Customer Reviews

Absolutely

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I got my copy of this album today along with "Breathe". It's interesting listening to the two next to each other. They're different but still similar.

On this album they're definitely promoting their rock side. Gone are the mandolin, banjo, harmonica, sax, and whistles as well as a lot of their foundation-setting Irish sound. (The violin is the sole folk instrument remaining.)

"Unreel" is the only instrumental, and that term is used technically. 1, there are more drums on the track than violin; 2, it's only 1:45 or so long and conveniently placed in the middle of the album, so it's really more of an intermission track. "Brown Dog" is a good fast-paced pub song. Their cover of "Ooh La La" comes off nicely. Overall the songs come off more mature than previous releases. They're touching on some big issues and deep emotions. Except for "Knickers"; you may not want to let the kids listen to that one. And there are NO re-worked traditional songs (such as "Rocky Road to Dublin" or "Follow Me up to Carlow"), which is moderately disappointing.

I recently reviewed Seven Nations latest ("And Now it's Come to This") and bashed it all over. This may seem to be a hypocritical point to dislike their new turn but enjoying what YD is doing. But, while 7N and YD are both typically lumped in the "Celtic rock" file their styles are different. 7N has made a major shift in structure, while YD always has been a sort of Irish rock band. Personally, I find YD's new set different than previous releases but still catchy and respectable. The Irish tint is not as strong as before but still definitely present. This album is like a natural evolutionary step for them, as opposed to 7N which is forcing a new style.

...

This is a tight studio album full of great originals and one excellent cover. There is something for everyone on this cd...I dare you to not like it. Great party music or road tripping music...anywhere any time...the dubs will have you rocking. The songs are a spectrum of emotion and energy, everything from the light hearted "Kickers" (written for their sponsors Killian's Irish Red) to the poignent "These Days" to the best drinking song I've heard in a long time "Brown Dog". You'll laugh you'll cry you'll dance....and I garuntee you'll love every minute of it. Best Celtic Rock band in the world. For more info on the band check out their website at www.youngdubs.com

I absolutly love this cd. I would have to say that this one is definitely my favorite out of all there releases thus far. Keith, the lead singer, has an amazing voice and they all know how to rock. I have been to many of there shows and they, without a doubt, are one of the best bands to see live. They deliver a great show and know how to have a good time! You can't go wrong buying this cd!

The Young Dubliners have been kicking around Los Angeles since the mid-90s. Their music never leans as heavily on its Irish roots as, say Black 47 or The Pogues, but underneath the mainstream electric rock there's more than a hint of the Emerald Isle. In particular, the stadium-sized electric guitar, bass and drums are often accompanied by fiddle, acoustic guitar, and the occasional tin whistle, and the melodies and rhythms sport a great deal more variety than your garden variety rock band.

With Paul O'Toole apparently having left the band (and multi-instrumentalist Chris Waltz having returned), the vocals fall entirely to Keith Roberts. His singing sports a depth one won't find in the average MOR rock band, with a strength that's tempered by meloncholy, providing a stage from which to sing boldly without seeming overblown. The result is a true mix of their Dublin roots and Los Angeles home - passionate, and committed, but with a sound that's more of the metropolis than the hometown.

Their originals speak to inspirational themes of freedom and redemption, finding your own path and breaking free of the shackles of one's history. The instrumental, "Unreel," does exactly that, with a manic edge, and "Brown Dog" kicks the energy up towards Pogues territory. The closing cover of "Ooh La La" is a welcome revival of the Faces early-70s hit and a perfect cap to the album's sentiment.

3-1/2 stars, if Amazon allowed fractional ratings.

I ABSOLUTELY love this album!! Where do I start? The Dubs seem to be moving in a new direction, musically. Well, let me re-phrase that - they are continuing their evolution into a straight forward rock band. They are more a rock band from Ireland (though only two members are Irish) than a band that plays Irish-Rock. Throw in the fiddle and mandolin and they are an eclectic rock band from Ireland.

With the exception of Brown Dog, which is reminscint of The Pogues, all the songs are straight forward rock. I read a review that described the songs as 'anthemic guitar...' which I found interesting since I believe Bob Boulding is really hitting his stride since joining the band and has put his stamp on this album by heavily influencing its' sound.

The overall sound is not as diverse as previous albums with the departure of keyboardist/saxophone/flautist, Jeff Delisanti but, the Chas Walts' rejoining the band helps fill some of those gaps.

The first four songs on the album are top notch with 'Low' really catching my ear. 'Scream' has single written all over it and 'Jump in the Sea' will have you bopping all over your car as you drive down the road.

Enjoy this album - be sure to catch this band live...I really enjoy 7 Nations and Great Big Sea but, I'm sure The Dubs will blow them off the stage during this Summers' Uprooted Tour.

Noel Curry

I bought this CD after the Young Dubs show in Jacksonville, Florida, and it is FANTASTIC! It's a little more mainstream than "Red" but still has a nice Irish-folk edge. "Salvation", "Come On, Come On", and "Scream" are great tracks, and "Brown Dog" just makes you want to grab a pint and sing along.

BY THE WAY: The other bands playing with the Young Dubliners on the "Uprooted" tour, Great Big Sea and Seven Nations, were also great! This is one of the best tours I've heard in years. GO SEE THIS SHOW!!!

Unfortunately, I am missing the Dubs' album "Rocky Road," so I can't say whether or not that is superior to this album... but, whenever I introduce new people to the Dubs, which is often, this is the album I tell them to pick up. "Absolutely" gets people hooked from the start.

While many people recognize Chas Walz's distinctive fiddling and Bob Boulding's guitar hook in "Knickers" from commercials and promotional spots, it's when you consider "Ooh La La" and "Low" that you get the full sense of the band's range. The requisite Dubs instrumental spot is filled in by "Unreel." Unlike the few weak spots I found on "Red," Keith Roberts can match any tempo. I'm also in favor of the new guy, Dave Ingraham; I am most critical of bass players and percussionists, and Dave seems to match the rhythm of the group better.

Hardcore fans of the previous Dubs lineups have, I believe, been unnecessarily harsh on the more rock-flavored mix; but I think the current lineup with Dave, Bren, Keith, Bob, and Chas is the most harmonious and polished yet. I recommend picking up all of their albums, but this one is good for a start - especially if you can't get to a live show to experience the music for yourself.

The Young Dubliners have been kicking around Los Angeles since the mid-90s. Their music never leans as heavily on its Irish roots as, say Black 47 or The Pogues, but underneath the mainstream electric rock there’s more than a hint of the Emerald Isle. In particular, the stadium-sized electric guitar, bass and drums are often accompanied by fiddle, acoustic guitar, and the occasional tin whistle, and the melodies and rhythms sport a great deal more variety than your garden variety rock band.

With Paul O’Toole apparently having left the band (and multi-instrumentalist Chris Waltz having returned), the vocals fall entirely to Keith Roberts. His singing sports a depth one won’t find in the average MOR rock band, with a strength that’s tempered by meloncholy, providing a stage from which to sing boldly without seeming overblown. The result is a true mix of their Dublin roots and Los Angeles home - passionate, and committed, but with a sound that’s more of the metropolis than the hometown.

Their originals speak to inspirational themes of freedom and redemption, finding your own path and breaking free of the shackles of one’s history. The instrumental, "Unreel," does exactly that, with a manic edge, and "Brown Dog" kicks the energy up towards Pogues territory. The closing cover of "Ooh La La" is a welcome revival of the Faces early-70s hit and a perfect cap to the album’s sentiment.

3-1/2 stars, if Amazon allowed fractional ratings.

The Young Dubliners are my favorite Irish band, to hear live or recorded. They put on an exciting and fun and friendly show. David Ingraham, the drummer, keeps the beat and tempo so lively and fast and strong. And it is such a treat to hear Eric Rigler add whistle and pipes to make an even more authentic Irish sound. They are a band not to be missed! They will have you on your feet immediately. I would travel to hear them perform! The Dubs are a truly exciting group! Support them, so they 'perform & record forever'!

I bought this after falling in love with the song "Brown Dog" from Scooby-Doo and the Loch Ness Monster. My kids and I still love that song, and "ooh lah lah" made popular to me by Rod Stewart (their version is much better). The rest is average at best. I was hoping for something more after being blown away by the Saw Doctor's "Sing a Powerful Song", but this fell well short. Of course, this is a tough comparision, because I believe the SaPS is the best album ever -- but still, I expected a little more.