CD Review: Sing Loud Sing Proud

What I'm Listening To Now; Nothings Gonna Stop Us Now by The Starting Line

Whilst the more mainstream Blackout was the first Dropkick Murphys album I ever heard Sing Loud Sing Proud was the album that really gave them a permanent home in my heart. Sing Loud Sing Proud for me was the album where DKM (Dropkick Murphys) really found their classic sound. This was when they really started to blend their traditional folk influences into their street punk sound without losing any of the attitude or energy. There isn't a moment where a folk instrument feels forced or out of place. I'd also argue that this is the classic DKM line up with Marc "The Kid" Orrell on lead guitar. If I were to make a fantasy band he would be my guitarist but that is a blog for another day.

Sing Loud Sing Proud starts off with a recording of the fans battle cry of "let's go murphys!" before launching into For Boston. This song is a great way to kick off the album due to the pounding drums, bagpipes taking the lead over the guitars and huge gang vocals. Gang vocals are a huge part of of what makes DKM great.

The majority of songs on Sing Loud Sing Proud are either about workers rights (Which Side Are You On?, The Gauntlet) or are drinking songs (Good Rats, The Spicy McHaggis Jig). Both styles of song work great with the gang vocals and especially the dual vocals of Al Barr and Ken Casey. With singers seemingly coming from every direction it really makes you feel involved in the album.

You can find my two favourite DKM songs on Sing Loud Sing Proud. The Gauntlet starts off with a thumping hollow drum beat the guitars kick in. The song, like many DKM songs is about standing up for yourself regardless of the outcome. The lyric "Do you think we're gonna make it? I don't know unless we try, you could sit here scared to move, or we could take them by surprise" to me is inspiring. it has given me the inspiration many times to stand up for myself when I feel a situation I've been in is unfair. The chorus "Stand up and fight, and I'll stand up with you, we shall succeed" has taught me you don't have to battle everyone yourself and there are people who will have your back.

My other favourite song is A Few Good Men is another song with messages about standing up for yourself and banding together against 'the man.' However where The Gauntlet is a full on punk rock assault A Few Good Men is a more stripped back folk number. This makes it feel very accessible and you can easily imagine it being an anthem on a picket line or at a working class bar. 

I believe that really kick-started DKM on there way to being one of, if not the biggest punk band on the planet. It has everything a great punk album needs, passion, energy, power, truthfulness and great sing-a-longs.

Forever This Album Will Stay With Me.

BRAP!

Song I'm Listening To Now: Forever by Dropkick Murphys

Blog 5: Why I Love Gigs

What I'm Listening To Now: If You Had A Bad Time by Alkaline Trio

Thursday the 4th of November was a very exciting day for me. I was going to Oxford with four of my best boys to see Less Than Jake and Zebrahead. This was going to be my first ever gig. I couldn't wait.

We left for Oxford early that day planning on bumming round Oxford for a bit before getting the venue early to make sure we were up the front. The support bands that day were This Contrast Kills and We Are The Union, they warmed the crowd up pleasantly enough but when Zebrahead took to the stage and opened with Hell Yeah they had the crowd in the palm of their hands instantly. I'd never felt such a collective amount of energy and love for one single thing before, until Less Than Jake took the stage of course. The crowd when absolutely bananas for them, the whole room was singing, dancing, skanking and moshing the night away with them. There was so much love for the band from the crowd and so much love for the crowd from the band. I was absolutely in love with this night. This was in fact the best feeling I'd ever had from a night out. Why had it taken me so long to go to a gig?

Since that day I've been to 23 gigs and I have 15 more booked up before Christmas. It's fair to say I've become a little addicted. Today is my 16th day without going to gigs and I am starting to really get a craving for my next one. With this blog I'm aiming to work out why I love it and why it’s become such a big part of my life.

One of my favourite things about live music is the energy you get from the bands. As much as bands try it’s almost impossible to portray the energy you get from seeing a band live on a CD. It's great to see the passion and conviction being shown by the likes of Frank Turner or Justin Sane (Anti-Flag). It adds a whole extra dimension to the songs and shows they really believe what they are singing. There isn't much better than seeing a band who have been playing the same songs for years still putting as much effort and energy into the songs as they did when they first wrote them.

Something else you don't get from a CD but do at a gig is the interaction between the bands and the crowd. I've witnessed Less Than Jake get two men in morph suits get up on stage for a drinking contest, I've seen Fat Mike (NOFX) pay a kid £50 to let him cut his hair of on stage. One particular highlight from a band I've seen was when Pat Thetic, the drummer from Anti-Flag setting up his kit in the middle of a circle pit whilst for the bands final song (Power To The Peaceful) during their headline set at AntiFest earlier this year. At the last gig I went to I saw Jimmy Stadt (Polar Bear Club) pull someone on stage to help play one of their closing songs. He said it was the first time they'd ever done it. It was truly an "I was there when" moment. 

You also get to some great showmanship from the bands that help add that something special to a show. Whether it’s an in-sync jump between the bands or a big drum solo it all adds to the show. There are also the gags that are added between songs. My personal favourite was at a Lightyear gig this summer. They had just finished their main set and rather than leave the stage before the encore they brought out a table and chairs and sat and had a cup of tea and read the paper. I thought it was genius.

Another thing I really enjoy at gigs is the crowd itself. Earlier today I was watching Frank Turner's live at Wembley DVD. During his final song he introduced his band and thanked the most important member's of his band, the crowd. He did a small speech about how if the crowd didn't show up then he wouldn't be able to play his songs for people. Frank hit the nail on the head with that speech. At the end of the day a crowd can make or break a gig. I've always found if the crowd are getting behind the band the bands seems to put on a better show than when a crowd doesn't. I've been lucky enough where there have been minimal times where there has been a bad crowd.

I think you will find three different types of people at a gig. Firstly you get the people who like to get right to the front and get as close to the band as they possibly can. Then you get the people who like to get wild and crazy in the pit and lastly you get the people who like to keep out of the action and just get watch the show from a safe distance. All of these positions have their pros and con's. For instance if you’re at the front you get a great view but you do get crushed against a steel barrier for a couple of hours. If you’re in the pit you generally have a great night dancing the night away but often feel like you've been in a fight when you're done. If you’re at the back you avoid the rambunctiousness of the pit and being at the front but you struggle to get as good of a view.

I've had some amazing nights at many gigs in all of those positions but if I'm being honest I've always had the best nights when I've been in the pit. I find a mosh pit to be a weird and wonderful place. In everyday life if you push and shove in a big crowd you are public enemy number one. At a gig you are accepted. It is strange. I've had many amazing nights where I've ended up being half naked, covered in other peoples sweat as well as my own, bouncing around with guys twice my size. Anywhere else this would not be accepted but here it is considered the norm and expected. It may sound daunting, but despite the craziness everyone is looking out for one another. There is an unwritten law where if you see someone fall pick them up and make sure they are ok.

I really do love the people you meet at gigs. Especially at a punk gig. Everyone is there with the common goal of having a great time seeing a band that they love. This makes it very easy to quickly become great mates with a complete stranger from a completely different walk of life.

The first gig I ever went to alone was NOFX and Less Than Jake at the O2 Academy in Shepherds Bush. I was a bit apprehensive about going at first but as soon as I found the place (my plan of follow the NOFX shirts worked perfectly) I soon felt fine. During that gig I managed to have great conversation with a father and son who'd come as a father’s day gig. The father was definitely an old original punk and was a complete hero. I spoke with some lads from Norwich who turned out to be in a band supporting one of my favourite UK bands ever, 4ft Fingers and a German girl who if I'm being completely honest turned out to be one of the coolest people I've ever met.

Fans of punk rock seem to be the some of the friendliest people alive. In the summer my boys all had gone on a lad’s holiday. Hot weather and getting mindlessly drunk, definitely not a holiday for me. During the time they were away Less Than Jake were on a UK tour. The date that fell on my day off was in Brighton. I thought to myself "fudge it, it will be a great adventure even if I am by myself, I always make friends at gigs." So with that theory I booked a hotel and caught a train down to Brighton. I got to my hotel which upon arrival gave the impression I'd booked myself into a brothel. The receptionist took me to my room and explained that my room had been upgraded. She showed me my room and told me the toilet is down two floors. If my upgraded room didn't have a toilet in it I dread to think what my original room was like. This adventure was pretty poo so far but I decided to make the best of it and go explore and find the gig venue.

Anybody who knows me will tell you how bad my sense of direction is so finding the venue obviously didn't go smoothly. It went so bad in fact that I managed to accidently walk down some sort of gay hang out and get harassed by an old man called Bob for a blowjob. I'm far from close minded or homophobic but this incident really shook me up. This paired with how crap my hotel room was made me want to go home but again I decided to make the best of it.

I'm so glad I didn't. Not long after getting into the venue and getting a good spot two girls came and started talking to me due to the fact I was wearing my Big D &The Kids Table t-shirt. Turns out they are big fans to. They made me feel so much better. Eventually the gig got going and they disappeared but I was feeling so much more comfortable. The warm up bands finished and I was waiting patiently for Less Than Jake and I started talking to some fella. He was a cool bloke and thought it was brilliant that I'd come so far for the show. He introduced me to his friends and we all got on like a house on fire. I explained how bad my day had been (worryingly one of them thinks they have met the same gay harasser that I had) and they made me feel right at home. They even offered me a place to stay for the night and if I ever came back to Brighton. This to me was the epitome of human kindness and I loved them for it. 

I love a punk crowd.

That is why I love gigs so much. I get to meet so many different and interesting people. They are all friendly and kind and accept you despite the way you look or who you are. It gives me a great feeling of belonging. These are my people. I've been to eight gigs by myself now and it amazes every time how comfortable I am here than I have been times when I've been dragged to a Saturday night in town going to pubs and bars. I hate those nights.

Ultimately I love gigs for all of those reason but mostly because it gives someone who has never fit in with the cool kid crowd somewhere to fit in.

BRAP!

Song I'm Listening To Now: Before They Make Me Run by Supersuckers

Blog 4: Bucket List

What I'm Listening To Now: Powergames by The SubHumMans

A year or so ago I was speaking with a good friend about life goals and things we'd like to do before we die. Tonight I'm feeling like I should do a blog and after reading another friends list I decided I should post mine. This is Colins Bucket List.

1.       Skinny Dip

2.       Learn To Drive

3.       See The Johnstones Live

4.       Visit 924 Gilman Street

5.       Learn To Ski/Snowboard

6.       Walk to the top of the biggest hill in the lake district

7.       Open my own punk club

8.       Get a fragile tattoo on my leg

9.       Go to the Cheers Bar

10.   Go to Las Vegas

11.   7 Ball Brad

12.   Meet the Crystal Palace Team

13.   Walk the length of Great Britain

14.   Go a year without shaving

15.   See Rancid Live

16.   See Jo’s Boobs

17.   Own Audi R8

18.   Own a property in Frinton

19.   Learn how to do a proper cartwheel

20.   Learn how to play the bongos

21.   Write the first punk rock bongos songs

22.   Shake Johnny Rottens hand

23.   Win a game of poker

24.   Become a talent spotter for a record label.

25.   Employ my own cleaner

26.   Go to Canada

27. Go to The Fes

28. See The Descendents Live

29. See Bad Religion Live

30. See NOFX play The Decline

I have already removed go to Toby Carvery, see NOFX live, see Dropkick Murphys live and see The Bouncing Souls live. All of these achievements I am rightly very proud of.

BRAP!

What I'm listening to now: Give You Nothing by Bad Religion

Blog 3: Strength vs Weakness

What I'm Listening to now: JW by The Huntingtons

About 9 years ago I was sitting on the number 2 bus heading into college. On the bus with me that day was a boy I'd met at school. He wasn't really a friend of mine but he was someone I'd always had courteous conversation with. I was talking away spouting my usual nonsense when he said something that took me back. "You never change do you Colin." That put me in a good mood for the rest of that day, which was very rare during my college days. It made me so happy because I've never wanted to change. I've never felt the need to change. I've always had the attitude if you don't like me for who/what I am then its your problem not mine.

Recently I was having a chat with a friend who I used to work with. We were talking about how certain people we'd worked with seemed to change into dicks when they are promoted and given more power. I noted that I don't think I changed at all when I was promoted for a short time. He agreed with me and said "that's why everyone likes you." This made me swell with pride and to me proved that I am still the same person I was 9 years ago and that my mantra of "Growing Up Is For Quitters" is a fairly successful way to live my life.

Not changing doesn't just relate to my personality. For as long as I've been able I've always grown a beard. Not because I'm trying to be cool and make a fashion statement (its definitely neither of those, its ginger) but because I can't be bothered with keep shaving it off when I know it will just grow back. I've always been strong willed enough to shave when I've wanted to and not when work and my friends have harassed me into doing it. I don't care if I look better when I shave, I prefer having a beard.

When dressing myself I've always stuck with a style I've nicknamed "Hobo Chic." Its basically skate shoes (usually a bit tattered), a pair of jeans/combat shorts, a band t-shirt, a checkered shirt/hoody and a black hat. I'm told I don't dress especially well but I like it. 

I've always felt that my refusal to change who I am was my biggest strength as a person. Until recently that is.....

Recently I have increasingly felt alone. This sounds ridiculous even to me. I am blessed to have more good friends than I can count. I recently started going to a lot of gigs by myself and even then I have never felt alone. The only reason I can think of for feeling like this is the lack of a girlfriend in my life. Its well known that I am pretty poor when it comes to getting girls. It's not that I'm shy around them, far from it in fact. Due to my love of gigs and sometimes having a lack of people to go to them with I've gained the confidence to talk to anyone. I can talk to girls with no problem at all, the problem is I always manage to get friend-zoned instantly no matter what. One time I was even told that I was like a brother to one girl I was interested in. A kick to the balls would have been a better turn down.

I don't think my lady problems come from my personality. I can get girls to like me in some way.

I've been told I'd be able to get a lot of women if I started to present myself better. A very close friend of mine has offered to take me into some "cool" shops and pick me out some clothes. I've agreed to have a look as I am intrigued to see what they pick out. You never know I might like it. Another friend has also told me I should dress better to get the girls. He then made me go through everything I was wearing and work out the price. According to him you get girls by wearing expensive clothes. Sounds like complete poppy-cock to me. Whilst I was becoming a bit open to trying some new things after hearing this it has made me revert back to the attitude about not changing who I am. Do I really want a girl who likes me because I'm wearing an over-priced pair of pink shorts? Would I rather stick with feeling slightly alone or should I sell out and be something I'm not for a bit of companionship?

Turns out what I think is my biggest strength could be my biggest weakness. Brilliant.

Song I'm listening to now: New Nail Bed by Big D & The Kids Table

 

CD Review: Keasbey Nights

Song I'm Listening To At The Start Of This Blog: Dear Sergio by Catch 22

This is my third review in my mini series of my 5 favourite albums ever.

Frantic. If I were ever asked to use one word to describe Catch 22's debut masterpiece Keasbey Nights "frantic" would be my word of choice. Whilst listening for the first time you will notice words and music seem to hit you from every conceivable angle. This description probably makes it sound like the album is a bit of a mess of noise but it all moulds perfectly together. I'll challenge anyone to listen and not at the very least tap there toes. If I were allowed to use a second word I would pick energy.

One of my favourite thins about this album is Catch 22's unique style of combining the horns with the guitar and bass lines. While many other ska bands have more of a poppy sound, where the horns just follow the faster guitar riffs, Catch 22's horn section takes on a life of it's own. On the majority of songs the horns are what drive the songs forward. Every single member of Catch 22 on this album are incredibly talented musicians.

Something else that makes Catch 22 stand out is front man Tomas Kalnokys almost rap like style of vocals. It amazes me someone can play guitar and sing as fast as he does. Its a real testament to his skill as a musician. I love how for the chorus on almost all the songs seem to incorporate the rule if you're not blowing something you will sing along. This is a great tool for performing alive. Encourages the whole crowd to sing back to you and creates the greatest atmosphere.

You will notice on this review unlike the previous ones I have refrained for reviewing tracks separately. This is because I simple don't have a favourite track and love them all equally. However I will give a special mention to the final song on the album 12341234. To me this is the most perfect way to finish an album or a show. Its starts slow with a sing-along then kicks into some frantic drumming with a whole load of "Whoa-ohs." A great way to put a sweaty arm round your new best friend you've been having a skank with and just shout along until you have no voice left.

Sadly I will never get the chance to see this version of Catch 22 live as for whatever reason Tomas left the band and started his own band Streetlight Manifesto. The remaining remembers continued but have never been able to hit the heights on Keasbey Nights.

Song I'm Listening To At This End Of This Blog: Keasbey Nights by Catch 22

BRAP!