Dropkick Murphys

Do Or Die (1998)

Chris Moran

How can words begin to describe how in-fucking-credible this album is? They can't. But I'll make a feeble attempt at it…

Great lyrics, sing-a-long chroruses, oi-chants and amazing hooks have made "Do Or Die", the first full length album after the amazing "Boys on the Docks" ep, one of fastest instantaneous classics in punkrock history. Fueled by the angry voice of Mike McColgan and the unforgettable rasp of Ken Casey, "Do Or Die" boasts a collection of some of the most incredible oi/street/punkrock tracks ever recorded.

Many present day Dropkick favorites were brought forth from this album including "Get Up", the inspirational "Never Alone", "Road of the Righteous", "Far Away Coast" and the crowd favorite to beat someone senseless too, "Barroom Hero". Also included is an acoustic version of Ken Casey's tribute to his working class grandfather and the other Irish worker subjected to mistreatment but bound by union pride, "Boys on the Docks". The album closes with "Skinhead on the M.B.T.A.", a simple tale of a skinhead and his misadventures on the public transportation system.

This album holds memories for me, and I'm sure for others as well, of a different Dropkick Murphys. The Murphys of Mike McColgan and the non-stop drink, fight and rock spirit. I love the Dropkicks, always will, but without McColgan they will never be the same. "Do Or Die", the perfect final testament of an era gone but never forgotten. The Dropkicks will carry on.