Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Albums Worth Listening to in November 09

More to follow , Suggestions very welcome!

Friday, October 30, 2009

Something for the Weekend

Friday, October 23, 2009

Music Snippets # 22 - Ultan Conlon

Hail From : Galway

About :
I have in my hand the debut album from Ultan Conlon, This 10 track gem is just amazing, From start to finish this album transports you into Ultan's world. Beautiful stand out tracks such as "Bless your heart" and "The Will" just make this record so special. An Irish album that deserves to be put up in the top spot of Irish albums in 2009. The artwork seen above reminds me of Bob Dylan's 1963 album "The Freewheelin" just without the women on his arm. Maybe I have it wrong but the lack of this women in the cover transpires in the album as we hear songs such as "The Boy Without" with lines such as "It's been a long time since my heart beat for a girl,a real girl, with explosion and spark, it's been a lonely year for this boy without a city, the boy without a kiss". Ultan sparks every emotion on this album and its one record i know ill be going back to every now and then.
I had the pleasure of seeing Ultan live recently in Galway (Review Here : http://indielimerick.blogspot.com/2009/10/ollie-cole-live-upstairs-at-roisin-dubh.html ) and the tracks he played that night are all hidden in this record, Live I found them even better as he poured his soul out on stage and that raw amazing voice is just that bit better when your in the same room. I also got a copy of a 5 track live album which almost captures this beautiful rawness. I cant wait to see the next chapter in Conlons music book and I am really looking forward to seeing the guy live again. Keep on eye on this one!

GO CHECK THEM OUT HERE:

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Music Snippets # 21 - The Ralphs


Hail From : Galway

Band Members :
Jamie Ralph - Guitar/Vocals.
Conor Ralph - Lead Guitar
Brian Ruane - Bass
Leigh Ralph - Drums, Percussion.


About :
Just recently got a hold of these guys debut single (Pic Above), The four guys hailing from Tuam formed in late 2008. Several gigs later and extensive radio play sees the guys firmly on the Irish band scene. The band comprises of brothers a cousin and a best mate. This closeness can be heard on their double single, listening to other tunes on their myspace page such as "The Bus Stop" gives hints of a young sawdoctors band and something I cant quite put my finger on. Its great to hear young bands like this hard at work and ill look forward to hearing better things from the lads as the experience grows. By just listening to their tracks you can almost sense the madness that will ensue in future gigs. Best of luck to them!

GO CHECK THEM OUT HERE:

Gig News - Paul McCartney to play the 02 for Christmas

The rumours were true, Paul is set to play the 02 on the 20th of December as part of his 8 special arena shows across Europe. Its his first Irish gig in 6 years so well worth checking the guy out while you can. Tickets go on sale on Wednesday the 28th, The tickets are pricey but worth it by the sounds of the show the guy puts on. (€86.25 standing and €91.25, €126.25, €156.25 seated).



Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Free Fionn Regan Track

The Irish times are currently offering people a free mp3 of Fionn Regan's single Protection Racket here : http://www.irishtimes.com/theticket/fionn-regan/
For only two more days its up for grabs, The single comes from his upcoming album "The Shadow of an Empire". This album is due out sometime next year, Fionn is currently on tour so keep track of him over here :www.myspace.com/fionnregan
To read an indielimerick review of his last limerick gig click here : http://indielimerick.blogspot.com/2008/11/fionn-regan-upstairs-dolans-23112008.html

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Pink to Play in Thomond Park next Summer

Pink is to be the Third act to adorn the hallowed turf on the 20th of June 2010. Again not a big fan of the girl but she sure does put on a great live show. Saw her at Oxegen in 2005 while waiting for another band to come on and she is great live. Its great for the city and hopefully one more act for the summer will be announced soon.
Ticket Details :
Tickets for the concert will go on sale from Ticketmaster outlets and Empire Music on O’Connell Street next Friday, October 23, at 9am.
General admission tickets will be priced at €58.30, while seated tickets will be available for €63.20.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

PETER DOHERTY'S IRISH TOUR POSTPONED

From the blurb :
Peter Doherty’s scheduled Heineken Green Spheres gig in Galway this week has been postponed.

A statement was issued today from the artist’s agent: “Last night Peter Doherty was admitted to Swindon Hospital with exhaustion and breathing difficulties. He is currently under observation by doctors.”

The Galway show and his other Irish dates (Belfast, Tuesday 13th and Dublin, Wednesday 14th) are currently being rescheduled with dates to be announced.

Heineken Green Spheres tickets will still be valid for the rescheduled date.

Heineken Music’s thoughts are with Peter and his family at this time.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Editors Live at Dolans 09-10-2009 REVIEW



Friday would see yet another high profile band descend on the warehouse in limerick. Dolans have been showcasing serious talent to the limerick people over the year so far but none would match the intensity of this gig tonight.
I arrived early and by chance met the Editors front man Tom Smith happily watching re-runs of “The Wire” on his laptop. He seems like a really nice guy and I welcomed him to limerick and wished him the best of luck tonight with the gig. Not that he needed it. I had a sneak peak into the warehouse, The editors sound desk and lightning controls were down on the main floor, A massive set up that couldn't even fit up the stairs where most bands have the rig set up. Dolans Bar area however was heaving with people early on and as the doors opened the support act got straight down to business.

The band were “Wintersleep”, This Canadian outfit have been around now for 8 years, in those years they have produced 3 albums and have had a serious gig playing career which includes the likes of supporting Paul McCartney, They also were awarded the Juno Award for New Group of the Year in 2008. It’s clear on stage tonight the wealth of experience these guys have as their sound is extremely polished and they are incredibly at ease of being on stage. They play a short but brilliant energetic set of 7 songs. The lead singer Paul Murphy’s voice is akin to Interpol like sounds and the drummer looks like a crazed man when in full flight. The band are clearly brilliant live, giving ever ounce of felling and energy. I got a chance to pick up their 2008 album “Welcome to the night Sky”, Ill look forward to hearing more from this band.

Wintersleep Setlist:
Drunk
Archaeologist
Experience
Weighty Ghost
Murderer
Oblivion
Black Camera


Editors arrived out on stage to a heaving dolans crowd, there were people everywhere for this eagerly anticipated show. I have had tickets in my procession since the start of June and it sold out within minutes. Having worn out playing the bands debut album “The Back Room” several times it was incredibly exciting to be witnessing these songs live in your home town alongside 400 odd people. Limerick is clearly on the gig map for bands nowadays and long may it stay that way, it was nice to purchase a tour t-shirt to see Limerick in amongst the vast amount of cites these guys will play over the next few months.
The crowd throughout the gig didn’t stop dancing and the hands never stopped clapping. The gig was biting at the heels of all the gigs I have witnessed this year to be the top dog. The energy from both the crowd and band were so intense. The lead singer seems almost possessed by his own creations and completely embodies every note and beat being played. The band is visibly happy interacting with the exited crowd as Tom repeatedly says it’s good to be back in Ireland. The guys just released there third album of there 7 year stint as the Editors last week. This album is completely different to the previous two albums as they opt for a more electronic feel to their indie joy division sound. At first I wasn’t sure this was working but hearing it come alive on stage, it all makes sense. Listening to the album now gives a completely different perspective on the sound and these guys have got it all right. “In This Light and on this evening” will finish high on peoples top albums of the year list, Live is still what this band does best and the music just transports you into this brilliant place. The night was just amazing and it’s hard to describe all this energy in text, the videos below give a little insight into this magnificent night of music. It will be hard to top a gig like it. Congrats to Dolans for reeling in these guys and thanks to both bands for an awesome night!


Editors Setlist:
In This Light and On This Evening
Bullets (Video Below)
An End Has A Start
You Don't Know Love
All Sparks
Like Treasure
Bones (Video Below)
The Racing Rats
Eat Raw Meat = Blood Drool
The Big Exit
Lights
You Are Fading
Camera
Smokers (Video Below)
Bricks And Mortar
Encore:
Walk The Fleet Road
Munich (Video Below)
Papillon (Video Below)
Fingers In The Factories

Editors Video Playlist of 5 Videos


Friday, October 9, 2009

Fred's Rolling into town once more!

The band take on Dolans once more on the 19th of November. Support comes from Spiral Beach . If you havent witnessed a night of Fred live your missing out. Guaranteed a great night of fun!
Check out some past review's here :

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Belltable in Session this Thursday

The next installment of the highly popular Belltable Acoustic Sessions is to take place tomorrow evening in the Red Cross Hall. This sessions sees Newcastle West born Emmet Scanlan take to the stage with his Galway based outfit "Emmet Scanlan & What The Good Thought". They release they debut album "Hands" back in March and have been gigging extensively since including a spot at electric picnic. Joining the guys on the bill Thursday are Kev Fox, Si and Beautiful Rooms. These sessions are great evening of music and you cant complain with the ten euro fee. For more info on the sessions and bands check out these links :