Ruby Tuesday - Alphastates

Alphastates are a Dublin four peice who have been on the Irish scene for a long time. Around the beginning of the decade they were known as Babelfish and released a few excellent singles. Alphastates formed in 2001 and released their debut "Made from Sand" in 2004. The band have shared the stage with the likes of Sinead O'Connor, The Beta Band and Cat Power. What makes this band stand out is the wonderful singer Catherine Dowling and her stage pressence which you can see in the videos below! Alphastates have been busy with new songs and I have included their new single as a limited Mp3 sample! It's a great tune from an excellent band. Catch them live upstairs in Whelans on October 16th!

Alphastates - Human Nature

Babelfish - Flowers

Alphastates - Sometimes



Alphastates - The Model (Kraftwork)

Monday Under The Covers - Rodrigo Y Gabriela does One!

One by Metallica is in my mind the best Metal song ever! Rodrigo (Sanchez) and Gabriela (Quintero) are two fast-fingered, Dublin-based, Mexicans with a unique sound created on acoustic guitars. Their music is difficult to define, straddling both world and rock. The fire in it comes from their life-long passion for metal music. Rodrigo y Gabriela beat both the Arctic Monkeys and Johnny Cash to number one in the Irish charts. Here is their version of One with an amazing string section adding to the intensity of the song.

Rodrigo Y Gabriela - One (right-click, save target as)

The tune clocks in for five mins but play it to the end to find a two minute interview with the band!

Further Reading: http://www.rodgab.com/

Tour Dates:

November 2008

Nov 10th: Big Cat, Osaka, Japan
Nov 12th: AX @ Tokyo, Japan Osaka
Nov 14th: Shibuya O-East, Tokyo, Japan (Sold out)
Nov 20th: Transbordeur, Lyon, France
Nov 22nd: Olympic, Nantes, France
Nov 23rd: Le Bikini, Toulouse, France
Nov 25th: La Cooperative de Mai, Clemont - Ferrand, France
Nov 26th : Le Bataclan, Paris, France (Sold out)
Nov 27th : Le Bataclan, Paris, France
Nov 29th : Paradiso, Amsterdam, Holland
Nov 30th : AB Club, Brussels, Belgium

Rodrigo y Gabriela - Stairway to Heaven

Sunday's Seven Degrees of Stars!

This week's mix is full of really lovely tunes. The Natural Calamity tune was on the Thicker Than Water Jack Johnson soundtrack. Les Keye was the lead singer with 90's Irish Band The Wilde Oscars. The beautiful Kathryn Williams has produced so many wonderful albums and needs your attention. Another folk siren Beth Orton has a track included. Adele's mate Jack Penate is such a great pop singer. The Prayer Boat are one of my favourite bands ever. Finishing the list is a wonderful song by the intrumental Irish indie band God is an Astronaut.

Natural Calamity - Dark Water & Stars Mp3 MySpace
Leslie Keye - Bright Star Mp3 MySpace
Kathryn Williams - Each Star We See Mp3 MySpace
Jack Penate - Spit At Stars Mp3 MySpace
The Prayer Boat - Soon The Stars Will Steer Me Mp3 MySpace
Beth Orton - Stars All Seem To Weep Mp3 MySpace
God Is An Astronaut - Fall From The Stars Mp3 MySpace

Sunday's Seven Degrees of Lovers! (repost because it disappeared)

This week's mix is partly inspired by the closing track on the new and brilliant album by TV On The Radio called Lover's Day. It's a wonderful tune. I also found a CD single in a charity shop by American indie group Redd Kross with a cover of PJ Harvey's Oh My Lover. Included are Ireland's Bell X1 and Nick Kelly. They are accompanied by wonderful tracks by Barenaked Ladies, Tracy Chapman and the amazing Lloyd Cole!

Bell X1 - Rocky Took A Lover Mp3 MySpace

Barenaked Ladies - Lovers in a Dangerous Time Mp3 MySpace

Nick Kelly - Lover's Easy To Say Mp3 MySpace

Redd Kross - Oh My Lover Mp3 MySpace

Lloyd Cole - Like Lover's Do Mp3 MySpace

Tracy Chapman - For My Lover Mp3 MySpace

TV On The Radio - Lover's Day Mp3 MySpace

Top 100 (26 - 30)

COMPETITION TIME FOR THE BLOG

I have thought up a simple competition for you guys! With 5 weeks to go until my top 5, I have decided to ask you to PREDICT my top 5 based on the types of tracks preceding it in the blog. The closest prediction will receive a goody bag of music to satisfy you during the cold winter months. Hint 3: Four of my top five songs are by artists also included elsewhere in the Top 100.

26. The Smashing Pumpkins - Mayonaise MP3 MySpace

Funny how The Smashing Pumpkins would not go near my list of favourite bands yet I have included three of their tunes in my top 26! This song and particularly the live performance below was on auto reply for weeks when I was a teenager. A lovely song.



27. Live - Supernatural (acoustic Vic Chestnut cover) MP3 MySpace

I bought the Sweet Relief 2 CD on the basis of the quality of singers and acts. Sweet Relief 2 is a collection of Vic Chestnut covers in aid of the Sweet Relief fund to help musicians with medical care. This song is so beautiful and to be honest Live do a better job than the original. It was recorded on MTV unplugged.

28. The Mary Janes - Friends MP3 MySpace

Mic Christopher has been mentioned quite a few times on the blog. This was the song that made me aware that Mic was a special talent. It's a haunting folk-rock song on a par with anything Nick Drake wrote. It's a simple but wonderful song. This version is live from the Baggot Inn, Dublin and the quality isn't great. I'd recommend playing loud!

29. Rollerskate Skinny - So Far Down Up To Heaven MP3 MySpace

Shoulder Voices, the 1994 Rollerskate Skinny debut is one of my favourite albums of all time. I used to get emotional during this song due to the orchestral melodies of the last two minutes. It's a beautiful song. Ken Griffith the singer is now based in Brooklyn with the band Favourite Sons.

Further Listening:

Favourite Sons - When You're Away From Me MySpace



30. Grant Lee Buffalo - Jupiter & Teardrop MP3 MySpace

I love this story. Grant Lee Phillips wrote the most magical songs during the four album career of the band. Jupiter & Teardrop is a Thelma & Louise style story of young love. Blissful!


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
50. Damien Dempsey - Negative Vibes
49. Mother Love Bone - Stardog Champion
48. Sugar - A Good Idea
47. Katell Keinig - Gulf of Araby
46. The Afghan Whigs - Gentleman
45. U2 - All I Want Is You
44. Van Morrison - The Way Young Lovers Do
43. Michael Franti & Spearhead - Everyone Deserves Music
42. Nick Drake - Northern Sky
41. Damien Rice - Moody Monday
40. The Counting Crows - Mr. Jones
39. David Gray - What Am I Doing Wrong?
38. Mark Dignam - This Is Love
37. Massive Attack - Live With Me
36. Ray Lamontagne - Trouble
35. Pearl Jam - Sleight of Hand
34. The Replacements - Unsatisfied
33. The Hold Steady - First Night
32. The Frames - Seven Day Mile
31. The Cure - Fascination Street

The Swell Season - Tour News, Videos

Just added to the November European Tour dates are gigs in Letterkenny, Belfast, Cork and Galway. These dates are in addition to the sold out shows at the Olympia which will see yours truely in the upper circle looking for Glen's bald patch!

Selected Tour Dates

1 Nov 2008 Grand Opera House Belfast, Northern Ireland
2 Nov 2008 An Grianan Theatre Letterkenny, Donegal
24 Nov 2008 Royal Albert Hall London, London
29 Nov 2008 The Everyman Palace Cork, Cork
30 Nov 2008 The Town Hall Theatre Galway, Galway
2 Dec 2008 Olympia Theatre Dublin, Dublin
3 Dec 2008 Olympia Theatre Dublin, Dublin

The Swell Season - Falling Slowly



The Swell Season - You Ain't Going Nowhere (Bob Dylan)



The Swell Season - Into The Mystic (Van Morrison)

Ruby Tuesday - The Gorgeous Colours

The Gorgeous Colours are fecking brilliant. This seems to be the general consensus of anyone interested in the Irish indie music scene! Who am I to disagree? The Dublin five peice have released a self-titled debut album of nine songs which will appeal to fans of Calexico, Arcade Fire, and TV on the Radio. It is indie rock at it's best. The singing is a joy to listen to, the melodies are superb (esp Locksmith) and the quality and variety of the music is impressive. I have included the excellent song I Don't Know What To Do for sampling. By checking out their MySpace, you will find 2 more tracks for download. The album is out now in Tower Records & Road Records, Dublin; Zhivago in Galway; and Pluged Records in Cork. Available online on itunes and through our website, www.thegorgeouscolours.com.

The Gorgeous Colours - I Don't Know What To Do

Burning by The Gorgeous Colours



Upcoming Shows

5 Oct 2008 2.30 pm Zavvi (acoustic instore) Dundalk, Louth
5 Oct 2008 8.00 pm Spirit Store Dundalk, Louth
13 Oct 2008 Phoenix FM (unplugged session) Dublin, Dublin
28 Nov 2008 Invasion@Captain America’s, Tallaght Dublin, Dublin
17 Jan 2009 Passionfruit Theatre, Athlone Athlone, Westmeath

Monday Under The Covers - Shawn Colvin does The Police

This week's cover comes from the American singer songwriter Shawn Colvin. Here she does a gender turning version of The Police's Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic. It's a lovely crisp version of the song. I especially like the strings section in it! Is it just me or would every man wish someone wrote this song about them?

Shawn Colvin - Every Little Thing (He) Does Is Magic

September 2008
26 - Clayton, NC - The Clayton Center
30 - Minneapolis, MN - The Dakota

October
01 - Minneapolis, MN - The Dakota
02 - Minneapolis, MN - The Dakota
04 - San Francisco, CA. - Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Fest
17 - Oxford, MS. – Lyric Theater
18 - Meridian, MS - MSU Riley Center
25 - Eau Claire, WI - Regional Arts Center

November
06 - Camden, ME - Opera House
07 - Northampton, MA - Calvin Theater
08 - Albany, NY - Swyer Theater
09 - Philadelphia, PA - World Café Live
10 -  Arlington, VA - The Birchmere
13 - Tarrytown, NY - Music Hall
14 - Bayshore, NY - Boulton Center

December
09 - Ann Arbor, MI - The Ark  
10 - St. Louis, MO - The Pageant  
11 - Milwaukee, WI - Turner Hall
14 - Chicago, IL - Park West

Mic Christopher's Birthday Remembrance

Mic Christopher would have been the rip old age of 39 today! I will let his music and these videos remind you of his wonderful talent.

These three videos are a celebration of Mic Christopher's life from the Irish Language channel TG4. It shows a cool clip of Glen Hansard, Mark Dignam and Mic busking in Temple Bar. Also included is footage from Mic's first band The Mary Janes.



Part 2 of the episode:



I learned so much from these clips. Lovely footage of some of the best Irish musicians in the last 10 years.

Laura Izibor - New Video on YouTube

Just uploaded to YouTube today, Laura Izibor's promotional video for the single "From My Heart To Your's".



Comments welcome.....star of the future? or average wannabee? Let me know!

Top 100 (31 - 35)

COMPETITION TIME FOR THE BLOG

I have thought up a simple competition for you guys! With 5 weeks to go until my top 5, I have decided to ask you to PREDICT my top 5 based on the types of tracks preceding it in the blog. The closest prediction will receive a goody bag of music to satisfy you during the cold winter months. Hint 2: There are three Irish Artists in the Top 5. (yay....got my first prediction!)

31. The Cure - Fascination Street Mp3 MySpace

The intro to this songs lasts about the lenght of an average Oppenheimer song. I adored this song ever since I was 14 and I recored a live version of this from the London XFM gig on the TV! It's a cracking tune with a wonderful bassline. It's moody and emotional and it's my favourite Robert Smith song.

32. The Frames - Seven Day Mile Mp3 MySpace

If there was any musical justice in the world, Seven Day Mile from the album Dance The Devil would've sent Glen & The Frames into superstardom years before Once! The lyrics are class but simple. The song tells us that some things are difficult to do and need time. If you don't do a Seven Day Mile all you do is run away!

33. The Hold Steady - First Night Mp3 MySpace

The Hold Steady appear twice on my list which gave me alot to think about. I do like the band but they are a fun band. DO they write great songs that move me? Yes....First Night is an amazing, emotional, swaying, bar, Love song! Near perfect rock pop! Check out the video!



34. The Replacements - Unsatisfied Mp3 MySpace

I only discovered this song last year when it was mentioned in a book I read about a journalist addicted to Ritalin! Anyway...."look me in the eyes, and tell me, am I satisfied?" It's a great track by a great band.



35. Pearl Jam - Sleight of Hand Mp3 MySpace

Released in May 2000, Binaural is not one of the best loved Pearl Jam albums but this track is a gem of a song. Sleight of Hand has this atmospheric guitar rift throughout the track which sets the mood so well. Eddie Vedder's singing is soft and melodic. The drum beat is a gentle snare driven loop. Jeff Aments strong bass aids both guitars during the crashing choras. I will never get tired of this track!


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
50. Damien Dempsey - Negative Vibes
49. Mother Love Bone - Stardog Champion
48. Sugar - A Good Idea
47. Katell Keinig - Gulf of Araby
46. The Afghan Whigs - Gentleman
45. U2 - All I Want Is You
44. Van Morrison - The Way Young Lovers Do
43. Michael Franti & Spearhead - Everyone Deserves Music
42. Nick Drake - Northern Sky
41. Damien Rice - Moody Monday
40. The Counting Crows - Mr. Jones
39. David Gray - What Am I Doing Wrong?
38. Mark Dignam - This Is Love
37. Massive Attack - Live With Me
36. Ray Lamontagne - Trouble

Laura Izibor - Free Download

Superstar of the future, 19 year old Dubliner Laura Izibor is on the verge of releasing her debut album. Laura has won many competitions and awards in the last few years in Ireland and has spent the last year or so in America working on the album. Her music has already appeared in many tv shows and movies such as Greys Anatomy, PS I Love You and in a HBO Commercial. Slowly but surely she has been carving a name for herself. Inspired by Tony Fenton's Daily Downloads feature on Today Fm, I present to you a direct link from Laura's website to the zip download Can't Be Love (Live).

Laura Izibor - Can't Be Love

Scene from Greys Anatomy with Laura Izibor singing From My Heart to Yours.

Nick Kelly Concert review

Tonight represented part three of five in the residency "A Month Of Tuesdays" in Whelans of Wexford Street. Nick was the singer with the mildly successful Irish band The Fat Lady Sings until some silly Drunkard Logic set in! Tonight was his requests night and included songs from the two Fat Lady Sings albums Twist and Johnson and his two solo albums Running Dog and Between Trapezes. Also included was an excellent version of MMM MMM MMM MMM by the Crash Test Dummies. Great night. Shame about the cramp surroundings of upstairs at Whelans. I still prefer Whelans pre renovation!

The Fat Lady Sings - Arclight



Nick Kelly - Mystery of Love



The Fat Lady Sings - World Exploding Touch

Jem Free Download

The stunningly beautiful and extremely talented Jem is giving everyone a free download here!

The new album Down to Earth is out today. Find it here!

Monday Under The Covers - Pete does Elvis

There's no better time for Elvis than on a Monday to start your week. Here is Pete Yorn doing it some justice. Expect some new material from Pete soon. Also check out Mic & Glen doing a version of it busking on Grafton Street, Dublin. Looks like the same spot where Glen was filmed during the opening scene of Once.

Pete Yorn - Suspicious Minds

Here is Suspicious Minds done by Glen Hansard & Mic Christpher

Sunday's Seven Degrees of Flowers!

Again I'm very proud of presenting a mix today with four Irish artists represented today. Pony Club is in the final stages of a third album which I am so looking forward to. The Prayer Boat song here is so beautiful. Babelfish is a band who changed their name to Alphastates around 2004 and they rock. And then there's the legendary Power of Dreams from the late 80's to mid 90's alternative Irish rock scene. Into the mix goes a funky number, a beautiful yet unusual duet and a classic from an angel in heaven!


Nick Cave & Kylie Minogue - Where The Wild Roses Grow MP3 MySpace
Power of Dreams - You Bring Me Flowers MP3 MySpace
Babelfish - Flowers MP3 MySpace
Brand New Heavies [ft Pharcyde] - Soul Flower MP3 MySpace
Pony Club - Forecourt Flowers MP3 MySpace
Elliott Smith - Rose Parade MP3 MySpace
The Prayer Boat - Dead Flowers MP3 MySpace

Top 100 (36 - 40)

COMPETITION TIME FOR THE BLOG

I have thought up a simple competition for you guys! With 8 weeks to go until my top 5, I have decided to ask you to PREDICT my top 5 based on the types of tracks preceding it in the blog. The closest prediction will receive a goody bag of music to satisfy you during the cold winter months. Hint 1: there are no female artists in my top 5. (yay....got my first prediction!)

mixtape4melfi@gmail.com

36. Ray Lamontagne - Trouble MP3 MySpace

Ray Lamontagne is a special special talent who is releasing a new album next month! Trouble from his first wonderful CD is a magical tune. If you haven't had the Aurel pleasure to check him out, I can honestly say you are missing out big time.



37. Massive Attack - Live With Me MP3 MySpace

Live with me was introduced to me by Greg Duli and The Twilight Singers. The band covered Live With Me on A Stitch in Time EP from 2006. It has since become a live favourite with The Gutter Twins. I adore that version but it made me check out Massive Attack's original version with legendary Terry Callier.

"Nothing's right, if you ain't here
I give all that I have just to keep you near
I wrote you a letter darlin', trying to make it clear
How much you just don't believe that I'm sincere.
Thinking about you baby, I want you near me "



38. Mark Dignam - This is Love MP3 MySpace

Ever wonder what Love is? Mark Dignam has a few ideas on what Love is and isn't! Taken from the debut this song is such a lovely tune. When you find Love play this! If you like this song search the blog for other Mark Dignam posts. Glen Hansard provides backing vocals on this track.


39. David Gray - What Am I Doing Wrong? MP3 MySpace

This track from the album Sell Sell Sell is a David Gray song I adore. Unfortunately it's a song that is rarely played live. The album was produced by Paul Kimble of Grant Lee Buffalo fame. Apparently there were many disagreements between David and Paul about the direction the album was taking. It was a classic example of a record label getting too involved in the making of music. Sell Sell Sell should have propelled David Gray into the mainstream as it was full of excellent songs. Anyway White Ladder was made soon after and did well for David!

40. The Counting Crows - Mr. Jones MP3 MySpace

"We all wanna be big, big stars, but we got different reasons for that"
I will never ever get tired of this tune. We had all been there right? Girl walks past, you think not bad, then she sings on stage and suddenly you wanna be near her, smell her, hold her.....etc, etc, etc.



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
50. Damien Dempsey - Negative Vibes
49. Mother Love Bone - Stardog Champion
48. Sugar - A Good Idea
47. Katell Keinig - Gulf of Araby
46. The Afghan Whigs - Gentleman
45. U2 - All I Want Is You
44. Van Morrison - The Way Young Lovers Do
43. Michael Franti & Spearhead - Everyone Deserves Music
42. Nick Drake - Northern Sky
41. Damien Rice - Moody Monday

Irish Artists on YouTube - Sinead O'Connor

I do adore Sinéad O'Connor's voice. I know she has her faults (don't we all) but she is an amazing performer and sings like an angel! My favourite tracks are:

Thank You For Hearing Me



Chiquitita (ABBA cover)



Sinead O'Connor The Moorlough Shore ......My Particular Fav....Such Beauty



....with Irish Band Republic of Loose she released a cover of the Curtis Mayfield classic We People who are Darker Than Blue.

Ruby Tuesday - ODi

Wexford born and leeds based singer ODi (Claire Oldum) has wonderful raw talent that should bring her all the success she deserves. Out now through her MySpace is a 5-track EP with the following tracks:

1. A Superman
2. What You Deserve
3. Tears and Wine
4. Crawl (Live on Future Radio)
5. Leaving My Love in New York (Live on KCLR FM)Buy

I really hope ODi gets noticed because she has everything to compete with Lisa Hannigan, Gemma Hayes or Cathy Davey. A visit to her MySpace to listen to her tunes will confirm that ODi has a superb voice, great songs and strong lyrics.

ODi - Crawl

Monday Under The Covers - Allison Crowe

I adore this song which originally appeared on The Counting Crows debut August & Everything After in 1993. A Murder of One is a live favourite with fans of the band because of the song's raw energy and grungy guitar chords. This version by Canadian singer songwriter Allison Crowe is so beautiful. Allison transforms this energetic song into a piano based gentle love song with superb results. Her strong vocals complete the transformation and creates one of the best cover versions I have heard.

Allison Crowe - A Murder of One (Counting Crows)

More downloads at her MySpace.
Even more mp3s found at Allison Crowe Website.

Sunday's Seven Degrees of Drinking Songs!

Seven drinking songs for your soul. From the party tunes of Terrorvision and Chumbawumba to the smooth Drinking in LA to the reflective Kila instrumental and onto three amazing Irish artists. Cork's Bill Coleman with a truely beautiful tune. Finglas man Brian Brannigan with A Lazoras Soul and a sombre Sober Me and finishing with....(don't smack me) a Christmas song! The first Christmas tune of the blog! Sure it's only 15 weeks away!

Terrorvision - Tequila (Mint Royal Shot) Mp3 MySpace

Chumbawumba - Tub Tumping Mp3 MySpace

Bran Van 3000 - Drinking in LA Mp3 MySpace

Kila - Dusty Wine Bottle Mp3 MySpace

Bill Coleman - The Pull of the Pint Mp3 MySpace

A Lazoras Soul - Sober Me Mp3 MySpace

Declan O'Rourke - Christmas Wine Mp3 MySpace

Irish Bands on YouTube - Berkeley

Donegal band released a wonderful indie rock debut Hopes, Prayers and Bubblegum in 1993 with the legendary Steve Albini at the helm. Unfortunately it never worked out the band. Hopefully they are still together and working towards future releases.

Berkeley - New Star



I genuinely think these guys were destined for the best because the singer has a wonderful voice and they had a strong sound. More info on the band here!

Top 100 (41 - 45)

COMPETITION TIME FOR THE BLOG

I have thought up a simple competition for you guys! With 8 weeks to go until my top 5, I have decided to ask you to PREDICT my top 5 based on the types of tracks preceding it in the blog. The closest prediction will receive a goody bag of music to satisfy you during the cold winter months. (sniff....waiting for the first email!)

mixtape4melfi@gmail.com

41. Damien Rice - Moody Monday MP3 MySpace

Moody Monday is from the "B-sides" mini-album released in 2004. It contains the radio edit of Cannonball, early demo versions of Volcano and five wonderful tracks that would grace any record. I love the groove of Moody Monday. It's a nothing song really.....just love that groove and the vocals.

42. Nick Drake - Northern Sky MP3 MySpace

Nick Drake completed just three complete albums Five Leaves Left (1969), Bryter Layter (1970), Pink Moon (1972) and a final quartet of songs recorded shortly before his death. Five years ago, he entered the Billboard 100 (and the Amazon Top Five) for the first time. Thirty seconds of Pink Moon used in a Volkswagen advert alerted America to the otherworldly magic of Drakes hushed English tones. Thirty years have now passed since Nick Drakes death. Original pressings of his records change hands for around £200. This song Northern Sky is my favourite Nick Drake song with it's beautiful harmonies and colourful imagery of the lyrics. Nick Drake has been cited as an influence for R.E.M., Paul Weller, Travis, Portishead, The Coral, Coldplay, David Gray, Super Furry Animals and Beth Orton among many others.

Serendipity clip with Northern Sky by Nick Drake.


43. Michael Franti & Spearhead - Everyone Deserves Music MP3 MySpace

I love the message of this song. We all deserve music to be as good as this. In my opinion this is the most mainstream track Michael Franti has written. The song verges on Pop, Reggae and RnB genres.

44. Van Morrison - The Way Young Lovers Do MP3 MySpace

Astral Weeks from 1968 is a wonderful concept album about young love. Consisting of eight tracks, the first side celebrates the freshness of new love. The second side captures the pain of the break-up and moving on. This track covered by Jeff Buckley in the early days is three minutes of near perfect Jazz/Pop.

45. U2 - All I Want Is You MP3 MySpace

The closing track of the Rattle & Hum movie and album, All I Want Is You is one of the best songs U2 have written. An epic at six and a half minutes, the song is beautifully sung, and The Edge is on the top form with that guitar riff and feedback. Superb track.

Ross & Rachel Tribute


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
50. Damien Dempsey - Negative Vibes
49. Mother Love Bone - Stardog Champion
48. Sugar - A Good Idea
47. Katell Keinig - Gulf of Araby
46. The Afghan Whigs - Gentleman

Ruby Tuesday - Ian Whitty & The Exchange

This week's Ruby Tuesday is Cork singer Ian Whitty. Ian has been on the Irish Music scene for over three years and October 24th sees the release of his debut album entitled "The Lucky Caller No. 9" Since Ian's emergence, he has been a highly active figure in the thriving Cork scene. Ian has performed with many of the luminaries of the Irish scene including Declan O' Rourke, Josh Ritter, Damien Rice, The Frames and Roderigo y Gabriella. Ian Whitty has a voice that is calming and soothing at the same time as being a voice of wisdom. His voice sounds like Stephen Malkmus crossed with Mic Christopher. The sound of Ian Whitty & The Exchanged is different to the regular singer-songwriter sound we are used to here. Ian's lyrics are clever and funny backed by string accompanied pop music. Go read up about Ian, download the brilliant Houndstooth Shirt sample and support him live!

Ian Whitty & The Exchange - Houndstooth Shirt
Website
MySpace

The Band's first ever Music Video for the second single "Not On Your Side"

Monday Under The Covers

With Gustav bashing it's way along the Gulf Coast, my thoughts go out to my friends in New Orleans and Denham Springs!

Cassandra Wilson - The Wind Cries Mary (Jimi Hendrix Cover)



Cassandra Wilson MySpace, Website.