Album Review - Poxy Boggards "Wish You Were Beer"
Hail and well met! You are here most obviously because you have come to fill your ears with something new and wonderful. Well then my friend, you have indeed come to the right place, and one hopes you will allow the sounds of a new album featuring songs of love, loss, beer, sailors, revelry, women and beer to earn that most coveted honor; heavy rotation amongst the many things you listen to. And while a draught of your favorite fermented beverage is not needed to enjoy the music of the Poxy Boggards, it will certainly add an additional layer of enjoyment as you do. As it is 5 o'clock somewhere, let's untap Wish You Were Beer.
If you are unfamiliar with the world famous Poxy Boggards, stop reading and instead send your eyes in the direction of this interview with one of the founding Boggards, Stu Venable, who will regale you with the basics of what you need to know about this drinking group with a singing problem. I'll be here when you get back.
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Oh good, you're back! Now that you are educated in the ways of the Poxy Boggards, lets take a look and listen to their new album, Wish You Were Beer. The following is an expansion upon the live listen, track-by-track review I did of it via Twitter, with the added effect of a sampling of sounds from the album, which, if you haven't the time to read all the way through this review, is a must listen.
"Drink The Night Away" A drinking song of the finest order, with a chorus you will remember even after a few rounds. Take a listen and see if you agree, and if you don't you are obviously reading this with tea instead of liquid bread.
"Hauling For Home" Do you like songs about sailors? You can practically smell the briny air and the wet wood as this crew heads out to sea. Appropriate use of squeeze box. A serious song about the fate of many a sailor.
"The Greenman Inn" My absolute favorite song on this album and quite possibly favorite Poxy Boggards song overall. This is such a beautiful example of an original piece rooted in ancient tradition. The chorus is an easy and open invitation to join in whether heard on disc or in live performance. From my first listen, the passion and feeling behind the lyrics made it feel as if this is a song about a real place. I was both wrong and right, as Boggard Stu Venable explains:
"The Greenman is/was the ale house/inn yard for performers at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire. It was a home base for many of us years ago. It went away about a decade ago or so. Clan MacColin/St. Andrews has reestablished the Greenman in recent years, so a version of it now exists again at the Faire."
"Your Shining Eyes" a perfect example of the Poxy Boggards'
a cappella singing abilities.
"Why Are You Cryin'" Some of the best of the Boggards' songs progressively tell stories. This is one of those. Even though the tale told here has a thread of sadness to it, don't shed a tear. There's no need to cry.
"Stay" Dudes, the next romantic mix tape you make for your lady, include this one. Trust me. It's all in the lyrics.
"I Love You Beer" After several serious songs it's time to get silly. Actually, that's not quite fair, as this is a serious love song; an ode to beer. With lyrics positively awash in beer-soaked entendre, this is a perfect example of a song that you will be smiling to, even if you can't stand the taste of beer.
"Don't Drink and Joust" Solid and responsible advice for knights, peasants and anyone who's had too many. Ride safe, my lords and ladies.
"Milford Haven" a lovely acoustic guitar and mandolin-driven ballad about the one that got away. The Ren Faire equivalent of the Power Ballad. Hold your lighters aloft.
"Her Husband's Home Early" A farcical tale told from the point of view of a man trapped in a closet. Literally, a closet.
A live version of "Her Husband's Home Early" from the Poxy Boggards Live in Consort album
"She Moved Through The Fair" The only traditional on the album, performed as only as this fine singing group can. An utterly fabulous example of the singing abilities of these gentlemen. Love this song.
"Be Drunk And Eat Mary" Yep, exactly what you thought when you did a double take upon reading that song title. Students of entendre and innuendo please to enjoy this one.
"Wish You Were Beer" Frankly, the world needs more drinking songs written this cleverly. Thank goodness for the Poxy Boggards.
"Stop Talking" There's one in every pub, right fellas? A jaunty singalong about one who is most verbose.
"Don't Stick It In The Crazy" A public service announcement brought to you by the Poxy Boggards. And yes, it is again exactly as advertised in the title. #ProTip
"I Once Had A Lass" An instant trip to a Renaissance Faire wherever you may listen to it. Mead not included. Hey nonny ho!
This is the Poxy Boggards' ninth album, and one can not think of a finer starting point from which to begin enjoying them than this. Their music is available both physically and in digital form. For a small glimpse into their live set, check out this look at a recent Boggards performance.
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