Okay, so maybe you aren’t one of the lucky ones who will be sucking down pints while slamming to the tunes of the Boston-based Irish punk band Dropkick Murphys at one of their sold-out St. Patrick’s Day shows.

But you can be there in spirit – so put on something green, grab your beverage of choice and prepare yourself for The Meanest of Times. The band’s latest CD is a limited edition CD/DVD package that contains all 15 tracks from the original CD (The Meanest of Times) with a few bonus tracks thrown in.

While many of the songs are based on traditional Irish folk/rebel music, make no bones about it, this isn’t your great Grandpappy’s music. Many of the songs, such as one of the new tracks, "Thick Skin of Defiance", reflects the angst that we the people feel today, whether it be in the streets of Boston or across America.

Unity and brotherhood is an underlying theme reflected in many of Dropkick Murphys’ songs, such as another new track, "Breakdown". Other tracks on the CD include the original version of the band’s song, “Flannigan’s Ball", recorded in Ireland and, until now, released only as a single. On the track, the band is joined by Spider Stacey of Chicago-based Irish punk band, The Pogues, and The Dubliners’ Ronnie Drew.

Also on the CD is “Forever 2000", a modern version of the band’s original song, “Forever", originally released on Sing Loud Sing Proud. The band dedicates this later version to one of their fans, Private First Class Matthew Bean,  who was one of many victims of the horrible war in Iraq.

The DVD includes behind-the-scenes footage of the making of “The State of Massachusetts” music video, as well as the celebration of the band’s victory trip with the Boston Red Sox – the band’s song “Tessie” was the official song of the team’s 2004 World Series run. Also on the DVD is a movie about the band’s St. Patrick’s Day charity breakfast in Boston.

This Reviewer's Rating: 4.5 / 5

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No. 1 :

Pfc. Matthew Bean was in the Army.

Submitted by Doug • 2008-03-17 21:32:54

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