Irish folk singer Paddy Boyle accomplishes that rarest of things: He’s produced a collection of drinking songs that puts melody and craft before boisterousness.  With stunning results…

EXPELLING A FEW DEMONS

Now based in Ontario, Canada, but distinctively Irish, Paddy Boyle has been playing, singing and recording for a good number of years.  And, during that time, he’s accumulated a significant repertoire of drinking songs.  Enough, in fact, to fill his debut album (and, I wouldn’t be surprised, a sequel album, if he’s ever of the mind to make one…)

Boozing is, of course, a consistent theme in the music of the Emerald Isle, whether the songs concerned are rooted in the island’s rich traditions or whether the songs spring from the pens, pencils or quills of Ireland’s singers, poets and writers.  And Paddy Boyle has collected loads of them from every possible source.  So, he realized that it might be a good idea to, in his words: “…knock the dust of some of these old songs, put my own spin on them, and send them back out into the world.”

“I’ve had a dodgy relationship with alcohol at the best of times,” he says, “and, over the past few years I’ve distanced myself from it.  Getting these songs down on record felt like a way of clearing the air – expelling a few demons, maybe?  We’ll see.”

NO BOISTEROUS BARROM BELLOWING

Perhaps it’s that latter-day distancing of himself from the more extreme excesses that are described in several of these songs that has allowed Paddy to come up with a set of drinking songs that are different.  You won’t find any boisterous barroom bellowing or hail fellow well-met camaraderie on The Sup, despite the subject matter of the songs.  The focus here is on melody, craftsmanship and warm, well-considered vocalizing.  And, I’ll tell you what…  It all makes a welcome and refreshing change.

Paddy has recognized that paradox in his choice of title for the album, as he explains: “The title was inspired by those old, slightly cheesy compilation albums you’d find in Irish tourist shops – ’10 Irish Drinking Songs’ or ’20 Drinking Songs for St Patty’s Day,’ – that sort of thing.  I found it amusing, at least.”

Melodeon tones grow and grow in volume before Paddy kicks off The Sup with an opening monologue that eulogises the pleasures to be savoured in every aspect of drinking.  The anticipation, the appearance of the beverage, the sounds that are made as it’s being served, the flavours – and more – all get a mention.  And I particularly love Paddy’s observation that ‘Drink in moderation’ was the most ridiculous piece of advice ever offered.

WHISKEY – AND THE THAMES TUNNEL

Written by Jimmy Crowley and recorded by Christy Moore for his eponymous 1976 solo album, Johnny Jump Up is a wonderful choice of song to get things rolling.  The song’s lyrics describe the magical qualities to be found in a drink – qualities that even extend to resurrection of the dead – and Paddy’s vocals convey the appropriate sense of mystery.  From the same – or at least a similar – stable, Andy Irvine’s The Longford Weaver dwells more on the downside of over-consumption.  It’s a gentle song and Paddy gives it a wholesome respect, as he tells the woozy story to a tasteful backing of strummed guitar and softly-picked banjo.

The traditional The Humours of Whiskey has been widely covered, notably by Marc Gunn on his 2008 Going for Brogue album.  In Paddy’s hands, it’s another gentle song – calming and superbly melodic.  The song’s lyrics consider the many benefits of whiskey consumption and conclude with the assertation that, if it hadn’t been for whiskey, Isambard Kingdom Brunel would never have completed the Thames Tunnel.  I’ll believe ya!

The Sup is, almost by definition, a lighthearted album and humour is at the forefront for Clasped to the Pig.  Paddy’s delivery of Daoirí Farrell’s hilarious lyrics isn’t quite deadpan, so listeners are advised to lend a close ear to get the full benefit of the joke. 

STANDARDS – WITH A NEW TWIST

Clasped to the Pig is one of the newer songs to be featured on The Sup.  Dating back to the early 18^th century, An Bonnán Buí is one of the oldest.  The lyrics are the translation of a poem by Cathal Buí Giolla Ghunna and have been absorbed into a well-loved song.  The song’s title translates as ‘The Yellow Bittern’ and the lyrics use the fate of the bittern – it died of thirst – to justify the taking of drink.  It’s a song that is usually performed a cappella, and Paddy continues that tradition here – and it’s a fine showcase for his mellow, rich and versatile voice.

With lyrics like: “Poor oud Dicey Reilly – she has taken to the sup.  Poor oud Dicey Reilly – she’ll never give it up,” the traditional Dicey Reilly follows the boozy daily agenda of a female Dublin sponge.  Again, the song is performed a cappella and Paddy’s tender vocals are enriched by some lovely vocal harmonies.  Dicey Reilly was popularized by The Dubliners and so was Whiskey on a Sunday – a song that has become a folk club standard.  Here, guitar and banjo lead the easy-paced waltz tune, whilst a discrete accordion picks out the low notes.  Paddy is joined by a few mates for the rousing chorus and it’s clear that a good time is being had by all.

UP THERE WITH THE VERY BEST

Anyone who has followed Irish music for any length of time is bound to recognize many of the songs that Paddy has selected for The Sup.  That’s certainly true of The Hackler From Grouse Hall, a song that’s been performed by, amongst others, Christy Moore (again…) and The Mary Wallopers.  And there’s a notable similarity between Paddy’s voice and Christy Moore’s, as Paddy tells the story of the downtrodden tradesman with a liking for the grain to a subtle – but atmospheric – backing.

We stick with the old favourites for a heartwarming, melodic interpretation of The Tinker’s Poitin.  The tinker of the song’s title is proud of his heritage and of the distilling skills he learned from his father – and, which he intends to pass on to his son.  It’s a nice story and, in Paddy’s hands, it’s well-told.

And, to bring things to a satisfying close, I’m a Man You Won’t Meet Every Day is – probably – the best-known song of the lot.  It’s been covered by everyone, from Jeannie Robertson to The Tannahill Weavers, from Archie Fisher to The Pogues, and on, and on.  Paddy Boyle’s version of the song is, like the rest of the album, well-considered and understated.  And it’s also right up there with the very best. The Sup is a truly excellent album and Paddy Boyle has breathed new life into a whole batch of familiar songs with his new arrangements and his flawless performances.  Time for a snifter, now, I think…

Listen to The Longford Weaver – a song from the album – below:

Paddy Boyle: Bandcamp

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