and just as catchy tune with dobro, pump organ and acoustic guitar giving that classic Irish feel.
A fantastic all round punk album that fits so well in 2006 and even now it means just as much. There are some amazing lyrics on this album and that is something that punk music really can miss at times. Politically aligned to one side and for many people they may not like what they have to say. But they have to, the skill here is in the music and how good it is. Many Boston bands have a history of being great fun good time bands and this is right up there. Adults like me will feel the lyrics, the kids will love the music and for us all an album that uses the punk rock name properly. A rare album indeed.
This album is out of print but copies are about check sellers on Amazon
Twitter: 29xthefun
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