The debut album from Milwaukee's McTavish is somewhat
of a cross between an Irish folk song hootenanny and a full-fledged rock &
roll jam session. The first eight tracks are studio recorded and display the
band's Celtic-rock preferences, while the latter half is comprised of live
recordings which possess a more rock & roll bent. Most of the material was
written by lead singer and guitarist Mark Ruddy. He has a knack for writing
participant-friendly ditties like "Ballad of the Ruddy Clan," "No Comment,"
and "Van the Man" which is dedicated to Van Morrison. Conversely, "Connolly
Station" is a dark John Cale-esque number, while "Mother Whiskey" is a loose
Mott the Hoople-type rocker reminiscent of their Wildlife period. McTavish
also pays tribute to late-'60s British rock with a temperate remake of the
Kinks' "Death of a Clown" and a respectable reading of the Animals' "Sky Pilot."
"Amsterdam," an eight-minute Ruddy original, perhaps unwittingly recreates
another stimulating Mott the Hoople jam session, but it suits the progression
of this release nevertheless. Despite this album's duo personalities and low-budget
recording, it works surprisingly well...-- Dave Sleger All Music Guide
1) Davis Clan
Reunion A rave-up instrumental off the mandolin of Dan Mullen.
2) Ballad
Of The Ruddy Clan Sent over on a coffin ship to Americay, a vow to
return, and the fate of Brendan Behan.
3) Back
To Galway An original 'sea-chantie' of dread, mutiny, adventure and execution.
4) Galway
Shawl A beautiful song that's been with us for ages. A McTavish favorite.
Paul C. Cotter on vocals.
5) Last
Of The Rovers Dedicated to the great Irish poet living much of his life
in the U.S.A., and especially Milwaukee. James Liddy is his name, and the pubs
are where you'll find him.
6) Connolly
Station Written in Dublin after a visit to the Liffey River. A cabbies'
warning, the movie Trainspotting, and horrific, haunting nightmares of
voiceless and damned spirits trapped on the Liffey led to this one.
7) Van
The Man Dedicated to the Irish musician, Van 'the Man' Morrison. Also known
as, the 'Belfast Cowboy', Van launched a thousand Rock And Roll ships with songs
like "Gloria". Now, for better or worse, rock is the music of young Ireland.
What's happening to the "fiddle and the bow"?
8) Death
Of A Clown A hidden Kinks' masterpiece, originally written and sung by guitarist
Dave Davies. A perfectly dark and funny pub sing-along.
9) Mother
Whiskey Revered by the Irish as the water of life, many a soul has floundered
on the great oceans of Irish whiskey. It won't stop us from making the journey
again and again, though. As in life it's not the destination, but the ride,
and none's smoother than one powered by Jameson's or Bushmill's.
10) Drive 'Em Down Many of the best Irish songs
are parables set to life at sea. This one's about the fear of death and the
unknown.
11) St.
Patrick Says We wanted to lay down an earthy tale of the St. Patrick myth
inspired by New Orleans style hi-jinx and the apocalyptic sound of Gary "US"
Bonds.
12) No
Comment You won't find us singing a song about the IRA. Not on this record.
13) Johnny
From The Moor With a name like McTavish, you'd expect our music to be Scotch.
But like we tell 'em, the only Scotch you'll find at our shows is at the bar.
Except for this tub-thumper about 'Bonnie Charlie'.
14) Mickey
Big Mouth A song about the legendary Irish American gangster, Mickey
Featherstone, whose band of Irishmen terrorized the 'Hell's Kitchen' area of
New York City. The legend of The Westies lives on.
15) Back
Home In Derry Irish hero and martyr Bobby Sands' tale of struggle.
16) Sky
Pilot Welshman and 'Animal' Eric Burdon's powerful ballad of the futility
and hypocrisy of war. We feel this song belongs in the ranks of classics like
"Willie McBride", "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda", and others.
17) Amsterdam
An all live stroll through needle park with an Irish junkie we know, with musical
perversion by K.C. And The Sunshine Band.
18) Danny
Boy We never play this live, because there's no way we could capture the
purity and soul of Ruth Ruddy (vocals), and Bill Ruddy (guitar) it's the singer,
not the song, baby. Amen. McTavish
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