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This was my introduction to the Dubliners...and what an introduction it was! This compilation covers the band's two LPs for Epic, "A Drop of the Hard Stuff" (1967) and "More of the Hard Stuff" (1968). As soon as I heard "Seven Drunken Nights," I knew I had heard it before (as performed by Steeleye Span, the song was entitled "Four Nights Drunk" and performed in an old-timey style); it is truly one of the best, funniest Irish pub songs out there ("Ah, ye're drunk, ye're drunk, ye silly ould fool! Still ye cannot see..."), and Ronnie Drew's rough voice is the perfect voice for singing it. He reminds me of nothing so much as an Irish Tom Waits, who could easily do the arrangement of "The Old Triangle" that is included on this CD.

Luke Kelly sings on most of the tracks here, a powerful, passionate voice that gets across all the hope, power and glory of songs like "A Nation Once Again," "Muirsheen Durkin'" and Ewan MacColl's "I'm a Free-Born Man." All the more shame that he passed away in 1984 of cancer. The late Ciaran Bourke, also an original member, lends his lead vocals to "Drink it Up, Men." All in all, not a wasted track on this whole disc, and those wishing to explore further should also check out the double set "The Transatlantic Anthology."

A very traditional Irish CD full of bold songs and ballads. I enjoy it immensely. I feel like I'm in Ireland every time I play it!!!