The Music Court

After discussing the song last night with friends I thought it would be a good time to document the journey of the city of Boston epic, “I’m Shipping Up To Boston.” It is rather funny that a song with five mere lines could make such an impact on nearly everyone who drops the r and draws out the a (and even those not from Boston). It is a surprise if you have not heard this song because it has been feautured at close to every Boston sporting event, the Oscar winning best picture “The Departed,” a Simpsons episode (so yes the Simpson’s did it), an episode of King of The Hill. Need I go on.

The lyrics:

“I’m a Sailor Peg, And I lost my leg, Climbing up the topsails, I lost my leg, I’m Shipping up to Boston (Woah oh oh).”

Perfect album cover. "I'm Shipping up to Boston" appeared on the Dropkick Murphys 2005 album "The Warrior's Code"

All written by the original folk man himself, Woody Guthrie. These lyrics have virtually defined Boston for Bostonites. Broad, outdated, wierd, but who the hell cares this is Boston and their apparently shipping up to it. The music though was written and recorded by The Dropkick Murphys who everyone knows this song to be by. The Dropkick Murphys were formed in Quincy, Massachusetts (a part of Metropolitan Boston) and quickly became the favorite celtic punk band focusing on Irish roots and kicking every venue into a drunken frenzy.

But, that is really what this song is about isn’t it. The song is known by its absolutely incredible opening banjo line that merges well with two power chords and then a culmination of instruments playing the opening line. Of course, this is then followed by the lyrics that are, of course, screamed. The song is supposed to be a drunk, brawling, punk, angry and catchy piece of music and if it was any different it would lose its subtle charm. That’s right “I’m Shipping Up To Boston,” a song that makes you want to go crazy with rage has some charm. It is perfectly short and is a great listen. So, if you have not heard the song or simply want to watch the great video of the police chasing band members while they belt out the Boston lyrics click the link below and enjoy.

I have to go find my leg.

Check It Out: http://youtube.com/watch?v=x-64CaD8GXw

Today’s song of the day is brought to you by the original blue-collar rocker. A man, who with his silver bullets, re-shaped blue-eyed soul into the heartland rock and roll we now know. His timeless classic, “Old Time Rock and Roll,” continues to crowd radio airwaves. He is the one and only Bob Seger.

From the wide collection of music written and sung in Seger’s raspy voice let us dig a little recently for today’s song. “Simplicity,” off of his last release “Face the Promise,” sees Seger delve into harder rock while singing about a subject that has made his music so loved over all of these years. Keep it simple. Seger longs for the basics, the oldies, the Little Richard and the Elvis Presley. He was inspired by this simple music time and he has carried this message throughout his entire career. What makes “Simplicity,” so interesting though is its pairing. Yes, the hard-rock guitar riff is simple and the saxophone lick is, as well, quite simple, but the song interestingly moves a little away from normal simplicity. Seger’s niche is more along the lines of heartland rock. Yet, even though the song approaches hard-rock his grunts by the end of the song truly bring back that simpler feel and demonstrate to the listeners that Bob Seger really has not changed much. And, that is a good thing.

Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieIn1qFd9uU