Anyone who has ever been to an Aggie sporting event has heard Dropkick Murphys’ music, even if they didn’t realize it. At some point, during any game, someone plays “Shipping Up To Boston,” by Dropkick Murphys, easily recognizable by its iconic opening bagpipe riff. Dropkick Murphys are an Irish punk band, hailing from Quincy, Massachusetts. They have been an active band since 1996, and, as such, have a lot of other great songs besides “Shipping Up To Boston,” which are perfect to get into the St. Patrick’s Day Spirit. These are my picks for a great Dropkick Murphys playlist.
Worker’s Song
This song is very punk in the traditional sense – fast power chords, cynical, anti-establishment lyrics- and with an intricate bagpipe part. If you like this one, look at John Law, Prisoner’s Song, and The State Of Massachusetts, all by Dropkick Murphys.
The Dirty Glass
An anti-love song, featuring a female vocalist, this song is a great duet to drown your romantic sorrows to and enjoy with your favorite drink. If you like this one, check out “Out On The Town” and “Spicy McHaggis Jig”
Famous For Nothing
Famous For Nothing is, unfortunately, not FCC clean, but gives the listener a wave of nostalgia for their days of running wild. This is my personal favorite by Dropkick Murphys. Look up “The Boys Are Back” and “Wicked Sensitive Crew,” for similar songs.
The Gauntlet
More punk than Irish, The Gauntlet is a rousing battle anthem, motivating the listener to accomplish anything from getting out of bed to fighting a rabble of Tolkien-esque creatures. If you like this one, look at “The Warrior’s Code” or “Your Spirit’s Alive”
Sunshine Highway
While Sunshine Highway’s lyrics bring a different perspective to the traditional Irish drinking song, it is nonetheless catchy and has an overall happy feeling to it. If you like this one, look at “Good Rats.”
The Rocky Road to Dublin
It seems like there’s an unwritten rule that any Irish punk bands have to cover “The Rocky Road To Dublin” but, among the hundreds of modern covers, Dropkick Murphys’ is one of the best. It’s heavier and more energetic than many other covers and does not compromise the integrity of the original Irish spirit. Check out “Captain Kelly’s Kitchen” and “Black Velvet Band” if you enjoy it.
The Fields of Athenry
A slower, emotional ballad, The Fields of Athenry is a heartbreaking anthem that tells the story of an important moment in Irish history. “The Green Fields of France” is very similar.
Peg O’My Heart
A bouncy, joyful love song, “Peg O’My Heart” is the perfect song to sing to your bonny lass this Saint Patrick’s Day. Look at “Forever” if you enjoy this one.
(F)lannigan’s Ball
Flannigan’s Ball is a minor-keyed, lilting melody that touches specifically on Massachusetts-Irish culture. It sounds similar to “Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya.”
Catch my show, Siren Song Of the Counter Culture for punk, metal, alternative and other music, as well as antics from me and my co-host DJ Crouton, Fridays at 1:30-2:30 on Aggie Radio.
Follow me on Twitter @SirenSongARadio
