*First Review*
Flogging Molly, being one of the most unique bands ever formed, astounded me with this album. The track that brought me to attention to FM is track number four, To Youth. When I first heard them on the Warped Tour 2004 Comp. CD, I knew they had something unique going on. This album is a total mix between punk and irish folk music.Its a total change from anything youve ever listened to. But enough about that. Let's get deeper into this Guiness-soaked wonder of an album.
Band-
Dave king- Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Banjo
Bridget Regan- Fiddle, Tin whistle, Backing Vocals
Nathen Maxwell- Bass, Backing Vocals, Lead vocals on Queen Anne's revenge
George Schwindt- Drums, Percussion
Dennis Casey- Electric Guitar, Backing Vocals
Robert Schmidt- Mandolin, Banjo, Mandola
Matt Hensley- Accordion Concertina
Track-by-track Review:
1. Screaming at the wailing wall- An outstounding intro to the album. Gets you hooked in with the folksy intro, and Dave comes in with awesome lyrics. Specifically reffering to terrosrism, this song gets you the idea of the feel of the rest of the album. 4/5
2. Seven Deadly Sins- This is Flogging Molly at their very best. You just gotta love the explosive intro led by Dave. Both the music and the lyrics make great examples of how rowdy and crazy and out of control FM can get. Watch out for catchy lyrics! "We're seven drunken pirates, We're the seven deadly sins." 5/5
3.Factory Girls- Taking a break from insanity, this song slows down the process a bit. Kind of a letdown, but still catches a bit of your attention a bit. Featuring special guest Lucinda Williams! (whoever the hell that is.) 2.5/5
4. To Youth (My sweet roisin dubh)- Back to the fast-paced stuff. Like I said, this is the song that caught my attention towards Fm. I must admit, it does get quite old, but the first few times through, the chorus will seem amazingly catchy. Still, deserves recognition, although the lyrics make no sense at all. 3.5/5
5. Whistles the wind- Although quite slow, this song achieves to catch your attention very well, with it's catchy intro and chorus. The backround instruments are arranged very well and match perfectly with the mood of the song. 4/5
6. The Light of a fading star- Again to the politics. FM does an ecxellent job depicting the concept of the song with the lyrics. For some reason, I always seem to have the chorus stuck in my head. 4/5
7. Tobacco island- Along with Seven deadly sins, this is the best song on the album. While the lyrics focus on tragedy, you cant help but to be astounded at the awesome melody of the chorus. This stayed with me for a long time. And that's not a bad thing. "Dark is the horizon, blackened by the sun, this rotten cage of Bridgetown, is where i now belong." 5/5
8. The wrong Company- Barely even a song. Dave tells a short story of being thrown into prison and being celled-up with a very strange character. Kinda makes you think though. 2/5
9. Tomorrow comes a day too soon- A very cheerful song that focuses on the lyrics. Tells a good story. Although I dont remember it. Drums are very noticable during this very catchy chorus. 4/5
10. Queen Anne's revenge. An instant eye-opener. with a change of singer, this song focuses on a bombing of a ship. The lyrics and the gritty guitar make you actually "see" the disaster. Excellent. "You cant see the demons, till the demons come crawling for you." 4.5/5
11. The Wanderlust- Another change of pace. Not much to say here. Very similar to "Whistle" lyrics. The bass is good in this track. Drums are also very noticable. Mainly tells about a split-up couple. 3/5
12. Within a mile of home- Really captures FM's old stuff. This one is also one of the album's best. Tells a story about Dave's past. Probably the best thought-out song in the album. 4/5
13. The Spoken Wheel- Without doubt the weakest song on the album. Barely even a song to me.Im sure it tells a story, but it doesnt make you care at all. Total filler. 1.5/5
14. With a wonder and a wild desire- Also similar to Whistles the wind. Very slow, but the melody stays imprinted on your mind. kind of sneaks up on you at first, with the huge change of pace. I usually skip the song, but it takes a while for it to get old. 3/5
15. Dont let me die still wondering- Very well-done ending for the album. Dave speaks about growing old. (Believe me, he would know a thing or two about being old.) The flow of the slow instruments in the backround makes this song truly memorable. I wouldnt end this album in a better way. 4.5/5
There you have it. To me, this is one of the very best albums ever produced. If youve ever heard Thr real Mcenzies, or the dropkick murphys, you should get an idea of wat Fm sounds like. I strongly recommend this album to people who are looking for something different in rock. You wont be dissapointed.
