Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Keith Forde Unveils New Video

Limerick man Keith Forde has just released a video for his single "At the Airport". This is Keith's second single and hopfully we will see a full album release soon. Keep track of this local talent here http://www.keithforde.com/ . The video is wonderfully shot at the foynes flying boat museum in Limerick. Its a great track and you will be humming it hours later. Great Stuff!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Villagers live at St.Johns Church 17/12/2010 Review

TEXT VIDEOS & PICS TO FOLLOW That Day (Solo) Cecelia (Solo) To Be Counted (2 Piece) Ritual On a Sunlight Stage Set the Tigers Free Home I Saw Dead The Bell Jackal The Pact Ship of Promises (Solo) ENCORE: New Found Land (Solo) Memoir (Solo) Pieces

Monday, December 13, 2010

Top Ten Albums of 2010 from Indielimerick

Another year nearly over and its time for my top ten. Been to 11 gigs over the year compared to 21 gigs last year, Sign of the times I guess. It's been a bit of a crazy year to be honest and glad im seeing the back of it. Been to some outstanding quality gigs over the year, including a great live perfomance from Two Door Cinema Club in Dolans when they were just exploding on the scene. Doubt we will see them around limerick soon and if that at the price of ten euro. Its been a great year for Irish acts as you will see from my list. The list of albums below are in no particular order as always. They are just albums I have kept going back to over the year. Hope you all have a great Christmas and a great 2011, Thanks for reading throughout the year. One more thing go and buy/download the rubberbandits "Horse Outside" keep XCraptor off the crimbo no.1 slot again.
Fionn Regan - Shadow of an Empire Josh Ritter - So Runs the World Away Cathy Davey - The Nameless The National - High Violet Villagers - Becoming a Jackal Ryan Adams & The Cardinals - III/IV Bruce Springsteen - The Promise James Vincent Mc Morrow - Early in the Morning Frightened Rabbit - The Winter of Mixed Drinks O Emperor - Hither Thither
Notable Mentions to the following gems :Two Door Cinema Club - Tourist History, Guggenheim Grotto - The Universe is Laughing, Band of Horses - Infinite Arms , Caitlin Rose - Own Side Now , Arcade Fire - The Suburbs , Interpol - Interpol , Brad Pitt Light Orchestra - Lowering the tone , I am Kloot - Sky At Night , Cherry Ghost - Beneath This Burning Shoreline, Laura Marling - I Speak Because I Can , Neil Young - Le Noise, Midlake – The Courage of Others, Manic Street Preachers – Postcards from a Young Man

The Digital Socket Awards 2011

The Digital Socket Awards are here! These awards have been made possible thanks to 26 music bloggers from around Ireland including yours truly. The awards will take place in the Grand Social in Dublin on February 3rd 2011. How the voting will work is that the public will draw up a longlist and then the judges/bloggers will make a shortlist and all the winners will be announced on the night. The awards are a fantastic idea and it gives the people and the hard working bloggers and a way to give back to the bands and the artists. Now for your part in all of it. head on over to http://www.digitalsocketawards.com/vote-for-your-favourites/ to vote for you favourites in the categories listed below. VOTING IS OPEN NOW! Categories: 1. Best Design (Website, Artwork, Posters) 2. Best Independent Label 3. Best Video 4. Best Music Photography 5. Best Radio Show 6. Best Pop 7. Best Folk 8. Best Rock and Alternative 9. Best Electronic & Hip Hop 10. Best Indie 11. Best EP 12. Best Newcomer. 13. Best Album 14. Song of the Year More info: http://www.digitalsocketawards.com/

Friday, December 10, 2010

Jagermeister Freezer Sessions, Dolans Review 09/12/2010

4 great bands lined out last night in dolans for a very late night of booze and music, It was billed as an 8 o'clock sharp start but muggins here went early got grub & drinks(Great food in dolans as always), It seems there was a booking issue or a mix up of somewhat so bands wouldn't start until 10 bells. More drinks went by and so did the time in the upstairs area with a great DJ, 10.40 last days of death country arrived out on stage and played six tunes to now a packed warehouse. Im ashamed to admit it was my first time seeing these locals lads live after missing them on numerious ocasions. They pack a great live punch and are worth while checking out, check them out here http://www.myspace.com/lastdaysofdeathcountry . The freezer sessions are a great idea and a great way to see snippets of bands, next up were the Flaws, Once again never got to see these guys live after missing them twice before in dolans and being an avid fan of their debut album "Achieving Vagueness". It was great to see them live and hoping to hear a new album soon, Keep an eye on them here http://www.myspace.com/theflaws Another local band then took to the stage by the name of "Windings", Saw these guys supporting The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra back in September in dolans (Review here). They are currently giving their debut album away for free for all of December, Its well worth checking it out and the link is here http://windings.bandcamp.com/ , They also have their brand new album "Its never Night" for sale too. Last up were the excellent O Emperor, I have witnessed them twice before (Review here and here), They are fantastic live and have made one amazing album this year entitled "Hither Thither", I expect it will make a few top ten lists including my own. Its a great record from a great bunch of lads, Check them out here and try and catch them live at some stage if you can. A great night of music despite the event going way over schedule, with the last band finishing up around 2.10. Cheers to Jagermeister and dolans for a great night, Not to the former for the next day hangover though :) Last Days of Death Country The Flaws Windings O Emperor

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Sanzkrit reveal a new video and forthcoming album details

The Carrickmacross four piece are feverously working on their follow up album to “After the Wedding", Check out the video below as a snippet for the new release, Hopefully we will see the album out soon, Sanzkrit hope to release the first single from the new album in spring of 2011, so not long to wait now. The band are also planning a major Irish tour in February and March. Until then check them out here http://www.sanzkrit.com/

Festive Giveaway from Windings

The lovely people at "Windings" want to spread some Christmas cheer , They are giving their debut album away as an early crimbo gift. You can download the delightful 17 track album here . The band plays dolans on Thursday night as part of the Freezer sessions, get your free tickets and info here. Thanks lads!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Albums Worth Checking Out This December

L-R
S.Carey - As We Grow
Ryan Adams & The Cardinals - III/IV (Just got it today, Cant wait to hear it!)
The Duke & The King - Long Live The Duke & The King
Jenny & Johnny - I'm Having Fun Now
Justin Townes Earle - Harlem River Blues
Ryan Bingham - Junky Star
All Aways Suggestions Very Welcome!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Jägermeister Freezer Sessions in Limerick Again!!!

Back in June Hotpress and Jägermeister held a great night of music in dolans, now the good people are back with yet another great session. The 9th of December will see O Emperor, The Flaws and local outfits Windings & The Last Days of Death Country take to the stage at dolans for this invite only event. 4 excellent bands all for free!!! You can see my reviews from O Emperor gigs here and here. Its a night not to be missed! Apply for tickets here http://www.hotpress.com/thefreezersessions/sessions.html

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Bellx1 Acoustic Tour , St. Johns Church , Limerick 19/11/2010 Review


Set List:
Bad Skin
Pinball Machine
Velcro
Rocky
Next to you
Ribs
Built
Flame
Snakes
Eve
Offshore
ABC
Lightcatches
Sunflower
74 swans
defector
------------
Move on up (Curtis Mayfield)
See your heart (there is a light that never goes out)

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Music Snippets #28 - Supermodel Twins

Hail From :
Limerick
Band Members : Thom O’Keeffe
Alan O’Keeffe
Davey O’Keeffe
Mike Gavin
Noel Mooney
About: Supermodel Twins have been gigging around town for quite some time now and this year the five piece have finally brought out a full length album. The album "Raincloud Free" was produced by Noel Hogan of Cranberries fame. Limerick as you will know by now is very much not raincloud free and as I write this the shower coming down outside is quite ridiculous. Therefore this album is one to turn up loud on crap piss weather days like this and turn it into fun pop rock greatness. The album is one to launch on and feel happy and enjoy their quirky fun lyrics while dancing around the room like a loonbag. This band are great to catch live as the energy that comes off the album is quite something and very infectious. If you need a sound akin to these guys it would be bands likes Jimmy Eat world, Fountains of Wayne and Weezer , these guys are a great edition to the fanatatic music scene in limerick at the moment, Its worth picking up the album (Pic Below) as it packs a punch of fun and will brighten up your day!
Check them out here:

Albums Worth Checking Out This November

L-R
Bob Dylan - The Bootleg Series Volume 9 Gin Wigmore - Holy Smoke ( Only reason because Ryan Adams band the Cardinals are the band on this record) Belle & Sebastian - Write About Love Tiger Cooke - Fingertips of the Silversmith ( Check it out here) Bruce Springsteen - The Promise Last Days of Death Country - Emerge EP (Check out this great local band here) As Always , We love suggestions

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Seneca play Dolans on the 29th of October

The flyer above tells all! Great local band finishing up before they record there new album, plus some amazing support on the night. Not to be missed!
Check out Seneca here

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Ladydoll Tour!

After a great 2010 release, Ladydoll are set to take on the open road. Their new album ‘The Knife Thrower and His Wife’ is well worth checking out as im sure their live show will be. Unfortunatly they are not playing Limerick this time around but hopefully at some point. Check them out here: http://www.myspace.com/ladydollband
Punchbag Tour 2010 Oct 22 - The Quad, Cork Oct 26 - Roisin Dubh, Galway Oct 28 - Odessa Club, Dublin Oct 29th - Harrisson, Dundalk Nov 4th - Auntie Annies, Belfast Nov 5th - The Weavers, Drogheda

The Henchmen on the Road Again!

Dont miss a great night of music in dolans on the 29th of October! For more info check out www.myspace.com/davidhope

Monday, October 11, 2010

And so I watch you from afar, Jape and Fionn Regan in Limerick

3 amazing acts one stage in dolans Saturday November 13th! This promises to be an awesome night of class music! Just one of the acts above would guarantee a great show but the 3 is a dream line up. Review of jape in dolans here, Review of Fionn Regan in Dolans Here . I let them tell you more about the reason behind this tour : Following on immediately from the enormous success of Hard Working Working Class Heroes 2010, FMC are delighted to announce an exciting six-date tour with And So I Watch You From Afar, Fionn Regan and Jape all performing across two weekends in November. First Music Contact, with funding from The Arts Council’s Touring and Dissemination of Work Scheme, will tour three of Ireland’s finest talents around the country in an effort to enable Irish audiences to have access to Irish headline acts for a reasonable price. FMC work with artists at all levels of their careers both at home and on the international stage through their various projects, so they saw an opportunity to tour some standout Irish talent around the country in an unusual mix and give audiences a unique opportunity to celebrate home grown success! Thanks to the support of the Arts Council’s Touring and Dissemination of Work Scheme, FMC are able to put this tour together at an incredibly low ticket price. This great line-up will play six cities over two weekends in November for the rock- bottom price of €15.00! Tickets go on sale from tomorrow Tuesday 12 Oct on http://www.tickets.ie/. The opening slot at each gig will go to an artist selected by FMC, the venue and a national and local media judge from FMC’s own Breaking Tunes website. So if you are from Galway , Cork, Limerick, Dundalk, Kildare or Dublin, go to http://www.breakingtunes.com/ and apply via the opportunities page.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Peter Doran Live on Ustream 10/10/10 Review

What a great idea for a show, Peter streamed a live show from his living room on Ustream.tv . This fantastic unique idea was broadcast over the net at 8 o'clock on sunday night. He played a variety of songs from his two albums and some covers thrown in too, including a great cover of The Flaming Lips "Do you Realise". I have been to many gigs where the band havent connected with the audience as good as this guy did tonight. The chat box added a great platform for everyone to talk about the songs and for peter to interact back. His new album "Sleepless Street" is just out and we got a great taster of the record tonight. He played just over an hour and it was a pleasure not even having to pay a cover charge , leave the house or pay for a beer, Cheers for a great gig. Internet gigging is the way forward, Hopefully he will be doing more live shows over the net, well worth checking it out. You can view his previous shows here and check out his own site and buy his albums here http://www.peterdoran.com/
Set List:
Eternity
Pathways
The Composer
Mr.Giant
Do You Realise?
Hunters Sketches
Sacred Place
Abstract
Sleepless Street

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Band Practice Rooms in Limerick

Stuck for a spot to jam? Your parents kicking you out of the shed because your too loud? Check out band friendly Limerick Self Storage.........

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Tiger Cooke's Free Single & New Album!

Tadhg Cooke now going by Tiger Cooke, maybe due to the constant misspelling of his name has released a free single through his bandcamp site to promote his new album "Fingertips of the Silversmith".(Download) The album is out today in download form and will be out in physical form on the 22nd of October.(Buy Here). Been looking forward to this release after seeing the man live supporting the Guggenheim Grotto back in May 2009 (Review Here). His first album "Wax & Seal" was a gem of a record and he played some new material that night, so this new album will be one to get! Look forward to hearing it and hopefully another live show around these parts soon.

Panic! This October

What its all about: here

Saturday, October 2, 2010

O Emperor Live at Limerick Live, Cruises Street 02/01/2010

The fantastic idea of organising a street event on cruises street unfolded today, It saw the pedestrian street transformed into a mini music festival with two stages at either end of the street. The brain child of HMV & Dolans worked a treat, the only bad thing today was the intermittent showers. Which was the main reason I only got a chance to check out O Emperor and John Spillane and retire without the flu I hope. Hopefully the event becomes an annual thing. So glad I got to check out O Emperor, What an amazing talent these Irish lads are. Such a brilliant live band they have to be seen if you can. Their sound is incredibly tight and they are constantly gigging of late all ahead of their latest album release "Hither Thither" which came out yesterday. I finally got my hands of their album today after exhausting their EP "Persephone" which I picked up at their last gig in dolans back in January (Review Here). Got to listen to the album driving home and falling in love with it already!
They have improved live even if that's possible since seeing them last, their touring of the UK im sure played a big part in this. They played a lovely set of 5 songs all from their must get new album. These guys are playing in Dolans on the 23rd of this month, You would be mad to miss it!
Set :
Po
Don't Mind Me
December
Taloned Air
Don Quixote

Friday, October 1, 2010

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Brad Pitt Light Orchestra Live at Dolans 10/09/10 Review

Deligthed to finally catch the Brad Pitt Light Orchestra live after missing so many opportunites in the past. What a better night to catch them on their local show introducing their new album to the world. The warehouse was done up in red ballons which can be seen throughout the artwork on their new album "Lowering the Tone", They have gathered quite a crowd for their home show and on stage sees local support act "Windings" warm up the crowd. Another great local band that I did not have the pleasure of seeing live yet. Their new album "It's Never Light" is just about to be released, including their very own dolans night coming up on the 6th of Novemeber. They play a nice set of 5 to 6 songs, I look forward to checking out their new album, Keep an eye on them here http://windings.bandcamp.com/ Next up are the main event as BPLO flood onto the stage, all 8 of them. The main trio made up of the Blake siblings is that of David ,James and Ann. They were also joined by their other sister on the night for a few songs on cello, who came over across the water specially. A serious family event then, When writing reviews of bands you could say they were so tight on sound that its like they knew each other all their lives. Well this is the case for BPLO and this is the case of their sound. BPLO bring great strings, harmonies and flair to their music, I love the theatrically quality to some of their numbers. Their are some amazing gems in their album such as Soon! Grace Jones and All I Want. I got a copy of their album on the day of the release, A lot of the songs I was very familar to because of various EP's down the line. The album on a whole is excellent and has a great quality that you will find youself coming back to time and again. Its a serious grower and its proud to have such a great talent like this band from Limerick. I look forward to seeing them live again very soon! Cheers for a great night of music. Check on their movements & buy the album here : http://www.bplo.org/
Set List:
We Walked On
Talking To Yourself
Grace Jones
Wake Up Screaming
Four Out of Five
All Turns To Dust
Soon!
Alibi
Summit
Lion's Share
Last of Me
New Miracle
December
Devil & Me
All I Want
Long Time Rogue
Millionaire

Monday, September 6, 2010

Villagers to Play in St.John's Church This December

Fantastic news for a monday that the brilliant Villagers are to play a gig made for them in St. Johns Church on the 17th of December. Had the pleasure of seeing Lisa Hannigan there last year (Review here). Eightball promotions are really getting great artists into this unreal setting, Their Autumn:Winter collection kicks off at the end of this month with Delcan O'Rourke , then Bellx1 in November and now the great addition of the Villagers, Cant wait for this one! After a brilliant set at this years Electric Picnic, Conor arrives back in limerick for a second show since their support slot to Bellx1 back in March last year (Review Here) Limerick's gig of the year I reckon.

Fresher Fest UL this Thursday!

Friday, September 3, 2010

Limerick Live This October!

Limerick Live is a new venture bringing the ideas of HMV on cruises street and Dolans Warehouse together to form a street festival on the 2nd of October. This festival will be a day long event on cruises street. The street will have two stages which will see bands such as Fight Like Apes, The High Kings, John Spillane, O Emperor (Review of their dolans gig), We Should Be Dead and Supermodel Twins. While a second stage showcases some of Limerick’s brightest talent with performances from Art and Motion Performance Company directed by Jenny Brown and guests, Myles Breen Bottom Dog Productions, Comedy Improv, Centrespace Studios and Windings. What an amazing event this will be to the city! The festival doesn't just end that day as Dolans continues the party that night with add on performances from Fight Like Apes, local bands We Should Be Dead and Supermodel Twins.
Put the date in the diary!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Panic! The New Limerick Club Night

Dolans are just about to start a new revolution in clubbing, Panic!
is the new name for dolans of a Thursday night. Tomorrow night sees the first night of the change over. Dolans every Thursday night will be filled with acts in the main bar , upstairs and in the warehouse. Its a great addition to the venue and a great addition to your week. Ill let them tell you more :
Panic! is set to take over Limerick... It is the club night that will change Thursday nights in Limerick forever... Indie, Electro, Hip Hop and everything else downright wicked will fill Dolans with Panic! Everyn night will feature the best up and coming international and national talent aswell as our resident homegrown ...heroes... The very first night of Panic! will feature: Paul Webb Leon (Warehouse) Animal Beats Supermodel Twins Shane Serrano (Upstairs) UL Trad Soc (Front) All for only 5 bucks! Doors at 10

Albums Worth Checking Out This September

From L-R Interpol - interpol Sean Kangataran - Sean Kangataran Brandon Flowers - Flamingo Sufjan Stevens - All Delighted People Resurrection Fern - Transcend Mortality Brad Pitt Light Orchestra - Lowering the Tone Neil Young – Le Noise David Gray - Foundling Worth checking out Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse present Dark Night of the Soul, Brilliant album been off and on the ipod over the last few weeks. Suggestions Welcome as Always!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

FLIP IT TV Showcasing Limerick's music and Alternative Scene

Great to see something like this up and running akin to the IloveLimerick youtube channel this particular venture allows us delve into the local music/alternative scene in Limerick via video uploads to youtube. These uploads comprise of band interviews and performances, This is another great addition to limerick online. They are having a launch party in Dolans on the 18th of September , so well worth heading down to check out 5 bands 2 DJ's and loads more, all for just 7 euro! From the blurb: Flip it Tv is a new internet tv show dedicated to showing Limerick’s music and alternative scene to a wider audience. The show is to give a voice to those who are not heard or seen usually on local TV or in local newspapers. We aim to showcase talent that happens in Limerick every day and the many amazing acts that are from here as well as those that visit us. With a wide variety of music, art, graffiti, tattooing, and skateboarding, to name but a few, we will bring to the forefront for your viewing pleasure, an eclectic array of artistry. Check them out here: http://www.youtube.com/user/flipittv

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Albums Worth Checking Out This August

L-R Arcade Fire - The Suburbs Johnny Flynn - Been Listening Caitlin Rose - Own Side Now Klaxons - Surfing the Void Fox Jaw Bounty Hunters - Congress Of Oddities Ladydoll - The Knife Thrower and His Wife Laura Marling - I Speak Because I Can The Coral - Butterfly House Suggestions Always Welcome

Pio, Ugly Beautiful worth checking out this friday

Check the bands out here, It will be a great night of talent! www.myspace.com/acousticpio www.myspace.com/uglybeautiful
Previous indielimerick write up on cork band ugly beautiful :

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

The Mercury Prize 2010 Nominations

Fantastic news that Villagers are included in the 2010 nominations. Conor O'Brien makes it the 7th nomination from Ireland following Lisa hannigan's inclusion last year for Sea Sew. We have always harped on about how great this guy is on indielimerick and the new album has caught on like wild fire! Fingers crossed for the guy! Here is the rest of the hopefuls: Biffy Clyro “Only Revolutions” Corinne Bailey Rae “The Sea” Dizzee Rascal “Tongue N’ Cheek” Kit Downes Trio “Golden" Foals “Total Life Forever” I Am Kloot “Sky At Night" Laura Marling “I Speak Because I Can” Mumford And Sons “Sigh No More” Paul Weller “Wake Up The Nation” Villagers “Becoming A Jackal” Wild Beasts “Two Dancers” The xx “xx”

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Johnny Flynn to Play Limerick This September

Really enjoying Johnny Flynn's new album "Been Listening", Headed over to his myspace and saw he is playing the Jean Monet Theatre in The University of Limerick, Strange coincidence. Such a great place to see an act as the small lecture hall lets you practically sit alongside the artists, adding a superb intimate setting. Saw Lisa Hannigan play there back in September 2008 (Review Here) I first heard of this guy doing a rendition of the Beatles Rocky Raccoon on the Beatles white album recovered done by Uncut magazine back in September 2008, Meant to check him out long before now but I guess better late than never. The new release by johnny Fynn is brilliant from the first track to the last, Outstanding tracks such as the water keep you coming back for more and more. Flynn's album is a must listen , so head over on to his myspace page here http://www.myspace.com/johnnyflynn. He plays UL on the 22nd of September, I Look forward to it! Johnny Flynn - Been Listening by cooperativemusicuk

Bellx1 Acoustic in Limerick this November

Bellx1 have just announced a string of acoustic gigs in Ireland for this coming November. The lads will take to the brilliant St.Johns Church which last saw Lisa Hannigan play there in August 2009 (My Review Here). November 19th will see Bellx1 back in Limerick after their two night sell out shows in dolans back in March 2009 (My Review Here).
The venue will be a superb setting for this brilliant live band, Tickets go on sale on the 15th of July from ticketmaster.
For more info check out www.bellx1.com

Protobaby & Secret Police Double Header at Dolans

Two major Limerick bands are set to start their nationwide tour in Dolans at the end of this month. They have decided to pool their talents together and hit the road. The 24th of July will see both bands take to the stage plus another Limerick band as support "Falling Planes", 3 Limerick bands in the one night! I have been hearing great things from secret police and know well how great a show Protobaby can put on , check out here and here for previous reviews.
Check the lads myspaces out below , Its sure to be a great night of music, all for the tiny sum of 8 euro, Not to be missed! http://www.myspace.com/thesecretpolice http://www.myspace.com/protobaby

Monday, July 5, 2010

Bob Dylan ,Thomond Park , Limerick 04/07/10 Review

I drew up a list on this blog back in 2008 listing all the bands and artists I have to see before I die, Bob Dylan was listed here and alongside his name said “Too Many Wasted Opportunities” , That was true due to bad timing, Money and the trek to Dublin. So with the announcement that he was to play in the o2 last year I jumped at the opportunity. I never ever guessed I would see Dylan headlining my local rugby ground the following year! What an amazing act to come to your hometown and the billing of the amazing support bands made it even sweeter. I bought my tickets the very day they were released, Havent been to a gig in Thomond park yet major reasons being Elton John , Rod Stewart and Pink! And was really looking forward to seeing how thomond holds up to a music concert. Having a season ticket for Munster rugby it will be strange to see this stadium in a completely different light. Bob’s live appearances over the last few years on this never ending tour have been critised over and over again. While I completely understand these criticisms and agree on most of the points such as his lack of interaction with the crowd and his voice deterioration and versions of his songs gone beyond recognition. My final thoughts after seeing him in the 02 last year (Review) was that its amazing to be in the same room as the genius that more or less sound tracked generations, while the voice is gone and he has moved into this jazz up realm of playing his classics, you can’t but enjoy watching his every move and enjoy the show. I am really hoping for the same tonight, first things first a whole day of great support bands. Strolling from my house out to the rugby ground, I can’t believe we don’t have to drive all the way to Dublin or further afield to witness one of the greatest acts ever. Strange to be walking out onto the hallowed turf as the place is nicely packed with people all huddled around the stage in the middle of the pitch with the over shadowing stadium on either side, I presume the stage is positioned like this due to the lack of ticket sales, I find out later that the crowd is in the region of 15,000 the smallest attendance to these stadium gigs. I arrived late so unfortunately I completely missed the local band last days of death country. Sorry guys! Alabama 3 are on stage as I make my way over and they are clearly in great form with a huge sound and the crowd look like they are have fun watching these guys do their thing, Amazingly powerful backing vocals and a serious band backing in the guys of the dance crazy Larry Love and the Reverend. Next up is the delightful Seasick Steve, Fantastic swamp blues with the instantly likably foot tapping beats. This guy knows how to enjoy himself now armed with a drummer with a suitable brilliant look. He sits down and plays his crazy guitars from the 2 stringed electric, 3 stringed device with a two by four as a neck and two hub caps stuck together with a broom handle coming out the top and it all sound brilliant, Its my second time to catch this act and he gets better has he goes, If you haven’t witnessed this guy , do! . Last support act up at which what now feels like a small festival vibe is “David Gray”, We have all gone through the “White Ladder” phase and why wouldn’t we, the album is immense. I have witnessed the guy twice before in the years where I was still infatuated with everything he has released, In recent years albums have come and gone with no great Grá from me. It seems strange that he was put on the bill for the Dylan show and the crowd never really got into it, however what it did play sounded great and it was nice to relive the classic songs such as “Sail Away”. Really enjoyed his homage to Phil lynott during “This Years Love” where he slotted “The Boys are back in Town” into the same air. Enjoyable to see him again and would catch again hopefully with a full set indoors. David Gray Setlist: Fugitive Sail Away The One I Love This Years Love (excerpt from The Boys Are Back In Town) The Other Side Please Forgive Me Babylon The stage is being set-up for Dylan and I notice the Oscar he won for Best Original Song for Things Have Changed in 2001 sitting on top of his piano once gain after last seeing it in the O2 the year previous. The black suited Dylan arrives on stage surrounding by his well suited backing band, They lashed into the 18 strong set full of classic Dylan tunes with a backing band that sounded amazing throughout, As usual their was no crowd interaction and the voice is gone and some of the tracks are far from recognisable but that’s Bob Dylan on stage in my home town, Worth it alone for that privilege. The guy is on a Never ending tour since 1988 and plays in and around one hundred gigs a year, just to witness him in the same room is worth the ticket. Dylan on the 4th of July in Limerick doesnt get much better. What I said after watching last year still stands: “It was quite amazing to see such a living legend on stage and play the songs that have shaped music history. Just to share a room with the man was a joy but to hear him play such a great set was a privilege.” He seemed more upbeat than the gig in dublin and was fantastic to seem him live again, Doubt ill be doing any more millage to catch him live but if he plays 10 minutes from my house I will. Thomond is a great setting for a gig and hope to see a lot more big acts playing there soon. Bob Dylan Setlist: Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat Lay, Lady, Lay Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues Just Like A Woman Beyond Here Lies Nothin' Tangled Up In Blue Rollin' And Tumblin' Tryin' To Get To Heaven Cold Irons Bound Love Sick Highway 61 Revisited Workingman's Blues #2 Thunder On The Mountain Ballad Of A Thin Man Like A Rolling Stone I Feel A Change Comin' On Jolene Blowin' In The Wind

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Albums Worth Checking Out This July

L-R Fiach - So i Tired Pony - The Place We Ran From R.S.A.G.- Be it Right or Wrong I Am Kloot Sky At Night Cherry Ghost - Beneath This Burning Shoreline We Should Be Dead - Dreamstate Keith Mullins - The Great Atlantic Goldhawks - Trick Of Light Suggestions very welcome!

The Cranberries Live at The Marquee, Cork 30/06/2010 SetList

Would have loved to catch these local guys live down in Cork last night, Anywho heres their impressive Set : 1.Analyse 2.Animal Instinct 3.How 4.Ordinary Day 5.Linger 6.Wanted 7.Just My Imagination 8.When You're Gone 9.Switch Off the Moment 10.Desperate Andy 11.Time Is Ticking Out 12.I Can't Be With You 13.Ode to My Family 14.Free to Decide 15.Salvation 16.Ridiculous Thoughts 17.Zombie Encore: 18.Empty 19.Still Can't... 20.Promises 21.Dreams

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Josh Ritter Live at the 9:30 Club Bootleg

Having seen this mans 2010 show early in the year in Dolans here is a fantastic free bootleg of a recent show in washington in May. Link

Last Days of Death Country to Support Bob Dylan

Local band "Last Days of Death Country" won the fight out to find the last support band for Dylan in Thomond park on July 4th, Congrats lads!! Check them out here

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Music Snippets #27 - The Looks

Hail From :
Dublin, Ireland
Band Members :
Pearl -Vocals & Rythm Guitar
Fatty - Lead
Nightlight - Bass
The Squirrel - Drums & Vocals
About :
New young indie band around dublin making waves here and there on the music scene. Expect to hear alot more from "The looks" over the coming months as they climb the band ladder by playing gigs up and down the country. The lads have a single coming out at the end of July (Vid below) and more to follow during the year. They have a great sound and well worth checking out their myspace for a sample, Look forward to hearing these guys live hopefully down this neck of the woods soon, Keep an eye out!
GO CHECK THEM OUT HERE: