Flogging Molly Albums (5)
What The Critics Say
The Mollys haven't shown much musical growth since their 2000 debut, Swagger, but it's more a case of if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it than laziness. The band's blend of acoustic (guitar, fiddle, accordion, mandolin, drums) and electric (guitar, bass) instruments contributes to their singular sound, and they still sing and play every track with an almost blistering energy. Dave King, Flogging Molly's lead singer, songwriter, and lyricist, types out the words of his songs on a typewriter that was manufactured in 1916, the year of The Easter Rising, one of the great rebellions in Irish history. His lead vocals match the intensity of the band's playing, and together they serve up another collection of working class, and maybe drinking class, anthems. The music's Irish lilt and furious post-punk energy is evident on almost every track; even the two slow tunes "Float" and "The Story So Far" are full of the boozy, bleary-eyed, fatalistic poetry that makes Irish music at once romantic and grimly realistic. Most of the time, however, the band's blazing energy and instrumental swagger is able to lift your spirits despite the depressing subject matter. "On the Back of a Broken Dream" examines the plight of Iraq war vets who come home to rat-infested hospitals and an indifferent administration. Other tunes, including "You Won't Make a Fool out of Me," "Man with No Country," and "Requiem for a Dying Song" are more straightforward in their condemnation of the greed and heartlessness at the core of the capitalist system, with King fulminating at the powers that be with his usual passion. The band plays with incendiary power, giving the tunes the timeless spirit that infuses all great Irish rebel songs. ~ j. poet, All Music Guide
'Within a Mile of Home'
Release Date 9/14/2004
Tracks 15
Label USA Side 1 Dummy
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What The Critics Say
Flogging Molly expand their Celtic-punk sound with an album that's more mature, more polished, and not quite as intense as its predecessor, although it does have its share of high-energy numbers. There are some thrashing punk tunes, some folk ballads, some relatively mainstream hard rock (although there's usually a tin whistle or fiddle to remind you this is Flogging Molly), a Cajun feel on "Tomorrow Comes a Day Too Soon" (which showcases Matt Hensley on accordion), a brief a cappella performance by Dave King ("The Wrong Company"), and even a duet with Lucinda Williams on "Factory Girls." The songs address such topics as U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East ("Screaming at the Wailing Wall"), Irish workers on 17th century sugar plantations in Barbados ("Tobacco Island"), and being prepared to leave nothing behind at death ("Don't Let Me Die Still Wondering"), with nostalgia as a common theme in several songs. The band sounds a bit softer than before, with the mix relatively de-emphasizing electric guitar in favor of other instruments, but this album should still appeal to fans of Flogging Molly's previous work. ~ Todd Kristel, All Music Guide
'Drunken Lullabies'
Release Date 3/19/2002
Tracks 12
Label SideOneDummy
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What The Critics Say
Flogging Molly boasts a feisty Irish heart and pub rock influences aplenty on Drunken Lullabies, an boisterous collection of hyper-energetic songs rendered in a rush of patriotic frenzy. Lead singer Dave King leads an raucous army of guitars, violins, whistles, and accordions through torrid tales of freedom, political struggle, love found, and love unrequited bolstered by a rhythm section steeped in a pure punk rock aesthetic. Engineered by Steve Albini, this album explodes with the exuberance of a live performance, leaving in the sour notes and call-and-response verses that are equally infectious and endearing. The title track kicks off the set in a breakneck speed that never lets up, decrying the ills of modern society whilst drowning sorrows, hopes, and fears in alcohol and camaraderie. "Death Valley Queen" is a dirge of Dylanesque proportions where King bemoans the rejection he suffers from a not-so-fair maiden with courage and deep sorrow. But misery, no matter how temporary, loves good company. And there's plenty to be found on Drunken Lullabies. After one listen, you'll probably wish you were Irish. ~ Tom Semioli, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Nothing like a traditional Irish band from California. All cynicism aside, Flogging Molly's hybrid of street punk and pub-rock is a ruckus of punch-drunk energy. Combining the folk of the Pogues with an Oi! blast by way of the Dropkick Murphys, their debut full-length Swagger provides a brew of rowdy party music that's perfect for any barroom brawl. ~ Mike DaRonco, All Music Guide
'Alive Behind the Green Door'
Release Date 1/1/1997
Tracks 10
Label 26f
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