Search - Real Mckenzies :: Clash of the Tartans

Thistles and Marshalls

Roderick Cumming | Los Angeles, CA United States | 10/20/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I grew up listening to Scottish bands like Silly Wizard and the Tannahill Weavers. I was turned on to punk rock in junior high, and thought I had found the perfect synthesis of the two when I first heard the Pogues. But I always felt a bit left out of their music; they were a London-based band playing their style of Irish music, while I had grown up in an American household with strong Scottish roots. When I first saw the Real McKenzies play, I nearly soiled my drawers. Here was a North American band with strong Scottish roots playing loud rock and roll...and they had a bagpipe player to boot."Clash of the Tartans" captures the sing-along choruses, raging guitars, and sense of humor of their live shows quite well. They play a mix of original and traditional tunes. Paul McKenzies voice is strong and clear (even if his accent is a bit of a put-on), and the musicians are all great, but never show-y.Punk fans, take note: This is "punk rock," with an emphasis on the "rock." The music is fast, strong, and aggressive, but probably owes as much to AC/DC as it does to the Clash. Traditional music fans should also beware: You won't find any amped-up fiddle or pipe tunes here. They stick to the pub and music hall songs: "Wild Mountain Thyme," "Auld Lang Syne," "Scots Wha Hae," and so forth (the type that Planxty's Noel Hill called "music to rape sheep by"). With that being said, you also won't find any major guitar heroics, songs about big balls, or "folk rock" wankery and silliness. These songs have dirt under their nails and have fallen down drunk on many occasions. They're anthems for those who have been beaten up and still manage to stand up straight. And if the Real McKenzies roll through your town, make a point of checking out their live show."

Think bagpipes and mohawks...

Zack Davisson | Seattle, WA, USA | 06/19/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a big fan of the Real MacKenzies, and I was quite pleased to get a copy of their second (I think) album. For those that have never heard these Scotsmen from Vancouver, they do an odd mix of classic Scottish tunes and their own punk rock songs. Lots of energy and enthusiasm. Think bagpipes and mohawks.Clash of Tartans is a hit with a little miss. The MacKenzies really shine with the classic tunes, and this album is no exception. This is my new favorite version of "Wild Mountain Thyme." I have heard it sung by too many sweet voiced minstrels, and it is nice to hear it done with a little heart. It is gruff and respectful, and very pretty. There is a great, rocking version of "Auld Lang Syne" and a very inspiring "McPhersons Rant." I wish they would do more classic tunes.Of their own stuff, "Mainland" is a great tune and "Will Ye Be Proud" is good and rough. "Pagan Holiday" and "Stone Of Kings" are a little weak, as is "Ceilidh," which they mispronounce. But you cannot go wrong with "Bastards." One of the greatest Scottish songs I have heard for some time. "All my friends are bastards, each and every one, and if you want to find them you can find them in the pub.""

If Shane MacGowan was a Scotsman on Speed.....

Musicfan101 | Chicago, Ill | 04/05/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If Shane MacGowan was on speed more than he was with booze, he'd most likely be involved with this band in one way or another!!! Since I am a HUGE Pogues/MacGowan fan, I feel like I can get away with saying that! Vancouver Canada's, Real Mackenzies are a fantastic band live, Drunk to hell in a pure Scottish kind of way. Not many people realize that the Scots mainly went to Canada and the Irish mainly went to The states. Any way back to the music. If you want pure obnoxious punk rock with a Scottish twist of Whisky, find this band live and go! Watch out for Paul MacKenzie's kilt lifter!!! You might want to turn your head. They have some great originals, but the traditional songs really make you raise a pint to the homeland!! 'Scot's Wha' Ha'E' is the best of the bunch in my opinion. :please take note: If your looking for a Poguesish type of band The Macs are a bit more punk rock and less Pirate than the Pouges. The Real Macs lean more to the Dropkick Murphys style of Punk but with less 'oi' and more 'ha ha hee hee' SEE THEM LIVE IF YOU DO ANYTHING"