Isn't September the natural start to the new year? I propose moving the New Year to September 1st but keeping Christmas where it is.....how depressing would the cold winter be without Christmas? Anyway......SUMMER'S OUT FOR SCHOOLLLLLLLL (not the same is it!....sigh)
Spinal Tap - Bitch School MP3MySpace Modest Mouse - Education MP3MySpace Mumblin Deaf Ro - What to learn and where to learn it! MP3MySpace Paul Simon - Me & Julio Down by the Schoolyard MP3MySpace Robin Thicke - Teach You A Lesson MP3MySpace Darla Farmer - History MP3MySpace Blind Melon - Three is a Magic Number MP3MySpace
Make sure you check out Darla Farmer from TN. Great band and a nice little find!
Back in '94 as a 16 year year old Greg Duli and The Afghan Whigs delivered to me the type of aural pleasure that you know is subjective. The album called Gentleman in which there are two tracks in my Top 100 is full of grunge melodies and clever lyrics in the unique style of Greg Duli. Gentleman is a rocking track that supports the last statement.
Katell Keineg is an angel and is in my top 10 artists. I adore her voice. Born in Brittany, raised in Wales, regular visitor to Ireland, Katell produced a debut album in 1994 so stunning I still listen to it now and it still sends shivers down my back. That debut called O Seasons, O Castles closes with The Gulf of Araby. This beautiful song was recorded by Natalie Merchant on the 1999 Live In Concert CD and DVD. Watch the video as it contains an introduction by The Great Glen!
Legendary Bob Mould of Husker Du released Copper Blue in 1992 in a three piece band called Sugar. Copper Blue is another amazing CD that sounds as good today as it did 16 years ago. It's full of melodic indie tunes such as Changes, Hoover Dam and If I Can't Change Your Mind. A Good Idea is the pick from that wonderful CD.
49. Mother Love Bone - Stardog Champion Mp3MySpace
You know the story about the Rock band on the cusp of greatness but on the eve of the debut album being released the lead singer dies of an overdose? Normally the debut album would have been archived and hidden from the world. However, Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament went on to form Pearl Jam. The debut was released and this song should have been the first single. I particularly love the boys choir in the song!
Damo Dempsey is such a great Irish singer who is carving out a successful career for himself in Ireland as well as making waves in America and Europe. Already five albums and a live album to his name he will have a massive discography in the coming years as he takes on the Irish Folk traditions of Christy Moore and the late Ronnie Drew.
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) 75. The Levellers - One Way 74. David Rovics - Falluja (feat Dope Poet Society) 73. The Lemonheads - Kitchen 72. The Cure - Just Like Heaven 71. Buffalo Tom - Late At Night 70. Paddy Casey - It's Over Now 69. Deacon Blue - Real Gone Kid 68. Jeff Buckley - Vancouver 67. John Martyn - May You Never 66. Eddie Vedder - Hard Sun 65. McAlmont & Butler - Yes 64. Tracy Chapman - Almost 63. Mark Dignam - Bumble Bee 62. The Hold Steady - Chips Ahoy 61. Paw - Sleeping Bag 60. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Soul To Squeeze 59. Ben Harper - Oppression 58. Whipping Boy - We Don't Need Nobody Else 57. U2 - The Unforgethable Fire 56. The Breeders - Cannonball 55. Blue October - Hate Me 54. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Into Your Arms 53. The Devlins - Surrender 52. David Gray - Sail Away 51. Deus - Suds & Soda
Tomorrow marks the start of the most cultural music festival in the world and the end to the Summer of 2008. I am genuinely jealous of the thousands of fans who are making the trip to Co. Laois this weekend. The depth of great musical talents on offer is massive. From Grace Jones to Michael Franti, Christy Moore to Tinariwen, Underworld to Duffy there is someone for everyone. I'm really proud of the wealth of Irish talent on offer. Below are ten acts I would have checked out this weekend along with Gemma Hayes, Fred, Lisa Hannigan and Ireland's adopted son Josh Ritter.
I'm really looking forward to the news and reviews from the Picnic. Apparently some 50 hours of the Picnic will be streamed on 2FM which you can listen to from here.
I'm very proud to plug a real talent in the blog today. Flinders (Galway's Philip Flynn) has created a wonderful soundscape by blending looped vocals and guitar parts with pulsating rhythms and hypnotic baselines. Add in a soaring lead vocal line and you get Flinders unique sound. Think Elliot Smith/Joseph Arthur cocktail and you come close to the Flinders sound. Flinders self released "The Ground Floor E.P." last year and it has been well received with Radio sessions and airplay with the BBC and many American stations. Produced by Les Keye (Wilde Oscars), "See Saw Still" will be released as download and as a physical CD through the shop on his website and ITunes.
Flinders: Boxes Burning (right-click, save target as)
Further reading:
Flinders MySpace includes five streaming tracks to sample. Flinder.ie is the up to date site with news, gigs, shop, links etc. Flinders is available for support slots....contact flinders@eircom.net
One Day International formed last year and they have recently completed their debut album "Blackbird" ready for release on October 3rd. The band are fronted by Australian Matt Lunson who in 2005 achieved critical acclaim and moderate success in Ireland with his debut album Miss Vaughan. Now safely within a five peice band, One Day International have supported the likes of Elbow, Crowded House and Richard Hawley. They are at the Electric Picnic this weekend. One Day International are a band I'm looking forward to seeing live and to listen to their debut. Sleeping on Trains is from that album. Also included here is the wonderful soft caring love song from Matt Lunson's album called In The Morning.
Doors are 9pm and entry is 6euro.......... all proceeds go to charity.
Gig News: I have already shelled out cash for The Swell Season, Counting Crows and Nick kelly tickets but my mouth was foaming when a quick browse on Ticketmaster showed that Aimee Mann is to play here in October and Tracy Chapman is to play a solo gig in December. I will have to wonder about ticket sales for all these concerts! Recession times means the students of Ireland will pay good money for their established favourite bands. I worry about all the young Irish bands hoping to make a name for themselves.
I'm going to tick as many boxes as I can with this post. This week's cover comes from Gavin Glass, an Irish artist who is playing the Electric Picnic as part of two bands. His own band plays on Friday Night and on the Saturday night he plays as part of Lisa Hannigan's band. Gavin is also special guests for tomorrow nights Ruby Sessions 9th birthday bash. If that's not enough, the cover version below is Ooh La La originally by The Faces who were covered by Jaded Sun on Saturday and the video is on the preciding blog post. Phew.
Firstly, I'm interested in the Olympic sport I see in the bottom right hand window above. As we all know the Olympics is finishing up today. It's been a great few weeks. China have been outstanding. Who knew they had tall kids for a basketball team? We had the ubar success of Michael Phelps. The Irish people were reminded that we don't need ten pints to be good at boxing. We Irish also learned about capsaicin, a deep heat banned substance that forced an Irish horse to withdraw from the games because of a doping offence! Ireland finished joint 62nd with two bronze and one silver medal. All three won for boxing.
Micah P. Hinson and the Red Empire Orchestra - Sunset over the Olympic Mons MP3MySpace
Peter Gabriel - Games Without Frontiers (Massive Attack Remix) MP3MySpace
I'm pleased to have four Irish artists in this week's feature. Dublin's Fight Like Apes are rocking the Reading & Leads Festivals as I type. Oppenheimer who I love are playing the Electric Picnic. As is Texan Micah P Hinson who will be awesome. Interference have three songs for download on their MySpace. If you believe rumours then Pavement are the next indie band to reform. Peter Gabriel is busy being Peter Gabriel and Bono has learned not to play his own music loud when on holiday!
I first seen Gemma play live when she was a young college drop out supporting the likes of Nick Kelly and Juniper all around Ireland in the late 90's. Gemma hails from Tipperary and is now ten years into her musical career with three albums and many EP's in her back catalogue. Gemma is a great talent who for me is someone I'd love to see successful. You can make that happen! Check out the links, download the song and try to see Gemma live!
Gemma Hayes: Hanging Around [Acoustic b-side] (right-click, save target as)
Tour Dates:
31 Aug 2008 15:00 **ELECTRIC PICNIC**! Crawdaddy Stage County Laois 1 Sep 2008 The Yard in Wexford 2 Sep 2008 The Yard in Wexford 4 Sep 2008 Fat Fox, PORTSMOUTH 5 Sep 2008 Marquee, HERTFORD 7 Sep 2008 Norwich Arts Centre Norwich, 8 Sep 2008 Union Chapel, LONDON 9 Sep 2008 Glee Club, BIRMINGHAM 10 Sep 2008 Jericho Tavern, OXFORD 12 Sep 2008 Louisiana, BRISTOL 21 Sep 2008 ATP, New York, 22 Sep 2008 Mercury Lounge, NYC
Gemma Hayes MySpace here. Gemma's official website here.
My favourite Gemma Hayes song: Ran For Miles Live @ Abbey Road
Deus are like a Belgian version of The Frames. They have in their lead singer a voice of pure excellence. Like The Frames, Deus use a violinist to great effect for energy and momentum. As a kid I was introduced to Deus because Donal Dineen on No Disco consistently plugged the band to great effect. I admit, I never bought a Deus record or seen the band live. I have to change that soon. Suds & Soda was one of my first downloaded songs from my teenage days and a firm favourite on my mixtapes since.
Talking of Donal Dineen, Ireland's most under-rated night-time Today FM DJ is I believe the man who was the most inspirational in bringing David Gray to the attention of Irish music lovers. No Disco regularly plugged David Gray with video airplay and many interviews. I became aware of David Gray on his second album Flesh through No Disco. He is still one of the best songwriters of our generation. If you go back through his catalogue you will find song after song of pure brilliance. I especially like Shine, It's All Over, Everytime, Late Night Radio, Coming Down and Lead Me Upstairs from the early albums. I really was delighted to see his rise to fame firstly here in Ireland and then in his native UK with the forth album White Ladder. Sail Away is a great song song taken from the mega selling album. In fact.....White Ladder is the biggest selling album ever in Ireland.
The Devlins are one of my favourite chill out artists. Their songs are thought-provoking, emotional, and in my view equal anything that Bono and the lads can do! Surrender is a brilliant track with clever lyrics and super melodies. Colin Devlin the lead singer is on the verge of releasing his debut album. Check him out here. Also if you like Surrender go to the band's MySpace and get yourself four more!
54. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Into Your Arms MP3MySpace
How can you not love this song? Best love song ever? Your thoughts?
I suppose this is another guilty pleasure. Honestly I'm not a suicidal 17 yr old with horrible black make-up! I genuinely believe this is the best song to come out of the EMO movement. It's again big on a message, great vocals and overall it's a rocking tune.
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) 75. The Levellers - One Way 74. David Rovics - Falluja (feat Dope Poet Society) 73. The Lemonheads - Kitchen 72. The Cure - Just Like Heaven 71. Buffalo Tom - Late At Night 70. Paddy Casey - It's Over Now 69. Deacon Blue - Real Gone Kid 68. Jeff Buckley - Vancouver 67. John Martyn - May You Never 66. Eddie Vedder - Hard Sun 65. McAlmont & Butler - Yes 64. Tracy Chapman - Almost 63. Mark Dignam - Bumble Bee 62. The Hold Steady - Chips Ahoy 61. Paw - Sleeping Bag 60. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Soul To Squeeze 59. Ben Harper - Oppression 58. Whipping Boy - We Don't Need Nobody Else 57. U2 - The Unforgethable Fire 56. The Breeders - Cannonball
Fred are a fun fun band from the People's Republic of Cork. They have been on my radar since their debut album but I have neglected the band recently. Good for me now because I can now fully appreciate what they have to offer the music world. Already three albums into their career with their recent album released in May to critical acclaim in Ireland. Get to the Electric Picnic early on Friday 29th to catch Fred. I dare ya to download the exclusive single Running that you can find below without tapping the foot, wriggling that ass or singing the tune without knowing the words! Too much fun! I'm going to do my best to catch them live...
Dates:
Fri 29th August :: 5pm Electric Picnic Tues 2nd September ::10pm University Limerick Sat 6th September :: 8pm The Pavilion :: Cork Wed 10th September :: 8pm Dolan's Warehouse (supporting the Blizzards) :: Limerick Fri 12th September Hard Working Class Heroes Festival :: Dublin Fri 19th Septermber :: 8pm Roisin Dubh :: Galway Sat 20th September :: 8pm Crawdaddy :: Dublin 3-5 Oct 2008 8pm Pop Montreal, Montreal, Quebec
Exclusive Fred Single: Running (right-click, save target as)
Now into it's second week, Monday under the covers is an attempt to kick-start the week with maximum aural pleasure. There is nothing better than a sexy song, beefed up with crashing guitars and feedback to make it even better than the original. I give to you the Chris Isaak's track Wicked Game as performed by Annie Hardy aka Giant Drag.
Giant Drag news: An EP is on the verge of being released. It will be the first release since parting company with Interscope records. However while Annie can still beat out a great track the money has dried up! Hence......
"I get fries with a little help from our friends!" Giant Drag Website Giant Drag MySpace Giant Drag Store Giant Drag Ebay Store The Three Trace Films There is a little Giant Drag track in there somewhere!
Juniper was Damien Rice's first band. They were a relatively successful young Irish 5-piece who played electrifying gigs which were always packed out. They signed to PolyGram for a potential 6-album deal and managed to release two reasonably-well received singles, the most notable being ‘Weatherman’. But that was as far as the band got. Dodi Ma (Damien Rice) felt inhibited by the record deal and left the band.
Juniper - Weatherman (right click, save target as)
When Dodi Ma broke free the drummer Paul Noonan took over the singing duties, formed as the band Bell X1 (pronounced X one, not bell eleven which Marty Whelan used to call them) and released their debut album Neither Am I in 1999 with producer Nick Seymour of Crowded House fame. The band have also released Music in Mouth and Flock albums in 2003 and 2006 respectively as well as a live at the point cd/dvd. Flock has been given a huge push in the US this year. Little sister from the debut is a survivor from the Juniper days.
Bell X1 - Little Sister (right click, save target as)
While the ex members of Juniper were busy making a living for themselves Damien based himself in Italy for a while. He brought together a great bunch of musicians who recorded the debut album O with Damien throughout 2001. O has sold well over two million records worldwide and propelled him into cult like status. Lisa Hannigan's wonderful voice complimented Damien's vocals and it a defining feature of Damien's success.
Lisa Hannigan - Teeth (Live in Dingle Co. Kerry for Other Voices) (right click, save target as)
Lisa has her debut album See Saw out on 12th September, a brand new website and is touring Ireland as I type. This includes a sell out show at Whelans, a performance at the Electric Picnic and an US Autumn tour on Jason Mraz' coat-tails. Damien's other siren to feature prominently on the albums is Vyvienne Long who is getting her own career into gear. The excellent Birdtalk EP was released to critical acclaim with a record on the horizon real soon.
Vyvienne Long - Blue Carousel (right click, save target as)
Damien Rice is heavily involved in making the world a better place. This week he participated in a music album called Songs for Tibet, which is an initiative to support Tibet, Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso and to underline the human rights situation in Tibet. Lonely Soldier was a charity single released in Ireland on 24 Jun 2004 in aid of peace. The track was recorded by Damien & Christy Moore and features Tom Osander, Lisa Hannigan and Shane Fitzsimons.
Damien Rice & Christy Moore - Lonely Soldier (right click, save target as)
I have to admit I was worried about the loss of Lisa Hannigan to Damien's future recordings. However this collaboration with Tori Amos has given me some hope that he will overcome the massive void left by Lisa's departure. Damien sang with Tori Amos on the track The Power of Orange Knickers that appeared on 2005's album The Beekeeper.
To finish the post I want to highlight the superb quality of Damien Rice's music. I believe the cover version of The Blower's Daughter will testify the strenght of the songwriting. The second album 9 was released and was darker than O in many ways. Thats why as a complete album I prefer it to the debut. All I can say is bring on album number three!
Ronnie Drew passed away today aged 73 and he will be greatly missed. Here he is leading the Dubliners and The Pogues in a rendition of The Irish Rover.
There are many many reasons why this is in the top 100. The groove of the song, vocals of the Deal sisters, excellent bass-line during the song and grunge like guitar rift. All super fun and with a brilliant MTV loved video.
I think this is the first U2 entry but not the last in my top 100. We in Finglas claimed U2 as our own due to I think Paul living in Finglas East.......(from memory so I could be completely wrong....can't be arsed to ask uncle google!). Anyway they belonged to us Irish folk who had little to cheer about in the 80's. My first fan like introduction was Christmas day 91, listening to Achtung Baby continuously while waiting for the Terminator game to load on the Commador 64. Achtung baby was the epicentre of my love for U2 and expands from there. This track is so good. It's taken from The Unforgettable Fire album which includes four of U2's best tunes. It sits with Bad, A Sort of Homecoming and Pride and in my opinion U2's best album.
58. Whipping Boy - We Don't Need Nobody Else MP3MySpace
Whipping Boy released three albums, 92s Submarine, 95s Heartworm and their self titled album in 2001. Heartworm is one of the best Irish albums ever made. It's regularly in the top lists of best of Irish albums. Heartworm included three hit singles, Twinkle, When We Were Young and this track We Don't Need Nobody Else. I constantly debate which of the three I think is my favourite track. I love this for the monologue feel of the lyrics where they sound more like conversations than lyrics. "Why say words that I do not Mean?"
Track number three for Ben Harper so far. Oppression from the wonderful album Fight For Your Mind is a protest folk song with a great message. I love the soft sounding melodies from his voice yet the message is such a strong one!
60. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Soul To Squeeze MP3MySpace
Fir me the Chili Peppers don't make great album. They make great songs hidden within mediocre songs. Like this tune taken from The Coneheads soundtrack. It was released around the whole Seattle grunge phenomenon and Nirvana was the biggest band in the world. I adored the track then and still do now.
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) 75. The Levellers - One Way 74. David Rovics - Falluja (feat Dope Poet Society) 73. The Lemonheads - Kitchen 72. The Cure - Just Like Heaven 71. Buffalo Tom - Late At Night 70. Paddy Casey - It's Over Now 69. Deacon Blue - Real Gone Kid 68. Jeff Buckley - Vancouver 67. John Martyn - May You Never 66. Eddie Vedder - Hard Sun 65. McAlmont & Butler - Yes 64. Tracy Chapman - Almost 63. Mark Dignam - Bumble Bee 62. The Hold Steady - Chips Ahoy 61. Paw - Sleeping Bag
Released today on the Ray Foley Show, the USB album is the first of its kind and was comprised by a panel of some of the finest people in the Irish Music Industry including:
Dave Reid / Ron Healy - Choice Music Prize Alison Curtis - Ray Foley - Today FM Rick O'Shea - 2FM Peter Vamos - Phantom FM Roddie Cleere - WLRFM Una Mullally - The Sunday Tribune Elton Mullally - Channel 6 Aidan Curren - Cluas.com Aoife Lanigan- Good Seed PR Brendan Hickey - On The Verge Edison Waters - Vibe Music Management Elton Mullally - Channel 6 Elvera Butler - Reekus Records Francie Conway - Musician, Songwriter, The Rockschool, Ballyfermot Julie Feeney - Irish composer, singer/songwriter Ken McGuire - Kilkenny Music Naomi Mc Ardle - Hotpress- Naomi’s Blog Noel Taylor - Artist Management Ron Healy - Irish Unsigned Trev Halpin - MusicReview.com
1. Codes -- This is goodbye 2. Dirty Epics -- The Cure 3. Driving By Night -- Fears of men 4. Jo And The Flood -- Hey Jo 5. Justin Manville -- Tonight 6. Orphan Code -- Last Dance 7. Ro Tierney -- The Voice 8. Roberta Howett --Shadows 9. Saccade -- Wasting my time 10. Suddyn -- Letting Go 11. The Flaws --1981 12. The Kinetiks --Bite the bullet 13. The Radio -- Manmade 14. The Rumours -- When the sun hits your eyes 15. Vesta Varro --Weighted love
Watch out for exclusive tracks in the coming weeks. There will a launch party in The Clarence Hotel, Sligo on August 22nd and in Whelan's, Dublin on August 28th.
MUZU TV - Your Music TV. Muzu will actually pay the artist 50% of the revenue from ads directly in relation to their music videos. So when you want music videos forget YouTube.....instead go to Muzu.tv
Hit the playlist button as the video clip is playing to watch different videos. I have included a great clip by Juno Fall, The Frank & Walters, Rodreigo Y Gabrielle and Moving Hearts.
Where bands, artists, festivals, venues, broadcasters, music magazines and more broadcast their music TV on the web. WATCH – Gigs, Interviews, Behind the Scenes, Music Videos, Documentaries PROGRAM – Your Music TV playlists BROADCAST – Your Music TV on the web
Dublin band Black Daisy (....not to be confused with the Black Kids, the Black Lips, The Black Crows or Carling Black Label) are a rocking four piece band who have just released the Disturbing New Fashion EP. The band I believe are on the verge of a major breakthrough. The songs are catchy three minute gems and the vocals are strong. However I think their image is fabulous and they have a huge amount to contribute to Irish and International rock music. Black Daisy have been together for four years and the multi instrumentalists have performed numerous gigs and live radio shows.
The reasons for this feature are varied. I love hearing interesting, wonderful, imaginative covers. I think there's nothing better than finding a great cover version. I particularly love the male version of "I Kissed a Girl" doing the rounds on the blogsphere. I regularly check out Cover Lay Down for some great blogging and MP3s. Also I think on a Monday we all need a lift. I think an inspirational interpretation of a song you love is the best boost for the start of the week!
The objective of this feature is to post 7 songs connected together with a central theme! This week it is sailing, or travelling by boat or simply escaping something. Highly recommended is the Kathryn Williams tune. Remember to support their artist by checking out their MySpace.
1. Modest Mouse - Missed the Boat MP3MySpace 2. Wheat - Little White Dove MP3MySpace 3. Okkervil River - John Allen Smith Sails MP3MySpace 4. Kathrynn Williams - Glass Bottom Boat MP3MySpace 5. Soulsavers - Through My Sails MP3MySpace 6. Mark Olson - Poor Michael's Boat MP3MySpace 7. The Frames - Ship Caught in the Bay MP3MySpace
Bonas: An Excellent Video (Not Official) for Sail Away by David Gray
Paw are a unique band. They are pure grunge. Every song includes big crisp raging grungie power chords. What make Paw unique to me are the melodies in all their songs. The contrast is wonderful. Raging hate the world guitar riff followed by a sing-a-long chorus. Bliss. I used to listen to the tape Dragline on my long walks with the dog down the Tolka river past the burned out cars and used needles! Pure escapism. This song Sleeping Bag is about a real life car crash the singer Mark Hennessy endured where his brother was seriously injured.
The Hold Steady are a great band. They are at album four in their hopefully long career. They make the kind of music that makes you smile. Nothing is ever too serious but the lyrics can be deep at times. There are two Hold Steady tracks in the top 100. This is a great song and also a wonderful video. (For about a million other blog pages search for the band on hypem.com or elbo.ws)
Along with Glen Hansard, Mark Dignam has appeared more than any other artist on the blog. Mark's family home was literally 100 yards from mine. Mark is a super talented musician and songwriter. I think his music and words meant more to me because of our similar background. I think it's difficult to make sense of the world if you choose to exclude yourself from the community you grew up in. Mark's songs helped make that transition easier. This little song is great. A few years ago one of my twins got stung by a bee. We sang this song a lot to make sure that they didn't develop a weird phobia of bees! "The world is getting smaller, you will never lose this friend"
Tracy Chapman is a legend and I love her music and her cds are always so compact and perfect. Rarely does a song jump out in her cds. However Almost is one song that stands up, makes you take serious notice of it. Almost appears 2002s Let it Rain and it's a truly magical tune.
Tracy Chapman - Almost with edited clips from One Tree Hill
Did I mention I like big anthems? Suede guitarist and pop singer unite for an album that in truth was pretty poor. However this song was the lead single and became a massive hit for the duo. Butler is now the producer every wannabee Amy Winehouse is after! Apparently taken from his MySpace, "McAlmont & Butler fell out, however, when Butler received the Nobel Prize in Science for his invention and refused to use the prize money to buy his McAlmont a pony"
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) 75. The Levellers - One Way 74. David Rovics - Falluja (feat Dope Poet Society) 73. The Lemonheads - Kitchen 72. The Cure - Just Like Heaven 71. Buffalo Tom - Late At Night 70. Paddy Casey - It's Over Now 69. Deacon Blue - Real Gone Kid 68. Jeff Buckley - Vancouver 67. John Martyn - May You Never 66. Eddie Vedder - Hard Sun
The great Irish band of the mid to late 90s Sack are back with original bassist Deresk Lee for a gig in The Button Factory, Temple Bar on Friday 14th November! Should be a great gig by the band Morrissey said should be number one forever!
These two videos are taken from the RTE series Other Voices!
Sack - Sugar Free & Tag
Sack - Latter Day Saint & Pressures of Modern Life
Now in it's 6th year Hard Working Class Heroes takes place over he weekend of September 12th to 14h in Irelands premier cultural centre Temple Bar in the heart of Dublin. Picking out a quote from the press releases: " It is a perfect opportunity to spot emerging acts as well as a chance to see more established artists perform in full festival spirit without having to buy a tent. HWCH is Ireland's only festival dedicated to Irish bands." In other words it is Ireland's SXSW!
The wet dream for Irish music bloggers or those interested in Irish artists is the chart composed in association with Entertainment.ie. It seems as though every one of the acts confirmed have submitted a song for downloading and a download chart can be found here.
I have crawled through the majority of the tracks and I put forward three tracks that I believe should be on your music player and Ipod! With any luck we can move these three tracks up the chart!
We went to the Tuesday night Ruby Sessions to check out the set by Terry Sutton. Ruby Sessions is an acoustic night wih four acts giving their time to entertain while the cover charge goes to the Simon Community! Anyone who is anyone in Ireland has played The Ruby Sessions! Name a successful Irish artist and they played in Doyles on a Tuesday night. Even James Blunt, Nizlopi and Paulo Nutini have graced the stage.
Details can be found on the Ruby Sessions MySpace! and check out the video below!
Incidentally Terry Sutton was a revalation. How has he not become successful? His voice is strong, songwriting is amazing, and his image is excellent. If your a fan of Damian Rice, Glen Hansard, Paddy Casey watch out for a Terry Sutton album in the near future! The first act was Margaret Healy who is headlining a full band show in Whelans on Saturday with a six piece backing band! Aortal are a rocking Dublin band with a bright future who played an excellent acoustic session.
Aortal - In Light ...on Balcony TV
To finish the night was The Bottom Floor Band who was a real find. They are a folk band of some quality. If you mash up The Levillers and Rodreigo Y Gabrielle you will come up with The Bottom Floor band. They were superb and I hope they continue to refine their sound, style and image and become a complete package in the future!
The wonderful folks over at Entertainment.ie have got a download top 20 chart of new Irish artists who will be appearing in the Hard Working Class Heroes festival next month in Temple Bar, Dublin.
Dublin band Sickboy have a nice slick sound similar in tone to Ash with the energy of say the Kaiser Cheifs and the sophistication of Editors. I think they are a reincarnation to the wonderful Mexican Pets! The lead track from their recent EP Taken Away in a Car (Video Below) is Irish Rock at its best! I have the second track from that EP for exclusive download.
****I know it's more than a month away, but given that I haven't played a proper live show of my own in Dublin for nearly two years I thought I'd give you plenty of notice of a 5 week residency I've just booked for September.
"A Month Of Tuesdays" is just that - I'll be playing a show on September 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th. The venue is the cozy new upstairs room in Whelans, Wexford Street. Each week I'll be testing my own limits and keeping myself alert with a different theme, and I'll be preceded onstage by a different special guest.
It would be great if you could make it to any (or indeed all) of these shows - I'm very excited (and a little bit nervous) of the tasks I'm setting myself over these 5 Tuesdays, so your support will be particularly appreciated...
September 2nd: NEW SONGS
I'll be playing a set of songs written since "Running Dog" (including material written and released last year as my alter ego Alien Envoy). My special guest tonight will be the wonderful ANN SCOTT.
September 9th: PIANO SONGS
For the first time ever, I'll be giving up the safety of my trusty acoustic to play a full set on the instrument I use to do much of my writing (including "Arclight", "Dronning Maud Land", "Drunkard Logic" and "The Loneliest Ghost in Pere Lachaise") but - up until tonight - little of my playing. My special guest tonight is honey-voiced former Dixons frontman NIALL TONER JNR.
September 16th: YOUR REQUESTS!
The set list for tonight's show will be entirely composed of requests, submitted in advance by email. You can nominate up to three songs from my back catalogue – plus one cover version you'd like me to attempt. Best cover version suggestion wins 4 guest list places, and will be performed on the night. Email requests to nick@nickkelly.ie by 10.09.08. My special guest tonight is hotshot Mullingar songwriter PETER DORAN.
September 23rd: NICK'S CHOICE
Tonight I'll be performing what I damn well please - in other words, a range of my own personal favourites. My special guest for tonight is superb ivory-tinkling songstress UNA KEANE.
September 30th: THE FAT LADY SINGS SONGS
Tonight's set exclusively features songs originally recorded by The Fat Lady Sings - I'll be playing a selection of singles and album tracks with the occasional obscurity thrown in. My special guest for tonight are the fabulous – in both name and nature – CAMOGIE LOVERS.
Doors for all shows 8pm. Tickets for all shows €16 from WAV box office (1890 200 078) or www. Tickmaster. ie.
Hope to see you there.
Very best Nick****
I'll be popping along to at least 2 of them shows! Hoping to make the request show and hopefully the last night too! (Really hoping for a mini TFLSs reunion!)
Iowa band The Nadas are probably the most experienced band to be included in the Ruby Tuesday feature. The Nadas formed in 1993 and released their 6th studio album this year called "The Ghosts Inside These Halls". If you happen to mourn the fact that Hootie & The Blowfish don't make music anymore or if you think Craig and the boys in The Hold Steady are a bit too alternative for you then The Nadas are your wet dream. The album is an excellent example of a bar rock group at it's best. The album on a whole has crisp production and feels very compact. Unfortunately from checking out their The Nadas - MySpace the band seem content with the music scene in Iowa and are touring extensively in their home state. However...do check out their MySpace and I have below two of the best tracks from the album for sampling purposes!
1. Nonpoint - Hands MP3MySpace 2. Tori Amos - Tear in your Hand MP3MySpace 3. Flobots - Handlebars Link Removed by Request MySpace 4. Gemma Hayes - Out of our Hands MP3MySpace 5. Jose Gonzales - Hand on your Heart MP3MySpace 6. Ani Difranco - Both Hands (New Version) MP3MySpace 7. Grant Lee Buffalo - Let Go of My Hand MP3Website
I think this is the most recent entry in the top 100 as it arrived last year on the soundtrack to the Sean Penn movie "Into The Wild". I have to confess I haven't seen the movie yet! This song played loud in my car with the sun shining and the windows down transports me to somewhere warm like southern california. Such a great song!
The summer of 97 brought big changes for me! It was the year of my Leaving Certificate examinations (A-Levels), going to University College Dublin in September and going away with long time girlfriend to Crete for a Vacation for the first time. John Martyn came with us and everytime I hear his wonderful folk music I am brought back to the heat of Crete. This song is so beautifully written and sung.
Jeff Buckley was a revelation to me around the time of his only album Grace in 94. While I was trying to break away from past grunge friends I found solice in Jeff Buckley's music, image, voice, everything. I owned Grace, bought a bootleg tape of a gig in Wolverhampton and championed him to everyone I knew. Jeff appears a few times in this list. Vancouver a song off "Sketches for...." which was realeased after his death is an energetic crisp rock song featuring his distinct voice in full flow!
Paddy Casey was an intergral part of the early 90's underground singer-songwriter scene that included Glen Hansard, Mark Dignam, Mic Christopher and the wonderful Terry Sutton (who is playing his first gig in ages on Tuesday). Paddy is managed by Paul McGuiness....the fifth member of U2! I mentioned yesterday about how the Devlins should have been huge. Paddy Casey can still be. David Gray only got successful with his forth album. Paddy has had three albums out to critical success in Ireland. This track, It's Over Now is the closing track on his debut album and is an excellent end of mixtape song!
Paddy Casey - Fear (Live on Letterman)
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) 75. The Levellers - One Way 74. David Rovics - Falluja (feat Dope Poet Society) 73. The Lemonheads - Kitchen 72. The Cure - Just Like Heaven 71. Buffalo Tom - Late At Night
