St. Patrick’s Day is a special day for me. I’m not much for the “drink until you collapse” scene; no, for me St. Patrick’s Day is about remembering my family’s Irish ancestry through prayer, food, and music. And – oh – the music.
At it’s best, Irish music is about storytelling. Rebel songs. Immigrant songs. Party songs. Laments. In my experience there’s no better window into Irish history than through its music.
So in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I’d like to share with you five of my favorite Irish music albums. They’re each great in their own way, but all should make their way into your playlist today.
“If I Should Fall From Grace With God” by The Pogues
Google Play | Rdio | Spotify
The Pogues are well known for their characteristic hybrid of traditional folk music and modern punk, and this is probably their best album. It’s probably what you imagine in your head when you think of pub music on St. Patrick’s Day.
Key Track: Fairytale Of New York
“The Essential Chieftains” by The Chieftains
Google Play | Rdio | Spotify
I don’t think there’s any finer example of traditional Irish music than The Chieftains, and this is a collection of their best stuff. Think of a ceilidh in the west of Ireland, and you’ve got the idea.
Key Track: O’Sullivan’s March
“The Best Of” by The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem
Google Play | Rdio | Spotify
The Clancy Brothers are widely credited with popularizing traditional Irish music and Irish folk music in the United States, and they certainly played that role for me. This is an album of Irish folk songs – the sort you might hear in Temple Bar, Dublin.
Key Track: Whack Fol The Diddle
“Far From The Shamrock Shore” by Mick Moloney
Google Play | Rdio | Spotify
For Irish Americans, this album is particularly fantastic. Mick Moloney – a traditional Irish musician born in County Limerick – moved to Philadelphia after playing a central role in Dublin’s folks scene in the 1960s. In this album, he digs into the Irish American immigrant experience with a set of songs all derived directly from that history.
Key Track: No Irish Need Apply
“The High Kings” by The High Kings
Google Play | Rdio | Spotify
The most modern of all the albums on this list, The High Kings also deliver the most contemporary sound. They play traditional Irish songs with a modern, upbeat twist. It’s the sort of contemporary Irish folk music you can expect to hear on stage at your local Irish festival.
Key Track: Marie’s Wedding