Blistering Ballads on the Hudson

"To be Irish is to be political!" said Irish Rocker lead singer Larry Kirwan.

His outspoken Celtic band Black 47 played a killer set along the Hudson river at Albany's Alive at 5 yesterday evening. Thousands crowded the lawn and pavilion with blankets and green t-shirts.

I adore Black 47 for their seething political commentary. Their 2008 album "Iraq" are songs in steadfast opposition to the war since before the invasion.

Miho and I waited for our favorites like "James Connolly" or "Funky Ceili" but enjoyed the new stuff like "Downtown Baghdad Blues", "Sadr City," and "Ramadi," an emotional tribute to a young US soldier fighting for his life on the bloody streets but obsessed with his girlfriend's loyalty back in the states.

Inspiration for the play list came from actual stories and interviews with troops returning from duty. In the audience, several fans held up their fists in defiance to Iraq and support of revolution.

“Because of our background, we've always had a strong fan base of right wing cops, firemen and conservatives, as well left wing students, radicals, and the working disaffected; neither side has been afraid to vent its views,” Kirwan said.