This came out in 2003 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
You know that old drunk at the end of the bar? The one who starts singing Danny Boy after he’s had a few? Well, shave 30 years and as many pounds off him, outfit him with a few tattoos and a buzz cut, give him a gang of like-minded drinking buddies and you’ve got south Boston’s Dropkick Murphys.
Still sporting a sound midway between a punkier Pogues and a Celtic Clash, these two-fisted hooligans serve up their fourth round of Irish-pub punk on the rollicking Blackout. Admittedly, their delivery is tighter and their menu is more varied this time — along with hard-drinking tunes like The Dirty Glass, Bastards On Parade, Black Velvet Band and Kiss Me I’m #!@*faced, Blackout’s title track features lyrics by none other than Woody Guthrie. But the Murphys’ signature sonic cocktail hasn’t changed much since 2001’s Sing Loud, Sing Proud: 1) Start with a good stiff shot of chugging punk-rock guitars and drums. 2) Add dashes of bagpipes, mandolins and other traditional instruments. 3) Top with rabble-rousing lyrics, anthemic choruses and gang vocals. 4) Shake well, serve and repeat until closing time. Or until somebody starts singing Danny Boy.
