The Dunn Boys - Volume 1

The Dunn Boys - Volume 1
2011, The Dunn Boys

The Dunn Boys are a family band from Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.  Started by Paul Dunn and his sons Jason, Josiah and Jacob, rumor has it the Dunn Boys started a hockey team and a band broke out in the confusion.  Blending Celtic, folk, rock and punk with spiritual themes, The Dunn Boys seem to be on to a winning combination of style and sound.  Their debut EP, Volume 1, sets the stage for bigger things to come. 

The Dunn Boys represent the East Coast of Canada well on their debut album, Volume 1.  Kicking off with the snippet "Mullac Abu", The Dunn Boys move quickly into the raucous party song "Nova Scotia".  "Brian Moore" is an energetic tribute; a toasting song that is entertaining and fun.  "Ballad Of Danny Fitzgerald" has a fairy tale feel, an old school love song where things work out well in the end.  "St. Jerome" is an urgent and energetic prayer for survival at sea with a vaguely haunting quality.  "Norland" finds The Dunn Boys employing some of Celtic-punk oomph of Captain Tractor, while cannibalizing the melody of "It's A Long Way To Tipperary" for the chorus.  Lead singer Jason Dunn shines here for both vocal acumen and attitude.    "Rosaline" is the second highlight of the album, a heartfelt and sincere love song with a melody you won't be able to shake.  "Black Velvet Band" is the story of how a woman and drink lead to Van Diemen's Land.  It's the sort of shanty sung to both make the work pass and remind young sailors to not get too tied down on shore leave.  Volume 1 closes with the gorgeous and lilting "Lullaby", the brightest moment on the album and an indication that within the heart of these warrior poets beats the heart of true songwriters.

The Dunn Boys impress on Volume 1, although it may take a few listens to really get the vibe.  These guys slowly grow on you; their music opening to you on successive listens like a flower slowly unwrapping in the sun.  Volume 1 should be the first of many, as The Dunn Boys find their balance between raucous fun and outstanding songwriting.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about The Dunn Boys on MySpace and Facebook.  Volume 1 is available digitally from Amazon.com or iTunes.

Dropkick Murphys - Going Out In Style

Dropkick Murphys - Going Out In Style
2011, Born & Bred Records/ILG

Dropkick Murphys return in 2011 with their seventh studio album, Going Out In Style, playing once again on their trademark mix of Celtic punk and alternative rock that owes at least a nod to The Pogues.  The Boston-based septet goes to the wall again and again with great story-telling and vibrant arrangements born of working class struggle.  There's even a guest appearance by The Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen.

"Hang 'Em High" is a powerful and rambunctious opener full of warrior spirit.  It's easy to see this one becoming a concert favorite with its energy and musicality.  "Going Out In Style" is modern twist on the classic drinking tune, advocating facing the end with distilled dignity.  "The Hardest Mile" is a commemoration of hard working Irish immigrants who worked themselves into the ground to help build America.  Dropkick Murphys imbue this one with tremendous energy in a joyous celebration of shared history.  "Cruel" explores the things we can't take back in a story about a rebellious, angry childhood that turns into parental alienation.  The narrator looks back on it all now from a time when amends can no longer be made and regrets.  Things get a little bland on "Memorial Day", but the band recovers quickly.

"Climbing A Chair To Bed" is another drinking song, of sorts.  This one has it all: great picking, great pipes and energy galore.  It's danceable, drinkable and wild.  "Broken Hymns" comes back to earth in an ode to soldiers who fought they could never win (or even survive).  It's a heartfelt memorial that's dark, yet heartfelt and stirring.  "Take 'Em Down" sounds like a union anthem, full of a virulent anger and energy that you simply cannot ignore.  "Sunday Hardcore Matinee" is a tribute of another fashion, recalling the great rock and roll shows of youth and how they never really lose their allure.  This is great, high-energy rock and roll.

"1953" is a tribute of sorts, although the point is painted on opaque lens.  Dropkick Murphys paint an aural picture of a bright, snowy December Day and a love story but leaves the important details just out of reach.  Bruce Springsteen adds his vocal talents to "Peg 'O My Heart", an upbeat love song played with energy and panache.  Going Out In Style does, with a raucous tribute to a ship in the form of "The Irish Rover".  This one is full of tongue-in-cheek exaggeration and humor, and is a highly entertaining way to say goodnight.

Dropkick Murphys never fail to entertain with great songwriting/storytelling and high energy arrangements that get stuck in your noggin.  Going Out In Style is no different.  There are a couple of songs here that don't quite keep pace, but on the whole it's a very strong album worth sticking around for.  Dropkick Murphys bring everything they have, whether to the stage or the studio.  Even when a particular song misses (not that this happens often), the effort is worth tuning in for.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Dropkick Murphys at www.dropkickmurphys.com or www.myspace.com/dropkickmurphys.  Going Out In Style is available from Amazon.com as a CD or Download.  The album is also available from iTunes.

The Wildy's World Top 60 Albums/EPs of 2010

We're back!  I hope you all had a great Christmas, Hannukah, Winter Solstice of whatever else you may celebrate.  And of course, Happy Kwanzaa!  It's time for the Wildy's World Top-60 albums or EPs of 2010.  This list is compiled from albums reviewed on Wildy's World during 2010 and may occasionally include an album from late 2009 as well. This is a proprietary list, meaning it's generated entirely by me.  You may disagree with some of the choices or the placement, and I invite respectful discussions of opinions in response to the postings.  Anything rude or unintelligent will be zapped ASAP. 

Today we have numbers 60-41.  Click on the album name to link back to the original Wildy's World review.  Original reviews include artwork and links to artist sites and purchase points.  Without further adieu...

60. Anna Kaelin – Anna Kaelin

59. Hugh Morrison – Robert Burns Rocks

58. Colin Gilmore – Goodnight Lane

57. Sufjan Stevens – All Delighted People

56. Rooney – Eureka

55. Joy Ike – Rumors

54. Anna Coogan – The Nocturnal Among Us

53. Jon Troast – Living Room

52. Dropkick Murphys – Live On Lansdowne, Boston MA

51. Waking Ugly – Waking Ugly

50. Jason D. Williams – Killer Instinct

49. Billion Dollar Babies - Die For Diamonds

48. James Hurley – Tempest In A Teacup

47. Corinne Bailey Rae – The Sea

46. Original Cast Recording – Ordinary Days

45. Maidens IV – Celtic Fire

44. Rachael Sage – Delancey St.

43. Never Shout Never – Harmony

42. Gangsta Grass – Lightning On The Strings, Thunder On The Mic

41. Chip Taylor & Carrie Rodriguez – The New Bye & Bye

We'll be back tomorrow with numbers 40-31.  See you then!