[Returning to thread after being away for the weekend, releived to see that it hasn’t sunk into obscurity.]
I knew I wasn’t alone. Thanks for all the great suggestions. The Wolfe Tones are going to the top of my shopping list.
I haven’t had a chance to check out all the links yet, but I will…
And now I have Arthur McBride going through my head…
He says My young fellows, if I hear but one word,
I instantly now will out with my sword,
And into your bodies as strength will afford,
So now, my gay devils take warning.
But Arthur and I we took in the odds,
We gave them no chance to lunge out their swords,
Our whacking shillelaghs came over their heads,
And paid them right smart in the morning.
Though I grew up with the Clancy Brothers, and retain a great affection for them (when I was 5 or 6, my two favorite albums were the original Broadway soundtrack of “Fiddler on the Roof” and “The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem Live at Carnegie Hall”), I retain a DEEPER affection for the Dubliners.
Ronnie Drew’s guttural rasp was irresistible on many songs, and whereas the Chieftains can turn a jig or reel into a mighty dull affair (they have an annoying way of making a bawdy drinking song or a lively dance feel like a stuffy museum piece), the Dubliners played them with unmatched energy.
I’ve been friends with Frank and the rest of the guys for years ( I’m even mentioned in the liner notes to their first cd)
However you should know they are broken up for the last couple years due to some personal problems I will gladly retell over a pint at Gunthers sometime;)
Frank Quinn is now in a band called Mauds’ Gone, with Joe(drums) and Mike Buckley(fiddle&whistles) from the old Mucks.
Aidan started a band called Anish which has a great keyboard/flute player, and Kevin Moran on flutes and a banjo player that will knock your socks off.
Also of note in Chicago is a new band called Salthill Mines. My friend Lance started it with a couple other guys including a whistle/flute player that plays jigs and reels on the harmonica that would make John Popper weep - I kid you not!
I could go on and on about Irish music as it is probably my biggest passion. I am really enjoying Scottish and Breton music lately though. Check out Kornog, Old Blind Dogs, Silly Wizard for starters and check here for more good recommendations.
MikeG,
When did the Mucks break up?? I’ve been living in CA for the past few years and have only been home a couple of times. When I lived there, my friends and I rarely missed a show. ::whispers::I used to have the most insane crush on Frank.::end whisper::
I may not be able to make it to Gunther’s but if you’re ever in the Bay Area, there will be a pint waiting for you at Ireland’s 32 on Geary.
How could I have possibly forgotten Shane McGowan and the Pogues?? If you ever get a chance to see Shane live, do so. It’s a trip.
I’ve got an irish history prof that’s giving him a run for his money in the “fewest and most oddly spaced teeth” competition.
Oddly enough, when I referenced “Star of the County Down” I was indeed listening to Mr. McGowan of the stained suit and sparse enamel.
As for Frank, lots of gals had a crush on him but he is happily married to a fine woman named Noreen ( their wedding reception was a total blast; Aidan made the wedding cake (his da is one of the premier pastry chefs in the West of Ireland), there were tons of cool people and a drunken time was had by all.
Re: '32, I was there in '93 when we stopped in SF on the way to Mendocino for our honeymoon - a very good pint indeed
Hey MikeG!
I just found out that my best friend’s play is opening in Chicago in July…I just may take you up on that pint at Gunther’s! If the place hasn’t changed too much, I’ll be in the booth next to the jukebox.
Gran
I certainly would have mentioned the Pogues but I guess I thought that this thread was about ‘old skool’ Celtic tunes.
(However, looking again at what Granuaile listed, I realize this is not this case.) Had a chance to see the Pogues years ago and blew it. Did manage to see the Waterboys, the music was swell but Mike Scott did not seem to be enjoying himself that night.
Another traditional favorite: Whisky in the Jar (the one in which Jenny fills the guns with water) http://www.shiteonions.com
this site tells the sad news of the Wolfe Tones breakup
If the place hasn’t changed too much, I’ll be in the booth next to the jukebox.