The Tossers "Smash the Windows" Victory Records
Release date: March 3, 2017
Running time: 54 17 tracks
The Tossers released 5 studio CDs, 1 retrospective album, 2 live albums
(one digital and another one on CD) and several EPs between 2000 and
2008. However, their albums have become scarce in the last 9 years.
There was a gap of 5 years between “On a Fine Spring Evening” (2008) and
“The Emerald City” (2013) and the gap between that album and the new
one, “Smash the Windows” (2017) has been 4 years.
The Tossers were formed in Chicago in 1993, so next year they’ll celebrate their 25th anniversary. Their line-up has been more or less stable, as four members are there since 2001 (Bones, Mike Pawula and the Duggins brothers) and “Smash the Windows” has been recorded by the same personnel that recorded “The Emerald City”, with the exception of fiddler Rebecca. As The Tossers have not become a revolving door of musicians, their musical approach and sound have not changed too much. And that’s something their fans appreciate.
Then, “Smash the Windows” have all the things that you can expect from a Tossers album: some instrumentals, some standards, some fast-paced anthems, some self-penned ballads and some “different” songs. But, above all, their love to their hometown imbues every single track on the album. As usual, Andy Gerber has produced The Tossers’ latest work at Million Yen Studio in Chicago and guests include Sean Gavin on uilleann pipes and Marta Cook on harp.
The first instrumental on “Smash the Windows” is called “Humors of Chicago”. This whiskey-soaked tune will make you jump and dance like a devil. If “Humors of Chicago” showcases The Tossers Celtic punk side, the other instrumental is the definitive proof that not only are The Tossers the bastard sons of The Clancy Brothers and The Dubliners, but also the bastard sons of The Chieftains. Yes, “Lots of Drops of Brandy” is a set of tunes infused by The Chieftains that kepts the Tossers stamp. In other words, the perfect blend of trad material and punk stuff.
There are three standards on the new album. The first one is “Danny Boy”. Tony sings backed by Emily’s fiddle and little by little the full band join in. Uileann pipes are played at the end of the song.
The second traditional ballad is “Mairi’s Wedding”. It begins quietly too, with vocals and tin whistle and then the band speed up. Great rendition to sing along.
“The Foggy Dew” is the last standard and it’s the song that closes the album. A lot of bands have covered this song in the last years, but The Tossers deliver a different rendition with a strong percussion.
Regarding the anthems, The Tossers’ spirit is alive and kicking on numbers such as “The Horses” (Watch out! Very addictive), “Fare You Well” (fast-paced and short song), “Whiskey” (another number for next St. Patricks Day), the opening number “Erin Go Bragh”, the single “Smash the Windows” (video HERE) and “Drinking Al the Day” (that’s how The Tossers understand The Dubliners' Legacy).
Not really “quiet” tracks, but maybe the tempo goes a little bit down on “I Will Court Them All” (amazing number thanks to the mandolin, fiddle and tin whistle, apart from the set of tunes that includes The Dubliners “Chief O’Neill’s Favourite”), “The Town Where I Was Born” (another tribute to Chicago), the epic “1969” with its “God Bless Ireland” chorus, “A Ghra Mo ChroÔ and the softer song “My Love”.
This time there’s no complex number like “Wherever You Go”, but track no. 7, “Resurrection Mary” is a darker number with a western feel.
“Smash the Windows” will please The Tossers diehard fan base, but also the new generation of Celtic punk fans that were too young 15 years ago. I wish I could see The Tossers on stage in Europe, as I feel that they are the greatest Celtic punk active band on earth.
The Tossers were formed in Chicago in 1993, so next year they’ll celebrate their 25th anniversary. Their line-up has been more or less stable, as four members are there since 2001 (Bones, Mike Pawula and the Duggins brothers) and “Smash the Windows” has been recorded by the same personnel that recorded “The Emerald City”, with the exception of fiddler Rebecca. As The Tossers have not become a revolving door of musicians, their musical approach and sound have not changed too much. And that’s something their fans appreciate.
Then, “Smash the Windows” have all the things that you can expect from a Tossers album: some instrumentals, some standards, some fast-paced anthems, some self-penned ballads and some “different” songs. But, above all, their love to their hometown imbues every single track on the album. As usual, Andy Gerber has produced The Tossers’ latest work at Million Yen Studio in Chicago and guests include Sean Gavin on uilleann pipes and Marta Cook on harp.
The first instrumental on “Smash the Windows” is called “Humors of Chicago”. This whiskey-soaked tune will make you jump and dance like a devil. If “Humors of Chicago” showcases The Tossers Celtic punk side, the other instrumental is the definitive proof that not only are The Tossers the bastard sons of The Clancy Brothers and The Dubliners, but also the bastard sons of The Chieftains. Yes, “Lots of Drops of Brandy” is a set of tunes infused by The Chieftains that kepts the Tossers stamp. In other words, the perfect blend of trad material and punk stuff.
There are three standards on the new album. The first one is “Danny Boy”. Tony sings backed by Emily’s fiddle and little by little the full band join in. Uileann pipes are played at the end of the song.
The second traditional ballad is “Mairi’s Wedding”. It begins quietly too, with vocals and tin whistle and then the band speed up. Great rendition to sing along.
“The Foggy Dew” is the last standard and it’s the song that closes the album. A lot of bands have covered this song in the last years, but The Tossers deliver a different rendition with a strong percussion.
Regarding the anthems, The Tossers’ spirit is alive and kicking on numbers such as “The Horses” (Watch out! Very addictive), “Fare You Well” (fast-paced and short song), “Whiskey” (another number for next St. Patricks Day), the opening number “Erin Go Bragh”, the single “Smash the Windows” (video HERE) and “Drinking Al the Day” (that’s how The Tossers understand The Dubliners' Legacy).
Not really “quiet” tracks, but maybe the tempo goes a little bit down on “I Will Court Them All” (amazing number thanks to the mandolin, fiddle and tin whistle, apart from the set of tunes that includes The Dubliners “Chief O’Neill’s Favourite”), “The Town Where I Was Born” (another tribute to Chicago), the epic “1969” with its “God Bless Ireland” chorus, “A Ghra Mo ChroÔ and the softer song “My Love”.
This time there’s no complex number like “Wherever You Go”, but track no. 7, “Resurrection Mary” is a darker number with a western feel.
“Smash the Windows” will please The Tossers diehard fan base, but also the new generation of Celtic punk fans that were too young 15 years ago. I wish I could see The Tossers on stage in Europe, as I feel that they are the greatest Celtic punk active band on earth.
Track listing:
01 - Erin Go Bragh 2:08
02 - Smash The Windows 2:48
03 - I Will Court Them All 3:04
04 - Humors Of Chicago 1:25
05 - Drinkin All The Day 2:50
06 - The Horses 2:31
07 - Resurrection Mary 2:45
08 - Danny Boy 4:22
09 - 1969 3:43
10 - Whiskey 3:23
11 - The Town Where I Was Born 3:09
12 - My Love 3:22
13 - Mairi's Wedding 2:39
14 - Lots Of Drops Of Brandy 4:07
15 - A Ghra Mo Chroi 4:00
16 - Fare You Well 1:25
17 - The Foggy Dew 7:11
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Review by Kinksmarkham
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