Top 100 ........ Number 1

I'll start with the end. This is the final post on Mixtape4melfi. I have a new Irish Music only blog 2 U I Bestow which I think has a more specific purpose in the hope of promoting Irish bands. I'm inspired to do this because I feel it is a major injustice if the music world doesn't get to know about Mark Dignam.

1. Mark Dignam - Glide

Mark was centre of Dublin's busking scene in the post Joshua Tree pre Economic Boom Ireland. Mark busked with Glen Hansard, Mic Christopher, Kila, Hothouse Flowers, Miriam Ingrid and Paddy Casey who in The Times today named Mark as a major influence in his early music days. Everyone should have Mark's debut in their music collection. The sound Mark created was a mixture of old Irish Folk and Irish Rock with wonderful song-writing and melodies. I'm trying to write this with a wide perspective because Mark grew up very near to my house and when he clarifys our world in song I feel it deeply subjectively. Glide is a song about the space between on the ground life and over the top escapism. It's about making sense of our past, our experiences and our lives! Download it here...

Glide

The future is here with me
If you could only see
If you could just close your eyes and Glide

It's just as easy for you.. drop the other shoe
Take off your harness and dive into your sky

Oh... no... My flameless soul...
With my uncried tears at the bottom of a hole X2

The future is here with me
If you could only see
If you could just close your eyes and glide

Bend with the wind forget time lose your mind
this is the greatest moment there's ever been...

Oh... no... My flameless soul...
With my uncried tears at the bottom of a hole X2
Oh no... My flameless soul..
With my uncried tears at the bottom of a hole..

Solo

Quiet... it was hot... my pours opened wide
My sweat rained across my body
From the height of this dream
I could see down below
Our great beloved goldfish bowl
and I realise how small my perspective has been
I realise how small my perspective has been....

Oh... no... My flameless soul...
With my uncried tears at the bottom of a hole X2
Oh no... My flameless soul..
With my uncried tears at the bottom of a hole..




The Big List

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
8. Nick Kelly - Tiburon Prayer
7. The Afghan Whigs - My Curse
6. Temple Of The Dog - Hunger Strike
5. Thin Lizzy - Dancing In The Moonlight
4. U2 - Bad
3. Pearl Jam - Breath
2. Jeff Buckley - What Will You Say
1. Mark Dignam - Glide

Too Funny

New Irish Blog - 2 U I Bestow

I'll be phasing this blog out over the next few weeks with a view to having an Exclusively Local Irish Blog.


http://www.2uibestow.blogspot.com/

Please add the link to your favourites......bloggers please add me to your links list!

Top 100 (Number 2!)

I have decided to prolong this feature for an extra week and give to you my number 2 favourite track of all time.....

Jeff Buckley - What Will You Say

I got into Jeff because we had on Irish TV for many years a music show called No Disco presented by Donal Dineen. Donal talked with enthusiasm about Jeff Buckley and when he played the videos I knew I was going to become a massive Jeff Buckley fan. The year was 94 through to 95 when his debut arrived and Jeff was working so hard in the pre-blog days to get noticed. Footage from the No Disco shows came from the below video.

Jeff Buckley epk



It is widely acknowledged that Grace the album is a classic. It's as complete an album you will find with raging rock anthems, love songs, songs of bereavement and hope and of course some amazing covers. Not long after the debut was released Jeff wrote What Will You Say, a song in part about his relationship or possible relationship with his late father Tim Buckley. Like most of the the songs in the list this song means a massive amount to me.

It's been such a long time
And I was just a child then
What will you say
When you see my face?
Time feels like it's flown away
The days just pass and fade away
What will you say
When they take my place?

It's funny now
I just don't feel like a man
What will you say
When you see my face?
My face...

Mother dear, the world's gone cold
No one cares about love anymore
What will you say
When you see my face?

Father do you hear me?
Do you know me?
Do you even care?
What will you say
When they take my place?

My heart can't take this anymore
What will you say
When you see my face?
When you see my,
See my face...

I can feel your time crawling
To a slow end
I can feel my time crawling
To a slow end...

Mother dear, the world's gone cold
No one cares about love anymore
What will you say
When you see my face?

Father do you hear me?
Do you know me?
Did you even care?
What will you say
When you take my place?

Well it's so funny now
I just don't feel like I'm a man
What will you say?


Jeff Buckley - What Will You Say

Jeff Buckley - What will you say



The Big List

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
8. Nick Kelly - Tiburon Prayer
7. The Afghan Whigs - My Curse
6. Temple Of The Dog - Hunger Strike
5. Thin Lizzy - Dancing In The Moonlight
4. U2 - Bad
3. Pearl Jam - Breath
2. Jeff Buckley - What Will You Say

Ruby Tuesday - The Guggenheim Grotto

This week's band are one of my favourite bands doing the big tour in support of a wonderful album. Happy The Man is The Guggenheim Grotto's second album and has recieved critical acclaim in Ireland. The band have beautiful melodies, clever intellectual lyrics and a vocal style you can chill and listen to for many an hour. On the band's website they have an early EP for free download. The Ep is below for your aurel pleasure.

A Lifetime In Heat (Free EP)

1. Cold Truth
2. A Lifetime In Heat
3. Portmarnock Beach Boy Blue
4. One For Sorrow
5. And A Tear Isn't Such A Bad Thing

Website
MySpace

20 Nov 2008 21:00 Boyles Slane, Meath
21 Nov 2008 20:00 The Crane Bar Galway, Galway
28 Nov 2008 20:00 Bewleys Cafe Theatre Dublin, Dublin
4 Dec 2008 20:00 Dolans (Upstairs) Limerick
13 Dec 2008 20:00 Phil Grimes Waterford, Waterford
14 Dec 2008 20:00 De Barras Clonakilty, Cork
16 Dec 2008 20:00 Ruby Sessions Dublin, Dublin
19 Dec 2008 20:00 The Crane Bar Galway, Galway
20 Dec 2008 20:00 Cleere’s Theatre Kilkenny, Kilkenny
6 Jan 2009 21:00 World Cafe Live Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
7 Jan 2009 8:00 The Living Room New York, New York
8 Jan 2009 19:30 Lizard Lounge Cambridge, Massachusetts
13 Jan 2009 9:00 World Cafe Live Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
14 Jan 2009 8:00 The Living Room New York, New York
15 Jan 2009 19:30 Lizard Lounge Cambridge, Massachusetts
20 Jan 2009 9:00 World Cafe Live Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
21 Jan 2009 8:00 The Living Room New York, New York
22 Jan 2009 19:30 Lizard Lounge Cambridge, Massachusetts
27 Jan 2009 9:00 World Cafe Live Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
28 Jan 2009 8:00 The Living Room New York, New York
29 Jan 2009 19:30 Lizard Lounge Cambridge, Massachusetts
31 Jan 2009 19:30 Wilde Auditorium West Hartford, Connecticut
5 Feb 2009 20:00 The Ark Ann Arbor, Michigan

Top 100 (3 - 4)

This is the second last week of my top 100 feature. It is this blogger's hope that at least one of you have been directed to new music by the publication of this list. I'm afraid I can't post Mp3's anymore with this feature. I am getting tired of doing the reposts. Check out the video clips!

4. U2 - Bad

As an Irish kid growing up in the 80's and 90's, it's near to impossible to not like U2. I love U2. Not a die-hard fan, but the band is truly amazing. They deserve to be acknowledged as the best band in the world. The three early albums Boy, October and War have been recently repackaged and reissued and each had great tunes on there. Between these three albums and their mega break-through album The Joshua Tree in '87, the band recorded The Unforgettable Fire in Slane Castle Co. Meath. It's filled with great classic tracks like Pride (In The name Of Love), A Sort Of Homecoming, the title track and this mega anthem Bad. There is a widely held view that the performance of Bad, Pride and Sunday Bloody Sunday at Live Aid lay down the ambition that U2 would conquer the rock world. Bad was the regular number in Dave Fanning's Fab annual Top 50 during the late 80's and early 90's.

If you twist and turn away
If you tear yourself in two again
If I could, yes I would
If I could, I would
Let it go
Surrender
Dislocate

If I could throw this
Lifeless lifeline to the wind
Leave this heart of clay
See you walk, walk away
Into the night
And through the rain
Into the half-light
And through the flame

If I could through myself
Set your spirit free
Id lead your heart away
See you break, break away
Into the light
And to the day

To let it go
And so to fade away
To let it go
And so fade away

Im wide awake
Im wide awake
Wide awake
Im not sleeping
Oh, no, no, no

If you should ask then maybe theyd
Tell you what I would say
True colors fly in blue and black
Bruised silken sky and burning flag
Colors crash, collide in blood shot eyes

If I could, you know I would
If I could, I would
Let it go...

This desperation
Dislocation
Separation
Condemnation
Revelation
In temptation
Isolation
Desolation
Let it go

And so fade away
To let it go
And so fade away
To let it go
And so to fade away

Im wide awake
Im wide awake
Wide awake
Im not sleeping
Oh, no, no, no




3. Pearl Jam - Breath

I spoke about the Singles Sountrack a few weeks back when I included the excellent Chris Cornell track Seasons in the top 100. Breath was one of the first songs written and completed by the band but it never made it onto the debut album Ten. I can understand why this is the case. Ten is my all time favourite album and it is a perfect collection of songs. Breath in my opinion would have outshun every other track on Ten. Breath is a perfect rock anthem. It has such wonderful guitar melodies and great vocals.

Oh, tonight began with anything
Shadows, a light, a warm breath and a scream, ah yeah
Oh, tamper if you like between the doors, oh yeah
Oh, cant expect to go out ... to go out
With anything ... anything more
Oh, reach the door, a breath and a scr... oh reach the door
And a nada lada yeah
Life aint what its worth, a breath and a scr... oh, reach the door

All these reaching hands out grabbin things, grabbin me
Day in, day out, accumulating, ah yeah
Whoa, I suggest you step out on your porch
Oh yeah, huh, huh, huh, huh, yeah
Run away my son, to see it all ... oh, see the world
Oh reach the door, a breath and a scr... oh reach the door
Oh, and a nada lada yeah
Life aint what its worth, a breath and a scr... oh, reach the door

Come ... here it comes ... there it goes ... when it comes
Where it goes ... where it comes, cant see through the faith
Oh, come ... here it goes, grasp what you can
Dont you know theres something inside your hand, yeah

Oh, if I knew where it was I would take you there
Theres much more then this, oh ... whoa, much more then this
Oh, see the world ... much more then, oh

Much more then ...
Why?





The Big List

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
8. Nick Kelly - Tiburon Prayer
7. The Afghan Whigs - My Curse
6. Temple Of The Dog - Hunger Strike
5. Thin Lizzy - Dancing In The Moonlight

The Swell Season Vicar Street confirmed!

There's a surprise addition to next month's busy gig schedule that The Swell Season have added a gig in Vicar Street on Monday 8th December. It's a surprise because their two Olympia shows sold out months ago. *** Update, concert is a charity benefit gig***

Tickets costing €34 go on sale tomorrow at 9am.

The Swell Season - I Have Loved You Wrong (Forgive Me)



The above song was recorded live in Paris on 5th November with Glen in the back on piano.

My good friend is off to the Albert Hall to catch the band on 24th November. I can't wait to hear about it.

Ruby Tuesday - Junah

I caught Dublin band Junah last month when they played The Village with Doris and Tuner. Junah are a 5 piece who are on the cusp of greatness. They have begun recording with Karl Odlum who is like an Irish Brian Eno or Steve Albini because the most successful Irish artists have hired his services. Junah is a rock band with massive potenial to be huge. Their radio friendly style of music brings together rock, pop and elements of Irish folks to produce a sound not too far removed from Bell X1 or Damien Rice. Take a listen, add them on MySpace and pop along to their gig!

Junah - Low La Day

Junah - Walk Me Into The Ground

MySpace

14 Nov 2008 21:00 De Barras, Cork The Music Watchtower monthly showcase, Cork
19 Nov 2008 20:00 Pravda, Liffey St - Club Fear Gig Dublin
25 Nov 2008 20:00 Doyles, The Ruby Sessions The Ruby Sessions
28 Nov 2008 22:00 Captain Americas, Tallaght Supporting The Gorgeous Colours, Dublin
18 Dec 2008 20:00 The Boom Boom Room Support from Ptalia Helicopter, Dublin
16 Jan 2009 20:00 Whelans, upstairs Junah full band in Whelans upstairs, Dublin

Junah - I'm On Your Side

Monday Under The Covers - Dar Williams

One of my favourite artists is Dar Williams. We have had two wonderful nights in her company in Whelans. The first gig was around 1998 where the wonderful Mic Christopher supported her. We then caught her in the same venue about three years ago. She has just released a new album which is as brilliant as her other albums. Here is Dar covering a classic Nick Lowe tune.

Dar Williams - All Men Are Liars

Listen to the Dar Williams interview on Weekend Edition here

Dar Wiliams Official Site

Tour:

18 Nov 2008 19:00 Spalding Auditorium Hanover, New Hampshire
21 Nov 2008 20:00 Blueberry Hill St. Louis, Missouri
22 Nov 2008 19:00 3rd & Lindsley Nashville, Tennessee
23 Nov 2008 19:00 Clifton Center Louisville, Kentucky
6 Dec 2008 19:00 Toad’s Place New Haven, Connecticut
12 Dec 2008 19:00 Bearsville Theater Woodstock, New York
13 Dec 2008 20:00 Narrows Center for the Arts Fall River, Massachusetts
14 Dec 2008 19:00 The Opera House Skowhegan, Maine
26 Dec 2008 19:00 The Iron Horse Northhampton, Massachusetts
26 Dec 2008 21:30 The Iron Horse Northampton, Massachusetts
27 Dec 2008 19:00 Southpaw Brooklyn, New York

Sunday's Seven Degrees of Rain

To celebrate the arrival of http://www.2uibestow.blogspot.com/ to the blogsphere, today's feature mix is 95% Irish. (The Reindeer Section is part Scottish & Irish). It has been a long time since I felt the cold rain I felt last night. Last night was great fun. I met up with two old friends from my teenage days. The three of us had not been together for about 15 years and it was weird summing up 15 years in 4 hours. I felt a real sense of belonging, comfort and ease. It was like playing an old favourite record. I feel comfortable when it rains.

"Should we always be moving on, but keep returning to the place we started from"

Joe Chester - A Drop of Rain Mp3 MySpace

Garrett Wall - Rainbox Mp3 MySpace

Power of Dreams - Rain Down Mp3 MySpace

Cathy Davey - Old Man Rain Mp3 MySpace

An Emotional Fish - Rain Mp3 MySpace

The Reindeer Section - Raindrop Mp3 MySpace

Martin Finke - Raincloud Mp3 MySpace

My New Exclusively Irish Blog

I'll be phasing this blog out over the next few months with a view to having an Exclusively Local Irish Blog.


http://www.2uibestow.blogspot.com/

Please add the link to your favourites......

Top 100 (5 - 6)....repost

I know I'm not the only disappointed blogger with the phantom blogpost robber but it gets on yer tits and makes ya feel like a criminal!

Repost without links!


6. Temple of the Dog - Hunger Strike

Andrew Wood was a great singer and an amazing front man with the band Mother Love Bone. They had a debut recorded, toured their asses off and had a bright future. Andrew let drugs get he better of him and he died in 1990 of a heroin overdose. Andrew's best friend was Chris Cornell of Soundgarden and later Audioslave fame. Chris wrote a bunch a songs in remembrance of Andrew at the time Pearl Jam were writing their debut album. Jeff and Stone from Mother Love Bone formed Pearl Jam with Eddie Vedder, Mike McCreedy and a rotating list of drummers. Temple of the Dog album is superb. Hunger Strike showcases the styles of singing of both Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder and is a great song. The album proves that great art can follow deep pain or loss.

I dont mind stealing bread
From the mouths of decadence
But I cant feed on the powerless
When my cups already overfilled
But its on the table
The fire is cooking
And theyre farming babies
While the slaves are working
The blood is on the table
And their mouths are choking
But Im growing hungry



5. Thin Lizzy - Dancing In The Moonlight (It's Caught Me In A Spotlight)

I was always aware of the great Phil Lynott and of the importance Thin Lizzy was to rock music in the 70's. However I never became a massive fan. In 1996 there was a movie out called The Last Of The High Kings which included this Thin Lizzy track. Loved the song ever since!

Wikipedia: "It is 1977, Dublin rocks to the music of Thin Lizzy and the world is stunned by the death of Elvis Presley. Frankie, caught between acne and adulthood, has just completed his final exams in school. Convinced he will fail, he survives the summer organising a beach party, having lustful thoughts about two girls he believes are unobtainable and fending off the advances from a visiting American family friend, all whilst coping with his oddball family."

The Movie starred Gabriel Byrne, Christina Ricci and Jared Leto.

When I passed you in the doorway
You took me with a glance
I should have took that last bus home
But I asked you for a dance

Now we go steady to the pictures
I always get chocolate stains on my pants
My father he's going crazy
Say's I'm living in a trance

But I'm dancing in the moonlight
It's caught me in its spotlight
It's alright, alright
Dancing in the moonlight
On the long hot summer night

It's three o'clock in the morning
And I'm on the streets again
I disobeyed another warning
I should have been in by ten

Now I won't get out until Sunday
I'll have to say I stayed with friends
But it's a habit worth forming
If it means to justify the end



The Big List

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
8. Nick Kelly - Tiburon Prayer
7. The Afghan Whigs - My Curse

Nell Bryden Whelans Review

The main venue of Whelans was transformed into a charming little musical palace by the inclusion of tables, placing of candles, red lights and people. Lots of people. Whelans was packed last night for Nell Bryden and the quality support in The Hot Sprockets and The Spook of the Thirteenth Lock. Nell Bryden was a wonderful performer who put on a great show. Nell is like a combination of Alison Krauss (bluesgrass), Dar Williams (singer-songwriter) and Lucinda Williams (attitude and persona). Green Dress is a great tune from Nell's debut!


Nell Bryden - Green Dress [Open In New Window/Tab]

MySpace
Website
Youtube

Nell Bryden - If I Could Dream (Live on Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show)



Nell Bryden - House of The Rising Sun

"Blackhawk Flight from FOB Kalsu to FOB Echo. Nell Bryden Iraq. This is a flight I took with my band while playing for Armed Fordec Entertainment in Iraq. The song is one I did at Cropper Detention center in Iraq. Cropper is where Saddam was held prior to his trial" ....from Nell's YouTube account!

Irish Bands on YouTube - An Emotional Fish

Jerry Fish and the Mudbug Club (formerly known as An Emotional Fish) is an alternative rock band from Dublin, Ireland. An Emotional Fish were formed in 1988 and consisted of Gerard Whelan (lead vocals, percussion), Martin Murphy (drums, percussion), David Frew (guitars, vocals), and Enda Wyatt (bass, vocals, keyboards).

An Emotional Fish - Grey Matter



An Emotional Fish - Celebrate (biggest hit of the band!)



An Emotional Fish - Time Is On The Wall

Gigs, Gigs, Gigs

Wednesday 5th Nov - Nell Bryden, The Spook of the Thirteenth Lock, The Hot Sprockets tonight in Whelans.



Friday Upstairs in Whelans - Ian Whitty



One Day International Xmas Party

Ruby Tuesday - Wallis Bird

Wallis Bird is a 25 year old Irish Singer Songwriter with massive potential. Her debut album Spoons released at the end of last year is wonderful mature album full of guitar driven pop gems similar to Fiona Apple and Ani DiFranco. On her MySpace you can check out demos of new tunes which sound like Wallis is maturing as an artist and bodes very well for another excellent album on the horizon. I have included the sample Mp3 Just Keep Going because it's my favourite tune off the debut with it's inspirational lyrics and unusually outro.

Wallis Bird - Just Keep Going

MySpace
Website
Amazon

Wallis' version of the classic Depeche Mode song 'Just Can't Get Enough' is on the TV campaign for The Sun:

Monday Under The Covers - Prince Devlin

The Devlin boys do a cracking version of the Prince classic "I Could Never Take the Place Of Your Man". This track was another favourite on any mixtapes I made in the last ten years. The track is a b-side to the 1997 single Years Could Go By and I think it was recorded live for Morning Becomes Elecric on KCRW! Irish artists seem to do great service to Prince's songs!

The Devlins - I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man

Oh.....reminder that Colin Devlin has the debut A Democracy Of One on the verge of being released and he is playing an intimate Christmas gig upstairs in Whelans 16th December. Should be a great gig!

The Devlins MySpace
Colin Devlin MySpace
Colin Devlin Blogspot Site

The Hot Sprockets EP Launch

MySpace

New Irish Blogger

Heard the story about an Irish Marine Scientist currently living in New Zealand who has just entered the blogsphere with an excellent music blog? Head over to ..........

http://adriftondeepwater.blogspot.com/

and check out a few tasty introduction blogs. The Halloween mix includes Paddy Casey, Neil Young, Ash, Josh Ritter among many many others!

Sunday's 7 Degree's of Hope

Here we are on the verge of the most important day of an already turbulent year. We need a new, strong, assertive leader of the free world. Here are some hope and election related tunes.

The Frames - People Get Ready Mp3 MySpace

Bic Runga - Election Night Mp3 MySpace

Emiliana Torrini - Beggar's Prayer Mp3 MySpace

Bill Coleman - Offer Up The Hope Mp3 MySpace

Xavier Rudd - Choices Mp3 MySpace

Tift Merritt - Hopes Too High Mp3 MySpace

Eddie Vedder & Ben Harper - No More Mp3 Website

Irish Artists on YouTube - The Pale

Stolen from Wikipedia: "The Pale are an Irish band of varying genres including: eastern european, reggae, ska, bluegrass, world music, and pop. They were formed in Dublin in 1990 with Matthew Devereux on vocals, Shane Wearen on mandolin, Sean Molloy on Bass, and a drum machine. They released an award winning debut album on A&M records in 1992 called Here's One We Made Earlier. The debut album and live shows received critical praise internationally. The singles from that debut Dogs With No Tails, Butterfly, and Shut Up Venus did well in both Ireland and the UK.

The highest chart positions came in Turkey, Israel and France, and have given rise to successful cover versions of their songs released in Turkey. As the group have toured they have added and subtracted instruments and players to the line-up. The mainstay of the group has remained the sound conjured up by Matthew and Shane - one of ethnic fusion."

The Pale - Butterfly



The Pale - Dog With No Tail



The Pale - A Boy Named Sue (from Podge & Rodge)