The Essential Dropkick Murphys

Do or Die (1998)

The debut full-length from Celtic punks Dropkick Murphys is a rebel-rousing affair packed with bagpipes, banjo and Oi! punk. A mix of originals and traditional Irish songs, “Do or Die” is also the only release featuring original singer Mike McColgan, who left the band to become a Boston firefighter. After kicking off with the great instrumental “Cadence to Arms,” the album becomes fast, relentless and one of the best punk albums of the last ten years. Al Barr would take over for Mike on every album after, but look for a lot of these songs to still be included in their live set.

Download These: Skinhead on the MBTA, Barroom Hero, Do or Die

Blackout (2003)

The DKM’s fourth album, “Blackout,” is definitely one of the best and maybe their catchiest release. The first track, “Walk Away,” is stripped of all things Celtic and is similar in sound to Rancid. It’s a bit surprising that it wasn’t a bigger hit for them. Don’t worry, though, all things Irish are back on the second track and Murphys staple, “The Workers Song.” There is also “Gonna Be a Blackout Tonight” which features lyrics by Woody Guthrie and “World Full of Hate” which shows their sensitive side. Other highlights are “Kiss Me I’m Shitfaced” and “Dirty Glass” which features the vocal interplay of Ken, Al and a female singer.

Download These: Workers Song, Walk Away, Dirty Glass

On the Road with the Dropkick Murphys (2004)

One of the best music DVD releases available, “On the Road with the Dropkick Murphys” is a must for even the most casual fan. The DVD, mostly filmed over the “Blackout” tour, contains over four hours of footage, seven music videos and several documentaries. Also included is their 2002 St. Patrick’s Day concert recorded for their live album, “Live on St. Patrick’s Day from Boston, MA.” The longest feature, on the disc, is a behind-the-scenes collection of everything from them playing in Japan to the first and last Angry Roadies show to the band punching and tasering each other on the bus. The most enjoyable chapter, though, is “65 Days of Hell.” Filmed during the 2003 Warped Tour, 65 Days shows the grittiness of life on the road, but also features the hilariousness of a makeshift 4th of July party in Vancouver, where it appears hundreds of cases of Budweiser were consumed and a dude from Andrew WK’s band destroys the campgrounds.

The Meanest of Times (2007)

The most recent release in their catalog is also their best. Their previous album made them household names, mostly due to “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” being featured in The Departed, but “The Meanest of Times” is their most accomplished release to date. It starts with the one-two punch of “Famous for Nothing” and “God Willing,” both of which are monsters and made for their live shows. The highlight of the disc, though, is “The State of Massachusetts,” a grim tale of an abusive husband, the wife that puts up with it, and the children that are taken from the home.

Download These: The State of Massachusetts, Famous for Nothing, God Willing