Dropkick Murphys - The Gang's All Here

Produced by Rancid's Lars Frederiksen, The Gang's All Here is a solid course in topical punk with tough Irish-American strains. The Dropkick Murphys, from Boston, take up the expected us-against-the-world pose, but back it up with lyrics a cut above the hormonal angst of their late-'90s contemporaries. They use a combination of topical observations and self-examination that gives their stance a bit more validity, especially in "Curse of a Fallen Soul." It's smart and generous punk, but still decidedly tough thanks to Al Barr's gruff vocals and the impressive power of drummer Matt Kelly. Read More