The band records the second album with lyrics by Woody Guthrie
Dropkick Murphys journey interpreting Woody Guthrie’s work for a new generation continues with Okemah Rising. The album – named after Woody’s hometown of Okemah, OK – follows the critically acclaimed This Machine Still Kills Fascists, which exposed the band to new audiences through the Dropkick Murphys’ first acoustic tour of reserved theaters in 2022 .
Featuring vocals from Jaime Wyatt, Okemah Rising’s new single “Bring It Home” showcases a humorous side of Guthrie that seems tailor-made for the Dropkick Murphys, as well as working-class anthems and protest songs that found in those two albums.
Describing the song as a “Celtic foot-tapping chant with our old pal Jaime Wyatt,” Dropkick Murphys’ Ken Casey promises, “This song would have been a perfect fit for any Dropkick album throughout our career.”
Okemah Rising is the latest acoustic release from the Dropkick Murphys’ Tulsa recording sessions with collaborator and producer Ted Hutt. This era in the band’s history will be captured in a documentary following their journey of writing, recording and performing the 20 songs they created around Woody’s previously unreleased lyrics for these two albums.
In addition to “Bring It Home,” Okemah Rising highlights include collaborations with Violent Femmes on “Gotta Get To Peekskill” and with Boston newcomer Jesse Ahern (whose upcoming album will be released on Dropkick’s Dummy Luck Music label Murphys) on ” Rippin Up The Boundary Line”. The album concludes with “I’m Shipping Up To Boston – Tulsa Version”.
Songs from Okemah Rising:
“My Eyes Will Shine”
“Gotta Get To Peekskill” (with Violent Femmes)
“Watching the world go by”
“I Know How It Feels”
“Rippin Up The Boundary Line” (with Jesse Ahern)
“Listen to the Curfew Blow”
“Bring It Home” (with Jaime Wyatt)
“When I was a kid”
“Run Hitler, Run”
“I’m Shipping To Boston – Tulsa Version”
Dropkick Murphys will soon tour again for North American festivals (Punk Rock Bowling, Atlantic City Beer And Music Festival, Festivoix, Big Birthday Bash, FreshGrass North Adams), as well as European summer festivals and more US dates to be announced soon.
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
