October 1st The 2UIBestow Sessions

.... Last reminder that we have a great line-up tomorrow night. The bands are Johnny Murphy and the Fault, Hogan and Miss Paula Flynn. In the mix is the powerful poetry reading of Stephen James Smith. I've seen all these acts before and they offer wonderful entertainment! If you cant make it but know some one in the Slane do let them know about the sessions!

Boyles, Slane - Miss Paula Flynn, Hogan, Johnny Murphy and Stephen James Smith.

Here's footage of Johnny Murphy in the Purple Sessions

Tuesday's Topical Threesome

I didn't get to see the Public Sector - Private Sector debate with Pat Kenny last night but it became a topic of discussion in work today. I'm sure it was the topic of discussion for many people in ireland today.



I do feel that this Government see their role in terms of a super employer rather than a governing body for the good of every citizen in the country. It's preferable for them cut key services than lower pay! To lay off those on temporary contracts than re-organise the system. There are also happy to allow a private/public conflict to exist in Ireland. This is a worrying development for an Irish society which is becoming more difficult for the working classes and more comfortable for the middle classes! Here are some work related tunes for ya!



Pony Club - Bed to Work


Wilt - Working for the Man


Van Cleef - Work's Not All My Day



This is funny!

New Sounds Sunday - Reemo, Flea Market Poets, Susie Soho

Ireland is fast producing a flood of decent rock and alternative bands who grew up being influenced by the likes of The Frames, JJ72 and Damien Rice. Many of them released albums recently. Here are three of the best: Reemo, Flea Market Poets and Susie Soho.


Reemo - Colours [released September 26th]

Reemo are the collective musical styles, tastes and thoughts of 5 ordinary guys mashed together to create something unique. Sometimes it's happy and pumping, sometimes it's ugly and harsh but no matter what it is, it is us. The album 'Colours' was launched last night in The Village.



http://www.myspace.com/reemotheband








Flea Market Poets - Dirty Days [released October 9th]


Flea Market Poets are "... a melodic brand of rock occasionally crossing over into punk and roots rock. We have been loosely compared to bands like the Strokes or Wilco, but we mostly try to let each song dictate how it wants to sound, be it rock, punk, country or soul. You could say our music caters to an eclectic palate."

The band is truly European with members from Donegal, Surrey, Texas and Germany where the band have been making their mark already in their music scene!


http://www.myspace.com/fleamarketpoets









Susie Soho - Spinning Tops [Single Released on 30th October 2009]


Susie Soho are a four-piece Irish alternative-rock band, whose members have opened for and shared the stage with artists such as Damien Rice, The Frames, Gabriella Cilmi, Mundy, David Jordan, and Damien Dempsey. Apparently the album was recorded without the band properly rehearsing or performing live. According to their MySpace their debut gig was Oxegen 09! Catch them live in The Odessa on November 13th.



http://www.myspace.com/susiesohomusic

Album Review: Lisa O'Neill 'Has An Album'

I have read many great things about Lisa O'Neill recently. I was also told by a few people how great her debut 'Has An Album' is and I have tried my very best to ensure I am impartial in my review. Lisa originally from Co. Cavan was Elder Roche's support act on Wednesday night at The Button Factory and on the back of that fine performance from Lisa with her band I invested €10 in her beautifully packaged debut album.

'Has An Album' is a collection of beautifully written folk ballads intertwined with poetic lyrics and insightful imagery. The band in The Button Factory consisted of Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin, Accordion and Irish Harp. Additional instruments on the album include Piano, Cello and Double Bass. Lisa has a very distinct voice which reminds me of a quieter Lucinda Williams or Martha Wainwright.

The overall mood and atmosphere of the album is of an artist on a very personal reflective journey. There's a wonderful tribute to Bob Dylan [Bobby D] and an upbeat tune consisting of nursery rhyme quotes [Pocket Full of Piggies]. In the main the songs are about friendships, relationships and astute descriptions of simple life; "I think those hands around my waist, but I've been drinking so long I can't taste".

I'm finding it difficult to pinpoint an exact aspect of 'Has An Album' that has me so spellbound. I think the simple fact that I am so taken by the album means that this album deserves the highest rating on my review scale:

Lisa O'Neill 'Has An Album' - 12 out of 12

In many ways Lisa's debut reminds me so much of my favourite album ever which is Mark Dignam's debut album 'Poetry and Songs From The Wheel'. Both albums contain great songs, beautiful singing and insightful descriptive songwriting.


http://www.myspace.com/lisaconeill

Colin Devlin announces Irish Tour

Colin released a fine solo album at the beginning of the year and this will be a great opportunity to see one of our finest in concert!

Here's Strategies from 'A Democracy of One'.

Ruby Sessions - 10 Year Anniversary Gigs

10 years? Wow! The Ruby Sessions began in 1999 upstairs in Doyles on College Green!

Damien Rice
Glen Hansard
Paul Brady
David Kitt
Mundy
Kila
Villagers
Wallis Bird
Heathers
Frightened Rabbit
Luan Parle

I suppose it's not a bad list of people! I might pop along some night!

The special anniversary gigs begin this Tuesday 29th September for a period of 4 Tuesdays!

Here's Conor explaining the origen of The Ruby Sessions recorded last year.

Friday's Forgotten Favourites - The Fat Lady Sings

The Fat Lady Sings created two of the best albums in Irish Music history in Twist and Johnson. TFLS were in the main Nick Kelly, Tim Bradshaw, Dermot Lynch and Robert Hamilton. The band had moderate success in Ireland and made great gains in the UK and Europe. However it wasn't meant to be with Nick Kelly's 'Drunkard Logic' to split the band and the music scene. Here's the brief story!

1986
- Fat Lady Sings formed.
- Release of 'Fear And Favour' single

1988
- Release of 'Be Still' single

1989
- Release of 'Arclight' single

1990
- Release of 'Dronning Maudland' single
- Release of 'Manscared' single

1991
- Re-release of 'Arclight' single
- Release of 'Twist' single
- Release of 'Deborah' single
- Release of 'Twist' album

1993
- Release of 'Show Of MySelf' single
- Release of 'Drunkard Logic' single
- Release of 'World Exploding Touch' single
- Release of 'Johnson' album

2005
- Release of 'The Fat Lady Singles / Opera Obscura' double-album. As it's name suggests, the first CD gathered together all of the band singles, while 'Opera Obscura' was a collection of B-Sides and rarities.


When you see the quality of the singles above TFLS will always have their place as one of the best bands to produce music in Ireland. Arclight, Deborah, Drunkard Logic and World Exploding Touch were great singles. Even better were the various b-sides which accompanied them which was compiled together in the 2005 release mentioned above. Songs like the pop song 'What Are You Like', 'Grand Country Wedding' and live favourite 'Everywoman' prove that there is so much more to Nick's songwriting. My favourite tunes include 'Boil', 'Stealing a Plane', 'Gravy Train' and 'Horse Water Wind'.



Legacy:

When TFLS split Tim Bradshaw and Dermot Lynch went to America and with Peter Stuart were recruited for a rock band called 'Dog's Eye View' who released 'Daisy' with Tim and Dermot in 1995.

Singer Nick Kelly has had great success as an independent artist releasing two fine solo albums and getting a Choice Award Nomination for 'Running Dog'. He is now on the verge of an exciting 9 month project for his third album:

9 gigs, 9 months, one precious new arrival...

The first instalment of GESTATION, a unique 9-month project towards the creation of a new solo album by 2005 Choice Prize nominee Nick Kelly. On the last Wednesday of each month Nick performs with different musical collaborators in a full band setting. September 30th is the first night with ANN SCOTT.

Nick has finalised his guest collaborators for his first 'trimester' of gigs - in each case these people will be performing with him during his own set as well as performing their own special guest slots. They are:

WED SEPT 30th - ANN SCOTT
WED OCT 28th - BOO HEWRDINE
WED NOV 25th - SEAN MILLAR

Tickets: €17 including booking fee
Doors: 8pm

http://www.nickkelly.ie/

Listen to Nick's demos here:
http://gestationproject.wordpress.com/

The Cranberries play The Olympia Theatre

...... in Montreal as part of their North American tour!





Tour Dates:

11/12/2009 Baltimore, MD Ram's Head Buy
11/13/2009 Boston, MA Orpheum Theatre Buy
11/14/2009 Hampton Beach, NH Casino Ballroom Buy
11/16/2009 Red Bank, NJ Count Basie Theatre Buy
11/17/2009 Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory Buy
11/18/2009 New York, NY Nokia Theatre Buy
11/20/2009 Toronto, ONT Queen Elizabeth Theatre Buy
11/21/2009 Toronto, ONT Queen Elizabeth Theatre Buy
11/22/2009 Montreal, QC Olympia Theatre Buy
11/24/2009 Detroit, MI The Fillmore Buy
11/25/2009 Chicago, IL The Riviera Theatre Buy
11/27/2009 Milwaukee, WI Riverside Theatre Buy
11/28/2009 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue Buy
11/29/2009 Kansas City, MO Midland Theatre Buy
12/1/2009 Denver, CO Gothic Theatre Buy
12/3/2009 Las Vegas, NV The Pearl Buy
12/4/2009 Los Angeles, CA Club Nokia Buy
12/5/2009 San Francisco, CA Regency Ballroom Buy
12/7/2009 Seattle, WA Moore Theater Buy

Gig News - Friday 25th September

Many choices on your horizon for Friday!



Colm Lynch launches his brand new album " Tickety Boo" on September 25th at The Village. Tickets are €15 on sale Monday August 24th @ 9am through Ticketmaster and other usual outlets nationwide. Booking Line: 0818 719 300.

It's been three years since his first offering, "A Whisper in a Riot" received widespread acclaim and his return showcases a new, even bigger sound from the Dubliner.

On the night, Lynch and his eight piece band will unveil songs from the new album "Tickety Boo" as well as performing a host of fans favourites from his first album.

Special guests on the night include The Last Tycoons and newcomers Arrow in the Sky.

Anyone expecting to see a singer-songwriter soulfuly whispering into a microphone should think again. This will be a fevered, rock n' roll affair. Bring your dancing shoes!

Colm Lynch Live @ The Village September 25th. Tickets are €15 on sale Monday August 24th @ 9am through Ticketmaster and other usual outlets nationwide. Booking Line: 0818 719 300.










However in Bewleys on Friday there's the amazing Miss Paula Flynn launching her debut album. This is such a beautiful tune:








Whelans brings us Clive Barnes' album launch. Here's some info!

Clive Barnes has gained a worldwide reputation as being one of the finest Lapslide/Regular guitarists and songwriters of the utmost quality in the duration of his musical years so far. Having released four critically acclaimed albums, this year sets the tone for yet another exciting one, as he gears up for the release of his eagerly awaited and stunning New album THE GHOST COUNTRY. Warming up the industry with the Single ‘Shotgun Grin’. The Irish Times have described Clive as "A Guitarist and Songwriter of rare quality" and RTE have said that "Clive is a guitarist who can make one acoustic sound like six” which is basically the ingredients to what one should expect to find in this new collection of tracks.









However if you pop up to Boyles in Slane this Friday you will get to see the amazing Tucan.

Tuesday's Topical Threesome

I tweaked this weekly feature so I can bring to you three excellent samples that reflect the mood of a particular topic.

Of course in Ireland we have all had the NAMA conversation. The pros and cons have been debated by almost everyone. I'd love to support NAMA but because it's been dreamed up by the same people who made all them massive mistakes in the first place I find myself in a conflict. I can't help but think that NAMA is not in the country's best interests. It's design is to stall the slide in house prices, get the developers back in business and to re-create the euphoric housing market. Sure if they did it once they can do it again! They want to get back to the scam of the property bubble which made false millionaires of many people. I can't stomach this idea because I know the social services will suffer in an 'I'm alright Jack' scenario! For the record I agree with David McWilliams when he suggests we do nothing and let property prices and banks fall. Then we could spend the €7,000,000,000 we are giving to the banks on Job Creation, Education and Health!

Leya - The Dream That Money Bought

The Harvest Ministers - Silent Houses

Dr. Millar - Hard Years in the Big City


Here's hoping that NAMA does what it's suppose to!

Irish Artist Number 3 in the UK charts

Well ok that's not entirely true! Ciaran Gribbon aka Joe Echo aka Leya's frontman co-wrote Madonna's current single Celebration which is at number 3 in the UK charts! Fair play to ya Joe!

http://www.joeecho.com/

New Sounds Sunday - Bribry Is Sky High

Brian informed us a few months back of the sad demise of Star Crossed Enemies. It was decided that Gary and Brian go their separate ways. Brian has morphed into 'Bribary Is Sky High' and quickly put together a four track EP called 'Swings'.

I thought Star Crossed Enemies had something special which I think Brian will embrace. 'Swings' should be seen as a demo which points to decent exposure in the future. It's impossible not to point to Bright Eyes comparisons on the EP but I can hear similarities to The Arcade Fire and Yo La Tengo.

Here's a sample: Black Magic

http://www.myspace.com/bribryisskyhigh

7 Oct 2009 20:00 Spirit Store (Acoustic Show) Louth
28 Oct 2009 20:00 The Village s/Blue Syndrome (Album Launch) Dublin
3 Nov 2009 20:00 Ruby Sessions Dublin
6 Dec 2009 19:30 The Good Ship London and South East
7 Dec 2009 20:00 The George Tavern London and South East

Mic Christopher Remembered

Mic Christopher would have turned 40 on Monday 21st September! I will let his music and these videos remind you of his wonderful talent.

These three videos are a celebration of Mic Christopher's life from the Irish Language channel TG4. It shows a cool clip of Glen Hansard, Mark Dignam and Mic busking in Temple Bar. Also included is footage from Mic's first band The Mary Janes.



Part 2 of the episode:



I learned so much from these clips. Lovely footage of some of the best Irish musicians in the last 10 years.



Here is a little reminder of how amazing a talent Mic was. I seen The Mary Janes perform 'Friends' on an Irish music programme and I loved it. Then as a kid of about 15 seen the band live in Merrion Square in a Summer gigs outdoor lunch thing. The next and only other time I seen Mic live was in Whelans when he supported the wonderful Dar Williams.

The Mary Janes - Friends [from the album Sham]

Linkage: http://www.myspace.com/themaryjanes
http://homepage.eircom.net/~micchristopher/index2.htm
http://www.irishmusiccentral.com/themaryjanes/index.html

Arthur's Day - September 24th [Updated]

Next Thursday will be mental in Dublin! Here's what's going on!

Most of these bands will be doing 20 minute sets. Tickets for the pubs only gets you in before 7pm. After that it'll be a free for all everywhere!

There are many many rumours going about.... Tom Jones in the Temple bar, Coldplay in The Stags Head, Noel Gallagher everywhere.... too much fun!

Vicar Street

Black Swan Effect, OK Go, Razorlight, Reverend and The Makers, Sugababes, The Blizzards, The Magic Numbers

Tripod
Calvin Harris, Jamie Cullum, Mongrel, Soul II Soul, Republic of Loose, Roots Manuva

Whelan’s
David Gray, The Hot Rats (Supegrass), Lisa Hannigan, Noah and the Whale, The Enemy, The Undertones, The Wombats

The Academy
Fionn Regan, Imelda May, Paolo Nutini, Richard Hawley, The Kooks





Pubs:

Each pub will also feature one or two surprise guests, but these will not be announced in advance of each performance.


Oliver St John Gogarty
Born Blonde, David Kitt

The Temple Bar
Johnny Flynn; Lumiere

South William
David Kitt; The Infomatics

Dakota
Concerto for Constantine; Dirty Epics

Café en Seine
Leopold; White Belt Yellow Tag

Pygmalion
Hoarsebox; The Chapters

Spy
Oppenheimer; The Infomatics

Dicey Reilly’s
The Chakras

The Auld Dubliner
Jay Jay Pistolet; Lumiere



The Church
Spring Break

Bruxelles
Jay Jay Pistolet; Jerry Fish and the Mudbug Club

The Odeon
Dirty Epics; General Fiasco

Hogans
Born Blonde; Oppenheimer

Sin É
Cherbourg; Johnny Flynn

Flannery’s
Cherbourg; Concerto for Constantine

Brogans
Jerry Fish and the Mudbug Club; Noise Control

O’Donoghue’s
Sharon Shannon; The High Kings

Market Bar
Golden Silvers; Mick Flannery

The Foggy Dew
Noise Control; The Chakras

Eamonn Doran’s
White Belt Yellow Tag

The Baggot Inn
Leopold; Nat Jenkins

The Stags Head
The Chapters; General Fiasco

Mulligan’s
Fiona Melady; Mick Flannery

The Palace Bar
Fiona Melady; Sharon Shannon

Doheny & Nesbitt
Eoghan Colgan; Nat Jenkins

The Village
Golden Silvers; The Coronas

The Brazen Head
Eoghan Colgan; The High Kings

The Bank on College Green
Hoarsebox; The Coronas

Friday's Forgotten Favourites - The Plague Monkeys

The Plague Monkeys were a four piece band from Dublin, Ireland. They were Carol Keogh (vocals), Donal O’ Mahony (guitars, keyboards and mandolin), Barry Roden (bass) and Thomas Haugh (drums, percussion and keyboard). The band formed in December 1995 until circa 2000 and made some of the most beautiful music imaginable. Think along the lines of a cooler Cranberries or an upbeat Cocteau Twins!

Discography

1995 People And Machinery EP

1996
The band make a video of 'The Plague Monkeys'

1997
Release of the 'Navigator E.P.' [April]

1998
Release of 'Surface Tension' [April]

Release of 'Mouth To Mouth' single [November]

1999
Release of 'The Sunburn Index' [October]

2000
The Plague Monkeys split up.


Legacy: Singer Carol Keogh is currently reviving her solo career after spells performing in Automata and with Roesy and Jerry Fish. The album 'Surface Tension' is one of my favourite Irish Albums ever and it's still an album I return to again and again.

Declan de Barra Live Concert Footage

.... from Paris on 15th September 2009.







Remember Declan is giving away his debut album 'Song of a Thousand Birds' for free here:http://declandebarra.bandcamp.com/album/song-of-a-thousand-birds

Peter Delaney in Whelans October 5th

Isn't this a beautiful poster?

I know it's a tad small on detail but it's Peter Delaney and Cian Nugent playing Whelans Upstairs on October 5th.

The Whatmans - Tomorrow in The Village

The Whatmans' joined in the Autumn of 2007. The band are John Brennan on vocals, Padar Mulvey on guitar and backing vocals, Francis 'Frany' Mcginn on bass and Aidan Carolan on drums... The band base their unique indie sound on legends of past and present.

Navan based indie rock outfit The Whatmans released their debut single on September 7th. The single entitled Devil Shoes features three tracks, Devil Shoes, Follow Me and Casino Unplugged.

Casino 'unplugged'

Here's the video for the single 'Devil Shoes'

David Geraghty - The Button Factory [Gig Review]

***Disclaimer ..... this review contains no bias or negative comments which will result in Dave going all Chris DeBurgh on me! ***


The Button Factory was the final gig of David Geraghty's short Irish tour to promote the excellent album 'The Victory Dance'.

It was such a great night of music that begun with Miss Paula Flynn accompanied by Greg McAteer on guitar and Jay on percussion playing songs from their debut album 'Miss Paula Flynn'. Personally I can't wait to hear the album. I think it'll be full of Lisa Hanniganesque beauty with Jinx Lennonesque lyrics! The album launch is in Bewleys on September 25th!

The wonderful Carol Keogh graced the stage next. Carol has been in the Irish Music scene for many years and is partly responsible for one of the my favourite albums ever. There will be more on 'The Plague Monkeys' on Friday. The short set with the full band reminded me of The Frames circa Dance The Devil. Here is the set highlight; a cover of one of my favourite songs ever: The Carpenters - Superstar



http://www.myspace.com/carolkeoghmusic

There was a really decent crowd last night to see Bell Ex Wan's Dave Geraghty perform a set which consisted of a decent mixture of tunes from both of his albums. You could easily tell which album the song was from. If it was an upbeat optimistic tune it was from 'The Victory Dance' and if the lights went down with the mood then chances are high it would be from the debut 'Kill Your Darlings'. Hearing the new tunes live with that amazing and creative backing band somehow heightens their positive effectiveness.

Patchy Set-list:

The Emperor's Hand Me Downs
Watch Her Win
Soft Spot
*2 old tunes.... unsure of names*
Last Time Around
Wear Out Your Name,
It Won't Be Long
Instant Sunshine,
Ragdoll
Use Me ... Bill Withers Cover
Kaleidoscope
Tuesday's Feet
Long Time Running
All The Kings Horses

I was only telling a friend that I much prefer Dave's solo songs to the other project he is currently employed with! Dave's onstage banter was funny and he plays the front man on a band very well. It was a very uplifting night and masterful night of music.

Eleanor McEvoy on Today FM

I heard this today and yes while the song brings to mind auld ones pissed drunk in yer local I thought the performance was brilliant from Eleanor McEvoy.

Topical Tuesday - A Name For Your Pain

I'm truly saddened by the death of Darren Sutherland. Darren was a 27 year old professional boxer from Navan Co. Meath who in the last Olympics did Ireland proud by bringing home a Bronze Medal. His body was found yesterday afternoon by his manager in London. What pain did this man go through that resulted in the only viable option was to kill himself?

Dara - A Name For Your Pain

http://www.myspace.com/daraireland

Arthur's Day - September 24th

So the pint of plain is 250 years old next week. We normally don't need much of a reason to enjoy craic agus ceol but next Thursday should be a good night!


There are four big gigs in the main venues of Vicar Street, Whelans, Tri-pod and The Academy. Here's the line-ups:

Calvin Harris
Black Swan Effect
The Blizzards
David Gray
The Enemy
Hot Rats
Imelda May
Jamie Cullum
The Kooks
Lisa Hannigan
Mongrel
Noah and the Whale
Paolo Nutini
Razorlight
Republic of Loose
Reverend and the Makers
Richard Hawley
Sugababes
Soul II Soul
The Undertones
The Wombats



Here's the list of bands doing the pub gigs:

The Chakras

The Chapters




Cherbourg

Dirty Epics

Eoghan Colgan

Fiona Melady

General Fiasco

Golden Silvers

The High Kings

Hoarsebox



Jay Jay Pistolet

Johnny Flynn

Mick Flannery

Nat Jenkins

Oppenheimer



Spring Break


Here's the best Guinness ad directed by Nick Kelly featuring Mic's Heyday!

The 2UIBestow Sessions - October 1st Line-Up

I think we have a super line-up for the next Sessions night in Boyles, Slane.


Miss Paula Flynn




Stephen James Smith




Hogan




Johnny Murphy

New Sounds Sunday - Eleanor McEvoy, Minus Circus, Elder Roche

Eleanor McEvoy has a compilation album out called Singled Out and is receiving good radio coverage for the lead single 'Oh Uganda'. Eleanor is fast becoming a teenage icon for the delicate song 'Sophie' which is about a girl struggling with eating disorders. Apparently Eleanor doesn't own the rights to the tune and therefore it's not on this independent compilation. However it does contain my favourite tune:


Upcoming Gigs:

24 Sep 2009 21:00 M19 Bar Levenshulme, Manchester
2 Oct 2009 19:30 Irish Cultural Centre Hammersmith
9 Oct 2009 20:00 Horse and Jockey Theatre Co. Tipperary
26 Nov 2009 20:00 University San Sebastián
29 Nov 2009 20:30 Palacio Euskalduna Bilboa
4 Dec 2009 20:00 Iontas Castleblayney Conabury, Monaghan

Also do make your way to Eleanor's new website which contains a whole album's worth of free music;

http://www.eleanormcevoy.com/sounds/index.html













Elder Roche - Album Launch - Button Factory 23rd Sept

After a great year gigging all over the country, playing some sold out shows, getting fantastic press reviews, and being played on radios all over the country Elder is now launching the album "Nobody Knows".

The first 50 people to come along on the night will also get a special present. The album is really good but I've heard great things from Elder's live shows so I'm really looking forward to the gig.


http://www.myspace.com/elderroche

The amazing Lisa O'Neill provides the support on the night.














Jus a little notice of Minus Circus' gig in Whelans [Upstairs] on November 3rd. Join the Minus Circus mailing list for a free song sent directly to you inbox.
http://www.minuscircus.com/join
This video is again another quality video from an Irish artist.

Luan Parle - Parade [Video]

Just when you think the art of making a video for a single is as relevant as releasing an album on cassette, we get an amazing video from I Am Not Lefthanded followed by this magical video for Luan Parle's single Parade!

Friday's Forgotten Favourites - Revelino

Since the closure of the excellent Irish Music Central site I'm really struggling to find information about the best Irish bands from back in the day! Revelino were moderately successful. They made it onto John Peel's radar, according to Hot Press journalists the band had the third best single released in 1994 and they had their music featured in the movie 'I Went Down'. They were also the Irish band who displayed their Beatles influences very clearly in their music and sound.


Revelino were Brendan Tallon, on Bren Berry on guitar, and Shane Rafferty on drums. Joining them were Alan Momntgomery on bass and Brendan’s brother Ciaran on guitars.

They first appeared on the Dublin gigging circuit in late 1994. Their first album was released at the same time which was voted the 47th best Irish album ever in 2005 by Hot Press. 'Don't Lead Me Down' came from the self titled debut and was on the 'I Went Down' soundtrack.

Don't Lead Me Down

The second album ‘Broadcaster’ was released in 1996 and was much heavier than the debut. ‘Step on High” received considerable airplay on the John Peel show. 'Been and Gone' was an excellent album closer and again highlights their Beatles influences.

Been and Gone

The band had been reduced to the Tallon brothers, Bren Berry and drummer Ronan McHugh for the third album “To the End” which was released in 2000. The album contains many good song but fails to reproduce the sound and buzz of the eloquent debut.

Death of a Century

More info: http://www.last.fm/music/Revelino
http://irishmusicdb.com/r/revelino/

I Am Not Lefthanded - Everybody Sleeps [Video]

I know I post too many video clips on here. When I go to music blogs I rarely ever watch the YouTube clip. I kind of hope people will watch the clip prior to downloading a sample or going to an artist MySpace! ..... Anyway if there was any justice in the music world I Am Not Lefthanded will become massive! Their video for the single Everybody Sleeps which was made by the band with help of friends and fans was published on YouTube last night!

*** If You Only Watch 1 Video On This Here Site Please Make It THIS 1 ***



http://www.iamnotlefthanded.com/

See the band live:

16 Sep 2009 19:00 Underbelly (zigfried basement) - Underbelly - EARLY SHOW London
28 Sep 2009 20:00 ABC2 - Supporting The Rumble Strips Glasgow, Scotland
29 Sep 2009 20:00 The Forest Cafe - Supporting State of Undress in Edinburgh Edinburgh
8 Oct 2009 20:00 The Stables - Acoustic Session Mullingar

The Chapters - Perfect Stranger [Album Review]

2UIBestow's 5 word review .... Uplifting album for recessionary times!

Perfect Stranger is a brilliant pop/rock album from a band that I knew very little about until recently. Apparently Dublin band The Chapters have built up a loyal following over the last few years and their live shows are apparently amazing. I can understand this having listened to Perfect Stranger alot this week.

With Perfect Stranger, you get sing-a-long lyrics such as 'You can do anything or you can just breakdown' and 'I Don't Get It Why You Hurt Yourself So'. The album is full of 80's inspired keyboards and melodies. The singer sounds like the excellent Scottish singer Colin Hay from the 1980's band 'Men at Work'. Even some song titles suggest the 80's!

Looking for Love

Perfect Stranger is a great little album of eleven top quality pop songs. Here's hoping The Chapters are able to follow The Coronas and The Script onto the play lists of the popular radio stations in this country!

The Chapters - Perfect Stranger [10 out of 12]

http://www.myspace.com/thechaptersofficial



See The Chapters line:

16 Sep 2009 20:00 The Odeon: Sol Revolution Party... Dublin
24 Sep 2009 18:00 Arthurs Day: Guinness Birthday Celebration Dublin
16 Oct 2009 20:00 Roisin Dubh with The Coronas Galway
21 Oct 2009 20:00 Electric Avenue with The Coronas Waterford
22 Oct 2009 20:00 Dolans Warehouse with The Coronas Limerick
23 Oct 2009 20:00 Dolans Warehouse with The Coronas Limerick
24 Oct 2009 14:00 Cypress Avenue with The Coronas ( All ages Show) Cork
24 Oct 2009 20:00 Cypress Avenue with The Coronas Cork
25 Oct 2009 20:00 Cypress Avenue with The Coronas Cork
28 Oct 2009 20:00 Spirit Store Dundalk with The Coronas Louth
29 Oct 2009 20:00 The Clarence with The Coronas Sligo

Mark Geary confirms Whelans for Album Launch

Pencil in October 6th for Mark Geary's 'Live in NYC' album launch. Details about the album are nowhere to be found but I'm sure the tracklisting covers Mark's three albums to date.

I'm sure there's a version of Ghosts on there!

Here's Suzanne for the Late Late:

Fiach covers The Beatles

Irish artist Fiach is offering a free download of The Beatles Golden Slumbers! Fiach has been a feature in the Dublin open mic scene as well as running his own sessions nights in The Hub. He is now gearing up to the next stage with an album coming very soon!

Golden Slumbers

www.fiach.net/

Catch Fiach live:

13 Sep 2009 20:00 Whelans (supporting Sanskrit, The Ambience Affair) Dublin
18 Sep 2009 20:00 Backroom (supporting Eugene Donegan) Navan, Meath
16 Oct 2009 20:00 The Academy (supporting Wallis Bird) Dublin, Dublin
28 Oct 2009 20:00 Oireachtas Letterkenny, Donegal
29 Oct 2009 20:00 The Village Dublin, Dublin
31 Oct 2009 20:00 Liet International song contest Friesland, Friesland

David Geraghty - Gig News

Next Wednesday finds David Geraghty in The Button Factory with an amazing support cast of Carol Keogh [The Plague Monkeys, Automata] and Paula Flynn. Tickets are just €13.50!


Carol Keogh with Automata singing These Words




Paula Flynn - Little Miss Fork Hill [new video and single]

Topical Tuesday - It's Only Money

Yesterday we got details of the tax changes that may come our way in the near future! The Commission on Taxation has proposed an annual tax on all residential property, water charges and the taxing of child benefit! This means more money to run an ineffecient country! Sigh..... It's Only Money!

You don't believe in love
You don't believe in hatred
Put your money in the bank
It's the only way to save it

You try to make a buck
But you haven't made a penny
You need a little luck
But you know you won't get any

You don't believe in God
You don't believe in glory
You've got a brother in the clinic
Tells the same kind of story

If he had another life
He'd know what would be waiting
If he had another soul
He could sell it all to Satan

You don't believe in war
You don't believe in Jesus
Got a sister in New York
She knows how she pleases

Walking the streets
On the south side of the city
Trying to make ends meet
Isn't that a pity...for money



Thin Lizzy - It's Only Money

http://www.thinlizzy.org/

Declan O'Rourke Gig News

Ok here's an Irish artist who wasn't invited to the picnic but has announced his big Christmas traditional gig in the magnificent unique surroundings of .... gasp.... Whelans! [Main Room]!

Declan O'Rourke - December 13th - Tickets are €20!

Julie Feeney Gig News

Well if they keep announcing the gigs the least I can do is to use this blog to promote them! Is it too much blogging in one day? Anyway ...

Julie Feeney - Sugar Club - October 12th - €12

Mundy Gig News

Ah now is this getting a tad silly! Another Irish artist playing his heart out for the tax man at the Electric Picnic is playing in The Button Factory on November 14th. Tickets are €25 and go on sale Thursday Sept 10th @ 9am.

Mick Flannery Gig News

Did Mick Flannery play the Electric Picnic? Check!
Did he announce a gig in Dublin? Check!

Mick Flannery plays Vicar St. this November 7th. Tickets are €25 on sale Monday September 7th @ 9am through Ticketmaster and other usual outlets.

Damien Dempsey Gig News

Another Electric Picnicer announcing a series of gigs is Damien Dempsey! He is playing the Civic Theatre, Tallaght (December 9); Draiocht, Blanchardstown (11); Axis Theatre, Ballymun (12); and The Pavillion, Dun Laoghaire (13). Tickets are €26.

Lisa Hannigan Gig News

Also gigging in the Capital this Winter is Lisa Hannigan playing in Vicar Street on December 3rd! Here's hoping she walks away with a Mercury prize for the excellent debut album Sea Sew. Tickets are €28!

Bell X1 Gig News

Bell X1 are playing the Olympia Theatre in Dublin on November 27th - tickets onsale this thursday Sept 10th at 9am from ticketmaster.ie

Other Nationwide gigs include:

Portlaoise, The Heritage, Thursday Oct 22nd tickets
Pumpkin Festival, Virginia Co Cavan, Saturday Oct 24th tickets
Castlebar, Royal Theatre, Sunday Oct 25th tickets

New Sounds Sunday - Susan Enan - Plainsong [Review]

English singer Susan Enan has been adopted by the blog as an honorary Irish artist due to the time she spent living in Northern Ireland. Her nomadic periods result in Susan being a worldwide artist but without a championing fanbase as such. As I do my usual reference search on google or elbo.ws I am fascinated by the lack of results. However with one search of Susan Enan on YouTube you get a sense of how well received worldwide her music has become with many clips featuring Susan's song 'Bring on the Wonder' from the TV programme 'Bones'.



Plainsong was released in July this year and ..... "has been recorded in 5 different countries, much of it in Enan's small home studio in Brooklyn. It was finally released in July 2009 and features co-production from Alan Bezozi, musical appearances from Ashwin Sood (drums), Steve Schiltz (guitars), Graham Maby (bass), and vocal appearances from Declan O'Rouke and Sarah McLachlan. It was mixed in London by Alan Branch and mastered by Jon Astley." .... taken from www.susanenan.com



'Plainsong' is an album I've genuinely been waiting for since Susan's amazing Moonlight EP was released in 2003. She has a wonderful voice similar to Dar Williams and Natalie Merchant. The songs could easily be described as plain by many an ear but if you're in the mood for beautifully written candlelight pop music then 'Plainsong' is perfect. The album kicks off with 'Bird' which is the most radio friendly track on the album. Sarah McLaughlan sings backing vocals for 'Bring Out The Wonder' and our own Declan O'ROurke does backing vocal duties on 'Skin, Bone & Silicone'. 'Moonlight' has been given a Jazzy make-over since the EP and is still a great tune. Another highlight for me is the beautiful love song 'On Your Side'. The lyrics are meaningful, usually displaying huge positivity and highly thought-provoking. The use of the trusty string section is restricted to great effect such as on the track 'If You're Feeling Low'. Overall it's a great album!


Susan Enan (ft Declan O'Rourke) - Skin, Bone & Silicone

Susan Enan - Plainsong [10 out of 12]

Get the Album - http://amiestreet.com/music/susan-enan/plainsong

http://www.susanenan.com/

Electric Picnic on Youtube

Some excellent footage of Irish acts at the EP has made it's way onto YouTube!

















3 songs from Dave Geraghty's set! Ragdoll, Use Me, Kaleidoscope

The Prayer Boat re-release Polichinelle

This arrived in my inbox yesterday!


"We are happy to finally announce the re-release of The Prayer Boat’s classic album Polichinelle.

It is 10 years since the album was first commercially released and to celebrate Polichinelle is being reissued as a special 10 Year Anniversary Edition.
The album was released sporadically over a four year period on different labels with different versions, mixes, track listings and artwork.

However, this edition goes back to the very first version which was initially only available at Prayer Boat concerts.

It has been remastered and the original artwork updated to include new sleeve notes by some of those involved in the making of the record.

It will first be released in Ireland exclusively through Independent Records and further releases will follow in The Netherlands and the US. We are also looking to reissue the album in those other countries where it was previously released; UK, France, Spain and Denmark

It is already available as a digital download from all the main digital retailers through Feudal Records in Los Angeles.

We are also happy to announce that Emmett will be performing the album (plus other material) with a full band at a select number of venues.

The first concert will be in Whelans, Dublin on Wednesday, 14th October.
We can also announce a concert at Paradiso, Amsterdam on 20th December.
We’ll keep you informed as other dates are confirmed."


I'll be there as Polichinelle is my favourite Irish album ever!

Tuner & Doris - Upstairs in Whelans Tonight

Tuner launch their EP tonight with the help of Doris in Whelans tonight. It's been moved from Eamon Dorans! Doors are 9pm and I'll be there!

Friday's Forgotten Favourites - Wallmark

This feature brings to the blog a band from back in the day and makes a song and dance about their existence!



Taken from the excellent website http://irishmusicdb.com/ "Wallmark were a rock band based around the brothers Padraig and Joe Digan. Over the years, their line up has also included Michael Murphy [Bass], David Kennedy [Guitar, Keyboards & Vocals], Philip d'Alton [Bass Guitar, Piano & Vocals] and Matt Power [Bass Guitar]. In 2003, the band released their debut EP, 'Wait For The People' and this was followed in 2005 by their first full album, 'Everything, Something, Anything'. By this time, the group had slimmed down to a three piece with the brothers joined by Matt Power on Bass. Soon after Wallmark were consigned to history. The trio regrouped for a short period as Whiskey Tango Foxtrot."






Over the course of four years Wallmark released a great album "Everything, Something, Anything" a couple of singles, played numerous headline gigs as well as some top quality support slots. Wallmark supported Paddy Casey in Dublin Castle in May of 2005 as well as supporting everyone from Hothouse Flowers to Damien Dempsey and Delorentos. Wallmark's album was released during our obsession with crooning singer songwriters and well the album is very different to Damien Rice singing about volcanoes! The album is a pure rock album showing clear signs of being influenced by Pearl Jam and AC/DC. Padraig's colourful vocals and meaningful lyrics shines through on 'Everything, Something, Anything'. This band could have made it big!






Starlight



Melodies & Lines Official Video



Catch Padraig In Anseo next month: http://www.myspace.com/padraigdigan

Ann Scott - New Single & Nick Kelly Update

"New single will be released on Oct 2nd called 'Always' with a bside 'Blind Love'
Twill be available from itunes and www.annscott.net

This is the first little songy from the new record which will be a combo of home recordings and songs I've recorded between Electrical Audio and Blackbox over the last year and a bit. The whole project has been very hands on for me so it's extra exciting to be eventually nearing the end with it." .... from Ann's MySpace Blog








NICK KELLY Gestation Update:

9 gigs, 9 months, one precious new arrival...

The first instalment of GESTATION, a unique 9-month project towards the creation of a new solo album by 2005 Choice Prize nominee Nick Kelly. On the last Wednesday of each month Nick performs with different musical collaborators in a full band setting. September 30th is the first night with ANN SCOTT. Find out more about GESTATION at www.nickkelly.ie.

Nick has finalised his guest collaborators for his first 'trimester' of gigs - in each case these people will be performing with him during his own set as well as performing their own special guest slots. They are:

WED SEPT 30th - ANN SCOTT
WED OCT 28th - BOO HEWRDINE
WED NOV 25th - SEAN MILLAR

Tickets: €17 including booking fee
Doors: 8pm

www.nickkelly.ie
www.myspace.com/nickkellymusic

Here is Nick Kelly with the Fat Lady Sings on the Late Late Show

Topical Tuesday - Whipping Boy

WHEN WE WERE YOUNG (Philo Version)

Topical Tuesday is the new feature where I represent a topical item with a sample mp3 from one of Ireland's best artists. The focus for many Irish families this week is the return to school for the 800,000 kids and the difficult situation that has been imposed on them. Through no fault of their own they now have more classmates, less teachers, less subject choices and far more chaos in their lives because of the state the country is in at the moment! Let's hope we don't go back to the time of Philo for the sake of the kids!



http://www.whippingboy.net/index.html

Lyrics:

When we were kids we used to climb over the back wall into old Dan's scrap yard, then into the snooker hall where most of us kids were barred. And into the Roxy and the Stella where film stars starred. That's were me and Hopalong Cassidy and Roy Rodgers got drunk, and jarred we might have been the saviours of men, the captured captain in the devil's dealing den, and we might have been the magic politician in some kind of tricky position, but like an old old master musician we kept on wishing, we were headed for the number one hit country again.

There's an old photograph of Dan I wish you could've seen, of him and the boys, poised, standing in St. Stephen's Green. Y'see they were part of the great freedom dream, but they were caught and detained and are still locked inside the frame of the photograph. And he might have been, the clever con, the good Samaritan, the Rascal man, and he might have been the loaded gun, the charlatan of the tap dancing fan, but like an old old pioneer from outer Afghanistan he's headed for the number one hit country again.

Old Dan the Raincoat hums the very special notes of his long lost favourite melody. It reminds him of a love affair when he was young and did not care. And the parting, so soft so sadly that he might have been the laughing cavalero, the wise old commanchero, the desperado, the gigolo from Glasgow, the good looking Rudolph Valentino, but like an old old hunter in search of the female buffalo, he's headed for the number one hit country again.

And it's true, true blue, Irish blue, and it's true, and sometimes it reminds me of you.

Cos up til now my youthful age was a useless wage, a torn out page, a worn out gauge, a dirty shade, a big charade, a has been made. And honesty was his only excuse.

I took your love and I used it, and honesty was his only excuse.



Here's the original video for the single:




There's an excellent interview with Whipping Boy's Fearghal McKee over at http://www.drop-d.ie/archives/6782 and it includes some new songs!