BLACK 47
Trouble In The Land (Shanachie)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Black 47 has a new label, and a new album, but they've got the same spirit, the same commitment to speaking truth to power and the same completely uncategorizable mix of sounds. These guys almost always have a point to make, and they'll use damn near anything at their disposal to make it. Traditional uilleann pipes, contemporary Jamaican rhythms, heartfelt sincerity, street corner snottiness, historical memories or tomorrow's headlines - it's all fodder for Larry Kirwan and his eclectic band of music makers.

It helps a bit to be steeped in a bit of Irish, or at least Irish-American culture, just to keep up with the references to Irish drink, Irish drums, Irish writers and Irish cultural icons that pop up just about everywhere, but it's not absolutely necessary. It is pretty much required to have a sense of humor and a social conscience, I suppose, if you're going to enjoy this music, but hey, I'm sure that all my loyal readers have those in abundance (and if either of you don't, please let me know).

Other than that, though, all you'll need is a pint glass and something to fill it, a spare hour or so and a CD player to set up about as nice an evening as you can imagine. I've got all of the above, and this album, so I'll be getting back to you later...

Track List:

Trouble In The Land * Those Saints * Delirious * Bobby Kennedy * Tramps Heartbreak * Bodhrans On The Brain * I Got Laid On James Joyce's Grave * Susan Falls Apart * Desperate * Falling Off The Edge Of America * Touched By Fire * Blood Is Thicker Than Water

© 2000 - Shaun Dale