Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Irish music roundup: The Saw Doctors, Chieftains, Dropkick Murphys, Celtic Thunder

With the upcoming arrival of St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday, March 17, now is the perfect time to celebrate the latest 2012 albums featuring Celtic and Irish music makers.

Although the range of artists spans from the rocking Saw Doctors and raucous neo-punk Dropkick Murphys to the decidedly authentic sounds of The Chieftains, those looking for a soundtrack for St. Pat's can't go wrong with any of these albums.

Artist: The Saw Doctors
Title: The Further Adventures of The Saw Doctors
You will be interested in this if you are a fan of: The Fenians, the Young Dubliners, Colin Hay
Tell Me More: Fans of modern-day Irish rock music are likely already familiar with The Saw Doctors. Since the late 1980s the Irish quintet has issued a score of great albums that effortlessly blend traditional Irish music with a style associated with American rockers such as Springsteen and Mellencamp . An exciting live act, the group's latest album The Further Adventures of The Saw Doctors is another winning collection. The infectious opener "Takin' the Train" and "Friday Town" are among the instant upbeat faves on the 11-track disc.
Melancholy is another successful ingredient in the skilled hands of the band, notably on the confessional "Be Yourself," "As the Light Fades" and "Goodbye Again."

Get: Further Adventures of the Saw Doctors by clicking here

Artist: The Chieftains
Title: Voice Of Ages
You will be interested in this if you are a fan of: The High Kings, The Civil Wars, The Clancy Brothers
Tell Me More: The Rolling Stones and the Beach Boys aren't the only groups celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2012. The most beloved traditional Irish band in the solar system, The Chieftains have teamed up with Producer T Bone Burnett and the far-flung likes of Bon Iver, the Decemberists, the Civil Wars, Pistol Annies, Imelda May and other modern-day heroes to issue Voice Of Ages. Paddy Moloney and company have really delivered a gem that is out of this world (heck, NASA astronaut Cady Coleman's flute and tin whistle playing aboard the International Space Station is featured on "The Chieftains In Orbit"). Other highlights include "Come All Ye Fair And Tender Ladies" (with the Pistol Annies), "Lily Love" (featuring the Civil Wars) and "The Frost Is All Over" (with the Punch Brothers).

Get: Voice Of Ages [Deluxe Edition], here

Artist: Dropkick Murphys
Title: Going Out In Style: Fenway Park Bonus Edition
You will be interested in this if you are a fan of: The American Wake, Black 47, Flogging Molly
Tell Me More: For those who prefer music that roars but still want a dose of Irish sonics in their brew, Dropkick Murphys definitely deliver. Going Out In Style was the band’s 7th full-length release and was released last year, but has now been reissued as a special bonus edition in 2012. The so-called Fenway Park Bonus Edition includes 18 live tracks recorded during two shows acorded at Fenway Park in September 2011. This release is sure to please Dropkick Murphys' Celtic punk faithful.

Purchase: Going Out In Style - Live At Fenway Edition, Here

Artist: Celtic Thunder
Title: Voyage
You will be interested in this if you are a fan of: The Chieftains, The High Kings
Tell Me More: Celtic Thunder is as much a vocal ensemble as a theatrical production, so it should come as no surprise that the troupe's latest disc is available as a 17-track CD and a fully-produced special airing on PBS and available on DVD. As the worthy follow-up effort to the lads' successful 2011 release Heritage, 2012's Voyage is filled with accessible material ranging from the lavish "Dulaman" and traditional "The Galway Girl" to a mostly-faithful cover of Belfast native Van Morrison's "Moondance. And while the focus here is on Celtic Thunder's genuine Irish roots, there are ill-placed covers of Harry Chapin's "Cat's in the Cradle" and Air Supply's "All Out of Love."

Get: Voyage, Here


- Robert Kinsler

No comments:

Post a Comment