Anchor ads are not supported on this page.

4S Ranch Allied Gardens Alpine Baja Balboa Park Bankers Hill Barrio Logan Bay Ho Bay Park Black Mountain Ranch Blossom Valley Bonita Bonsall Borrego Springs Boulevard Campo Cardiff-by-the-Sea Carlsbad Carmel Mountain Carmel Valley Chollas View Chula Vista City College City Heights Clairemont College Area Coronado CSU San Marcos Cuyamaca College Del Cerro Del Mar Descanso Downtown San Diego Eastlake East Village El Cajon Emerald Hills Encanto Encinitas Escondido Fallbrook Fletcher Hills Golden Hill Grant Hill Grantville Grossmont College Guatay Harbor Island Hillcrest Imperial Beach Imperial Valley Jacumba Jamacha-Lomita Jamul Julian Kearny Mesa Kensington La Jolla Lakeside La Mesa Lemon Grove Leucadia Liberty Station Lincoln Acres Lincoln Park Linda Vista Little Italy Logan Heights Mesa College Midway District MiraCosta College Miramar Miramar College Mira Mesa Mission Beach Mission Hills Mission Valley Mountain View Mount Hope Mount Laguna National City Nestor Normal Heights North Park Oak Park Ocean Beach Oceanside Old Town Otay Mesa Pacific Beach Pala Palomar College Palomar Mountain Paradise Hills Pauma Valley Pine Valley Point Loma Point Loma Nazarene Potrero Poway Rainbow Ramona Rancho Bernardo Rancho Penasquitos Rancho San Diego Rancho Santa Fe Rolando San Carlos San Marcos San Onofre Santa Ysabel Santee San Ysidro Scripps Ranch SDSU Serra Mesa Shelltown Shelter Island Sherman Heights Skyline Solana Beach Sorrento Valley Southcrest South Park Southwestern College Spring Valley Stockton Talmadge Temecula Tierrasanta Tijuana UCSD University City University Heights USD Valencia Park Valley Center Vista Warner Springs

St. Patrick's party prep

Póg mo thóin if you don’t like the music!

St. Patrick’s Day is fast approaching, and my Kelly hubby is heavy into party planning.

“I bought green-striped thigh-high stockings [$4.99 at partycity.com] for you,” he announced, “and a little green top-hat hairband thingy [$9.99 at partycity.com].”

“It’s called a fascinator, honey,” I informed my Irishman.

“What kind of party is this going to be?” I asked, picturing my outfit.

“An awesome one,” he answered. “I got a frothy green beer hat [$14.99 at partycity.com] and flashing shamrock glasses [$4.95 at centurynovelty.com].”

“Classy,” I said. “There’s an Irish saying: ‘An Irishman has an abiding sense of tragedy, which sustains him through temporary periods of joy.’ That beer hat is your tragedy.”

Sponsored
Sponsored

“What are we doing for music?” I asked, changing the subject.

“I wanted a live band, but I blew the budget on your stockings,” Patrick winked. “Call your experts and get some recommendations. We’ll put together a playlist.”

“Our favorite Irish albums around here are Chieftains albums,” explained Angela, “and also a somewhat arcane album called My Love Is in America, which is the recording of a fiddle fest at Boston College that I happened upon in person [$4.22 used at amazon.com]. And The Wild Rover is the best drinking song,” she added ($.99 for an MP3 at amazon.com).

“My man sang that song at our wedding reception,” I reminisced, winking at Patrick. The comment launched him into song:

“I’ve been a wild rover for many a year,

And I’ve spent all me money on whiskey and beer,

But now I’m returning with gold in great store,

And I promise to play the wild rover no more...”

“Okay, Bard of Armagh, back to the playlist,” I chided.

“The High Kings is a great band,” suggested Brigid, “and I also like ‘I Know My Love,’ by the Corrs and the Chieftans [$.99 MP3s at amazon.com], and I love Niamh Parsons [Blackbirds & Thrushes, $8.99 for the MP3 album at amazon.com].”

“Elemental, by Loreena McKennitt is beautiful but slow [$17.99 for CD at amazon.com], and the soundtrack of Waking Ned Devine is fun,” she added ($13.58 for CD, $9.49 for MP3 at amazon.com).

“If you’re rocking out,” offered Margaret, “The Pogues’ If I Should Fall from Grace with God is the very best album from the band that created the genre of Irish folk-punk [$10.43 for CD, $4.99 for MP3 at amazon.com]. Any Pogues record is awesome, though, along with copycats like Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, Fiddler’s Green, or the Mahones.”

“On the classical side, anything Chieftains,” said Margaret. “Van Morrison with the Chieftains...that album is excellent, and his version of ‘Star of County Down’ is awesome [$19.98 used CD at amazon.com].”

For instrumental music, “Derek Bell’s Musical Ireland is one of my all-time favorite Irish instrumentals [$13.99 CD at amazon.com]. His rendition of ‘Carrickfergus’ is gorgeous.”

Margaret suggested Susan Reed Plays the Irish Harp ($9 CD, $6.99 MP3 at amazon.com) any Mary Black (Mary Black, $13.85 CD; Holy Ground, $14.99 CD at amazon.com), and Sinead O’Connor’s I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got ($8.86 CD, $9.49 MP3 at amazon.com). “Sinead O’Connor’s versions of the ‘Parting Glass’ and ‘He Moved Through the Fair,’ heard in the end scene of the movie Michael Collins, are both hauntingly beautiful.”

“I hope this helps,” Margaret added, “and if not, Póg mo thóin!”

“Sassy Irishwoman,” complained Patrick, who understands enough Gaelic to know that póg mo thóin means “kiss my arse.”

“We love classics like Clancy Brothers, the Irish Rovers, Paddy Reilly, Wolftones, and the Fureys,” suggested my Irish pal Bernadette, whose husband Tim performs in an Irish band. “And newer groups like Young Dubliners, Gaelic Storm, and Flogging Molly.”

“As for tunes for the playlist,” she continued, “include some fun ones like ‘The Unicorn,’ ‘Donald Where’s Your Trousers,’ ‘Goodbye Mrs. Durkin,’ ‘I’ll Tell Me Ma,’ and, of course, ‘The Rattling Bog.’ The party favorite ‘The Rooster’ by Fair Isle Folk is great stuff.”

Other must-have classic tunes for your St. Paddy’s party playlist [$.99 per MP3 at amazon.com]: “The Irish Rover,” “Wild Colonial Boy,” “Fields of Athenry,” “Whiskey in a Jar,” “Black Velvet Band,” “Star of the County Down,” “What’s Left of the Flag” (the Flogging Molly version), “Many Young Men of Twenty,” “Only Our Rivers Run Free,” “Grace,” “A Song for Ireland,” and “Nora.”

Here's something you might be interested in.
Submit a free classified
or view all
Previous article

Croome Brothers Trio, Jack Tempchin, Ricky, Swami & the Bed Of Nails, Kahlil Nash

Acoustic and electric in Del Mar, La Jolla, Little Italy, and City Heights

St. Patrick’s Day is fast approaching, and my Kelly hubby is heavy into party planning.

“I bought green-striped thigh-high stockings [$4.99 at partycity.com] for you,” he announced, “and a little green top-hat hairband thingy [$9.99 at partycity.com].”

“It’s called a fascinator, honey,” I informed my Irishman.

“What kind of party is this going to be?” I asked, picturing my outfit.

“An awesome one,” he answered. “I got a frothy green beer hat [$14.99 at partycity.com] and flashing shamrock glasses [$4.95 at centurynovelty.com].”

“Classy,” I said. “There’s an Irish saying: ‘An Irishman has an abiding sense of tragedy, which sustains him through temporary periods of joy.’ That beer hat is your tragedy.”

Sponsored
Sponsored

“What are we doing for music?” I asked, changing the subject.

“I wanted a live band, but I blew the budget on your stockings,” Patrick winked. “Call your experts and get some recommendations. We’ll put together a playlist.”

“Our favorite Irish albums around here are Chieftains albums,” explained Angela, “and also a somewhat arcane album called My Love Is in America, which is the recording of a fiddle fest at Boston College that I happened upon in person [$4.22 used at amazon.com]. And The Wild Rover is the best drinking song,” she added ($.99 for an MP3 at amazon.com).

“My man sang that song at our wedding reception,” I reminisced, winking at Patrick. The comment launched him into song:

“I’ve been a wild rover for many a year,

And I’ve spent all me money on whiskey and beer,

But now I’m returning with gold in great store,

And I promise to play the wild rover no more...”

“Okay, Bard of Armagh, back to the playlist,” I chided.

“The High Kings is a great band,” suggested Brigid, “and I also like ‘I Know My Love,’ by the Corrs and the Chieftans [$.99 MP3s at amazon.com], and I love Niamh Parsons [Blackbirds & Thrushes, $8.99 for the MP3 album at amazon.com].”

“Elemental, by Loreena McKennitt is beautiful but slow [$17.99 for CD at amazon.com], and the soundtrack of Waking Ned Devine is fun,” she added ($13.58 for CD, $9.49 for MP3 at amazon.com).

“If you’re rocking out,” offered Margaret, “The Pogues’ If I Should Fall from Grace with God is the very best album from the band that created the genre of Irish folk-punk [$10.43 for CD, $4.99 for MP3 at amazon.com]. Any Pogues record is awesome, though, along with copycats like Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, Fiddler’s Green, or the Mahones.”

“On the classical side, anything Chieftains,” said Margaret. “Van Morrison with the Chieftains...that album is excellent, and his version of ‘Star of County Down’ is awesome [$19.98 used CD at amazon.com].”

For instrumental music, “Derek Bell’s Musical Ireland is one of my all-time favorite Irish instrumentals [$13.99 CD at amazon.com]. His rendition of ‘Carrickfergus’ is gorgeous.”

Margaret suggested Susan Reed Plays the Irish Harp ($9 CD, $6.99 MP3 at amazon.com) any Mary Black (Mary Black, $13.85 CD; Holy Ground, $14.99 CD at amazon.com), and Sinead O’Connor’s I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got ($8.86 CD, $9.49 MP3 at amazon.com). “Sinead O’Connor’s versions of the ‘Parting Glass’ and ‘He Moved Through the Fair,’ heard in the end scene of the movie Michael Collins, are both hauntingly beautiful.”

“I hope this helps,” Margaret added, “and if not, Póg mo thóin!”

“Sassy Irishwoman,” complained Patrick, who understands enough Gaelic to know that póg mo thóin means “kiss my arse.”

“We love classics like Clancy Brothers, the Irish Rovers, Paddy Reilly, Wolftones, and the Fureys,” suggested my Irish pal Bernadette, whose husband Tim performs in an Irish band. “And newer groups like Young Dubliners, Gaelic Storm, and Flogging Molly.”

“As for tunes for the playlist,” she continued, “include some fun ones like ‘The Unicorn,’ ‘Donald Where’s Your Trousers,’ ‘Goodbye Mrs. Durkin,’ ‘I’ll Tell Me Ma,’ and, of course, ‘The Rattling Bog.’ The party favorite ‘The Rooster’ by Fair Isle Folk is great stuff.”

Other must-have classic tunes for your St. Paddy’s party playlist [$.99 per MP3 at amazon.com]: “The Irish Rover,” “Wild Colonial Boy,” “Fields of Athenry,” “Whiskey in a Jar,” “Black Velvet Band,” “Star of the County Down,” “What’s Left of the Flag” (the Flogging Molly version), “Many Young Men of Twenty,” “Only Our Rivers Run Free,” “Grace,” “A Song for Ireland,” and “Nora.”

Comments
Sponsored
Here's something you might be interested in.
Submit a free classified
or view all
Previous article

Centennial Salute to San Diego’s Military, East Village Block Party, Birding Basics Class

Events March 29-March 30, 2024
Next Article

San Diego's Uptown Planners challenged by renters from Vibrant Uptown

Two La Jolla planning groups fight for predominance
Comments
Ask a Hipster — Advice you didn't know you needed Big Screen — Movie commentary Blurt — Music's inside track Booze News — San Diego spirits Classical Music — Immortal beauty Classifieds — Free and easy Cover Stories — Front-page features Drinks All Around — Bartenders' drink recipes Excerpts — Literary and spiritual excerpts Feast! — Food & drink reviews Feature Stories — Local news & stories Fishing Report — What’s getting hooked from ship and shore From the Archives — Spotlight on the past Golden Dreams — Talk of the town The Gonzo Report — Making the musical scene, or at least reporting from it Letters — Our inbox Movies@Home — Local movie buffs share favorites Movie Reviews — Our critics' picks and pans Musician Interviews — Up close with local artists Neighborhood News from Stringers — Hyperlocal news News Ticker — News & politics Obermeyer — San Diego politics illustrated Outdoors — Weekly changes in flora and fauna Overheard in San Diego — Eavesdropping illustrated Poetry — The old and the new Reader Travel — Travel section built by travelers Reading — The hunt for intellectuals Roam-O-Rama — SoCal's best hiking/biking trails San Diego Beer — Inside San Diego suds SD on the QT — Almost factual news Sheep and Goats — Places of worship Special Issues — The best of Street Style — San Diego streets have style Surf Diego — Real stories from those braving the waves Theater — On stage in San Diego this week Tin Fork — Silver spoon alternative Under the Radar — Matt Potter's undercover work Unforgettable — Long-ago San Diego Unreal Estate — San Diego's priciest pads Your Week — Daily event picks
4S Ranch Allied Gardens Alpine Baja Balboa Park Bankers Hill Barrio Logan Bay Ho Bay Park Black Mountain Ranch Blossom Valley Bonita Bonsall Borrego Springs Boulevard Campo Cardiff-by-the-Sea Carlsbad Carmel Mountain Carmel Valley Chollas View Chula Vista City College City Heights Clairemont College Area Coronado CSU San Marcos Cuyamaca College Del Cerro Del Mar Descanso Downtown San Diego Eastlake East Village El Cajon Emerald Hills Encanto Encinitas Escondido Fallbrook Fletcher Hills Golden Hill Grant Hill Grantville Grossmont College Guatay Harbor Island Hillcrest Imperial Beach Imperial Valley Jacumba Jamacha-Lomita Jamul Julian Kearny Mesa Kensington La Jolla Lakeside La Mesa Lemon Grove Leucadia Liberty Station Lincoln Acres Lincoln Park Linda Vista Little Italy Logan Heights Mesa College Midway District MiraCosta College Miramar Miramar College Mira Mesa Mission Beach Mission Hills Mission Valley Mountain View Mount Hope Mount Laguna National City Nestor Normal Heights North Park Oak Park Ocean Beach Oceanside Old Town Otay Mesa Pacific Beach Pala Palomar College Palomar Mountain Paradise Hills Pauma Valley Pine Valley Point Loma Point Loma Nazarene Potrero Poway Rainbow Ramona Rancho Bernardo Rancho Penasquitos Rancho San Diego Rancho Santa Fe Rolando San Carlos San Marcos San Onofre Santa Ysabel Santee San Ysidro Scripps Ranch SDSU Serra Mesa Shelltown Shelter Island Sherman Heights Skyline Solana Beach Sorrento Valley Southcrest South Park Southwestern College Spring Valley Stockton Talmadge Temecula Tierrasanta Tijuana UCSD University City University Heights USD Valencia Park Valley Center Vista Warner Springs
Close

Anchor ads are not supported on this page.