Album Review: The Meanest of Times

In the first of what shall be many installments of my personal album reviews, I open with one of the bands that really got me into music.On September 18, the Dropkick Murphys release their sixth album, entitled The Meanest of Times. Featuring a more rock and roll feel than it's predecessor The Warrior's Code, the Boston punk rockers don't seem to show any ill effects resulting from their recent mainstream attention from an Academy Award Nomination. The album features both catchy Irish influenced anthems, such as "Loyal to No-One" and downright hardcore, fast blistering punk songs, like "Tomorrow's Industry", which has quickly become my personal favorite.Also a nice relief is the lack of non-serious songs. In the past, songs like "The Spicy McHaggis Jig" have prevented Dropkick from achieving an album that is strong and consistent throughout (with the exception of Do or Die)Other highlights include the single, "The State of Massachusetts" and "Flannigan's Ball", which feature some nice surprise guest vocals. A cover of Thin Lizzy's "Jailbreak" (posted in the first post) is also a nice addition.Lyrics: B+Sound AInstrumentation: AOverall: A-I already put this album among their very best...Listen to:"The State of Massachusetts""Famous for Nothing"