The American Wake

**Yaish** · 23rd January 05, 03:17 PM

They arent much more than a local band, but man are they good. If you're a SoCal local I'd definately suggest dropping by Gallaghers some Saturday night when they're playing, or finding one of the many events they do.

They are a mix of celtic and rock, mostly original songs or updates of Irish folk songs but either way they rock. "Half and Half" is simply the most romantic song about beer I've ever heard (not that its a love song, they just love beer) and their version of "The Fields of Athenry" is just haunting.

I cant do them justice to describe them, so just check out their site.
www.theamericanwake.com

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 24th January 05, 12:26 PM

Initially, when I saw the thread title, I thought that you were going to mention "An American Wake"... the CD from teh group "The Elders".

These guys DO have a nice musical snippet when you enter the site, but I could not find any mp3's or such for a preview. I'll keep looking.

IF you get the chance to meet up with them, ask if they can load some onto the site for us.

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 24th January 05, 12:29 PM

Side note, since someone will ask:

"An American Wake" was a term used in Ireland when families were seperated by the great exodus to America. Before the people would board the boats for the journey, there would be a huge "wake" for them... as if they were gone for good (which many were).

And now... back to the thread.

**Yaish** · 24th January 05, 03:23 PM

I thought about posting that very same thing about the name Jimmy, but figured either most here knew, or didnt care.

For samples, if you click on their discography link, several songs from each album have samples.

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 24th January 05, 11:01 PM

Okay. I got over my laziness and went to hear their stuff on the site. I wish I could steal the drummer!

I know who I think they sound just like. Anyone have a guess of a group or two that are similar? Perhaps a couple Festival regulars?

**Yaish** · 25th January 05, 08:29 PM

I'm afraid I dont know who they sound like. I know the father of one of the band members is in the Wicked Tinkers, but to me the sound is quite different.

They put on a hell of a show though. Quite often there is a guinness drinking contest during their performance of "Oh my Guinness". Pretty cool to see 6 pretty young ladies competing on stage to see who can down a pint in the shortest amount of time.