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I had trouble finding a certain older cd and was able to find just what I was looking for on Amazon
"Swagger" has a significant amount of irreverent anger imbedded within each of its thirteen catchy, energetic songs. Or maybe it's the intermittent trumpet. This is not the case anymore, however, and several of the songs stand out as favorites, in particular "Selfish Man" and "Far Away Boys." In the band's defense, their work is probably not meant to be listened to in terms of musical complexity. This is not music to work through your doldrums on the porch while the storm rolls in (save your Radiohead for that). As the music of a historically oppressed and marginalized community, the connection between the angry punk attitude and the Irish jig seems predestined. In this stylistic overlap, "Swagger's" lyrics form social, but not overtly political, commentary, providing a space for Irish-identified people to work through their current social identity.However, "Swagger" has an overall "sameishness." Many of the tunes sound a lot alike, and until I cracked open the lyrics, I often mistook one song for another. Adopting the stereotyped ideal of Irish music, Flogging Molly's obvious agenda is to create singable, happy-sounding tunes with depressing lyrics. Undoubtedly, they exemplify party music for anyone who is, or in any way perceives themselves to be, Irish.
Patrick's Day concert is probably a dangerously happy and enthusiastic person.THE LOWDOWN: If you like one Flogging Molly tune, you'll probably like most of them. Like Cake, Flogging Molly is also very accessible, and most people who like real musicians that actually play their instruments will most likely take to "Swagger."I would imagine that Flogging Molly is an excellent live band. "Swagger" is consistently entertaining and, as my first experience with the band aside from the "Weeds" soundtrack, it has a welcome spot in my collection. As a result, one must forgive the occasional appearance of a questionably tuned pennywhistle clashing with an accordion.I cold-bought "Swagger" on the suggestion of a friend (thanks, Maureen), and as a result I don't have much in my collection to compare it to. Flogging Molly is, in a way, singing the blues, but only in the most Irish way - by laughing in the face of one's trials. It is music to be driven to, drank to (not at the same time - let's keep things legal)., played in a bar, and sung aloud in large, beer-swilling crowds.
While the members of Flogging Molly are obviously accomplished musicians, virtuosity is not the point here as much as expression. At times it reminds me of Cake, not because Flogging Molly sounds at all like them, but because there is a simplicity and cleverness that both bands share. The drunken Flogging Molly fan at a St. However, the consistency of "Swagger" can also be a detriment, and it can wear thin upon repeated listens.
This CD is awesome. It's loaded with great Irish drinking tunes. Even the kids have fun dancing to it.
One of the best albums I have ever heard. I play it straight through, every song is excellent. The best from Flogging Molly.
I am usually a purist when it comes to music, im punk all the way, but regardless of your preferences you can't deny that this is one of the most musically rewarding albums of all time. I found out about Flogging Molly in a slow, roundabout way. The instrumentals make you feel like you're in Ireland and the lyrics make you feel like you're spending a rainy day in a pub singing your favorite songs. I started with some hardcore Boston punk, moved to Dropkick Murphy's, and finally to FM. I honestly have to say that this is one of the best albums ever written. Swagger has the perfect mix of up-beat and slow songs. My personal favorite tracks are "These Exiled Years", "Devils Dance Floor", and "Far Away Boys".
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