With the Pogues just about done and Black 47s too damn weird for their own good, Dropkick Murphys, the Boston Irish Punk Rock conglomeration are just about the last boys standings to bring nyc its St. Patty's jam.
Unfortunately, they won't be here because they will be at Ground Zero, the hated Boston enemies of the all things New York essentially because they can't compete with all things New York.
Kinda scary right? New Jersey and Massachusetts can't get over the fact they aren't New York and that the Pogues for one PLAYED NYC ON ST. PATTYS DAY and not Boston because, come on, where is the competition?
All true, but if all you have is Dropkick Murphys, well, you could do well, and when the hard rocking, punk pile drive Pogues wannabes bring out the bagpipes and howl they seem not just another also ran but an also running at full speed against a brick wall of like minded hedonists joining together over a pint or a punch. The problem with Irish rock is that ever since the IRA packed it in, it kinda had less to howl about. The Potato Famine was a long long time ago and peace has reigned in Ireland for awhile now so some of the things that connected the old sod to Boston isn't there, while the immigration into New York prospers.
I like Dropkick Murphys fine, and the new album, Signed And Sealed In Blood, is a solid effort, but when I go to T5 on Wednesday March 13th (they are also playing the night before) it will be the first time I've seen em live and I am actually a little excited. T5 is a hell hole but I have a feeling these Irish Americans can fill the voice. I just wish it was six days later.