Rough Edge: Flogging Molly CD Reviews

FLOGGING MOLLY

"Float" (SideOneDummy; 2008)

I first reviewed Flogging Molly's "Within a Mile of Home" disc and I was hooked on their Irish/Celtic rock and punk rock sound. I love it when music combines elements that normally wouldn't be spoken in the same sentence, and when it's done like Flogging Molly does it you can't help but get up and dance to it.

This disc is more politically driven and not as slap happy as some of their other material. I understand where they are coming from so I don't fault them for their lyrical content. The music is very upbeat and traditional Irish music is weaved throughout "Float," There are a few slower songs such as the title track and "US of Lesser Gods" and they are very well done. This album was recorded in Ireland which gave them a sense of home while creating music for it.

I don't usually have Flogging Molly cued up to get me going but every now and then I need a spark to remind me that this type of music is available. When the pilot light does get lit, I'll usually stay with it for a few weeks. I encourage you to pick up a CD by them or check out the songs I've listed below. If you like Celtic music with driving drums and some great guitar in the background I highly recommend Floggy Molly.

Tracks to dance a jig to are: "Requiem For A Dying Song," "(No More) Paddy's Lament," "The Lightening Storm," and "Man With No Country."

Flogging Molly: Dave King – lead vocals, acoustic guitar, bodhrán, banjo, spoons; Bridget Regan – fiddle, tin whistle, uillean pipes, vocals; Dennis Casey – guitar, vocals; Matt Hensley – accordion, concertina; Nathen Maxwell – bass guitar, vocals; Bob Schmidt – mandolin, banjo; George Schwindt – drums, percussion.

For more information, check out www.floggingmolly.com.

"Within a Mile of Home" (SideOneDummy; 2004)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

A buddy introduced me to this band by asking if I had ever heard of Flogging Molly. I suddenly thought about that band Kik Tracee, but now some poor girl was being flogged rather than kicked (whatever happened to those guys, anyway?). But I digress. Flogging Molly combines traditional Irish music with spunky punk rock. A few seconds into this disc and you know that a pint of Guinness, Harp or Beamish is required for listening.

Irish music is not only steeped in traditional and recognizable sounds but the lyrics also tell some of the best stories. I often think of Thin Lizzy and their tales told by the great Phil Lynott. Since writing for Rough Edge, I have found my musical tastes to be ever expanding. There is a certain quirkiness that requires an open mind to Flogging Molly’s lyrics. Dave King doesn’t just scratch down whatever fits his fancy for a song, he talks about his father’s premature death, his childhood in a war-torn Ireland and his exile in the U.S.A.

The music is never down and having former Fastway guitar player and front man Dave King ensures that a slow traditional song is vital, and the rest of the disc causes a dancing sensation that most of my CDs don’t offer. With seven members all embracing the Celtic sound, Flogging Molly could be a guilty pleasure.

Flogging Molly: Dave King – guitar; Bridget Regan - fiddle player; Dennis Casey – guitar; Matt Hensley - accordion; Nathen Maxwell – bass; George Schwindt – drums; Bob Schmidt – mandolin.

For more information, check out www.floggingmolly.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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