It had taken some time for the vigorous, high-energy Irish music in the vein of the Dubliners or the Pogues to expand to the lands in the heart Europe – but the more phenomenal it was when it finally happened. Aptly, it happened over a glass (or more) of tasty Czech beer. It was where the co-operation of the Hogs and Václav Koubek, one of the most popular Czech folk songwriters, was sealed. After a series of sold-out gigs, the collaboration brought a fresh juicy fruit these days – the first album, no less aptly titled Všem se nalejvá (Drinks For Everybody).
The title as well as the album cover leaves no doubts as to what a listener may expect – Czech-Irish drinking songs at their best. Let’s step into the welcoming cozy pub and have a look at the menu...
Majority of the songs are Irish favourites in newly tailored Czech coats. Some of the cuts resemble their Irish counterparts: In "Fláma" ("Rake") we meet a former prodigal rake similar to his cousin from the "Wild Rover". The main hero of "Vše co mám" ("Everything I Got") has also squandered all his possesions – including his wife and his common sense – for alcohol and tobacco, just like his guru from "All For Me Grog". In other cases, be ready for surprises: The thieving botcher betrayed by his sweetheart in "Whiskey in the Jar" has turned into "Benny", a staunch pub owner from the Carribean. "Kelly The Boy From Killane", praising brave (and bravely beaten) Irish fighters, has become "Zvedni číš" ("Raise Up the Glass"), a merry drinking song about pub as the refuge from all trouble. (Idealist vs. pragmatist approach?
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As variety is the spice of life (and of a good menu), interspersed among the songs sung in Czech by Koubek are several Irish favourites in their good old English-language coats. But definitely not ragged coats. "Nancy Whiskey" and "Some Say the Divil Is Dead" has been pumped with boundless energy in Michael Casey’s spirited delivery, as well as his original song "Giving It All That I Got", which reminds of the up-tempo Pogues and Popes tracks. "My Dear Little Isle", the very last song on the album, a heartfelt ode on the Irish land and its ability to recover from hardships, sung in sean-nós style by Kieran Coyne, adds a note of melancholy, indicates that a closing time has come, the merriment is over and it’s a time to leave the cozy pub – at least until the opening hour or until pressing the "Play" button on the CD player again.
Masterly playing, catching melodies, fun lyrics and vigorous delivery combine to create music that is sure to raise your spirits – no matter if you are a "hog", who enjoys drinking spirits, or not.
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More info about the album and the band at http://www.thehogs.eu and http://www.thehogs.org
You can enjoy a yummy tasting – one song from the album – via the link below. (100% legal download at the band’s official site.)
http://www.thehogs.eu/MP3/tabid/221/Default.aspx
