There is no shortage of great music here in Austin, TX. Pretty much anytime I want, I can go downtown and find a great live show. Last week, I was lucky enough to end up at a great Irish pub called Fadó. The band that was playing that night was called Blaggards from Houston, TX, and my Irish blood warmed quickly to the thought of listening to a nice, mellow Celtic traditional band.
Boy, was I in for a pleasant surprise.
Patrick Devlin, singer and guitarist of Blaggards, grew up in Dublin, Ireland before moving to Houston in his early 20’s. After meeting bassist and singer Chad Smalley, the roots of a kick ass Irish rock group began to form. Rounded out by an amazing fiddler named Chris Buckley and the incredibly talented drummer Michael McAloon, Blaggards were ready to begin their goal of world domination. Blaggards have an intense show schedule this year, and head off to Ireland in March of 2010. Want to go with ‘em? Me too! We can.
Frequently compared to groups such as Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly and the Pogues, Blaggards are much more than just a Irish rock band. With undertones of Black Sabbath, AC/DC, Thin Lizzy, even Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley, Blaggards bring a new and very satisfying sound to fans of all genres. There are elements of rock, folk, punk and yes, metal, in their on stage set. Their first CD, titled Standards, is so surprisingly good that I’ve yet to play it for someone that isn’t an instant fan… no matter what their favorite style of music happens to be.
I think that metal fans in general are fans of music that speaks to us, music that makes us sit up and take notice, whether tapping our toes or banging our heads, the music has to make us feel something… which is why I feel more than comfortable suggesting that all of the Metal Martyr readers give Blaggards a listen. I didn’t have my nice HD video camera with me for this show, and attempted to record a couple of their songs at night with a regular digital camera. Needless to say, the videos came out looking like The Blair Witch Project, so I won’t be posting those.
However, you can listen to one of their songs, “Drunken Sailor”, here!
Blaggards and Metal Martyr have teamed up to offer one reader a copy of Standards, their full length first release, and a bad ass Blaggards t-shirt. Entering is simple, just leave a comment below, and at 5pm CST on Monday, August 17, 2009 I will pick a random winner via random.org.
Learn more about Blaggards here:
www.blaggards.com
www.myspace.com/blaggards
Buy their CD here: www.cdbaby.com/artist/blaggards
Contest Rules:
You must be a resident of the US, and leave a valid email address when you make your comment so that I can contact the winner. One comment per person per day, please. Any duplicates will be deleted.
[image: Anna Donlan/Blaggards]
I first saw these guys perform at Fitzgerald’s in Houston a couple of years ago. After getting hooked on their unique style, since then, I have made it a point to catch their show and raise a few pints at numerous fine establishments around the Houston area. Matter of fact, I’ll be catching them this Thursday evening at Ashford Arms Irish Pub 14605 Perthshire, Houston, TX 77079.
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Finally! Some GOOD News! With everything we’ve been hearing about the economy, it’s nice to hear something good…. I love the Irish-
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The Blaggards rock! They put on a great live show.
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Enter me please. Thanks!
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These guys found me randomly on Myspace, and I was sold on the first song I heard when I checked out their page: Drunken Sailor. Anyhow, I quickly got a hold of Standards and have been spreading Blaggards-Word and Support like a bad STD!
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Blaggards rock my socks off!!
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I will do anything !!! Plus I look Hot in T shirts . Thanks Guys
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Great article!
I grew up listening to “Drunken Sailor,” “Irish Rover,” and others. I must say that their versions are the best by far!!
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Very cool Will wear the shrit with pride!!
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Love the Music…please enter me in the contest!
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Surprisingly enough, I’ve not been to a Blaggards show yet, nor listened to their music, despite being into Celtic-Rock music, and living in Austin, where they play frequently; I have friends that have driven up from Houston to see them, and still not been dragged along – must fix that in the near future.
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Blaggards are my all-time favorite band! I really hope I win!!!!
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This is my fiances favorite band. I’d love to surprise her with a t-shirt and CD!
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Hey Pat, Chad and Gang!! Ben and I will be at the show this Thursday, as soon as I get off work!! I will be sporting my 2006 Blaggards Molly’s tour t-shirt, boy I sure could use an updated t-shirt!!! Molly’s Clear Lake is not the same on St. Patty’s Day anymore without you guys!! Much love for the music my friend!! SuperGirl (Becca)
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The Blaggards ROCK!!!!!!! They blend the best of Celtic, Funk, and Driving Rhythms. Really, what’s not to like there! I can wait to see them again!!!
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Been a fan for a while, havnt had a chance to see them, wish they would come to southern cali for some drunken fun…
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I met Pat a few years ago when they played in Corpus Christi TX. and MAN the band blew my mind! I guess the saying is true, everything IS better in TX.
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Blaggards ROCK!!!!!
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This is cool, I have been looking for an album for awhile. Maybe I will win!!!!!
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Guys you rock, your music moves me to slam more pints!!
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