Description

Boiled In Lead – From The Ladle To The Grave – Vinyl Record

From the Ladle to the Grave is the third studio album by Boiled in Lead, a band known for its innovative blend of Celtic rock, folk punk, and world music. Released in 1989, this album showcases Boiled in Lead’s eclectic approach to traditional music, combining elements of rock, punk, and global sounds with traditional folk tunes and original compositions.

Arbiters of a style that’s been variously called celtopunk and rock & reel, Boiled in Lead originally consisted of Drew Miller (bass), Jane Dauphin (guitar, vocals), fiddler Brian Fox, and a drum machine known as Amos Box. This lineup played a handful of gigs around the Minneapolis area. As of St. Patrick’s Day 1983, the band had expanded to include drummer Mitch Griffin and fiddler David Stenshoel. This lineup recorded the 1985 bOiLeD iN lEaD, an energetic self-produced, self-released LP that hit the Celtic folk market like a rocket. BiL might well have played traditional music as part of their repertoire, but the format and delivery was anything but traditional.

Second guitarist Todd Menton joined the band in 1985 after an encounter with Miller at an Irish session led him to sit in with the band for a few gigs. It also led to a change of instrument for Menton, who had been playing saxophone up to that point. The expanded lineup set to recording their second album, Hotheads, in the summer of 1986, but by the time the album was released in early 1987, both Griffin and Dauphin had left the band. Hotheads received a Minnesota Music Award for Best Celtic/Bluegrass/Folk Album of the Year. Old Lead compiles both albums onto a single CD.

Griffin was replaced by drummer Robin ‘Adnan’ Anders, whose style took in everything from straight-ahead rock to complex Middle Eastern structures that helped influence the direction of the band. BiL spent much of 1987 touring, heading into the studio at the end of the year to record From the Ladle to the Grave, which moved away from the loud Celtic approach to add Eastern European, Russian and even African material to the band’s repertoire. Cooking Vinyl then signed BiL for European distribution. The album was released in April 1989, and proceeded to win another Minnesota Music Award, this time for Album/CD of the Year.

Tracklist and Themes

Madman Mora Blues – (4:17) A track that mixes American blues with Celtic melodies, showcasing the band’s ability to fuse different musical traditions.
The Microorganism – (3:43) A quirky, science-themed track that combines folk instrumentation with modern storytelling, illustrating the band’s unique approach to songwriting.
My Son John – (5:09) A traditional folk song with an anti-war message, delivered with emotional depth and Boiled in Lead’s unique arrangement.

From the Ladle to the Grave draws heavily on traditional Celtic and folk music, with many tracks reinterpreting old folk songs or incorporating traditional melodies into the band’s modern arrangements. Boiled in Lead mixes Celtic music with rock, punk, and world music influences, creating a sound that is both innovative and rooted in tradition. The band is known for their high-energy performances, and this album captures that spirit with its fast-paced, dynamic tracks. The lyrics often incorporate dark humor and commentary on social and political issues, adding depth and complexity to the music.

From the Ladle to the Grave received positive reviews for its adventurous blend of styles and its ability to make traditional music feel fresh and contemporary. Critics praised the band’s musicianship and the album’s innovative arrangements. Fans of Boiled in Lead appreciated the album for its energetic performances and the way it pushed the boundaries of what folk music could be. The album has become a favorite among those who enjoy Celtic rock and folk-punk. The album helped solidify Boiled in Lead’s reputation as one of the most innovative bands in the Celtic rock scene, influencing other bands in the genre and expanding the possibilities of folk music.

From the Ladle to the Grave is considered an influential album in the folk and Celtic rock genres, demonstrating how traditional music can be reimagined and combined with modern influences. The album continues to be celebrated by fans of Boiled in Lead and those who appreciate genre-blending music, recognized for its creative approach and energetic performances. Boiled in Lead’s incorporation of global musical influences into a Celtic rock framework has helped pave the way for other bands exploring similar fusions, making ‘From the Ladle to the Grave’ an important release in the evolution of world music.

From the Ladle to the Grave by Boiled in Lead is a landmark album in the world of Celtic rock and folk-punk, showcasing the band’s ability to blend traditional music with modern styles in a way that is both innovative and respectful of the source material. With its energetic performances, eclectic influences, and thought-provoking lyrics, the album stands as a testament to Boiled in Lead’s creativity and their contribution to the evolution of folk music.

Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal

Atomic Theory Records 1989

Track Listing
1. The Pinch Of Snuff
2. Madman Mora Blues
3. Cuz Mapfumo
4. Step It Out, Mary
5. Shopetzki Kopanitsa
6. The Microorganism
7. Sher
8. Bahcevanci (O Ya)
9. Stop! Stop! Stop!
10. The Guns Of The Magnificent Seven
11. My Son John