2 U I Bestow

Westport Festival: Stage Times

2012-05-24T21:58:00.005+01:00

With a good four weeks to go until the first Westport Festival the stage times are live here!

I can't wait for this. Bands I'm really looking forward to seeing are Rhob Cunningham, Sam Amidon, The Waterboys, Rainy Boy Sleep, Damien Dempsey, The Plea, Eoin Glackin, Raglans, Duke Special, Wallis Bird, David Kitt, Lloyd Cole and Colin Devlin!

Tickets here: http://www.westportfestival.com/

Mixtape: The Spirit of Folk 2012

2012-05-23T21:36:00.002+01:00

One of the highlights of 2011 for me was the inaugural Spirit of Folk festival in Dunderry, Co. Meath.

Well news has come through that 2012 will be bigger and better! Along with all the folk games, experimental archaeology, medieval village, falconry, storytelling .... there will be an extra night at the festival and a second stage to keep the music flowing all day. Here's a lovely wee animation announcing the headliners:

A limited supply of Early Bird weekend ticketsfor €65 and day tickets for €35 will be available until 31st May only. From June onwards, weekend tickets will cost €85 and day tickets will cost €45.
To purchase your Spirit of Folk 2012 tickets go to www.tickets.ie. For more information, checkout www.spiritoffolk.com or follow them on Twitter (@Spirit_of_Folk) or give an auld like on Facebook.com/spiritoffolkfestival.

Returning this year from September 21st to 23rd,Spirit of Folk 2012 will see musicians and storytellers from allover Ireland and the UK come together for a weekend of music, arts, craft,spirituality, philosophy and folklore.

Here's the line-up with a selection of 10 songs from bands scheduled to play!

John Spillane
The Lost Brothers

Lisa O’Neill,
I DrawSlow
Spook of the Thirteenth Lock
Tucan

The Hot Sprockets;
Mossy Nolan;
The Henry Girls;

The YoungFolk;
Tir na nOg;
Aoife Scott;
Jig away the Donkey;
Pete Cummins;
The BonnyMen;
Traz;

The Man Whom,

Gypsy Rebble Rabble;
Bunoscionn;
Trad side of the moon;
Wookalilly;
Alpaca Jamboree;

Miriam Donohue;

Joy Booth;
TAC;
Twin Headed Wolf;

The Eskies;

Cry Monster Cry;
Hidden Highways

and JP Trio and Niamh.

EP Review: Cry Monster Cry - The Fallen

2012-05-22T20:25:00.002+01:00

'The Fallen' is a fine collection of tunes which are brimming with charm and delicate folk sounds from the harmonic siblings 'Cry Monster Cry'.

When the time comes to produce my top 50 songs of the year the title tune of this EP will almost definitely be in the top ten. It's a gorgeous emotive track which carries you along on the melody. The violin is superb and the harmonies and lovely. There's a tension within the lyrics which the music compliments greatly to achieve an edge to the harmonic folk of the EP.

&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://crymonstercry.bandcamp.com/album/the-fallen"&amp;amp;gt;The Fallen by Cry Monster Cry&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;

The other tracks blend in well with the title track. The EP kicks off with 'Polaris' which finds the brothers' harmonies backed by fine musicianship of mandolin, drums and bass. 'On Tangled Shores' works because of them fine harmonies and intriguing story. It finishes with the short folk song 'As Long As You're Left To Carry On'. Each of these tracks are pretty good but the title track takes some beating for me.

The only problem I have with the EP is also the thing that makes 'Cry Monster Cry' such a good band. The vocals and the harmonies and just too pleasant. I've listened to the EP a good number of times and I've struggled to grasp the point of the lyrics. Luckily they are printed inside the cd cover and in the main I've enjoyed reading the lyrics but I wasn't enthralled too much by the lyrics when sung in the tracks.

Cry Monster Cry - The Fallen [10 out 12]

The EP is launched this Friday in Whelans!

http://www.facebook.com/crymonstercrymusic

Album Review: Sive - We Are Moving

2012-05-19T10:06:00.001+01:00

'We Are Moving' is a majestic debut album from Kildare band 'Sive' which infuses charming gentle folk sounds with an alternative edge that's bound together with wonderful lead vocals.

The whole album flows from acoustic gentle folk melodies to full electric sounds with an edge. It works because Sadhbh's vocals and lyrics bind the contrasting sounds together. There's also elements of jazz and pop on 'We Are Moving' but this is an album to check out if you're a fan of Natalie Merchant style folk or if you like the grittier sounds of Anna Calvi or PJ Harvey.

As it turns out the tracks which appeal to me are those with an electric alternative sound. The band realise that Sadhbh's vocals and lyrics are to be kept to the forefront so there's rarely a misplaced guitar solo or overuse of drum symbols. My favourite track off the album is 'Piece of my Mind'.

<a href="http://sivemusic.bandcamp.com/track/piece-of-my-mind">Piece of My Mind by Sive</a>

The singles 'Sunkissed' and the title track do stand out a little but almost any song off the album could be released as a single. I particularly enjoy the axis of songs on the 'Second Side' which are 'Burning Slowly', 'The Wait' and 'Crashing Waves'. This last song contains some wonderful lyrics full of imagery and amazing musicianship.

<a href="http://sivemusic.bandcamp.com/track/catching-waves">Catching Waves by Sive</a>

'We Are Moving' is a superb album from a band who I believe have international appeal and a potentially long music career ahead of them. The album can be downloaded through bandcamp for the tiny sum of €4.99 here: http://sivemusic.bandcamp.com/

Sive - We Are Moving [11 out of 12]

http://www.sivemusic.com/

Mixtape: Forbidden Fruits Festival

2012-05-17T23:12:00.001+01:00

To be fair this looks both amazing and good value in the centre of Dublin. Here's a few songs from Irish acts on the bill! Tickets here: http://forbiddenfruit.ie/

[Mazzy Star clashing with James VMcM is not good!]

Republic of Loose

We Cut Corners

Little Green Cars

The Cast of Cheers

Daithi

James Vincent McMorrow

Windings

Autumn Owls

RSAG

White Collar Boy

EP Review: Foxglove - Crazy at the Helm

2012-05-16T14:50:00.002+01:00

Enjoyable debut EP from Cork artist Foxglove which suggests she has a long and fruitful career ahead of her.

The first I heard of Cork artist 'Foxglove' was earlier this year when her song 'Winter' was included on an all female Irish compilation album Cafe Irlandaise. I wrote in the review that 'The compilation flows onto another epic song from Foxglove with vocals from Niamh Murphy. Their sound fuses folk, pop and electronic to create another superb track.'.That song Winter is track two on the debut EP 'Crazy at the Helm'. This epic track is the middle of two very radio friendly pop songs which get better with every listen.

'Land's End' opens the EP in fine style which showcases Niamh's effective vocal style. It's a lovely sound which brings together an inherently Irish rock sound with an electronic twist. The best track for me is the third and final track 'Same Old Question' which begins like a Nelly Furtado hit and includes wonderful vocals with some spectacular long notes!

The good thing about the EP format is that you can get three very different tracks as the case with 'Crazy at the Helm'. However as the tracks are different the EP doesn't gel well together. What it does do is hint very strongly that a ten track album from Foxglove will be pretty special indeed.

Foxglove - Crazy at the Helm [10 out of 12]

http://www.facebook.com/Official.Foxglove

EP launch is next weekend in Cork with support from The Hard Ground.

Mixtape: Happy Valley Festival

2012-05-14T18:53:00.002+01:00

Now that I'm finished with the Top 50 and helping to promote Vantastival I can look at the other festivals planned for Ireland this Summer. Hopefully this festival, The Happy Valley Festival will attract the crowds in Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny.

Saturday 3pm €16.50

Wallis Bird http://www.facebook.com/wallisbird?rf=113030688711485

Deetrich
The Man Whom

Seven Summits http://www.facebook.com/sevensummitsni

Ultan Conlon http://www.facebook.com/ultanconlonmusic

Vickers Vimy

Sean Watmore http://www.facebook.com/pages/Se%C3%A1n-Watmore/204327146304568

-------------------------------

Sunday from Midday; Murphys 15 Acts- 15 Euros returns at Murphys beergarden.

Neon Wolf, http://www.facebook.com/neonwolfmusic?ref=ts

The Hot Sprockets,
Solar Taxi,
Daydream Regime,
The Rawkings,

The Barley Mob, http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-BaRLey-MOB/117200281625659

Oddsocks Revival, http://www.facebook.com/oddsocksrevival

Slim Pickins,

Nathan Conway,

Adela & The Meanits, http://www.facebook.com/pages/ADELA-the-MEANITS/117203391625300

Our Krypton Son, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Our-Krypton-Son/185903978117238

Window Seats, http://www.facebook.com/windowseats

A Dog Called Eli
Bona Fide Federation

http://www.happyvalleyfestival.com/wordpress/

PLAY iRISH May Artists

2012-05-13T22:10:00.001+01:00

This blog is the blogger partner of the IASCA initiative PLAY iRISH to promote Irish music on radio stations across the country.

The following five artists and their tracks have been chosen for the month of May to be played at 1pm on the Jon Richard's Show on Galway Bay FM. It's a decent enough mix of new and established artists.

MONDAYS: MICK FLANNERY ‘ NO WAY TO LIVE”

TUESDAYS: Polly Barrett ‘ Synchronicity’

<a href="http://pollybarrett.bandcamp.com/track/synchronicity">Synchronicity by Polly Barrett</a>

WEDNESDAYS: Carla Merrigan ‘ In Too Deep

THURSDAYS: GLEN HANSARD ‘Love Don’t Leave Me Waiting’

FRIDAYS: HAM SANDWICH ‘Long Distance'

Polly Barrett is gigging this Wednesday in Whelans!

Album Review: The Plea - The Dreamers Stadium

2012-05-12T13:14:00.000+01:00

'The Dreamers Stadium' is a surprisingly enjoyable mainstream stadium rock album from Donegal band The Plea. While I'm not blown away by the music of 'The Plea' there isn't a bad track on the album and is a superb all round good listen!

I've searched through all eleven tracks on 'The Dreamers Stadium' and there's not one bad track on there. Each song is pitched for the mainstream and are as inoffensive as anything you'll hear this year. Most of the tracks are chunky four minute anthems which sound great as background noise and will sound awesome at a large festival or in a large venue where I've no doubt these tracks will eventually end up! The best tracks for me are the current single 'Oh Ah Yay', 'Out on a Light' and this track 'The Odyssey'.

The vocals throughout are exceptionally good, the production is perfect and the intricate musicianship on offer is of the highest quality. It's almost too good for a debut album, if that at all makes sense. The massive elephant in the room is the crystal clear comparison between The Plea and U2. However as U2 haven't released anything worthwhile in well over a decade I think it's time for a new U2!

The Plea - The Dreamers Stadium [10 out of 12]

http://www.facebook.com/thepleaofficial

Official Video for 'I Am The Miracle'

The Dreams Stadium is released on May 14th

Top 50 Irish Acts in Ireland Today

2012-05-11T15:52:00.003+01:00

Here's the top 50 acts in Ireland according to my humble tastes. The list acts as a guide to the recently released music which excites me at this moment in time. It excludes bands not currently working in Ireland or who have been dormant for some time. So in basic terms here's a list of bands to watch out for on a random night in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Dundalk etc ....

Mossy quietly released his self-titled debut album earlier this year. It's a wonderful album of folk classics and traditional compositions which is bursting with both charm and integrity.

<a href="http://mossynolanmusic.bandcamp.com/track/the-wild-mountain-thyme">The Wild Mountain Thyme by Mossy Nolan</a>

4. Marc O'Reilly http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marc-OReilly/188928571123136

I'd rate Marc O'Reilly as the best guitarist in Ireland. Along with this fantastic talent he can also write a great song as evidenced on his fantastic debut album 'My Friend Marx' released in Ireland last year. Also I'm delighted to hear great things about Marc's career in the UK and Europe.

3. Jukebox Gypsy http://www.facebook.com/jukeboxgypsymusic

After two full albums, a live album and about six tours of Ireland Jukebox Gypsy are still relatively unknown in blogging media circles. However their Irish shows invariably sell out with their fanbase expanding mainly on 'Word of Mouth'! If it's tap dancing entertainment and good songs you want then Jukebox Gypsy is your band!

2. I Draw Slow http://www.facebook.com/idrawslow

On the band's facebook page it describes their sound as '.... rooted in the old time style of the Appalachian Mountains, drawing on Irish traditional music and modern Americana. However, this is a whole new songbook of stories and melodies.'

'I Draw Slow' are such a great live band and they deserve to be headlining the biggest venues playing to as many people as possible.

Here's a recent clip of 'I Draw Slow' getting a lovely reception from the crowd at this year's Celtic Connections.

1. Ana Gog http://www.facebook.com/anagogmusic

Ana Gog released an EP a good few years back and have since been preparing their debut album which is apparently on the way in the coming weeks. Ana Gog's sound, to me anyway, is completely unique. The best way to describe it is that they are taking that 70's Genesis sound and re-inventing and updating it. The vocals are pitch perfect, the musicianship is top notch and their songs are inspirational. Best act in Ireland at the moment? Yes!

<a href="http://anagog.bandcamp.com/track/mr-magpie">Mr. Magpie by Ana Gog</a>

Top 50 - Part 9 [6 - 50]

2012-05-09T21:00:00.002+01:00

9. Bona Fide Federation http://www.facebook.com/bonafidefederation

Cork's Bona Fide Federation makes the list due to the amazing vocals of Triona O'Neill. Their jazzy radio friendly pop is enhanced by the spectacular lead vocals.

<a href="http://bonafidefederation.bandcamp.com/track/festival">Festival by Bona Fide Federation</a>

8. Junah http://www.junah.com/

Junah are beginning to frustrate me. I've been waiting for years to listen to the wonderful album that they are capable of but instead they release a four track EP which is free through their website. Junah are a quality band with thoughtful folk rock songs.

7. Bill Coleman http://bcoleman.com/

Bill Coleman was a busy man in 2011 releasing a song a week through his bandcamp page. Among the 50 tunes there were some real gems including a cover of Kanye West's 'Runaway', the superhero theme tune 'Maximilliano and this tune 'Turn The Lights Down Low'.

6. The Young Folk http://www.facebook.com/TheYoungFolkMusic

When Anthony Furey formed The Young Folk he brought together five wonderfully talented musicians to create an energetic folk sound that's as good live as on cd. Their debut EP consists of some great songs and their live performances are always top quality.

The full list on Friday!

My Vantastival Review

2012-05-08T00:17:00.003+01:00

Vantastival 2012 was a major success for everyone involved. The new site was perfect and at times stunningly beautiful against a background of multi-coloured treetops. The crowds came in their campervans, caravans, tents and buses. The stages were fit for the kings and queens of Irish music. It's the biggest compliment I can give the Vantastival organisers that they give new, fresh, raw and young Irish talent an opportunity to perform to new friends and fans on a grand stage.

My Vantastival did not go to plan. A sick child with a nasty fever meant it was just myself and two kids to make the journey north. As the youngest was five it meant missing out on many of the bands I'd have loved to see. However between Friday evening and Sunday afternoon I got to see 23 Irish acts to some degree. Here's a few of my lasting thoughts from the weekend;

Friday

The first act to impress me were Belfast's 'runaway GO' on the impressive wooden structure that was the Done Deal stage. The band had energy, decent tunes, great female vocals which worked with the male vocalist to create nice harmonies and most importantly they looked like they had a ball on stage.

Fox Jaw Bounty Hunters didn't encourage me to hang around while main stage bands 'I'd Fight Gandhi' were spectacularly good and 'The Trampz' were great fun. The biggest surprise for me on the whole weekend were 'Master and Dog'. I seen this same band [different name; John, Shelly & Creatures] a few years back and the whole sound didn't make much sense. However on Friday on the Paddy Mirage stage they were awesome. The new songs due on a new album released this Summer were brilliant. The band has three excellent singers with their bassist having in my opinion the best voice. Their energy at times was sensational and they had the right mixture of indie/alternative sounds to make sense to me.

We caught a few minutes of Ham Sandwich. I love the Ham Sambos but until they learn to control Podge and his antics they'll never progress to the mainstream. The real star is Niamh and she constantly has to compete with the beast that is Podge. Anyway the hits sounded really good from the tent!

Saturday

The folk sounds and glorious vocal harmonies of Cry Monster Cry eased us into a Saturday full of great music. On the done deal stage We Town Criers kicked off proceedings with their brand of indie rock. The best aspect of We Town Criers are the gutsy emotional lead vocals on tracks like 'Wake Up'.

The main stage was the place to see Drogheda's 'Huey & The Hobgoblins'. This band is bursting with energy and infectious fun. Their jazzy retro sounds hit you hard and it's impossible not to enjoy.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://hueyandthehobgoblins.bandcamp.com/track/music-is-my-life"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Music is My Life by Huey And The Hobgoblins&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

The next band to see were the excellent 'Ana Gog'. I've written many times here that they are a wonderful band and Saturday proved that to me. I can't wait to get a hold of their debut album released this Summer. We caught a few minutes of SJ McArdle who is always brilliant before going to see Fox E.'s big moment on the main stage to warm up the crowd for Cathy Davey. Fox E. & The Good Hands had a ball and had everyone grooving to their tunes. We then went to see Dundalk's 'Third Smoke' who were brilliant. This young band could end up being very successful. They have four really good singers in the band and their song structure can vary even within one song itself.

It was a pleasure to hear a few tunes from Cathy Davey on the main stage before hearing the beautiful folk sounds of Galway's Vickers Vimy. The six piece band of exceptional musicians performed one of the best sets of the festival.

My daughter called 'The Amazing Few' a crazy band and it was a fair critique. They were crazy and fun and became the ridiculous to the sublime that was Marc O'Reilly to finish off a great day of music.

Sunday

We only seen four acts on the Sunday. Champagne Animal kicked off Sunday on the main stage playing to a dozen people but finished it playing to well over a hundred. I expected more from the band but I didn't hear or see a unique selling point. The vocals were too often drowned out by unnecessary overuse of symbols and heavy drumming. A quick trip to see Willow Sea resulted in a struggle to think through any positives about his set. We went to hear the hard rock sounds of Dundalk's 'Redtwelve' and they didn't fail to deliver. This is a quality band with a few really good songs, a fine vocalist and superb musicians. The last band I got to see were The Bionic Rats on the main stage who are always on top form with their ska, reggae sounds.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://thebionicrats.bandcamp.com/track/so-what-if-i-am"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;So What If I Am by the bionic rats&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

It was a super weekend of music and there was so much for the kids to do. We all had a great time. Roll on 2013!

http://www.vantastival.com/

Mixtape: My Vantastival Schedule [Part 3 - Sunday]

2012-05-03T19:39:00.001+01:00

The full Vantastival schedule went live during the week. Below is a rough plan detailing the bands I hope to see over the weekend. Of course I'll be hoping to find new favourites over the course of the weekend but there are a number of bands I'm really excited to see. Tickets here: http://www.vantastival.com/tickets/

A new schedule went live with changes made to the Saturday running order. It means Cathy Davey & Jinx Lennon are no longer clashing!

Sunday

I think Sunday is where I'll uncover a few new favourite acts.

I'll have to begin with the main stage to see the much hyped Champagne Animal.

Dundalk's rockers Red Twelve are next on the Done Deal stage.

At the first Vantastival the most entertaining band by far were The Bionic Rats. A Sunday afternoon set on the main stage will be so much fun!

A quick trip to see Inni K is on the cards followed by Raglans back on the main stage.

Late afternoon grungy folk is provided by The Viking Project on the second stage and De Dannan on the main stage. The naxt band to interest me is Cork's 'Slow Motion Heroes'.

I'm really looking forward to finally catching Wyvern Lingo live on the Musicmaker Paddy Mirage stage followed by Preachers Son on the main stage:

The final three acts on my schedule are worth the entry fee alone;

The Spook of the Thirteenth Lock 10 pm Paddy Mirage Stage

I Draw Slow 11.20 Paddy Mirage Stage

God is an Astronaut - Midnight Main Stage

Top 50 Part 8 [11 - 50]

2012-05-03T08:00:00.000+01:00

50. Heritage Centre http://www.facebook.com/theheritagecentre
49. Seamus Fogarty http://www.facebook.com/pages/Seamus-Fogarty-Music/112030042201855
48. The Man Whom http://www.facebook.com/themanwhom
47. SJ McArdle http://www.facebook.com/sjmcardlemusic
46. Allie Bradley http://www.facebook.com/alliebrads
45. Drunken Boat http://www.facebook.com/drunkenboatie
44. Polly Barrett http://www.facebook.com/pages/Polly-Barrett-Music/108088589256392
43. The Manhattan Syndrome http://www.facebook.com/TheManhattanSyndrome
42. Aaron Shanley http://www.facebook.com/aaronshanley
41. Bouts http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bouts/275118665844806
40. Shannon http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shannon/354158321282914
39. Preachers Son http://www.facebook.com/preacherssonofficial
38. Wicker Bones http://www.facebook.com/WickerBones
37. Pearse McGloughlin http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pearse-McGloughlin/153142284726895
36. Eric McGrath http://www.facebook.com/EricMcGrathMusica
35. Ghost Estates http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ghost-estates/143095429068791
34. The Henry Girls http://www.thehenrygirls.com
33. Rams Pocket Radio http://soundcloud.com/ramspocketradio/tracks
32. The Dirty 9s http://www.facebook.com/theDirty9s
31. The Crayon Set http://www.facebook.com/thecrayonset
30. Twin Terrace http://www.facebook.com/twinterrace
29. The Lost Brothers http://www.facebook.com/thelostbrothers
28. Little Green Cars http://www.facebook.com/littlegreencars
27. Fox E. & The Good Hands http://foxeandthegoodhands.com/
26. Valentine Black http://www.facebook.com/valentineblack
25. Youth Mass http://www.facebook.com/thisisyouthmass
24. Autumn Long http://www.facebook.com/Autumnlongmusic
23. Arrow in the Sky http://www.facebook.com/arrowinthesky
22. Storyfold http://www.facebook.com/storyfold
21. Senakah http://www.facebook.com/senakah.ireland
20. Fling http://www.facebook.com/Flingfolk
19. The Riot Tapes http://www.facebook.com/TheRiotTapes
18. The Spook of the Thirteenth Lock http://www.facebook.com/thespookofthethirteenthlock
17. We Cut Corners http://www.facebook.com/wecutcorners
16. Ham Sandwich http://www.hamsandwichmusic.com/

15. Sive http://www.facebook.com/siveband

Sive released their debut album last month entitled 'We Are Moving' which is simply brilliant. It's full of great tracks like the current single 'Sunkissed'.

14. Wallis Bird http://www.wallisbird.com/

I've been meaning to review Wallis' new album here for a couple of weeks because it's on regular rotation in my house. I love how Wallis keeps reinventing her sound with massive success each time.

13. Lisa Hanningan http://www.facebook.com/lisahannigan

'Passengers' was one of the best Irish albums last year with Lisa's appeal rightly going global.

12. A Plastic Rose http://www.facebook.com/aplasticrose

A Plastic Rose are a quality band who'll prove my prediction right by becoming massive this year. For me it's all about the two contrasting lead vocals in front of that energetic sound!

11. David Hope http://www.facebook.com/davehopemusic

There's no better songwriter of folk songs in the country than David Hope. A new album is due in September and I can't wait!

Part 9 soon!

Top 50 - Part 7 [16 - 50]

2012-05-01T18:29:00.003+01:00

50. Heritage Centre http://www.facebook.com/theheritagecentre
49. Seamus Fogarty http://www.facebook.com/pages/Seamus-Fogarty-Music/112030042201855
48. The Man Whom http://www.facebook.com/themanwhom
47. SJ McArdle http://www.facebook.com/sjmcardlemusic
46. Allie Bradley http://www.facebook.com/alliebrads
45. Drunken Boat http://www.facebook.com/drunkenboatie
44. Polly Barrett http://www.facebook.com/pages/Polly-Barrett-Music/108088589256392
43. The Manhattan Syndrome http://www.facebook.com/TheManhattanSyndrome
42. Aaron Shanley http://www.facebook.com/aaronshanley
41. Bouts http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bouts/275118665844806
40. Shannon http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shannon/354158321282914
39. Preachers Son http://www.facebook.com/preacherssonofficial
38. Wicker Bones http://www.facebook.com/WickerBones
37. Pearse McGloughlin http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pearse-McGloughlin/153142284726895
36. Eric McGrath http://www.facebook.com/EricMcGrathMusica
35. Ghost Estates http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ghost-estates/143095429068791
34. The Henry Girls http://www.thehenrygirls.com
33. Rams Pocket Radio http://soundcloud.com/ramspocketradio/tracks
32. The Dirty 9s http://www.facebook.com/theDirty9s
31. The Crayon Set http://www.facebook.com/thecrayonset
30. Twin Terrace http://www.facebook.com/twinterrace
29. The Lost Brothers http://www.facebook.com/thelostbrothers
28. Little Green Cars http://www.facebook.com/littlegreencars
27. Fox E. & The Good Hands http://foxeandthegoodhands.com/
26. Valentine Black http://www.facebook.com/valentineblack
25. Youth Mass http://www.facebook.com/thisisyouthmass
24. Autumn Long http://www.facebook.com/Autumnlongmusic
23. Arrow in the Sky http://www.facebook.com/arrowinthesky
22. Storyfold http://www.facebook.com/storyfold
21. Senakah http://www.facebook.com/senakah.ireland

20. Fling http://www.facebook.com/Flingfolk

Galway's trad/folk band 'Fling' push the boundaries of both genres with their energetic live performances, quality jigs and superb vocals.

19. The Riot Tapes http://www.facebook.com/TheRiotTapes

The radio friendly adult pop from The Riot Tapes suits my mood when I want something simple but with a kick.

18. The Spook of the Thirteenth Lock http://www.facebook.com/thespookofthethirteenthlock

The Spook are creating a nice niche for themselves as a great live band with a big sound nobody can describe.

17. We Cut Corners http://www.facebook.com/wecutcorners

We Cut Corners really impressed me at Cork XSW last year and their debut album was one of the best albums of last year.

16. Ham Sandwich http://www.hamsandwichmusic.com/

I'm delighted for Ham Sandwich that they are a band that sells out venues like The Academy and The Spirit Store. A Summer festival spot at Benicassim Festival should expand their fanbase to the wider world!

Part 8 soon!

Mixtape: My Vantastival Schedule [Part 2 - Saturday]

2012-04-30T19:14:00.001+01:00

Find a high res copy of the schedule here: http://www.vantastival.com/wp-content/uploads/2012-Schedule-final.jpg?3f5bfe

Saturday:

With potentially 28 bands to see on the three main stages, here's music from ten must see acts for Saturday. Saturday morning for me finds me chilled and relaxed listening to the folk sounds of Cry Monster Cry in the Paddy Mirage stage.

<a href="http://crymonstercry.bandcamp.com/track/the-fallen">The Fallen by Cry Monster Cry</a>

There's lots of bands clashing in the early afternoon that I'll end up seeing some of their performance. Among them are Drogheda's Huey & the Hobgoblins, We Town Cries, Miss Paula Flynn and Karma Parking. A must for me will be 'Trap Door' on the main stage at half 3.

The Barley Mob and Midtown Reign will entertain me before the epic sounds of Ana Gog on the Paddy Mirage stage.

Next is a quick dash back to the main to catch a few minutes of the trad/folk group The Bonny Men!

I'll have a few minutes listening to the sounds of SJ McArdle before rushing back to the main stage for Fox E. & The Good Hands.

Dundalk's Third Smoke is next on my list. The young band are a super live band with decent tunes such as this one.

After catching a few minutes of RSAG I think I'll head for Galway's folk/pop act Vickers Vimy.

I'm then off to the madness that is The Amazing Few on the Donedeal.ie stage.

One of the acts I'm most looking forward to is Marc O'Reilly.

I'll be aiming for a few minutes of Jinx Lennon before catching Saturday's headliner 'Cathy Davey' on the main stage.

Part 3 - Sunday's schedule tomorrow!

Top 50 - Part 6 [21 - 50]

2012-04-29T16:12:00.002+01:00

Here's the top 50 acts in Ireland according to my humble tastes. The list acts as a guide to the music which excites me at this moment in time. It excludes bands not currently working in Ireland or who have been dormant for some time. So in basic terms here's a list of bands to watch out for on a random night in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Dundalk etc ....

50. Heritage Centre http://www.facebook.com/theheritagecentre
49. Seamus Fogarty http://www.facebook.com/pages/Seamus-Fogarty-Music/112030042201855
48. The Man Whom http://www.facebook.com/themanwhom
47. SJ McArdle http://www.facebook.com/sjmcardlemusic
46. Allie Bradley http://www.facebook.com/alliebrads
45. Drunken Boat http://www.facebook.com/drunkenboatie
44. Polly Barrett http://www.facebook.com/pages/Polly-Barrett-Music/108088589256392
43. The Manhattan Syndrome http://www.facebook.com/TheManhattanSyndrome
42. Aaron Shanley http://www.facebook.com/aaronshanley
41. Bouts http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bouts/275118665844806
40. Shannon http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shannon/354158321282914
39. Preachers Son http://www.facebook.com/preacherssonofficial
38. Wicker Bones http://www.facebook.com/WickerBones
37. Pearse McGloughlin http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pearse-McGloughlin/153142284726895
36. Eric McGrath http://www.facebook.com/EricMcGrathMusica
35. Ghost Estates http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ghost-estates/143095429068791
34. The Henry Girls http://www.thehenrygirls.com
33. Rams Pocket Radio http://soundcloud.com/ramspocketradio/tracks
32. The Dirty 9s http://www.facebook.com/theDirty9s
31. The Crayon Set http://www.facebook.com/thecrayonset
30. Twin Terrace http://www.facebook.com/twinterrace
29. The Lost Brothers http://www.facebook.com/thelostbrothers
28. Little Green Cars http://www.facebook.com/littlegreencars
27. Fox E. & The Good Hands http://foxeandthegoodhands.com/
26. Valentine Black http://www.facebook.com/valentineblack

25. Youth Mass http://www.facebook.com/thisisyouthmass

Youth Mass are slowly releasing material and playing the odd gig while preparing a debut album which will be mega if songs like 'Wide Eyes', 'Tony Don't You Worry' and 'Only C**** Buy Vinyl' are anything to go by.

24. Autumn Long http://www.facebook.com/Autumnlongmusic

I've been waiting for three years for the debut album from former Wallmark singer Padriag Digan. Autumn Long is the adopted name for Padraig and his band with that debut album imminent!

23. Arrow in the Sky http://www.facebook.com/arrowinthesky

Folk music of the very best from Mullingar duo 'Arrow in the Sky'. After a brief hiatus I'm delighted to see they are back gigging the country again.

22. Storyfold http://www.facebook.com/storyfold

Whenever I see Storyfold live they remind me of their brilliance. With six singles from their debut album released as well on non stop touring they have one of the best models for young bands to follow as their fanbase is ever increasing. There's whispers of a push in the US too!

21. Senakah http://www.facebook.com/senakah.ireland

Limerick band Senakah returned to the fore with a quality single 'Human Relations'. It's inspired me to check out their 2008 debut album 'Sweeter Than Bourban' which is simply superb. Well worth checking out!

&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://senakah.bandcamp.com/track/so-beautiful"&amp;amp;gt;So Beautiful by Senakah&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;

Part 7 soon!

Mixtape: My Vantastival Schedule [Part 1 - Friday]

2012-04-28T21:06:00.002+01:00

Find a high res copy of the schedule here: http://www.vantastival.com/wp-content/uploads/2012-Schedule-final.jpg?3f5bfe

Friday:

I'll be aiming to get to The Fitzafrenic but that depends on getting there on time and on how long it'll take to put up the tent. The first band we'll probably see is The Rambleers on the main stage:

From the main stage we'll take a quick dash over to the Paddy Mirage stage to hear the charming sounds of EleventyFour ....

as well as a few minutes at Runaway Go ....

before returning to the main stage for the rap/metal of I'd Fight Gandhi.

I'd be hoping to catch some of Fox Jaw Bounty Hunters and Dundalk's hotly tipped band The Trampz ...

but I think a visit to The Man Whom in the quaint Paddy Mirage area is a must for me.

Ghost Estates on the Done Deal stage is our next stop before a tricky decision!

The Henry Girls vs Ham Sandwich is a problem but a few minutes with The Henry Girls before hitting the main stage for all the confetti at the end of the ham sambo gig!

..... Part 2 - Saturday's Schedule Soon! Want tickets? http://www.vantastival.com/tickets/

Album Review: The Spook of the Thirteenth Lock - The Brutal Here & Now

2012-04-27T20:39:00.004+01:00

"The Brutal Here & Now" is the second album from Dublin's folk/rock/trad band 'The Spook of the Thirteenth Lock'. It's gathering the band some fine attention from media and fans for their high energy and hard to define sounds.

In my mind 'The Spook ....' are a great Irish band with fantastic musicianship and a sound that blurs traditional genre lines. 'The Spook' sound like the result of a jamming session between Sonic Youth and Planxty in that every song off The Brutal Here & Now contains crashing alternative guitar riffs as well as traditional banjo and the fine taditional sounding vocals of Allen Blighe.

The eleven tracks are divided in two by a short instrumental 'Ríleanna na hIfrinn' with the second side being far superior to the first. The title track and lead single which appears in two parts is a fine representation of the sound of 'The Spook ...'. It has energy, warmth, charm, complex backing vocals, intertwined guitars, banjo and bass but most important of all is that it comes together really nicely to be one of the best songs I've heard this year.

The other stand-out tracks are 'Sweeney's Frenzy' the intense rock sound of 'Black Diaries' and my favourite song off the album being the charming 'Bóthar Crua Larthar' sung in the Gaeilge language which builds up to an exhilarating finish.

The final two tracks 'Shudder in the West' and the folky 'The Rattling Hell' brings the album to a charming close. While this is a highly complimentary review of the album there were a few tracks which don't reach the standard of those discussed above. I also found 'The Spook's ..' formula of high energy intense sounds broken up by periods of gentle arty soundscapes a bit repetitive. Regardless of what I wrote just there it's still a superb album well worth getting!

The Spook of the Thirteenth Lock - The Brutal Here & Now [10 out of 12]

http://thirteenthlock.net/

Top 3 Irish Songs about Floods!

2012-04-25T20:23:00.002+01:00

As torrential rain hits Ireland I'm listening to the best three Irish songs written about Floods!

The Divine Comedy - Here Comes The Flood

This song becomes my earworm whenever 'The Floods' hit Ireland!

The P Affection - The Flood

This was the stand-out track on the debut album from The P Affection.

The Swell Season - The Rain

This song written about the relationship between songwriter Glen and the band was one of the best tracks from 'Strict Joy'.

Top 50 - Part 5 [26 - 50]

2012-04-24T18:31:00.000+01:00

50. Heritage Centre http://www.facebook.com/theheritagecentre
49. Seamus Fogarty http://www.facebook.com/pages/Seamus-Fogarty-Music/112030042201855
48. The Man Whom http://www.facebook.com/themanwhom
47. SJ McArdle http://www.facebook.com/sjmcardlemusic
46. Allie Bradley http://www.facebook.com/alliebrads
45. Drunken Boat http://www.facebook.com/drunkenboatie
44. Polly Barrett http://www.facebook.com/pages/Polly-Barrett-Music/108088589256392
43. The Manhattan Syndrome http://www.facebook.com/TheManhattanSyndrome
42. Aaron Shanley http://www.facebook.com/aaronshanley
41. Bouts http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bouts/275118665844806
40. Shannon http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shannon/354158321282914
39. Preachers Son http://www.facebook.com/preacherssonofficial
38. Wicker Bones http://www.facebook.com/WickerBones
37. Pearse McGloughlin http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pearse-McGloughlin/153142284726895
36. Eric McGrath http://www.facebook.com/EricMcGrathMusica
35. Ghost Estates http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ghost-estates/143095429068791
34. The Henry Girls http://www.thehenrygirls.com
33. Rams Pocket Radio http://soundcloud.com/ramspocketradio/tracks
32. The Dirty 9s http://www.facebook.com/theDirty9s
31. The Crayon Set http://www.facebook.com/thecrayonset

30. Twin Terrace http://www.facebook.com/twinterrace

The debut album from Twin Terrace entitled 'Plural' is one of the best albums of 2012. In the review I wrote "The songs are well written and varied. The lyrics while not life changing keep your attention throughout the album. It's a dreamy fuzzy sound that works equally well as background music or for something worthwhile to get into."

29. The Lost Brothers http://www.facebook.com/thelostbrothers

The Lost Brothers can be described as vocal harmonies and deep lyrics set within an enriching soundscape of acoustic pop. A wonderful band who are touring all over the UK this Summer as well as an appearance at Westport Festival in June.

28. Little Green Cars http://www.facebook.com/littlegreencars

Little Green Cars make the list due to the constant play of this song on Dublin City FM's Live Drive show in the morning. This song is simply superb!

27. Fox E. & The Good Hands http://foxeandthegoodhands.com/

Could Fox E. & The Good Hands be Ireland's most entertaining live bands? Quite possibly! They also have a bunch of great tunes!

26. Valentine Black http://www.facebook.com/valentineblack

Another great Irish album released this year was from Valentine Black. Not only was the album 'Desire Lines' full of excellent songs but the band live are really good.

Part 6 soon!

Album Review: Robb Murphy - Take A Stand

2012-04-22T20:41:00.000+01:00

'Take A Stand' is the debut album from Belfast man Robb Murphy who describes his music as 'Pop Electronic and Acoustic' with the album being as mixed as that sounds.

I've listened to 'Take a Stand' by Robb Murphy about twenty times in the last number of weeks and I still don't have a clue what to think as I'm writing this. However as it's causing a major backlog of albums for me to review on the blog I'm going to go straight into it.

'Take a Stand' is as varied an album as they can come with some excellent tunes while there some potentially good songs ruined by the inclusion of unnecessary noises. The album begins well with the upbeat 'Further Higher' with second song 'On My Side' being one of the excellent tracks on the album. It's a fine indie track with hand claps, catchy lyrics, glockenspiel, strings and great vocals.

The other standout track for me is the acoustic 'Love in Abundance' which finds Robb's vocals over a gentle riff with piano and backing vocals. It's a simple but effective formula for this excellent love song as the lyrics carry the track.

Some songs begin well like 'Noises' but becomes unpleasant by backing track material and clearly electronic drumbeats. 'Questions' belongs completely to the Electronic genre and is a million miles from the good tracks discussed above. 'What Do I Say' has the ability to be a great track if it was left in the acoustic format. To be fair there is an exception on the track 'I'll Follow' which manages to get the balance of acoustic merging into electronic right.

I think the real problem I have with 'Take A Stand' is that there's no clear identity to the album on a whole. If feels as if the talented Robb Murphy has reinterpreted popular sounds and songs and packaged them together rather than going with his gut instincts and keeping with a sound that works. For me the sound that works is the acoustic folk sounds.

Robb Murphy - Take A Stand [7 out of 12]

http://www.robbmurphy.com

Top 50 - Part 4 [31 - 50]

2012-04-21T21:47:00.000+01:00

34. The Henry Girls http://www.thehenrygirls.com

Sweet harmonies, meaningful songs and chilled out folk music are what The Henry Girls are about.

33. Rams Pocket Radio http://soundcloud.com/ramspocketradio/tracks

Another entry from Lisburn here with Rams Pocket Radio. There's no doubt in my mind that Rams Pocket Radio will be going global real soon with their radio friendly indie pop.

32. The Dirty 9s http://www.facebook.com/theDirty9s

One of the best live bands in Ireland The Dirty 9s confirm their place in this list with a happy little pop tune 'Hey' released earlier this year.

31. The Crayon Set http://www.facebook.com/thecrayonset

The Crayon Set manage to mix sweet pop vocals and an indie edge which reminds me a lot of Belle & Sebastian. I love their sound!

Part 5 soon!

Live Review: Eric McGrath - The Olympia, Dublin April 17th

2012-04-18T22:06:00.001+01:00

Dubliner Eric McGrath supported Bic Runga in The Olympia, Dublin last night to a decent sized and attentive crowd. Support slots must be difficult as the crowd are not there for you specifically. Those in attendance certainly enjoyed his set as much as I did and gave the songs an appreciative reception.

It was my first time seeing Eric live with his band, Heiter Martins on Bass and John Ohle on drums. They added a lovely jazzy feel to Eric's folk sound. Eric's songwriting and delivery on stage were top class with current single 'Let's Get Curious' and 'A Lost Romance' the highlights for me.

Eric's set confirmed to me that he is a considerable talent whose debut album out in the Summer will be simply fantastic.

http://www.facebook.com/EricMcGrathMusica

I also really enjoyed Bic Runga's set. She had a very talented backing band including drums, bass, guitar, keys and harp. She has a great voice, superb stage presence and some really thoughtful songs which surprised me somewhat. Among the highlights of her set were the singles 'Something Good', 'Sway' and the Mexican sounding 'This Girl's Prepared For War'.

Mixtape: News Roundup

2012-04-18T17:09:00.000+01:00

When I'm browsing blogs I love them big massive news posts with details of great events and an opportunity to listen to some new music. Here's a roundup of great things happening over the next few weeks. DOI: Below are two events I've helped to organise for Boyles of Slane.

Happy Birthday to The Song Room run every Wednesday Night in The Globe by Hamlet Sweeney.

This weeks line up (note early start this week! First act on at 8.30):

The Ikonics
Violet Roadkills
Sophie Coyle
Sarah Red
Cormac O’Caoimh

The first 10 people with a feather in their clothing get a free beer!

Check out the new web page and download the first of four free download albums coming out this year to celebrate 4 years of amazing gigs.

Track list below, download here: http://www.thesongroom.com/

1. Mr Fake by James O'Connor with Audrey Trainor
2. Longshot by Lucky Bones
3. Ghost Town by Arrow in the Sky
4. Mrs. King by Brian Brody
5. Wishbone by Sarah Red
6. Black Keys by Twin Headed Wolf
7. Don't Let Them Get You Down by The Kartels
8. Planets (You're the Reason) by Killer Ceol
9. Nobody's Listening by Kenna & Cox

Check out Wishbone from the wonderful Sarah Red here:

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Vantastival Showcase: Boyles of Slane April 19th

Tomorrow night I get a chance to hear Third Smoke live for the first time, I get to hear some new tunes from Miss Paula Flynn and I get to buy The Spook's new album!

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Record Store Day - CD World Drogheda Sat 21st April 1 - 5pm

Huey and the Hobgoblins 1pm
Eugene Donegan 1.40
Bill Coleman 2.20,
SJ McArdle 3pm
The Enemies 3.40
Shadowplay 4.20
This is a super line-up of bands to check out in Drogheda for free this Saturday!

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Isn't this a really nice little tour poster for Seamus Fogarty' mini album tour?

Supporting Seamus in Whelans is the lovely laid back ukulele sounds of Peter Delaney!

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Gigonometry in aid of Oxfam returns to Sweeneys on April 26th with a cracking line-up:

You're required to party until you begin seeing unicorns!

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That same night on April 26th we've a great line-up for The Purple Sessions in Boyles of Slane:

Storyfold are such a great band. Can't wait to see them live again and in the intimate setting of Boyles!

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If you're not at Vantastival there is the Festival of the Fires on May 5th!

Among those taking to the stages will be Bressie, Hothouse Flowers, Kíla, Jape, Royseven, Jerry Fish & The Mudbug Club, Donal Lunny & Friends, The Kilenora Ceili Band, Nik Turner’s Project 9 (ex-Hawkwind), The Riptide Movement, Relish, The Aftermath, The Pale, Johnny Fean & Band (Horslips), Steve Travers (The Miami), Arrow in the Sky, Touch The Earth, Peter Doran, Jimmy Broder, Noel & Declan O’Farrell, Sircles, Icon on Fire, Preachers Son, Crow Black Chicken, The Hot Sprockets, The Raglans, Neon Wolf, Propeller Palms, The Bahh Band, Mikey & The Scallywags, Fling, Rainy Boy Sleep, Valerie Armstrong, The Eggs and Spoons, The Lazy Cafe Trio, Paddy Cullivan, The Poetry Divas, Marty Mulligan, the DG Kelly Orchestra, The Mullingar Town Band and many, many more.

Some great bands on this list and among the best on the bill is ~~Bressie~~ Fling!

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Folk in The Academy 2!

Advance notice for this but Wicker Bones, Queen Elvis, Andy Delamere & Jem Mitchell are on the bill in The Academy 2 on June 2nd! It's in aid of Focus Ireland.

Check out the ghostly folk sounds of Queen Elvis.

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Westport Festival Update!

Unfortunately the festival lost the services of Nile Rodgers but have gained Irish artists Kopek, Briana Corrigan and Bronagh Gallagher.

Check out the glorious vocals of Briana Corrigan: