Happy Ol' McWeasel "No Offence" Sel-released MBZ CD 001 (2012)
Release date: 17 March 2012
Running time: 36:00, 10 tracks
Release date: 17 March 2012
Running time: 36:00, 10 tracks
After a couple of digital singles (“Irish Rover” and “Hairy Grizzly”), “No Offence” is the impressive debut by the Slovenian band Happy Ol’ McWeasel. A 10 track digipack album produced by Martin Beziak and the band and mastered by Finnish magician Mika Jussila.
Given that Happy Ol’ McWeasel got more than a cult following on the Internet thanks to their videos on YouTube, this was probably the most awaited 2012 release. And after having given several spins to the six originals and four trad standards on the album, I have a sort of a bittersweet feeling. I keep on wondering why they have only included 6 originals when the quality of their self-penned songs is so high.
I can be wrong, but I feel that an excellent new band like Happy Ol’ McWeasel that is interested in foreign markets should choose a better balance. For instance, 70% or 80% originals and 30% or 20% standards. Besides, they should try to avoid the usual covers. Unfortunately for Happy Ol’ McWeasel, they have chosen some songs that have been recently covered by other bands (Scally Cap Brats, In Search of a Rose, Firkin, The Pubcrawlers and Bill Grogan’s Goat)
Anyway, let’s focus on the best things and forget about personal preferences. I have said that their own songs are amazing and it’s true. Everybody knows “Hairy Grizzly” a kick-ass song featuring accordion, viola and a top-notch guitar work. The opening track, “No Offence”, is another highlight with great banjo, accordion and more rocking guitars. “Murphy’s Law” can be filed together with Drink Hunters best material and the closing number, “Better Times”, is probably the gem on the album, superb Celtic soul infused by the Belfast Lion (Van Morrison) or Dexy’s Midnight Runners. Regarding the covers, I feel that the most interesting number is “Drunken Sailor”, featuring the instrumental “Drowsy Maggie”.
Sorry for the rant. “No Offence” will be included in all the best of 2012 top ten lists. But it could have been the best album of the year with a better balanced track list. Anyway, I’m happy to see that new awesome bands keep on coming from old Europe. Welcome lads!
Tracklist:
1. No Offence 3:34
2. Irish Rover 3:04
3. Sail Away 3:46
4. Drunken Sailor 3:47
5. Hairy Grizzly 3:17
6. Foggy Dew 3:36
7. Still in the League 4:36
8. Murphy´s Law 3:27
9. Danny Boy 3:46
10. Better Times 3:02
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Review by Kinksmarkham
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