Live records are tricky. They either sound a mess because the best live mix is not necessarily the best recorded mix or they sound so produced that you lose all the excitement that you might get from a live show. Only a few live records seem to be able to somehow.
This live acoustic album by the Real McKenzies seems to walk that line well. I think it helps that this is an acoustic set. I admit I have always known about The Real McKenzies, but I haven't really checked them out until now. After listening to this show recorded last year in Kreuzberg, Germany, I have a great idea fwhat a live Real McKenzies show would be like and it sounds like a lot of fun. It is a 21 song set with minimal stage pratter that sounds like the show recorded from beginning to end.
If you are not familiar with The Real McKenzies they are a scottish take on a sound that you have heard from a lot of Irish folk influenced punk bands like The Pogues, Flogging Molly, etc. I am not enough of a musical scholar or European history buff to tell you what the qualities are that set apart the Scots and the Irish. I will tell you that these songs that include penny whistles, bag pipes and many other non traditional to punk instruments are instantly catchy. Everyone in the crowd seems to know the words to the sing-a-long choruses and I hope to learn them soon because they seem to be having so much. Big fans will love this record. For me as someone newly introduced to the Real McKenzies it feels like a great introduction.
I love these lyrics to "Pour Decisions"
pour decisions, a punk musician just ain't as cute at 53
i have forsaken money makin'
yeah, you still wish you were me
As an aging punk (not near 53 though) I appreciate this. You will too someday you young whippersnappers.
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