Irish Bands on YouTube 2

I adore The Devlins. I will do a major post on them in a few weeks when 1 of their songs turn up in my Friday feature of Top 100 tunes! The Devlins should have been massive. They can do a Glen still and after 4 albums become massive but i don't know. I'm sure Peter and Colin Devlin now have day jobs. Maybe not because their music has found their way onto soundtracks for films and TV progs!

The Devlins - I Knew That from Feila 95 (First of their songs i loved)



The Devlins - Waiting (good sexy music)



The Devlins - Heavens Wall (.....should have been massive!)

Nell Bryden - An Unknown Gem

The first thing to come to my mind about New Yorker Nell Bryden is how on earth has the blogsphere managed to avoid writing about her wonderful voice, charming modern Dixie tunes and her potential to be a massive success? Nell's biography is impressive, learning the piano and Cello at an early age and growing up with influences such as Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Billie Holiday, Dusty Springfield, Joni Mitchell and Jeff Buckley. Her album, “Second Time Around“, is currently getting radio play across the US, Canada (on 84 stations including channels on XM Satellite radio) the UK and Ireland.

Exclusive track taken from the album "Second Time Around"

Nell Bryden - Helen's Requiem (Right-click, Save Target As)

Nell has recently been touring Europe extensively with headlining shows at Whelans in Dublin as well as some prestigious supporting slots for KT Tunstall, The Counting Crows and Kate Walsh. This is a star of the present tense, she deserves your attention and for her music to reach millions! If you like the tune support Nell in any way, go to itunes, check out her MySpace and Website and go to see her live!

Further reading!

http://www.myspace.com/nellbryden
http://nellbryden.com/Nell_Bryden.html
http://www.myspace.com/goodseedrecords
http://goodseedpr.com/

I am quite proud of myself! I have resisted the temptation to mention how stunningly beautiful this girl is as can be seen below! Enjoy!

Nell Bryden & band performing Goodbye at his years SXSW

Free Gig Friday - Andrews lane Theatre

Stolen from Phantom FM Bulletin!

" Join us for a FREE Music Friday this August 1st when Phantom First Friday returns to ALT (Andrew's Lane Theatre) with live music from Future Kings of Spain, The Laundry Shop and The Hot Sprockets, followed by the best indie and alternative sounds with Sinister Pete broadcast live across the city from midnight!

Doors open at 8pm and admission is FREE before 11:00pm (admission after 11:00pm is €10 on the door). Phantom First Friday at ALT (formerly Andrews Lane Theatre), Andrews Lane, Dublin 2 - just off Trinity St and just seconds from Dame St.

Fridays Come First ONLY on Phantom 105.2 with thanks to Miller Genuine Draft - Genuinely Easy the Miller way - and supported by Metro.

http://www. myspace. com/millerireland
http://www. myspace. com/futurekingsofspain
http://www. myspace. com/thelaundryshop
http://www. myspace. com/thehotsprockets "

The Future Kings of Spain - Venetion Blinds

The Hot Sprokets - On Your Own

The Laundry Shop - Highs and Lows (Used in Ireland Tourism Commercial)

Tom Waits Phoenix Park Weds, Thurs Friday this week!

‘Tom Waits’
in Ratcellar
Phoenix Park

Aiken Promotions will present ‘Tom Waits’ in the Phoenix Park, Dublin 3 nights,
Tomorrow Wednesday 30th July, Thursday 31st July and Friday 1st August 2008.

Doors are open at 18.30 with the gig starting at 20.00.

The concert will take place in a tented structure in the environs of the ‘Visitor Centre’.

Traffic Planning:

Parking of vehicles will be permitted in the Phoenix Park on the following roads:
Chesterfield Avenue - Mountjoy Cross to Phoenix Monument.
Chesterfield Avenue - Gough Roundabout to Phoenix Monument.
Furze Road
Papal Cross
Zoo Car Park

Ticket security:

Please arrive early – show starts 8pm
A Valid I.D (Passport or driving licence) matching the name on the ticket is required at entry to venue.
All Tickets will be Scanned for validation on entry to the show
Any Tickets resold will be refused entry to the venue
Only Tickets purchased from Official Ticketmaster outlets will be valid
No resale allowed under any circumstances

DO NOT BUY TICKETS FROM UNOFFICIAL SOURCES.

After all the official bull.....hope all those who go have a great time. With Leonard Cohan and Neil Young giving the Irish some excellent performances this year I really hope Tom Waits lives up to people's expectations!

Tom Waits - Hoist That Rag Live in Paris 24th July 2008

Ruby Tuesday - The Aftermath

Irish band The Aftermath are this weeks subject of Ruby Tuesday where I bring to attention new music from Ireland and beyond. Brothers Johnny Cronin(Guitar,Keys,Vox) and Michael Cronin(Drums,Percussion,Samples,Vox) returned to Ireland in 2004 from Leeds and set in motion a plan that would lead them to form The Aftermath. The 4 piece now with Justin McNabb(Guitar)and Martin Gray(Bass)are fast becoming Ireland's great hope to follow in the footsteps of The Frames and U2.

The Aftermath - Are You Not Wanting Me Yet



The band have a very comprehensive biography on their MySpace which is worth checking out! The band are currently touring their asses off around Ireland. They have also supported Pete Murrey in the Olympia Theatre in Dublin. The album Friendlier Up Here was released in April this year includes their three Irish top 20 hits. It is a classic Irish rock album. It includes some singalong big chorus anthems, some grinding bop your head tunes as well as a few seductive tracks! It's a very mature offering for a debut album and reminds me in many ways of Parachutes!

The Aftermath - All I Want For You Is To Be Happy

This is my favourite track from the album. It's big in ambition, got a wonderful message in the song and I could happily sing along to it for years!

The Aftermath - There's a Darkness

Big vocals on this track. Irish rock music at it's best!

The Aftermath - Joyful Mysteries

I love this tune. It's a seductive soulful sexy song. It includes a string arrangement that makes you swoon and sway! The lyrics are strong and keeps you engaged. Overall a cracking tune!

Go see these guys live!

2 Aug 2008 0:00 Independence Festival Mitchellstown, Co Cork
3 Aug 2008 22:00 Le Cheile Oldcastle Meath
8 Aug 2008 22:00 Mchughs Drogheda Drogheda, Louth
16 Aug 2008 18:00 Eurocultured Festival Dublin, Dublin
23 Aug 2008 20:00 The Marquee Drumlish Drumlish, Longford
6 Sep 2008 23:00 Clarkes Hotel Mohill, Leitrim
12 Sep 2008 22:00 The Brewary Mckennas Bar Monaghan Monaghan, Monaghan
27 Sep 2008 22:00 The Grannary Killarney Killarney, Kerry
3 Oct 2008 23:00 Backroom Sessions The Lantern Navan Navan, Meath
4 Oct 2008 12:00 Brefni Arms Arva Cavan
15 Nov 2008 22:00 The Queen of the land Tullamore Court Hotel Tullamore, Offaly

The Aftermath - All I Want is for you to be Happy

Sunday's 7 Degree of Beauty

This weekly Sunday theme is a post of seven songs connected in some way to a word, location or tedious link in some way. Yesterday was a beautiful day in Ireland. We spent a few hours on Donabate Beach and it was so lovely. I went for the word beauty or beautiful for todays list. If you enjoy any of the tracks here feel free to post a comment! Thanks to all the readers....remember you are all beautiful and deserve to be adored!

1. Hothouse Flowers - Thing of Beauty MP3 MySpace
2. Bic Runga - Beautiful Collision MP3 MySpace
3. The Parlotones - Beautiful MP3 MySpace
4. Doctor Millar - Future Beauty MP3 ***No Known Internet source for Dr. Millar. If anyone has a link let me know***
5. Favourite Sons - Down Beside Your Beauty MP3 MySpace
6. Thea Gilmore - My Beautiful Defence MP3 MySpace
7. Lowgold - Beauty Dies Young (Graham Coxon Mix) MP3 MySpace

Top 100 (71 - 75)

This Friday Feature is a run-down of my Top 100 favourite songs. Every Friday I countdown 5 tunes and explain reasons for inclusion in the 100!



71. Buffalo Tom - Late At Night MP3 MySpace

I got into Buffalo Tom circa 93 with their excellent album "Big Red Letter Day". This track is taken from this album. To me the album was almost a come down chilled out album. I'd listen to it during a lie in bed in mornings. The album is full of sweet sing-a-long songs. Other stand out tracks include Treehouse, I'm Not Allowed and Sodajerk.



72. The Cure - Just Like Heaven MP3 MySpace

I have mentioned the importance of timing and age when it comes to musical taste. I was never a goth or a curehead. However if I was 3 or 4 years older I would have been! The Cure's hayday was happening as I was discovering music for the first time. Unfortunately you have to crawl through 2000 feet of shite before you find good music! Just Like Heaven is a great tune and the one of 2 of the Cure's songs I adore. The other is further down the list! Always a shame to hear a great song featured in a commercial for a crap car.

The Cure - Just Like Heaven @ VMA 1989 (Poor Quality but nostalgic)



73. The Lemonheads - Kitchen MP3 MySpace

Confession time.....I got caught by a security gaurd trying to steal a Lemonhead tape when I was 14! All fun and games. It's a Shame About Ray is such a great album. It's full of indie pop classics such as Confetti, My Drug Buddy, Bit Part but my favourite song on the album is Kitchen. Three minutes of perfect pop!

The Lemonheads - Kitchen & Ceiling Fan Live in Paris



74. David Rovics - Falluja (feat Dope Poet Society) MP3 MySpace Homepage

Iraqi born David Rovics is a revolutionary. His perspective on the world, politics, economics and philosophy are channelled through his brand of folk music. It is inspirational, funny at times, tragic at other times, intelligent and controversial. The style of folk music may not suit many listeners. I recommend all of you to pop over to his myspace, website or his blog, download a few tunes including Falluja (his best song in my opinion) and if possible donate to his cause.

David Rovics - Soundclick (free mp3s)

David Rovics - Blog

75. The Levellers - One Way MP3 MySpace

As a coincidence I have another progressive band with a message. The Levellers are a great band who have been entertaining, educating, inspiring millions for over 20 years. I love big songs with a message and no better message than there's only One Way of life and that's your own!

The Levellers - One Way Live Glastonbury



100. Jawbreaker - Want (1990) Link
99. David Ford - I Don't Care What You Call Me (2006)
98. Ben Harper - Glory & Consequence (1997)
97. The Stereophonics - Maybe Tomorrow (2003)
96. The Black Crows - Remedy (1992)
95. Tracy Chapman - Open Arms (1992)Link
94. Slowdive - Allison (1993)
93. The Frames - Angel at my Table (1994)
92. Counting Crows - I Wish I was a Girl (1999)
91. Pearl Jam - Immortality (1994)
90. The Flaming Lips - Yeah Yeah Yeah Song (2006)
89. Sonic Youth - Superstar
88. Coldplay - Warning Signs (2002)
87. Grant Lee Buffalo - Fuzzy (1993)
86. Rage Against The Machine - Know Your Enemy (1992)
85. PJ Harvey - Missed (1993)
84. Damien Dempsey - Apple of my Eye (2003)
83. Belly - Slow Dog (1993)
82. Sinead O' Conner & Shane McGowen - Haunted (1995)
81. The Fat Lady Sings - Drunkard Logic (1993)
80. Damien Rice - Cannonball (2003)
79. Yo La Tengo - Little Eyes (2003)
78. The Frames - When Your Mind's Made Up (2006)
77. Neil Young - Rockin in the Free World (1989)
76. Ben Harper - Amen Omen (2003)

Irish Bands on YouTube

My Little Funhouse from Kilkenny I think were signed by Geffen around '92. Bare in mind Nevermind was making millions for Geffen and well it was thought that David geffen can do no wrong! My Little Funhouse proved that he didn't always get it right. The hope was that My little Funhouse could have been the new G'n'R to the extent that the guitarist in the video clip had learned all of Slash's shapes! The band even had the support slot in Slane in 1992.

My Little Funhouse - I Want Some of That!



My Little Funhouse - Wishing Well



Ah the memories are all flooding back to me! I did actually believe the hype and bought the tape! The drummer Graham Hopkins moved on to become the skin beater for Therapy? and formed the band Halite. He has toured and recorded for the likes of Gemma Hayes, David Kitt and the frames. In Malahide Castle recently Graham played the drums for The Frames. My Little Funhouse is where it all began!

*Exclusive* Colm Mac Con Iomaire - Track from The Hare's Corner

Earlier this week i blogged about Colm's CD entitled The Hare's Corner due for release on 4th September by Plateau Records. I now have available for just a few weeks track 1 of that album called Time Will Tell or the Irish title: Neosfaidh An Aimsir. The track is Irish Folk music at it's best. Dreamy, energetic, thought provoking, mesmerising, transending......and this is just track 1! Looking forward to the album Colm!

Colm Mac Con Iomaire - Neosfaidh An Aimsir

For more infor and to sign up to Colm's mail go to TheFrames.ie

Here are those all important tour dates!

September
4th busker brownes the hall, galway
5th belltable theatre, limerick
6th station house, clifden
7th whelans, dublin
8th sirius arts centre, cobh
9th cyprus avenue, cork

Ruby Tuesday - Kingsbury

This weeks Ruby Tuesday find is the exceptional and original band from Florida called Kingsbury. I was sent a copy of their debut from last year called The Great Compromise and it has been on constant play in my car. The great thing about Kingsbury is that the sound is difficult to describe. It's too easy to make Radiohead comparisons. I do hear Pavement influences along with a nod towards Joy Division and The Replacements. What Kingsbury have in The Great Compromise is a complete album that flows easily, making you take notice of every word sung, encourages spontaneous nodding of the head, tapping of toes and swaying of hips. I'd say Kingsbury live would be a great experience. I have included a few songs from the album for your aural pleasure. If you go to their MySpace they have a number of songs available for download.

Blood in the Kitchen

This is track 2 of the album. Corpse is the opener and can be found on the Myspace page. The rhythm section is superb on this song. Love the lyrics. Perfect soundtrack to a game of Cluedo!

Leave Me Be

If you ever need to be alone but can't because of kids, jealous stalker husband or a nagging wife just pop this on and disappear!


Before Dry Eyes

Six minutes of hi-hat.....pure bliss! Dreamy music at it's best!

Sunday's 7 Degree of Separation

This week's theme is Duets. I love the contrast between 2 different voices in a song. Even better when the vocals are split between the sexes. Below are 7 duets which show the male/female contrast so beautifully. I love it when the lyrics to one vocals are non-English as is the case with two of the following. Enjoy!

1. Clanned & Bono - In A Lifetime MP3 Homepage

2. Snow Patrol (ft Martha Wainwright) - Set the Fire to the Third Bar MP3 MySpace

3. Jesus & Mary Chain (ft Hope Sandoval) - Sometimes Always MP3 MySpace

4. Youssou N'Dour & Nenah Cherry - 7 Seconds MP3 MySpace

5. Mark Geary (ft Ann Scott) - Facin' the Fall MP3 MySpace

6. Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanagan - Come On Over ( Turn Me On) MP3 MySpace

7. Vanessa da Mata (ft Ben Harper) - Boa Sorte MP3 MySpace

While reflecting on this blog today I remember the first male/female duet I loved as a kid. It was released in 1989 making me 11 when I liked this....oh God I thought I was younger! Aaron Neville & Linda Ronstad - Don't Know Much

Colm Mac Con Iomaire - CD Release The Hare's Corner

The Frames for me are quite original due to the fiddle talents of one Colm Mac Con Iomaire. He adds an extra dimension to the sound, energy and performance. I bet when I see The Swell Season in December he will be missed! (Not sure if Glen brings Colm on tour!)

The Hare’s Corner will be released on Plateau records on the 5th of September. This will co-incide with a week of live dates around the country from the 4th of September. Go to The Hare's Corner for an explanation to the title of the album and a listen to three songs: Time Will Tell, Ronnie's Theme and Blue Shoes. Looking forward to the gig in Whelans!

Tour Dates:
September
4th busker brownes the hall, galway
5th belltable theatre, limerick
6th station house, clifden
7th whelans, dublin
8th sirius arts centre, cobh
9th cyprus avenue, cork

Irish Mixtape 4 Anne My Sister

My sister Anne is celebrating a birthday next week and she asked me to make her a few cds of music she can play in the car as she is working. Of course nothing gives me more pleasure in life than to do this! I have made an Irish artist compilation which I present to you below with selected MP3s. I think an upbeat summer cd will be made followed by an experimental cd of songs I will choose for her but which she won't have heard before. A reminder that I want the blog to be much more biased towards Irish artists and musicians. I don't want to review the new Hold Steady album or post that Feist is going to be special guest on Seaseme Street because it's been done tenfold and comprehensively by the music blogspere. If you want me track down any music or info about an Irish artist just send me message. If anyone wants me to create a Mixtape 4 U again let me know!

1. The Frames - Finally
2. Duke Special - Freewheel {MP3} MySpace
3. Mark Geary - Tuesday
4. Mundy & Sharon Shannon - Galway Girl
5. Lunasa - Aoibhneas
6. Kila - Leanfaidh Me
7. Foy Vance - Shed A Little Light
8. Katell Keinig - Love Song To My Guru
9. Shaz Oye - Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep
10. Dayo - Getting Me Down {MP3} MySpace
11. Damien Rice - Dogs
12. Damien Dempsey - Apple of my Eye
13. Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova - If You Want Me
14. The Pony Club - The Thing About Men {MP3} MySpace
15. Oppenheimer - Saturday Looks Bad To Me
16. Mic Christopher - Heyday
17. Declan O'Rourke - Sarah (Las Night In A Dream) (Live){MP3} MySpace
18. Sinead O'Conner - Something Beautiful (Live)

All Time Top 100 Songs (76-80)

76. Ben Harper - Amen Omen {MP3} MySpace

Well I have made no secret of my adoration for this man and his music. This track from his 5th studio album entitled Diamonds on the Inside in 1993. The album in my view is the most complete and comprehensive Ben Harper album. Amen Omen is packed full of emotional lyrics, sweet melodies and strong messages.

BHIC - Amen Omen Live @ The Hollywood Bowl



77. Neil Young - Rockin in the Free World {MP3} ***Link Fixed*** MySpace

Godfather of Grunge Neil Young is a legend and when he tells ya to keep rockin....better do as you are told!

Neil Young & Pearl Jam - Rockin in the Free World 1993 MTV Awards



78. The Frames - When Your Mind's Made Up {MP3} MySpace

I have blogged about Glen more than any other musician. The Frames pop up a few times in my top 100. I choose the Frames version of this song. I do miss Marketa's intro but I love the intensity created towards the end of the track that is missing from The Swell Season version. By the way....as a birthday gift today we are going to The Swell Season, 2nd December Olympia theatre in the Upper Circle! Best seats in the house!

The Frames - Live from HMV Grafton Street, Dublin '06



79. Yo La Tengo - Little Eyes {MP3} MySpace

I bought the double compilation from Yo La Tengo a few years ago and fell in love with the band. It was my tape of choice on visits back and forth to the UK as we were moving back to Ireland. This song is so beautiful, so tender, so majestic.

Yo La Tengo - Little Eyes Live At The Turnpike



80. Damien Rice - Cannonball {MP3} MySpace

Damo is great. I seen him live circa 98 with his band Juniper. While on the verge of greatness Dody Ma (Damo) jacked in the band and became a hermit for a few years. What emerged was his wonderful debut "O". For something different I have included Lisa Hannigan's version of Cannonball for your aurel pleasure. Will Damo be the same after Lisa's departure? Time will tell.

Damien Rice - Cannonball Live @ Union Chapel London



100. Jawbreaker - Want (1990) Link
99. David Ford - I Don't Care What You Call Me (2006)
98. Ben Harper - Glory & Consequence (1997)
97. The Stereophonics - Maybe Tomorrow (2003)
96. The Black Crows - Remedy (1992)
95. Tracy Chapman - Open Arms (1992)Link
94. Slowdive - Allison (1993)
93. The Frames - Angel at my Table (1994)
92. Counting Crows - I Wish I was a Girl (1999)
91. Pearl Jam - Immortality (1994)
90. The Flaming Lips - Yeah Yeah Yeah Song (2006)
89. Sonic Youth - Superstar
88. Coldplay - Warning Signs (2002)
87. Grant Lee Buffalo - Fuzzy (1993)
86. Rage Against The Machine - Know Your Enemy (1992)
85. PJ Harvey - Missed (1993)
84. Damien Dempsey - Apple of my Eye (2003)
83. Belly - Slow Dog (1993)
82. Sinead O' Conner & Shane McGowen - Haunted (1995)
81. The Fat Lady Sings - Drunkard Logic (1993)

Dar Williams Update

Dar Williams new song It's Alright is being streammed over on www.myspace.com/darwilliams. The following is featured in her MySpace blog.

ACCLAIMED SINGER/SONGWRITER DAR WILLIAMS' TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM, PROMISED LAND SEPTEMBER 9TH

WILLIAMS SET TO TOUR WITH SHAWN MULLINS THIS FALL

(New York, NY) – Singer/songwriter Dar Williams' first album of original material in over three years, PROMISED LAND, is due out on September 9th. Produced by Brad Wood (Pete Yorn, Liz Phair, Smashing Pumpkins), the album features 12 reflective songs that introduce a fresh interpretation of her previous sound. She will hit the road this fall with Shawn Mullins as main support (please see dates below).

Williams' ability to perform witty songs that cover a wide range of social and political topics are showcased on the engaging tracks "It's Alright," "The Easy Way," and "Buzzer." Williams also does a cover of "Midnight Radio" from the acclaimed rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch, as well as a cover of Fountains of Wayne song "Troubled Times." The vigor on PROMISED LAND comes from working with a new group of people – producer Brad Wood and the stable of new musicians he assembled. Williams' friends are also featured as guest artists – Marshall Crenshaw, Suzanne Vega and Gary Louris from The Jayhawks. Producer Wood injects her new songs with energy and momentum. He explains, "Dar was looking to try something different and get out of her comfort zone. She had made a number of records and it seemed like a good time, career-wise, for her to make a change. I was flattered that she thought to ask me to help."

One of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of her generation, Dar Williams has been engaging audiences with her musical artistry since the early 1990s when she rose from the Northeast coffeehouse circuit to the national spotlight. Never afraid to challenge herself or her audience, Williams has been a dedicated social and political activist throughout her career. Lending her talent to support various causes, she has taken part in many benefit concerts. Williams has captivated her loyal audiences across the country with her live performances and she continues to tour regularly. For more information, please visit Williams' website: www.darwilliams.com


PROMISED LAND track listing:

1. It's Alright
2. Book of Love
3. The Easy Way
4. The Tide Falls Away
5. Buzzer
6. The Business of Things
7. You Are Everyone
8. Go To The Woods
9. Holly Tree
10. Troubled Times
11. Midnight Radio
12. Summerday

Dar Williams on tour:

July
26 Hillsdale, NY Falcon Ridge Folk Festival
27 Cold Spring, NY Sunset Series

August
2 Madison, WI Roots Festival*with G Love and Special Sauce/Shawn Mullins
9 Edmonton, BA Edmonton Folk Festival
10 Edmonton, BA Edmonton Folk Festival
15 Lyon, CO Folk Festival
16 Denver, CO Bluebird Theatre*
18 Taos, NM KTAO Solar Center
24 Jacksonville, OR Britt Pavillion *with Judy Collins

September
12 Somerville, MA Somerville Theatre*
13 Albany, NY Swyer Theater*
15 Pittsburgh, PA Club Café*
16 Cleveland, OH Beachland Ballroom*
17 Ann Arbor, MI The Ark*
19 Chicago, IL Park West*
21 Milwaukee, WI Pabst Theater*
22 Minneapolis, MN Guthrie Theater*
23 Iowa City, IA Englert Theatre*
25 Covington, KY Carnegie Performing Center*
26 Buffalo, NY Asbury Hall*
27 New York, NY The Fillmore at Irving Plaza*

October
1 Portland, ME One Longfellow Square *
2 Woodstock, VT Town Hall Theatre*
3 Great Barrington, MA Mahaiwe Theater*
4 Mamaroneck, NY Emelin Theater*

November
7 Alexandria, VA The Birchmere
8 Alexandria, VA The Birchmere
* with Shawn Mullins

Dar Williams - As cool As i Am

Reflections & The Swell Season News

I have been on holidays these last 10 days and it's been all good. Took many many pics and had wonderful time. I reflected on the blog alot. I feel I need to continue writing about music I know and love. I will be making sure that this blog plugs as much Irish home grown talent as possible. Glen & Marketa have given me something wonderful to look forward to now. As part of an Autumn European tour they play London and Dublin. Tickets for the Dublin show go on sale on Friday.

24 Nov 2008 19:30 Royal Albert Hall London, London and South East
2 Dec 2008 19:30 Olympia Theatre Dublin, Dublin


The Swell Season - Happiness Glastonbury

Oxegen Festival Ireland's premier Music Festival

Here is a rundown of the bands I'd have loved to see if it wasn't for the fact I'm married, nearly 30, have 3 kids and on a caravan holiday in Wales! What a line-up of bands and to finish with Cat Power! Wow!

Friday 11th July

17.00 Future Kings of Spain - Cocaine



18.00 The Coronas - Grace, Don't Wait



19.00 Liam Finn - Second Chance



19.30 Deus Suds & Soda



20.30 Editors - Bullets



22.00 Interpol - Slow Hands



Midnight Cat Power - New York

Repost Top 40 Irish Albums

So in the Irish Times on friday 29th Feb, the below list of the best 40 albums was compiled by 4 Ticket rock writers. I found the list interesting due to a couple of exclusions and a few surprises. It is widely acknowledged to the Irish public that the Damien Rice CD "O" would be in the top three accompanied by the joshua tree and astral weeks. I have no complaint about the cd chosen in first place! No room for The Fat Lady Sings? Nine by Damien Rice? Dance the Devil by the Frames? NO Duke Special, Foy Vance, Devlins, Ann Scott, JJ72.....sigh!

1: My Bloody Valentine: Loveless (1991)
2: U2: Achtung Baby (1991)
3: A House: I am the Greatest (1991)
4: The Radiators: Ghostown (1979)
5: Van Morrison: Astral weeks (1968)
6: Microdisny: The Clock down the Stairs (1985)
7: Rollarskate Skinny: Horsedrawn Wishes (1996)
8: The Pogues: Rum Sodomy & The Lash (1986)
9: The Undertones: the Undertones (1979)
10: Whipping Boy: Heartworm (1995)
11: Ash: 1977 (1996)Kung Fu
12: The Blades: Raytown Revisited (1985)
13: Thin Lizzy: Live and Dangerous (1978)
14: U2: The Joshua Tree (1987)
15: Therepy?: Troublegum (1994)
16: Planxty: Plaxty (1973)
17: David Holmes: Lets Get Killed (1997)
18: The Stars of Heaven (1988)
19: Stiff Little Fingers: Inflammable Material (1979)
20: The Revenants: Horse of a different colour (1993)
21: The Stars of Heaven: Sacred Heart Hotel (1986)
22: U2: Boy (1980)
23: The Blades: last Man in Europe (1984)
24: My Bloody Valentine: Isn't Anything (1988)
25: Sinead O'Connor: I do not want what i haven't got (1990)
26: Van Morrison: Moondance (1970)
27: Snow Patrol: Eyes Open (2006)
28: the Divine comedy: Promenade (1994)
29: Rory Gallagher: Live in Europe (1972)
30: Van Morrison: It's too late to stop now (19724)
31: Bellx1: Music in Mouth (2003)
32: The Cranberries: Everybody Else is Doing it, so why can't we (1993)Waltzing Back
33: The Frames: For The Birds (2001)
34: Something Happens: Stuck together with God's glue (1990)
35: Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill: Live in Seattle (1999)
36: The High Llamas: Hawaii (1996)
37: The Undertones: Hypnotised (1980)
38: Damien Rice: O (2002)
39: the Pogues: If I should fall from the Grace of God (1988)Thousands are Sailing
40: Microdisney: Crooked Mile (1987)

Further Reading!

http://www.ireland.com/theticket
http://www.irishmusiccentral.com

Sunday's 7 Degree of Separation

Simple 7 degrees today.....I'm on vacation so I have this scheduled. 7 decent perfomances from bands playing at Glastonbury.

30 mins of footage from Lupe Fiasco


Lupe Fiasco @ Glastonbury 2008 from Brian Dackowski on Vimeo.

Jay-Z 99 Problems



Hazel O'Conner



Editors - Munich



Estelle - American Boy



The Fratellis - Chelsea Dagger



Foals - Cassius

Top 100 (81 - 85)

85. PJ Harvey - Missed (1993) MP3 MySpace

As a 14 year old PJ Harvey opened up a new non grunge music world to me. In fact I'd say PJ Harvey has helped me to become an inquisitive mind. I was a 15 year old boy learning off by heart lyrics such as "Lick my legs I'm on Fire" and "Rub it until it Bleeds"....to this day I'm hoping that's a metaphor to life! Anyway PJ Harvey was a portal to MBV, Slowdive, The Cure, New Order etc etc. I choose Missed from the LP "Rid of Me" because of the lyrics, melodies and mood of the tune.



84. Damien Dempsey - Apple of my Eye (2003) MP3 MySpace

Damo Dempsey from deepest darkest Donaghmeade in Dublin.....(I'm the alliteration King) is fast becoming a Legend in the Irish Music Scene. Already he has released 5 long plays, played in Sharron Shannon's big band and has headlined a gig in Radio City NYC. His new release sees Damo go back to his roots. He mentioned in the current edition of Hot Press that he has about 200 Irish folk songs in his head. It's been said for years that Christy Moore will pass his Folk Crown onto Damo. I didn't get that a few years ago. Now it's inevitable.



83. Belly - Slow Dog (1993) MP3 MySpace

Tanya Donnelly formed Belly in early 90's after achieving moderate indie success with The Throwing Muses. Signed to indie label 4AD, 1993 saw the release of "Star", Belly's most accomplished LP. It included the singles Feed the Tree, Gepetto and this tune Slow Dog. My favourite memory of Belly was throwing my shirt up to the bass player. It hit her hand she was strumming with. She found me in the crowd and smiled at me! My reaction! Have you seen Kevin & Perry go large?



82. Sinead O' Conner & Shane McGowen - Haunted (1995) MP3 MySpace

I'm not the biggest fan of either Sinead or Shane but this is brilliant.



81. The Fat Lady Sings - Drunkard Logic (1993) MP3 Website

The Fat Lady Sings were well on their way to becoming the new face of Irish rock music when Nick Kelly broke up the band in a case of Up Yours to the music industry!. In 1993 when they played the Reading Festival they shared a bill with Nirvana. However by the time TFLS took to the stage Nirvana might well have been on the tour bus out of there after completing their set earlier in the day. Nick the singer went on to make two excellent solo albums, 1997s Between Trapezes and 2005s Running Dog. Tim Bradshaw and Dermot Lynch went on to becoming half of Dog's Eye View. Tim has also been part of David Gray's band for the last few years and is set to release his solo album in the near future. Drunkard Logic was their most commercial single, just missing out on the top 40 in the UK. 1993's Johnson is a fine album that needs to be explored!




100. Jawbreaker - Want (1990) Link
99. David Ford - I Don't Care What You Call Me (2006)
98. Ben Harper - Glory & Consequence (1997)
97. The Stereophonics - Maybe Tomorrow (2003)
96. The Black Crows - Remedy (1992)
95. Tracy Chapman - Open Arms (1992)Link
94. Slowdive - Allison (1993)
93. The Frames - Angel at my Table (1994)
92. Counting Crows - I Wish I was a Girl (1999)
91. Pearl Jam - Immortality (1994)
90. The Flaming Lips - Yeah Yeah Yeah Song (2006)
89. Sonic Youth - Superstar
88. Coldplay - Warning Signs (2002)
87. Grant Lee Buffalo - Fuzzy (1993)
86. Rage Against The Machine - Know Your Enemy (1992)

Ben Harper & Jack Johnson YouTube update

Ben Harper & Jack Johnson - High Tide & Low Tide (Great quality)



Best bit of the gig.....the almost joke!



Loved the Naomi Campbell boooooooo! The rest of the joke is...... after he shags the model, he asks her for another favour! She says what is it? Can i put these pants on you? Can I draw a beard on you too? Also can I call you John? She relucantly gives in and they talk for a bit.....then he says.....John guess who I just shagged?

Jack - Times Like These

BEST GIG EVER - Jack Johnson & Ben Harper

Yeah it really was the best gig I seen due to my groupie like status for Ben Harper. The man is a legend. The band are awesome. The set-list was heavy on new material from his last two albums, and included an awesome version of Bill Withers classic Use Me! There was a song from every one of Ben Harpers cd releases apart from the collaberaion with The Blind Boys of Alabama.



The Setlist: 1 hours and 15 minutes!

Excuse Me Mr.
In The Colors
Waiting For You
Morning Yearning
Fool For A Lonesome Train
Fight Outta You
Welcome To The Cruel World
Use Me
Amen Omen
Diamonds On The Inside
Steal My Kisses
Burn One Down
Better Way



I have a few video clips I'll post when I get more time. Jack Johnson played for 2 solid hours and played a stormer of a gig. He played all his favourites from the back catalogue and alternating them with his newer electric songs from the recent album. Jack brought on G Love (who played a great set before Ben Harper) for a few songs as well as Mason Jennings and Matt Costa. During the encore he brought out Legend Jimmy Buffet but the last two tunes were hair standing on the back of neck wonderful. Ben Harper was called out for a duet of the Bob Marley classic High Tide or Low Tide....incidentally can be found below! That was out of this world. Jack brought back out his band for the last song Flake which Ben Harper played on. Even writing about it now is making me tingle....such energy, great song and fabulous ending to a great gig. I thought the atmosphere was so chilled and relaxed, the crowd were very friendly, food was great, drink a plentiful and the music ......WOW.

To finish........if Jack Johnson wasn't on top form Ben Harper's performance would most certainly have over-shadowed the headliner. I love the Counting Crows but I think on Saturday Ben Harper will play them off the park!

In the voice of Comic Book Store Guy......."BEST GIG EVER"