I first became acquainted with the band Gaelic Storm in 2006 when the members were somehow convinced to add the small Oregon town I was living in to their tour. I attended the concert with my family and fell in love. The band’s brand of infectious enthusiasm for music and performance made me a devotee. I rushed out and bought their albums and have continued to follow them with eagerness. It was difficult to determine my top 10 favorite songs by Gaelic Storm, but I managed to do it. If you haven’t heard of the band, look up these songs for an easy way to become addicted to Gaelic Storm’s Irish joy.
And the countdown:
10. “Short a Couple A’ Bob” – How Are We Getting Home? – 2005
In hard economic times, it’s good to have an anthem. This very upbeat take on being broke goes through an amazing list of euphemisms for having no cash. It’s the perfect antidote to being sad about your economic situation.
9. “Don’t Go for the One” – Bring Yer Wellies – 2006
This song is basically a story set to music with a catchy chorus to break up the plot. The story? It’s about catching up with an old friend and taking him for a drink when he’s been sent out on an errand by his wife. The end of the song has a terrific twist that still gets me.
8. “Human to a God” – What’s the Rumpus? – 2008
For a more mellow feel, try this beautiful love song. It is a request for wings so that the narrator can fly to get the woman he loves. Although tender and sweet, the song still manages to insert some humor into the situation. You just can’t go wrong with that kind of combination.
7. “Piña Colada in a Pint Glass” – How Are We Getting Home? – 2005
Unlike many of Gaelic Storm’s songs, this one is not exactly an ode to Ireland. Instead, it’s about a waitress saving up to get out of town and go to a place with eternal summer. What I especially love is that it manages to describe this tropical paradise in terms of Irish characteristics: the pint glass, gin-clear water, milk-white sand, and a sunburned nose.
6. “Johnny Tarr” – Special Reserve – 2003
This rough yet beautiful song is a description of an epic drinker named Johnny Tarr. It’s a great introduction to Gaelic Storm, as it’s one of their more famous pieces. Its sequel, “Never Drink ‘Em Dry,” on Bring Yer Wellies is equally great at continuing the story of one unbelievable man who can put away the booze.
5. “Kelly’s Wellies” – Bring Yer Wellies – 2006
“Kelly’s Wellies” is a very cute song about a very poor young boy. It goes into great detail about just how poor this young man is, but the key is that he was not ashamed. In the end he gets the girls. It’s the perfect story of the universe’s way of equaling out circumstances.
4. “She Was the Prize” – Special Reserve – 2003
What an extremely striking love song by Gaelic Storm. It’s a stunning piece of art that is built on a very simple guitar and snapping fingers for a beat. It’s a bit sad, but it’s just the kind of song that I would love to be written for me.
3. “If Good Times Were Dollars” – What’s the Rumpus? – 2008
Yet another song about being broke, but I love the twist to this one. Rather than be depressed about the economic situation, the narrator is happy to remember the fact that he’s been able to enjoy some great times. In fact, he’s had enough good times that if they were all dollars, he’d be a millionaire. He would prefer his situation over being rushed around to make money. It seems like a pretty good plan to me.
2. “Born to Be a Bachelor” – How Are We Getting Home? – 2005
This song is sung in the first person, and is incredibly hilarious. It’s about a 44-year-old man still living it up at his parents’ home and with no plans to change his living accommodations. He goes into great detail about why he has the best circumstances of anyone. It’s upbeat, catchy, and unbelievably funny. It’s a prime example of why Gaelic Storm is such an amazing band.
1. “Kiss Me I’m Irish” – Bring Yer Wellies – 2006
No Irish band would be complete without a song like this. It’s also very funny, but at its heart it’s an ode to the Irish and all of the things that make them great. It refers to their drinking, their scallywag ways, their dancing, and their wanderlust. If you didn’t love the culture before, you will be head over heels after this fantastic song.
