Playlist: Irish funk

I attended an all-black elementary school... and we were expected to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day. What was that about?

But I do love the Irish. That proud and hardy race has contributed so much to world culture... like Shamrock Shakes, Wild Irish Rose and police brutality.

And when an Irishman decides to get down and get funky... watch out, boyo!

Here go some tunes straight outta Dublin (and Belturbet). Click the song titles below to stream the music on my Vox blog:

1. “Comeback Girl (Remix)” – Republic of Loose

Republic of Loose claims influences as diverse as Sly & the Family Stone, Mahalia Jackson and Wu-Tang Clan. Earlier this year, they backed Sinead O’Connor on a cover version of Curtis Mayfield’s “We People Who Are Darker Than Blue.” (Video is here.)

You can download this remix of “Comeback Girl” from the band’s official website for FREE.

2. “Tripping in the Meadow” – Pete Pamf

Pete Pamf lists P-Funk, Prince and Public Enemy among his influences. This track, and a couple of others, are available for FREE on his MySpace page.

To see the “Tripping in the Meadow” music video, follow this link.

3. “Cosmic Girl” – Ian I. Brow

Ian I. Brow is a funk-rock bar band that covers tunes by James Brown, Aretha Franklin and Talking Heads. This song was a hit for Jamiroquai in 1996. You can download the track for FREE from the Ian I. Brow MySpace page.

4. “Tóg é go bog é” – Kíla

Kíla is a forward-thinking folk-music group. And I think this track definitely qualifies as funky. You can download it from the band’s website.

5. “First Place” – Messiah J & the Expert

Now for some straight-up Irish hip-hop. Messiah J & the Expert have gigged with PE, De La Soul and Gangstarr. This track is available on their website.