CD Reviews - JerseyBeat.com

DROPKICK MURPHYS - The Meanest of Times (Born & Bred Records)

On The Meanest of Times, The Murphys dig deep into their personal past about what it was like in the early school years in Boston, and also their musical roots. Besides their hard-driving, punk rock racket, they add more accouterments: Fiddle, mandolin, and other Celtic instruments. They balance a straightforward approach with succinct songwriting. Now, don't get me wrong the Murphys aren't mellowing, they're still here for the party. They made dire moments like "The State of Massachusetts" and "Tomorrow's Industry" into rave-ups of monumental proportions that absolutely rock! They also made faithful covers of "Johnny I Hardly Knew Ya," and "(F)lannigan's Ball." The latter song was recorded in Dublin with Ronnie Drew from The Dubliners, and Spider Stacy of The Pogues, and man, it sounds like an Irish wake. They just celebrate the heck out of that traditional Celtic scorcher! Throughout The Meanest of Times, The Murphys' set an ambitious course, mixing in different instrumental flavors and textures, never straying far from their recognizable punk rock trademark. The band avoids genre slavishness and nostalgic shtick, mixing acoustic and electric guitars to good effect on "Fairmont Hill." Snotty jams ("Loyal to No One," "God Willing") will bring a smile to hardcore fans, and will have them looking forward to the next time The Dropkick Murphys' come to town to spread their special brand of musical mayhem. Released on their own label, Born & Bred Records, The Meanest of Times includes themes about friends, family, and loyalty. They're also inspired by their Irish roots, roughing them up for over a decade, spreading the gospel of anthemic blue-collar stories, with an enjoyable mix of bagpipes and high-octane punk rock. This is an album whose energy almost defies it to stay on the turntable! - Phil Rainone