Top 100 (7 - 8)

Numbers seven and eight in the top 100 today.

7. The Afghan Whigs - My Curse

In 1993 in the midst of the grunge era The Afghan Whigs released their forth album Gentleman. The album was their first for the major label Elektra. Debonair and Gentleman were the main singles and received critical acclaim even though commercial success eluded them. I cannot state this enough: Gentleman is a classic rock album. If you like anything from Nirvana to Bush to Fall Out Boy, go out and invest in Gentleman. Track eight is My Curse. It's sung exclusively by guest singer Marcy Mays of Scrawl. My Curse is a sexy, New Orleans sexy, blues rock balled sweet enough to accompany the most seductive of love making. Pure bliss.

Lyrics

You hurt me baby
I flinch so when you do
Your kisses scourge me
Hyssop in your perfume
Oh, i do not fear you
And slave i only use
As a word to describe the special way i feel for you
You look like me
And i look like no one else
We need no other
As long as we have ourselves
But i won't cry about it
Every time you get obsessed
Every time i came undressed
All ugly thoughts are gone
I'm sure we'll all be friends
I'll try to break your back
You'll try to make amends
Curse softly to me baby
And smother me in your love
Temptation comes not from hell but from above
And there's blood on my teeth
When i bite my tongue to speak
Zip me down, kiss me there
I can smile now
You won't find out ever
Hurt me baby
I flinch so when you do
Your kisses scourge me
Hyssop in your perfume
Oh i do not fear you
And slave i only use as a word to describe
The way i feel when i'm with you
If i have to lie about it everytime i came undressed





8. Nick Kelly - Tiburan Prayer

In 1997 I graduated Irish high school, completed my examinations, began university and moved into a flat with my long time girlfriend. I had come out of the grunge phase. I was well entrenched in my Jeff Buckley / Ben Harper phase. I needed an Irish Ben or Jeff. There were two Irish singer-songwriters who we began to adore. Old neighbour Mark Dignam and ex singer with The Fat Lady Sings, Nick Kelly. Nick had disbanded the group in 1994 when he got disillusioned with the whole music scene and only began playing new songs in '96 and '97. We must have seen Nick Kelly live in Whelans three or four times during that year.

Nick began a business plan to get the solo debut released. By buying the album first and therefore coughing up the capital needed, Nick would place your name in the inlet booklet. The Between Trapezes album has 10 wonderful songs and track 8 Tiburan Prayer is a song about a couple breaking up. I remember Nick describing the song as..... you have broken up with your girl, she collects all her stuff, then in a few days you go to get a spoon from the drawer, it's not there because she has it, and you suddenly miss her obsessively at that point. Great song.

100. Jawbreaker - Want (1990)
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
30. Grant Lee Buffalo - Jupiter & Teardrop
29. Rollarskate Skinny - So Far Up To Heaven
28. The Mary Janes - Friends
27. Live - Supernatural (Vic Chestnut)
26. The Smashing Pumpkins - Mayonaise
25. Pearl Jam - Other Side
24. Beth orton - Sweetest Decline
23. Katell Keineg - Coolea
22. Ani DiFranco - Napolean
21. Elbow - Scattered Blacks & White
20. The Smashing Pumpkins - Luna
19. Chris Cornell - Seasons
18. Joseph Arthur - In The Sun
17. The Pony Club - Single
16. Wheat - Don't I Hold You
15. Pearl Jam - Pilate
14. Swervedriver - Dual
13. Jeff Buckley - Last Goodbye
12. The Prayer Boat - Slow Down
11. Ben Harper - Jah Work
10. The Smashing Pumpkins - Rhinoceros
9. The Frames - Fitzcaraldo

Top 100 (9 - 10)....Repost

Another lost blog post.....another repost....hmmmmmm

My top 10 is here folks. To drag the feature out as much as possible I have decided to feature two tunes at a time.

9. The Frames - Fitzcarraldo

I was late arriving at The Frames bandwagon. I bough the second album Dance the Devil first. Then the third album before returning to the debut Fitzcarraldo. I knew Revelate and Angel at my Table were great songs but for whatever reason i never followed up with an album purchase. So circa 2000 I discovered the debut and the wonderful title track influenced by an old movie with a character Fitzcarraldo. It's been my favourite Glen song since. The reasons? Colm's violin, Glen's melodies, the journey the song takes you and the energy of the song.

LYRICS:
Here, back, down a long and straight track
I have chose the long road -
That leads me to god knows
So I can't stop right now

Even the good stars can fall from grace and falter
Lose their faith and slide
But I can't get an ocean that's deep enough for my day

It's the first of the ascension
It's a sad way we've flown after the storm
And her last words were "I was only thinking of you"
In my olden days I was a slave

Well now it's time for to sound your voice
And capture what you're after
My ship was sold right up the river
But I'm not going down here
This journey isn't over
It's a long way to the house of Fitzcarraldo
And her last words were "I'm always thinking of you"
In my olden days I was a saint

Even the good stars can fall from grace and falter
Like lapdogs that stride that mystery
And her last words were "I'll see you down in history"
It's the only way that we can go
I shall eclipse you

It's a long way to Fitzcarraldo
And I don't want to pray for you
In the name of something true

The Swell Season -Fitzcaraldo



10. The Smashing Pumpkins - Rhinoceros

Funny how I look on the lyrics of this tune I'm thinking: this makes no sense. But as a package the song makes sense alright. I love this tune. Like Fitzcarraldo it's a six minute epic adventure of melodies and energy. I have a little story about this tune. Alternative Nation was a mid week MTV programme showcasing the cream of alternative music out there. It was about 1993 and Siamese Dream had just come out making the band the new grunge darlings. I discovered their 1991 debut Gish which included Rhinoceros. I sent a letter to MTV requesting the video. However....because I wanted the letter to stand out I wrote on the envelope the return address as Reg Holdsworth, Coronation Street, Manchester. It worked ...the video was played but was played for either Peter in Ireland or Reg in Manchester!

Lyrics
Planned a show
Trees and Balloons
Ice cream snow
See you in June

Could have known
I would reveal
Should have known
I would conceal your way

She knows, she knows, she knows
She knows, she knows, she knows
How's it
She knows, she knows, she knows

Colors show
After the moon
I should go
See you in June
Your way

Open your eyes
To these must I lie



100. Jawbreaker - Want (1990)
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
30. Grant Lee Buffalo - Jupiter & Teardrop
29. Rollarskate Skinny - So Far Up To Heaven
28. The Mary Janes - Friends
27. Live - Supernatural (Vic Chestnut)
26. The Smashing Pumpkins - Mayonaise
25. Pearl Jam - Other Side
24. Beth orton - Sweetest Decline
23. Katell Keineg - Coolea
22. Ani DiFranco - Napolean
21. Elbow - Scattered Blacks & White
20. The Smashing Pumpkins - Luna
19. Chris Cornell - Seasons
18. Joseph Arthur - In The Sun
17. The Pony Club - Single
16. Wheat - Don't I Hold You
15. Pearl Jam - Pilate
14. Swervedriver - Dual
13. Jeff Buckley - Last Goodbye
12. The Prayer Boat - Slow Down
11. Ben Harper - Jah Work

Sunday's 7 Degree of Darkness

Last night the clocks went back an hour meaning dark nights, less hours of sunshine, cold nights, extra blankets, cuddles, headlights, jumpers and heavy jackets. The mix includes a Janis Ian tune from her wonderful 1997 album Hunger. Find a new Joseph Arthur and the Astronauts song. Irish artists Gemma Hayes and The Spook of the Thirteenth Lock, and God Is An Astronaut are included. Also there is the excellent blues rock band Oneside and the essential download is an acoustic track by Death Cab for a Cutie.

Death Cab for a Cutie - I Will Follow You Into The Dark Mp3 MySpace

Janis Ian - On The Dark Side Of Town Mp3 MySpace

Joseph Arthur & The Astronauts - A Dream Is Longer Than The Night Mp3 MySpace

Gemma Hayes - Another For The Darkness Mp3 MySpace

Oneside - Into The Night Mp3 MySpace

The Spook of the Thirtheenth Lock - In Country Dark Mp3 MySpace

God is an Astronaut - Twilight Mp3 MySpace

Top 100 (11 - 20).....repost

This Friday feature will change next week as I rundown my top 10. I'll post 2 songs a week to drag the feature out a bit. The competition is still alive. See below in previous posts. Also the post with numbers 16 - 20 have been taken down by blogger on 2 separate occasions! I'll be including these tracks in this post.

11. Ben Harper - Jah Work

Ben Harper is an inspirational genius and this song is inspirational. Taken from his third album this song needs to played on the days you feel a lull in life. It keeps the soul alive and your world turning.


12. The Prayer Boat - Slow Down

I think Emmett Tinley's voice is the closet sound to Jeff Buckley's. Their seminal album Policinelle is one of my favourites and should be sought out and found by all of you. This song should be used for psychological improvements. Save yourself money by cancelling your shrink appointments and download the music I am inspired by!


13. Jeff Buckley - Last Goodbye

Jeff left us ten years ago and what a loss. He was simply awesome. Wonderful singer, musician, songwriter and person. I love this song. Not the last Jeff Buckley song in the top 100.




14. Swervedriver - Dual

In the good old mid teen days I used to record hours and hours of music on video and watch them continuously over the school holidays. One summer there was a series of concerts recorded in London's Astoria for a middle of the night music show on UK television. Each show had 4 indie bands on with each one playing for half an hour. I clearly remember Grant Lee Buffalo on there. The calibar of acts would be Jesus Jones, EMF, Blur, Lush, Kingmaker and this band Swervedriver. Hence the beginning of my love affair with this song Dual and the LP Mezcal Head. It has energy, guitar melodies, feedback, sing-a-long chorus and it's a class song. Essential downloading.

Swervedriver - Dual




15. Pearl Jam - Pilate

Back in my early teen days Pearl Jam meant everything to me. Then albums three and four arrived with the media shy band and things went a little flat. Then in 1998 they released Yield and it was back to the good old days. Yield is a great album and is still listened to regularly. Standout tracks include Wishlist, Given To Fly, Lowlight and this song Pilate. Again we have the classic contrast of grunging guitars and beautiful melodies. Great song.

16. Wheat - Don't I Hold You

I bought this song as a cd single based on a lot of hype in the music press and instantly fell in love with the song. It's an indie pop love song with beautiful harmonies. The song was included on the Elizabethtown soundtrack which was directed by Cameron Crowe! I'm struggling to describe the sound of the song and to pinpoint why I love it so much. It's a great song, try it and let me know your thoughts!


17. The Pony Club - Single

Finglas bred Mark Cullen has in Single a simple song which always makes me feel better. It's another song about single life as seen from Mark's perspective. I do feel a connection with Finglas bred folks like Mark Cullen or Mark Dignam. I believe that you can easily develop a better appreciation and understanding about the world when you grow up within an enclosed inward community. Oh and Morrissey is a massive Pony Club fan.

18. Joseph Arthur - In The Sun

Joseph got his big break when he sent Peter Gabriel a demo in the mid 90's. He has since gone on to produce many fine albums including a new album with a full band. In The Sun was the lead single from his second album Come To Where I'm From. If you get a chance to see Joseph Arthur live, do it! He is a great musician and always produces a fine piece of art during the show. It's a great song that was covered by REM and Chris Martin a few years ago which can be found below.



19. Chris Cornell - Seasons

As a grunge loving teenager, I was so hyped up about going to see the movie "Singles" directed by Cameron Crowe. It starred Matt Dillon and Bridget Fonda about twenty something year olds in Seattle. Pearl Jam had a cameo role as well as Soundgarden and Alice in Chains. Soundgarden's front man put aside the grunging chords and distict high notes for this beautifully written acoustic track. I used to request this song on an old indie pirate radio station before I could buy the soundtrack.



20. The Smashing Pumpkins - Luna

Siamese Dream from 1993 is a superb grunge album with many excellent tracks. However the heavier tracks didn't do much for me. I included Mayonaise a few weeks ago in my chart and today's song is the album closer. It's another beautiful love song with a string melody. There is nothing more pleasant in this world than Billy Corgan singing "I'm In Love With You". It was my old mixtape closing song back in the day!

100. Jawbreaker - Want (1990)
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
30. Grant Lee Buffalo - Jupiter & Teardrop
29. Rollarskate Skinny - So Far Up To Heaven
28. The Mary Janes - Friends
27. Live - Supernatural (Vic Chestnut)
26. The Smashing Pumpkins - Mayonaise
25. Pearl Jam - Other Side
24. Beth orton - Sweetest Decline
23. Katell Keineg - Coolea
22. Ani DiFranco - Napolean
21. Elbow - Scattered Blacks & White
20. The Smashing Pumpkins - Luna
19. Chris Cornell - Seasons
18. Joseph Arthur - In The Sun
17. The Pony Club - Single
16. Wheat - Don't I Hold You

Ruby Tuesday - Fiach

Dubliner Fiach is a going to be a massive star in the singer-songwriter genre. He has a great voice and lots of cracking tunes. He has supported the likes of Declan O'Rourke, Damien Dempsey, Paddy Casey and Jenny Lidfors. Another worthy Ruby Tuesday name for the future!

Fiach - Two Many Years

MySpace
Website

Tour Dates:

7 Nov 2008 20:00 Roisin Dubh Galway, Galway
28 Nov 2008 20:00 Dolan’s Warehouse (supporting Declan O’Rourke) Limerick
4 Dec 2008 20:00 Seamus Ennis Centre Dublin, Dublin

Irish Artists on YouTube - A House

A House were a great band and their 1992 "I Am The Greatest" album has been played alot this week in the car to remind of their greatness.

A House - I Don't Care




A House's Endless Art with updated lyrics (including Jeff Buckley & George Harrison) performed by former A House singer Dave Couse, backed by Duke Special, Neil Hannon & Thomas Walsh (Pugwash). Amnesty International Benefit - Vicar Street, Dublin 14 Oct 2008.



Dave Couse - Beauty Is

Classic Irish Indie Albums Re-issued

Kevin over at the inspirational indie blog mp3hugger has set up his own label to reissue forgotten gems. From the site indiecater.com .....

"Back in the mid-90's Sunbear were touted as future kings but in the end it all came to naught. Wasn't for the lack of quality output however as their debut album remains an incandescent example of a young band pulling out all the stops to dramatise what was buzzing around their heads. 'Sunbear' was a remarkable achievement that pushed the boundaries in an already vibrant indie scene in Dublin at the time. Sadly a miniscule marketing budget didn't help and despite numerous replays of 'Notebook' on RTE's seminal 'No Disco' programme 'Sunbear' faded from view. Of course the boys from Sunbear went on to form the very much alive and thriving Ruby Tailights so who are we to rule out a one-off 'Sunbear' extravaganza. Many thanks to Paddy and Martin for their efforts in making the reissue of this important record possible. The album is selling for €3.50."

Buy it here (Link Fixed)
MySpace

Also to be found on indiecater.com is the first re-issue from the band Red Star Belgrade. Many more forgotten Irish music albums are on the way. Millions of kudos for Kevin at mp3hugger.com.

Sunday's 7 Degrees of Autumn

I love this time of the year. The colour of the countryside, the leaves beneath your feet, the chill in the wind, the search for conkers, harvest time and of course Halloween. I only wish them corporate shitheads would leave us in peace and Autumn tranquility by keeping Christmas wrapped up until December!

Yo La Tengo - Autumn Sweater Mp3 MySpace

Tobias Froberg - When The Night Turns Cold Mp3 MySpace

Jaymay - Autumn Fallin' Mp3 MySpace

Dead Can Dance - The Wind That Shakes The Barley Mp3 MySpace

Mark Geary - Cold Little Fire Mp3 MySpace

Grant Lee Buffalo - Halloween Mp3 MySpace

The Guggenheim Grotto - Cold Truth Mp3 MySpace

The Prayer Boat Reunion Tour

The Prayer Boat's Emmett Tinley will be playing a concert at the Hotel Café in Los Angeles on Tuesday, 21st October. The show is at 8pm and Emmett will be playing solo.


The background to this concert is that it was originally intended to
be the US launch for the 10-year anniversary re-release of The Prayer
Boat's album 'Polichinelle'. The release date for this has now been
pushed back to early 2009 which will coincide with releases in
Ireland, UK and Holland.


However, Emmett decided to go ahead with the L.A. concert so this is
a rare opportunity to hear him live. If you cannot make it to the
show yourself perhaps you have friends in the Los Angeles area who
would like to attend so please spread the word.
More info is available at www.hotelcafe.com


MySpace
Website


Watch a full The Prayer Boat concert from October 2002: Fabchannel online concert.

Katell Keineg Live dates in NYC November!

One of my all time favourite singers Katell Keineg will be playing at The Living Room, Ludlow St, New York City for three Fridays at 9pm, November 7th, 14th and 21st. I know where that place is....even walked past there in February!

Tickets are $12 and available from Ticketweb.com.

MySpace
Website

From the amazing debut O Seasons O Castles: Paris

Partisan from the Debut!

Irish Artists on YouTube - Maria Doyle Kennedy

Maria Doyle Kennedy is best known for being the dark haired Commitmentette in the comedy movie The Commitments! She was the singer in The Black Velvet Band at that time in the early 90's. Maria has managed to continue making great music and have a relatively successful acting career. Lately she can be found in The Tudors and she was in Father Ted and the movie Tara Road!


Maria Doyle Kennedy - Fuckability



Maria Doyle Kennedy - Skin



Maria Doyle Kennedy - Unbelievable .......... (highly recommended)

Ruby Tuesday - The Flaws

The Flaws are an Indie four piece band from Co. Monaghan who are on the cusp of greatness. The band have been releasing EPs and singles since 2005 and last year released their debut album Achieving Vagueness. The band have toured Ireland and the UK practically non stop in the last few years and played many of the big summer festivals. The band have been busy working on their second album and they hope to showcase a few tracks in their upcoming gigs. The Flaws are Ireland's next big hope for world domination. The band remind me of the great UK indie band Swervedriver and of our own Whipping Boy.

The Flaws - Out Tonight

MySpace
Website

Tour

8 Oct 2008 20:00 Trinity Ball - Sold Out
10 Oct 2008 20:00 Greystones Theatre, Co Dublin
11 Oct 2008 20:00 Dolans , Limerick
23 Oct 2008 20:00 Whelans, Dublin
24 Oct 2008 20:00 Electric Avenue ,Waterford
14 Nov 2008 20:00 Time Venue
27 Nov 2008 20:00 Spirit Store - Amnesty International Small Places Tour


The Flaws - My Sharona



Paul from The Flaws - 1981 Acoustic

Sunday's Seven Degrees of The Music Show 2008

Yesterday I had the pleasure to spend the day at the Hot Press Music Show in the RDS. Over this weekend it was a convention to showcase the best of Irish music, the best music stockists, record companies, seminars, galleries etc etc! This weeks themed mix celebrates the best of the weekend's music.



First up and nearly an hour late were The Blizzards. The band is adored in Ireland mainly by teens who have expanded their definition of a pop band. They make good songs and have a great front man. My hope is that people see them as more than a Scouting For Girls or Script copycat when they try to break into the UK market next year.

The Blizzards - First Girl To Leave Town

MySpace



Next up with a short three song set was Declan O'Rourke. When Declan appeared around five years ago he charmed his listeners with beautifully written songs and his wonderful voice. I have seen Declan three times live and the man is master of his trade. The difficult second album wasn't great. His debut is still a favourite in my household. His set was Big Bad Beautiful World, Galilao and Your World.

Declan O'Rourke - Your World

MySpace



Cathy Davey is another brilliant Irish artist who is busy conquering Irish hearts at present. She has sung on an Elbow album and contributed backing vocals for Lisa Hannigan. Cathy's debut a few years ago got her noticed but her second album Tales of the Silversleeve written on drums beats initially which has propelled her to near super stardom in Ireland.

Cathy Davey - Clean and Neat

MySpace



Ham Sandwich from Kells in Co. Meath were the act of the day yesterday. I caught a few minutes of their acoustic set before they went to the live area for an electric set. They were a great laugh during the sound check. Amazing set of five songs. At the end Podge threw a drumstick into the crowd and got an old dude in the eye! It was hilarious. The guy was fine....still laughed my ass off!

Ham Sandwich - Keepsake

MySpace



I caught a few minutes of an acoustic from The Aftermath. Their debut album Friendlier Up Here is a good album and signals great things for the future for the band.

The Aftermath - I Wish My Love Would Die

MySpace



The final act I seen was Fionn Regan. When Fionn released the EP Revolver a few years back I thought it was brilliant and we had a real talent here. The mercury music prize nominee has not produced the music his raw talent suggests. However the demos on his MySpace hints at a great second album! Time will tell.

Fionn Regan - Change The Locks

MySpace



Sunday's artists include Jaded Sun, Republic of Loose and Damien Dempsey. I bought Damien's debut album today and listened to it on the way home. It's such a strong debut album. You have to discover Damien and go see the great man live in the future! He has the wonderful A Lazoras Soul with him for the Christmas gigs in Vicar Street.

Damien Dempsey - Your Pretty Smile

MySpace

Top 100 (21 - 25)

21. Elbow - Scattered Black & Whites Mp3 MySpace

Recent Mercury Music prize winners Elbow area great band who in 2001 after being together as a band for a long time released one of the best debut albums I have ever heard. The album closer Scattered Black and Whites is one of the best songs to finish a mixtape with. It is a wonderfully crafed song with beautiful piano melodies.

22. Ani DiFranco - Napolean Mp3 MySpace

All together now!!!!!........"everyoneeeeeeee, is a fucking Napoleannnn!" In Ani's case "everyone" here is the record company executives who bleed money from talented musicians. It's a protest song but packaged with great music and Ani's beautiful singing. When I listen to this song it makes me want to become a better person.

23. Katell Keineg - Coolea Mp3 MySpace

A beautiful song. Katell is someone I write about alot because I love her voice. In this song we have beautiful melodies, string sections and Katell distict soothing voice. Bliss!

24. Beth Orton - Sweetest Decline Mp3 MySpace

"Regretes are just lessons we haven't learned yet!" Beth Orton became iconic in the late 90's folk scene when she became the Queen of the come-down song with her William Orbit produced debut album. In 1999 she released one of my favourite albums Central Reservation. It was Beth maturing her sound and releasing an album full of beautifully written songs. Ben Harper and Terry Callier guest on the album. Song two is Sweetest Decline which has been covered by Ryan Adams on tour in the past. Great song.

25. Pearl Jam - Other Side Mp3 MySpace

In 2003 Pearl Jam released a double album of b sides and rarities. On it is this wonderful song about loss. I'm amazed that this song didn't make it onto a full albun release. It's a b-side to Sad Songs, the second single from Riot Act. In Pearl Jam, almost all members of the band write songs and are credited on the songs as the main songwriter. I tend to always love Jeff Ament's songs. I have a lovely memory of meeting him in 1993 outside the Westbury hotel in Dublin. Lovely man, a real hero of mine. Other Side was written by him and is an amazing song.

Irish Artists on YouTube - Bell X1

So I open up American rag mag Rolling Stone and I'm hit with a full page advertisement telling me how wonderful Bell X1's 2005 album Flock is! The album is being given the big push and rightly so because the band is great! Remember these guys should have been bigger than U2 had Damo Rice not buggered off on them! Here's your chance to explore Bell X1!

Bell X1 - Alphabet Soup



Bell X1 - Eve, Apple of my Eye as used in The OC!



Bell X1 & The Frames - Flame



October 2008
7 Germany, Berlin - Bang Bang Club - Tickets
8 France, Paris - La Boule Noire (with Ilis) - Tickets from Fnac.com, Ticketnet.fr, Digitick.com
9 Belgium, Brussels - Botanique, Rotonde (with Micah P Hinson) - Tickets
10 Holland, Amsterdam - Paradiso - Tickets
19 Lebanon, Faqra -Panaroma Festival 2008 - Tickets
21 Cork, Ireland -The Pavilion (Acoustic Show) - SOLD OUT
22 Waterford, Ireland - Electric Avenue(Acoustic Show) - SOLD OUT
23 Clonmel, Ireland - O'Keefe's (Acoustic Show) - Tickets
24 Killorglin, Ireland - Soly Sombra (Acoustic Show) - Tickets
26 Clonakility, Ireland - De Barras (Acoustic Show) - Tickets
28 Dundalk, Ireland - Spirit Store (Acoustic Show) - SOLD OUT
29 Ballybofe, Ireland -The Balor Theatre (Acoustic Show) - Tickets
30 Sligo, Ireland - Calry church (Acoustic Show) - Tickets
31 Manorhamilton, Ireland - The Glenn Center (Acoustic Show) - Tickets

November 2008
1 Ballymahon, Ireland - Boglane Theatre (Acoustic Show) - SOLD OUT
2 Headford, Ireland - Campbells Tavern (Acoustic Show) - SOLD OUT
11 Dublin, Ireland - Vicar St - SOLD OUT
12 Dublin, Ireland - Vicar St - SOLD OUT
13 Dublin, Ireland - Vicar St - EXTRA DATE tickets