Real Mckenzies

This CD is the definition of Kick-a (well you get it) Celtic Punk. The Real McKenzies play hard and fast with deft hands at instruments. Their version of Loch Lomond is my absolute favourite Real McKenzies track. It has all of the passion of the original ballad combined with a tempo that makes you want to sing it at the top of your lungs. The Real McKenzies discs are very difficult to locate and if you like music similar to Wicked Tinkers, Flogging Molly, Rare Aire (on level 10) and to some extent, Albannach, then give The Real McKenzies a try.

The Real McKenzies debut album has an excellent mix of hard-driving punk with bagpipes, and a blend of traditional Scottish tunes (done their own way! just listen to "My Bonnie") with their own compositions. At times loud and repetitious, they are also often tuneful and impressively energetic. It's a good album.

This first album by the Real McKenzies is a high energy punk-fest. The blending of Scottish tunes and hardcore punk seems like a natural. For some reason, these earthy songs of rebellion have been taken over by sweet-voiced folk musicians. It is nice to hear "Scots Wha Hae" with some passion and anger behind it.The Real McKenzies are at their best when playing traditional tunes. I have never heard "Loch Lomand" played better. Fun version of "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean." Like many homegrown punk bands, their enthusiasm at times outstrips their talent. They are not particularly good songwriters, and you may find yourself skipping over the original tunes. A few are downright bad. But, the excellence outweighs the mediocre.They are an incredible bunch to see live, and this CD gains appreciation if you get the chance to see them. This CD really is worth buying for "Loch Lomand" alone.

I know this cd is a pain in the butt to find, but i found a site where you can get it brand new for $15 in the States. Go to google, then search for sudden death records. You will find their link then just order it from their store, you can find The Real McKenzies under "T" go figure, huh? But, please note, this is a reissue with different artwork. The music is the same though, it is the same tracks in the same order, nothing changed there. So if you want this cd, go get it from Joe and the boys. Plus, they don't charge you for shipping!! Personally, $15 beat paying 50 euro to get it from Germany. What are you waiting for, you know you want this cd/record, go buy it!!! Then listen to the song "Pliers" it is very funny and disturbing at the same time.

Dieses Album der Real McKenzies wollte ich immer schon mal haben, weil ich das legendäre "Loch Lomond" bislang nur auf einem Sampler besaß. Durch dieses Stück habe ich vor Jahren die Band kennen und lieben gelernt.Das Album ist nicht schlecht, aber für meinen Geschmack gehört es nicht zu den besten Platten der Band. Doch noch recht früh und etwas "ungeschliffen" im Stil, die Alben aus der "mittleren Schaffenszeit" finde ich besser.Allerdings im Vergleich zu den neuesten CDs der Band doch immer noch ein Tipp, in den letzten Jahren (finde ich) driften leider auch die Real McKenzies langsam in den Mainstream ab.