The Real McKenzies
Oot & Aboot (Honest Don’s)
by Ewan Wadharmi
I was looking forward to this, as I’m as Scottish as Irish. Sadly, it comes across as the Fabulous Thunderbirds of Celtic punk. Paul McKenzie’s glib vocals are out of place amidst the semi-rocking, semi-trad music. There are some redeeming lyrical moments in “Cross the Ocean” regarding buccaneers, but not much you can’t pick up from Pirates of the Caribbean. The choice to rock traditionals like “Ye Banks and Braes” is one made while plukey-faced. “Heather Bells” fares somewhat better, but once the rocking commences, someone should have come to their senses.
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