Dropkick Murphys - Sing Loud Sing Proud

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Free Music Notes for Sing Loud Sing Proud

Free Music Review: Boston's Finest Raise Their Glasses Once Again
Hit: 5 Stars

I've already heard "Sing Loud, Sing Proud" described as a perfect cross between Cock Sparrer and the Pogues, and I'd be inclined to agree, but also toss in a healthy dose of Rose Tattoo and/or AC/DC as well, and you have the makings of another classic from the Boston crew.

Opening with the Boston College fight song, the album is heavy on the cover songs. The old folkie/protest "Which Side Are You On?" works wonders (as good as Billy Bragg's version) and the old Irish standbys of "The Rocky Road to Dublin" and "The Wild Rover" get the proper DKM treatment, as do the remakes of "The Legend of Finn MacCumhail" (one of their best, if not THE best, B-sides) and "Caps and Bottles."

Of the originals, I find myself going back to "Heroes From Our Past" most often and feel that is represents all the DKM strengths to a tee: anthemic, grand lyrics, top notch musicianship, and Spicey's bagpipes all make this my favorite track.

Speaking of the Pogues, Shane Mac turns up for "Good Rats", which to me, is the DKM answer to all those old Clancy Brothers/Dubliners tunes they listened to: a light-hearted story about an infested Dublin brewery. Not meant to be taken too terribly seriously, so don't.

"Forever" and "Fortunes of War" touch on deeper subjects like loss of family and friends and come across as excellent as well.

Rose Tattoo and AC/DC (possibly Slade?) rear their heads on "The Gauntlet" and "Ramble and Roll", a rock-n-roll lifestyle-inspired ditty.

Things also get acoustically anthemic for "The Torch" with it's warnings of racism/hate passing from generation to generation and "A Few Good Men" with it's "Sing Loud, Sind Proud" refrain.

The closer, a jig dedicated to the best piper in punk rock, "The Spicey McHaggis Jig" is great as well, a none to PC romp through a night in the life of Spicy.

All in all, a great third effort from the Dropkicks. Only one complaint: Why is the F.U.'s cover on the Japan-only release?

So, enjoy this album like you would the aged Bushmills: take mass quantities, shoot it down, savor it, and do it all again.

Sing Loud Sing Proud Poster