In the last century or so, technology has greatly altered how history was passed along, through radio, television, the internet, and movies. There once was a time where storytelling came by word of mouth; from parents and grandparents, to bards that played through the villages and towns. In the era of electronic media and communication, it seems as if the art of storytelling has fallen by the wayside. Luckily, strewn through out this modern landscape are a few remaining bards who are still willing to share with us their superbly executed, original songs.
The Filthy Thieving Bastards' songwriting duo of Johnny Bonnel and Darius Koski are two of these aforementioned bards and share time as punk stalwarts in The Swingin' Utters. Bassist Spike Slawson not only shares duties in both bands, but is also the lead singer for the infamous Me First & The Gimme Gimmes. Producer Randy Burk was called upon to play drums. A Making a very special appearance on The Bastards newest release is Spider Stacy of one of their most cited influences, The Pogues.
Their first recorded full length album, A Melody of Broken Quills and Retreads, was released in ’99 through BYO shortly after the bands debut EP, Our Fathers Sent Us, made waves and stirred speculation about what people were calling the “Swinging Utters side project” could bring forth. Both releases delivered on the promise of Bonnel and Koski as songwriters and the logical progression of each as musicians was clearly evident. The Filthy Thieving Bastards' folk-ballad approach is somewhat of a contrast to the style of the Swingin Utters, but the conviction and refreshing honesty are still there in the Bastards. In place of audio distortion and anthemic guitar riffs is the more traditional timbre of accordion, violin, piano, organ, mandolin, pedal steel and upright bass (a bulk of those instruments is tackled by Darius, who is a classically trained musician).
Often compared with folk rock luminaries, The Pogues, and once described as "Billy Bragg as a crusty old punk on a bender," Filthy Thieving Bastards are heavily influenced by their own experiences and expertise in the punk rock scene.
With their second full length release, My Pappy was a Pistol, The Filthy Thieving Bastards have truly separated themselves from the shadow of their members other bands, and offer up one of the most heartfelt and original records this side of the pub. As it’s been with most music that escapes immediate classification, we suggest that you sit down, give it a listen, and appreciate the modern storytelling of The Filthy Thieving Bastards.
PAST FTB RELEASES
A Melody of Retreads and Broken Quills
BYO Records
Hi lads, its DONE, our first video „Black socks get you laid“ is finished! Its produced by Flint Productions Hamburg & directed by Patrick von Schuckmann (more infos in our blogs). Comment that little fucker, add it, whatever, aint nothing stopping you but air! Greetz, crank it up, Razorheads
Finally got to see you live at last at Alex's - what a great night! Loved the music, the venue, and of course having Spider along was perfect! Thanks for a great night.
Yo Johnny and the boys The Dirges will be across the street at the San Genaro festa come visit us after the show we'll be playing bocce ball and drinkin' peroni's have a great show
Fantastic show...of course. As far as San Jose...shameful, ignominious. Swine never seem to be able to fully appreciate pearls. Good luck down south and see you @ Thee Parkside. Hearing Gabrielle again is worth the drive alone.
Thanx I couldn't move my legs this morning from all the jigg'n I did last nite at the Uptown. Damm that Penny whistle really gets me going!! Good luck with your other shows!!
******************************** Bardens Boudoir Presents: THE MAHONES Canadian Irish-Punk Rockers do their UK debut show ! www. themahones. net Friday 19 September
PLUS Paul "Mad Dog McGuiness" (THE POPES) King Orfeo and more!
fucking great band here in the crew we got allyou records. in fac we have 3 records a friend of mine boughted direct for you in a swingin utters concert en dan diego . i think ..weell my inglish really suks... greetngs from mexikali mexiko from your loyalties friends jorge didi.. an me ..i never got yhe oportunity to seee you cause i got no fucking visa n passport soo i missed all of that .. weell one day will see you guys adios
