Record Label: BYO Records
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The Subhumans is to Citizen Fish, as Swingin’ Utters is to Filthy Thieving Bastards. This is the third studio album (second full length) from the Bastards, with special guest appearance from Spider Stacey of the Pogues! The band consists of Johnny & Darius of the Swingin’ Utters, and of course Spike from the Utters, but you might know him also from Me First & Gimme Gimmes as the lead singer. Producer Randy Burk plays drums on this album, and Camper Van Beethoven’s Greg Lisher plays guitar on this album. I believe he has been in the band from the beginning though?

Filthy Thieving Bastards have a folky punk sound and have stuck to that sound since their first EP “A Melody of Broken Quills and Retreads.” You can tell from listening to the Bastards and even Swingin’ Utters, that the Pogues are one of their major influences. They don’t get Shane MacGowan on this album but they get fellow Pogues member Spider Stacey to provide his raspy vocals to the best track on the album I think. That track is the second one called “Back of His Hand.” Spider did some California shows with the Filthy Thieving Bastards so it isn’t really a surprise to see him on this album. I actually wish he played on the whole album, even if it was just the tin whistle but one song will have to do.

One track that stands out from the rest is “Like Jack Dalrymple.” It just sounds funny with all the “woohing” and “lalas.” Not necessarily the best track on the album but it stands out from the others. “My Pappy Was a Pistol” isn’t as good as the previous FTB’s albums but I still liked the album. Not really sure why I didn’t like it as much, maybe the other albums were more energetic or something. I think if I listen to the album more I will appreciate it. I’m NOT saying this album is bad or anything, I was just expecting more perhaps?

Bottom Line: Worth buying if you liked the other Filthy Thieving Bastards albums
Notable Tracks: Back of His Hand, Drug Lords of the Avenues, Needs No Retrieve, Singapore Sling, Daly City Train
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