In my undergraduate class on the history of education in America, I ask my students to use the term "higher education" to describe both high schools and colleges in the 19th century. The past is not the present in miniature, I tell them. In those days, high schools and colleges often resembled each other.
For one thing, only a small fraction of American youth went to high school. Incoming students had passed an entrance exam. The courses were rigorous, electives were rare, and whether they planned to find a job after graduation or go to college, most students worked hard. The teachers were sometimes called professors, and several high schools even granted bachelor's degrees (Labaree, 1988).
To illustrate the value of the high school diploma, I tell my students that graduates could enter medical and law schools without taking a single college course. Moreover, high school graduates — usually the male graduates — easily secured white-collar office jobs. And in many districts, 18-year-old women could teach elementary school. That gets the attention of my undergraduate teacher education majors!
Not every 19th-century high school was so demanding, to be sure. In many rural areas, the so-called high school was a room or two attached to the elementary school. But the better schools set the standard: A good high school was selective and serious, requiring as much time — four years — as college. And like college, it was a special place, bestowing on graduates a ticket to the middle class. No wonder fewer than one-fourth of the graduates bothered to go to college.
Even so, colleges proliferated throughout the 19th century, soaring from 22 in 1800 to more than 800 by 1880 — at that point, there were 16 colleges for every 1 million Americans, a ratio never again reached. In that year, only four universities in England granted degrees; the state of Ohio, with 20 million fewer people, had 37 colleges (Labaree, 2017).
But some colleges were high schools in disguise. "All sorts of institutions assume the name of college," the president of Pennsylvania State University complained in 1892 (College Association of the Middle States and Maryland, 1893). One-fourth of the nation's small colleges were not truly colleges, according to the president of the University of Chicago (Boyer, 2015). Many impoverished colleges needed every tuition dollar, so they overlooked or scaled back their entrance requirements. On average, colleges attracted only 25 to 30 freshmen, and it was possible to get in without a high school diploma.
Many colleges tried to hold the line by putting "sub freshmen" in preparatory departments. In fact, by 1870, the number of sub freshmen in American colleges matched the collegiate enrollments. Those youngsters had their own courses, but they shared the faculty and they roamed the same campus as the collegians. While there was a distinction between secondary and college coursework, the boundary line could be hard to spot whenever students ranging in age from 13 to 25 were taught in the same buildings by the same teachers (VanOverbeke, 2008).
And there's another important reason why the definition of college was often blurry in the 19th century: New kinds of institutions offered a mixture of basic and advanced work to prepare students for particular careers. Most agricultural colleges, for example, expected their incoming students to have no more than an elementary school education (Geiger, 2015). Normal schools, created to train teachers, offered programs ranging in length from one to four years, although few students stayed more than two years. The least prepared students studied the same academic material as high school freshmen or sophomores. Students with stronger backgrounds could pursue a wide variety of academic courses — some comparable to high school, others to college — in addition to the pedagogical courses everyone took (Ogren, 2005).
Also emerging were commercial schools — which, after the Civil War, grew as fast as the normal schools — offering penmanship, bookkeeping, math, and other practical courses to prepare clerks and office workers in an era when those were still desirable jobs for men. Were these high schools or colleges? On one hand, many called themselves colleges, and the median student age was 19. On the other hand, studies rarely lasted even two years, and elementary school graduation sufficed for admission (Weiss, 1981; Angulo, 2016).
It may be tempting to write off the earlier period as helter-skelter confusion, but there were significant benefits to the messiness of education in the 19th century.
By the late 19th century, then, American education was not a streamlined system with clear demarcations from one level to another. Different institutions emerged at different times rather than arising together as parts of a coherent plan. There were no federal mandates to steer them, and state oversight was modest — in 1890, the typical state department of education had just two staff members (Tyack & Hansot, 1982). And in the unfettered marketplace, vendors competed more than they cooperated.
What a mess, my students sometimes say. (Little do they know that the full story is even more bewildering. In some parts of the country, military institutes and female seminaries were also described as higher education.) To their relief, I explain that yet another of that era's innovations, research universities, helped simplify the array.
Universities had good reasons to work closely with high schools. If high schools did a better job teaching the basics, then professors could pare down the introductory survey courses (the lion's share of the 19th-century college curriculum) and concentrate on seminars and research. Furthermore, the late 19th century saw the rapid rise of many new academic fields (as well as the redefinitions of old ones, including teacher education and commerce), and decisions had to be made as to which subjects belonged at which level. There were also purely pragmatic considerations: Cooperation boosted enrollments across the board. If any graduate of a high school approved by the state university could enroll as a freshman, then there was a new incentive to finish high school. By accepting all graduates from credible high schools, universities (and the many colleges that also used admission by certificate) bolstered both their enrollments and their status.
My students are surprised when I point out that from the 1880s through World War I, admission by certificate became far more common than the old custom of admission by written examinations. How remarkable that teams of university professors would visit dozens of high schools, decide which ones were satisfactory, and then welcome any and all graduates to their freshman class. What a leap of faith to assume that everyone from a decent high school deserved a place in the University of Michigan (which pioneered the system) and many other first-rate campuses (Wechsler, 2001).
I ask my students to use the term "higher education" to describe both high schools and colleges in the 19th century.
I then describe other efforts to clarify the boundaries between secondary and higher education.
Spurning the option of admission by certificate, several prestigious colleges and universities created the College Board, which gave examinations meant to ensure that high school students met particular requirements in various academic fields. By spelling out those requirements in detail, the College Board shaped the corresponding high school courses. For instance, the eight-part syllabus for physics stipulated 51 different experiments.
Furthermore, prominent university leaders and other educators convened blue-ribbon groups (most notably the Committee of Ten in 1893) to sketch what a true high school should and should not teach. And when the business mogul/philanthropist Andrew Carnegie endowed pensions for college faculty, it became important to decide the true meaning of "college" as well — the foundation needed to decide which faculty would be eligible for a pension. To the foundation officers, a genuine college had several attributes, including a four-year time span and admission restricted to graduates of four-year secondary schools. They even specified how often a course should meet in a real high school and college — hence the familiar Carnegie unit and the emphasis on time served and credits accumulated as the basis for promotion and graduation.
Many other players joined the quest for order, I tell my students, including state governments, individual educators, and organizations such as the National Education Association. It is a complicated story, but the outcome is clear: By the 1920s, it was much easier to differentiate secondary education and higher education.
Because my students like to see history as a record of progress, they tend to assume that the alignment of secondary and higher education was entirely positive, another sign that American education got better and better over time. So I like to push back by discussing several advantages of the old ways and drawbacks of the new.
It may be tempting to write off the earlier period as helter-skelter confusion, but there were significant benefits to the messiness of education in the 19th century. For instance, when small towns raised money and contributed land to start a school, they gave their local economy a shot in the arm and coaxed outsiders to move there. There were also great opportunities, especially in cities, for individuals eager to start their own schools without local sponsorship. For example, the initial boom in the study of shorthand relied on private instructors, for-profit institutes, and correspondence courses since high schools rarely offered the subject in the 1880s and 1890s (Hampel, 2017). Likewise, it was possible for an individual teacher to take the plunge and create a private academy, as Abraham Flexner — who later transformed medical education — did in Louisville, quitting his public high school job to coach five adolescents. He was so successful that the growth of the Flexner School prompted the president of Harvard to ask Flexner what instructional methods he used (Bonner, 2002).
With many choices in the lightly regulated educational marketplace, unwary students could be shortchanged or swindled, but they also had much flexibility to shape their own path. At a time when formal credentials were less important than they are today, many students attended this or that school for a few years. There was no disgrace in not graduating. For instance, an elementary school teacher could persevere in high school and then teach, but she could also attend a normal school for one or two years, or she could just learn enough on her own to pass the school board's examination. The route taken by Lewis Terman — before becoming one of the country's most influential psychologists — was not atypical: He attended normal school for a year, taught, returned for a second year, taught again, returned for a third year, worked for three years as a school principal, and then entered Indiana University as a junior (Muchison, 1932). In many fields, there were far more stop-start-stop-start educational trajectories than we see today.
Furthermore, in the years before the high school diploma became a college admissions requirement, savvy students could prepare on their own to pass a college's entrance exam. All that mattered was success on written tests. Grades, class rank, athletic feats, and extracurricular activities were irrelevant. And because nearly every college indicated which books to read and often published the previous year's exams, students knew exactly what they needed to study, either on their own or with the help of a tutor. As a result, the age range in most 19th-century campuses was wide. Bright 15- and 16-year-old freshmen would sit next to classmates in their early to mid-20s who had worked for years. And if the ambitious excelled on the entrance exams, they could start as sophomores; in fact, the future architect Louis Sullivan entered MIT as a junior (Twombly, 1986).
My students learn also that there were disadvantages to making the boundaries less blurry. I point out three, in particular.
First, the prestige of high school declined. The word "secondary" began to convey not just a part of a sequence but a lesser status. By the mid-20th century, high school teachers were rarely called professor, and their salaries lagged behind what college faculty earned. The growing reliance on SAT and ACT tests also downplayed the importance of what students achieved in high school — what mattered was their apparent potential for future success. Rising enrollments meant that high school graduation was no longer the badge of merit for a small fraction of teenagers (in contrast, the status of college graduation eroded less severely when enrollments soared after the mid 20th century).
Second, getting an education took longer. Neither high schools nor colleges showed much interest in reducing their traditional four-year time spans. A few people tried — in the 1930s and 1940s, for example, the president of the University of Chicago wanted students to start college at 16 — but alternatives rarely took hold. Nor did anything become of periodic suggestions to eliminate college entirely (as the Germans had done) by strengthening high schools and steering the graduates directly to professional training. Instead, Americans came to believe that more time in school and college was not only academically useful but also psychologically crucial. Close friendships, athletic glory, extracurricular success, and opportunities to date attractive young men and women rivaled the formal curriculum. Staying enrolled offered chances to develop, mature, and exert leadership skills that would be useful after graduation (Clark, 2010). "Activities like the Crimson [student newspaper] give experience more valuable than the classroom," was the opinion one Harvard provost heard on his campus, where "football builds character," "the class loyalty of Harvard men is a cherished thing," "the houses are communities in which values are developed," and therefore "you must not hurry the educational process — it takes time and exposure to let ideas seep in" (Keller & Keller, 2001).
Third, the new boundaries could be illusory. By the 1920s, the messy array of 19th-century schools and colleges had been cleaned up, and the system looked relatively logical, rational, and streamlined. But the overlap between school and college was still substantial. In the 1930s, for instance, many college students knew less than high school students. In one study, 22% of high school seniors surpassed the test score of the average college sophomore, and 10% did better than the average college senior. Within each grade, the variations were vast. College graduates wore identical gowns for commencement ceremonies, but they were hardly alike in their academic achievement — some resembled 8th graders and a few surpassed their professors (Learned & Wood, 1938).
How remarkable that teams of university professors would visit dozens of high schools, decide which ones were satisfactory, and then welcome any and all graduates to their freshman class.
The decision to group students of similar ages and to promote them on the basis of credits earned meant that cohorts of young people moved ahead in the curriculum, side by side, even though they had wildly different knowledge and skills. And the mid-century rise of community colleges didn't make it any easier to sort out who belonged at what level. Were the new community colleges just "high school with ashtrays," as some skeptics said, or were they bona fide colleges? With their multiple purposes and diverse clientele, community college boundaries lacked sharp definition.
19th-century lessons for 21st-century challenges?
To be aware of this history is to understand the full significance of the ways in which Americans are currently rethinking the boundaries that separate high school and college. Early colleges, dual enrollment, 2 + 2 partnerships with community colleges, the expansion of Advanced Placement, the growing popularity of gap years . . . The borders have become more and more porous over the past few decades, and high school students have more and more choices about how and when to cross them.
In the 19th century, choice was the name of the game, and the marketplace provided many options and alternatives for education beyond the basics. As I tell my students, there were benefits to the messiness of that era, but there were disadvantages, too. The challenge today, as we reintroduce some of that disarray, is to provide what 19th-century choice often lacked: reasonable regulation to prevent fraud, along with concerted efforts to make sure that young people are well-informed about the choices they make. The blurring of boundaries should be an opportunity, not a trap.
Angulo, A.J. (2016) Diploma mills: How for-profit colleges stiffed students, taxpayers, and the American dream. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.
Bonner, T.N. (2002). Iconoclast: Abraham Flexner and a life in learning. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.
Boyer, J.W. (2015). The University of Chicago: A history. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.
Clark, D.A. (2010). Creating the college man: American mass magazines and middle-class manhood. Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin Press.
College Association of the Middle States and Maryland. (1893). Proceedings of the 4th annual convention. New York, NY: Holt.
Geiger, R.L. (2015). The history of American higher education: Learning and culture from the founding to World War II. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
Hampel, R.L. (2017). Fast and curious: A history of shortcuts in American education. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield.
Keller, M. & Keller, P. (2001). Making Harvard modern: The rise of America's university. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Labaree, D.F. (2017). A perfect mess: The unlikely ascendancy of American higher education. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.
Labaree, D.F. (1988). The making of an American high school. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.
Learned, W.S. & Wood, B.D. (1938). The student and his knowledge. New York, NY: Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
Muchison, C. (ed.). (1932). A history of psychology in autobiography, Vol. 2. Worcester, MA: Clark University Press.
Ogren, C. (2005). The American state normal school. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan.
Twombly, R. (1986). Louis Sullivan: His life and work. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.
Tyack, D. & Hansot, E. (1982). Managers of virtue: Public school leadership in America, 1820-1980. New York, NY: Basic Books.
VanOverbeke, M.A. (2008). The standardization of American schooling: Linking secondary and higher education, 1870-1920. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan.
Wechsler, H.S. (2001). Eastern Standard Time: High school-college collaboration and admission to college, 1880-1930. In M.C. Johanek (ed.), A faithful mirror: Reflections on the College Board and education in America. New York, NY: College Entrance Examination Board.
Weiss, J. (1981). Educating for clerical work: The 19th century private commercial school. Journal of Social History, 14 (3), 407-423.
Citation: Hampel, R.L. (2017). Blurring the boundary between high school and college: The long view. Phi Delta Kappan 99 (3), 8-12.
ROBERT L. HAMPEL (hampel@udel.edu) is a professor of education, University of Delaware, Newark, Del., and author of Fast and Curious: A History of Shortcuts to Education (Rowman & Littlefield, 2017).
After reading this article, I think of my mother with two years of college who passed a test in Indiana in 1928 and taught elementary school for 40 years and my father who attended the long defunct college, Central Normal, in the small town of Danville, Indiana, and who taught mathematics, chemistry and physics in high school and college for over forty years. In 1961 he got his Masters degree at Iowa State through the National Science Foundation an completed his course work with all A's. I've often wondered, if my father and mother had been in a more thriving town and educational environment what their careers and accomplishments might have been. Small town, no educated parents and few educational opportunities hampered and still hamper students today.
In affluent high schools the competition among students and parents for high class ranks, top ACT and SAT scores, membership in honor societies and pubic recognition on honor rolls and acceptance into prestigious colleges is great. Competition is far more important than cooperation in affluent high schools.
Today many students who do not attend the top competitive high schools have much untapped talent but lack ways to circumvent the system to enjoy the advantages of the more affluent. Are we caught in a trap? I believe, public schools do a great job and are the backbone of democracy and opportunity. As the author so brilliantly points out…..Education is still messy. No correct answers to lots of issues.
This was a well written and researched article. Thought provoking.


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Tag Archives: Batallón de San Patricio
Album Review, Australia, Bagpipes, Belguim, Best Of's, Brittany, Canada, Cape Breton, China, England, EP Review, Finland, Folk, Folk-Punk, France, Germany, Hawaii, Holland, Ireland, Irish-American, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, New York, Norway, Nova Scotia, Poll, Scandinavia, Sweden, Switzerland, Traditional, USA, Wales, Yorkshire January 17, 2021 Comments: 9
Well here we go again. It seems an awful long time since we were compiling all the votes into 2019's Best Of. Last year saw The Walker Roaders triumph but with this year being a lot quieter on the Celtic-Punk front thanks to the lockdowns around the world bands have found themselves unable to tour and promote new releases so have held onto them till things got better. Still that's not to say it was a complete wash out and as you can see from below their have been some absolute knock-outs during the year.
Remember this is only our opinion so feel free to comment, slag off or dissect our lists. The Readers Poll is back again this year so you can even vote on your favourite release of 2020 yourself. We don't pretend to be the final word as that my friends is for you…
(for more information click on the release title in green)
Was very close between the top three this year but Ogras seem to have been not only our favourites but also most of the Celtic-Punk medias too. A lot less albums may have come out during the year but still plenty more that didn't make the cut. Don't be down hearted if you are one of them it could just be that one of the judges hadn't heard that album. Again if we don't hear your album we can't review it so the massive majority here are ones that were sent in to us. We only need a download link (NO Spotify!) and we're happy. Out of the 30 albums 18 countries were represented including 2 from the Celtic nations Scotland #4 and Brittany #13 and our first from Hawaii!
1. OGRAS – No Love In The City
2. UNCLE BARD AND THE DIRTY BASTARDS – The Men Behind The Glass
3. FINNEGANS HELL – Work Is The Curse Of The Drinking Class
4. THECUNDEEZ – Teckle And Hide
5. KRAKIN' KELLYS – Burn Your Flag
6. THE GO-SET – Of Bright Futures And Broken Pasts
7. BLACK WATER COUNTY – Comedies And Tragedies
8. McSCALLYWAG – Songs For The Wicked
9. BATALLON DE SAN PATRICIO- Hermanos De Guerra
10. THE O'REILLYS AND THE PADDYHATS – Off The Leash
11. THE REAL McKENZIES – Beer And Loathing
12. THE MUCKERS – Irish Goodbye
13. CELT & PIPER – No Mercy
14. THE FEELGOOD MacLOUDS – Life On A Ferris Wheel
15. FEROCIOUS DOG – You
16. THE KONA ROGUES – Batten Down The Hatches
17. PADDY WAGGIN- Race To The Bottom
18. BLACK ANEMONE – Chasing The Sun
19. PADDY MURPHY – Rams Rebels Goats And Girls
20. THE STUBBY SHILLEAGHS – Glass To Mouth
21. CELKILT – The Next One Down
22. THE DEAD MAGGIES – More Than Just Ghosts
23. KELTIKON – The Black Boar
24. THE CELTIC SOCIAL CLUB – From Babylon To Avalon
25. BARBAR O'RHUM – Journal de B'O'R
26. JAMESTOWN BROTHERS – Rebels, Rogues And Regrets
27. SMZB – Once Upon A Time In The East
28. THE NEW RUFFIANS – Shenanigans
29. GRASS MUD HORSE – Beijing Bikini
30. NEVER SAY DIE – Punk Rock Pirates
Several bands have taken the chance during the lockdown to release compilations of sorts. While it would be a little unfair to include them in the main 'Best Of' section they still deserve a mention. Among these were two 30 year celebrations from two of Celtic-Punks most successful and popular bands in THE MAHONES – This Is All We Got To Show For It and FIDDLER'S GREEN – 3 Cheers For 30 Years. Both fully deserve a round of applause, a raise of the pint and a tip o' the hat! Band compilations included ANTO MORRA – Twenty, THE DEAD RABBITS – The Dead Rabbits, LEXINGTON FIELD – Here's To You Ten Years Of Fiddle Rock and LQR – Barrel-Aged. A couple of live albums THE STANFIELDS – Welcome To The Ball and ShamROCKS – FCP Live were both well received, you may have heard that a little known band THE POGUES put out a new album of previously unreleased material BBC Sessions 1984-86 and Quintessential Quarantunes was a 6-band compilation released in the Summer featuring the Bible Code Sundays and The Reels. MacSlons Irish Pub Radio also released volume 5 of Raise Your Pints the best Celtic-Punk sampler around of 19 of the Celtic-Punk scenes best bands.
You have to go back to the beginning of January for 1916's release and though many more would challenge it stayed top of the pile all year long. Some great debut releases here from bands that will I am sure go on to bigger things. This time last year I was crowing about Shanghai Treason and how much I was looking forward to seeing them play… well I still am!
1. 1916 – Meant To Be
2. SHANGHAI TREASON – It's Treason
3. BEAVER SECRET HANDSHAKE – Beaver Secret Handshake
4. KILMAINE SAINTS – Off The Wagon Acoustic Sessions
5. LEXINGTON FIELD – Win The Day
6. 7 STOUT CLAN – 7 Stout Clan
7. THE CLOVES AND THE TOBACCO – Jalan Pulang
8. LUCKY LAD GREEN – Get There Somehow
9. BRAVE THE SEA – The Murders Three
10. THE PLACKS – My Dearest Friend
BATALLON DE SAN PATRICIO- Hermanos De Guerra
This year's winner of Best Debut Album comes from a continent where Celtic-Punk appears to be booming! The South American scene has been dominated in the past by bands from Brazil and Argentina (last years winners in this category were Aires Bastardos from Argentina) but with Batallón de San Patricio from Guadalajara in Mexico things are changing with several bands popping up over the last couple of years. The last twelve months have seen Batallón de San Patricio garner favourable reviews from various singles and live streams. Hermanos De Guerra/ Brothers Of War is delivered entirely in Spanish and spans the length of Celtic-Punk from trad Irish up to Celtic-PUNK making it fully deserving of the award.
Always the hardest list to compile as it covers so much ground. Some of these bands play Trad Folk with a Punk Rock heart like Clover's Revenge while others didn't quite fit as Celtic-Punk releases but the winners are the Rose family from NY state otherwise known as The Wild Irish Roses. An album that took us by surprise and managed to please everyone.
1. THE WILD IRISH ROSES – Full Bloom
2. CLOVERS REVENGE – Truants And Absolution
3. 6'10 – Carried In Retrospect
4. RUNA – The Tide Of Winter
5. MAGGIES FLOCK – Party At The Cemetery
6. PYROLYSIS – Alotsie
7. PATRICKS – Rocky Road To Ireland
8. HUGH MORRISON – The Other Side
9. TC COSTELLO – The Bluebird
10. PEAT & DIESEL – Light My Byre
Now this section is tinged with sadness. There is no question which site has the biggest impact on the Celtic-Punk scene over the last year and while not strictly a web-site the CELTIC PUNK, FOLK AND ROCK FANS group on Facebook fully deserved this years award. Sadness because the group founder Mike Kilroe very sadly passed away at the beginning of the month. Created back in February 2019 it was around the time of last years ill fated St. Patrick's day and the subsequent Dropkick Murphys live stream show that membership of the group exploded and has now passed over 8000 members. If on Facebook they should be your first port of call, alongside us of course! We had a great interview with the founder of the group Mike back in May that you can find here and of course our thoughts go out to his family and friends.
THE CELTIC PUNKCAST * FOLK'N'ROCK * PADDYROCK
So there you go. Remember we have never pretended to be the final word on things in fact have a look at the other Celtic-Punk media's Best Of's and I'm sure they are all pretty different. Our Best Of's, as usual, cajoled and bullied out of the admins from the London Celtic Punks Facebook page and then tallied up over a few pints in Mannions in north London. One important thing to note is that not all of us heard the same albums so like all the various Best Of's ours is also subjective.
Nine years we've been doing these lists now. It seems incredible looking back at some of the previous winners and also-rans how so many bands are still with us from Year 1. If you would like to check for yourself then just click on the link below the relevant year.
Alongside the Best Of polls we also run a special Readers Poll where you get to pick your favourite release of the year. This will be The Readers Poll's third year with Krakin' Kellys and Mickey Rickshaw previously champions! There is only room to list the Top Ten albums but there is an option to write in your favourite release of 2020. You are allowed to vote for up to two releases but not for the same artist.
The Poll will close at midnight on Sunday 31st January with the result announced soon after.
ODDS'N'SODS. CELTIC-PUNK ROUND UP JANUARY 2021
Folk, Odds'n'Sods, Serbia December 30, 2020 Leave a comment
In a attempt to get away from just doing 'ReviewReviewReviewReview…' we started a monthly feature of all the Celtic-Punk news that passed us by. All will get a mention but I need YOU to help if it's going to work. Any band news, record releases, videos, tours (not individual gigs though yet sadly), live streams, crowd funders etc., send it into us at londoncelticpunks@hotmail.co.uk or through the Contact Us page.
In case you missed this month has seen a flurry of Celtic-Punk Christmas song releases from across the world. Anti-Depresants from Ireland, Grass Mud Horse from China, The Feelgood McLouds from Germany, Batallón De San Patricio from Mexico, Nova Scotia's Stanfields and London's very own Clan Of Celts all putting out new songs and videos in time for Christmas Day. These were featured in a special post just after Christmas Day so if you missed it then click below to find it.
NEW CHRISTMASSY CELTIC-PUNK SONGS FROM MEXICO, GERMANY, CHINA, IRELAND AND LONDON
One band that would have featured in that post was London's MAN THE LIFEBOATS Crimbo song 'Whisky For Christmas'. Sadly I didn't hear it until recently so be happy I could sneak it in here.
..by the way that aint how you spell whiskey!!
A compilation release of northern Irish Oi!/Punk/Ska/Reggae bands in the memory of Desi Cush and Colin Riot. Dancing With The Fallen normally organise a charity all-dayer but as the pandemic has ground everything to a halt it was decided to raise money through a compilation of bands that would normally be on the festivals bill.
LORETTA PROBLEM are back with another wonderful song and video (please take the time to watch their 2019 smash hit The Waltz Of My Drunken Dream featuring Juha Lagström on vocals. As close to Poguesy perfection as anyone has ever got!). 30 years old this year this bunch of Finnish Punks and Celts just keep on getting better and better and just to prove it 'Another Kind Of Love Song' is a remake of one of the songs from an LP they made about 25 years ago.
A new Folk release from DECLAN MILLAR recorded in the back of a caravan with a 30 year old microphone. Produced and recorded by Jay Terrestrial from Punk/Dub legends the Inner Terrestrials. As Jay says
"This LP is about one bard with his voice and instrument, grass roots and no frills. I'm really impressed with the result, the man's still in his early 20's and is a songsmith with a voice that speaks from the heart."
Boston singer/ songwriter BRYAN McPHERSON has a new double album in the planning stage titled How to Draw Everything provisionally set for release in September 2021. You can get on board at the very beginning by checking out the Kickstarter Campaign and pledging. Therefore keeping Bryan out of the hands of record company vultures!
KIRK McLEOD of the bloomin' brilliant Celtic-Rock band SEVEN NATIONS has a solo album out. He has released A Time For Pilots earlier than expected and even though I've not heard it I am sure it will be his usual brilliance. The album is available on his website now, and will be available on streaming services soon!
Official video for the new song 'Away' by IRISH STEW OF SINDIDUN from Belgrade, Serbia. Founded in 2003 this band is massive at home and are one of the best known bands in Eastern Europe. 'Away is their first release from their album, City of Grigs.
CALLUM HOUSTON fresh from his two summer London Celtic Punks Live Streams is still knocking them out the ball park and he recently recorded The Pogues highly under rated classic 'Tranmetropolitan'. Callum is back playing live gigs in Brittany so give him a shout if you're nearby.
MAGGIES FLOCK – Party at the Cemetery
THE MAHONES – 30 Years and This Is All We've Got To Show For It …
DROPKICK MURPHYS – 'Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)' Single
DROPKICK MURPHYS – 'I Wish You Were Here' Single
Remember if you want your release featured then we have to have heard it first!
Now not only is the accordion the backbone of Irish music but also of Celtic-Punk as well and their are plenty of fantastic players around but I only recently came across the album Roaring Accordion by STRANGELY. He is based in Bellingham, Washington and plays oddball Folky drinking songs. Think along the lines of a higher pitched pirate Tom Waits with Celtic roots. Strangely performs this music usually as part of a solo show that incorporates theatre and comedy and is joined here by a whole host of mates.
THE RUMJACKS recorded an acoustic version of their new song 'Sainted Millions'. The proper version will feature on their new album Hestia. Out next March and available for pre-order now.
Dutch Celtic-Folk-Punk band MAGGIES FLOCK recently performed for the on-line People 4 Music Festival which has now been uploaded onto You Tube.
Absolutely stunning new video for 'I'm Free' taken from THE CELTIC SOCIAL CLUB album From Babylon To Avalon which we reviewed recently and heartily loved.
A plug for some good friends of ours over on Facebook. The Dropkick Murphys- Fan Page and the Celtic Punk, Folk And Rock Fans are two of the best music forums on FB let alone Celtic-Punk. Ran By Fans For Fans. Just like and join in the fun!
All we need to do now is for you to help fill this page with news and remember if you are new to the London Celtic Punks blog it is easy to subscribe / follow and never miss a post. Also if anyone is interested in helping out on the reviews front then let us know via the Contact Us page.
NEW CHRISTMASSY CELTIC-PUNK SONGS FROM IRELAND, CHINA, GERMANY, CANADA, LONDON AND MEXICO
Canada, China, Christmas, England, Germany, London, Mexico, Single Review, Traditional December 26, 2020 Leave a comment
Well that's it. Christmas is over and done with and hopefully you all had a festively good time despite everything. BUT if you are still in need of some good cheer though then wait no more as we here's a selection of six brand new 2020 Christmas-ish Celtic-Punk songs for you to delight over.
Craic open what's left of the Jamesons and enjoy!
ANTI-DEPRESANTS – 'If It's Gonna Be Cold'
Anti Depresants are four piece Rock'n' Roll band coming from the hills of Armagh in the north of Ireland with a lot of Punk attitude an' a sprinklin' of Ska to get your ass movin', your heart beatin' and your mind racin' with their diverse sound embracing heavy rock, reggae, male and female vocals and blistering guitar work.
Contact Anti Depresants Facebook YouTube Bandcamp
GRASS MUD HORSE – 'Christmas Time In China'
Possibly the busiest band in Celtic-Punk this year (and definitely the busiest on these pages!!) Grass Mud Horse have been making, and releasing, music throughout the 'clampdown' to us lucky folk. Led by award-winning musician Chris Barry, a Scouser living in Qinhuangdao, China. They blend together the traditional Folk sound of Chris ancestors in Ireland with an distinctly raw and untamed Punk-Rock energy. 2020 while being quite the lame year has seen Grass Mud Horse become quite the name on the Celtic-Punk scene with their last single released dually across North America by Paddyrock and Europe by us! The song is available for download over on Bandcamp for next to nothing.
Contact Grass Mud Horse WebSite Facebook YouTube
THE FEELGOOD McLOUDS – 'Driving Home For Christmas'
St. Nicholas is on his way and The Feelgood McLouds have come up with a little present for you. Are you bored of long dark winter nights without pubs and concerts? Then here's the solution the brand new Christmas song from these fantastic German Celtic-Punkers. Imagine if the Dubliners were only in their mid-twenties, very, very thirsty and had discovered punk for themselves. Then punk rock anthems would merge with bagpipes, banjo, tin whistle and accordion, there would be a good smell of beer and whiskey and sweat would drip from the ceiling. And that's exactly what The Feelgood McLouds is all about. With their energetic punk rock show, the 6 Saarlanders make every concert room shake and everyone to empty their beer glass. In a nutshell: Sounding like NOFX and the Dropkick Murphys are meeting in an Irish pub for an endless party!
Contact The Feelgood McLeods WebSite Facebook YouTube Instagram
THE STANFIELDS – '(I'll Stay Home) With Bells On
The Stanfields trod a well trodden path to 2020 from the Seahorse Tavern in their hometown of Halifax, Nova Scotia to where they are now. Their trajectory from full on their Celtic-Punk to "the bastard child of AC/DC and Stan Rogers" where their music blends Working Class Hard-Rock with the many strands of Folk that make up traditional Canadian music with much of it heavily influenced by Scotland and Ireland. Here they massacre pay tribute to the great Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers song. Stanfields front man John is joined by his Mrs Shannon on this cheeky number that follows on from our review just a couple of weeks ago of their fantastic new album Welcome To The Ball.
Contact The Stanfields WebSite Facebook YouTube Instagram
CLAN OF CELTS- 'A Christmas Quarantine'
Fusing together all their musical experiences & influences ranging from, Rock, Metal, Country, Punk, Classical and of course traditional Irish. Clan Of Celts have created a unique style and an unmistakable sound that is brought to you with Celtic pride, passion, commitment and respect for our traditional roots. The new team on the London Celtic-Punk scene bring you a classic cheesy Christmas song out now and available to download through Spotify and all decent streaming services. Will they ever complete the interview I sent them? Who knows what 2021 will bring!!!
Contact Clan Of Celts WebSite Facebook YouTube Soundcloud
BATALLON DE SAN PATRICIO – 'F*ck Merry Christmas And F*ck You'
And finally the new single from Mexican Celtic-Punk newcomers Batallón De San Patricio. Why they got such a downer on Christmas is anyone's guess but ding-dong merrily on high here it is anyway! It's been a busy year for these guys with a hit album Hermanos de Guerra under their belts as well as making themselves known right across the Celtic-Punk world. The band's name comes from the famed St. Patrick's Battalion (see The Irish Soldiers Of Mexico In Film And Song). A group of immigrants, mainly of Irish descent, who deserted from the US Army because of anti-Catholic bigotry and went to fight for the Mexican Army during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). It's a tale of great adventure and heroic valour. Batallón de San Patricio were formed in 2017 in Guadalajara and right from the start the idea was to pay tribute to their namesakes. In many ways the name was a obvious choice for a band whose chief aim was to play Celtic-Punk mixing Irish and Mexican culture.
Contact Batallón De San Patricio Facebook Bandcamp YouTube
So that's almost it for 2020. Tune in on Wednesday for our final post of the year. A fun packed Odd'n'Sods – Celtic Punk Round Up full of the most recent videos and news from around the scene.
ALBUM REVIEW: BATALLON DE SAN PATRICIO- 'Hermanos De Guerra' (2020)
Album Review, Mexico June 10, 2020 1 Comment
Celtic-Punk again shows it's international appeal as Mexican band Batallón de San Patricio celebrate the release of their debut album. Named in respect of the famed Irish battalion that fought in the America-Mexico War of 1846-1848 these Bhoys are more than just a pretty name.
Here's a first for London Celtic Punks a review of a Celtic-Punk release from Mexico. The band in question are called Batallón de San Patricio and for those in the know that is Spanish for St. Patrick's Battalion and something extremely significant in the relationship between Ireland and Mexico. The band chose their name with great care taking their inspiration from the St. Patrick's Battalion (see our extensive article The Irish Soldiers Of Mexico In Film And Song from the other day). A group of immigrants, mainly of Irish descent, who deserted from the US Army because of anti-Catholic bigotry and went to fight for the Mexican Army during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). It's a tale of great adventure and heroic valour but ultimately it is another sad chapter in Ireland's history. They are still commemorated today by the Mexican government and its people with a parade featuring a bagpipe troop. Musically the first links were forged by The Chieftains who collaborated with Ry Cooder on their 2010 San Patricio album which combined Irish and Mexican Folk music to great effect to tell the tale of the Saint Patrick's Battalion. The album featured a long list of guests, including narration by Liam Neeson of a poem in tribute to the San Patricios. Still those of you who read our article earlier in the week The Irish Soldiers Of Mexico In Film And Song will already be well versed in the history of these giants of men.
Batallón De San Patricio from left to right: Juan Alcalá 'Peludito' – 5 String Banjo/Backing Vocals * Ricardo Martínez 'Ricky' – Lead Vocals/Harp/Tin Whistle * Adrián Flores 'Kazio' – Drums * Elias Rubio 'Ponko' – Guitar/Backing Vocals * Emanel Muñoz 'Alan' – Bass/Backing Vocals * Ricardo Lupercio – Fiddle / Backing Vocals
So at last we move onto the review and I can hear the relief from here! Batallón de San Patricio were formed in July, 2017 in the city of Guadalajara and right from the start the idea was to pay tribute to their namesakes. In many ways the name was a obvious choice for a band whose chief aim was to play Celtic-Punk mixing Irish and Mexican culture. Their first few months were spent practicing and playing covers of you know who (!) and with a few line up changes they were ready to go and began to pay locally and eventually further afield. It's been a steady procession for the Bhoys with a 6-track demo in 2018, a 2-track single last year and now finally the album has been completed.
The album is titled Hermanos de Guerra (in English Brothers Of War) and was released on May 30th. Recorded at the Bilbao studio in Guadalajara Mexico by Alex León it's twelve songs are all sung in Spanish and as I've said before I'm a product of the English education system at a time when languages were thought of in the same category as Cooking and Needlework. We had to do them but no care was put into how they were taught. So it is that whatever is being sung about here has, bar a couple of songs, completely passed me by. Not to worry though as the message they spread is a positive one of love, friendship and loyalty. What Celtic-Punk is all about if you ask me.
"We strongly believe in brotherhood, honesty, dignity and respect. Our slogan will always be 'Family First'. Our music forms part of our life and people around us and to remember those who passed away. We will always step forward on this long hard way making it Green and not forgetting Mexico's unity with the rest of the world."
The album begins with the title song 'Hermanos De Sangre' and the sound of marching feet soon erupts into a fast and furious Celtic-PUNK number which unless my ears betray tells the story of the St. Patrick's Battalion. 'Familia' featured on their single from last year and unsurprisingly is about the love of family. More folk than it's predecessor and this will become a common thread throughout the album as they manage record twelve songs that cross all boundaries of Celtic-Folk-Punk and make an album where each song stands on its own feet. Todo Sigue Igual (in English 'Everything Remains The Same') slows things down and the lonesome banjo combined with some beautiful Cowboy atmospheric fiddle and almost verging on Country it threatens to come bursting out the blocks but they quite rightly restrain it when it comes and the song is all the better for it.
It may not be as polished as some releases we review here but those slight rough and ready edges give it a live feel that really works for them. 'Piratas' introduces one of my favourite instruments, the harmonica, to the fray alongside banjo, violin, harmonica and Irish flute (which I have only recently realised is what some folk call the tin-whistle) and the usual Punk-Rock instruments of bass, guitar and drums.
Let's face it it wouldn't be a Celtic-Punk album without a alcohol song and Después Del Alcohol (- 'After Alcohol') begins in an usual way with just bass and banjo but Bhoy is it catchy. El Ultimo Partir (- The Last Leaving) takes the previous songs banjo and turns out a more country-fied song again with excellent fiddle work while 'Fadir' even has a bit of an English 80's Punk vibe around it all be it with the fiddle still fiddling expertly away. As I said they skate round a lot of genres here and I have to admit I am drawn to the less Punky ones and songs like 'Amigo' really hit the spot. Catchy, well played and with a nice balance of Punk and Folk. For 'Viciosa Lujuria' (- 'Vicious Lust') though they return to a classic Celtic-Punk sound with tin-whistle to the fore. The video for 'Leal' (- 'Loyal') came out on St. Patrick's Day just gone and is dedicated to all the people who have ever been stabbed in the back by someone they once held dear.
It's the quickest song here at under two minutes and showcases the banjo admirably as they kick out a straight up Punk number though that doesn't quite prepare for 'Asesinos Por Naturaleza' (- 'Natural born Killer') which turns the guitar up to 11 and a heavyness and energy we haven't seen so far. A cracker of a song and one that will no doubt get the dance floor heaving once a few beers have been downed. The album ends with 'Trotamundos' (- 'Globetrotter') and a slow funereal end to proceedings. The Bhoys harmonise together over a gentle tune with only occasional fiddle over the quiet banjo, bass and drums. A quality end indeed.
So there you go and it's been an enjoyable forty minutes. To be honest this is the kind of album that I would normally buy regardless of what the music sounded like. The very idea of a Mexican Celtic-Punk band and one based inn such noble Irish history just ticks all my boxes. That the music is also pretty damn good is a bonus. Definitely one for our Spanish speaking readers but don't be dismayed as this is a thoroughly pleasurable album for non speakers too. A great album for all!
(you can stream or download Hermanos de Guerra on the Bandcamp player below)
Buy Hermanos de Guerra TotemRecords
Batallón De San Patricio played a Live Stream on Facebook last weekend and although tremendous good fun and a brilliant watch they suffered the same fate as we did recently when we featured Callum Houston doing his. That of the dodgy internet connection!!! Well worth persevering with so here's Part One, Part Two and Part Three. I think I have them in the right order!
THE IRISH SOLDIERS OF MEXICO IN FILM AND IN SONG
An Gorta Mór, Biography, Folk-Punk, Ireland, Irish-American, Mexico, St. Patrick's Day, Traditional, USA June 7, 2020 Leave a comment
The story of the legendary San Patricios battalion and their legacy as told in film, books and song from bands as diverse as The Chieftains, Black 47, David Rovics, Larkin, The Fenians, The Wakes and others.
by Michael Hogan
Next week sees the release of the debut album from Mexican Celtic-Punk band Batallón de San Patricio. Now not only does this show the truly international appeal of the scene these days but it also gives us an opportunity to look into one of the least-known stories of the Irish who came to America in the 1840's, that of the Irish battalion that fought on the Mexican side in the America-Mexico War of 1846-1848. They came to Mexico and died, some gloriously in combat, others ignominiously on the gallows. United under a green banner, they participated in all the major battles of the war and were cited for bravery by General López de Santa Anna, the Mexican commander-in-chief and president.
At the penultimate battle of the war, these Irishmen fought until their ammunition was exhausted and even then tore down the white flag that was raised by their Mexican comrades in arms, preferring to struggle on with bayonets until finally being overwhelmed. Despite their brave resistance, however, 85 of the Irish battalion were captured and sentenced to bizarre tortures and deaths at the hands of the Americans, resulting in what is considered even today as the "largest hanging affair in North America."
Hanging of the San Patricios as painted by Sam Chamberlain.
In the spring of 1846, the United States was poised to invade Mexico, its neighbour to the south. The ostensible reason was to collect on past-due loans and indemnities. The real reason was to provide the United States with control of the ports of San Francisco and San Diego, the trade route through the New Mexico Territory, and the rich mineral resources of the Nevada Territory – all of which at that time belonged to the Republic of Mexico. The United States had previously offered $5 million to purchase the New Mexico Territory and $25 million for California, but Mexico had refused.
Before the declaration of war by the United States, a group of Irish Catholics headed by a crack artilleryman named John Riley deserted from the American forces and joined the Mexicans. Born in Clifden, County Galway, Riley was an expert on artillery, and it was widely believed that he had served in the British army as an officer or a non-com in Canada before enlisting in the American army. Riley's turned this new unit into a crack artillery arm of the Mexican defence. He is credited with changing the name of the group from the Legion of Foreigners and designing their distinctive flag. Within a year, the ranks of Riley's men would be swelled by Catholic foreign residents in Mexico City, and Irish and German Catholics who deserted once the war broke out, into a battalion known as Los San Patricios, or 'Those of Saint Patrick'.
The San Patricios fought under a green silk flag emblazoned with the Mexican coat of arms, an image of St. Patrick, and the words "Erin Go Bragh." The battalion was made up of artillery and was observed in key positions during every major battle. Their aid was critical because the Mexicans had poor cannon with a range of 400 meters less than the Americans. In addition, Mexican cannoneers were inexperienced and poorly trained. The addition of veteran gunners to the Mexican side would result in at least two major battles being fought to a draw. Several Irishmen were awarded the Cross of Honor by the Mexican government for their bravery, and many received field promotions.
At the Battle of Churubusco, holed up in a Catholic monastery and surrounded by a superior force of American cavalry, artillery, and infantry, the San Patricios withstood three major assaults and inflicted heavy losses on the Yanks. Eventually, however, a shell struck their stored gunpowder, the ammunition park blew up, and the Irishmen, after a gallant counteroffensive with bayonets, were overwhelmed by sheer numbers. They were tried by a military court-martial and then scourged, branded, and hanged in a manner so brutal that it is still remembered in Mexico today.
(left: the Batallón de San Patricio Memorial plaque placed at the San Jacinto Plaza in the district of San Ángel, Mexico City in 1959: "In memory of the Irish soldiers of the heroic St. Patrick's Battalion, martyrs who gave their lives to the Mexican cause in the United States' unjust invasion of 1847")
In September 1847, the Americans put the Irish soldiers captured at the Battle of Churubusco on trial. Forty-eight were sentenced to death by hanging. Those who had deserted before the declaration of war were sentenced to whipping at the stake, branding, and hard labour. Fuelled by Manifest Destiny, the American government dictated terms to the Mexicans in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. More than two-thirds of the Mexican Territory was taken, and out of it the United States would carve California, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, and parts of Kansas and Colorado. Among all the major wars fought by the United States, the Mexican War is the least discussed in the classroom, the least written about, and the least known by the general public. Yet, it added more to the national treasury and to the land mass of the United States than all other wars combined.
After the conflict, so much new area was opened up, so many things had been accomplished, that a mood of self-congregation and enthusiasm took root in the United States. The deserters from the war were soon forgotten as they homesteaded and laboured in the gold fields of California or, as the 1860's approached, put on the grey uniform of the Confederacy or the blue of the Union. Prejudice against the Irish waned, as the country was provided with a "pressure valve" to release many of its new immigrants westward. The story of the San Patricios disappeared from history.
For most Mexicans, solidarity with the Irish is part of a long tradition and they remembered the help they received from the Irish and their friendship. In the words of John Riley, written in 1847 but equally true today,
"A more hospitable and friendly people than the Mexican there exists not on the face of the earth… especially to an Irishman and a Catholic."
Riley sums up what cannot be clearly documented in any history: the basic, gut-level affinity the Irishman had then, and still has today, for Mexico and its people. The decisions of the men who joined the San Patricios were probably not well-planned or thought out. They were impulsive and emotional, like many of Ireland's own rebellions – including the Easter Uprising of 1916. Nevertheless, the courage of the San Patricios, their loyalty to their new cause, and their unquestioned bravery forged an indelible seal of honour on their sacrifice.
In 1997, on the 150th anniversary of the executions, then Mexican president Ernesto Zedillo stated:
"Members of the St. Patrick's Battalion were executed for following their consciences. They were martyred for adhering to the highest ideals…we honour their memory. In the name of the people of Mexico, I salute today the people of Ireland and express my eternal gratitude".
This article first featured on the Latino Rebels web-site here. Michael Hogan is the author of 20 books, including the Irish Soldiers of Mexico, one of the major historical works on the San Patricios Battalion which encompasses six years of research in the U.S., Mexico, and Ireland. As a permanent resident of Mexico, he was the first historian to be granted complete access to Mexican archives and military records. His home page is www.drmichaelhogan.com and the Facebook page for the book and related videos, photos, maps and stories about the San Patricios can be found at www.facebook.com/IrishMex.
The little-known 1999 feature film One Man's Hero tells the (again!) little-known story of the San Patricios. The plot centres around the story of John Riley, as played by Tom Berenger, who commands the battalion, as he bravely leads his men in battle, and struggles with authorities on both sides of the border.
Country: Spain / Mexico / USA Language: English / Spanish Release Date: 8 October 1999
Director: Lance Hool Writer: Milton S. Gelman
Stars: Tom Berenger, Joaquim de Almeida, Daniela Romo
Despite being a decent film and an mostly enjoyable couple of hours parts of the film are pure blarney so for an accurate account of the San Patricios, read The Rogue's March by Peter Stevens, and watch the San Patricios documentary starting here in several parts.
As we said at the beginning Celtic-Punk is no longer just confined to the Irish and Celtic diaspora it has become truly international with bands represented on every continent of the globe. In the next few days though we will be reviewing our very first band from Mexico, Batallón de San Patricio. Their debut album takes influences from both Ireland and their home country to make something truly wonderful as well as unique. I hope you revisit these pages to check them and their album out. You can subscribe to the London Celtic Punks Blog by filling in the 'Follow Blog' box that will be either on the left or below depending on how you are viewing us. Cheers!
EP REVIEW: GYPSY VANNER- 'Five Distilled Celtic Punks' (2019)
Argentina, EP Review, Wales October 16, 2019 Comments: 3
The brilliant debut six track EP release from Argentinian Celtic-Punk band Gypsy Vanner. A band dedicated to the fusion of traditional Irish music and rock, with the aim of converting traditional songs to rock and vice versa.
The last couple of years have seen quite a decent Celtic-Punk scene kicking off in Argentina. At the forefront of the scene have been Raise My Kilt with a couple of extremely well received releases behind them as well as newer bands like Aires Bastards who have not long released their debut album and the band we are featuring today Gypsy Vanner. All three bands are located in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires and, as is typical in the Celtic-Punk scene, they often play and work together to make the scene a welcoming place. As we often say- #OneBigCelticPunkFamily.
Their are many historical links between the Celtic nations and South America but for the Irish it is often Argentina that is held closest to our hearts. It was the place that most Irish settled during the 19th and 20th centuries in a non-English speaking majority country. Added to this the vast amount of Welsh farmers who flocked to the country in the 1860's. Encouraged by the Argentinian government up to 5,000 people arrived to populate the part of the country on the Southern tip now known as Patagonia. In the early 1800's, heavy industry, coal, slate, iron and steel, were beginning to take over the Welsh heart lands and rural communities began to disappear. Many Welsh patriots believed Wales was being absorbed into England so many turned to the 'New World' in an attempt to preserve Welsh language, culture and traditions. At first these communities struggled to survive in conditions markedly different to those back home but soon the resilience of this remarkable Celtic nation within a nation began to succeed to such a point that the Argentinian authorities felt threatened enough to end the teaching of Welsh within their school system though it always remained, as at home in Wales, the language of the home therefore ensuring its survival. Even now
"Each year in late July and early August, flights arrive at London airports carrying folk from South America. Many of these visitors experience difficulty in understanding the English spoken to them at passport control, however once they have travelled along the M4 motorway and crossed the border into Wales, destined for wherever the National Eisteddfod is being held that particular year, they find that they can communicate fluently with the locals.
The visitors in question have travelled 8,000 miles from the Welsh speaking outpost of Patagonia, on the southern tip of Argentina. The fascinating history of how these visitors from an essentially Spanish speaking country, also come to speak the 'language of heaven' dates back to the first half of the 19th century."
So Celtic traditions and music are not unheard of in Argentina and the Celtic-Punk scene is a vibrant and exciting part of that, especially in the capital. Here on their debut release Five Distilled Celtic Punks the band play a variety of well known Irish classics both old and new alongside a classic of Punk Rock! The EP kicks off with the much maligned, these days, 'Galway Girl'. Written by alternative Country star Steve Earle in 2000 and tells of meeting a beautiful black-haired blue-eyed girl in Galway. In the intervening years the song has gone stratospheric and has become a regular fixture for every single bloody busker and singer-songwriter in Ireland and beyond! Of course despite being butchered by untold artists it is Steve Earle's version that is the songs high point and I am glad to say that Gypsy Vanner's version belongs with the latter in the Celtic-Punk hall of fame. It's given a real Punk-Rock boost but still manages to keep its Celtic roots intact. Silvio's vocals are raspy and hoarse and the perfect foil for the music. He also plays the uillean pipes and as anyone into Celtic-Punk will know that always makes for a special kind of music. They follow this song up with a lesser known one 'True Love Knows No Season' about an Irish gunman inKansas City in the days of the old west. A beautiful ballad best known for Planxty's recording but here Gypsy Vanner give it the Dropkick's treatment and turn into a full blown Celtic-Punk classic. Absolutely brilliant!!! They give it a Country twist for 'Colours' with some excellent banjo from Guyon accompanying a pure full on thigh slapper!
We back in familiar territory next with a couple of Celtic-Punk classics beginning with 'South Australia' and as you can imagine form my review so far it is putty in their hands and they chuck us out a fantastic version that leads us nicely into 'The Irish Rover' and the Bhoys go for it as only this song deserves with the whole band having a good go at the vocals! A sure fire dance floor filler everywhere you go I am sure it's no different in Argentina either.
Five Distilled Celtic Punks comes to an end with a song from one of my favourite bands, Social Distortion's 'Prison Bound'. SD have literally just finished an extensive tour in the States with Flogging Molly and their 'Country-Punk' sound has always been popular in the scene. Here Gypsy Vanner save the best for last and turn the song into another full blown Celtic-Punk classic. A utterly brilliant ending and played at much the same speed as the original it has plenty of Gypsy Vanner stamped on it to make it their own.
So there's my thoughts and I am only gutted to have come across the EP so late considering it was released back in March on St. Patrick's eve. The production here is absolutely exemplary across the whole EP though no information on who was responsible but I tip my hat! There is at the moment some quite incredible music coming out of the continent of South America and beyond the bands from Argentina we mentioned earlier we are eagerly awaiting the new album from Mexican Celtic punkers Batallón De San Patricio and absolutely anything that Brazil's The McMiners or Lugh put out so be sure to stay tuned and check them all out soon.
(You can listen to Five Distilled Celtic Punks on Bandcamp before you hopefully buy it!)
Buy Five Distilled Celtic Punks FromTheBand CDbaby Amazon
Contact Gypsy Vanner Facebook YouTube Spotify Instagram Bandcamp
SINGLE REVIEW: BATALLON DE SAN PATRICIO- 'Familia/El último En Partir' (2019)
Folk, Mexico, Single Review, Traditional September 25, 2019 1 Comment
The international flavour of Celtic-Punk continues apace with the first official release from Mexican Celtic punkers Batallón De San Patricio. Named after the famed St. Patrick's Battalion of Irishmen who fought in the Mexican army during the Mexican–American War of 1846–48 this release further cements the friendly links between our nations.
The time has come and before too long if you ask me for the first official single from Batallón De San Patricio. Titled 'Family' it's the first release from their upcoming debut album Brothers Of War that will be coming out later this year. They chose to call the song 'Family'…
"because for us the Family is first. We invite you to enjoy our song with a beer in hand, whether you like it or not, help us share! So other people may like it or they may not… The idea is that the Battalion is heard wherever. ! Let the green wave grow!"
Batallón De San Patricio were formed in Guadalajara, the capital and largest city of the Mexican state of Jalisco, very recently, back in July 2017 and are now beginning to come into their own. Formed in honour of a great friend of theirs Jorge who sadly passed away in 2017 they have one previous release a six-track Demo in September of last year which you can check out below on the Bandcamp player.
The band have a strict honour code and strongly believe in brotherhood, honesty, dignity and respect. Batallón De San Patricio's slogan is and always will be 'Family First'. The music is part of their lives and the people around them and to remember those no longer with us. Brothers Of War will be released on all main platforms so keep an eye on these pages for our review and the release date.
Lyrics (Spanish)
Somos la legión mas grande de la región, Somos los primeros de la generación Los piratas mas buscados de esta gran nación, Y por nuestras cabezas, ofrecen un millón.
Lyrics (English)
We're from the land the biggest legion, The very first on this generation, The most wanted pirates on this big nation, So then for our heads, they offer a million.
The band have also just released their new video for 'Last To Leave' only a few days ago so here that is in all it's glory. Taken from their imminent debut album Brothers Of War the song is dedicated to all those who have lost a loved one. To all who have gone through difficult times and despite all adversity have continued to keep their chins up.
The bands main goal is to spread the Folk-Punk genre, heavily influenced of course by both Irish and Celtic culture, mainly in Guadalajara and in the surrounding regions. Maybe one day overseas. These are the kind of bands that Flogging Molly should be getting to play the Salty Dog Cruise so if any of them are reading or anyone who has any influence then you know what to do folks!
To celebrate the imminent release of their debut album we will have a large feature on the history of the St. Patrick's Battalion, who the band are named after, and their gallant history. Famous throughout Mexico and the Irish diaspora many songs have been written about them but we need to keep their history alive so our feature will include the background to their forming right up to their tragic end. Let's face it there's no need for a 'spoiler alert' when talking about tragic ends and Irish history!! Subscribe to the Blog or join the London Celtic Punks Facebook page to keep up to date.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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text:
Аскія Дауд (бл. 1521 — 1582) — 8-й володар імперії Сонгаї в 1549—1582 роках. За його час імперія досягла найбільшого розширення і разом з тим відновилося протистояння з Саадитами.

Життєпис
Походив з династії Аскія. Син Аскії Мохаммада I, володаря Сонгаї. Навчався Корану та іншим класичним ісламським наукам. 1545 року очолив війська, що завдали поразки Махмуду III, манси Малі, захопивши його столицю Ніані.

Посів трон після смерті свого брата Аскії Ісхака I у 1549 році. Продовжив політику, спрямовану на розширення імперії та водночас захист її кордонів на півночі та півдні. Для зміцнення зсередини проводив політику укладання шлюбів з представниками залежних держав і племен. Також призначив 4 своїх синів на ключові посади в державі. Крім того, протягом правління передав значні земельні володіння мусульманському духовенству (факіхам), на яке спирався.

Аскія Дауд першим серед сонгайських правителів влаштував при дворі книгосховище, створив групу переписувачів, які для нього переписували книги.

Відбив напад племені мосі на чолі із Насером. Після чого 1550 року сам атакував їх володіння. Наступного року здійснив успішний похід проти фуланських міст Тоя, Кума і Тумані. 1552 року було здійснено похід з метою підкорити важливе хаусаське місто Кацина, але зазнав поразки. 1553 року було встановлено зверхність над державою Боргу, чим розширено кордон на схід.

1556 року поновився конфлікт з марокканським султанатом Саадитів. Війська султана Мухаммад аш-Шейх захопили соляні копальні в Тегазі, де вбили Мохаммада Ікаму, сонгайського управителя поселення (мондйо), низку вантажників солі. Втім закріпитися тут марокканці не змогли. 1557 року після смерті султана повернулися до себе. В подальшому загроза з боку Саадитів на деякий час зникла через початок їх протистояння з Португалією та Іспанією.

Цей час Аскія Дауд використав для переорієнтації торгівлі з марокканських портів до портів, які контролювала Османська імперія — в Триполітанії, Тунісі та Єгипті. Водночас відновив загарбницьку політику.

1558 року війська Сонгаї завдали поразки державі малінке Сума, а потім Ма Канті Фарану, султану сусідньої держави Дібікарала. У 1561—1562 роках здійснено нову військову кампанію проти мосі. Разом з тим почалися конфлікти з державою Борну. 1564 року здійснено нову кампанію проти Боргу, що не надіслала данину.

У 1577—1578 року за наказом Аскії було перебудовано велику мечеть Сіді-Яґ'я в Тімбукту. 1578 року здійснено успішний похід проти арабів і берберських племен, що мешкали на півдні та заході сучасної Мавританії. Разом з цим на півдні підкорено місто-державу Зубанку народу ґурма.

В цей час відбувається посилення Саадитів в Марокко, де султан Ахмад I 1578 року здобув перемогу над португальським військом та почав активну експансію. Для укладання миру Аскія Дауд відправив султанові подарунок у 10 тис. золотих пластинок.

1580 року марокканські війська атакували Тегазу, де захопили соляні копальні. Втім робітники усі повтікали, тому марокканці не мали змоги добувати сіль. В свою чергу Аскія Дауд заборонив гірникам повертатися до Тегази, відкривши копальні в Таоденні. У відповідь Ахмед I уклав з державою Борну союз проти Сонгаї.

1582 року епідемія чуми в Тімбукту завдала великої шкоди. Цим скористалися війська фульбеської держави Масіна, що атакували місто Дженне, але отримали відсіч. У відповідь війська Сонгаї сплюндрували землі Масіни. Невдовзі після цього Аскія Дауд помер. Йому спадкував син Мохаммад аль-Хадж.

Примітки

Джерела
 Hunwick, John O. (2003), Timbuktu and the Songhay Empire: Al-Sadi's Tarikh al-Sudan down to 1613 and other contemporary documents, Leiden: Brill, ISBN 978-90-04-12822-4.

імперія Сонгаї

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Griffith Post-Election Volunteer Thank You Party
Griffith is now the most winnable Greens lower house seat in the country and it's thanks to all of you.
We'd love to get all our volunteers and supports together for a big thank you party. Join us on Saturday 8 June from 6.30pm onwards, downstairs at the Burrow to unpack everything that happened, to celebrate everything we have achieved and to discuss our next steps.
This campaign brought together a brilliant group of volunteers and organisers, who over the last 12 months have grown into amazing, articulate campaigners. Together we've built the basis of a movement that could do some truly wonderful things over the next few years. Once we've rested up and celebrated, it's time to start building ourselves bigger and stronger, ready for the challenges ahead.
We're only just getting started.
June 08, 2019 at 6:30pm – June 09, 2019
The Burrow
West End, QLD 4101
Nicole Laffoley
Josh Ryan rsvped 2019-06-08 17:32:54 +1000
Mark Powell rsvped 2019-06-08 16:59:16 +1000
Glenn O'Neill rsvped 2019-06-08 10:44:19 +1000
Erin Byrne rsvped 2019-06-08 10:19:12 +1000
Ko Oishi rsvped +1 2019-06-07 16:06:22 +1000
Bridget Kik rsvped 2019-06-06 23:15:34 +1000
Allister Harrison rsvped +1 2019-06-04 09:15:13 +1000
Hamlin Cox rsvped 2019-06-03 16:48:07 +1000
Tracy Schrader rsvped 2019-06-02 23:07:52 +1000
Jasmine Henni rsvped +1 2019-06-02 14:40:01 +1000
Jacob Carra Schulz rsvped +1 2019-05-31 20:44:26 +1000
GailB Barnsbee rsvped 2019-05-31 16:02:25 +1000
Paul Rees rsvped +2 2019-05-29 07:49:09 +1000
Ahlia Karam rsvped +2 2019-05-28 18:03:47 +1000
Daniel Webb rsvped +1 2019-05-28 13:20:44 +1000
Lauren Johnson rsvped 2019-05-27 22:36:35 +1000
David Kent rsvped +2 2019-05-27 20:30:43 +1000
Sacha Lamont rsvped 2019-05-27 18:26:56 +1000
Tania Simpson rsvped +1 2019-05-27 17:34:45 +1000
Nikki Bell rsvped 2019-05-27 13:56:31 +1000
Luke Martin rsvped 2019-05-27 13:47:16 +1000
Isabelle Fenwick rsvped +2 2019-05-27 13:27:16 +1000
kim Lewis rsvped +2 2019-05-27 12:05:05 +1000
Justin Miller rsvped 2019-05-27 10:49:19 +1000
Nigel Gibson rsvped +1 2019-05-27 10:48:41 +1000
Natalie Osborne rsvped 2019-05-27 10:44:30 +1000
Kelly Smith rsvped 2019-05-27 10:43:14 +1000
Sarah Lejeune rsvped +1 2019-05-27 10:35:24 +1000
Samantha Briggs rsvped +1 2019-05-27 09:59:18 +1000
Jess Stevens rsvped 2019-05-27 09:56:55 +1000
Authorised by K.Carra, The Greens, 102 McDonald Road, Windsor Q 4030