Tobacco Island by Flogging Molly

February 11, 2005 | 10 Comments

The Artist: Flogging Molly
The Song: Tobacco Island
The Album: Within A Mile From Home
Released 2004
Recommended if you like: The Pogues, Dropkick Murphys, Shane MacGowan, The Real McKenzies, The Paperboys, The Drive By Truckers

It took me a few listens to get into Flogging Molly’s latest, Within A Mile From Home, but once I got past their new, slightly more mellow, more musical sound, I found I really liked it. Probably even more than their previous work.

I’ve been a big fan of Flogging Molly for a while now. As an age old Pogues fanatic they’ve been the closest I’ve found (not counting any of Shane Macgowan’s project) to capturing what I absolutely love about the Pogues.

They’ve got the same energy, a similar style and musical best and they’re really, really good too! Ok, they’re not quite the Pogues, but…who cares? They’re awesome and I’m really excited because for the first time ever, I get to see them live tonight.

I’ve heard they put on a great show, and I’ve been wanting to see them for quite awhile. Seems like every-time they roll through town I just miss them or have something already in the hopper for that night.

For those of you who might not be familiar with them, they sound kind of like The Pogues. Ha! Sorry, they do sound kind of like The Pogues, but they’re a bit different as well. They’re a bit more, well, punk, especially if you go listen to their older stuff. They do have a very strong Irish traditional sound, with the fiddles, banjos and what-not. And they’ve got that story-telling style as well.

If you’re into Irish music, punk, or just great energetic storytelling-jig-dancing-mug-swinging craziness, you’ll probably enjoy Flogging Molly. Give this week’s track, “Tobacco Island” a gander and you’ll see what I mean. It’s a kind of drunken sailor, Irish pirate tune—you’ve got to love that.

Arrrgggh.

Filed under: Song of The Week

Comments

1. Gerry McGovern said:

Keith,
Thanks for this recommendation. I’ve just put in an order for the album. All our family went to see The Pogues in Dublin at Christmas, and they were absolutely brilliant. It was one of those rare, uplifting, amazing gigs.

Gerry

Posted on February 12, 2005 06:02 AM | #

2. Jordan said:

Flogging Molly are an incredibly fun band to listen to. I’ve never seen them in concert either, I’m afraid, but I’ve no doubt it’d be quite enjoyable.

Posted on February 12, 2005 07:38 AM | #

3. Dan Johnstone said:

thanks you have just made my day I did not realise that album has come out. they played at an all night concert i went to about 3 months ago they are brilliant live my fav was Rebels of the sacred heart hope you enjoy it to. ps. really like your song of the week section always look forward to the new songs.

Posted on February 12, 2005 08:38 AM | #

4. Keith said:

Flogging Molly is AMAZING live. The show last night was hot, crowded, full of drunk punks – and it was awesome.

Posted on February 12, 2005 12:35 PM | #

5. huphtur said:

Keith: you ever watched Shackle Me Not?
Matt Hensley’s part is a classic.

Posted on February 13, 2005 06:40 PM | #

6. Quique said:

As a newcomer into Flogging Molly’s music, but old Pogues follower, I must admit they are pretty simmilar, and to the best for us, as fun to listen and have a gig with. Thumbs up for this recommendation Keith .. Any good ‘in the mood’ photos?

Posted on February 14, 2005 02:00 AM | #

7. Jason Beaird said:

I hadn’t heard any of this album yet. Just picked it up, and I am not disappointed. Tobacco Island is a great song. I’m a big fan of their more “rowdy songs” so I really like the title track as well.

Posted on February 17, 2005 11:29 AM | #

8. Jessica Lopez said:

Looks cool… Great choice of songs, as always!

Posted on February 25, 2005 06:42 AM | #

9. Ashley S. said:

Flogging Molly is flippin’ amazing in concert. I saw them at a small venue, max occ is about 150 though there were about 450 of us in the room, and they were brilliant. The lead singer is full to bursting with charisma and humor. You’ll never find a dull moment at their show. Their new CD is also as amazing and makes you want to get up and do a jig on the bar.

Posted on March 23, 2005 12:06 AM | #

10. Breanna said:

Flogging Molly is bar fat my favorite band. I have never heard a song by them that I don’t like. My goal was to see them live, and I met that goal last year at the 04 warped tour in Calgary, I was front and center with my camera!! It was fucking amazing!! They did not diapoint, and I can say the same for Whithin a Mile of Home. I had to have it the first day it came out, and luckily I was able to fine it.

Posted on October 4, 2005 10:49 AM | #