On the Shelf : Flogging Molly
Nov. 7th, 2017 07:30 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
bedsitter23Speaking of the Pogues and Gogol Bordello (one time labelmates on Side One Dummy Records), in my mind of all the second-generation Pogues influenced celt-punk bands, the one with the best songs (and the worst name) is Flogging Molly.
They are one of my favorite bands of the new century. However, as I pointed out in the last review, it's hard to sustain momentum. Barring some serious left turn like Reflektor, Kid A or Achtung Baby, how do you keep the formula fresh.
Which is where I land with Life is good. It is a fine listen, but like so many of the 80s punk bands that I grew up with, there's a time when you are not doing anything new. You can look at any number of punk bands, especially the 90s Epitaph roster. Even some of the finest bands like The Ramones, DOA, Bad Brains and Motorhead had duds of albums. You can name a whole list of California and British bands that have slugged out for three decades or more- The Business, Sham 69, Cockney Rejects, UK Subs, Youth Brigade, the Dickies, 7 Seconds, and many more.
So Life is Good is fine. it has some really good moments. It probably slaughters live in concert. It just isn't Swagger or Drunken Lullabies. It is probably a great listen to anyone who has never heard the band. But dang! It's hard to stay innovative.
In reading up on the new album, I discovered David King, the band's lead singer has an unusual past. He started in the 80s with a band called Fastway, that included Fast Eddie Clarke (yes from Motorhead)and a drummer from Humble Pie.
I don't remember them, though I suspect my 80s rock connoisseur friend would. It's a great generic rock band name like Head East. from there, he went to Katmandu.
I do remember Katmandu. Likely from the pages of RIP magazine, which I devoured each month. Anyway, Katmandu is a name that isn't easy to forget, and I remember a lot of hype. I don't know that I remember the actual music, though a quick listen conjures up all that was 1991. Think second tier bands like Bang Tango, Love/Hate, Dangerous Toys and Blue Murder. They certainly were better than some hair metal bands but wow, this didn't age well at all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX7x4fQomsY
It's hard to imagine it's the same guy, though King's strong vocals are one thing that help set Molly apart.
Anyway Life is Good is fine, but likely just for the diehards.
They are one of my favorite bands of the new century. However, as I pointed out in the last review, it's hard to sustain momentum. Barring some serious left turn like Reflektor, Kid A or Achtung Baby, how do you keep the formula fresh.
Which is where I land with Life is good. It is a fine listen, but like so many of the 80s punk bands that I grew up with, there's a time when you are not doing anything new. You can look at any number of punk bands, especially the 90s Epitaph roster. Even some of the finest bands like The Ramones, DOA, Bad Brains and Motorhead had duds of albums. You can name a whole list of California and British bands that have slugged out for three decades or more- The Business, Sham 69, Cockney Rejects, UK Subs, Youth Brigade, the Dickies, 7 Seconds, and many more.
So Life is Good is fine. it has some really good moments. It probably slaughters live in concert. It just isn't Swagger or Drunken Lullabies. It is probably a great listen to anyone who has never heard the band. But dang! It's hard to stay innovative.
In reading up on the new album, I discovered David King, the band's lead singer has an unusual past. He started in the 80s with a band called Fastway, that included Fast Eddie Clarke (yes from Motorhead)and a drummer from Humble Pie.
I don't remember them, though I suspect my 80s rock connoisseur friend would. It's a great generic rock band name like Head East. from there, he went to Katmandu.
I do remember Katmandu. Likely from the pages of RIP magazine, which I devoured each month. Anyway, Katmandu is a name that isn't easy to forget, and I remember a lot of hype. I don't know that I remember the actual music, though a quick listen conjures up all that was 1991. Think second tier bands like Bang Tango, Love/Hate, Dangerous Toys and Blue Murder. They certainly were better than some hair metal bands but wow, this didn't age well at all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX7x4fQomsY
It's hard to imagine it's the same guy, though King's strong vocals are one thing that help set Molly apart.
Anyway Life is Good is fine, but likely just for the diehards.
