Amhrán Gach Lá - Press Empire

Here are the details for a valuable Charity Gig for Africa taking place on Saturday 6th August in McGrattan's Bar, Baggot Street, Dublin.

The diverse line-up features nearly every genre of music and is headlined by Dublin rock band 'Press Empire'.


The City and The Streetlights by Press Empire

Amhrán Gach Lá - Pearse McGloughlin

Pearse McGloughlin at CFCP (with Sweeney Lee and MC Kalle Ryan)


August 6th will see songwriters Pearse McGloughlin and Sweeney Lee play an evening of mellow music in the CFCP.

As well as working on several side projects and collaborations, Pearse has been focusing on new material for his forthcoming second album, the follow up to 2009’s acclaimed ‘Busy Whisper’.


The night will be MC’ed by the multi talented Kalle Ryan, performance poet, writer and organiser of The Brown Bread Mixtape.

Admission is 8 euro (6 euro mailing list) and you can bring your own bottle. Free tea and coffee. Doors 8.30 sharp.

Get yourself a free download of one of Pearse's best songs; Morning Mist (The Birds).

Amhrán Gach Lá - Grace Wilde

Grace Wilde is the new name of the Skerries, Co. Dublin band formally known as Cream Carosel. The band headline The Purple Sessions in Boyles tonight.

Check out this cover of the Eurythmics classic 'Sweet Dreams'.

Amhrán Gach Lá - Jezzebelle

I love hearing news of Irish bands making attempts to get their music out to the wider world. Jezzebelle will be live on KCSN (88.5fm Los Angeles area) this Saturday 30th July at approx. 10.10am Pacific time.

Irish fans can listen online at www.kcsn.org and that'll be approx 6.10pm.

The band will perform a few live tracks with an interview on the morning mix with Jim Nelson!

Check out a Jezzebelle performing 'Never Coming Back' live:

Jezzebelle - Never Coming Back by RobertaCiconi


http://www.jezzebellemusic.com/

Amhrán Gach Lá - Kid Karate

Crackity Jones have organised a little mini-festival in Crawdaddy over the weekend of August 5th & 6th and it's a tasty line-up of Ireland's best rock bands:

Headlining Friday 5th August is Kid Karate who have been tipped by nearly everyone as a band who should become massive!


http://www.crackityjonespromotions.com/


HEART by Kid Karate

Amhrán Gach Lá - Peter Doran

Peter Doran is playing The Spirit Store in Dundalk on August 5th with Bill Coleman and Arrow in the Sky in what has to be one of the best free gig line-ups out there!


Here's a wonderful tune from Peter's album 'Sleepless Street' released last year!



The Composer by PeterDoran

Mixtape: Castlepalooza 2011

Here's the day by day breakdown of this weekend's Castlepalooza festival and it looks like a great line-up. I'm delighted that blog favourites The Young Folk, El Hombre Jokes and The Gorgeous Colours have been rightly given decent stage times on the main stage!

Here's songs from the best 10 Irish acts at the festival:



The Gorgeous Colours:

Cloakroom by The Gorgeous Colours



We Cut Corners:

dumb blonde by we cut corners



Kid Karate:

HEART by Kid Karate



Ghost Estates:

Paris by GHOST ESTATES




Sleep Thieves:

City Lights - Sleep Thieves by UpStart



The Jimmy Cake:

Haunted Candle by The Jimmy Cake


Maud in Cahoots:

Maud In Cahoots – Push Me Under by Top Button Digital


Sacred Animals:

Sacred Animals 'Still Removed' by The Delphi Label



Elaine Mai:

IOU by elainemai



The Casanova Wave:

The Mouse Society by The Casanova Wave

Amhrán Gach Lá - Tanya & The Whiskey Princes

Fancy a night of great folk music where three acts will be playing to gain new fans and a spot on Ireland's exclusive folk festival: Spirit of Folk?

Tonight in the Workmans Club I'll be there to see the wonderful David Hope & The Henchman, Enniskillen's Louis McTeggart and Belfast's brilliant Tanya and The Whiskey Princes battle it out to win a spot at the Spirit of Folk festival!


Under Your Fingertips by Tanya & The Whiskey Princ

Amhrán Gach Lá - The Chapters

It's been real nice hearing about the considerable progress made by members of The Chapters on album number 2. There's likely to be line-up changes for the second album but I'm delighted the band are keeping things going and have the majority of the songs ready for the second album.

Here's a reminder of the sound from the band whose debut album I still adore.

Moving by The Chapters

Info: http://www.facebook.com/thechapters

Amhrán Gach Lá - Red Queen Contest

Red Queen Contest won the Slane Castle Whiskey 'On The Night' band competition in Boyles last night. They became €2000 better off and will use the cash to bring the finishing touches to their debut album which they are in the middle of recording.

Here's a flavour of the tunes you're likely to hear on their debut album:

Amhrán Gach Lá - Lisa Cuthbert

It's always nice to hear good news from Irish musicians who receive the right attention from other music markets. Lisa Cuthbert now based in Lille, France is supporting the mighty Marillion in Amsterdam at the end of November. It's part of good bunch of Autumn gigs booked all over Europe for Lisa:

5 Aug '11 Lisse, NL, Castlefest

6 Aug '11 MáTrafüRed, HU, Fekete Zaj

30 Sept ' 11 Helmond, NL, Poppodium Lakei

18 Nov '11 Warszawa, PL

19 Nov '11 Poznán, PL

20 Nov '11 Wroclaw, PL

28 Nov '11 Amsterdam, NL (Marillion support), Paradiso

2 Dec '11 Berlin, DE, Villa Felice

3 Dec '11 Dresden, DE, Kunsthof Gholis

5 Dec '11 Szczecin, PL, Rocker club

10 Dec '11 Köln, DE, Buergerhaus kalk

http://www.lisacuthbert.webs.com/

As it's Friday on the blog the Amhrán Gach Lá track is a cover version. Here's Lisa's amazing vocals covering The Sisters of Mercy track 'This Corrosion'


This corrosion (Sisters of Mercy cover) by Lisacuthbert

Amhrán Gach Lá - RC & The Lo-Fi

I've written many times about Navan's Ruairi Coogan but this is the first mention of the band RC & The Lo-fi which consists of Ruairi as the main songwriter. Ruairi's vocals and songs are radio friendly pop gems and in my mind this band is very unique in Ireland.


Check out this live track from two years ago in The Sugar Club:




Tomorrow night if you're looking for some great entertainment in the Slane area, RC & The Lo-fi are in a 'Battle of the bands' final with the rocking Red Queen Contest and the wonderful Arrow in the Sky in Boyles. The winning band will pocket €2000!

Links:

http://boylesofslane.com/

http://breakingtunes.com/redqueencontest

http://arrowinthesky.com/

http://www.myspace.com/ruairicoogan

Mixtape: The Garden Sessions

The Garden Sessions 2011 will take place in August Monday to Wednesday 8-10th, which is also during the town festival Birr Vintage week and Arts Festival.

Held in a garden in the back of The Chestnut pub in Birr, theses intimate gigs, have a chilled feel, with all proceeds go to the Offaly Hospice, tickets are 25 euro. Full ticket for the three days are only €60!

Doors opening at 6.30 pm and music starting at 7 pm.

Here's where you can listen to the best of the bunch!



Go Panda Go

Go! New York! Glow! by Go Panda Go




Master & Dog

Canada Demo by Master and Dog



Jennifer Evans

Umemaro babes/paired in Samaras... by Jennifer Evans



Seamus Fogarty

Mountain by seamus fogarty




The Crayon Set

Breakdown - The Crayon Set by Clockwork Apple



Clive Barnes

Clive Barnes - Shotgun Grin by indieswitch




Veroa

02 My Achilles by Veroa





Storyfold

The Battle by storyfold






The Gorgeous Colours

The Gorgeous Colours - No Man's Land by Ragged Words




Bill Coleman

Maximilliano! by bcoleman

Amhrán Gach Lá - Cian Nugent [Kilkenny Arts Special]

Cian Nugent's model for getting his music out there should be followed by all musicians these days! If you do a quick google search you'll find dozens of international and well respected websites dancing around Cian Nugent's architecture.

The reason why people are writing about Cian Nugent is that his music is damn good. I've been aware of Cian's music since the release of his self-titled EP of 2007. I've always struggled to describe the technical nature of Cian's sound but I've always had this feeling that it was something special.

Taken from his official bio: "Cian Nugent is a guitar player and composer from Dublin, Ireland who combines personal passions, such as squicky pre-war blues, traditional musics, late 1960s & '70s singer-songwriters, jazz ambitions, modern composition and the Takoma school into a deeply personal style." .... there you have it Takoma School!

Cian has just released a two track album entitled 'Doubles' and features full band compositions. The tracks are epic in every detail. Listen to the album here: http://soundcloud.com/cian-nugent/sets/doubles-1


Here's the track I'm sharing with you from that 2007 debut EP called The Ceremony;

The Ceremony by Cian Nugent


Cian is supporting Danish composer Agnes Obel at the Kilkenny Arts festival on August 11th in St Canice's Church.

Information here: http://www.kilkennyarts.ie/events/details/agnes-obel-with-cian-nugent/

Amhrán Gach Lá - Ten Speed Racer

Ten Speed Racer had a great line-up of Dermot Barrett [Vocals & Guitar], Pat Barrett [Bass Guitar], John Barrett [Guitar], Terry Cullen [Drums] and Joe Chester [Guitar & Knob Twiddler]. The band are back in my attention as current Norwegian resident Dermot Barrett got in touch about his new album using the name Maskedman. It's next for review on the site!

Here's the video for Ten Speed Racer's 'Hang on Starlight'.

Apparently this was the world's first 360 degree music video from over ten years ago!



Link: http://www.maskedman.no/

Amhrán Gach Lá - Compulsion

If I was ever asked what's my favourite Irish song of all time I'd pause for a few seconds and deliberate briefly before choosing the 'Comforter' album closer 'Jean Could Be Wrong' from the 90's band 'Compulsion'. I simply adore the bass-line and the long instrumental part from 1m 46 sec onwards:


Compulsion - Jean Could Be Wrong by 2uibestow


Compulsion on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compulsion_(band)

Amhrán Gach Lá - The Curtain Thieves

The Curtain Thieves have just released their new single 'Only in the Night' and it's worth sharing with you this Sunday morning;


Only in the Night by The Curtain Thieves


There's a nice fusion of different sounds coming from The Curtain Thieves. While the above track is a nod to popular early 90's indie music there's enough to suggest this band is one to see live. I've also listened to their other tracks on Soundcloud and they suggest a great debut album in the near future!

http://thecurtainthieves.com/public_html/

Amhrán Gach Lá - Luka Bloom [Kilkenny Arts Special]

In all the posts so far about the amazing Kilkenny Arts line-up I forgot to mention the 'Golden Ticket' competition. Basically if you buy a ticket for any show on or before Sunday 17th July [i.e. tomorrow] you're automatically in with a chance of free bed, free breakfast and a free ticket for you and your lover/bff!

Check out the official details here: http://www.kilkennyarts.ie/blog/article/kilkenny-arts-festival-2011-golden-ticket-competition/


You could do worse than using your ticket to see Luka Bloom live and a whole bunch of amazing musicians on August 13th in the Set Theatre; http://www.kilkennyarts.ie/events/details/luka-bloom-friends/


Luka Bloom 14 Love is a Monsoon (Live Version) by MILLERMUSIC1

Mixtape: Knockanstockan 2011 Volume 2

Knockanstockan is a 3-day Music Festival with over 85 acts taking place between 23rd - 25th July.

http://www.knockanstockan.ie/

The vast line-up appearing over the three days is here and you have an opportunity to listen to a track from twelve of the bands on the bill:

Best 4 acts to see on Friday;

Scarecrow Disco:





Enemies:






Hassle Merchants:





Stefan Galt:


Lost To Be Found by StefanGalt


---------------------------------

Best 4 acts on Saturday are:


Adela & the Meanits:

Adela & The Meanits - Kiss Me Frog by RisingStars



Sive:

Sive - When I Was A Young Girl (cover) by SiveMusic


The Gorgeous Colours:

Animal by The Gorgeous Colours



Wyvern Lingo:

Wyvern Lingo - Herbert Park by RisingStars


------------------------------------

Best 4 for the Sunday:


Wicker Bones:

Wicker Bones - One Man On James' St by RisingStars




We Cut Corners:


We Cut Corners - A Pirate's Life by IASCA




The Difference Engine:

The Difference Engine - Imperfect Lines 2 by RisingStars



Fox E & the Good Hands

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

Amhrán Gach Lá - James Vincent McMorrow [Kilkenny Arts Special]

Headlining the Wired strand of this years Kilkenny Arts Festival is James Vincent McMorrow.

This is just another opportunity to share this sublime cover version of Willow Smith's 'Whip My Hair' recorded for Today FM.


James Vincent McMorrow - Whip My Hair by partisanpr



James Vincent McMorrow plays St Canice’s Cathedral in Kilkenny on Sunday 7 Aug 7pm

Prices
€22 / €19


Buy Tickets: http://www.kilkennyarts.ie/events/details/james-vincent-mcmorrow/

Amhrán Gach Lá - The Whatmans

The Whatmans are getting ready for their album launch in Crawdaddy on Saturday 23rd with a gig tomorrow night in Crane Lane, Cork and on Saturday in Beggys of Navan. Support for the Crawdaddy gig is Trigger and the Hitmen.


The Whatmans - One For The Music by The Whatmans pr


http://www.thewhatmans.com/

Amhrán Gach Lá - The Young Folk

This is a seriously good line-up in The Grand Social in a few weeks;

The Hot Sprockets, The Young Folk and Arrow in the Sky for just a fiver on a Saturday night! Wow!

http://www.facebook.com/TheYoungFolkMusic


Way Down South by TheYoungFolk

Album Review: SJ McArdle - Blood and Bones

'Blood and Bones' is the hugely enjoyable new album from Drogheda's SJ McArdle which contains at it's core the superb deep vocals of the talented singer-songwriter. 

Initially when I was asked to review SJ's album I wasn't too sure if it would be a glowing review. While SJ has an amazing voice I wasn't too sure about the songs I've heard SJ sing live which would be on the album. However the more I listen to 'Blood and Bones' the more I've enjoyed it. From the clever play on words within 'The Wondering' to the intricate guitar rift and delicate backing vocals on 'Turn The World' the album is full of charming qualities which make it a great listen.




The Wondering by SJMcArdle


The best tracks on the album include the opening and positive 'Chin Up', the radio friendly rock song 'Personal Space' and the the two tracks mentioned above; 'The Wondering' and 'Turn The World'. The songs are in general about relationships and friendships with the songs being well written. 'Blood and Bones' is an album that will appeal to anyone interested in well written rock songs with a Celtic roots influence.

Turn The World by SJMcArdle


There's not much to be critical of with this album. The only songs that contain annoying lyrics are the two covers included on the album. Mary Gauthier's Mercy Now finishes the album on a somber note while Annie Lennox's 'Why' unfortunately is forever associated with the Live 8 charity appeal. Even though I think SJ's vocal style is unique in Ireland some of the tracks more that tips the cap to The Waterboys influence.


Personal Space by SJMcArdle


The album gets better on every listen which I feel is the real test of an album's quality. The above track 'Personal Space' will be in my 'Best songs of 2011' list for sure come the end of December and on a whole the album is a good one!


SJ McArdle - Blood and Bones [9 out of 12]

http://sjmcardle.com/

Buy The Album here; http://sjmcardle.com/shop/

Listen to the whole album here: http://soundcloud.com/sjmcardle/sets/blood-and-bones-full-album

Amhrán Gach Lá - Fionn Regan

Up until this morning I've stayed away from all things Fionn Regan related news. I didn't think much of his second album and dismissed him as someone not worth checking out. How wrong was I? I adore the title track from the new album '100 Acres of Sycamore'. It's a return to the haunting, charming feel of his debut album.




Fionn Regan - 100 Acres of Sycamore by woasong


http://www.fionnregan.com/

See Fionn live around Ireland now;

July 13th, Wednesday - Kenny's Bar, Lahinch, Co. Clare with support from Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou Tickets
July 16th, Saturday - The Model, Sligo with support from Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou Tickets
July 17th, Sunday - Roisin Dubh, Galway with support from Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou Tickets
July 21st, Thursday - The Grand Social, Dublin with support from Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou Tickets
July 22nd, Friday - The INEC, Killarney support Peter Delaney Tickets
July 23rd, Saturday - The Set Theatre, Kilkenny support Peter Delaney Tickets
July 24th, Sunday - The Gonzo Theatre, Cavan Tickets
July 27th, Wednesday - The Pavillion, Cork support Peter Delaney Tickets
July 28th, Thursday - deBarras, Clonakilty, West Cork support Peter Delaney Tickets
July 29th, Friday - The Forum, Waterford support Peter Delaney Tickets


Album artwork;

Amhrán Gach Lá - Nina Hynes

The amazing news from Nina Hynes today is that there will in fact be a forth album recorded and released thanks to at least 202 funders who have helped her get to the 10K target!


I can't wait to hear the album:

Sewing Machine by ninahynes

Amhrán Gach Lá - Juniper

The News of the World is Dead long live my world! Any old excuse to share a Juniper track with that infamous Dodi Ma [Damien Rice] on vocals!

Amhrán Gach Lá - Pugwash

Pugwash are one of the bands playing a special tribute gig for Derek Nally in Whelans on Saturday 16th July. The line-up includes Jape, Pugwash, Paul Finn(The Flaws), Ollie Cole, Valarie Francis, members of the Dublin Gospel choir as well as Ham Sandwich.

Tickets priced €17.50 can be bought here: http://www.ticketmaster.ie/event/1800451BE9C245B3?artistid=953422&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1


Pugwash have announced that they will launch the release of the new album – The Olympus Sound – at WHELANS on August 11th 2011. Details of that gig are here: http://www.whelanslive.com/index.php/archives/3186


http://www.pugwashtheband.com/

Pugwash - It's Nice to Be Nice 1 by ElaineMcCann

Introducing: A Mixtape of New Irish Bands

There's been lots of new Irish bands who been in touch with me and I'm completely grateful of their introductory emails. Unfortunately I haven't been up to date with posting about these bands. So for my 1,500th post I'm going to bring them all to your attention;


[Ps I got an email from Amanda Brunker but I told her to get a life!]

Welcome to the Blog

Champagne Animal


I've been meaning to write about Champagne Animal for an age. Their funky rocking sound with amazing vocals from Siobhan Lynch is a joy to listen to.


Handle With Care(DEMO) by Champagne Animal



All I Can Give(DEMO) by Champagne Animal



---------------------------------------


The Salt Flats

The most intriguing new band I've come across is Belfast's The Salt Flats. Their genre on Soundcloud is described as 'Folk Electronic' and I get that tag. There's a lot of layers in each of the songs on the band's eponymous debut EP released last week. The band are something of a Belfast super-group as it includes members from Katie & The Carnival and Skibunny!

Sweet Minerva by The Salt Flats


---------------------------------------------------------

Words That Burn

The band I'm most excited about is Dundalk's 'Words That Burn'. Their sound brings me back to Seattle in the days of grunge before it was called grunge! Their hard rock sound is similar to bands like Mudhoney and Helmet. I can't wait to see these guys live.

Unbind full by words that burn


Enjoy the flames full by words that burn



----------------------------------------------------------------


Frederick and the Golden Dawn


Fredrick and the Golden Dawn have released two EPs to date and are busy preparing a debut album. The sound is big alternative 'math-rock' and could be a band worth seeing live!

Last Days of Harry Carey by Fredrick &The Golden Dawn


---------------------------------------


Alan Tully


Alan is a Dublin based singer-songwriter who released 'The Age of Sail' EP earlier this year. Some of the tracks are a bit laboured but this opening track is well worth the listen.

1. Bywater (The Age of Sail EP) by Alan Tully



--------------------------------------


Neon Wolf


Kilkenny band Neon Wolf write pretty good indie pop tracks. Their lead single is currently being mastered but early demos from Soundcloud suggest the band have a good musical future ahead of them!


Love Lost In Design (Home Demo) by neonwolf


------------------------------------------


Elavator

No I didn't spell the band's name wrong as the band have decided to distinguish themselves from all them other unknown bands called Elevator by spelling the word incorrectly! The music thankfully isn't as complex as that explanation. Elavator make decent rock sounds with good vocals and nice hooks!


Who do you think you're Fooling? (Radio Edit) by Elavator




---------------------------------------


...... and finally

Tara Kennedy


Teenager Tara Kennedy from Shercock has a bunch of home demos on Soundcloud and is definitely someone to watch out for in the future. Her songs are cleverly written tunes which you should check out;


Dandellion by IamTaraKennedy



Games by IamTaraKennedy

Amhrán Gach Lá - Cathy Davey

I received an email from the nice people behind the Boyle Arts Festival taking place in a few weeks. The music line-up is pretty good and offers a wide variety of acts for the Boyle locals to enjoy;

Highlights include;

Saturday 23rd July- Ham Sandwich 10pm €5

Sunday 24th July - Trigger & The Hitmen FREE

Tuesday 26th Juky - Saramai & The Swords FREE

Thursday 28th July- The Minutes Doors 9pm ( Local support from 'Race the Flux') €5

Friday 29th July- Come On Live Long 10pm FREE

as well as this headline gig;

Friday 22nd July- Cathy Davey with Special Guests, The Gorgeous Colours Doors: 8.30pm €20


More info; http://boylearts.com/2011/


On Friday I post a cover version and today's is Cathy Davey with Neil Hannon singing the beautiful ballad 'I Only Have Eyes For You'

Single Review: The Flaws - Constant Adventure

The Flaws release the single 'Constant Adventure' this coming Friday 8th July, in advance of their gig in Whelans on Thursday 21st July and it's a really good tune!

I feel for The Flaws. After receiving a well deserved Choice nod for their debut a few years back the band released their second album 'Constant Adventure' and found the music scene had changed. In an attempt to reach out to blogs I've been sent their new single and album title track for review.

It begins with a gentle guitar rift before the drums kick in. The vocals are pretty decent and the melody works well with the guitar rift. There's nothing spectacular here but I could say the same about a multitude of other songs which the radio hierarchy play. I could easily and happily listen away to this song at any time of the day if it arrived on the radio.


Catch The Flaws in Whelans on July 21st. The Flaws also have an Oxegen slot so I hope they find a few more fans on their travels.


http://www.theflaws.com/

Amhrán Gach Lá - Toby Kaar [Kilkenny Arts Special]

The 'New Music Night' in the Set at this year's Kilkenny Arts Festival showcases five very different home-grown acts on Tuesday 9th August.

Somadrone
Thread Pulls
Margie Lewis.
Geppetto
and Cork's Toby Kaar

Photo by Colin Bennett


Here's one of the many tracks from Toby Kaar you can listen to here: http://soundcloud.com/tobykaar


Dolly by TobyKaar

Album Review: Track Dogs [Self-Titled]

Good-time debut album from the Track Dogs who were formally known as The Garrett Wall Band. The album is an inoffensive collection of songs composed to make life feel that little bit better!

The album kicks off with the lead single 'Move a Mountain' and it sums up the album on a whole. There's pleasant vocals with a nice guitar rift over the rhythm of the bass line and Cajon and finished off with a layer of trumpet. The sound created makes me smile and has the ability to transport me to Spain which is the current country of residence for Irish band Track Dogs!

Move A Mountain by Track Dogs


Other highlights on the album includes the blissful 'Painted Doorway', the current free single 'Going Through The Motions' and the theatrical and comical 'More To Say About That'.


Painted Doorway by Track Dogs


It's been a difficult album to review because while I'm not enthusiastically endorsing the album there's very little to criticise. The album finishes with two instrumentals; 'Rockpool' and 'Lough Auna Horse Eels' which I think is a bit odd. There's also a limit to the diversified sound created with just a Cajon, Bass, Trumpet and acoustic guitars. There's a cover of Nick Drake's 'Hazey Jane II' on the album which I'm not mad about. I'm a big Drake fan but have never liked the original version of 'Hazey Jane II' so I can't really criticise a cover of a song I don't like in the first place.


Hazey Jane II by Track Dogs


When I reviewed the last album from The Garrett Wall Band I remember thinking that this is the kind of album I'm going to love to have with me if I'm driving around the South of France or West Cork on a sunny afternoon. I feel the very same way with Track Dogs.

Track Dogs - Self-titled [8 out of 12]


The album is launched in Ireland tomorrow in Crawdaddy. The first 25 people in the door will pick up a copy of the album for free!


More info:

http://trackdogsmusic.com/

http://facebook.com/trackdogs

Amhrán Gach Lá - The Ambience Affair

Some great news dropped into my inbox the other day about The Ambience Affair announcing October as the month their debut album will be released. They've also been signed to Bluestack Records which fellow blogger Harmless Noise describes here: http://harmlessnoise.entertainment.ie/2011/07/news-theambienceaffair/

The first track from that debut album released on Bluestack records will be Weeds.

The Ambience Affair - Weeds by bluestackrecords

Download the song for free here: http://breakingtunes.com/theambienceaffair

Amhrán Gach Lá - This Club

Remember when Jif became Cif? Or when Marathon became Snickers? Some name changes happen for the better like when BackRub changed to Google! Can you imagine saying I'm going to BackRub that instead of Google it!

Anyway an Irish band last year changed their name from the decent name 'Hoarsebox' to the generic 'This Club'! I liked the Hoarsebox name for virtue of the fact all band members sing and there's normally some lovely 4 part harmonies in their songs.

Anyway I'm sure their PR people don't want me mentioning the name change.

Here's the debut single from 'This Club' called I Won't Worry and it's released in August. There's not a huge amount to say about it. It bobs along like a Bell X1 tune and in general it's a decent radio friendly tune. The vocals get interesting towards the end!



I Won't Worry by ThisClubMusic


http://www.thisclubmusic.com/

Best 15 Songs of 2011

We're past half way in 2011 and the quality in music produced by Irish artists is getting better and better. I've already reviewed three albums this year where I've given full ratings for. In other words the albums from Favourite Sons, Jukebox Gypsy and Reader's Wives were flawless.

Here's the best fifteen new tunes I've heard in 2011.







[Disclaimer; No one person can listen to every Irish song released but I wanted to clear up that prominent albums from people like Ryan Sheridan, Bell X1, Gemma Hayes, Declan O'Rourke, Mundy, Eoin Glackin, Cashier No. 9 and ASIWYFA have yet to be listened to or processed by myself!]


1. Jukebox Gypsy - The Month


The Month is a heartfelt tune written about an unbelievably difficult month of the author and it's sung with emotion and charm.

Jukebox Gypsy - The Month by 2uibestow




2. The Gorgeous Colours - It's OK To Be Normal


It's all about them gorgeous strings in the new single from The Gorgeous Colours. I loved their 2009 debut album but it looks like their second album will be very special indeed!






3. Reader's Wives - Laughter/Commute


The lyrics describe that personal journey we all go through when away of reflection and projection back and forth until darkness turns to laughter. A great tune from a superb album.

Laughter / Commute by ReadersWives




4. The Riot Tapes - Photograph

The Riot Tapes have perfected the radio friendly pop/rock sound and are going global with it!

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




5. Arrow in the Sky - Ghost Town


The lyrics, strings and folky vibe make this song for me. The harmonies of the chorus are delicate and delicious. Wonderful music from the Mullingar duo.

Ghost Town by arrowinthesky




6. Favourite Sons - The Great Deal of Love

Ken Griffen is a lyrical genius for me. The title track of Favourite Sons' second album is an epic song with deep lyrics and wonderful vocals.


The Great Deal of Love by FavouriteSons





7. Nick Carswell & The Elective Orchestra - From The Ground Up


I adore how the vocals and music intertwine and reflect the mood created from the inspirational lyrics. The Elective Orchestra's debut album is well worth checking out.

From The Ground Up by The Elective Orchestra




8. Burning Codes - Rivers of Hope

If you're feeling the need for a quick boost have a listen to 'Rivers of Hope' for a gospel inspired few minutes of hope!







9. Henrietta Game - The Last Thing


I'm delighted that Henrietta Game are getting the attention they deserve. They are a wonderful band and superb musicians. The Last Thing is the best of a great bunch of tunes from their debut 'Black Ship'.

LAST THING by Henrietta Game






10. Storyfold - The Sweetest Silence

I love the female/male vocals of the chorus in this excellent tune from Storyfold.

The Sweetest Silence by storyfold





11. A Lazarus Soul - Save Our Greenbelt


Most of the tunes on this list have lyrics which say something and I relate with. 'Save Our Greenbelt' is another which hits home to me. A great song from a great band.

Save our Greenbelt by alazarussoul





12. Owensie - Lonely Wood

I love the guitar rifts of 'Lonely Wood' and when the strings kick in it becomes a beautiful composition.

Lonely Wood by OOAL






13. Padraig McCauley & The P Affection - The Flood


This is another song elevated by the inclusion of the warm strings within the pop sounds of The Flood. If there was any justice in the world The P Affection would have been a big seller!

The Flood by thepaffection




14. Battle of 2nd Place - Held To You


The 2nd best band you'll hear released a decent debut album but finished with a quality track called 'Held To You' which showcases Orlaith Prendergast's quality lead vocals. Listen out to the two false endings!

Held To You by battleforsecondplace






15. Bill Coleman - Runaway


I cheekily included this Kanye West cover from Bill Coleman and it's the third time I've embedded the track on the blog but it's an amazing version that you should discover!

Cover - Runaway (Kanye West) by bcoleman