Rats in the Burlap
The Real McKenzies · 2015
36 min · 14 tracks · punk rock
Energetic folk punk anthems blend traditional melodies with raucous punk sensibilities, creating a spirited celebration of cultural heritage.
Top tracks — play these first
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Up on a Motorbike — This track captures the album's upbeat spirit with its infectious rhythm and vivid imagery of freedom and adventure on the open road.
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Midnight Train to Moscow — The song's driving beat and catchy chorus make it a standout moment, reflecting themes of longing and travel that resonate throughout the album.
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The Fields of Inverness — With its more introspective tone, this track represents the emotional depth of the album, juxtaposing nostalgia with lively folk punk instrumentation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively blends punk and folk elements, showcasing strong storytelling but with some uneven pacing.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a high energy level with fast tempos and driving rhythms, while the second half introduces more varied pacing and instrumentation.
- Several tracks feature traditional folk melodies layered over punk instrumentation, creating a distinct sound that blends both genres effectively.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- spirited sing-alongs with friends
- short bursts of energetic fun
- celebratory tracks for gatherings
- quick-paced anthems for road trips
Maybe skip if you
- slow, reflective listening preferences
- long, drawn-out musical explorations
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Rats in the Burlap' was released in 2015, The Real McKenzies had solidified their status in the folk punk scene, following their 2012 album 'Westwinds'. This record marked their continued evolution, showcasing their signature blend of Scottish influences and punk rock energy while maintaining a loyal fanbase.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dropkick Murphys· Flogging Molly· The Pogues
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Wha Saw the 42nd 2:00
- 2 Up on a Motorbike 2:03
- 3 Who’d a Thought 3:03
- 4 Midnight Train to Moscow 1:48
- 5 Lilacs in the Alleyway 3:29
- 6 Yes 2:45
- 7 You Wanna Know What 2:20
- 8 What Have You Done 2:37
- 9 Bootsy the Haggis‐Eating Cat 2:32
- 10 Spinning Wheels 1:39
- 11 Stephen’s Green 2:55
- 12 The Fields of Inverness 3:48
- 13 Catch Me 2:36
- 14 Dead or Alive 2:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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