Dropkick Murphys – 11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory

I have to admit, it’s been awhile since I’ve truly “connected” with a Dropkick Murphys album.  That isn’t to say I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed tracks from Signed And Sealed In Blood, or moments of Going Out In Style, but it’s been nearly a decade since I’ve been giddy to sit through an entire Dropkicks album during repeat listens.  Hence my shock when the Celtic heavyweights’ ninth studio album, 11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory, instantly began to seep under my skin, hook me in, and keep me coming back for more time and again.

A closer look though, and a subtle irony emerges from the “addicting” nature of the band’s latest output.  In fact, the album’s central themes are deeply rooted in the band’s experiences managing The Claddagh Fund.  A charity founded by the band on the principle of supporting addiction rehabilitation, along with children and veterans, the work has undoubtedly found the band crossing the paths of many of society’s most vulnerable.  Thankfully, my draw to 11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory is due to an entirely different type of addiction – that of anthemic chorus cries, and big, bolstered gang vocals.

Despite the somber inspiration, the album isn’t an inherently sad affair.  Rather, The Dropkick Murphys do what they do best, exploring difficult circumstance through celebration of individual strength and resilience.  11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory sets a courageous tone, opening with the lyricless battlecry of “The Lonesome Boatman.”  Building from the crisp celtic cry of a tin whistle, the band collectively belts in booming unison for an undeniable dose of sheer tenacity.  These are the moments that Dropkick Murphys are known for, and without uttering a single word, they deliver.  Once Casey and Barr pipe up, the prideful theme of perseverance resonates directly during flagship choruses like that of “Paying My Way.”  Against a slow burning tempo and subtle musical concoction of harmonica, acoustic strums, and thunderous drums comes an inspiring pick-me-up: “don’t count me out, I’m a survivor, I chase these streets down city streets, dead-end roads that no one sees, I’m proud to be a fighter.”  Other calls to solidarity and support include a galvanizing take on Gary & The Pacemakers’ “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” new fan favourite “Blood,” and a mandolin infused memorial to the Boston bombing in “4-15-13.”  11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory finds The Dropkick Murphys at their most sincere.

But for those that might be looking for something a little lighter to add to their St. Patty’s Day playlists, there’s no lack of hearty old time brawlers.  Look no further than “I Had A Hat,” which leads the charge with quick-tempoed, punch-first-ask-questions-later mentality.  Amidst a fired-up punk-rock tempo, ruckus banjo and spirited accordion, the band playfully describes poor Casey’s misguided reaction to a missing hat at an otherwise quiet wake.  “I had a hat when I came in, I hung it on the rack, I’ll have a hat when I go out, or I’ll break somebody’s back,” belts vocalist Casey in his signature gravelly tone.  With a quick wit and catchy chorus, “I Had A Hat” marks yet another surefire Dropkick Murphys classic.

All in all, 11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory really hits the mark.  The balance between slow burners and breakneck brawlers is impeccable, and the overarching thematic awareness makes for an album that’s worth more than the sum of its parts.  The Dropkick Murphys may have not hit the mark as readily over the past few years, but with 11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory, they just landed a bullseye.