St. Paddy's records: Swagger, Warrior's Code

For quite a while I dismissed both Flogging Molly and the Dropkick Murphys as Pogues rip-offs. Then I saw Flogging Molly live at the San Diego Street Fest, and they rocked a crowd of thousands. I soon gave into the infectious singalongs of both bands.

LA’s Flogging Molly stays pretty true to the sound of their Celtic rock forebears, and they do it very well. Their first record, Swagger, remains my favorite.

If you like your folk-punk with more punk than folk, Boston’s Dropkicks are your band: two parts Pogues, one part Mighty Mighty Bosstones, a touch of Lagwagon (at risk of overdoing it, maybe a twist of Metallica?). 2005's Warrior's Code rocks about as hard as a banjo and bagpipes will allow.

Either or both will keep your St. Pat’s party going strong into the wee hours. Click on the album covers above to buy.

Downloads:
Dropkick Murphys – “Sunshine Highway” (Mediafire link)
Flogging Molly – “Every Dog Has Its Day” (Mediafire link)

See the full list of St. Paddy's Day record reccomendations here.