In my mind, I used to lump Wolfe Tones in with bands like the Clancy Brothers and the Dubliners -- good at what they do, but fairly limited in scope. When my father picked up a copy of Live Alive Oh! in Shannon Airport, I decided to give it a listen -- expecting to play it through once or twice before returning it. Instead, this pair of lively discs stayed in my stereo for quite some time.

The Wolfe Tones would fit in nicely in a corner pub in Ireland. They're equally comfortable onstage before a large crowd of enthusiastic fans. And while their music is mostly light-hearted, designed for singing and clapping along, there's a large slice of steel in most of the tunes, edged and biting England's continued presence in Northern Ireland.

Oddly, the liner notes of this double CD give no clue as to where and when the songs were recorded. They also assume we all have a working knowledge of the band, so if you're curious about the musicians' names, look elsewhere. (Here, I'll save you the trouble: Brian Warfield, Derek Warfield, Tommy Byrne and Noel Nagle.)

This collection is a treasure trove of Irish national pride, boasting stirring, much-loved songs like "Rock on Rockall," "Sean South of Garryowen," "The Boys of the Old Brigade," "Broad Black Brimmer," the poem and song "James Connolly," "God Save Ireland," "Come Out Ye Black and Tans" and "A Nation Once Again." There's also some non-political fun stuff like "Travelling Doctor's Shop," "Botany Bay," "The Boys of Fairhill," "Big Strong Man," "On the One Road" and "Twice Daily." Of course, I can't forget "Paddy's Dream," a witty recitation about several lost souls at St. Peter's Gate -- and how an Irishman got the better of Heaven.

Vocals range from somber to raucous. Personally, I prefer the Wolfe Tones' rowdier sound, but the band does both styles well, whether singing solo or en masse.

There are instrumentals, too, such as Carolan's "Princess Royal" and "Whelan's Frolics, or Jig, or just Whelan's." While they don't put bands like the Chieftains, Dervish or Lunasa at risk, they're strongly played and provide nice breaks between songs.

It's amazing sometimes what well-known, long-lived bands slip past your attention for years. Fortunately, I've finally found the Wolfe Tones. I'm not sure when Dad will get this album back.