Record Label: Born and Bred Records/ WMG
Genre: Celtic Punk
Band Link: link
Buy on Amazon.com link

The Dropkick Murphys have moved on from Epitaph & Hellcat and decided to release their newest album on their own label, Born and Bred Records. But they have major label support this time via Warner Brothers, which is no surprise to anyone who’s seen the movie The Departed. The band’s song “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” was prominently featured in the Academy Award winning movie, directed by Martin Scorsese. So now they have a plethora of new fans, which might anger some older, die-hards but I think everyone will be happy to see the band getting the success they deserve. I have no problem with it; I’d rather hear a DKM song in a movie than some stupid mall punk band.

With their latest album “The Meanest of Times,” the band continues where they left off with their last album. It’s just a straight up punk rock album with Irish music influences & elements thrown into the mix. The album’s overall theme is family & friends, and of course tough times. A nice treat for Celtic music fans is the guest appearances from Ronnie Drew of the Dubliners and Spider Stacey of the Pogues. Ronnie and Spider recorded their stuff together in Dublin with the band so I’m sure that was excited for the Dropkick Murphys. It’s not really surprising to see Spider recording something with the band since he’s been popping up on some folk punk albums recently (mainly Filthy Thieving Bastards albums). Shane MacGowan recorded “Good Rats” with DKM a few years back on the Sing Loud, Sing Proud album as well. I thought it was great to hear Ronnie Drew singing again since he’s been battling cancer. I believe he’s still supposed to come out with a new solo album as well.

I think this album is good, but I’m not sure it’s the band’s strongest albums to date. All the songs sound great, but I don’t like them as much as their previous stuff. Although, I do believe “The State of Massachusetts” is one of the best songs on the album, and one of the best opening motifs of any song they ever written. It’s similar to “I’m Shipping up To Boston” but I believe its better. But as far as the rest of the album is concerned, there’s just something I can’t put my finger on. Maybe its Al Barr’s vocals I don’t like or maybe some songs sound too clutter? But either way, the album is still worth buying if you’re a fan and like this sort of punk music.

Bottom Line: Meanest of the Times is good but I think could have been better
Notable Tracks: God Willing, The State of Massachusetts, (F)lannigan’s Ball, Johnny Hardly Knew Ya
Overall Rating: