Call Upon The Author

Dropkick Murphys St Patrick’s Day shows in Boston have become an annual tradition, as important to a Bostonian punker as wearing green and drinking Guinness. These shows were first documented on their live CD in 2002 and now eight years later, and with three more studio albums under their belt they release Live On Landsdowne, featuring an entirely different set list from their previous release.
While this means that many of their classic songs are left off, it also acts as proof that their new material can stand up just as well on its own. That being said I can’t forgive them for fading out the album as they announce Skinhead on the MBTA, possibly one of the best songs in their back catalogue and always a highlight of their live show.
While the performance of the songs is as energetic as you’d expect from the Murphys, there seems to be a lot of overdubbing going on which, while making the band sound note perfect, sucks some of the atmosphere out of the show. Despite this, the mixing is excellent – with none of the instruments being too overbearing and the more unusual instruments like the tin whistle and bouzouki coming through nicely. The best live albums are the ones where the band let everything hang loose and just play with passion, and while solid enough this is what holds back the album from reaching the heights of a classic.
The accompanying DVD offers up the same setlist, but with some added visual stimulation in the form of a stained glass window style backdrop, and some dancers for a couple of numbers. Being a punk rock band at heart though, you can’t expect any elaborate light show or pyrotechnics from them.
Any fans of the Dropkick Murphys newer material will find themselves enjoying this; those that are only into their old stuff however will find little to satisfy them here. Who knows though, maybe listening to this will make them realise that DKM are still a great band with some fantastic songs. Captain Kelly’s Kitchen, The Dirty Glass and I’m Shipping Up To Boston match anything offered on their first release so I urge you to give them a chance.