Swimmin' in Whiskey

• Tracklisting

Dublin O'Shea is a band that describes themselves as "dedicated to preserving Celtic folk music, primarily pub songs from Ireland, Scotland and the Nautical Tradition". Their second installment 'Swimmin' In Whiskey' takes their mission one step farther. In addition to a lineup of very traditional Pub songs this album also incorporates a number of contemporary tracks which fall right in step with their counterparts. Overall, it is easy to imagine easing back into a comfortable pub chair and listening to this music ring out while folks sing along. All of this said, this is not to suggest that everything here is predictable. There are plenty of surprises (the band's original "Osprey Grey" is a stirring Sea tale of piracy ending in misfortune. And Warren Zevon's 'Werewolves of London' gets an Irish overhaul on the track 'Werewolves of DUBLIN'. So fill up your favorite mug with your favorite brew, pop in this CD, and take a trip to a virtual pub session. Dublin O'Shea will definitely not disappoint you. This fine and merry group of music makers who are Saturday night regulars on the Milwaukee pub circuit suggest that "the more you drink the better we sound." Which is always good advice when it comes to Irish music. (What they don't mention is - and here is another pub truism - the more THEY drink the better they PLAY.) Not that they don't do just fine before the pints start spilling. Featuring a traditional lineup of guitar, mandolin, fiddle and percussion, they frolic through tales of drinking, lust and seafaring misfortune. With stirring vocals and furious strumming Dublin O'Shea reminds us that we shouldn't wait for St. Paddy's Day to get our Celtic music fix. It's there for us every weekend. Good times waiting to happen.