Street Dogs

Other than the slight letdown of Back to the World, the Street Dogs have maintained an awfully high standard of working-class street punk. This album might be their best yet.

It's probably cliche at this point to compare the Street Dogs to the Dropkick Murphys, but I think it's worthwhile. Both bands started off with a style that necessitated variety -- if they had made "Do or Die" or "Savin Hill" over and over again (as great as they are), it would have gotten old quick. Dropkick has fought that staleness by evolving into a completely different band, with melodies and fiddles and the occasional soulful piano ballad. The Street Dogs have also added variety, but they've mostly just spruced up the original sound. You'll hear a whiff of a bagpipe and some unique duets -- just enough to keep it fresh, but it's still the band you love. The added spice, and the brilliant bite of "Guns," make "State of Grace" the highlight of the Street Dogs' library.

The album errs on the short side, and the back half is stronger than the first, but if your only complaints are that its ordered badly and leaves you wanting more... that's pretty good. Highly recommended.

If you protest soldiers funerals, don a kafia, have a trust fund, burn the flag on a regular basis or loathe the second amendment, this album is for you. If you liked early Dropkick Murphys or liked the songs "Back to the World" or "Don't Preach to me", fair warning, this album might not be your cup of coffee. This definitley won't be going back with me to the FOB.

Other than The Briggs new album that came out in June, I've been kinda bored with music this summer- until now. The Street Dogs have never disappointed me live or recorded, and with their newest record they still haven't.

I've given State of Grace only two listens thus far and for the most part it effing rocks. Mean Fist, Kevin J. O'Toole, Elizabeth, Two Angry Kids, Guns, and State of Grace are stand-outs to me.

My personal favorite has to be their cover of The Skids song Into the Valley. I like old punk and in this case, I like it even better when the Street Dogs cover it. Plus this song will be fun to chant along with at their shows, so it scores bonus points with me.

My only gripe is that it is, as someone else mentioned, too short. Oh well, I'll get over it.

This cd is pretty good. If your a Street Dogs fan then you'll like this one as much as the others. The only problem with it is...ITS TOO SHORT! Its only about 30mins long. Thats kind of a bummer to me. I think if it had two or three more songs that were a bit longer towards the beginning then this effort would rival Fading American Dream.

I would give this 3.5 starts but it only allows full numbers. This album is pretty good. IMHO, not on the level of "Back To The World" or "Fading American Dream", but definitely up there with "Savin Hill". The first half of the album is its weakness as the first five tracks are either ok or not so good. But once the track "Elizabeth" shows up, the album is a five star! The final five or six tracks are very killer! If you like the Street Dogs previous work, you will dig this record.

This CD was given as a gift; the recipient is quite pleased with it and says that it should satisfy any true fan of punk (or punk revival) music.

I initially heard this album through doing Music Staff for my campus radio station. At that time, what I heard was Mike McColgan attempting to relive his glory days in DKM. Eight months later, however, it's quite apparent to me that while this doesn't quite stand up to DKM's Do Or Die, it does stand out in its own right. This is punk not so much for fans of DKM, but for the Ducky Boys. Somehow, though it manages to successfully combine the sound of DKM's Blackout! and the Ducky Boys' No Getting Out. Not quite Oi!, but nevertheless a good slice of PFR.

Mike was always near and dear to me, back in his Dropkick days and I must say, when he left and Bruisers boy Al Barr took over, I never quite felt the same (though I continue to LOVE the Dropkick's and have everything they put out). When Street Dogs came along, and I heard what they were laying down...I knew that what I'd been waiting for, for so long, had come around. Once again, with this release, they do not fail to deliver the goods that never fails to reach right into me and touch me every time.

Let it also be said that I, as a US Marine, picked up a couple of extra copies of these and sent them back to my brothers who are still doing their duty in Iraq. Lets them know that these boys carry them right in their hearts and souls, and it did the same for me. I had the luxury of hearing it on US soil however, something that is priceless. But this is something that Mike's been doing ever since day one, make no mistake about it.

I can't really express enough how much these boys mean to me, and to my brothers. Just trying to piece together a few bumbling lines here on Amazon, but definitely want to tell you that if you're thinking about getting this, think no more. Just get it, and you'll be glad you did.

This was the first album I heard by the street dogs. I went to the social distortion show last week in orlando and these guys were there as well. It was worth the $25 just to see these guys. Too bad they didnt stay on the whole night. Their set was only 30 mins. After I also got to meet lead singer Mike McColgan. He is really cool. With an attitude like he has, this band will go far. At least in my opinion.

I got this album because I heard "Tale of Mass Deception" on the radio and was instantly hooked. The fact that I've been a Dropkick Murphys fan since the mid 90s probably helped as well, but I don't want to belabour the point.

In short, this is a decent album. It lacks the musical variety and celtic instrumental feel that characterized more recent efforts by bands like the Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly and as such those hoping to get another round of Swagger or Sing Loud, Sing Proud should probably look elsewhere (or listen to this album with those reservations in mind). However, the music is solid and the lyrics are meaningful, possibly even catchier than the tunes themselves (and I'm the kind of person who cares more about the way a song sounds that what it says).

There is some valid criticism that many of the songs are by the numbers and seem like slightly grittier versions of pop-punk, but after a few listens this aura quickly burns away leaving you with a good taste in your mouth. The songs all address serious subjects like alcoholism, drugs, unemployment, war, corruption, misery of the working poor and the struggle to unionize. If you're looking for trendy, sugary hymns to skating, getting drunk, goofing off, and making out with a hot punk chick, you'd best stick to other more mainstream bands. If, on the other hand, you want catchy, thoughful punk with a message and are willing to accept the fact that some songs are stronger than the others and have a tendancy to sound alike, this just may be your album. Good tracks include "In Defense of Dorchester," "Patrick," "Tale of Mass Deception," and "White Collar Fraud."

Gritty enough to make you want to smash somebody's face, but honest and lyrical enough to keep you glued to your stereo. Fading Amedican Dream is an all around great album.

this is better than the last cd but still no putting it in overdrive yet!great tunes improving their style a little but no proof that their are much different for dropkick or as powerfully charged.still good honest punk rock and they have to stand out more!

This CD was as awesome as the previous ones. The sound of the Street Dogs changed very little, so it meant that it still sounds awesome. Definitely worth buying. The songs are amazing from the first to the last.

If you like punk rock at all, you need to get this record. Not a single bad track on the thing. Perfect follow up to another great record ("Back To The World"). One of the best albums I own. Period.

The voice of the singer is impressive, since i listen it for the first time I cannot stop doing it, my dream is to be able to be going to see them live!
Patrick from Argentina

I honestly was not that impressed with 'Back to the World'. There were some great cuts like "In Defense of Dorchester", "A Tale of Mass Deception", "Stagger", but for some reason it just seemed like it was lacking the extra bit of life that drove 'Savin Hill'.

Whatever worries I might have had were shredded by 'Fading American Dream'. It is a tough, honest, fat-free recording fully showcasing a confident band that means business. The Street Dogs' rhythm section has always been strong, but here the guitars sound rejuvenated and utterly menacing, and somehow seem to increase the effortless ferocity of Mike's vocals. He has without a doubt the perfect voice for this band's sound.

The material here is consistent, and as a whole nothing feels out of place. Highlights include the fiery opener "Common People", "Fatty", "Tobe's Got a Drinking Problem", "Rights to Your Soul", the really cool "Hard Luck Kid" and the title track. Honorable mentions go to Billy Bragg's "There is Power in the Union" and the startlingly convincing (in an era where a lot of artists sing about this topic) "Final Transmission".

As you can see, most of the tracks are pretty good. Hopefully I have enticed you to enough to check this album out.

I bought this because I loved Do or Die and would have been happy with this CD if it had been pretty good. Instead this recording far exceeded my expectations. Mike's passion for what he believes in is clear on every song but the band never forgets that this is a punk record. This is everything I expect from a punk album - heart felt compassion for the middle and working classes and expletives hurled at the ruling class - all that with a driving guitar rich beat.

I was totally impressed how fast the shipping was and how great the price was I would purchase again from the seller

this cd has a real good vibe to it good punk style tunes,but there is room to improve on this,but the trick is not to much murphy's to the mix!this my prove to be a big effort for the ex-dropkick singer.

pretty good boston oi/punk style music good sing along song from the ex- singer of dropkick/and bass player for the late era brusiers.in years to come they may become more of a force.

I went to the Social Distortion concert in Birminghman last year. Street Dogs were supposed to open. Show got rained out at the original venue. Social D and another band played somewhere else. Street Dogs played at the Nick. By far one of the best punk rock shows I've ever been too. It was so good, I bought Savin Hill, Back to The World and their EP. Savin Hill has not left my cd changer since I bought it in March of 05'. Every song is good. If you grew up in a blue collar environment, this cd hits home. Lot of working man songs on it. Mike McColgan should run for president. I'm all about Street Dogs. They are the best band in America right now.

I have to admit a bias right from the start. I always liked the Dropkick's better with Mike. I still love them to this day, and have been to see them more times than I can remember, but a little part of me still carries a twing of pain when I recall his depart from the Dropkick's. Al fills those shoes well, and I've always liked him since his Bruisers days (even caught those boys too back then), but I think you guys know what I'm gettin' at.

At any rate...this release. Brothers, right when you hear "Next stop Savin Hill, doors open to the left..." you know it's gonna be good, and you know it's going right for the heart (and coming right from there as well). It never lets up. From start to finish, I think tears filled up more than a few times and I was filled with that joy again that I recalled so well.

I'm really at a loss to fully peg how great this release is, but if you are at all familiar with this family tree and where this group's history has been, you know you're going to be given something absolutely stellar. The same holds true for their other release as well. So do yourself a favor and get both. You'll thank yourself later.

I have only seen Mike McColgan live once, and that was when he and Al Barr sang "Barroom Hero" at the Boston St. Paddys Day show in 02. His was a serious force on stage, though, even for the few brief moments he appeared. I was in awe. Unfortunately, I wasnt able to catch Street Dogs when they opened up for Flogging Molly and Im still upset that I didnt know about the band sooner or I would have been the first in line when doors opened.

But onto the album: I get a real kick out of Boston accents, so from the moment the T announcer relayed "Next stop Savin Hill Station doors open on the left" my ears perked up. The ensuing track, "Savin Hill", is fabulous; powerful, rowdy, raucous, and fun. It is a great way to open the record.

For the most part this piece of music takes most of its influences from the punk world. Like other listeners have mention its definitely not as hard as some of the anthems on the tremendous "Do or Die" nor as raw as the super cool "Boys on the Docks" EP, but it still packs one helluva punch. To me much of it has to do with Mike McColgan. He sounds great here; his voice is so pure and inspiring, not to mention you can feel the conviction in his words when he sings. Its almost like he never left the music scene, even though it had been some 5 odd years. Much of the lyrical content revolves around growing up and living in, as well as observing, the working world. The band, featuring Jeff Erna, Johnny Rioux, and Rob Guidotti, and their style of music are also a perfect match to the vocals. Songs are lively, catchy, yes, but not trying overly hard to be, so no one will mislabel this as a pop punk album. My friend said it sounded like DKM music from Sing Loud Sing Proud with Mike singing. The guitar work may seem similar, but there is no Celtic flavor here, just plain old working class punk rock.

Inevitably, I do skip one or two tracks but overall this album is a kick in the balls the music world really needed. Songs that have stuck in my head the most are "Modern Day Labor Anthem" (which I think takes "The Worker's Song" to the cleaners), "Don't Preach to Me" and its excellent guitar work, "Star", "Borstal/Boston Breakout", "Fighter", and I just had a few Guinnesses with a buddy and we jammed to "2 Bottles". Funny thing is, we werent drinking to sorrow, but to a darn good album.

I encourage anyone interested in any kind type of rock music to give this a listen. I used to always wish for Mike McColgan to return to DKM but now I think hell be just fine as a Street Dog.

Yo, this cd is pretty tight, the only bad thing is that it is out of print so it's hard to find. You'll have to order it off the internet some how, but other than that its a good buy. If you like Tech 9 or just plain like that gangsta ish, then you'll like this. Tech 9 performs a lot more songs on this 57th Street Rogue Dog Villian cd than any of the other 2. (Roguish Ways and My Dogs for Life)

57th street RDVS always come with great beats and even better lyrics and them adding TECH N9NE on 80% of the CD does make this cd a must have for and TECH N9NE fan.The whole cd is just so good that i dont even know what to say about it.


MMFCL

With all the rap coming out form the east and west, it's about time we have something from the MIDWEST! This album is one of those you can listen to straight through, no pauses. And with the addition of Tech N9ne, it only gets better and better with each song.

I think think the singer Tech N9ne kicks s**t

A much needed break from the typical pop rap, east coast, and southern style that dominates the rap market. Simplified music and lyrical style popular in the Bay area with a midwestern flair added. Though Rogue Dog Tech N9ne's recent album was much better, this album is of the best from the indy scene today.

Other than the slight letdown of Back to the World, the Street Dogs have maintained an awfully high standard of working-class street punk. This album might be their best yet.

It's probably cliche at this point to compare the Street Dogs to the Dropkick Murphys, but I think it's worthwhile. Both bands started off with a style that necessitated variety -- if they had made "Do or Die" or "Savin Hill" over and over again (as great as they are), it would have gotten old quick. Dropkick has fought that staleness by evolving into a completely different band, with melodies and fiddles and the occasional soulful piano ballad. The Street Dogs have also added variety, but they've mostly just spruced up the original sound. You'll hear a whiff of a bagpipe and some unique duets -- just enough to keep it fresh, but it's still the band you love. The added spice, and the brilliant bite of "Guns," make "State of Grace" the highlight of the Street Dogs' library.

The album errs on the short side, and the back half is stronger than the first, but if your only complaints are that its ordered badly and leaves you wanting more... that's pretty good. Highly recommended.

If you protest soldiers funerals, don a kafia, have a trust fund, burn the flag on a regular basis or loathe the second amendment, this album is for you. If you liked early Dropkick Murphys or liked the songs "Back to the World" or "Don't Preach to me", fair warning, this album might not be your cup of coffee. This definitley won't be going back with me to the FOB.

Other than The Briggs new album that came out in June, I've been kinda bored with music this summer- until now. The Street Dogs have never disappointed me live or recorded, and with their newest record they still haven't.

I've given State of Grace only two listens thus far and for the most part it effing rocks. Mean Fist, Kevin J. O'Toole, Elizabeth, Two Angry Kids, Guns, and State of Grace are stand-outs to me.

My personal favorite has to be their cover of The Skids song Into the Valley. I like old punk and in this case, I like it even better when the Street Dogs cover it. Plus this song will be fun to chant along with at their shows, so it scores bonus points with me.

My only gripe is that it is, as someone else mentioned, too short. Oh well, I'll get over it.

This cd is pretty good. If your a Street Dogs fan then you'll like this one as much as the others. The only problem with it is...ITS TOO SHORT! Its only about 30mins long. Thats kind of a bummer to me. I think if it had two or three more songs that were a bit longer towards the beginning then this effort would rival Fading American Dream.

I would give this 3.5 starts but it only allows full numbers. This album is pretty good. IMHO, not on the level of "Back To The World" or "Fading American Dream", but definitely up there with "Savin Hill". The first half of the album is its weakness as the first five tracks are either ok or not so good. But once the track "Elizabeth" shows up, the album is a five star! The final five or six tracks are very killer! If you like the Street Dogs previous work, you will dig this record.

this cd has a real good vibe to it good punk style tunes,but there is room to improve on this,but the trick is not to much murphy's to the mix!this my prove to be a big effort for the ex-dropkick singer.

pretty good boston oi/punk style music good sing along song from the ex- singer of dropkick/and bass player for the late era brusiers.in years to come they may become more of a force.

I went to the Social Distortion concert in Birminghman last year. Street Dogs were supposed to open. Show got rained out at the original venue. Social D and another band played somewhere else. Street Dogs played at the Nick. By far one of the best punk rock shows I've ever been too. It was so good, I bought Savin Hill, Back to The World and their EP. Savin Hill has not left my cd changer since I bought it in March of 05'. Every song is good. If you grew up in a blue collar environment, this cd hits home. Lot of working man songs on it. Mike McColgan should run for president. I'm all about Street Dogs. They are the best band in America right now.

I have to admit a bias right from the start. I always liked the Dropkick's better with Mike. I still love them to this day, and have been to see them more times than I can remember, but a little part of me still carries a twing of pain when I recall his depart from the Dropkick's. Al fills those shoes well, and I've always liked him since his Bruisers days (even caught those boys too back then), but I think you guys know what I'm gettin' at.

At any rate...this release. Brothers, right when you hear "Next stop Savin Hill, doors open to the left..." you know it's gonna be good, and you know it's going right for the heart (and coming right from there as well). It never lets up. From start to finish, I think tears filled up more than a few times and I was filled with that joy again that I recalled so well.

I'm really at a loss to fully peg how great this release is, but if you are at all familiar with this family tree and where this group's history has been, you know you're going to be given something absolutely stellar. The same holds true for their other release as well. So do yourself a favor and get both. You'll thank yourself later.

I have only seen Mike McColgan live once, and that was when he and Al Barr sang "Barroom Hero" at the Boston St. Paddys Day show in 02. His was a serious force on stage, though, even for the few brief moments he appeared. I was in awe. Unfortunately, I wasnt able to catch Street Dogs when they opened up for Flogging Molly and Im still upset that I didnt know about the band sooner or I would have been the first in line when doors opened.

But onto the album: I get a real kick out of Boston accents, so from the moment the T announcer relayed "Next stop Savin Hill Station doors open on the left" my ears perked up. The ensuing track, "Savin Hill", is fabulous; powerful, rowdy, raucous, and fun. It is a great way to open the record.

For the most part this piece of music takes most of its influences from the punk world. Like other listeners have mention its definitely not as hard as some of the anthems on the tremendous "Do or Die" nor as raw as the super cool "Boys on the Docks" EP, but it still packs one helluva punch. To me much of it has to do with Mike McColgan. He sounds great here; his voice is so pure and inspiring, not to mention you can feel the conviction in his words when he sings. Its almost like he never left the music scene, even though it had been some 5 odd years. Much of the lyrical content revolves around growing up and living in, as well as observing, the working world. The band, featuring Jeff Erna, Johnny Rioux, and Rob Guidotti, and their style of music are also a perfect match to the vocals. Songs are lively, catchy, yes, but not trying overly hard to be, so no one will mislabel this as a pop punk album. My friend said it sounded like DKM music from Sing Loud Sing Proud with Mike singing. The guitar work may seem similar, but there is no Celtic flavor here, just plain old working class punk rock.

Inevitably, I do skip one or two tracks but overall this album is a kick in the balls the music world really needed. Songs that have stuck in my head the most are "Modern Day Labor Anthem" (which I think takes "The Worker's Song" to the cleaners), "Don't Preach to Me" and its excellent guitar work, "Star", "Borstal/Boston Breakout", "Fighter", and I just had a few Guinnesses with a buddy and we jammed to "2 Bottles". Funny thing is, we werent drinking to sorrow, but to a darn good album.

I encourage anyone interested in any kind type of rock music to give this a listen. I used to always wish for Mike McColgan to return to DKM but now I think hell be just fine as a Street Dog.