9 Dropkick Murphys songs that aren’t “I’m Shipping Up To Boston”
It’s St. Patrick’s Day and there is no better band to choke down green beer to than the Dropkick Murphys! For 20 years the Boston boys have been pumping out their signature sound of Celtic folk punk, a mix of both original tunes and reimagined traditional Irish jigs, sung with crass vocals accompanied by an onslaught of instruments spinning folklore into American punk. The band saw immediate mainstream recognition in 2006 when their song “I’m Shipping Up To Boston” became synonymous with Scorsese’s Academy Award winning blockbuster The Departed, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Of course any true fan will tell you that the hit is simply the tip of the tuneage iceberg. Check out these songs for a taste of the band’s killer discography:
“Rose Tattoo”
“Rose Tattoo” is from their most recent album Signed and Sealed in Blood (2013). The song is built on a friendly mandolin riff and exhibits a calmer, more mature side of the band, yet it’s still painted with notes of anxiety.
“Johnny I Hardly Knew Ya”
“Johnny I Hardly Knew Ya” starts off acoustic and very classically Celtic before it immediately picks up into a punk jam! From the album The Meanest of Times (2007) it is a mix of traditional Irish music and Dropkick Murphys brand punk.
“The State of Massachusetts”
“The State Of Massachusetts” from the album of the same name, finds the band representing their home state with this working class anthem.
“Spicy McHaggis Jig”
“Spicy McHaggis Jig”—A fan favorite, this song tells this story of a brute through fast group vocals, vulgar lyrics and bagpipes! From the album Sing Loud, Sing Proud! (2001).
“Finnegan’s Wake”
“Finnegan’s Wake” is an instance of the band mixing a traditional Irish song with their unmistakable party vibe and is from their 1998 album Do or Die.
“Kiss Me, I’m Shitfaced”
“Kiss Me, I’m Shitfaced” is an iconic Dropkick Murphys track from 2003’s Blackout and narrates the thoughts of a very inebriated man.
“Echoes On “A.” Street”
“Echoes On “A.” Street” showcases the more punk side of the band, often overshadowed by their Celtic influences, from The Meanest of Times (2007).
“Bastards On Parade”
“Bastards On Parade”—A party-folk vibe makes this song from Blackout quite possibly the best jam to play on your way out the door on St. Patrick’s Day.
“Going Out In Style”
“Going Out In Style” is the title-track from the band’s 2011 LP. This heartfelt yet lighthearted song is about going to the next life with no worries.
The Dropkick Murphys put their stamp on music with a style that has middle class Catholic kids rolling up the sleeves of their uniforms to this day! Now that you have tasted the music they have created go and quench your thirst with cold brews and loud sing-alongs, Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
And now, a gift from me to you:
