Inspirations 2010 Update

This gig is gonna start around dinner time at 7.45 and will be streamed live from http://www.muzu.tv/inspirationslive?country=ie

Medium Rare Sunday - The Pale

We are just 5 days away from 'Seachtain Na Gaeilge' which takes place from March 5th to March 17th. The launch will take place in The Button Factory this Wednesday.

Ceol 10 is out now and includes many great tracks from Irish artists such as Luan Parle, Fiach and The Swell Season. One of my favourite songs on any of the Ceol albums is the re-working of Butterfly by The Pale:

The Pale - Feilechain

More Details: http://snag.ie/lang/en-us/

http://www.thepale.ie/

The Glor Sessions - March 1st

I'll be making my way to The International Bar tomorrow night for quite possibly the best line-up of poetry and music yet!

It includes Dermot Bolger who wrote my all timer favourite book such as Emily's Shoes, The Journey Home and Father's Music!

Poets:

Dermot Bolger:
Carl Plover
Chunky Planet:
Wasps Vs Humans:


Comedy:
Trevor Browne:


Musicians:
Brian Canavan:
Garry O'Brien:
Robert Daly:
Captain Bringdown:
Donnacha & Diarmaid:
Aisling Kavanagh



Here's Stephen James Smith and Enda Reilly at The Glor Sessions:

Tweet Review - Fionn Regan

Tweet review is the new feature on the blog. This is where I review an album in less than 140 characters.

Fionn Regan - The Shadow of an Empire

2nd album, new direction, more upbeat, grittier, similar 2 Elliott Smith's Figure 8era, love the songs 5,6,9, lack of charm = 8 out of 12!



http://www.myspace.com/fionnregan

The Lynchburg Mob - EP Review

The band is Ian Plunkett on vocals/guitar, Darragh Lynch guitar/keyboards, Brian Diskin on bass and Paul Stokes on Drums and are together just over a year. They have been crowned DCU BOTB Champs for this year and in April 2010 they will compete in the King Kong club final. This coming Friday is the EP launch in The Village.


The three song EP has a real early 90's nostalgia rock sound. The vocals remind me alot of Johnny Cronin of The Aftermath. The music is similar to Something Happens from back in early 90's. The potential is evident on the EP that the band are talented musicians. The opening track 'Remaining Earnest' included a great bass-line, strong vocals and impressive guitar rifts. With some tweaking it wouldn't be too far from the sound of a band like Editors. The Ep closer 'Revolutionise' is a similar song to the opening track with a decent chorus. 'Edgartown' is the song which shows most promise for me. There is upbeat guitar rifts, nice vocals and great melodies.



The support for the EP launch next Friday is Gypsies On The Autobahn and Donegal based band Empire Electric playing their first Dublin show. Opening the show is Dave Barrett, a 17 year old guitarist from Clontarf.


The Lynchburg Mob CD Launch
Friday 5th March
The Village, Wexford Street.
7pm

More info here: http://www.getmyspoon.com/

Friday's Forgotten Favourites - NPB

We heard the sad news about Paul Clancy RIP, who died in his sleep last week from a heart attack at the age of just 34. Paul was the drummer with NPB [National Prayer Breakfast] and recently was writing music for his solo project called 'Clancy'.



National Prayer Breakfast released three albums in their lifetime and consisted of Patrick Freyne (guitar/vocals), Paul Clancy (drums) and Daragh Keogh (bass). After the departure of guitarist Pol O'Conghaile, they added new guitarist Jeremy. I got their album from 2000 entitled 'The Sociables Prefer Pop Music' and it's a super album of quirky indie pop songs. They were a well respected band in the local music scene.


Feeding Frenzy

Love Your Neighbour


Legacy:

Patrick Freyne is fast becoming one of Ireland's best media journalists with his album reviews in Hot Press and his TV round-up article in The Sunday Tribune.

Patrick also released a brilliant debut album in 2006 called 'Nobody Ever Dies'. Here's the links to some free live downloads on his website:

Feels So Strange

This Town

http://www.patrickfreyneandhisbadintentions.com


Paul Clancy was due to release his debut album 'Road to your Heart' this year co-written by Herm. Let's hope that album still gets released this year!

http://www.myspace.com/clancysongs

Peter Doran - Whelans 18th March

Forget about yer Michael Bubbles in Landsdown Road because this handsome devil is playing upstairs in Whelans on March 18th with support from the brilliant Arrow in The Sky!

http://www.myspace.com/peterdoran

The Scoop Foundation

This appeared in my comment section on MySpace and wow ..... what a line-up!

Let me sum up the poster info: [in my teacher voice!]

Le Galaxie,
The Gandhis,
Valerie Francis,
Adrian Crowley,
The Rags,
Little Feat,
Robotnik,
Ann Scott,
The Ambiance Affair
and the brilliantly named The Scribble Sound System and all for €12 in the Academy!









Here's some info on The Scoop Foundation:

The SCOOP (Save Children Out Of Poverty) Foundation is a new and innovative Irish based charity. Besides raising funds for our projects that focus on the primary education, development and futures of disadvanaged children at home and abroad, we also wish to be a hub or platform for others who want to get involved with a charity or are never offered the chance to volunteer in a developing country and pass on any skill they may possess.

http://www.mycharity.ie/charity/scoopfoundation/

Emmett Tinley New Album details!

Emmett Tinley, lead singer of The Prayer Boat will be recording his second solo album this April in Los Angeles! The album will be produced by Robert Shahnazarian Jr. (The Killers, David Crosby/Graham Nash, John Legend, Kelly Clarkson, Snow Patrol, Silver Sun Pickups).

Mass Market Recordings will exclusively release this album around the globe.

The re-issue of The Prayer Boat's Polichinelle is available as well. The Benelux-edition features 5 never ever before released tracks!

For info and updates, check out the website
www.massmarketrecordings.com

Here's The Prayer Boat's beautiful song 'Saved'.

The Gathering in Maynooth

What a super line-up for this one day festival happening on March 3rd. It's €35 for NUIM students and staff and €45 for us non Maynooth students.

Over 3 stages and during 12 hours of music you will hear the likes of:

The View,
The Magic Numbers,
Duke Special,
Mick Flannery,
Sidney Samson,
The Coronas,
Saccade,
Neosupervital,
The Chapters,
Grand Pocket Orchestra,
and Mundy!


When you consider the Triners is asking for €78 for this .... I think the organisers are doing a super job for The Gathering!


Here's a new song from Neosuperviatal!

Twitter Tuesday - John Spillane

When I came up with 'Twitter Tuesday' the plan was to post a song inspired by an event or tweet on Twitter! Well where do I begin?


One of the best articles I've read about the various uses of Twitter was Una Mullally's article in this Sunday's Tribune here:

In the article Una states that "Twitter is all about the individual; your thoughts, your opinion, what you're doing." It's the instant transfer of information in one place where you choose from millions those people who you have some common association with. It works very well when you get home from work and want to vent to people that you're pissed off ...... enter Dan Boyle and Wilie O'Dea!


John Spillane - The Song of Lies


It's great to see that John Spillane is currently on tour in the US! His songs are well written tales which include great insight and wit.


http://johnspillane.com/





Tour Dates:

02/25/10 John Spillane in Worthington, OH Bronwynn Theatre, Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center US

02/27/10 John Spillane in Columbia, Maryland Panzer House Concerts US

02/28/10 John Spillane in Hampton, VA Harris Creek Acoustic House US

03/02/10 John Spillane in Sumter, SC Sumter Opera House US

03/04/10 John Spillane in Monroe, Louisiana Enochs Irish Pub and Cafe US

03/06/10 John Spillane in Austin, Texas Onion Creek House Concerts US

03/07/10 John Spillane in Austin, Texas Open Ears Concerts US

03/13/10 John Spillane in Orchard Road. Clondalkin. Dublin Áras Chrónáin Ionad Cultúrtha IE

03/14/10 John Spillane in Trafalgar Square, London, England St Patricks Day Festival, Trafalgar Square UK

Other acts: Foy Vance, The Coronas, Kila, Four Men & A Dog, Mundy and Camille O’Sullivan.


03/23/10 John Spillane in Help for Haiti with Christy Moore Vicar Street IE

03/29/10 John Spillane in Midleton, Cork McDaids IE

04/09/10 John Spillane in Blarney, Cork The Muskerry Arms IE

04/13/10 John Spillane in Langton House Hotel,Kilkenny The Set Theatre IE

04/14/10 John Spillane in Langton House Hotel,Kilkenny The Set Theatre IE

Ceol 10 Album Details

I do love the Ceol albums even though I struggle with our native tongue! Here's Fiach singing 'Is Aoibhne' which appears on the album!

Ruby Sessions - Feb 23rd

There's a cracking line-up for tomrrows Ruby Sessions:

Bill Coleman,
Garrett Wall Band,
Alice Jago,
Gavin Mee.


Ah any auld excuse to embed this cracking video from Bill Coleman. Bill made the video himself and really sums up the last few years perfectly well!

Cover Me Monday - Republic of Loose

Republic of Loose have gone through their most successful few months in terms of PR while not releasing anything for ages. Firstly Irvine Welsh championed the band by saying in Q magazine that his favourite album of the naughties was 'Aaagh!'.

Earlier this month they headlined the Phantom FM first Friday gig for Haiti.

Here's the Republic of Loose doing a decent cover of R Kelly's Ignition:

Ignition

They are now scheduled to support Ash in a secret location [Andrew's Lane but shhhh] on March 20th as part of some 7Up marketing gimmick.

Finally they are on the FM104 annual help a Dublin Child gig in The Olympia with The Coronas and Joe Echo. It's on April 9th and details from: http://www.fm104.ie/utilities/content_page.aspx?id=2160

Stand Up and Be Counted - Friday 26th Feb

For just a tenner you get to see three great bands and will help the fortunes of one of them! Be there!

Love Music Hate Racism - Thurs 25th Feb

The LMHR sessions nights have proved to be very successful events and this Thursday there's a super line-up.

Check out Finbar O'Brien's song about singing in 'Open Mic' nights.




I love this tune: Liverpool by The Guilty Folk.





Unfortunately I can't make this gig as I'm in Boyles, Slane with a lovely bunch of musicians.





Here's Simon Fagan recently on BandWagon TV!

Medium - Rare Sunday - Saccade

Dublin band Saccade are in a generous mood by offering their last single, current single and a bunch of great b-sides free to download from their bandcamp site: http://saccade.bandcamp.com/


Taken from the b-side collection is this really good power pop tune:

Liberater

Big congratulations to Saccade for getting through the Cork heat of The JD Set and are the first band into the final in The Village on April 29th. It was a tough heat with Saccade competing with We Go Go, Fingersmith and Stone Throwing Youths.

http://www.myspace.com/saccade

See Saccade Live:

22 Feb 2010 21:00 The Village, Dublin
25 Feb 2010 20:00 The Spirit Store - Dundalk Dundalk, Longford
26 Feb 2010 20:30 Think Tank - SINGLE LAUNCH Dublin, Dublin
2 Mar 2010 21:00 The Ruby Sessions - Doyles Bar Upstairs Dublin, Dublin
3 Mar 2010 20:00 NUI MAYNOOTH - THE GATHERING Kildare
5 Mar 2010 21:00 The Lost and Found Monaghan, Monaghan
20 Mar 2010 21:00 Krugers - Tophouse Dublin, Dublin
24 Mar 2010 20:00 DCU - RAG WEEK Dublin
25 Mar 2010 21:00 Boyles - Slane
3 Apr 2010 20:00 Think Tank Dublin
29 Apr 2010 20:00 The Village - JD SET FINAL Dublin


Advanced notice that Saccade are playing the March 'Live At Boyles' gig in March.

Pearse McGloughlin,
Saccade,
I Am Not Lefthanded,
The Long Knives

Should be a cracking night.

Thanks!

As I write this Man Utd look like they are going to lose to Everton and I find out I was nominated in the best Music Blog category! Altogether a decent day so far!

Well Done to all the Nominated Blogs:

http://awards.ie/blogawards/2010/02/20/2010-irish-blog-awards-nominations/#comments

Thanks for the nod folks!

Happy 20th Birthday - The Frames

Glen formed The Frames in 1990 and released it's first single 'The Dancer' in 1991. Here's a simplified biography of the band from http://irishmusicdb.com/f/frames/frame.htm

1990 Band formed

1991 Release of 'The Dancer' single

1992 Release of 'Masquerade' single
Release of 'Turn On Your Record Player' E.P.
Release of 'Another Love Song' album [22 September]

1993 Release of 'Picture Of Love' single
John Carney leaves the band. He is replaced on Bass by Graham Downey

1994 Noreen O'Donnell leaves the band

1995 Release of 'Fitzcarraldo' album [November]

1996 Release of 'Revelate' single
Release of 'Monument' single
Graham Downey leaves the band and is repalced by Joe Doyle

1998 Paul Brennan [Binzer] leaves the band and is replaced by David Hingerty

1999 Release of 'I Am The Magic Hand' E.P.
Release of 'Pavement Tune' single
Release of 'Rent Day Blues' E.P.
Reelase of 'Dance The Devil' album [25 June]

2001 Release of 'Lay Me Down' single
Release of 'For The Birds' album [02 April]
Release of split single with Calexico. The Frames contributed their version of 'New Partner'
David Odlum leaves the band to concentrate on production work

2002 Release of 'Headlong' single
Release of 'Breadcrumb Trail' album [June]
The Frames perform as part of the first series of Other Voices, Songs From A Room which was recorded in St. James Church in Dingle. The series is broadcast on RTE Television in the Spring of 2003. Glen Hansard presents the series.

2003 Rob Bochnik officially joins The Frames after touring with the band for about a year
Release of 'Set List' live album [16 May]
Release of 'Fake' single [12 September]
David Hingerty leaves the band and is replaced by John Boyle

2004 Release of 'Finally' single [20 August]
Release of 'Burn The Maps' album [17 September]

2005 Release of 'Sideways Down' [28 January]
Release of 'Fake' in the UK [21 February]

2006 Release of 'Falling Slowly / No More I Love Your' double A-Side single [01 September]
Release of 'The Cost' album [22 September]

2007 Last official tour of The Frames

2008 Supports Neil Young in Malahide in their last performance as The Frames in Ireland.

2010 The Frames are 20

Here's some tunes from an amazing concert by The Frames Austrailian tour in 2007. Look how happy Rob and Joe are to be standing!

Finally:

Watch The Frames and other great gigs on Moshcam.

People Get Ready

Watch The Frames and other great gigs on Moshcam.

New Partner

Watch The Frames and other great gigs on Moshcam.

Also not many people know this but hidden away in www.theframes.ie is the complete debut album available for download! You can find links to it here:

http://www.irishmusiccentral.com/theframes/sounds.html

Sample tracks from 'Another Love Song'

The Waltz

Martha

Live Forever


Long live The Frames! http://www.theframes.ie/

Friday's Forgotten Favourites - Blink

Blink were a pretty good band in their day. Their day was in the early 90's with the release of their strong debut 'A Map of the Universe'. It was in that same electronic indie genre of Jesus Jones, EMF and The Soup Dragons. Blink in 1992 were the first band in the world to be featured on a phonecard! Well that's according to here! [see below]


Blink were: Dermot Lambert: Vocals, Guitar
Brian McLoughlin: Bass Guitar
Robbie Sexton: Guitars, Keyboards & Vocals
Barry Campell: Drums & Backing Vocals


Love Me

Going To Nepal

Blink did release album number two in the US in 1998 called 'The End is High'. It took two years to be released in Ireland. In 2004 they had a revival of sorts by releasing 'Deep Inside The Sound Of Sadness'.

Legacy: Blink built up a decent following and released some great albums. Lead singer Dermot is heavily involved in the music management here as well as releasing his solo album very soon. Catch him support Martin Egan in Whelans on March 5th. Fearghal McKee from Whipping Boy is also on support duties that night.

MusicBlogocide 2010

The internet's essential tool Google really pissed people off in two ways this week. Firstly if you use the brilliant user-friendly gmail you've been automatically signed up to 'Buzz' [Deadly Buzz?]. Then they go to the extremes by deleting six of the best mp3 music blogs out there. An example of flexing their muscles? Yes! They are not making friends and influencing people at the minute!



My first attempt at a music blog was www.mixtape4melfi.blogspot.com which didn't work due to lack of an objective and because it had a stupid name! I did get a few DMCA complaints due to posting songs by the likes of Wheat, Ben Harper and Flobots. So far with 2uibestow I've only had the one musician asking me to remove their material from this site and as yet have had no DMCA complaints. Hopefully this means that 2uibestow will be live and kicking for as long as I have the will to continue.



Here's a great article explaining MusicBlogocide 2010: http://www.themusicvoid.com/2010/02/musicblogocide-2010-how-doing-right-can-come-off-so-wrong/



I do find it hard to believe that Google took down I Rock Cleveland, It’s a Rap, Living Ears, To Die By Your Side, Masala and Pop Tarts. This includes all their archives and hundreds of personal comments. These blogs have in a way suffered from their popularity. The vast majority of blogs like this one have just a small following and readership. 2uibestow is a tiny aspect of the global music scene and I'd like to think gaining respect in the local Irish music scene. I do believe blogging as an entity is unique because for the majority of blogs there is no monetary gain. Music bloggers are in the main simply music fans and use their site as a recommendation forum above all other things.

FM 104 The Gig is back!

IT'S BACK! FM104 Help a Dublin Child 'THE GIG' will rock the Olympia Theatre in Dublin on Friday April 9th!

The first acts to rock the night is The Coronas, The Republic of Loose and Joe Echo!


Joe Echo just missed out on my 5 tips for 2010 list last month. Here's why I rate his music so much!

Backroom Navan - Gig Listing

I'm a big fan of The Backroom of The Lantern Bar in the middle of Navan. It's a great little room with a super sound perfect for acts starting out or those with a following. Most of the gigs take place on Fridays and are well worth the visit.

http://www.thebackroomsessions.com/






26 Feb 2010 20:00 Clive Barnes + Eugene Donegan + Jezzebelle

5 Mar 2010 20:00 The Chapters + The Myth + Miracle Bell

12 Mar 2010 20:00 RedTwelve + The Whatmans + The Candides




16 Mar 2010 20:00 Simon Fagan + Trigger & The Hitmen + Mark Black

19 Mar 2010 20:00 Declan O’Rourke + Saramai & The Swords





1 Apr 2010 20:00 Sex Magik (RHCP Tribute)

9 Apr 2010 20:00 Codes + The Unspecial Guests + Henrietta Game

23 Apr 2010 20:00 Culture Vandals + Sanzkrit





30 Apr 2010 20:00 Storybooks For Small Dogs + Town Crier

7 May 2010 20:00 Joy Booth & Band + Trigger & The Hitmen

21 May 2010 20:00 The Unspecial Guests + Froud




28 May 2010 20:00 Charity Event

11 Jun 2010 20:00 The Whatmans + Storybooks For Small Dogs + Geriko

Ultan Conlon - The Universe Tune

This is a beautiful video to a wonderful song by Ultan Conlon. Now if only people could see it soomewhere other than YouTube! I was made by Stop! Motion Animation and Fiona Cameron.

It's Pancake Tuesday

I recorded this about a year ago at The Ruby Sessions.

The man can play guitar!



http://www.waynebrennan.com/

Twitter Tuesday - Garrett Wall Band

So yesterday through Twitter I learned it was snowing in Madrid. Another useless but interesting fact which makes Twitter essential viewing fro me.

The info came from Madrid based Garrett Wall http://twitter.com/garrettwall who is bringing his band to Ireland next week for a short tour and to launch their latest album 'Hands and Imperfections'.


Feb 28 - Sunday Roast, The Mercantile, Dublin
Feb 27 - Mullarkey's, Clifden, Co. Galway
Feb 26 - Bewley's Café Theatre, Grafton St., Dublin
Feb 25 - Boyels Sessions, Boyles, Slane, Co. Meath
Feb 24 - Crane Lane Theatre, Cork
Feb 23 - Ruby Sessions, Doyles, Dublin
Feb 22 - The Tally Ho, Longford Town

http://garrettwallband.com





Remember Garrett is in Boyles on Thursday week as special guests for our sessions night!

Reminder - Alphastates Last Gig Thurs 18th Whelans

For me one of the best gigs last year was the album launch of Human Nature the second album from Alphastates. Unlike many of the bands who split up this year Alphastates are going out with a last gig and celebration. Apparently the plan is for Catherine to release a solo effort, Gerry to work on soundtracks and the bassist Stevie to keep working with The Rags on their debut album.


Alphastates - Sometimes

Support comes from Herm and The DC Experiment. Admission is just €10.


Here's some clips from that gig last year:

Cover Me Monday - Tadhg Cooke

On Twitter I'm following Tadhg Cooke who is currently on the road in America with The Guggenheim Grotto. http://twitter.com/tigercooke

A few years back Tadhg released a very good debut which he didn't get the recognition he deserved. Recently Tadhg has been an integral part of Dave Geraghty's band. Here is Tadhg with a live version of the Van Morrison and adopted Jeff Buckley classic 'The Way Young Lovers Do' found on the website below.


The song was recorded in 2003 [7 yrs ago!] at 'Songs From A Parlour'. The website is still live and has about 30 tunes available from the likes of Fiach, Alphastates, Declan O'Rourke and Sean Needham.


http://www.songsfromtheparlour.com/audio.shtml



David Geraghty has been added to the Vantastival line-up along with:


Simon Fagan,
O Emperor,
The Ambiance Affair,
Sleep Thieves!

Here's Dave Geraghty with Tadgh at The Electric Picnic last year.

Love Irish Mixtape

Yep .... Love is all around us and I hope you're getting your fair share! There's plenty to go around! Isn't there?


Here's a Mixtape of lurve songs for your pleasure.



Foy Vance - Little Heart


Kitty & The Can Openers - Predatory Love


Mark Dignam - This Is Love


The Whiskey Limbs - Love Song


Steafán Hanvey - My Woman (Ode To You)


A House - I love You


Declan DeBarra - Throw Your Arms Around Me


Juno Falls - Kiss Me


One Day International - Miss Your Mouth


The Devlins - Don't Let It Break Your Heart


The Guggenheim Grotto - I Think I Love You


Alphastates - Kiss Me


Please support the artists in whichever way you can. Links will expire next week.

Stand Up And Be Counted

No it's not a talent show for failed politicians but .....


".....is a brand new showcase night promoting Dublin’s most talented acts that deserve a spell in the spotlight. Taking place in The Village of Wexford Street on Friday February 26th, the first night of this regular event will promote Dublin based acts The Rags, The Whiskey Limbs and Machine Gun Baby. Each act will grace the stage of this beautiful venue to promote themselves and their music while the crowd, absorb their craft.


All three acts will be given the chance to make their mark on the night by performing a 40-minute set, which will be independently adjudicated. Promoters BM Live Music will then award each act with a prize for their dedication to the music industry.


Prizes on the night include the following:

A video shoot with video content specialists - Creative Productions.
A photo shoot with renowned industry photographer - Kieran Frost.
A 2 hour consultation with PR company - Entertainment Architects.
The aim of this night is to help such unsigned acts stand up and be counted for their ongoing commitment to the Irish music scene."

Vantastival - New Music Festival in Co. Louth

Direct from their website: "Vantastival is a three-day family-friendly music festival held at Dunany Estate in mid-Louth over the May bank holiday weekend (April 30 - May 2, 2010), aimed primarily at campervan, motorhome and motor scooter enthusiasts but will be a brilliant weekend for all seasoned festival-goers with live music and entertainment on three stages."

http://vantastival.com/

This looks like great fun. Here's the good aspects of this festival;

1. It's €65 for weekend including camping AND all kids under 14 are free!
2. It's not far from us [45 min drive]
3. Fancy dress welcome ball, themed 'Mods v. Rockers', in a circus tent in the campsite.
4. Full weekend programme of live music and comedy on three stages, culminating each night with a big name act.
5. Healing and well-being area featuring massage and healing therapies.
6. Wooded children's playground area with adjacent crèche marquee and scheduled children's entertainment.
7. Craft and food fair, including homebrew workshop.


Here's the confirmed line-up so far:

Kila
Jack L
Mick Flannery
Mark Geary
FRED




Dublin City Ramblers
Jinx Lennon
FIACH
The Hot Sprockets




Sanzkrit
Cuckoo Savante
Lisa O'Neill
Noelie McDonnell
Scarecrow Disco
Sounds of System Breakdown
Prairie Dawgs
Valerie June
Sara Lou
Yngve and the Innocent
Nassau
Speedking
little xs for eyes
The Candidates
Meg Hutchinson
Pressure Drop
Wee Small Gods
Resin
Earthquake Hair
Weedway
Ned and the Horse Boxes
Poppy Lloyd
John Vaughan
Nemo
Sticky Digit
Reko

and ................ Frantic Jack

Twitter Tuesday - A Plastic Rose

Belfast based band A Plastic Rose recently uploaded their video for the single Kids Dont Behave Like This. The video was shot last Thursday and Friday and was documented on Twitter with updates and a request for a lend of a loud 'Boombox' or portable amp.

http://twitter.com/aplasticrose

A Plastic Rose was one of our 'Sound of 2010' list last month and from this evidence I think we made a great choice. I can't wait for their debut!

Here's the video:

The Glor Sessions - Feb 8th 2010

Last night in The International Bar was such a great night. The Glor Sessions is fast becomming my guilty pleasure. It's like those old folk clubs from the 60's and 70's. The atmosphere is always special and the talent is amazing. Even had a chance to catch up with Dayo who's debut album is finished and ready for mixing!

Here's the wonderful Wayne Brennan:




Wayne was followed by Anto and Andy:





Watch Stephen James Smith dancing in a black dress!






Every non bank holiday Monday The Glor Sessions in the basement of The International Bar!

http://www.stephenjamessmith.com/Glor.html

Keith Mullins Video & Tour

Here's the video to Keith's second single 'Across The Ocean' from his excellent debut 'The Great Atlantic'.

Cover Me Monday - Dublin Gospel Choir

What's the craic with George Lee TD?

*** shakes me head ***

Is he still looking for something? Was he looking for change? Did he expect something different from politics? Is he just an attention seeker but couldn't get any from Enda and his merry men? Is he just a quitter who couldn't handle the pressure? Is there a finer mess these politicians could get our country into?

From last year's Inspirations gig here's a great cover of a U2 classic:

The Dublin Gospel Choir - I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

http://www.dublingospelchoir.com/

James Guilmartin - Intro Into Exile [Album Review]

James Guilmartin released his debut album 'Intro Into Exile' at the end of January with a launch upstairs in Whelans. James has spent many years writing songs, regularly gigging and being part of 'The Happy Gang' around '05/'06 with the likes of blog favourites Jenny Lindfors, Robotnik and Alyanya. James pretty much played every instrument on the album and has created an album full of big sounds.



I really like the indie pop sound on the song 'All The Dogs Are Howling Their Own Tune' where it reminds me of Badly Drawn Boy on the 'About a Boy' soundtrack. The huge sound of 'Wise Up' works well mid album and showcases James' powerful voice. 'Untimely Tails' is a grunge inspired song which is the highlight of the album.



'Intro Into Exile' is an album which gets better after a few listens. I wasn't too impressed on the first listen because I had very high expectations from the album. It's almost too big on ambition. There are many attempts at creating an atmospheric aura to the album which doesn't work. It flirts with far too many genres. The 'Muse' sounding 'Breadcrumb Trail' is at the opposite scale to the country folk of 'Gypsy Love Song'. I'm not too sure why production levels on the song 'Spirit of Haum' were stripped down.



'Intro Into Exile' is not a bad album. It has many good songs and does end on a high with an excellent repetitive lullaby in 'Nightly Blossom'. It's good enough to be the end song of any mixtape! I'd be very interested in hearing this album sung live by James either in a solo gig or with a full band in the future.

James Guilmartin - Intro Into Exile [8 out of 12]

http://www.myspace.com/jamesguilmartin

Medium Rare Sunday - Fionn Regan

There's a great buzz around the blogsphere about two Irish acts who are in the process of releasing albums. Two Door Cinema Club are being written about by many a blog worldwide in anticipation of their debut album released on March 1st. Expect a review of that album on the blog soon.




Fionn Regan has just released his second album 'The Shadow of an Empire' and is receiving a consistent 4*s out of 5 in all the main Irish Media outlets. I'm hoping to win a signed copy of the album from Ronan's blog: http://swearimnotpaul.blogspot.com/2010/02/competition-fionn-regan-shadow-of.html


If you look at Fionn's career to date since his debut single in 2002 I really feel that he has crafted the perfect career. He began with the single "Little Miss Drunk" followed by two excellent EPs and a tour EP before releasing the acclaimed debut in 2006. Fionn has a solid growing fanbase which enables him to progress musically with an uplifting sound for the new album. 'After the Fall' is in my mind Fionn's best song and can be found on the Reserviour EP.


After The Fall


http://www.myspace.com/fionnregan

See Fionn live:


14 Feb 2010 20:00 York Fibbers York
16 Feb 2010 20:00 Leeds Brudenell Social Club Leeds
17 Feb 2010 20:00 Manchester Academy 3 Manchester
18 Feb 2010 20:00 Bristol Thekla Bristol
19 Feb 2010 20:00 Exeter Cavern Exeter
20 Feb 2010 20:00 Bath Moles Bath
22 Feb 2010 20:00 Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms Portsmouth
23 Feb 2010 20:00 Brighton Komedia Brighton
24 Feb 2010 20:00 ULU London
25 Feb 2010 20:00 Norwich Arts Centre Norwich
26 Feb 2010 20:00 Oxford Jericho Tavern SOLD OUT Oxford
28 Feb 2010 20:00 Canterbury The Farmhouse canterbury
1 Mar 2010 20:00 Nottingham Bodega Nottingham
2 Mar 2010 20:00 Birmingham The Rainbow Birmingham
5 Mar 2010 20:00 Electric Avenue Waterford
6 Mar 2010 20:00 Dolans Limerick
7 Mar 2010 20:00 School of Music Cork
10 Mar 2010 20:00 Nerve Centre Derry
11 Mar 2010 20:00 The Empire Belfast
12 Mar 2010 20:00 Roisin Dubh Galway
13 Mar 2010 20:00 Vicar Street Dublin
14 Mar 2010 20:00 Riverbank Theatre Newbridge

Talulah Does The Hula -

TDTH are made up of ex-members of The Chalets and Neosupervital and are tipped to have a really good year.

Friday's Forgotten Favourites - Virgin Prunes

Ok I'm a day late but hey I've been busy ..... kinda! Anyway here's a half arsed attempt at a quick post. I found some amazing clips of Irish 80s Goth band The Virgin Prunes and OMG what was going on here?




Mad days they were!




They even made it onto Irelands Late Late Show! It's the equivalent of Adebisi Shank being asked to play the Late Late now!

Live at Boyles - Feb 25th

I know it's ages away but I'm kinda proud of my poster for this gig.





Can't wait to hear Anto do his thing!

Meteors 2010 - Most Promising Act

The 5 acts with the most votes/friends/industry darlings were announced today.

AMASIS
EVER27
JODY HAS A HITLIST
COLM LYNCH
SUSIE SOHO


I haven't heard of Amasis or Jody has a hitlist before! Ever27 are a decent band and Colm Lynch is excellent. I just gave my vote to Susie Soho!

Keith Mullins - The Great Atlantic [Album Review]

Keith Mullins from Galway has just released his debut album The Great Atlantic. Keith may well be marketed as a singer-songwriter but this fine debut offers way more than the genre suggests.


The album kicks off with the radio friendly 'Three Steps' which suggests this album is closer to the "Americano" genre than the singer-songwriter genre. Keith's voice is similar to Ron Sexsmith's on many of the songs. I also hear many similarities to the sound of 'Calexico' on songs such as 'Across the Ocean', 'Neil Armsong' and 'As I Walk You Home'.


For me the songs which include the delicate backing vocals of Ciara Delaney are the standout tracks. These include 'No Hercules' and the wonderful love song 'This Is Me, Walking Away'. 'The Great Atlantic' is an album of great depth, intimacy and charm which if there was any justice in the world would be listened to by the masses!



Keith Mullins - The Great Atlantic [10 out of 12]


http://www.keithmullinsmusic.com

Catch Keith live especially if you're going to the Newton Faulkner show in The Olympia on Feb 27th.


THE GREAT ATLANTIC RELEASE TOUR:

11 Feb 2010 - The Helix (DCU) , Dublin
17 Feb 2010 - Zodiac Sessions , Dublin
20 Feb 2010 - The Gaf Cafe ( early show ) , Galway
20 Feb 2010 - Canavan's , Tuam
21 Feb 2010 - The Crane Bar , Galway
24 Feb 2010 - De Barra's , Clonakilty
26 Feb 2010 - Purple Sessions , Drogheda
27 Feb 2010 - Olympia Theatre , Dublin
3 Mar 2010 - Brazil's Cafe Bar , Clonmel
5 Mar 2010 - Common Grounds Cafe , Belfast
7 Mar 2010 - An Crubin , Cork
11 Mar 2010 - Whelan's ( upstairs ) , Dublin
14 Mar 2010 - An Realt Dearg , Cork

Gig Posters - Drop Haiti Debt, Valerie Francis, Oxjam, Ian Whitty

I'm aiming to be in Navan of Friday for this gig.



Ruairi Coogan has been added to the line-up.









I'll be at the gig. Tickets from ticketmaster and usual places!










Valerie Francis has announced her biggest headline gig for Whelans on Feb 27th.












Ian Whitty released a super album in 2008 and it's great to see he is gigging again.

Twitter Tuesday - Choice Awards Show

... in Vicar Street on March 3rd will see the following eight acts perform a couple of tunes each between the ad breaks of the Paul McLoone show. At just €27 it was pointed out to me through a tweet that it'll be €3.37 per act which is pretty good value for money. The 8 bands in attendance will be:

And So I Watch You From Afar
Codes
Adrian Crowley
Dark Room Notes
The Duckworth Lewis Method
Julie Feeney
Valerie Francis
The Swell Season


Valerie Francis or Adrian Crowley 4 the win!

Mixtape - Just Keep It Going

The best thing about organising your own sessions night in a venue is the great sense of pride you get when everything about the night works. The major success story was the acoustic rock from The Whiskey Limbs. It was energetic and full of emotion and humour from a band with the right attitude. Their three part harmonies and country lyrics were just wonderful. The whole night helped to life my spirits to face the difficult year ahead.









The Whiskey Limbs - Pretty Jane





I say 'difficult' and by that I mean the changes I'm going to observe this year in our country. Over the weekend I seen many a shop or business closing down with real people looking into the abyss. I've just read an article from David McWilliams where in summery he says we're fu**ed! I see real hardship for people who didn't do much wrong and it's so difficult to 'Just Keep It Going'


Wallis Bird - Just Keep Going


The best way to keep it going is to join a community. If you're into reading join a 'real' book club not just an online forum. If you're into gardening set up a community co-operative or scheme. If you're into live music go to one of the amazing free sessions nights around the country. These sessions night are just like those old folk clubs of the late 60s and 70s with honest to good people out to have a good night. If there's none near you then do it yourself! There's a new one in Limerick .... details here: http://indielimerick.blogspot.com/2010/01/songwriter-sessions-locke-bar.html



This mixtape celebrates those bands and artists who are out to make great music designed to lift the mood and make life worth more than just bank statements, pay cuts and missed opportunities!





The Revenants - Sarah




A Plastic Rose - Promise




Kiernan McMullan - Ballad of a Shadow Man





Pete Courtney - Please Somebody





My Brother Woody - Hanging Around




Fred - Let's Get It Wrong



The Chapters - Perfect Stranger









Brian Canavan - I Hate People



The Coronas - All The Luck In The World



The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra - Soon




Remember to support the artists by checking out their websites, going to their gigs or buying the odd tune or cd!

Cover Me Monday - Drop Haiti's Debt

Cathy Davey, The Chapters, Julie Feeney and The Villagers all play Vicar Street on Thursday 11th Feb!


The concert is for the campaign for the cancellation of Haiti’s illegitimate debt. Tickets cost €20 and are on sale now.


Nobody can fail to be moved by the scale of the human suffering in Haiti. Tens of thousands of people are dead, thousands more are missing, millions are homeless. The response from the public has been phenomenal – and the donations are urgently needed.


It will take decades for Haiti to recover from the earthquake. The country must not face the additional massive burden of debt repayments. In addition, the emergency assistance Haiti is currently getting must be in the form of grants, not loans, which will only increase Haiti’s debt burden in the long run.


Cathy Davey - I Feel Love [Donna Summer]

Villagers - Pieces




The Chapters - Four Thorns

I Draw Slow - The Cobblestone Feb 12th

Isn't it a beautiful poster for Dublin's Bluegrass band 'I Draw Slow'.

http://www.myspace.com/idrawslow