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Week 29:
Young Dubliners
Artist Introduction
Formed in 1988 in Santa Monica, California, by 3 lads from Dublin and a few Americans, The Young Dubliners made their bones on the bar/pub scene of LA and various towns in Cali, playing mostly Celtic Folk/Rock music. They were a six or seven piece band for their first decade, and earned a reputation as a hard working, lotta fun, “gotta go see them” Band. They have been a quintet since 2000 or so.
Between 1994 and 2013 they produced 7 full studio albums, 1 studio EP and 1 live recording, all while touring extensively. Back in the day they opened for Jethro Tull and John Hiatt. They were gifted a tune by famed lyricist Bernie Taupin (Elton John), and Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) plays flute on one of their tunes. Their music has been featured in multiple TV programs, and they performed twice on the Jimmy Kimmel show.
My first show was in April, 2003 at the Knitting Factory in Manhattan’s Lower East side. Around the 3rd or 4th song that night I moved up to the front to get a look at the fellas playing a type of really cool music that I had never quite heard before. That night literally changed my life- the musician in me, long dormant, suddenly came alive. I bought a new acoustic guitar; I had my Rickenbacker bass serviced, and I played them both, a lot. I bought a few Dubs CDs (Red and Absolutely) and listened to them until I wore them out. Then I bought new copies! And I started going to a few live shows every year. A few turned into a lot every year. I’m up to 113 shows in total- in 14 States, DC and Ireland (11).
Choosing 9 songs was extremely difficult. I decided to choose 1 from 5 CDs and 2 each from 2 other CDs- I chose that route to give you all a sense of the maturity of songwriting and sound. Also, I kind of bent the rules- Spotify has no clue as to which songs are their most popular. Superfan Vinman does! Most of the songs on this 9 pack are performed by:
- Keith Roberts, lead singer/primary writer/rhythm guitar player. Original member.
- Bren Holmes, bass and backing vocals. Original Member.
- Chas Waltz, violin, piano, harmonica, mandolin, primary backing vocals. Was in, then out, then back in since 2001.
- Dave Ingraham, drums, percussion. Joined in 2000
- Bob Boulding, lead and rhythm guitars, mandolin, backing vocals. Joined in 2000.
Bobby left the Band in 2018 to concentrate on Superpowers Music Academy, a teaching and recording venture in LA that he founded. I was a client in 2018 and 2019.
Bren left the Band in 2021 to persue a solo career. He just released his 2nd CD. I have them both and love ‘em. Bren is also a noted photographer.
The Band has been writing and recording a new album while continuing to tour extensively. Justin Pecot is the new lead guitarist/backing vocals and Ethan Jones plays bass. Both are excellent musicians and great guys.
Although widely referred to as a Celtic Rock Band, that label is misleading. Hear for yourselves. Enjoy!
Uncle Vin Cascella
Most Popular
We The Mighty
By 2014, when the CD NINE was recorded and released (thru a crowdfunding campaign), the players listed above had been together for 14 years and were just about the tightest Band I had ever heard. They had their shyte down- and this song, track #1, was already a hit with their rabid fans because they began playing it in their live set in 2013. It’s a fun tune that highlights their energetic side- all 5 players contribute fine work. For the uninitiated, Irish music often uses the theme of immigration. Traditional and folk Irish music treats the subject somberly, often with sadness. Not these guys! They turn up the volume and pace, and make a party song. Live crowds go nuts, singing and dancing.
Foggy Dew
In 2007, the Band released the CD WITH ALL DUE RESPECT, THE IRISH SESSIONS that consisted of mostly traditional Irish songs, 2 beautiful tunes written by Shane McGowan (The Pogues) and 1 instrumental original. This traditional tune has been recorded by dozens if not hundreds of artists but none that I’ve ever heard do what the Boys have done here. Not even close. As is their calling card, they rock the snot out of it! Keith’s voice is wonderfully deep and strong. Chas does an awesome counter melody (verse 2) and lead. The Irish (Tin) whistle is performed by famed sessions musician Eric Rigler- who often toured with the Boys in the 2000s. Eric’s credits include movie soundtracks for Titanic and Braveheart and many others. I’ve hung out with Eric- great guy!
Rosie
This is one of the Dubs’ most popular songs- with good reason. Released in 2009 off of the Saints and Sinners CD, it’s a love song- Young Dubs style! It’s also Mrs Maureen Cascella’s fav! And yes, they have dedicated it to her during a live show. Energetic and fun (again), it has some wonderful violin and guitar. I’m a huge fan of Dave (drums) and I consider this one of his finest. The crowd sings along to the chorus, of course. The Boys really rock here.
Personal Favorites
Touch The Sky
This 2005 tune, off of REAL WORLD, is truly one of my favorite songs of all-time. All bands. There is so much going on with every musician, and the lyrics are really deep and interesting- I don't really know where to begin. So… I suggest multiple listens. Even go back after a day, listen again. When we talk live I will tell y’all about the video I wrote for this song, the vision for the scenes, why I think what I think, and what Keith told me when I told him my vision. Also of note, they do not perform this song anymore. And when I sell merch at shows and newbies ask, I tell them to buy REAL WORLD- my favorite Dubs CD.
Change The World
This 1995 song off of the BREATHE album includes Keith, Bren and Chas with Paul O’Toole (original member, the 3rd from Dublin, harmonica), guitarist Randy Woolford, multi-instrumentalist Jeff Dellisanti, and drummer Jon Mattox. I included it to spotlight the growth and maturity of the Band’s journey. They recorded an EP in 1994- this was their first full album. It’s good, sometimes really good. It helped get them a ton of notoriety, some record label interest.
What Do You Want From Me?
From the 2000 CD RED, they still perform this tune in their shows. The Band had a major upheaval after RED’s release: Bob Boulding played on the album. Dellasanti, Mattox and Mark Epting (Violin), who had joined after Chas left in 1996 or so, all left the band. It’s a fun tune with some fine work all around. I included it as representative of their sound before Ingraham joined and Chas came back. I can tell the difference on their next album- can you?
Unique Songs
Knickers
Off of the ABSOLUTELY CD, this 2002 product is the 7th song of the nine-pack. It also represents a tune from the 7th CD used- I’ll need to do more research but I think that the Young Dubs are the first artist presented in the Club that had their first 7 songs off 7 CDs!! Love this song. It’s another fun, energetic number and has a bunch of really tasty licks from the guitar, the violin and the bass. And my guy Dave, who I identified as a tremendous drummer after studying this album, is brilliant in this one. He’s sneaky fast and does some interesting stuff. And Keith, to me, sounds like he loves the new band. I know I do.
In The End
This beautiful song, from SAINTS AND SINNERS, has a really cool acoustic guitar, some nice violin riffs, and a fine vocal (and Chas’ harmony). I thought for sure that this song would bring them the accolades and acclaim they deserve. I wasn’t alone in that thought. The lyrics- about if we really try and do right we can change the world for the better- are fantastic. Really touching! It made a splash, people loved it, and that was that. After 6 years of supporting this Band, knowing in my heart that they can make it really big, I got a little jaded. Yeah, in the music business it’s insanely hard to go big, but it’s also cruel. And a business. It kinda makes you wanna scream sometimes….
Scream
The ABSOLUTELY CD was my first Dubliners purchase- it was their latest release after my first time seeing them. I love this song. Great lyrics, and Keith sings the high note in falsetto until the last time thru, then hits that high note. Brilliant! Chas’ backing vocals and violin riffs are top notch, really adding depth to the song.
Conclusions
That’s it- that’s the Young Dubs. I wasn’t able to include FOLLOW ME UP TO CARLOW, which is that Band’s last song in their set or ROCKY ROAD TO DUBLIN, their last encore tune. I encourage you to give them a listen from the ALL DUE RESPECT album. Irish songs, yes. Total RnR, totally! 9.8
Cascella Family Reviews
Vin Cascella
I know next to nothing about the Young Dubs outside of that they’re one of Uncle Vin’s favorite if not his most favorite band. I think they are a Irish folk rock band, which I’m hesitant about. Hoping I don’t break Uncle Vin’s heart with this review. Let’s get into it!
We The Mighty: Oh this is good! I know Uncle Vin mentioned the specific years of the songs he selected so I’m going to keep track of that during my review. Off their most recent full album release in 2014. I like it, reminds me of a lot of the songs played on the good ‘ole parade days of Binghamton and Scranton and some Hoboken and Jersey City St. Paddy’s parades. Fun loving rock song that is a lot more rock than I was expecting. I like the short violin solo.
Foggy Dew: 2007. So I have no idea what he’s singing in this cover. Even with the lyrics in front of me there are too many words I don’t recognize. Looks like it's a traditional Irish rebellion song urging Irishmen to fight for their country as opposed to England and other foreign powers. Either way, I like this song as well! I like the flute (read Uncle Vin’s review, correction tin whistle) and I like the violin solo. I feel like I say this every week but any time a band incorporates alternative instruments I’m a happy man. This song reminds me of…ready for this one. Swiss Melodic Death Metal Band, Eluveitie. They’re known for using traditional Celtic melodies and will have flute solos in their songs.
Rosie: 2009. So their most popular songs are all their modern stuff. Is that just a sign of the digital age? Either way we’re 3 for 3 with songs that I like. Short and sweet, I like this song as well. I heard it immediately but wanted to give it a few more songs before I mentioned that this band strongly reminds me of both Flogging Molly and the Dropkick Muphys. I feel like the Young Dubs are less heavy and a little more cultural while the latter two bands mentioned focus on the raucous drunk Irish side of things. Either way the Yung Dubs will have to be joining my St. Paddy’s Day Parade playlist. These songs specifically remind me of Drunken Lullabies and Rose Tattoo. I wonder if Uncle Vin is familiar with these bands and songs?
Touch the Sky: 2005. Background music sounds like something U2 and The Edge would put together. I’m assuming that isn’t an accident. I like this song as well but not as much as the previous three more punk rock songs. This song really locks in that this band definitely takes more care in preserving culture in their music than the other bands I know in the Celtic rock space. A straightforward rock song with some stronger vocals and more prominent violin. I like it. Oh and look at that, a “Sunday Bloody Sunday” style marching drum snare to wrap up the song. I think that snare would have been cool to throw in at the end of Foggy Dew.
Change the World: 1995. Is this the Barenaked Ladies? This song screams Summer Hits of the 90s with an Irish flare. That’s a good thing in my book. It’s simpler than some of the other work but that isn’t a bad thing. It’s just a simple fun alternative rock song. Very poppy bassline in the background, the first time I noticed the bass in these songs. Like every other song I like the violinist. Yea this song fits perfectly into that alternative 90s rock sound with BNL, Sister Hazel, Fastball, Gin Blossoms, Blues Traveler…. I could list 90s alternative bands like ESPN analysts name obscure college football stats.
What Do You Want From Me?: 2000. Still has that 90s alternative rock sound with a little more identity. I’m curious if Uncle Vin’s review mimics my sentiment that it seems they found more of their identity after a few albums. Not that this song is bad by any means but it sounds like a lot of other artists of this era, just with an Irish flair. I may have spoke too soon. From 2:30 on the song does differentiate itself from a lot of their peers and that little violin solo kicks ass for a little, wish it were a bit longer. 6 songs in and I really have nothing bad to say. Nothing mind boggling for me but everything has been enjoyable.
Knickers: 2002. Now I’m confused. Is this Alanis Morissette’s “All I Really Want”? Am I allowed to start listing off more alternative rock bands from the late 90s. We got Sugar Ray, Semisonic, Third Eye Blind, Counting Crows, Eve 6, and Matchbox 20! It’s definitely unique compared to everything else they played so far. The bassline and the guitar tone could for sure fit on an Alanis album. I have never heard any of their songs before but I can picture myself seeing this band on the Summer Stage down in Asbury in a late afternoon timeslot. And I’d be hyped about it. Pier 17 had Barenaked Ladies, Sugar Ray, and Fastball last year. I’d gladly add the Young Dubs to that lineup, sounds like a fun summer evening to me.
In The End: 2009. A Linkin Park cover!? Just kidding. This is a good song and a great representation for the unique section. Sometimes I go a little too far off the rails in the unique section and you can’t even tell it’s the same band. This is clearly still the same act, just a different side of their music. A solid melancholy acoustic track. Uncle Vin definitely took his time preparing this listing of 9 songs, and this right here was the correct place to put this song. As I was getting fatigued with all the alternative Irish rock we got the acoustic ballad. Fair play.
Scream: 2002. What song does this sound like? I feel like I know a song that is very similar but I can’t put my finger on it. It still fits into the alternative summer hits of the 90s (and 00s). Lyrically this might be my favorite one so far. Outside of that it fits in that similar vibe of a few other songs I’ve heard so far.
*Note* After some further digging the song I was thinking of is “Got You (Where I Want You)” by The Flys (1998).
Well that was a pleasant surprise. I’m not going to lie, I was a bit nervous that I was going to have to rip on Uncle Vin’s top choice. I’m normally not big into “folk” but I wouldn’t really consider the Young Dubs to be a folk band. They display folk elements but more so I see them as a rock band with Celtic traditions. I liked their use of violin, flute, and harmonica in their tracks and the lyrical theming of their more Irish music. I wish they would break out a little more in some sections as you can tell that they are more than capable musicians, especially the violinist. I did feel like their music sounded like other artists in the genre, especially in their earlier work, but I liked their progression over time. Overall that was an enjoyable listen, nothing mind boggling, but I’d definitely go see them live sometime and a few songs will make it onto my playlists. Guinness is already in the fridge so time to go grab a cheeky pint.
7.3
Joe Cascella
I’m vaguely familiar with the Young Dubs, as I know them to be one of Uncle Vinnie’s favorite bands, if not his favorite. I had the opportunity to see them live once at the Herkimer County Irish Festival, which was a kick ass show. I knew absolutely nothing and went in completely blind, which sometimes leads to a very fun show, which it did that day. Irish rock is not my favorite genre of music, but I’m looking forward to actually getting to know a little bit about this band.
We the Mighty – Fast paced guitar work right away, which is always a good start. This actually reminds me very much of something, and I can’t put my finger on it just yet. The explosion of music between the vocals… maybe it’s The Wrecks song Favorite Liar, which are one of my favorite local to update NY bands. This song is a little more poppy than I expected, especially for an anthem type of song. I like the guitar work and the pacing of the drums quite a bit. The band is working extremely well together, and yeah, this is a really solid start.
The Foggy Dew – I actually know this song. Whether I remember it from the show or I just happened to listen to it a few times, I am familiar with this tune. It’s much more Irish sounding than the first song if that makes sense. So much pride in one’s country here. You don’t see that as much with other genres, maybe country music with pride for America, but not to this extent. This is exactly what I want to hear and should expect when listening to this type of music. They it the format extremely well. Anthem based verses followed by explosions of well put together instruments. Yeah, this is solid as well.
Rosie – It was obviously in the previous song as well, but I had to look up with the whistling instrument was. It seems to be called a tin whistle (or a penny whistle), and it sets the tone for a lot of their music. The drummer is so snare heavy; the pacing of the song is all pretty much set off of that snare. In my research, snare heavy marching-style rhythms tend to make sense for this style of music, because you’re able to still hear it through the other sounds such as whistles, fiddles and guitars. Another song I’m enjoying, I’m curious to see if they will expand beyond fast tempo Irish pub rock in some of the other selections. For the most popular, all of this makes perfect sense so far. Side note – they’re very tight as band, which we all know at this point that I always seek and appreciate. They mesh really well together and make a cohesive sound.
Touch the Sky – Is this U2? Slower paced, softer vocals, more spread out, taking advantage of the space. It also reminds me of 30 Seconds to Mars, which I often compared U2 to. I feel like we should do them soon, to see if the Club agrees with my take on that. This song feels large and belongs in arenas across Ireland, Europe, and the rest of the world. Is it for me? No, not really, but I can respect it.
Change the World – Okay, they are an Irish pop punk band, which is a very good thing. I love pop punk, and yeah, they’re consistently solid. I guess Irish pop punk is also considered to be Celtic Rock. I do feel like this song could be a theme song to an Irish sitcom, similar to How I Met You Mother, but that’s not the worst thing. I also like the lyrics to this one quite a bit. The world is good the way it is, let’s not change it up.
What Do You Want From Me – They always find little ways to mix up the sound a bit, which is another positive about the band. It allows me to avoid the sound fatigue that we often discuss in this club. I like the back half change up at the 2:28 mark to give us a taste of something else, and it transitions perfectly into the explosion of music at the 2:52 mark. This song builds so well and sets up what I would expect to be an awesome song to see live. Very fun and good stuff here.
Knicker – Funky off beat rhythm to get us going, and the Irish sounding instruments kick in to stay true to themselves. Oooo, some nice bass work half way through the song. They’re rocking quite a bit here, decent track.
In the End – A sad Irish folk tune here. Nothing too special here for me to report on, it’s a fine song. This is meant for the Tuesday morning regular crew in the pub.
Scream – This was not the scream I was expecting based on the title of the song, lol. Now this one reminds me of Dave Matthews, and everyone knows I’m not the biggest DMB fan. Kind of a slower jam band type of song. It also reminds me of O.A.R, who I saw last year at the State Fair and they were fine. Pretty basic all the way through, I feel like I’ve heard this song before without ever hearing it.
Overall Review – The Young Dubs have some pretty fun music here. I like the faster paced songs that lean more into the Irish Celtic rock sound than I do some of the other songs where I compared them to other bands. All of my comparative bands I don’t really care for (except for the Wrecks, they’re awesome). But the band is tight as can be, they move into new spaces seamlessly and allow the style of the music to tell their story. The parts I do not care for is that I was never overly impressed by a single element or anything that stood out too crazy. Although perfect for the band, the vocalist isn’t going to rock your world or make me gasp at his vocal range or power. The drummer sets the pace often with his snare heavy and consistent sound, and the other instruments surround it well. There were some songs that build well and create opportunities for musical explosions, which they briefly take advantage of at times. Overall, we have not really had a listen like this at all in the club so far, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would happily see them again, but I need Uncle Vinnie by my side. 7.4 for the Young Dubs
Dad Cascella
I know absolutely nothing of The Young Dubliners. Except, I know this is probably Uncle Vin’s favorite band. And about a year ago, out of curiosity, I You-Tubed, live shows, to see what I’ve been missing. Let’s dive into “The Dubs”.
WE THE MIGHTY- this is a little of what I feared. Classic, fast-paced, 90’s popish, anthem-ism Irish-sounding music. Simple lyrics about musicians emigrating from their country to get a fresh start in music. Not my typical music sound. Sorry, it didn’t work for me.
FOGGY DEW- This is a classic Irish storytelling ballad. A song about how Irishmen should fight for independence. While he sings it solidly and with passion with his Irish brogue, this song doesn’t do it for me. Maybe if I was hanging out in a pub in Inisfree, sipping a warm pint, and my name was John Wayne, waiting for my soon-to-be bride, Maureen O’hara, about to fight “the best man in Inisfree”, then maybe I could like the song (Uncle Vin will get the reference). But being none of these maybes are happening, nope for me.
ROSIE- fast-paced, again, with a more rockish/punkish sound, almost similar to Green Day. I liked the verses in this one, not so much the choruses. But I can see The Dubs fans singing this chorus at the top of their lungs. Short violin/fiddle lead, followed by short guitar lead, wished both were a little longer (let those instruments fly). I also liked the lyrics in this one. Funny, after writing down my notes while listening, I dug deeper and saw that the lyrics were written by Bernie Taupin. So of course I liked them.
TOUCH THE SKY- Real good opening, with full sound. Cool song throughout with his best singing so far. And the rhythm changes really worked for me. Real good lyrics of inspiration. This song was best one so far.
CHANGE THE WORLD- popish sounding song, almost similar to Elvis Costello lite. Liked the harmonies. Simple song with again, full sound with lyrics about everyday life. And I’m a sucker for harmonica-sounding leads (I say harmonica-sounding because I’ve no idea of some of this instrumentation). Good song.
WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME- Again, quick, Anthem-like, Irish sounding song with violin/fiddle leading the way. Nothing I haven’t heard before and I wasn’t crazy about the choruses. Angry lyrics about a girl who seems only to want booty calls from this guy, and nothing else. At 2:25 a slowdown, leading to a too short violin/fiddle lead, which again, should have been longer. I don’t know why production didn’t let the band play their instrument leads longer. OK song.
KNICKERS- Electronica beginning leading into drums and guitar power chords. Yup, that’s different. I mentioned before, but again reminds me of Elvis Costello lite. But a bit more 90’s popish. And the chorus? I thought we had The Smithereens, so that was good. And it was good to hear the whole band jammin’. Good song and definitely hit the different/unique category.
IN THE END- wow, the Irish covering Linkin Park? Nope, we have the acoustic Young Dubs. The band stays soft in this one, and I liked the harmonies. Interesting lyrics to a basic, easy, softer ballad. But just an OK overall song.
SCREAM- Acoustic opening, which I’m a sucker for, with a little bit of Aaron Lewis sound. Then the band kicks in, softly, and excellently. Then a little bit of harmonies. And a haunting violin/fiddle. And I like the easy riff/rhythm throughout. At 2:25 they give us a real nice buildup, with some of his best singing. I even liked the distorted guitar towards the end. Lyrics are the best I’ve seen in these selections. I dove deeper to see if Julian and Mary Ann (from the lyrics) are real, but couldn’t find an answer. The whole song could have been a Cranberries hit. My favorite of the selections.
Okay, the Young Dubliners are in the books. A few real good songs, a few misses, but overall a totally different listen for me. I didn’t mention band members because after reading Vin’s extended intro of the band, I was afraid I couldn’t keep track of who was playing what (lol). But they sound like very capable musicians, with the violin/fiddle playing adding new dimension to music I’m unfamiliar with. Again, I think production short-changes these guys sometimes in not letting them jam a bit longer in studio work. Watching live performances, they play fast, fun, and sometimes kick-ass music. As I mentioned with The Smithereens, they’re not a great band, but I wouldn’t mind watching them live (some of their songs) with a pint or two in a small venue. I’ll go 6.8
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