The DVD has a few performances and a charity event hosted by the band with an appearance by aforementioned journeyman boxing legend Irish Mickey Ward and a rousing sing-a-long of “The Wild Rover.”
The Murphys have been taking some hits from the old-time fans who think they are losing their punk rock roots. It’s often the case as a band increases in popularity that there are cries of “sell-out” from those who were fans since the beginning. But in this case, I think it’s a misplaced concern. The band is expanding their musicianship as well as their take on two venerable musical genres. The Murphys are still not mainstream and their rocking rendition of the Irish anti-war song “Johnny I Hardly Knew Ya’” is not something you’ll be hearing on American Idol.
Article comments
1 - charlie
Nice review. And I like how you started out with lyrics from my favorite track from the album "Flannigan's Ball," which is a tribute to my (and their) hometown (Quincy and also Dorchester, MA via the "Florian Hall" bit). I totally agree that the DM have not yet lost their punk rock roots; this isn't Green Day or Offspring, ya know? Anyway, I also did a review of this re-issue for Blogcritics. Glad you agree with me that it's a winner.