Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?

Subject: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: GUEST,Penguin Egg
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 05:51 AM

I am a huge fan (coming up to 13 stone) of The Pogues. The influence of the Dubliners on them is clear as daylight. Therefore, because of that, I have tried to get into them. Get to the roots, as it were. I've played their Transatlantic anthology CD. I can't stand them. Their relentless chirpiness makes my want to take the disc out my player and hurl it out of the window. Their Oirishness makes them look like a bunch of plastic Paddies. Their excessive nationalism -forever harping on the beauty of their country, constant evoking of folk memories, immodest rattling on about the freindliness of their people-puts them beyond the pale of all decent folk fans.

Am I being unfair?

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 06:41 AM

YES

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 06:44 AM

Are you Canadian?

What vintage of Dubliners are you listening to, please?

What line ups are on offer

Just to try you put things into perspective

Dubliners not really been 'fully' accepted length and breadth of UK

but very acceptable to Irish people all over the World and God bless em they do alot for tourism!!

Ray

Ray

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Rasener
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 06:59 AM

We can't all like the same performers and we wouldn't be expected to.

What always amazes me, is when people say that somebody is crap, when in actual fact they are very good, but are not to that persons taste.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Brakn
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 08:00 AM

A GUEST calling something plastic?

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 08:02 AM

The Dubliners are simply the BEST EVER Irish band, they have always had great singers, the late Luke Kelly, Ronnie Drew, the late Ciaron Bourke, Sean Cannon, Jim McCann and Paddy Riley and two of Irelands finest instrumentalists, John Sheahan and Barney McKenna.
They always sing good songs both traditional and modern contemporary, and what great tunes, including the ones composed by John, if you prefer the Pogues shouting at you then get help.

eric

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: GUEST,Penguin Egg
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 08:14 AM

I'm sorry. The Dubliners are folk music-lite. Folk music for people who cannot take folk music. They are to Ireland what the Corries are to Scotland or the Spinners are to England. And I never said they were crap - just that I canna stand them. Their nationalism nearly tips over into fascism.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Maryrrf
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 08:40 AM

Well, everybody is entitled to their opinion and tastes differ, but I would take the Dubliners over the Pogues any day. I do not care for the Pogues and would certainly think that if we are arguing about who is more "folky" then it's got to be the Dubliners. They may have done some "lite" pub stuff but I would harly classify them as "folk music lite". They recorded for many years and have a vast amount of material out there. The Transatlantic Recordings were live and it is a fact that "banter" which may go over well when you're seeing a live show often doesn't do so when when it's recorded and your hear it over and over again. Also, now jaded pub songs like "The Holy Ground" were much fresher and more acceptable years ago than they are now that they've been overdone ad nauseum. No, I wouldn't classify The Dubliners as "Plastic Paddies" by any means.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Tim theTwangler
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 08:54 AM

I enjoy a listen to the Dubliners now and then
I find that they are a hard band to play along to on account of they are such good players themselves.
I also like the pogues and a few of the IRA fund raisers too
I still love to hear my crappy old recording of Sam missiles in the sky(ghost riders in the sky)
Just because you dont agree with me re the dubliners is fine I aint so keen on the Chieftens Me thinks they try a little to hard and I prefer the down to earth good times that the Dubliner always sound as if they are having.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Snuffy
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 09:48 AM

Always tremendous vocal and instrumental skills in the Dubliners, whom I have loved and revered since the 60s.

And many of todays folk artists should listen to their recordings to learn how to accompany a song without the instruments strangling it. I've never heard a Dubliners track where the accompaniment detracted from an understanding of the words: the current fashion seems to be to drown the vocals with buzz-saw fiddle, thrashing bass, and/or loud guitars and banjoes, so you're not sure if the words are in English, Xhosa or Kazakh - or whether it matters at all anyway.

As regards excessive nationalism, are you sure you're not thinking of the Wolfetones? Many (perhaps even most) Dubliners songs were Scottish or English, with a smattering from American, Australian and other sources. The fact that people all over the world now believe that these are Irish songs (Wild Rover, Black Velvet Band) just goes to show what a good job they did on them.

And for relentlessly chirpy, admittedly they didn't do a lot of navel-gazing, wrist-slitting, singer-songwriter pap, but listen to their versions of Raglan Road, Band Played Waltzing Matilda, Joe Hill, etc, etc, etc and tell me how chirpy is that.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: PeteBoom
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 09:55 AM

The role of the Dubliners and the Clancey Brothers and the Corries and others is notable - not so much for the music they performed (or did not perform) as for the awakening to the possibility of what *can* be performed. Yes, much of their early stuff was common music hall stuff - however - an awfull lot of people were introduced to it by them, with no memory at all of where it came from.

The first couple of waves of traditional musicians and folk musicians from Scotland, Ireland, England, Wales, Cornwall, riding the waves of the American folk-revival by revisiting their own folk and traditional music, set the stage for the mixed trad-folk, who in turn set the stage for the celtic-rock and other forms. I've no idea what's next, but I'm willing to give it a chance...

The list of performers and bands I find myself influenced by is legion. In early Dubliners, I hear a bunch of guys having a beer and a song or two. Whistlebinkies I hear shades of some of the hardcore traditional players fixed on a destination and they are there, thank you very much. Early Chieftains show a mastery of traditional forms, and if you compare what they did early on to what some of their later stuff (like, the Year of the French and later) you can see where they would find the strict tradition limiting to their goal, not defining it. Tannies and Batties and others show the same progression - solid roots with developmental changes influenced by the change in lineup and the avoidance of becoming trapped by other people's expectations.

Tradition is only a generation or two deep. What is traditional now was not traditional 50 years ago - for many, it was revolutionary.

The fact that the Dubliners, no matter the lineup, have hung reasonably close to their original direction and genre is a measure of the importance of the group. They are always new to someone who knows nothing about the roots of the music. While much of what they do is not my personal preference, I recognize it for what it is and tip my cap to them - all of them.

Hmmmmm.... Longest post I've had here in a couple of years.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Big Mick
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 09:56 AM

Snuffy, I was thrashing about trying to figure out how to respond when you captured it exactly. Thanks.

Mick

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: ard mhacha
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 09:59 AM

Snuffy, I am sure you have got it right, I also think that yer man is confusing the Wolfe Tones with the Dubliners.
He`s writing rubbish regarding the Dubliners nationalism, and well, I suppose he can be giving a fools pardon for comparing them with the Pogues.
I have just been listening to Luke Kelly singing Bunclody, sheer class,you would have to be possessed of cloth ears to compare Luke with Shane MacGowan.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: vectis
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 10:05 AM

You can keep the pogues. After the Woolftones the Dubs are for me followed by The Bards and Barnbrack.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: JohnB
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 10:08 AM

Time does not lie, for something, someone, a song, a tune a group to be remembered for forty+ years means something. It means it is good. Traditional music, it's still around because it is good.
How many anal singer songwriters will be remembered?
I guess the Pogues may have a small chance, The Dubliners are proof positive.
JohnB

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 10:12 AM

Problem is with 'Transatlantic anthology' CDs is that they are trying to be everything to everyone! Whoever compiled the track listing is assuming that their tastes are the ones that most people will like. Quite often they are right. The problem is that the majority are going to say it is OK. A small minority will love it and an equal number of people will hate it. When you play the averages game it is what you get.

Trying to decide if you like a band by listening to a compilation is often a mistake. Looking at this particular one I would agree that some of the tracks are what I would class as the worst of Irish. Mind you, some of them are not even Irish:-)

Try listening to some of the earlier albums in full and then decide - You may still not like them but I think you will be quite amazed at how un-commercial some of their stuff is.

Cheers

Dave the Gnome

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: GUEST,Nfkfiddler
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 10:36 AM

And, if you've had the good fortune to meet John and/or Barney you'll have found two of the nicest people you could want to meet.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Big Phil
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 11:42 AM

John and Barney, Luke, Jim, Ronnie. Have had the pleasure of these guys company on many occasions, never had any edge on them, just straight forward regular guys who made fantastic music for any type of listener......After playing the Fiesta Club in Sheffield for a week, many ,many years ago, the Dubs played one night at the Crucible Theatre [ snooker is on now], When the gang were all on stage Luke addressed the crowd in his usual way, " Last week at the Fiesta it was commercialism, tonight it will be art " What followed next I will never forget, nearly 3, yes 3 hours of Spine tingling music, fast, slow, Jolly, sad, the entire repertoire, they had to be almost pulled off the stage by the Club Management. .........The night will live with me always..... IMHO...... Simply The Best

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Ernest
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 12:00 PM

Guest Penguinegg: I don`t think taste has anything to do with fairness. I like the albums of both bands, Dubliners and Pogues. Having heard both plus Shane McGowan & the Popes live I think the Dubliner are by far the better musicians.
Pogues live compared to their studio material: the wonders of recording technology...

Maybe you heard the wrong album of the Dubliners. Since there are so many Dubliners compilations, this happens easy. Try "30 years a-greying" and you can hear how versatile the Dubliner are...

And I think the Dubliners and the Pogues/McGowan get along with each other very well...

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Teribus
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 12:06 PM

Snuffy and Big Phil, agree wholeheartedly.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 12:15 PM

Try and catch a listen to Ronnie Drew reciting Shane MacGowan's 'The Dunes.' You'll find it on Jah Wobble's CD 'The Celtic Poets.'

Ronnie's voice and Shane's words are poetry as raw and beautiful as you could imagine. An unexpected showcase to them both. I love them both for different reasons and suspect in years to come Ronnie's voice and Shane's words will both live on.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Big Tim
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 12:43 PM

There a band called the Hellfire Club, comprising Ronnie Drew, Eamonnon Campbell of the Dubliners and Philip Chevron, Terry Woods of the Pogues. With the latter two in their lineup, nobody should question the musical standard of the Pogues. Woods was a member of Sweeney's Men and a founder member of Steeleye Span, not bad going. Chevron was a founder and leading light in the Radiators from Space, Ireland's first and best punk band, later he wrote "Thousands are Sailing" and "Faithful Departed", which is coming up on Christy Moore's latest release, not bad going either.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: GUEST,Terry K
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 01:48 PM

I've always thought of the Dubliners as a bit pop, or easy listening, though they also do some good songs in amongst the more banal of their offerings. I'm sure as some have said that they are all nice blokes, but I have to agree with Penguin Egg.

cheers, Terry

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: GUEST,thurg
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 02:55 PM

Not me ... Admittedly, I haven't listened to everything the Dubliners have recorded; maybe I haven't listened to that much of their complete body of work, but I can't believe that Penguin Egg is talking about the same band with which I'm somewhat familiar. Maybe Penguin Egg is a much harder case than me, but where he apparently hears "relentless chirpiness", I hear some guys who've been through some hard living having a good time on a Saturday night.

This has to be the first time I've heard the Dubliners accused of being pop or easy listening. Someone help me out here - what gives?

And how anyone can like the Pogues and not like the Dubliners is beyond me - the Dubliners were clearly a major influence, which is presumably why the two outfits did some recording together.

Boys, it's a strange world, ain't it?

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Den
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 03:19 PM

Ronnie Drew chirpy????? C'mere to me bouy.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Jim McLean
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 03:29 PM

I'm afraid I don't understand some of the comments either, maybe it's an age thing. I was their first road manager in the mid sixties and spent some hilarious nights in the hotel after the show(s). There were only ourselves, i.e. the Dubliners and me and each one of the lads would take turns to go out of the room and come back in as another member of the group! That's where the famous 'octopus' routine began, Ciaron blowing the tin whistle, John fingering it while Ciaron strummed the guitar and Ronnie put the chords to it ... you get the picture. All this was for their own pleasure as their was no audience if you don't count me. They had a vast repertoir of songs from all over the world and their instrumentation was tremendous .. John' fiddle playing, Barney and Luke on Banjos, Ciaron in tin whistle and Ronnie ... well Ronnie is utterly unique. As to the suggestion of nationalism/fascism, Luke was a card carrying communist and nothing resembling either factions would be tolerated. A great bunch of musicians and fellows, I am proud to have known them. I looked after Ciaron after he had his operation and was constantly amazed at his sense of humour. At one stage, just after the operation, we visited him in hospital. Luke asked him 'How's the headache?'. 'She's walking in the garden,'he replied!

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: skarpi
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 03:44 PM

Amen eric, John as fiddle player and composer, flower of normandy,
marino at casino , what a great tunes.
The other ones Barney on the banjo, Ronnie his own solo cd ´s
are great I wish I can see them in Ireland in the autumn.

All thebest Skarpi Iceland.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: The Badger
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 07:50 PM

Dear Penguin Egg, you say you are a fan of the Pogues - therefore all they do is great by you. Very pop!
No band or musician or composer should be worshipped for themselves. Listen to the music,songs - some you will like some you will not. Enjoy those you like - miss out those you don't - but hatch into a real penguin and realise that no band/person can continously be perfect. Many thousands of people find great enjoyment in the music of the Dubliners, perhaps the fault is in you - go back to your world of pop music, where you will be told what you should enjoy, until you learn discernment.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: GUEST,thurg
Date: 19 Apr 06 - 01:07 AM

Jim - Thanks for the anecdotes - always good to hear from people who were there!

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 19 Apr 06 - 04:34 AM

Good story Jim, here's another one, on my way to see the Dubliners at Halifax Civic Theatre, I guess sometime in the 1970s my girlfriend and I called for a pint at a well known town centre pub and bumped into the music correspondent of our local paper John Mitchel and sat talking to him, a few minutes later in walked Luke Kelly, Luke knew John and came over to talk, John asked Luke how he found this particular pub and Luke replied
that he got in a taxi at Halifax railway station and told the driver to take him to the pub where all the people who are not quite right go.

A beautiful man, much missed, eric

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Jim McLean
Date: 19 Apr 06 - 04:45 AM

Another story. I flew up to Scotland with them to do a concert for the Upper Clyde sit in (1971?). The 'plane started to roll a bit due to turbulence and Ronnie, who was sitting beside me, got up to sit beside Barney. 'Why are you doing that?' I asked him. 'Because Barney's the only one of us who knows the Act of Contrition!' he said.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 19 Apr 06 - 05:29 AM

I recall being at Cambridge FF in 69 , I think , and Nigel Denver was
'doing his thing' outside the beer tent , to an audience of seventy or eighty folk , when the Dubs arrived (back from a session in a pub , I believe) .Ronnie shouted to Nigel "Give us a thrash at that guitar!" , and then they did about a half hour of GREAT songs .
Good lads all !!

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Den
Date: 19 Apr 06 - 09:53 AM

Some great stories here. On their 25th anniversary show which was televised live on the Gaye Byrne show there were also some great stories and guests, anyone see it? At one point Gaye asked them, "what's with the beards?" Ronnie says, "when I joined the band I had a beard and Barney grew a beard and I think Ciaran was born with a beard."

Another funny story concerned themselves and the Furey's which Finbar recounted with an amazing Ronnie impression. He said that they were all travelling to a concert in Germany, the Furey's, the Dubliners and Stockton's Wing. Anyway they all met up in the bar and missed the first two flights from over gargling. When they eventually got on board the plane and were in the air they encountered some turbulence. Finbar said he was glad to be sitting by Ronnie because he would have a soft landing. Anyway everyone was freaking out because of the bumpy ride and Luke turned to them and said, "listen lads when its your time its your time and there's nothing you can do about it." This seemed to settle everyone until Barney enquired, "but what if its the pilot's time?" Great stuff from legends of their time. If you ever get a chance to pick this show up on video or DVD its worth every penny. IMO.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Big Mick
Date: 19 Apr 06 - 10:44 AM

Just two quick comments.

Jim McLean and others, I am very grateful for this glimpse into the lads, and into Irish sensibilities. I have laughed and chuckled my way through all of this. Please do not stop.

Second, this thread is what Mudcat has always been about. It could have gone nasty and instead, due to the good intent of the posters, it has entered that wonderful zone the Mudcat has always been known for. I wish those that are populating those other threads would take a look and learn.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Big Phil
Date: 19 Apr 06 - 12:14 PM

Well then, here is another tale, when the Dubs were doing the club circuits in the late 70's they did a full week at the Fiesta club in Sheffield, my wife and I had got to know them by this time, so we duly presented our selves back stage after the show...Barney asked how many times we would be seeing them that week, we ARE fans, we said, every night and Saturday as well. Barney went into deep,deep thought, every night you come, says he, tell the doorman you are my cousin, and to come to the dressing room and fetch me...Next evening got to the door, says I to the guy stood there, please will wou contact Barney and tell him his cousin is here, five minutes later, here comes Barney, with an Ey up cousin in a broad yorkshire accent, tinged with Irish. He did this for the rest of the week and Saturday night as well, a full week of seeing the Dubs for nowt, what a guy, what a banjo player, like I said, no edge, just one of the lads

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: GUEST,Penguin Egg
Date: 19 Apr 06 - 01:24 PM

Some interesting comments and lots of anecdotes, which is the last thing I was expecting. Guest Badger, The Pogues were not pop - they were folk rock, like a punk Fairport Convention. I don't hate the Dubliners, just don't rate them that high, but their influence on the Pogues is obvious, as I said in my opening post.

I'm always happy to be proven wrong. Can someone recommend a Dubliners' CD that will change my mind.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Den
Date: 19 Apr 06 - 01:57 PM

Can I take it Penguin that you are a youngish person, say under the age of 35. Do you think that it is possible that you just don't understand the Dubliners? They are an institution. An album I'd recommend is "More of the Hard Stuff." The Pogues without Shane MacGowan were a pop band. And even though the influence of the Dubs on the Pogues was heavy they were never going to sound remotely alike.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Effsee
Date: 19 Apr 06 - 02:11 PM

Penguin, perhaps you have a wrong impression from the CD you have listened to. Those recordings from the '60s were very much "of their time". You had to be there to understand the initial impact! I remember an album from the early '70s, "Revolution" if memory serves, which was anything but "Lite" another "At Home" had good stuff on it as well. The availability of these may well be impossible. There was an album "15 years on", A double CD "25 years Celebration", "The Dubliner's Dublin" is also a superb album of purely Dublin songs. They've been going for over 40 years so I wouldn't be surprised if there was land mark album for 40 up.Happy hunting and good luck to you.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Apr 06 - 02:38 PM

John Revie used to tell a great story, which he reckoned he witnessed, where some young Irish upstart walked up to Barney and announced himself as a far superior banjo player. Barney simply held out his hand and said "Hello,Champ"

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Dave Sutherland
Date: 19 Apr 06 - 02:45 PM

Sorry, I was theabove guest minus cookie

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Wolfgang
Date: 19 Apr 06 - 03:11 PM

I never play my Dubliners' LPs anymore, for my taste has changed, but even two decades back I didn't play them often but I saw them each time I could. The Dubliners are a band that is far better to listen to at a life concert than on a recording.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Goose Gander
Date: 19 Apr 06 - 03:21 PM

I'm not sure how many Dubliners LPs have been re-issued on CD, but I've had pretty good luck tracking down the original vinyl on ebay. I don't have a problem with compilation CDs, but the LPs usually are very well put together, with a lot of thought given to the flow from track to track. If the LPs were reissued on vinyl with original track listings and liner notes, I would probably buy them new.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 19 Apr 06 - 04:13 PM

Hi Penguin,

I'd suggest you avoid compilation CDs of any stripe. They usually are meant to appeal to the broadest bunch of people. That usually means nothing offensive to anyone and favorites everyone has heard to death.

My intro to the Dubs was in 1971 with "More of the Hard Stuff" as it was released her in the states. This was amazing stuff form me. I was used to The Clancy's, four voices and a guitar and a banjo. Now here was a band with 900 instruments and Luke Kelly and Ronnie Drew. Is there a voice anywhere like Ronnie Drew? I had never heard banjo like Barney McKenna before. And after reading some liner notes of The Corries I learned that Barney was a banjo legend in 1964 already.

I've learned over time that how ground breaking a band is usually depends on time and place. Who was better? The Clancys or the Rovers? The Dubs or The Planxty, The Fureys or The Pogues? Does it matter? It's like the fastest gun, some one is always faster. I'll bet I liked everyone of theose bands for the same reasons someone else doesn't. But their influence on modern and popular Irish Music is undeniable. Many people would never have discovered Irish music without them.

Me personally, outside of the song writing I am continually puzzled by The Pogues. I swear that most United Statesians think Irish music is great musical virtuosity and utterly incomprehensable singing.

Oh well.

Nice to meet you, stick around.

Don

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: skarpi
Date: 19 Apr 06 - 04:40 PM

Where can I get a dubliner concert program for the year 2006 ?

all the best Skarpi Iceland.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: skarpi
Date: 19 Apr 06 - 04:59 PM

found it
all the best Skarpi Iceland.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Jim McLean
Date: 19 Apr 06 - 06:19 PM

Wolfgang, I agree about live performances usually being better than recorded ones and Nigel Denver is a particular example. I have written a few LPs for Nigel (as well as songs for the Dubliners) but Nigel live is very hard ro beat. Last year Nigel, myself and Pat Cooksey had a great time in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, in Pfingsten, and a marvellous time was had by all. (and we're doing it again this year).

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: The Badger
Date: 19 Apr 06 - 08:13 PM

GUEST Penguin egg, the Pogues were packaged and sold as pop - very successfully - not punk Fairport -what a ridiculous idea, it will be clasical Sex Pistols next.

Non Guest Badger

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Big Tim
Date: 20 Apr 06 - 03:27 AM

Re the "incomprehensible singing" of Shane MacGowan, for me the answer is that I'm smitten by the overall sound and therefore motivated to find the lyrics, which is easy. After you get them, you wonder why you didn't do so in the first place. "Bottle of Smoke" is a classic example. Re the age thing Jim, my mother loved the Pogues until the day she died, aged 82!

However, the first 3 albums were brilliant but the last was in 1988. They've done little of import since and have been living on past glories for too long.

(I love the Dubs too, got practically everything they have ever recorded).

(I wonder if the Pogues took their name from the "Pogue Mahone" line in "Monto" as sung by the Dubs)?

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 20 Apr 06 - 03:51 AM

Here's another ' Barney ism ' someone, Fin Furey I think, was getting a lift from Barney and told for f****s sake slow down, to which Barney replied " if you think this is bad driving, you should be with me when I'm on my own "

eric

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Scrump
Date: 20 Apr 06 - 05:00 AM

I've always liked the Dubliners since their 1960s heyday. If I hear those original Transatlantic tracks, they can transport me to the back room in O'Donoghue's like no other band can. They exude Irishness, or Dublin-ness (or maybe Guin-ness?) anyway, and the combination of Luke Kelly's soaring tenor and Ronnie Drew's unique gritty vocals with Barney and John's instrumental artistry is unbeatable for its day.

But you probably had to be there at the time. Many tracks they recorded then have become hackneyed and I can understand someone new to them perhaps wondering what the fuss was about. Their influence on the British and Irish folk scene is undeniable, and the Pogues are just one example (I happen to like them too btw). As for the nationalistic issue, things were different back then before Bloody Sunday, and it was OK to sing Off to Dublin in the Green, A Nation Once Again, etc. in English folk clubs, where everyone would join in. The anti-English stance was rather tongue in cheek and perceived more in historical perspective at that time, referring back more to the Easter Rising rather than more recent events. (However I don't want to get into a debate about the Troubles, please, as I don't claim to be an expert - this is just my perspective as a lover of Irish folk music since the 1960s.)

As others have said, some of the many cheap compilation CDs available have been poorly put together from live sets, with introductions chopped out, set sequences altered and poorly considered choices. Over the years they've recorded a vast amount of material and apart from the aforementioned cheap compilations, most if not all of the albums are worth a listen - I can almost guarantee there will be something you'll like on any of them (I say almost because there's always the exception that proves the rule).

Sorry if I'm repeating things others have already said above, but I just wanted to add my 2p's worth.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: cobber
Date: 20 Apr 06 - 06:30 AM

We supported the Dubliners a couple of times. My favourite reminiscence is of 1977 in Melbourne. I had my baby son withy me and Luke asked to hold him. He carried him around for the whole intermission. He told me later it was because he was trying to stay off the booze and with a baby in his arms, nobody tried to give him a drink. Many of the early Dubliners' songs have become so well known that people are bored with them but at the time they were fresh and exciting. Being Australian, I knew the Black Velvet Band but I'd never really heard it until Luke sang it. These days most people wouldn't bother to listen to it as it's been thrashed so much. As for light in politics. Luke, though as left wing as you could get, read the times and would argue politics from either side as he could see beauties and flaws in all political systems. If you want politics though, you only have to hear The Town I loved So Well which at it's time was a much needed cry for peace. It's impact can hardly be remembered now but at the time it was so powerful it moved me enormously. I also agree with the others. Like any folk band, live is better than record. With the Dubliners this is particularly true as their stage presence and obvious enjoyment of what they do is highly infectious.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 20 Apr 06 - 10:19 AM

I will go along with Effsee that Revolution was definately one of the better albums the Dubs ever made -All Protest songs of one kind or another , with Ronnie singing 'Viva La Quince Brigade' in Spanish ,among other gems .
       And The Pogues were originally called Pogue Mahone , until the BBC discovered what it meant and refused to play any of their records !

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: GUEST,DB
Date: 21 Apr 06 - 09:36 AM

Back in the 60s, when the world was new and fresh-minted, the Dubliners were, at least, singing real folk songs (most of the time). They were, to my purist tastes, a bit commercial and populist but they were fun and were obviously very competent musicians. Luke Kelly was a fabulous singer (still much missed) and I adored the sound of Barney MacKenna's tenor banjo. I also think that Ronnie Drew's talents as a singer have probably been underrated and are due for reappraisal.

In my opinion the Pogues don't even come close - are not even on the same planet - just another bunch of noisy punks who took it upon themselves to murder Irish folk songs ...

And a lot of silly, ignorant people still think that the Pogues wrote 'Dirty Old Town' and that it is about Dublin!!! Better stop now before I give myself apoplexy!!!

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: GUEST,DB
Date: 21 Apr 06 - 09:43 AM

I've calmed down a bit now.

Just one more thing - The Dubliners were, as far as I know, the only people to get a Child Ballad into the charts ('Seven Drunken Nights' - a version of 'Our Good Man'[Child 274]). Can anyone think of anyone else who has accomplished that feat?

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Maryrrf
Date: 21 Apr 06 - 12:08 PM

Well, Simon and Garfunkle got a Child Ballad on the charts with Scarborough Fair. True, they ripped off the arrangement from Martin Carthy....

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: GUEST,DB
Date: 21 Apr 06 - 02:04 PM

Dear Maryrrf,

Oh yes! Of course! I'd forgotten about that - silly me! Thanks for reminding me.

Any more 'Child Ballads in the Charts' that anyone can think of?

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Declan
Date: 21 Apr 06 - 08:08 PM

Anybody who thinks that the pogues are just another punk band who murdered Irish folk songs are not paying attention to Shane's amazing song writing. A number of Shane's songs have effectively already entered the tradition here in Ireland, which is not bad going for an English born punk rocker. Don't let Shne's exterior manifestation blind you to the genius that lies within. Look beyond the presentation and listen to the words. I would have been inclined to dismiss the Pogues when they arrived first, but I would have been very wrong to do so.

The Dubliners were a big part of my awakening to folk music in the early days. I'm a Dub myself after all. For a while as I got more into the traditional stuff, I'd have been inclined to slag off the Dubliner's as just another ballad group, but again I was missing the point. They were the first group of their kind (apart from the Clancy's who resurrected a lot of the songs but were weak enough in the area of accompaniment and traditional tunes). Most of the other ballad groups in Ireland (including the Wolfe Tones and others mentioned above) were in my opinion only poor imitations.

Even the current line up (who have become to some extent their own tribute band, as often becomes the case with bands with a huge back catalogue of hits) are still far superior to anything I've seen on the ballad group circuit.

I may only have come to realise the true significance of the Dubliners outside Ireland when they played the Cambridge Folk Festival as part of their 40th Anniversary tour a couple of years back. The whole audience stood up for their entire set and joined in the words of every single song. Viewed in one way their set was a standard repertiore of the Irish ballad group (including, of course, many songs not originally Irish in origin). But this was the Dubliner's back catalogue. They're all well known (even hackneyed songs now), but if you think about it most were popularised by the Dubs. Many were unknown (or at least little known) songs before they were recorded by the Dubliners.

There can be few bands who have ever had the same degree of influence on their particular genre. I can understand why someone looking for a modern perspective might regard the Dubliners as being of their time, or a little out-dated, but the whole landscape of the modern folk scene (whether or not you think this includes the Pogues) would have been completely different had Ronnie, Luke and the lads never gone beyhond their origins in O'Donoghues.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Apr 06 - 08:17 PM

Jeeze I wish I'd written that! Couldn't agree more with you.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Big Tim
Date: 22 Apr 06 - 06:04 AM

Another Dubs anecdote!

I was researching an Irish song a couple of years ago and, via the late Frank Harte, my query landed on Ronnie Drew's desk. Imagine my surprise a few days later when my phone rang in Scotland. It was Ronnie, sounding exactly as he does on record!

I was taken aback and mumbled something like, "I didn't expect you to phone me Ronnie".

"Well", sez he, "I don't go in for them fucken oul emails and faxes"!

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Big Tim
Date: 22 Apr 06 - 06:06 AM

btw, well said Declan: you have, I'm certain, articulated the feelings of many.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: GUEST,Jimmy Kelly.
Date: 22 Apr 06 - 09:00 PM

In the late 60's in Dublin there was a Folk Club run by among others the gentlemanly Gerry O'Grady,called The Old Triangle, firstly in a basement in Mount Street and later in Middle Abbey Street.
It was a wonderful gathering in a wonderful time, being a mixing ground for then commercially successful musicians and singers, old men who never made a penny but held audiences captive with songs that may otherwise have died with them, young up-and-comings looking for notice, and international folkies relaxing after ending a concert somewhere,and then us- the ones who looked and listened and enjoyed and gained a life-time of memories to cherish.
The 'Dubs' were regular attenders , collectively and individually, and often sang songs rarely in their concert presentations or recordings.
The ethic of the club was to respect the performer and to listen in silence to the contribution and in the case of a new-comer to show appreciative encouragement.
One night in the Abbey Street cellers a young lad offered to sing and started into a 'contemporary' Canadian song.
In the silence, an over-loud whisper of derision was heard that this was not a 'folk' song which embarrassed the young singer greatly.
When he finished Luke Kelly immediately grabbed someones guitar and without invitation stepped forward to sing.
With pointed reference to the sneering arse-hole who upset the previous lad, Luke went on to explain what he understood a 'folk-song' was, "it was simply a song sung by the people and not dependant on any exclusive 'tradition'" .
To demonstrate, he started into 'Hey Jude' and in seconds the whole assembly, including the vindicated youth and the arse-hole were singing with him.
It was a privledge to have shared the moments.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 22 Apr 06 - 10:14 PM

Exactly!

Don

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 23 Apr 06 - 09:08 AM

Look!

Heres what you got to do.

have a go at singing The Rocky Road to Dublin

While you're learning that one in between times , try the The Galway Races.

The Dubs make it look easy, its not. Every syllable is like the rhythm a good bodhran player can make. Its as complex as flamenco, or a complex jazz rhythm.

Then, somehow they retain the value of the words, the humour - these guys don't just sing notes, they tell stories as they sing.

yes they're Irish, and when they think about the history of their country they get get pissed off at us English. And occasionally that upsets one, given that us English were also getting kicked around by our upper classes.

but missing out on them, is a bit like missing out on Mozart. A mistake, your life will be poorer for it.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Folk Form # 1
Date: 23 Apr 06 - 05:55 PM

I will have to take your wordfor that,weelittledrummer, as I cannot play an instrument and my voice makes Billy Bragg sound like Bob Davenport. I wasn't questioning their ability as singers or musicians, just their credibility. Afterall, Val Doonigan was a very good singer, and yet I don't hear him cited as a great influence on Irish music.(Pity, as I would love him to have made a record with the Pogues.)

However, everyone has convinced me that they are a major influence on Irish and British folk music with cast iron credibility, and great guys to boot. I'm gonna have to give them another try.

Badger! I never said that the Pogues were sold and marketted as a punk Fairport. That is my description of them. I have always thought of them as carrying on the tradition of folk rock bands from the 60s and 70s. Quite diffrent in many ways, but quite similiar in other ways.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Apr 06 - 06:23 PM

Ah penguin egg I too would love to see Val and Shane collaborate! What a picture you have conjured up.

Actually Val Doonican is still going strong and played in London a month ago as part of a tour. I think he is about 77 yrs old now.

I bought my mum a couple of tickets and she thoroughly enjoyed it. No rocking chair or patterned jumper though. He was in a 'lovely suit and hasn't changed.'

I was brought up on the Dubs as a kid but found The Pogues myself so to speak. Have seen both many times and although both were a pure delight in their own way, the Pogues gigs were sweatier!

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 04:01 AM

Val, ah now there.... a conundrum wrapped in a mystery, as someone said about the the Soviet Union.

First of all you have the voice, which was brilliant, and the albums which were also very good. He used to do great material like Hoyt Axton's Bony fingers.

Then you have that TV show which blighted the life of a nation. One remembers with particular anguish the way he used to make a litlle gesture like he was ringing a bell to stop a bus, at the end of every song. The dance routines featuring strange men of questionable looking sexuality and fixed grins. the inevitable duets with guests who really were best undiluted - like John Williams for example. The censorship - the come on from the whores on 7th avenue in The Boxer, became the girls on 7th avenue. Well perhaps that last one shows he was more sensitive than we were.

I was doing an Irish pub in Nottingham one time, and this guy asked for Carrickfergus. we got into a chat and I told him that I'd first learned it from Val, and the requestee took two steps backwards. I don't think my sources were pure enough for him!

yeh I agree. Welcome him back. Give him an OBE, buy him a drink and cheer him up. Come back Val! We love you really.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Folk Form # 1
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 05:11 AM

weelittledrummer, are you being ironic? I hope not. As a small boy growing up in the 60s, I use to watch him with my parents and my Mum loved him. I was too young to be discerning, so I never questioned his talent. He was just there - a background to my youth. Didn't he have a dance troup called The Young Generation? I seem to remember there was a chinese girl being in it and she became the 2nd woman I ever fell in love with - the 1st being Miss Emma Peel, of course.

The albums were good, eh. Not something I thought I would read in Mudcat, even less from an experienced folkie like yourself. Any albums you would like to recommend? I wonder if he has covered any of Shane's songs?

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 05:45 AM

The albums coincided with a time in the 70's when I was scratching a living as a country and western singer. Val's choice of material was excellent and tasteful. the albums themselves used to turn up in odd places. I found one near the bacon counter at Coop in Sutton in Ashfield. its a Wilkinson's now, so I doubt if it's still available.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 06:22 AM

Ok seeing as it's safe to mention Val...I'll continue! Yes Penguin egg I too was a kid during the time of his Saturday shows and remember them so well. My mum worked evenings at the time and we were enlisted to watch and jot down the songs he sung so she could relive it via vinyl when she got home. And yes you are right about the chinese girl too.

We had all his albums and altho the Rafferty's and Delaneys stick out, I remember his rendition of 'The Elusive Butterfly' as one of the most beautiful songs I had heard. I was about six at the time so it made an impression.

At the risk of sounding like a complete Val junkie, if you get the chance his autobiography is worth a read. The tale about his father dying is very touching. I think he knew he was terminally ill with cancer and kind of lived in the shed at the bottom of the garden rather than let his family watch his demise. It's all a bit misty now, read it years ago, but it has stayed with me. Blackberry bushes feature large in it and ok it's sentimental, but because it's Val you know it's true.

Walk tall, walk straight and look the world right in the eye. ;)

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: GUEST,DB
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 11:59 AM

You know this thread has really made me think about the Dubliners for the first time in years. I suspect that they were a lot better than I remembered (as WLD said above "they ma[d]e it look easy"). I'll just have to pull the old vinyl down from the shelf and 'give it a spin' (did I really write that? Surely not!).
If you don't mind I think that I might give The Pogues and Val Doonican a miss - yes, I know that I'm probably missing out but there is only so much that you can pack into a full life (one has to be selective).

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Jim McLean
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 04:59 PM

Another story. In 1967, after a succsessful and hectic tour of Northern England, the lads decided to go back to Ireland for a rest. They received a substantial advance, a few thousand quid, and headed off. Four days later Jo Wright, Major Minor's secretary, received a 'phone call from Ronnie asking for £500. Jo assumed they had blown their money and couln't afford the fare back to London. They were, however, still in Holyhead, at the ferry!

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Big Tim
Date: 25 Apr 06 - 04:24 AM

And Ronnie is now 71! Good on him!

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: GUEST,Canberra Chris
Date: 25 Apr 06 - 07:10 AM

Thanks for a lovely thread, and the great memories of those who knew or know them. I blew it bumping into Luke Kelly beside a theatre in Chelsea in the late 60s - I went to every live concert I could reach. I wanted to say "Thanks so much, and one day maybe I'll sing for you", but as a hero-dumbfounded 18 year old, the words wouldn't come out. He stopped, seeing I meant to speak, then gave me a huge grin and walked on. Of all the people on God's earth, he is the one I would have made a pact with the devil to keep alive. I sing because of him. I sang every song in their early recorded repertoire.

Of course the whole group were great musicians. Listen to John Sheahan, he plays every song accompaniment with a different sound, as though the fiddle was reinvented just for that track.

Listen to their Major/Minor label early recordings, starting with A Drop of the Hard Stuff, then as others have suggested 'More Of'. The sound engineering on these was never bettered. After a few more reasonable pressings they went through a smorgasbord of cheap and overlapping reissues etc, and I gave up collecting. One recent gem however is an instrumental compilation CD.

Regarding influences, look back as well. They followed closely on the great Clancy Brothers whose recordings were the first I knew and sang in my young teens.

Find those early albums, remember the time setting, and imagine the impact of the first boots-and-all, full-throated renditions from bearded blokes who looked like Vikings in a bar, when the normal image was nice young men in cardigans you could introduce to mother. As an image shatterer they did for folk what the Stones did for rock.

I hope your egg hatches OK, and Mum manages the long walk back across the Antarctic with a good feed.

Cheers,
Canberra Chris

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Big Tim
Date: 25 Apr 06 - 12:05 PM

Can anyone think of a better singer than Luke Kelly? I can't.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Jim McLean
Date: 25 Apr 06 - 01:21 PM

Luke Kelly singing 'Dantie Davey' is a treat.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: GUEST,Effsee sans cookie
Date: 25 Apr 06 - 06:18 PM

"Scorn not his simplicity" (Martin/Coulter)
"Freedom come all ye"(H.Henderson)
"Shoals of Herring" (MacColl)

Awesome

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 26 Apr 06 - 03:12 AM

That group is crowded with good singers.

I never really dug Sean Cannon, till one night in the 70's I was at a party round in Tamworth, at Andy Dwyer's first wife's house. I'd never seen Sean play a guitar before as he used to do a gig with this very ornate unaccompanied trad singing, which left me a bit cold. Anyway he sang Sweet thames Flow softly - so beautifully it just stopped the room in its tracks. I've been a fan ever since.

If you get a chance see Kenneth Branagh's TV version of shadow of a Gunman. Ronnie Drew sings Come Out You Black and tans unaccompanied in the opening credits. If you know the play, you will realise Ronnie somehow has told the whole story, explained the whole minset bfeore a word is spoken. The play also features Bronagh Gallagher - of Cmmittments fame - another reason not to miss.

And as for Paddy Reilly. theres a voice that can express anything.

All of which isn't to take anything away rom your memories of Luke - just want to say, the shows not over yet.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Big Tim
Date: 26 Apr 06 - 04:58 AM

Fair comment, wld.

I tried Amazon for Branagh's "Gunman": not available, only in NTSC format by a different director.

I know Ronnie's an O'Casey fan, for example, "Red Roses for Me".

(I did order "Juno and the Paycock", starring Barry Fitzgerald!)

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Apr 06 - 06:58 PM

As anyone ever come across James Cannon..? son of Sean.....This guy is a rising star...He is playing quite a lot at the Holmfirth fetsival of folk May 5, 6 & 7....He is quite something..and well worth a listen..[www.holmfirthfestivaloffolk.co.uk]

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: ard mhacha
Date: 27 Apr 06 - 01:48 PM

Has anyone referred to Luke singing, Tramps and Hawkers, this is a real treat, I have an early recording [LP] when Luke was at his best, and do listen to him singing Bunclody, folk singing has never sounded better.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: alison
Date: 30 Apr 06 - 10:03 PM

total trivia
but wasn't the "Chinese girl" mentioned above - wei Wei Wong (or something to that effect)- who then went on to be an assistant on "The Golden Shot"

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 01 May 06 - 03:38 AM

I thought it was the Wong thread for a minute - but you mean Val Doonican's dancer......

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: alanabit
Date: 30 Jul 06 - 01:13 PM

I had the very good fortune to be introduced to Sean and James by one of Mudcat's finest, Pat Cooksey, about a year ago.
On the tour for the Irish Tourist Board, Pat and Sean joined in all of the informal "pub sessions" - not because they had to, but for the sheer love of playing music. Sean sang a Hank Williams song beautifully and joined in with everyone else's songs. There is a whole lot of music in those guys and it is as natural as breathing to them. Hope they go on forever.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Ned Ludd
Date: 30 Jul 06 - 07:20 PM

I'm ashamed to say I payed little attention to the dubliners for years having got to folk music by the Scottish route ( Corries).
But I went to see them recently on their tour featuring all the surviving members and it was one of the best concerts I've attended for a long time...What's more I realised how much influence they have actually had on me.
O.K. they may be regarded as 'middle of the road by many, but how many people besides the Pogues have been inspired by their songs and playing?

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Brakn
Date: 30 Jul 06 - 07:41 PM

Is there any reason to refresh this thread. Let's start a Dubliners Thread!!

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 02 Aug 06 - 01:55 AM

I love both folk/traditional and rock music. The Dubliners are not as much to my taste as other Irish groups are, but they obviously have a justly deserved high place in Irish music as a great band. I borrowed from Radriano a video of Irish music films taken from RTE shows, and was floored by Luke Kelly's solo performance. Beautiful stuff. Do we really have to compare apples to oranges by placing The Pogues alongside The Dubliners for judgement?

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: GUEST,saan
Date: 03 Aug 06 - 03:07 PM

hello everybody! last week i had 2 fabulous nights listening to sean and james cannon in my country (croatia) i totaly liked it so, i was wondering if anyone knowes for dates of other gigs? soon? tnx a lot!

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: GUEST,maryrrf
Date: 03 Aug 06 - 03:30 PM

For me there's no comparison. I'd take the Dubliners over the Pogues any day.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: GUEST,Eric
Date: 08 Aug 06 - 02:23 PM

Greetings from Hamburg, Germany!

As I visited two concerts in Pahlen, Germany, I had the chance you make a picture of how this Band really works on stage. It is absolutely amazing what skills they have while playing their instruments live on stage. And what pleasure they put across the crowd. Also, I like the Pogues, but I have never seen them live on stage. As a matter of fact: The Pogues are no more, the Dubliners are.

The reason might be, that the music of the Dubs is some kind of ageless. Of course, the Pogues are fine musicians as well, but the Dubliners ARE Irish Folk. They are absolutely down-to-earth. Absolutely no affections. If you talk to them personally they give you the feeling of beeing interested in what you say. No arrogance at all.

Unfortunately I have never had the chance to see Luke Kelly or Ciaron Bourke on stage. I am looking forward the DVD of Luke (I hope I can receive it this week by Mail; its hard to get in Germany. Clue: Weltbild is a store that sells it!)

Hope you could understand my english (my school-days are a long time ago :-)

Regards,

Eric

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Dickmac
Date: 08 Aug 06 - 02:50 PM

Despite the changes in the line up over the years they're still going strong and playing to big audiences - they must be doing something right.
Their music is in your face and great entertainment value.

But then we're all different and some don't like them - such is life.

Subject: RE: Review: The Dubliners - What's the big deal?
From: Peace
Date: 22 Aug 06 - 11:27 PM

"What always amazes me, is when people say that somebody is crap, when in actual fact they are very good, but are not to that persons taste."

Well said, Les.

---

I'm sorry, but I think I'm going to have to close this thread. It has been a persistent target for Spam, which I think is being sent automatically. Please post to one of the other Dubliners threads, listed in the crosslinks at the top of this thread. Thanks.
-Joe Offer-