Flogging Molly – Whiskey On A Sunday [CD/DVD]

Over the past decade Flogging Molly have worked ceaselessly to take over the world with their Celtic Punk rock anthems, with three full lengths and a live album under their belts they are well on their way there. When they announced the release of their CD/DVD combo Whiskey On A Sunday, I was pumped and knew they’d be one step closer to that ever elusive world domination status; and when I finally got my hands on a copy, I was simply blown away.

The first thing you’ll notice on Whiskey On A Sunday is the ten track album that accompanies it, which is a solid release in itself but not the main reason you’d get the package. They kick it off with the rerecordedLaura from their first 1997 release which really reminds you of how good a writer King and his partners are. The remaining nine tracks are all new variations of old Flogging Molly tracks including four acoustic tracks and five live cuts. Even though none of the songs are “new” per say, they’re still great to listen to. You get to hear the little quirks the band adds into your old favorites live (like the Ole! chant thrown intoBlack Friday Rule), a great treat if you’ve never seen the spectacle in person. Still, the weirdest thing is the simple fact that even while the CD portion of the combo would easily survive on it’s own, on Whiskey On A Sunday it seems to be an afterthought because the main reason you’ll pick up the release is to watch the documentary of the band; and that is where Whiskey On A Sunday is really sold.

The ninety minute documentary is one of better documentaries released recently (by far the best one this year other than the American Hardcore documentary which I have yet to see since it’s not on DVD, ignoring that, this takes the cake). The DVD gives you an inside look into the band, the formation, the stories behind the songs and even how they came upon the memorable moniker. The interviews are done at home, in parks, on tour and in the bus as they talk to all the band members, the owners of SideOneDummy and fans from around the world. It encompasses everything you want in a documentary: it’s informative, entertaining and interesting – you can’t stop watching it even if you try.

Throughout it all, the most interesting figure is of course front man Dave King. Since he is the principal song writer of the band, he’s able to supply the viewer with insights to certain tracks and it’s well worth the listen. As the documentary progresses you see how Flogging Molly came to be and all the incidents that weaved together to set King up to form the band. He tells heartfelt stories of his childhood in Beggar’s Bush, from the fun memories of playing music with family and friends to the sorrowful retelling of his father’s death and the fear of the unknown. You get a sense of how everything cumulated together to the point where you can get a better understanding of the man and his songs.

Of course, the rest of the band offers some very interesting stories as well (particularly when they were accused of being Skinheads and drummer George Schwindt’s story about his father). Frankly, anyFlogging Molly fan will love this documentary. It’s not one that will put you to sleep, but instead a very informative and entertaining one; and one you could watch multiple times. It’s definitely recommended.