Thursday, April 30, 2009

Morrissey Live at Leisureland, Galway 29/04/2009 REVIEW

We were greeted by a chlorine scented old hotel function room thanks to an adjoining pool, The speakers were booming with a low toned man reciting poetry and it felt like I had stumble across an under ground meeting of some crazy Moz cult. Quiffs, Worn Smiths T-shirts, turned up jeans and Doc Martins seemed to be the order of the day. All manner of character was entering this ball room tonight. The support act went by the name of “Doll & the Kicks”, they boosted a lead singer with incredible energy and a voice that could shatter glass if needs be. Blondie and Yeah Yeah Yeahs influenced I am sure. They played a small but enjoyable set with some great dance along catchy songs. I am guessing this isn’t the last time we will hear the name Doll & the Kicks. Check them out here: www.myspace.com/dollandthekicks A white sheet had videos projected on it as the crowd grew anxious for Morrisseys arrival on stage. The videos ranged from The Sparks video for their song “Lighten Up, Morrissey" to Video performances of Shirley Bassey and the New York Dolls not together of coarse :) The Shocking Blues Video for "Mighty Joe". Eventually the white curtain fell to reveal the bands set up with a huge background image of a sailor flexing his muscles while smoking a very large cigar. All very Morrissey so far.

Morrissey arrived on stage in a dinner/suit jacket complete with Tie and shirt and said “How are things in Connemara?” and got straight into business with “This Charming Man”, the start of the set was incredible and he just played one great song after another. With 7 cancelled shows on the US tour I was worried what to expect but it was clear tonight he was giving us our moneys worth. He played a stormer in Killarney the night previous to start off the European leg of the tour of refusal and we were in for a similar treat. About six songs in the jacket was gone, the tie was gone and also the shirt had be tossed into the crowd. He returned in a black shirt while some of the crowd still wrestled to get their hands on the abandoned shirt like pigeons fighting over bread. He seemed to be in great form and seeing him for the first time live was amazing. His voice is so effortless and his presence on stage is quite incredible. His songs truly come to life when played live. He spoke to us a few times throughout the set, such things as "I am nothing, I know Nothing, I am nothing","This is not bad as Wednesday nights go","Hope to see ye all in confession and don't forget to mention my name", "We are playing in Omagh and id say we going to get our heads kicked in by then", He gave the mic to a women in the crowd who mentioned about rubbing oil on his chest or something along those line, Moz then just wiped her spit off the mic to great laughter. He also gave out about the local HMV not willing to stock his lastest single.

The sound was flawless all night. The band are just so good together, I can count only one fault and that was a false start due to a drum stick being broken, if you can knit pick like that it just shows how good this band are together. Hell there even all dressed the same! Its like one big family. My favourite song of the night was “Ask” and the encore of “The First of the Gang to Die” was superb. The gig was amazing and I can now tick off another on my list of bands I must see before I die. I will be seeing this guy again I am assured, I think I am hooked but I wont be growing the quiff just yet.

Set List : This Charming Man Billy Budd Black Cloud How Soon Is Now? Irish Blood, English Heart How Can Anybody Possibly Know How I Feel? Girlfriend In A Coma I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris Mama Lay Softly On The Riverbed When Last I Spoke To Carol Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others Let Me Kiss You The Loop Something Is Squeezing My Skull Seasick, Yet Still Docked The World Is Full Of Crashing Bores (Not Played) I Keep Mine Hidden Sorry Doesn't Help Ask I'm OK By Myself First Of The Gang To Die

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Music Snippets # 13 - Justin Grounds

Name : Justin Grounds Hails From : Clonakilty, Cork Music Sound : Electro Acoustic Indie Fun About : Looks like Clonakilty don't just make good black pudding , it can also churn out great musicians. Cork man Justin Grounds is off on a gig mission to promote his new record 'Love is Strong as Death'. Upon listening to the few sample tracks, you can see that this record and tour is going to be a great success. Justin has clearly been around the music block a few times and has learned a great trade, which is evident in his music. Jeff Buckley is alive and well in his music and I am really looking forward to hearing this record and hearing the man live. Justin stops by Limerick on the 10th of June to baker place, don't miss out! GO CHECK THEM OUT HERE: http://www.myspace.com/justingrounds

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Competition for Heineken Green Spheres Gig

The Nice People at Heineken Green Spheres Have offered A Pair of Tickets for the 30th of April Gig in Dolans. The low down on the gig is here http://indielimerick.blogspot.com/2009/04/heineken-green-spheres-is-back-in.html

This year will see the great Reverend & The Makers take to the stage with support from Tom Middleton. Its guaranteed to be a great night!

To be in with a chance to win 2 of these hard to get tickets , simple e-mail the answer to the following question along with your name to indielimerick@gmail.com

QUESTION : What part of the UK are Reverend & The Makers from?

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Electric Picnic 09 - Line Up Update #1

Tickets are on sale this Friday!!!
LINE UP 2009 so far: ORBITAL FLAMING LIPS BASEMENT JAXX MADNESS MGMT FLEET FOXES KLAXONS BELL X1 RODRIGO Y GABRIELA CHIC SEASICK STEVE 2 MANY DJs LISA HANNIGAN EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY ABC DAMIEN DEMPSEY ALABAMA 3 BAT FOR LASHES ZERO 7 EROL ALKAN ROOTS MANUVA THE SUGARHILL GANG BILLY BRAGG LYKKE LI IMELDA MAY ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN MAGAZINE E.S.G MODERAT SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO SKREAM & BENGA’s MAGNETIC MAN NOZE HEARTBREAK HALFSET CHRIS CUNNINGHAM OKKERVIL RIVER, MAGNOLIA ELECTRIC COMPANY LOW ANTHEM VILLAGERS TUNNG JAPE WHITEST BOY ALIVE MICACHU & THE SHAPES THE WALKMEN EFTER KLANG MICHAEL NYMAN DUBLIN GOSPEL CHOIR QUANTIC SOUL ORCHESTRA JAZZANOVA

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Fred Live At Dolans, 08/04/2009 REVIEW

Fred played last night as part of  Mary I's monthly gig nights. First i heard of monthly gig nights but not being a Mary I student would explain that.
There were two support bands one of which was direct from Mary I and went by the name of "The Hot Electric". They seem to do mainly covers with a few originals thrown into the mix. Only caught the end of their set, their cover of Led Zepplin would make most cover bands quit right now. Well worth checking them out if you get a chance. Check out their bebo page here http://www.bebo.com/TheHotElectric 
The second support act of the night came from Canadian Treasa LeVasseur.  Crazy soul music is the only way to describe this girl. She was armed with a piano and a soul guitarist by the name of David Baxter. Check her out here http://www.treasalevasseur.com/
On came the main act FRED! I had witnessed the band only 2 months ago as part of the belltable unfringed festival(Check out the review here http://indielimerick.blogspot.com/2009/02/fred-live-at-belltable-unfringed.html)That night was all acoustic and I have been listening to their new release "Go God Go" on constant since then. Tonight saw their songs turn into a different beast altogether and Fred electric is a must see. I would love to find someone that could sit through last nights gig without moving and jumping like a loon. Their music just makes you feel great and the band themselves are so lovable too. The album is just amazing and its worth a purchase just to make you smile alone. Not alone had I seen the lads a few weeks ago now ill be set to see them this Sunday aswell!
I had awful trouble trying to get tickets for Munsters Quarter final against Ospreys in Thomond Park for this Sunday. I got a pair eventually, I didnt go in search of tickets the way fred did!Fred will just waltz right in there this weekend as they are the first band to grace the hallowed turf! They have been invited to play 3 songs this weekend prior to the Heineken Cup clash as the munster lads warm up. What an Honour! Speaking last night they all seemed pretty giddy about it  and why wouldnt they. They are clearly Munster fans, the last gig I was at the lead singer wore a Munster hat and last night saw them drape a huge Munster flag over the keyboard.
The Lead Guitarist sang a type of rap/story which included stories of  dreaming about playing in thomond park and also croke park if we make the Semi-Finals. The band are so down to earth and are a really nice bunch. They are the perfect band to play thomond as the band are made up of all corners of Munster. Limerick,Cork and Kerry are represented within the band.
The set mainly drew from their new release and they included a fantastic cover of ELO's Mr. Blue Sky. The crowd clearly enjoyed the more radio played hits and my personal favourite of the night had to be "Running", which also was dedicated to Jerry Flannery!
You have to check this guys out live they are just amazing. Thanks for another great night!
Set List: Good One Death Damn You Lights Are With Us Keep Me Clear The Lights 4 Chords Mr. Blue Sky (ELO Cover) Running Summer Fear Encore: Capitol Song Skyscrapers

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Heineken Green Spheres is Back in Limerick!

Last year Heineken treated us to Dirty Pretty Things in Dolans as part of these magic green spheres gigs. Last year was amazing check out the review here :http://indielimerick.blogspot.com/2008/06/dirty-pretty-things-livedolans-020608.html
The tickets are free as usual and you will be in for a really big treat with this years acts being "Reverend & The Makers", Go to www.heinekengreenspheres.ie now and apply for these golden tickets. They will inform you if you are lucky 2 weeks prior to the gig. Well what are you waiting for, hop to it!

Oxegen 09 - Line Up Update #3

Friday 10th July Blur, Snow Patrol, The Script, Keane, Lily Allen, James, Pendulum, Eagles of Death Metal, Ladyhawke, Fight Like Apes, Swedish House Mafia, Crookers, Dreadzone, God is an Astronaut, Tom Middleton, Aeroplane. NEW additions: 2 Many DJs, Mogwai, Ocean Colour Scene, The Hours, M83, Republic Of Loose Plus Limericks very own 202s! Good on ye lads Saturday 11th July Kings of Leon, Pet Shop Boys, Bloc Party, Elbow, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Doves, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, TV on the Radio, Pete Doherty, The Mars Volta, The Game, The Saturdays, Squeeze, Hockey, Tiga, Digitalism, Gary Go. NEW additions: James Morrison, Regina Spektor, Maximo Park, Crystal Castles, La Roux Sunday 12th July The Killers, Razorlight, Nine Inch Nails, The Specials, Lady Gaga, The Ting Tings, Jane’s Addiction, Katy Perry, Manic Street Preachers, Paolo Nutini, Glasvegas, Florence and the Machine White Lies, Jason Mraz, Foals, Friendly Fires, of Montreal, Miss Kittin and The Hacker (Live), Hudson Mohawke, Wallis Bird. NEW additions: You Me At 6

Monday, April 6, 2009

The Great Friday Festival 2009 is nearly upon us!

Will do a run down of some of the bands later on in the week if i get a chance. This Friday will see the second coming of the great Friday festival taking place in a random field in Limerick. When all the pubs and clubs are shut, this festival will be buzzing and hosting some great acts from around the city and beyond. This years festival features a Main Stage, DJ Tent, Bakers Tent and Skate Ramp.Bring your own booze and have a ball this Friday all for 30 squid! Check out the site and get your tickets now  www.greatfriday.ie

Friday, April 3, 2009

Albums Worth Listening to in April 09

The Blizzards Live At UL Rag Week 02/04/2009

Having infiltrated last years UL rag week to see Future Kings of Spain [Review on left sidebar] I thought to myself this year shall be no different. The 2009 Rag week has been in full swing for a week now, having seen off the likes of Fred at the start of the week and several tribute bands along the way. I would have loved to witness Fred but I only heard of their presence a day late. I saw fred a few weeks back and the review is on the left sidebar and will be checking the guys out next Wednesday as they play Dolans, well worth checking out if you can.
Anyways last night saw the blizzards headlining the last piss up on the rag week calendar and this non student and non UL student was there to witness all the madness. I must admit I am not the biggest blizzards fan, I don’t own any of their music but I do enjoy their radio play now and then. They have just won the best live performance prize at the meteors and this morning being named 44th in the “top 50 Best Irish acts right now” according to the Irish Times
[Check out the full list here http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/theticket/2009/0403/1224243925837.html]. Over 2,500 thousands students were strewn around the campus to witness these lads and their mass appeal is amazing. The UL courtyard had a very impressive stage set up for this years events. I missed all the other support acts except the “Dirty Epics” (Pictured Above). The girl lead vocals of SJ Wai are very powerful and they are a great band to watch. I would urge you to check them out live at some stage, check out their myspace [link below]. They have rallied the crowd and now they are ready for the late arriving Blizzards.
The ever gigging blizzards would be able to play a gig like this in their sleep at this stage, they are so comfortable playing their songs and engaging with the crowd, The security at the gig was a bit heavy handed to be honest throwing out at least 15 to 20 people for little or nothing [normal pit activities]. I witnessed a guy getting horsed out by seven bouncers at one stage; it all looked a bit comical. The students knew the blizzards material inside out and the pint spilling was at an all time high during their radio classics. The place was buzzing and I must admit they sounded great and I can see their attraction. Several Bras and knickers were thrown in their direction! They included a Specials cover in their set which I was really impressed with. The stage was great, the atmosphere was great and the band was great, kudos to the UL Events team. When will their songs stop playing in my head is the next question? If anyone would like to add to this or post a picture/video be sure to comment, Cheers! P.S. Maybe next year ill be getting too old for all of this, maybe I was this year Set List: But It Sell It Miss Fantasia Silence Is Violence Dangerous Bitches Culture Clash Domino Effect Trust Me Modern Medicine Gangsters (The Specials Cover) Sam Sparro The Reason Fantasy Trouble Encore: Postcards Superdrug Check out both bands here : http://www.myspace.com/dirtyepics