Amhrán Gach Lá - Brian Brody

This event on Tuesday is a wonderful idea and I hope it goes well for Hamlet Sweeney & co!

Taken from the facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=169719486415342


BIG WARM ACOUSTIC TUESDAY!


Donate an instrument or pay just €5 for a superb gig to help kids in need get musical instruments to learn on.



...The Grand Social,
Lower Liffey St (at Halpenny Bridge)
8pm (first act starts early, last act finishes in time for buses home)


***IF YOU HAVE AN UNUSED INSTRUMENT PLEASE DONATE IT! MESSAGE HERE. BRING IT ON THE NIGHT. OR DROP IT INTO THE GRAND SOCIAL ANYTIME***

The artists appearing will be:

Gavin Glass

Amazing multi-instrumental singer songwriter who has played the world over and is a regular onstage alongside Lisa Hannigan & Cathy Davey. His songwriting is always deeply soulful and he’s renowned for giving his live performances everything he’s got.


Toby Reiser Quartet

No instruments, just 4 voices a capella performing southern US gospel songs that sound like they’re coming straight out of a wind-up record player. Impossible not to love.


Sincop'Hat

4 French guys playing Gypsy swing. A crackingly good live act. You won’t resist dancing to their version of Inspector Gadget.


Hamlet Sweeney

Dublin singer/songwriter with a rich repertoire of playful, poetic songs. “...good times acoustic blast...” Evening Herald


Brian Brody

Top drawer troubadour with a hugely diverse background from cabaret to being a member of The Pale. Always a very powerful live performer.


01 Soul loving life by Brian Brody

All money is going to help a city centre music school run by Saint Vincent De Paul & volunteers. The music teaching program has been a huge hit with the kids but they need more instruments badly. So how about you spend a fiver, have a night of wonderful live music, all while helping a very worthy local cause right on your doorstep. It’s music fans & musicians helping people directly through music.

List: Top 50 Current Irish Artists

Here is the Best 50 Irish Acts out there at this moment in time in my humble opinion.

50. Clockwork Noise
49. The P Affection
48. The Elective Orchestra/Nick Carswell
47. TKO
46. Pete Courtney
45. Friend?
44. EleventyFour
43. Norabelle
42. Mark Black /with The Roots Orchestra /with The Trips
41. Fox. E & The Good Hands
40. The Chapters
39. Fred
38. Owensie
37. Peter Doran
36. The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra
35. Villagers
34. Fia Rua
33. El Hombre Jokes
32. Jennifer Evans
31. A Plastic Rose
30. Huey & The Hobgoblins
29. Alien Envoy
28. Terence Rowlands
27. A Band Called Wanda
26. Reader's Wives
25. The Riot Tapes
24. Burning Codes
23. Fiach
22. Groom
21. Anthony Furey & The Young Folk
20. Awake Young Soldiers
19. Shayne Byrne
18. Preachers Son
17. Pearse McGloughlin
16. The Dirty 9s
15. Youth Mass
14. Storyfold
13. Sean Millar/Dr. Millar
12. Fling
11. James Vincent Mcmorrow
10. Brian Canavan/The Difference Engine
9. Resurrection Fern
8. David Hope & The Henchmen
7. A Lazarus Soul
6. Cocophone



5. The Blue Choir

Maynooth band The Blue Choir stand apart from the many hundreds of other rock bands due to the vocals and songwriting lyrics of frontman Barry Kirwan. This track was one of my favourite from 2010.






4. Henrietta Game

I cheated here by including Henrietta Game as the band are only now releasing their official debut single from their soon to be released album 'Black Ship'. I had a quick listen yesterday and it's a superb album.

HENRIETTA GAME: RADIO SINGLE: SLEEP THEN + B-SIDE by GoodSeedPR




3. Arrow in the Sky

Arrow in the Sky have the songs, musicianship, charm and them amazing vocals and harmonies which make Arrow in the Sky standout. This is the best song I've heard all year. I love how the lyrics are so relevant to today's Ireland!

Ghost Town - Arrow in the Sky by ShaynewithMWL




2. Ham Sandwich

Ham Sandwich are included in the list because they released a near perfect pop album last year. They had the courage to allow Niamh's voice shine through and the limit the big indie rock sounds which Ham Sandwich were renowned for on their first album.

Ham Sandwich - Oh Oh by Pop Culture Monster




1. Bill Coleman


Not only did Bill release a wonderful self released and self funded album 'You Cant Buy Back Your Life' last year which you can download for free but Bill is continuing the creative process by producing a new song a week on his soundcloud page. As he puts it himself it's : 'A series of home demos written and recorded to allow the muse to flow and blow out the cobwebs.' Here Bill covers Kanye West which has already amassed 2,500 listens and close to a hundred downloads! Go Bill!

Cover - Runaway (Kanye West) by bcoleman

Amhrán Gach Lá - Gemma Hayes

Today's the day when the full Top 50 current Irish artists list is complete. There's lots of great Irish artists I've excluded from my list due to not releasing any material in the last year and a bit. Artists such as The Frames, Lisa Hannigan and Junah, as well as artists that don't do it for me like Bell X1, Fight Like Apes and there's a fairly decent question mark over Declan O'Rourke!

One artist I'd have loved to include is Gemma Hayes who is on the verge of releasing a new album.

As Friday is covers day on the blog I'm going to share this video of Gemma guesting on Magnet's version of Dylan's 'Lay lady lay'.

List: Top 50 [6 - 10]

This is part 9 of my rundown of the Best 50 Irish Acts out there at this moment in time.

50. Clockwork Noise
49. The P Affection
48. The Elective Orchestra/Nick Carswell
47. TKO
46. Pete Courtney
45. Friend?
44. EleventyFour
43. Norabelle
42. Mark Black /with The Roots Orchestra /with The Trips
41. Fox. E & The Good Hands
40. The Chapters
39. Fred
38. Owensie
37. Peter Doran
36. The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra
35. Villagers
34. Fia Rua
33. El Hombre Jokes
32. Jennifer Evans
31. A Plastic Rose
30. Huey & The Hobgoblins
29. Alien Envoy
28. Terence Rowlands
27. A Band Called Wanda
26. Reader's Wives
25. The Riot Tapes
24. Burning Codes
23. Fiach
22. Groom
21. Anthony Furey & The Young Folk
20. Awake Young Soldiers
19. Shayne Byrne
18. Preachers Son
17. Pearse McGloughlin
16. The Dirty 9s
15. Youth Mass
14. Storyfold
13. Sean Millar/Dr. Millar
12. Fling
11. James Vincent Mcmorrow



10. Brian Canavan/The Difference Engine

Brian released a really good debut album in 2009 .... last year he formed 'The Difference Engine' who released 'Elephant Island' a few months back. Brian writes clever engaging pop songs and is a great talent!





9. Resurrection Fern

Resurrection Fern is Bean Dolan who is also one-fifth of the most entertaining band in Ireland ... The Jukebox Gypsies. The Resurrection Fern album is folk music at it's best.

07 When You're Weary, Come Home by Resurrection Fern



8. David Hope & The Henchmen

David Hope & The Henchmen fuse an Irish folk sound with Americana to produce a sound totally unique. David's vocals and lyrics work well over the steel guitars and banjo.

Cut Me Down by David Hope+The Henchmen



7. A Lazarus Soul

The third A Lazarus Soul album 'Through a Window in the Sunshine Room' was released in January and it's a superb album full of thoughtful lyrics and mesmerising electronic sounds.


Save our Greenbelt by alazarussoul


6. Cocophone

Cocophone is a band brimming with charm and great songs. Their debut EP gained much attention from djs and the media which was well deserved. The four tracks on the EP are delicate, haunting tunes which blossom with every listen.

04 Yellow Flower by cathalmb

Amhrán Gach Lá - Fox.E & The Good Hands

..... taken from the Redradar post

Fox E & The Good Hands - I Like It Curvy

.... I’m delighted to share the new single by the most entertaining band I’ve seen live this year. Fox. E & The Good Hands can be described as a funky Imelda May but to be honest that does not do justice for Eimear Fox’s outstanding vocals. The band have style, confidence and a swagger about them which infuses their live performance. A superb band to watch out for in the future. Check out the recently recorded new single ‘I Like It Curvy’.


Fox.E & The Good Hands - I Like It Curvy by 2uibestow


Read the rest of the article here:

http://redradar.ie/2011/04/bank-holiday-soundtrack-by-2-u-i-bestow/

List: Top 50 [11 - 15]

This is part 8 of my rundown of the Best 50 Irish Acts out there at this moment in time.

50. Clockwork Noise
49. The P Affection
48. The Elective Orchestra/Nick Carswell
47. TKO
46. Pete Courtney
45. Friend?
44. EleventyFour
43. Norabelle
42. Mark Black /with The Roots Orchestra /with The Trips
41. Fox. E & The Good Hands
40. The Chapters
39. Fred
38. Owensie
37. Peter Doran
36. The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra
35. Villagers
34. Fia Rua
33. El Hombre Jokes
32. Jennifer Evans
31. A Plastic Rose
30. Huey & The Hobgoblins
29. Alien Envoy
28. Terence Rowlands
27. A Band Called Wanda
26. Reader's Wives
25. The Riot Tapes
24. Burning Codes
23. Fiach
22. Groom
21. Anthony Furey & The Young Folk
20. Awake Young Soldiers
19. Shayne Byrne
18. Preachers Son
17. Pearse McGloughlin
16. The Dirty 9s



15. Youth Mass

I adore the rock music Youth Mass make. As is the case with most music I like I find it difficult to describe the sound. Some of the songs are your bog standard alternative rock sounds but some like 'False Start' and this recent single 'Tony Don't You Worry' I'm kind of reminded of 'The Unforgettable Fire' era U2. Only miles better of course!

Tony Don't You Worry by Youth Mass




14. Storyfold

No one makes better radio friendly catchy pop songs with an attitude like the ultra cool Storyfold. Their three singles released to date are all brilliant and will form the backbone to a wonderful debut album called 'Rocket Science' which will be released next month.





13. Sean Millar/Dr. Millar

Sean [Dr.] Millar released an album in two parts at the end of 2009 into early 2010 on cassette and cd. 'Of The People' parts one and two contains the usual brilliant lyrics full of colourful commentaries on life.






12. Fling

Fling are part trad and part folk and it works. The vocals are amazing and the songs with lyrics bring to mind heyday era Dylan. When the band kicks off into jigs & reels it really is an experience to behold. Fling are simply a wonderful band.

Shady Grove by Fling


11. James Vincent Mcmorrow

It took me a long time to warm to the charms of James Vincent McMorrow but I can finally say I've been converted. Last year's 'Early in the Morning' is a fantastic album.

James Vincent McMorrow - From The Woods by partisanpr

Amhrán Gach Lá - Kill Krinkle Club

Kill Krinkle Club's promo video for their single 'Handwritten Novel' really makes me want to visit Venice. The quality of the video makes up for a lack of interest I have in the song which doesn't do it for me!

http://www.killkrinkleclub.com/

List: Top 50 [16 - 20]

This is part 7 of my rundown of the Best 50 Irish Acts out there at this moment in time.

50. Clockwork Noise
49. The P Affection
48. The Elective Orchestra/Nick Carswell
47. TKO
46. Pete Courtney
45. Friend?
44. EleventyFour
43. Norabelle
42. Mark Black /with The Roots Orchestra /with The Trips
41. Fox. E & The Good Hands
40. The Chapters
39. Fred
38. Owensie
37. Peter Doran
36. The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra
35. Villagers
34. Fia Rua
33. El Hombre Jokes
32. Jennifer Evans
31. A Plastic Rose
30. Huey & The Hobgoblins
29. Alien Envoy
28. Terence Rowlands
27. A Band Called Wanda
26. Reader's Wives
25. The Riot Tapes
24. Burning Codes
23. Fiach
22. Groom
21. Anthony Furey & The Young Folk



20. Awake Young Soldiers

Awake Young Soldiers are an indie folk band who perform their music with both the tenderness and enthusiasm that musicians of all ages find so difficult to pull off. These lads have great talent and lots of really good songs too. An EP is released this Summer called 'From The Vetern's Dreams' and it's a good un!








19. Shayne Byrne


Shayne Byrne formally of Arrow in the Sky is included on the back of this wonderful song entitled 'Always'. So far Shayne has only released the single 'The Long Road Ahead' from his forthcoming debut album entitled 'Walk Away' but the quality of that song and this tune 'Always' songs is top drawer.

Always by shaynebyrnemusic




18. Preachers Son

'Love, Life & Limb' the debut album from Dublin rockers Preachers Son contains enough quality tracks on it to keep me wanting to see the band live. I'm forever close to the CD as it travels around with me in the car!

Born Another Time by Preachers Son




17. Pearse McGloughlin

I'm a big fan of Pearse McGloughlin's tender vocals and exceptional lyrics. His 2009 debut album is still a fantastic listen and the follow up EP Twine contains four wonderful tunes. Included is this live favourite 'Morning Mist'.






16. The Dirty 9s


The Dirty 9's are the best live rock band in the country. As the band develops I've no doubt that the songwriting will improve to match the majesty of their musical talents.

The Dirty 9s - Something Better by 2uibestow

Amhrán Gach Lá - Henrietta Game

I wrote a little guest post for the culture website http://redradar.ie/ which will appear online later today.

I wrote about three up and coming bands with recommendations for the soundtrack to your May Bank Holiday weekend. In the post you will be hearing the new single from Henrietta Game called Sleep Then:

Sleep Then by HENRIETTA GAME by GoodSeedPR


The band are constantly touring the island but the difference with the following tour is that they'll be able to sell the single 'Sleep Then' and the album 'Black Ship' when it's releaded in June.


26th April - Boyles, Slane [& Jukebox Gypsy]
30th April - Gweedore, Donegal
1st May - Vantastival Festival, Louth
5th May - Cafe1, Cavan
13th May - Whelans, Dublin
19th May - Red Chair, Wexford
25th May - Workmans Club, Dublin (Single Launch)
26th May - Spirit Store, Louth
4th June - Shamrock Music Festival, Cavan
5th June - Flatlake Festival, Monaghan
11th June - Temple House Festival
18th June - Lisnaskea Festival, Fermanagh
24th June - Album Launch, Dublin (Venue TBC)
25th July - Donegal Town
27th July - The Black Box, Belfast
2nd Sept - Electric Picnic, Body & Soul, Laois
17th Sept - Navan Live Festival, Meath (support to UB40)

List: Top 50 [21 - 25]

This is part 6 of my rundown of the Best 50 Irish Acts out there at this moment in time.

50. Clockwork Noise
49. The P Affection
48. The Elective Orchestra/Nick Carswell
47. TKO
46. Pete Courtney
45. Friend?
44. EleventyFour
43. Norabelle
42. Mark Black /with The Roots Orchestra /with The Trips
41. Fox. E & The Good Hands
40. The Chapters
39. Fred
38. Owensie
37. Peter Doran
36. The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra
35. Villagers
34. Fia Rua
33. El Hombre Jokes
32. Jennifer Evans
31. A Plastic Rose
30. Huey & The Hobgoblins
29. Alien Envoy
28. Terence Rowlands
27. A Band Called Wanda
26. Reader's Wives



25. The Riot Tapes

While only having one single release and being a very young band, The Riot Tapes have charmed their way into the top 50 with a bunch of great tunes like this one:

The Riot Tapes - Photograph (single) by the riot tapes



24. Burning Codes

The new Burning Codes album called ‘Rivers Of Hope’ will be released on 20th June on Dublin Label Indiecater Records and if it's anything like the last album I'll be ecstatic. No one makes music as relevant to my life as the Burning Codes albums. Bring on the new album!

Have a listen to the new single: We Are Like Gold

Burning Codes - We are like gold by Jax Management




23. Fiach

Fiach makes the top 50 for producing a superb debut album last year. Like many a band out there his release was badly timed in that if it came out during the Heyday of singer-songwriters his bank balance would look a lot healthier! Is Fiach up there with Damien, Damo D or Declan yet? I think he's almost at that level! Put it another way I'd pay way more money to see Fiach live than Mundy!


Every single day (radio edit) by Fiachmusic




22. Groom

Groom are just brilliant. They make one of the best albums of the year, play a few small gigs and then disappear to their different musical projects. I've no doubt album number five is already in the works along with their passion for all things music.






21. Anthony Furey & The Young Folk

Brimming with charm Anthony Furey with his band The Young Folk released a really nice debut album last year. The band have since become just 'The Young Folk' and I can't wait to hear the new songs which result from the collective band.

Arthur Furey & The Young Folk - Sad Day by DamnPIK

Mixtape: Festival of the Fires

This coming Saturday sees a great line-up for the one day 'Festival of the Fires' music festival featuring a truly splendid line-up for the nice sum of €35 if the ticket is purchased before the day and €40 on the door.

MAIN STAGE

13:00 – Touch the Earth

14:00 – Aldo (Mexico)

14:30 – Ronan Leonard

15:15 – Pete Courtney

INSTINCT by pete courtney


16:00– The Aftermath

17:15 – Paddy Casey


Paddy Casey - Anyone Who's Yet To Come by Audio Networks


18:30 – Republic of Loose


Republic Of Loose - You Know It by djilo


19:30 – Liam O’Maonlai

20:00 – Kíla

21:10 – FIRE PARADE

22:00 – The Saw Doctors


Red Cortina (acapella) - by The Saw Doctors out Dec 3rd by GoodSeedPR



BUTTON FACTORY STAGE

13:00 – Cherokee Chicks

13:30 – Ri Ra agus Ruile Buaile

14:00 – Stewart Agnew

14:40 – Jupe

15:15 – Kill Goliath


01 Rise and raze by Kill Goliath


16:00 – Arrow in the Sky

16:45 – Preacher’s Son


This Time Of Life Single by Preachers Son

17:25 – Creamy Goodness

18:15 – Junah

19:00 – Jukebox Gypsy


05 The Redwood Song by Jukebox Gypsy


19:45 – The Revellz

20:30 – The Riptide Movement


Keep on keepin' on by The Riptide Movement


21:10 – FIRE PARADE

22:00 – Bi-Polar Empire


Tempomanic by Bipolar Empire

23:00 – Liam O’Maonlai agus Rónán O’Snódaigh

Amhrán Gach Lá - The Hot Sprockets

It's getting closer to the album launch of the debut album from the Hot Sprockets.

The band have put the video of the single 'Cruisin' on YouTube and it's a cracking little tune.



The Hot Sprockets are playing Vantastival on Sunday and in Slane at The Sibin festival on Saturday on the band stage with the following bands:

BAND STAGE:

The Infomatics

Mutefish

The Hot Sprockets

The Cujo Family

Cold Comfort

The Whipround

Guilty Boy Association

Mescalito

White Noise

New Secret Weapon

Veroa

Dem Fools

The Barley Mob

Amhrán Gach Lá - Label/Terry Sutton/Rezlow

To celebrate Easter Sunday I bring you the tale of an artist with massive potential whose amazing band died a death but is on the verge of a resurrection.


Label consisted of Simon Good on guitar, Binzer on drums, Shane Fitzsimons on bass and the vocals of Terry Sutton. The band were writing and gigging for a number of years and released one single in 2001 called 'Tailspin'. The second b-side was this sublime track 'Morning Riser'.


Label - Morning Riser by 2uibestow



I've mentioned a number of times that Terry Sutton has hooked up with a bunch of Kerry lads and called the band Rezlow. I'm anticipating a sublime debut album from the band which will be released over the Summer months. Check out early samples of the album here:

Amhrán Gach Lá - Clockwork Noise

As it happens so many times, just after I wonder where a band has been hiding they then produce a single of sublime quality. Clockwork Noise justifies their entry into my top 50 list by releasing this song from their forthcoming debut album 'Whethermachines'.


Advocate by clockworknoise


The video is really good too:

List: Top 50 [26 - 30]

This is part 5 of my rundown of the Best 50 Irish Acts out there at this moment in time.

50. Clockwork Noise
49. The P Affection
48. The Elective Orchestra/Nick Carswell
47. TKO
46. Pete Courtney
45. Friend?
44. EleventyFour
43. Norabelle
42. Mark Black /with The Roots Orchestra /with The Trips
41. Fox. E & The Good Hands
40. The Chapters
39. Fred
38. Owensie
37. Peter Doran
36. The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra
35. Villagers
34. Fia Rua
33. El Hombre Jokes
32. Jennifer Evans
31. A Plastic Rose



30. Huey & The Hobgoblins

Drogheda's 10 piece funky pop outfit Huey & The Hobgoblins are a fabulous band. They have a swagger about them live which is infectious and helps to create a wonderful live experience. They write good tunes too as well be being musicians of real talent.





29. Alien Envoy

Alien Envoy is the collective name for former Fat Lady Sings vocalist Nick Kelly and friends. The album is a live recording of tracks from the gestation period of gigs Nick conducted upstairs in Whelans over a nine month period. The album just missed out on my top ten albums of 2010 but it's still one of my regular listen's while in the car.






28. Terence Rowlands

Terence Rowlands released a home recorded album last year entitled 'Beta'. The album contains many wonderful tracks and it's a must find for anyone into music which is full of charm.

Red Sunrise by Terence Rowlands




27. A Band Called Wanda

Galway's 'A Band Called Wanda' released their debut EP 'Roses are Still Red' about this time last year and have been steadily touring Ireland promoting it. The band are a great fun time folk band with plenty of harmonies and outstanding musicianship.

06 Where Has The Day Gone? by A Band Called Wanda





26. Reader's Wives


While there's a number of bands on the list who are about to release an album and are in the spotlight there are a few bands who've released a single or an EP in 2010 and been very quiet ever since. I adore Reader's Wives. The band. Mainly for the song Victor's Mother Juliet. This is a wonderful video for Victor's Mother Juliet:

Amhrán Gach Lá - Mundy

Friday is Covers day in the Amhran Gach la feature and today I'm sharing the first single from Mundy's new album 'Shuffle' where he pays homage to his favourite American folk musicians.

1.Rock of Ages Gillian Welch / David Rawlings
2.It’s A Wonderful Lie Paul Westerberg
3.Painbirds Mark Linkous
4.Drunken Angel Lucinda Williams
5.Reconsider Me (w/Gemma Hayes) Warren Zevon
6.Buckets of Rain Bob Dylan
7.Juanita Gram Parsons/Chris Hillman
8.Looks Like I’m Up Shit Creek Again Tom Waits
9.Angel from Montgomery John Prine
10.Ohio Neil Young
11.Dirty Old Egg-Suckin’ Dog Cowboy Jack H. Clement
12.Kathy’s Song Paul Simon
13.Peach Pickin Time in Georgia Jimmy Rodgers and Clayton McMichen
14.Lost on the River Hank Williams

http://mundy.ie/

The first single is 'It's a Wonderful Lie' originally recorded by Paul Westerberg.

Mundy - It's A Wonderful Lie by Mundy

List: Top 50 [31 - 35]

This is part 4 of my rundown of the Best 50 Irish Acts out there at this moment in time.

50. Clockwork Noise
49. The P Affection
48. The Elective Orchestra/Nick Carswell
47. TKO
46. Pete Courtney
45. Friend?
44. EleventyFour
43. Norabelle
42. Mark Black /with The Roots Orchestra /with The Trips
41. Fox. E & The Good Hands
40. The Chapters
39. Fred
38. Owensie
37. Peter Doran
36. The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra




35. Villagers

It's taken me some time to warm to the charm of Conor O'Brien. Over the last few months with the organising of the DSAs and with the Choice Awards approaching I have to say the album won me over big time. I'm delighted that Conor O’Brien has been nominated for an Ivor Novello Award in the category “Best Song Musically and Lyrically” for “Becoming a Jackal”.


Villagers - The Meaning Of The Ritual (Live At Working Mans Club) by DominoRecordCo




34. Fia Rua

Galway's Fia Rua is a wonderfully talented songwriter who released his debut album 'Falling Time' last year. Along with his distinct rural Ireland vocal qualities the lyrics of his songs bring to the forefront an Ireland that's not normally discussed. Check out the album closer 'Ghosts' here.








33. El Hombre Jokes


El Hombre Jokes are a fun time alternative rock band with much promise and bags of enthusiasm to keep with the business long term. They have the added benefit of being a sound bunch of lads!







32. Jennifer Evans


When I seen Jennifer live for the first time last October I was blown away by the quality of her voice and the musicianship on display. An amazing talent who is going to release one hell of a great album someday soon.

Scattered - Jennifer Evans by lynchna




31. A Plastic Rose


Part Sligo, part Belfast this four piece rock band make the kind of rock music which is in your face and will send a shiver down your back. The quality of the dual vocals along with the sheer power of the tracks make A Plastic Rose a good bet for the next stage of world dominance.

Mother It's Time by A Plastic Rose

Amhrán Gach Lá - Saramai & The Swords

One of the blog's tips for 2011, Navan's Saramai & The Swords have put a few tunes on soundcloud and can be accessed here: http://soundcloud.com/saramai

Here's a potential hit for the band with the song Galileo .... [not the Declan O'Rourke one!]

Galileo by saramai

List: Top 50 [36 - 40]

This is part 3 of my rundown of the Best 50 Irish Acts out there at this moment in time.

50. Clockwork Noise
49. The P Affection
48. The Elective Orchestra/Nick Carswell
47. TKO
46. Pete Courtney
45. Friend?
44. EleventyFour
43. Norabelle
42. Mark Black /with The Roots Orchestra /with The Trips
41. Fox. E & The Good Hands



40. The Chapters

My number one act last year falls way back due to this hiatus they've taken upon themselves since they released this single last Summer. The Chapters are still a great band and I'm hoping they are just writing album two as I type!

Black Room by The Chapters




39. Fred

Fred are another band who sneak into my list due to a recent release. Their forth album 'Leaving My EMpire' was released only last week and so far I'm really enjoying it. Here's for my money was the best song off their 2009 album 'Go God Go' called Keep Me Clear.

Fred - Keep Me Clear by 2uibestow




38. Owensie

Owensie's album 'Aliens' is still one of my favourite albums of the year. The calming folk sounds of Owensie makes 'Aliens' the perfect Summer soundtrack.

Owensie: Dark Place by OOAL




37. Peter Doran


Mullingar's singer-songwriter Peter Doran released a wonderful second album last year called Sleepless Street. He has since been touring around the country as well as playing online gigs to promote it. Peter is a songwriter of the highest caliber as evidenced by this track.

Pathways by PeterDoran





36. The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra

The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra are a superb live band. Their folk rock sounds and multiple harmonies set the band apart from the ordinary.

Soon! by The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra by sillygooserecords

Amhrán Gach Lá - Blind Yackety

Blind Yackety are part of this wonderful line-up for tonight in The Button Factory.

The gig is free in and will be recorded!


Blind Yackety - The Black Moth by Blind Yackety promo

Album Review: Bipolar Empire - Feel That You Own It

Bipolar Empire is the latest band to get a big push in Ireland. The band are releasing their debut album 'Feel That You Own It' this week and it's got some very good songs on it. However as an album it doesn't work for me as there are too many highly skipable tracks.

The album kicks off with the infamous 'Tempomaniac' which was heavily featured on Irish television. I've never liked the track and therefore skip onto the much superior title track. The song 'Feel That You Own It' acts as a middle ground here. The album has songs heavier that it such as 'Playing With Fire', 'Open Our Minds' and 'Start The Show' and some where the tempo comes right down. For me the latter tracks are much better where the vocalist really shows his quality.


There's no doubt that Shane O'Reilly has a splendid varied textured voice which suits a range of different songs. However he excels on the pop songs like 'From The Sun' and 'Trip Around The World'. Both of these tracks could be likely radio hits for the band and for me are really good tunes.


The album does let itself down when these two song perspectives collide as in the songs 'Human Race' and 'It's Only Darkness' which sound like they should belong to a Bon Jovi b-sides album from the 80s!


To finish on a positive note I'd say Bipolar Empire live would be value for money as there's enough good tracks on here to keep up an interest!



Bipolar Empire - Feel That You Own It [7 out of 12]



http://www.bipolarempire.com/

Feel That You Own It by Bipolar Empire

List: Top 50 [45 - 41]

This is part 2 of my rundown of the Best 50 Irish Acts out there at this moment in time.

50. Clockwork Noise
49. The P Affection
48. The Elective Orchestra/Nick Carswell
47. TKO
46. Pete Courtney


45. Friend?

Friend? is one of the few bands on the list which I haven't as yet seen live. This will change tomorrow when I go to The Button Factory to see the band with three other fine bands at 'Where The Mugic Happens'. There's a valid question in 'Do we need another post rock instrumental band?' and the answer is when they produce music as good as this then yes! The violin for me makes all the difference with Friend?





44. EleventyFour

EleventyFour sneaks into the Top 50 on the back of her recent EP 'The Joy Formidable'. The songs are funny sweet little pop songs which are brimming with charm.

I'm looking forward to how EleventyFour follows up this EP as I feel an album would need songs a bit more substantial and varied to make an impact. This EP is a great start though.






43. Norabelle

Norabelle writes music that's almost too good for the Irish market. They need to bring their sound further afield so that they can get the recognition for their musicianship, vocals and song writing. Norabelle are a wonderful band.



Video by http://www.youtube.com/user/cockandbulltvmusic




42. Mark Black /with The Roots Orchestra /with The Trips

Mark Black is one of the most talented musicians and songwriters in the country. His style of bluesy rock may not be to everyone's taste but I love it. His new band called 'Mark Black & The Trips' are releasing an album next month which I'm looking forward to hearing.

Mark Black & The Roots Orchestra - Faint Hearted by 2uibestow




41. Fox. E & The Good Hands


Eimear Fox and her band The Good Fight are a talented bunch of people. The band blew me away with their style, funky attitude and wonderful tunes. I can't wait to see the band again live and to hear more music from them into the future.

Sunday's Whore by Fox.E and the Good Hands

News: I Am Not Lefthanded on Charity Compilation

Some wonderful news for blog favourites 'I Am Not Lefthanded' who have their song 'Boats (Swept Away)' included on a charity compilation mix 'Songs of Love for Japan' along with some amazing stars such as Ani DiFranco, Josh Ritter, Tori Amos and Switzerland's finest singer-songwriter Baum.


Buy The Compilation here: http://www.solfj.org/sale/

Track Listing



Full 100 Song Compilation (with +Bonus Tracks)


1.20 Minutes to Park – Darlin’
2.Aileen Morgan – Room to Grow
3.Ajuku Girls – Tokyo Drift
+Bonus Track
4.Alex Bugnon – The World is a Ghetto
5.Alexa Wilkinson – Make Me Smile
6.Alexander Cardinale – Never Too Late
7.Alina Smith – Kissing Tree
8.Amy Speace – Memphis
Unreleased
9.Anais Mitchell – Flowers
10.Ani DiFranco – The Atom
Live
11.Antigone Rising – Borrowed Time
12.Artemis – Fountain of Life
13.Bashiri Johnson – Love, Dreams, Peace and Happiness
14.Baum – One Day You Will Return



One day you will return by baummusic



15.Bellringer – All In You
16.Bhi Bhiman – Guttersnipe
17.Brandi Carlile – Dreams (Live)
Unreleased
18.Brendan James – Your Beating Heart
19.Brett Turner – The Ballad of Kadie Lynne
Unreleased
20.Brian Mackey – Sun Shower
21.Byron Zanos – Fall
22.Casey Desmond – Rendezvous
Unreleased
23.Charlie Crystle – Brother Brother
24.Charlotte Martin & Arrica Rose – Chemistry is Just a Science
Unreleased
25.Cheryl B. Engelhardt – Moving Towards Love
Unreleased
26.Chip Greene – Everything About You
27.Chloe Temtchine – Stand Tall
28.Chris Keys – New Day
29.Chrissy DePauw – Never Too Far
30.Clara Lofaro – Push
Unreleased
31.Correatown – Wood Tiger
32.Darren Locke – Everything’s Perfect
33.David Andrew Smith – Words to the Wise
34.El Tambor – A Tu Corazon
35.Elizabeth & the Catapult – The Wishing Well
Unreleased
36.Emerson – Easy
37.Emily Zuzik – Saudade
38.Ernie Halter – Gone
39.Fill the Silence – Push
40.Fisher – Never Ending
Unreleased
41.Freak Owls – Belles
42.Full Price – Haryssa’s Song
43.Gail Ann Dorsey – This Time
44.Gavin John – Out the Window
45.Gina Sicilla – As Long As You’re Here
46.Hamell on Trial – Hail
47.Hayley Sales – No One Knows
48.Heather Nova – Heart & Shoulder
49.Hope Waits – Fortune Teller
50.I Am Not Lefthanded – Boats

Boats (Swept Away) by I Am Not Lefthanded


51.Jared Evan – Embers
52.Jason Myles Goss – Put A Record On
53.Jeffrey Gaines – Always Be Acoustic (Live)
Unreleased
54.Jen Gleason – Pray
55.Josh Ritter – Harrisburg
56.Julian Velard – When You’re Not Around
57.Karen Jacobson – Here in My Heart
58.Kate Walsh – Light & Dark
59.Katey Laurel – Blue Sky’s Comin’
60.Keaton Simons – Black & White
61.Kings Cross – Never Say Never
62.Kittens Ablaze – Gloom Doom Buttercups
63.Kristin Hoffmann – All Together Now
Unreleased
64.Left Standing – Brand New Day
65.Lenka – Nothing Here But Love
Unreleased
66.Lettie – Everyman
67.Lucy Schwartz – Life In Letters
+Bonus Track
68.Lucy Woodward – Now That I’m Gone
69.Marina V – You Make Me Beautiful
Unreleased
70.Martin Rivas – A New Word
71.Matt Santry – The Heart of Starting New
72.Matthew Mayfield – Missed Me
73.Michael Whalen – Seasons of Light
74.Midnight Spin – Trigger Finger Itch
75.muMs&Aurora – Sleep Baby Sleep
76.Munkinpure – People Person
77.Natasha Alexandra (NLX) – Lifted
78.Olivia O – My Loft
Unreleased
79.Paul Levinson – Sunshine’s Mine
80.Rachael Sage – There is Passion
Unreleased
81.Raining Jane – Broken Parts
82.Random – Cry of the Planet
Unreleased
83.Runaway Dorothy – Abilene
84.Sara Bareilles – Hold My Heart (Live)
Unreleased
85.Sarah Fimm – Crumbs and Broken Shells
86.Sarah Slean – New Pair of Eyes
Unreleased
87.Shirin – Missing
88.Sinem Saniye – A Certain Kind of Lovely
89.Sons of Radio – Carry Me Home
90.The Deadlies – Fire
91.The Perfects – New Life
92.The Cringe – Gimme Resurrection
93.The Submarines – Birds
94.The Woodlands – Until the Day Dims
95.The xx – Heart Skipped A Beat
+Bonus Track
96.T.R.I.G.G.A – Believe
97.Toby Lightman – Beautiful Day
+Bonus Track
98.Tony Lucca – Melancholy Collar
99.Tori Amos – 500 Miles
100.VK Lynne – Find Me
101.Wendy Starland – You Got My Soul
Unreleased
102.Wolf Parade – I’ll Believe in Anything
103.World Versus Me – Transference
104.Zoe Noell – Just Believe

+ Any and all bonus tracks will be available for download to those who purchase the 100 Song Compilation (you will be emailed about the download location when they become available)