The G-Man - Music, music, music.

The G-Man Playlist: This Is The Kit special

2013-05-24T08:00:00.000+01:00

This Is The Kit get the Biggles. And vice versa...

Bristolian/Parisian indie folk-heads This Is The Kit team up with Dublin popsters Biggles Flys Again this Saturday (25th May) to play the second The G-Man Presents... show in three weeks. The location is Cork's beloved cultural safe-haven the Triskel Art Centre's TDC. Tickets are still available at the special advance online booking fee of €5 so visit here to snap up the temporary deal.

A little round-up of press to date:

"This is The Kit to charm at the Triskel" - We Are Noise
Q&A with Kate Stables - We Are Noise
"And then there’s an amazing band from Paris by way of Bristol called This Is The Kit...cool music that's hard to put your finger on" - The National speak to Hotpress
"Primal and electric textures" - The Cork News
Gig of the week - Cork Independent
Incoming - State.ie
"I'd be very pleased to be a shop assistant, the Saturday helper. I do enjoy a bit of customer service" - Record Store Day interview
Other Voices highlight - Nialler9
Song of the Day - 2 U I Bestow
This week's new live music - The Guardian

Simply click play below to begin today's playlist.

For more on This Is The Kit visit:

Official Website -- Facebook -- Bandcamp -- Twitter

- This Is The Kit and Biggles Flys Again play Triskel Art Centre's TDC, Cork Saturday 25th May
- Tickets available online over on TicketFriend
- For past playlists see here.

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New album: Washed Out

2013-05-24T06:00:00.000+01:00

Washed Out wishes come true...

Sub Pop have revealed that Ernest Greene's 2011 lesson in space-out swoon-pop Within and Without will have a successor this Summer. A preview of Paracosm (definition: a prolonged fantasy world invented by children; can have a definite geography and language and history) shows snippets of the new, mystical pastures travelled by the Georgia-based sound-sage. Watch the trailer in full below.

For more on Washed Out visit:

Official Website -- Facebook -- Twitter

- Paracosm by Washed Out is released 9th August on Sub Pop

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Cork Midsummer Festival 2013

2013-05-22T13:03:00.000+01:00

Cork Midsummer

Mick Flannery - City Hall (21st June)

Ready for some Midsummer fun? And maybe even some sun...

Cork's annual celebration of contemporary culture and arts returns for just under two weeks when various musical and theatrical events get under way on June 21st. Again living up to the bill of a festival sporting "unique events in unexpected places", the 2013 edition of Cork Midsummer will include an expedition into the effect and power of secrets in various secret locations (Secrets of the City), an ongoing underage dissection of Cork's culinary talents (Eat The Street), a reliving of (night)life in famous Cork nightclub Sir Henry's (Deep in the Half Moon), a gathering of 100 Cork living folk on stage at the Cork Opera House to recount their own stories (100% Cork) not to mention an exploration of Cubism and its effects on Irish artists of the past (Analysing Cubism in Crawford Art Gallery).

As regards live music take note of local boy turned chart-topper Mick Flannery who plays City Hall (June 21st), the world premiere of classical composer Ian Wilson's The Hours in Christchurch (June 27th) and, courtesy of Icelandic champer-pop pixies and the highlight of the entire festival for me, the heartmeltingly engaging project that is Gamiina whose finale will take place in the Opera House on June 24th (for more details click here)

For more on Cork Midsummer Festival visit:

Official Website -- Facebook -- Twitter

- Cork Midsummer Festival takes place in various venues across Cork from 21st June until the 30th June
- For tickets and more info visit www.corkmidsummer.com

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New music: Jozef Van Wissem

2013-05-22T10:56:00.001+01:00

Be careful of riotous lute-ing at Primavera this weekend...

Keep an ear out for Dutch-born Brooklyn-based minimalist composer Jozef Van Wissem if Barcelona-bound over the next few days as the lutenist once again teams up with good friend and musical accomplice (and acclaimed Hollywood director of course) Jim Jarmusch to play compositions taken from both of their albums Concerning the Entrance Into Eternity and The Mystery of Heaven. To be slightly awkward, the video below for 'I Have So Much More to Tell You But You Can Not Bear It Now' is taken from Spokatastasis, one of Van Wissem's majestically titled solo records (also see Suite the Hen's Teeth and The Wolf Also Shall Dwell with the Lamb) and not from one of his collaborative sessions with Jarmusch but it's just too damn beautiful to ignore.

For more on Jozef Van Wissem visit:

Official Website -- Twitter -- Myspace -- Facebook

- Jozef Van Wissem and Jim Jarmusch play Primavera Sound (Barcelona), 24th May

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New album: This Is The Kit

2013-05-21T12:48:00.000+01:00

This Is The Kit release Wriggle Out The Restless...

With just four sleeps to go before they commence their maiden outing on Leeside, This Is The Kit have re-released their second long player Wriggle Out The Restless courtesy of Brassland. Originally founded by The National's Dessner twins, the American label has reissued the record in a "definitive edition" including the single 'Treehouse' with fan and friend Aaron Dessner currently hard at work producing the follow up to the album which also includes timeless TITK compositions 'Spinney' and 'Earthquake'. Stream or purchase Wriggle Out The Restless using the player below.

Wriggle Out The Restless by This Is The Kit

This Is The Kit play their first ever The G-Man Presents... show in Cork on Saturday, May 25th in the Triskel Art Centre's TDC. Pre-sale tickets are currently available at an incredible €5 INCLUDING booking fee over on TicketFriend.com.

For more on This Is The Kit visit:

Official Website -- Facebook -- Bandcamp -- Twitter

- This Is The Kit play Triskel Art Centre's TDC, Cork Saturday 25th May
- Tickets available online oveer on TicketFriend
- Special guests on the night will be Biggles Flys Again

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Festival news: Electric Picnic additions

2013-05-21T12:10:00.002+01:00

A couple of extra sambos buttered and triangled ahead of the picnic...

The confusion surrounding Electric Picnic's late initial line-up announcement bordered on the ludicrous with national newspapers, bloggers and radio all so keen to pounce on the prized "scoop". My Bloody Valentine were part of a fake announcement which suckered in this blogger here. To add to the confusion, Kevin Shields' shoegazers were then added to the list of officially confirmed acts that already included Bjork, Fat Boy Slim and Arctic Monkeys less than a week later.

The latest announcement has confirmed Robert Plant presents the Sensational Space Shifters, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Little Green Cars, John Grant, Night Beds will all contribute to the shenanigans in Stradbally come August.

For more on Electric Picnic visit:

Official Website -- Facebook -- Twitter

- Electric Picnic takes place in Stradbally, Laois from 30th August to 1st September
- Tickets are on sale now

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Session: Marnie Stern

2013-05-21T10:37:00.000+01:00

At home with Marnie...

As axe-mistress Marnie Stern prepares for her latest fretboard assault on Europe beginning with a Birmingham date in just over a week's time, loyal Sternites continue to salivate over the New Yorker's latest record, the majestically titled The Chronicles of Marnia. The shred-queen recently invited WNYC's Soundcheck into her living room for a stripped-down set and a bit of an elaboration regarding her apartment's technicoloured centre-piece. Watch the entire session below.

For more on Marnie Stern visit:

Official Website -- Facebook -- Bandcamp -- Twitter

- The Chronicles of Marnia by Marnie Stern is out now
- For further Soundcheck sessions visit soundcheck.wnyc.org

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Cork Gig Guide (20th May - 26th May)

2013-05-20T12:50:00.000+01:00

TITK in the TDC...

With second record Wriggle Out The Restless set for an international release courtesy of the Dessner's (i.e. Aaron and Bryce of The National) Brassland label, Paris-based alternative folkies This Is The Kit catch the ferry to Ireland for a tour that will include a date in Cork's Triskel Arts Centre TDC. The Saturday night show will also see Dublin's Biggles Flys Again return to Leeside as special guests for Sharon Van Etten's "favourite new artist". Songwriter, singer and all-round TITK mastermind Kate Stables and co. made their first appearance on the now internationally-renowned music show Other Voices in December with the performance set to be screened on RTE in July. Anyone looking to buy tickets on the night (€8) note that they are available for a cut-price €5 including booking fee over on ticketfriend.com.

More highlights from the week ahead:

Felix Sonnyboy & The Whiteowls with a midnight show in The Crane Lane Theatre (Monday)
Annette Buckley in Bradley's of Barrack Street (Wednesday)
Boisterous Balkan gypsy jazz with The Underscore Orkestra in The Pavilion (Wednesday)
Mercurial Wexford-man Pierce Turner in Coughlan's (Thursday)
NoMeansNo in The Crane Lane Theatre (Friday)
Todd Terje in The Pavilion (Friday)
The criminally under-rated Ger Wolfe out west in De Barra's (Sunday)

FREE GIG OF THE WEEK
Monday: The third edition of Improvised Mondays in Gulpd Café featuring sounds brought forth by James Fortune (Rory Francis O'Brien), Patrick Cullen (The Altered Hours) & Dan Walsh (The Great Balloon Race) .

Monday, 20th May
- Felix Sonnyboy & The Whiteowls in The Crane Lane Theatre (11.30pm)
- Improvised Mondays: James Fortune, Patrick Cullen & Dan Walsh in Gulpd Café (Triskel Arts Centre)

Tuesday, 21st May
- Songwriter Sessions with Paula Gomez in L'Attitude 51
- Jazz Improv in The Crane Lane Theatre (9pm)

Wednesday, 22nd May
- Annette Buckley in Bradley's of Barrack Street
- The Underscore Orkestra in The Pavilion
- Sundown Sessions in The Raven
- Sitting Room Session: in De Barra's (Clonakilty)

Thursday, 23rd May
- Pierce Turner in Coughlan's - Later With The Grunts in The Roundy
- Porn For The Blind in The Woodford

Friday, 24th May
- NoMeansNo in The Crane Lane Theatre (8.30pm)
- Lace Weeper in Fred Zeppelins
- Todd Terje in The Pavilion - This Is The Kit in De Barra's (Clonakilty)
- The Lucid Dream in Pine Lodge (Myrtleville)

Saturday, 25th May
- Crowley's Instore: in Crowley's Music Centre (5pm)
- The G-Man Presents... This Is The Kit in Triskel's TDC
- The Lucid Dream and Cove in The Pavilion
- John Blek & The Rats in De Barra's (Clonakilty)

Sunday, 26th May
- The Great Balloon Race and Morning Veils in Fred Zeppelins
- Ger Wolfe Trio in De Barra's (Clonakilty)

If I have forgotten a show or listed a gig incorrectly feel free to let me know! Please make sure to confirm gig details with the official site in advance.

Upcoming The G-Man Presents... Gigs:

25th May - The G-Man Presents...This Is The Kit in Triskel TDC

- For more gigs and dates see the overall gig guide here

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The G-Man Playlist: Monday

2013-05-20T10:00:00.000+01:00

Moosic, moosic, moosic

The beginning of another The G-Man Presents showcase week...

There are still a number of €5 tickets available online ahead of This Is the Kit's Leeside début in the Triskel Arts Centre TDC on Saturday evening. With their Christmas Other Voices performance set to be featured on RTE later this Summer, this is a great chance to catch Kate Stables and co. play a small intimate venue which may not be possible post Irish national television screening. Tickets are currently available at a special advance price of €5 when booked online here.

Simply click play below to begin today's playlist.

- For past playlists see here.

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The G-Man interview: Purling Hiss

2013-05-18T12:13:00.000+01:00

Mike Polizze of Purling Hiss talks Irish ferries, touring with Wilco and their upcoming Irish tour...

Water On Mars, the next step in the evolution of Mike Polizze's bedroom rock project Purling Hiss was released on the consistently excellent U.S. indie label Drag City in March with Irish fans finally getting to hear the Birds Of Maya guitarist's solo output in a live setting. Just before Mike - and new shipmates Mike Sneeringer (drums) and Kiel Everett (bass) - boarded a ferry to Ireland he was able to answer a few questions ahead of Purling Hiss's incoming Irish début dates. Brisk pre-Irish Sea crossing interview in full below.

The Hoodoo by Purling Hiss

The G-Man: Where are you, what are you up to and how’s life treating you at the moment?
Mike Polizze: Hello! We are in Wales, headed to Dublin today. We are on our tour over here, and life is good.

What made you decide to take recording out of the bedroom?
I formed a band two years ago, and we've been touring since then soo with the new songs we took it to a studio finally. The old recordings were just me. They were basically demos.

What did Adam Granduciel (The War on Drugs frontman and producer of Water On Mars) bring to the table that pleasantly (or not so) surprised you?
Adam has been our friend for a while, and we've played lots of shows and toured together. He's watched us grow as a band, so he really understands where we are coming from. It was a pleasure working with him in the studio. He brought a lot of guidance!

Were there ever times during the recording process that you wished you could retreat back into the cosy confines of your bedroom?
Sure. And I still record ideas at home. I'll never really give it up all together!

We all know the days of million dollar contracts are over. What kind of support does a bigger label provide to an artist/band these days?
Drag City is great! It's an honour to work with them: they put us in the studio, where we belong! They are a very artist friendly label.

When a song doesn’t click straight away is it just discarded or are you more of a song-hoarder?
It's a little bit of both. Sometimes writer's block happens with a song, but the easiest way to deal with it is to just put it aside and move on. I used to be stuck in those situations, but discarding an idea, even if temporary is for the best.

We are our experiences and, unfortunately, it’s the bad ones that have more say in forming the person we become. What do you think?
I agree that life experiences shape the person you are. It's all how you decide to deal with those experiences

I can’t wait to see you in Cork. What kind of feelings do you have before a tour begins?
It's normal to be a little anxious before tour starts, but as soon as soon as it does, it's fine.

Describe your favourite gig memory.
We did a tour with Wilco* once. On the last song of the last show, they invited us on stage to play a song with them, and Jody Stephens from Big Star* also came out and played. It was amazing!

*Weird coincidence?

Purling Hiss Irish tour dates:

Saturday, 18th May: Whelan's, Dublin
Sunday, 19th May: The Pavilion, Cork

For more on Purling Hiss visit:

Official Website -- Facebook -- Twitter

- Purling Hiss play The Pavilion, Cork on 19th May
- Tickets are €7 on the night or €5 pre-sale from The Pavilion and Plugd

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Exit: Pursued By A Bear

2013-05-17T14:00:00.000+01:00

Or for now - Fundit: Pursued By A Bear...

Cork synth-sires Exit: Pursued By a Bear have been very quiet of late with the quartet holing themselves up in the studio to record the follow-up to 2010's eponymous début record. In order to push over the finishing line (twelve demos have been recorded with 'Rabbit with Hat' available for streaming below), the bears require some Fund:It help with a target set at €5,000. In their own words this money would contribute to "professional studio time, mixing/mastering and promotion and packaging. We feel album one achieved as much as it possibly could with no external funding. With the help of Fund:it and your generous contributions we believe we can do something really special with album two."

As with all Fund:It ventures, there are a number of different packages that may be purchased ranging from €10 for a digital download of the album to the bumper "Teddy Bear's Picnic" option which will include a DJ set or live show from the band who will all bundle into your own cosy living room. Tadhg, Brian, Paul and Eoin are at about the 55% mark as we go to post/print with just 7 days left (and counting) so EPBAB fans new and old alike better get their skates.

For more on Exit: Pursued By A Bear visit:

Official Website -- Facebook -- Twitter

- Pre-order the new album from Exit:Pursued by a Bear over on Fund:It

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Midlake for Cyprus Avenue

2013-05-17T08:00:00.000+01:00

Midlake to get cosy and intimate in Ireland this August...

Medieval folk mages Midlake later today will officially announce details of a brief-but-intimate tour of Ireland ahead of their upcoming festival dates and album release. The Texan fivesome - who folk-rocked my world with The Trials of Van Occupanther's release back in 2006 - are due to release the follow up to The Courage of Others and fourth full length recording later this year.

With the new release on Bella Union imminent, Midlake will play Cork's Cyprus Avenue on Tuesday, 13th August with dates for Galway and Limerick also confirmed as Eric, Tim, McKenzie, Paul and Eric prepare for a number of festival dates later that month. Seeing as it was only three years ago that the Denton quintet were playing the 5,000 capacity Live at the Marquee - and have since picked up a prestigious Mojo Best Live Act award - tickets should fly for this one so get in there quickly for one of the gigs of the Summer.

Tour dates:

Monday, 12th August: Roisin Dubh (Galway)
Tuesday, 13th August: Cyprus Avenue (Cork)
Wednesday, 14th August: Dolan's (Limerick)

For more on Midlake visit:

Official Website -- Facebook -- Twitter

- Midlake play Cyprus Avenue, Cork on Tuesday 13th August
- Tickets are priced at €22.50 and available now from The Old Oak, Cyprus Avenue and www.cyprusavenue.ie

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The G-Man Playlist: Friday

2013-05-17T00:30:00.000+01:00

Moosic, moosic, moosic

I'm weak for you weekend! As I am for these folks...

Simply click play below to begin today's playlist.

- For past playlists see here.

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Session: Dirty Projectors

2013-05-16T21:40:00.000+01:00

Dirty Projectors cover Usher...

Be it brushing your teeth maniacally in front of a tiny bathroom mirror or bent on knee in prayer to that beloved framed picture of Jason Donovan (Joseph & His Technicolour Dreamcoat"-era Jason obviously, any other era Jason would be just weird), we all have our before-bed rituals. One pre-slumber tradition we all share though - and I think we can speak for all of us here - is to hope that maybe tomorrow will be the day that Brooklyn indie kids Dirty Projectors finally get their shit together and cover chart-topping r'n'b cretin. Well isn't it? Thanks to Australian radio station Triple J such dreams have become white vest-clad reality. Stream the session below.

For more on Dirty Projectors visit:

Official Website -- Facebook -- Soundcloud -- Twitter

- For further Like a Version sessions visit Triple J's Youtube channel

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The G-Man interview: Hello Moon

2013-05-15T11:13:00.002+01:00

Last words from the moon...

Following the sad news of the impending demise of Dublin indie-pop sparklers Hello Moon, "the non-singing non-drumming" Alan of the band (there are two, with the quartet completed by Amanda and Eamon) was on hand for a quick chat ahead of both the band's final release and gig.

The G-Man: So is it true, Hello Moon are calling it a day?
Alan (Hello Moon): Yes it is true.

Any particular reason?
Eamon is emigrating to Canada in September so it didn't feel right going on without him. No doubt the four of us will find ourselves involved in some new music venture or other in the future.

Tell us about the new EP.
It's called An Elephant Pining. Six typically Hello Moon sounding, jangly, chime-y pop songs. We're releasing it through Any Other City Records as a limited download/t-shirt package on 31st May.

Were you all aware of the fact this would be your last recording together as Hello Moon?
No we weren't at all. Eamon only made his mind up to leave the country towards the end of recording. The last year was a pretty busy year for all of us in our personal lives with new jobs, losing jobs, college exams/projects etc. so as always the band was a welcome relief from all of that. The general vibe was just the four of us hanging out in Eamon's apartment in the evenings enjoying writing and recording music together with no set plan of it ending up as an album or an EP or anything. We're glad now to have something there, finished before we go our separate ways.

Will there be a last hurrah show to celebrate the end?
Yep for sure. Hefty Horse will be hosting a show in Anseo on the night of the release, Friday 31st May. Looking forward to it.

What friends will be joining you on the night?
Really happy that I ♥ The Monster Hero and The Former Soviet Republic are playing. They're all good guys that we became friends with through Hello Moon so it's nice to have them play at our last show. They both sound incredible too.

What have you found out about each other during your years together?
Eamon is a tickler for organisation - lists, charts, itineraries. Dolly Parton is one of Amanda's all time heroes. Al has an unusual and fanatical fondness for musicals.

Favourite ever gig?
One of my favourite gigs was in the old Shebeen Chic. It was hot and dangerously over crowded. We played all our songs about twice as fast as usual and I remember there was a steady stream of sweat splashing off my keyboard as I played. Fun night. On the back of that gig we were asked to play the Eurosonic festival in Groningen.

Oddest ever gig?
Odd in that it was not the typical gig set up when we provided the interval music for The School Of Life's event last summer in the beautiful Pepper Canister Church. We felt slightly out of place in the company of writers and philosophers and broadcasters like Alain de Botton, Philippa Perry and John-Paul Flintoff.

Most interesting festival memory?
Right after playing a pretty overwhelming and nerve wracking set at Eurosonic to a big room full of European promoters, bookers, journalists and all sorts we had to rush over to a radio studio down the street where Amanda and Al were doing an interview and Eamon and I were asked to stand outside the room because we were having a major giggle fit. Totally not pro.

Most memorable band experience?
Releasing our first album Only Count The Sunny Hours.

Only Count The Sunny Hours by Hello Moon

One thing you will miss least about being a touring band?
I'd say the smelly vans, late nights/early mornings, empty venues, all those things make it all the more rewarding and worthwhile when things come good.

Top three loveliest Hello Moon memories?
After sound check at the Pepper Canister Church gig, the four of us sitting on the canal in the sun eating homemade brownies for Amanda's birthday.

Never ending games of trying to out-pun each other when in planes, trains and vans. We can be pretty irritating to travel with.

Opening for Teenage Fanclub, who we love, was probably our first proper 'big' gig. Just hanging out before hand nervous, giddy not sure what to expect and then seeing Norman Blake bopping away to the side when we were playing.

Which part of being in Hello Moon are you most proud of?
Simply when someone tells you how much they like listening to your songs, that makes me proud.

Stream Hello Moon's final EP exclusively using the player below.

For more on Hello Moon visit:

Official Website -- Facebook -- Bandcamp -- Breaking Tunes -- Soundcloud

- Hello Moon release 'An Elephant Pining' on 31st May
- A farewell show takes place in Anseo on Camden Street (Dublin) that same night

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New music: Parlour

2013-05-14T14:22:00.000+01:00

From the dizzying ride of Carousels to the more refined and relaxed mood of Parlour...

My excitement over London shoegazers Carousels was sadly short-lived with the band calling it a day earlier in the year. It's not all doom and gloom though as out of the Cambridge quintet's ashes sidles Angela Won-Yin Mak, reborn as Parlour. The former Carouselian cites herself as "quietly obsessed with psych repetition, hymn melodies, pop harmonies, tape hiss and anything that sounds dreamy or noisy."

The swirling phantasmagoria of 'My Love' is Mak's first release, featuring on micro-indie label Marshall Teller's recent 2nd anniversary compilation celebration, and features former Test Icicles stick-man Rory Attwell on drums and production duties. Stream 'My Love' using the player below.

For more on Parlour visit:

Record Label -- Facebook -- Soundcloud

- Order Marshall Teller's 2nd anniversary compilation featuring Parlour here

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Cork Gig Guide: (13th May - 19th May)

2013-05-13T12:35:00.000+01:00

Purling Hiss

The David Nelligan Thing

Gemma Hayes

Album launches, roots festivals, mutant cabarets and Purling Hiss...

Excitement is building ahead of Drag City's Purling Hiss' maiden visit to Cork. Originally comprised solely of Mike Polizze, the Pennsylvanian psych-punks became three when invited on tour by fellow Philadelphia noisemaker Kurt Vile. Be in The Pavilion on Sunday evening as this one's not to be missed. Take a listen to 'Mercury Retrograde' from early 2013 release Water On Mars for scientific proof. Enigmatic Cork supergroup Grave Lanterns support.

Rewinding back to earlier in the week, the instrumental brilliance of The Empty Orchestra is once again on show in The Roundy as the improvisational quintet provide live soundtracks to classic silent movies A Trip to the Moon (1902) and Man with a Movie Camera (1929) on Wednesday night. Thursday evening will see Ballincollig succumb to the earthy pleausures of Americana and more as The White Horse celebrates its first ever Roots Music festival. Artists to perform over the three days include John Blek & The Rats and Clive Barnes.

Speaking of festivals, DIY art collective Mutantspace have plenty lined up for the weekend ahead. Further details can be found here. Friday is a bit of a clash nightmare this weekend as The David Nelligan Thing descend upon Coughlan's to officially crack the champagne bottle on the release of Dark Matters, Mr. Nelligan's latest poptastic record. Moving but a short distance away from Douglas Street, Dublin rockers The Dudley Corporation rejoice in similar fashion as they celebrate the release of album number four within the confines of the Triskel Arts Centre's TDC.

The perennially under-rated Gemma Hayes returns to Cyprus Avenue on Saturday evening whilst Wexford post-rockers Enemies team up with local loudmen Former Monarchs in The Pavilion on the same night.

FREE GIG OF THE WEEK
Monday: When Good Pets Go Bad have been busy slowly building an army of fans elsewhere in the country so it's great to see their punk-pop heads return to Leeside for a midnight show in The Crane Lane Theatre.

smpte babies and stereo throat by When Good Pets Go Bad

*Film fans see Triskel Arts Centre's listings for the week over on the official website here.

Monday, 13th May
- The KC Sessions: Greenshine, The Bradley Sisters, Tuesday Boots, Lorcan McMuiris, Lennoko and Bubba Shakespeare in The Crane Lane Theatre (8.30pm)
- When Good Pets Go Bad and Mark Buckeridge in The Crane Lane Theatre (11.30pm)
- Improvised Mondays: Jonathan MacNicholas, David Duffy & Dan Walsh in Gulpd Café (Triskel Arts Centre)

Tuesday, 14th May
- Songwriter Sessions with Paula Gomez in L'Attitude 51
- Jazz Improv in The Crane Lane Theatre (9pm)

Wednesday, 15th May
- Bringing It All Back Home in Bradley's of Barrack Street
- The Aftermath in The Crane Lane Theatre (11.30pm)
- Wasps vs Humans and Chunky Planet in Gulpd Café (Triskel Arts Centre)
- Karan Casey & John Doyle in The Pavilion
- Sundown Sessions in The Raven
- The Empty Orchestra in The Roundy
- Sitting Room Session: Hank Wedel & more in De Barra's (Clonakilty)

Thursday, 16th May
- Joe O'Leary (Fred) in Coughlan's
- Mark Buckeridge & Band followed by Midnight Marauders DJs in The Pavilion Bar
- Roots Music Festival: Niall Toner Band and Clive Barnes in The White Horse (Ballincollig)

Friday, 17th May
- The David Nelligan Thing (album launch) and Rory Francis O'Brien in Coughlan's
- Mutantspace: Innercity in Gulpd Café (Triskel Arts Centre)
- Mutantspace: Mutant Cabaret in The Roundy
- The Dudley Corporation and Jogging in Triskel Arts Centre TDC
- Roots Music Festival: John Blek & The Rats and The Hard Ground in The White Horse (Ballincollig)
- The Riptide Movement in De Barra's (Clonakilty)

Everyone Does Everything Wrong by The Dudley Corporation

Saturday, 18th May
- Crowley's Instore: in Crowley's Music Centre (5pm)
- Senekah in The Crane Lane Theatre (9pm)
- Gemma Hayes in Cyprus Avenue
- Mutantspace: Urchin Collective in Gulpd Café (Triskel Arts Centre)
- Enemies and Former Monarchs in The Pavilion
- Roots Music Festival: Jerry Fish in The White Horse (Ballincollig)

Embark, Embrace by Enemies

Sunday, 19th May
- A Band Called Wanda in The Crane Lane Theatre (11.30pm)
- Mutantspace: Cormac O'Caoimh and Stuart Wilde in The Gateway
- Purling Hiss and Grave Lanterns in The Pavilion
- Vinnie's TV in Pine Lodge (Myrtleville) (afternoon show)

If I have forgotten a show or listed a gig incorrectly feel free to let me know!
Please make sure to confirm gig details with the official site in advance.

Upcoming The G-Man Presents... Gigs:

25th May - The G-Man Presents...This Is The Kit in Triskel TDC

- For more gigs and dates see the overall gig guide here

Follow The G-Man on: Facebook -- Twitter -- Pinterest -- Mixcloud -- This Is My Jam -- exfm -- Soundcloud -- Bloglovin'

The G-Man Playlist: Monday

2013-05-13T09:28:00.000+01:00

Moosic, moosic, moosic

Mid-May and the weather is, well, let's just say it's moody...

Simply click play below to begin today's playlist.

- For past playlists see here.

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The G-Man Playlist: Friday

2013-05-10T09:30:00.000+01:00

Moosic, moosic, moosic

Morning y'all...

Simply click play below to begin today's playlist.

- For past playlists see here.

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New music: Esmerine

2013-05-09T14:45:00.002+01:00

Esmerine...

"New" is a bit of an elongation of the truth seeing as their first record was released back in 2003, but the three-letter word describes my recent relationship with Esmerine just right. Formed by (now former) members of both Godspeed You! Black Emperor (Bruce Cawdron) and Thee Silver Mt Zion (Rebecca Foon) over ten years ago, the Montreal explorers of cello and percussion limits have released a number of illuminating instrumental records including 2011's La Lechuza, recorded mostly by and featuring the voice of fellow Montrealer Patrick Watson.

Featuring various musicians throughout the years, the permanent core of Cawdron and Foon are currently joined by Jamie Thompson and Brian Sanderson. A new record - expected to feature several Turkish musicians - is on the way courtesy of Constellation later this year. Rachel's fans should love them. Proof awaits in the pudding players below.

For more on Esmerine visit:

Official Website -- Facebook -- Record Label

- Esmerine to release new album on Constellation in 2013

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Exclusive: Listen to Hello Moon's An Elephant Pining

2013-05-09T10:43:00.003+01:00

Goodbye Moon...

With a pained heart I pass on the news that Dublin indie-popsters Hello Moon are bidding us all a fond farewell with the quartet announcing their upcoming release to be their last foray into the recording studio in their current guise. An Elephant Pining arrives at the end of the month and I feel incredibly honoured to have been granted the opportunity to stream the EP on the blog until its release into the wild on 31st May. The last day in May will also see Amanda, Alan, Eamon and Alan make their last live outing as part of a Hefty Horse promotion in Anseo on Camden Street. With this being the last chance to catch the foursome in full flight, good advice is to get there early. Until then, take a listen to An Elephant Pining in all its jingly jangly glory.

For more on Hello Moon visit:

Official Website -- Facebook -- Bandcamp -- Breaking Tunes -- Soundcloud

- Hello Moon release 'An Elephant Pining' on 31st May
- A farewell show takes place in Anseo on Camden Street (Dublin) that same night
- Hello Moon played a G-Man Presents... showcase back in October 2012

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Setlist: Angel Olsen in Half Moon, Cork 3rd May 2013

2013-05-08T15:53:00.001+01:00

"Is it Cork, or Cark..?"

Having previously visited the building as part of Bonnie "Prince" Billy's touring band, Angel Olsen announced herself to Ireland's most southern city with a stirring performance in the Half Moon Theatre on Friday past.

Setlist

01. I Wish I Had the Voice of Everything* (new song)

02. Acrobat (Half Way Home)

03. The Waiting (Half Way Home)

04. Safe In The Womb (Half Way Home)

05. Thought I Had a Clue*(new song)

06. The Sky Opened Up (Half Way Home)

07. Some Things Cosmic (Strange Cacti)

08. Miranda (Half Way Home)

09. Always Half Strange (Half Way Home)

10. Lonely Universe (Half Way Home)

11. I'll never forget you all of my life* (new song)

*May not be the exact name

For more on Angel Olsen visit:

Official Website -- Record Label -- Facebook -- MySpace -- Soundcloud -- Spotify

- Angel Olsen and Cal Folger Day played Half Moon Theatre, Cork 3rd May 2013

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The G-Man Presents...Biggles Flys Again

2013-05-08T13:54:00.003+01:00

Biggles Flys Again join This Is The Kit on Triskel TDC bill...

I am delighted to announce that Conor Deasy's wondefully lo-fi Biggles Flys Again will join This Is The Kit in Cork on Saturday 25th May.

"Deasy has a canny knack for creating tunes the right side of familiar."

The Irish Times

"wonderful indie pop songs"

2 U I Bestow

"yearning melodies at every turn"

wearenoise.com

To hear Biggles Flys Again's "Listen Up" playlist click here.

Tickets are currently available on special offer over on www.ticketfriend.com until 12th May.

For more on Biggles Flys Again visit:

Official Website -- Facebook -- Bandcamp -- Twitter

- Biggles Flys Again and This Is The Kit play Triskel Arts Centre's TDC, Cork Saturday 25th May
- Entry price €8
- Tickets available online over on TicketFriend
- RSVP to official facebook event

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Cork Gig Guide (8th May - 12th May)

2013-05-08T12:16:00.000+01:00

The Altered Hours

John Murry

Mountains, The Altered Hours, Tieranniesaur, John Murry and more...

There's nothing like starting a good gigging week with something special. Plugd Records and fellow bloggers Fractured Air obviously agree as they combine forces to welcome Thrill Jockey Chicagoans Mountains later this evening. Special guest for the night will be recent Cork Music Show guest Rory Francis O'Brien. Click here for further details.

For a five day week in a small-ish city, it's amazing how much is going on this week with that heart-scraper of a word ("clash") interfering with every best laid plan imaginable. Folkies appetites are catered for in abundance this week as Rachel Sermanni (Thursday) and The Lost Brothers (Saturday) both visit Leeside on Thursday evening, Cyprus Avenue and Coughlan's providing the respective venues.

Saturday is where it all really gets frenetic as guerrilla psychsters The Altered Hours officially launch super shoe-gaze 10" Sweet Jelly Roll in The Pavilion, Tupelo troubadour John Murry trots into The Crane Lane Theatre, Alliance Promotions continue their long run of gigs in the Triskel Arts Centre TDC and scream-poppers Fight Like Apes get physical in Cyprus Avenue.

FREE GIG OF THE WEEK
Thursday: Choice-nominated funsters Tieranniesaur in The Pavilion Bar.

DIYSCO by tieranniesaur

*Film fans see Triskel Arts Centre's listings for the week over on the official website here.

Wednesday, 8th May
- Fractured Air & Plugd present: Mountains and Rory Francis O'Brien in The Black Mariah (2nd floor Triskel)
- Yearning Curve in Bradley's of Barrack Street
- Ruby Music: Neon Wolf, Ka Tet and We Town Criers in The Crane Lane Theatre (11pm)
- Mary Gauthier in The Pavilion
- Sundown Sessions in The Raven
- Sitting Room Session: Rachel Sermanni, Johnny Walker and Mo Kenny in De Barra's (Clonakilty)

Thursday, 9th May
- Rachel Sermanni in Cyprus Avenue
- Tieranniesaur followed by Midnight Marauders DJs in The Pavilion Bar
- The Lost Brothers in De Barra's (Clonakilty)

Friday, 10th May
- Peripheral Visionaries: Nick Kelly, Joe Chester, Julie Feeney and more in Cyprus Avenue (8pm)
- Exhumed, Deprevation and Zealot Cult in Fred Zeppelins
- Outlook Festival in The Pavilion
- The Noel Redding Experience in De Barra's (Clonakilty)

Saturday, 11th May
- Crowley's Instore: in Crowley's Music Centre (5pm)
- The Lost Brothers in Coughlan's
- John Murry in The Crane Lane Theatre (8pm)
- Fight Like Apes in Cyprus Avenue
- The Altered Hours (single launch) and The Northern Drones in The Pavilion
- Ghost Estates, Eulogys and Carried By Waves in Triskel Arts Centre TDC
- The Noel Redding Experience in De Barra's (Clonakilty)

Sunday, 12th May
- Mikey & The Scallywags in The Crane Lane Theatre (11pm)
- Hot Blooded Animals in The Pavilion
- The Noel Redding Experience in De Barra's (Clonakilty)

If I have forgotten a show or listed a gig incorrectly feel free to let me know!
Please make sure to confirm gig details with the official site in advance.

Upcoming The G-Man Presents... Gigs:

25th May - The G-Man Presents...This Is The Kit in Triskel TDC

- For more gigs and dates see the overall gig guide here

Follow The G-Man on: Facebook -- Twitter -- Pinterest -- Mixcloud -- This Is My Jam -- exfm -- Soundcloud -- Bloglovin'

Freebird Purchases

2013-05-07T20:45:00.000+01:00

Long weekend, empty wallet...

To have any clue what this series of posts is about click here.

I went a wandering about the country this weekend and, rather than be sure of decent meals until the end of the month, I opted to go on a bit of a spending spree in the capital so this week's Purchases post will come in two parts with the first post/purchases courtesy of Dublin's Freebird Records. I promised myself ages ago that I would only pick up a copy of #1 Record on vinyl, and lo and behold the Secret Book & Record Shop (now home to FB Records of course) finally let me get a proper listen to Alex Chilton and co.'s 1972 seminal disc which would go on to provide a blueprint for nineties alt-country crooners. Fitting then that Being There turned out to be the record's bag partner upon leaving the shop:

Big Star - #1 Record

For more on Big Star visit:

www.bigstarband.com

****************************************************

Wilco - Being There

For more on Wilco visit:

wilcoworld.net

****************************************************

For more on Freebird Records/Secret Book & Record Shop visit:

Facebook -- Twitter

- Freebird Records can be located within the Secret Book & Record Shop at 15A Wicklow St, Dublin 2 Ireland (Ireland)
- To take a looksy at previous purchases click here

Want to share your own musical purchases? Feel free to comment below. Otherwise try check out your local independent record stores whenever you can. If in the Republic of Ireland why not mosey on down and give your record player something to eat at:

Plugd Records (Cork) - plugdrecords.blogspot.com (Located on 1st floor of Triskel Arts Centre on Tobin Street - behind Soho off Grand Parade)
Tower Records (Dublin) - www.towerrecords.ie (6-8 Wicklow Street - just off Grafton Street)
Elastic Witch (Dublin) - elastic-witch.tumblr.com (Located at the back of the Twisted Pepper on the ground floor - 54 Middle Abbey Street)
Freebird Records (Dublin) - elastic-witch.tumblr.com (15A Wicklow St, Dublin 2)
Sound Cellar (Dublin) - www.freewebs.com/soundcellar (Located at 47 Nassau St Dublin 2)
The R.A.G.E. (Dublin) - theragedublin.tumblr.com (Located at 16b Fade St Dublin 2)
Wingnut Records (Galway) - www.facebook.com/wingnutrecords (Located in The Bell, Book and Candle at Small Crane)
Rollercoaster Records (Kilkenny) - Rollercoaster on Yelp (Located on Kieran Street)
Wingnut Records (Limerick) - www.facebook.com/wingnutrecordslimerick (Located in Moviedrome, Henry Street)
Wingnut Records (Waterford) - www.facebook.com/wingnutrecords (Located in Hard Times, 2 Peter Street - just at the entrance to City Square)
Ben O'Neill Music Shop (Waterford) - www.benoneilldungarvan.com/ (Located in 19 O'Connell Street, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford)
Wingnut Records (Athlone) - www.facebook.com/wingnutathlone (Located in The Passionfruit Theatre, 9 Northgate Street, Athlone, Co. Westmeath)

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