Murphy’s ‘Musts

Play It Again, Sham! / Saw Doctors / 2003 / Shamtown / RykoIf you needed further proof that the Saw Doctors are one of the most talented – and underrated – bands to ever come out of Ireland, this album is it. The 20 tracks are the kind of polished, catchy, touching, raucous and superbly crafted songs that most bands would give their eye teeth for – but for the Saw Doctors, these are just B-sides and rarities. The highlights include “World of Good,” “Michel D. Higgins” and “Bless Me Father,” as well as the beautiful “Letter from Louise.” Don’t miss “Winter’s Just a Dream” – a soaring anthem made even more chillingly gorgeous by Davy Carton’s powerful voice.
Enlightenment / Van Morrison / 1990 / PolygramThis album changed me from a casual Van Morrison fan to a true believer. I love it all, from the sublime beauty of the title track to the rhythm and blues of “Real Real Gone” to the mellow introspection of “Avalon of the Heart.” The best moment comes when Morrison name checks Elvis Presley, Ray Charles and Jerry Lee Lewis (among others) while tuning “those wireless knobs” in “The Days Before Rock & Roll.”
Paddy Reilly Live in Concert / Paddy Reilly With his smooth baritone and deceptively simple delivery, Paddy Reilly sure knows his way around a ballad. This album captures him at his peak, and includes his signature song, “The Fields of Athenry” as well as favorites like “The Cliffs of Dooneen,” “The Lark in the Morning” and “The Old Triangle.” Personal highlights: “The Craic Was 90” (which has pride of place on my Ipod) and his definitive version of “The Town I Loved So Well.”
The Humour is On Me Now / Ronnie Drew / 1999 / Dolphin Ronnie Drew is The Man. Period. The former leader of The Dubliners only gets better with age, and his distinctive voice adds depth and nuance to the 14 tracks on this solo album. It’s hard to pick a favorite from a collection that includes “Since Maggie Went Away,” “Red Roses for Me” and “Raglan Road,” but the track that will stay with you is “If Ever You Go to Dublin Town.” And “Dunes.” And Limerick Rake.” And . . . well, you get the idea.
The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem / 1961 / Tradition / Reissued by Rykodisc / 1996 According to my mother, I loved two records when I was a toddler. The first was the soundtrack to Walt Disney’s “Cinderella” (Bippity-boppity-boo, kids!), and the second was this Clancy / Makem record. As I got older, Cindy got less and less play on the turntable, but this album, recorded after the group’s breakthrough appearance on the Ed Sullivan show, was in constant rotation. “Brennan on the Moor,” “Maid of Fife-E-O” and “Roddy McCorley” hold a special place in my heart, and “Eileen Aroon” reminds me of my Daddy, who used to sing it just for me.