Flogging Molly
"Float"
3.5 out of 5 stars
Why it took Flogging Molly almost four years to release a proper studio follow-up to "Within a Mile of Home," is a mystery to me. Either way, "Float" made it to the shelves just in time for St. Patty's Day. If you don't know, Flogging Molly is an "Irish Punk" band akin to Dropkick Murphys, Stiff Little Fingers and The Pogues.
Featuring plenty of guitars, tin whistle, fiddle, accordion and other more "traditional" Irish instruments, the band rips its way through another solid set of songs full of Guinness, and rife with piss and vinegar. There is not a lot that distinguishes one Flogging Molly album from another. But if you listen closely it becomes obvious that the songwriting has strengthened and become more diverse. Relatively down-tempo tunes "Float," and "Us of a Lesser God," slot in more comfortably with rockers "Requiem for a Dying Song," and "Paddy's Lament," than they did previously. While it's typical Irish fare, the album entertains from start to finish, which is all it needs to do to be successful.
Key Tracks: "Requiem for a Dying Song," "(No More) Paddy's Lament"
Del tha Funkee Homosapien
"11th Hour"
3 out of 5 stars
Now here's one of the true overlooked legends of '90s hip-hop and beyond. Most would recognize him as the guest rapper on the Gorillaz hit "Clint Eastwood." It's been quite a while since Del put out an album on his own.
Del's lyrics are literate and feature a lot of clever twists and wry humor. The delivery is smooth and the beats are solidly composed and ear-catching without being overly distracting. Where this album falls short is in the combination of the beats and the vocals. Both are good individually, but they don't always come together. In the end it's a good effort, but not a great one. It's just nice to hear Del again.
Key Tracks: "Bubble Pop," "Raw Sewage"
