Electric Picnic 2010 - UPDATES

UPDATE - NEW ADDITIONS : Eels End Times Friendly Fires DJ Laurent Garnier The Fall Bonobo Stornaway Fight Like Apes Channel One The first batch of acts for 2010 have just been annouced. Tickets go on sale this Friday the 26th of March, tickets come in at 240 yoyos. This years festival is on the weekend of September 3-5. Keep an eye here for updates on the festival line up. Current Line Up: ROXY MUSIC LEFTFIELD MASSIVE ATTACK LCD SOUNDSYSTEM HOT CHIP THE FRAMES IMELDA MAY PUBLIC IMAGE LIMITED (PiL) THE NATIONAL MODEST MOUSE MUMFORD & SONS SEASICK STEVE GIL SCOTT-HERON FAT FREDDY’S DROP BREAKESTRA CYMANDE THE WATERBOYS AFRO CELT SOUNDSYTEM STEVE EARLE PAUL BRADY JONSI FEVER RAY BAD LIEUTENANT LIQUID LIQUID THE LOW ANTHEM BEACH HOUSE THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS VILLAGERS ADRIAN CROWLEY BOOKA SHADE MR SCRUFF BLOODY BEETROOTS CRYSTAL CASTLES THE BIG PINK 808 STATE CARIBOU MESSIAH J & THE EXPERT THE HORRORS THE ALARM HERE WE GO MAGIC MONOTONIX REDNECK MANIFESTO MEMORY TAPES STEVE MASON FIELD MUSIC EDAN THE DUBLIN GOSPEL CHOIR MORE TO FOLLOW...............

Brian Canavan offers free album

Great debut album "You're An Electron I'm An Electron", Some great tracks on this Irish album, had the pleasure of seeing him live back in March 2009 as part of the Green & Live sessions in Dolans. (Review Here) . Any album containing a song dedicated to Carol Vorderman is worth downloading, check brian out here http://www.myspace.com/briancanavan

Bob Dylan Irish Tour History

In light of the announcement that Bob is to play my hometown, I went off to research how many times he has actually played this island of ours. Please let me know if I have left any dates out. Also, if you would like to share your reviews or talk about certain dates please feel free to comment, Cheers 16/06/2011 Bob Dylan at The Marquee, Cork 04/07/2010 Bob Dylan at Thomond Park, Limerick (My Review Here) 06/05/2009 Bob Dylan at The O2, Dublin 05/05/2009 Bob Dylan at The O2, Dublin (My Review Here ) 25/06/2006 Bob Dylan at The Docklands, Cork 24/06/2006 Bob Dylan with The Flaming Lips,Violent Femmes and Tiny Dancers at Nowlan Park, Kilkenny 27/11/2005 Bob Dylan at The Point Depot, Dublin 26/11/2005 Bob Dylan at The Point Depot, Dublin 27/06/2004 Bob Dylan & Damien Dempsey at Pearse Stadium, Galway 26/06/2004 Bob Dylan & Damien Dempsey at Odyssey Arena, Belfast 17/11/2003 Bob Dylan at The Point Depot, Dublin 15/07/2001 Elvis Costello & Bob Dylan,Steve Nieve & Pete Thomas at Nowlan Park, Kilkenny 14/09/2000Bob Dylan at The Point Depot, Dublin 13/09/2000 Bob Dylan at Vicar Street , Dublin 19/06/1998 Van Morrison and Bob Dylan at Botanic Gardens, Belfast 11/04/1995 Bob Dylan and Van Morrison with Elvis Costello at The Point Depot, Dublin 10/04/1995 Bob Dylan at Kings Hall, Belfast 25/02/1993 Bob Dylan at Maysfield Leisure Centre, Belfast 05/02/1993 Bob Dylan at The Point Depot, Dublin 04/07/1993 Bob Dylan at The Racecourse, Waterford 06/02/1991 Bob Dylan at Dundonald Ice Bowl, Belfast 05/02/1991 Graham Parker and Bob Dylan at The Point Depot, Dublin 04/06/1989 Bob Dylan at Royal Dublin Showgrounds 03/06/1989 Bob Dylan at Royal Dublin Showgrounds 08/07/1984 Bob Dylan , UB40, Santana & In Tua Nua , Slane Castle, Meath 06/05/1966 Bob Dylan at ABC Theatre, Belfast 05/05/1966 Bob Dylan at Adelphi Theatre, Dublin

More in the Irish Tour History Series :

Ryan Adams Irish Tour History

The Smiths / Morrissey Irish Tour History

Oasis Irish Tour History

Bob Dylan to play Limerick

UPDATE -Alabama 3 added to the bill UPDATE -David Gray & Seasick Steve now added to the bill! 2 more to be announced soon. Incredible news, Bob Dylan is to be the 4th artist to perform on the hallowed turf of Thomond park. What great news for the city! To have such an amazing artist play in your own back yard. Bob is here on the 4th of July. The promoters have also said there will be special guests added, Saw him last year at the O2, review here : http://indielimerick.blogspot.com/2009/05/bob-dylan-live-at-02-dublin-050509.html

Tickets are €81.25, €70.70 & €60.00 Euro Seated & €65.70 GA on sale Monday March 15th @ 9am through Ticketmaster and other usual outlets nationwide. Booking Line: 0818 719 300.

The Great Friday Festival 2010

Limericks best underground festival is back for another year of greatness. What started as a small house party back in 2003 has escalated into now an annual festival in a random field in county Limerick. The line up seems to improve with age, this years sees the brilliant "Brad Pitt light Orchestra" take to the field. As always the festival takes place on good Friday(2nd of April). With all the hub bub about the hassle with no drink on good Friday in Limerick for the rugby match between Munster and the ladyboys, The festival will show the Match and the booze will be provided by the festival goers themselves as always. Tickets are going fast . check out more here http://greatfriday.ie/

2010 Line up so far: DJ’s: Jamie Behan Kevin Blake Deadly Buzz Dan Sykes Unsafe Girl P-hocto Deego Decorum Ruan Flood Tokin white boy Jonezy Gordon Agnew Acoustic Artists: Andy Mooney Benoit Yvonne McCarthy Main Stage: Funzo Heirs to Nothing Secret Police Acoustra Brad Pitt Light Orchestra Tidal Minds Yukina Fewer the Better Heliopause Grades of Shade

Fionn Regan live at Dolans 06/03/2010 REVIEW

I last witnessed Fionn two years ago on a freezing cold November night. The gig was on upstairs, which became way too packed and I was dying with the flu, but despite this I went away from that gig extremely satisfied and in a great mood. If an act can do that to you when you’re feeling utterly miserable, they must have something special. Review here http://indielimerick.blogspot.com/2008/11/fionn-regan-upstairs-dolans-23112008.html Fionn's debut album "The End of History" is one of those albums that you find yourself returning to at least once a month. You can’t help but fall in love with the songs and stories that he weaves. It’s been a long, anxious wait for his second album for fans - four years to be precise. However, in this time Fionn didn’t just rest on his laurels and twiddle his thumbs, he has been recording feverishly since the debut. If anything this follow up record is actually his third. The original successor to the debut was recorded by Ethan Johns and subsequently turned down by the record company. This is reminiscent of when Ryan Adams had trouble releasing his 2004 album "Love is Hell", in the end releasing the album on his own independently. Funnily enough, the record company at the centre of both these entanglements was "lost Highway". Also Ryan had worked with Ethan John several times. Fionn's story is quite similar. He went off to produce a new second album by himself using the labels Heavenly Records (UK) and Universal Records (IE). The result is "Shadow of An Empire", which strikes a stark contrast with the mellow acoustic feel of his debut. The new direction taken by Regan conjures comparisons with ‘Dylan going Electric’ if you like, but there is nobody yelling Judas at this songwriter. This album sees Regan’s meandering storytelling reinforced with the power of a full band. Indeed, the move from solo song-smith to the company of band members seems to have had an impact on the songs themselves, which move from classic acoustic moments to powerful, intensified bursts of electricity. Quite simply, it’s just an amazing album from start to finish which still holds the troubadour’s charm of storytelling and his unique viewpoint on life. Much like the contrast in albums, tonight sees a contrast in gigs as two years on we see Fionn take stage in the warehouse with a full band - the only thing staying the same is the Congregation who have gathered patiently.

The support act, “Danny & The Champions of the World” take to the stage. The five-piece play a lovely foot stomping set of six songs mainly taken from their new release “Streets of our Time”. Throughout the set, the familiarity of the singers voice had me searching for a comparison and then it hits me - A gravely Jon Bon Jovi – had he gone down the folk rock route. Their sound reminds me of Okkervil River mashed with Arcade Fire and a dash of the Gaslight Anthem. I picked up a copy of their latest offering and its well worth checking these guys out for yourself here: http://www.myspace.com/dannyandthechampionsoftheworld1. As they finish their set they tell us they will see us once more in the guise of Fionn’s backing band! Danny & The Champions of the World Set List : Henry the Van Restless Feet Lose These Rags Red Tree Song These Days Follow the River

On comes Mr.Regan to rousing applause. The perennially quirky singer is oozing an air of kookiness that comes with the territory, sporting a winter hat not out of place outside a ski lodge aloft his now trademark bowl haircut. He is also fashioning what looks like an extravagant pearl necklace. The first song is one from his debut album. However, all these songs are getting a big band make-over as the previous acoustic “Hey Rabbit” is now met with sweeping drums, keyboards and tambourine. This happens throughout the night as all the debut albums songs get mini make-overs. The new album sounds absolutely brilliant live. The first from the new offering being showcased was that of “Coathook”, this was my instant favourite from “The Shadow of an Empire”. It boldly hits you hard and really shows how Mr-Regan can be excellently diverse. The big band progression has worked so well and the potential of this album has truly been realised on stage. Fionn interweaves both albums in the set, five songs in and he opts to play solo for “Put a Penny In the Slot” before being joined by the band once again and blasting into “Violent Demenour” - another massive song from the new album with an infectious chorus that will have you singing it in your head for days. Another five songs later they retire back stage before returning for a two song encore. The set list billed “Shadow of an Empire” as the first of the two but a member of the crowd requests the delightful “Little Nancy” as she herself has one of her own at home. The band leaves fionn to play an almost tear jerking version of “Be Good or be gone”. He turned off the amps to play the last few lines acoustically with the whole crowd joining in. There was not a hair lying down on anyone’s neck I reckon. He is surely one of the best home grown talents that Ireland has ever had. Thank you for such a great night. Fionn Regan's Set List Hey Rabbit House Detective Coat Hook Catacombs Lines Written In Winter The Underwood Typewriter Put A Penny In The Slot Violent Demeanour Hunters Map Protection Racket Genocide Matinee Lord Help My Poor Soul Encore: Little Nancy Be Good Or Be Gone

Albums Worth Checking Out This March

Suggestions welcome as always

And the Choice Music Prize Album of 2009 is....

Selected tonight in dublin the Irish album of 2009 is Adrian Crowley “Season of the Sparks”. Well Done!

Check him out here : http://www.myspace.com/adriancrowley

Two Door Cinema Club Live at Dolans 02/02/2010 REVIEW

The sight of a packed venue on a Tuesday night would excite any business man during these "R" times. The attraction that sees so many young and old (Mainly Young) trawl into this warehouse tonight is the hottest new band in Ireland at present. Tickets had been selling like hot cakes and the gig even had to be moved from the cosy small upstairs number to the massive downstairs warehouse. This is not all media hype though, as the band has shown with their brand new album release "Tourist History" as of last Friday 26th February. I got an advanced copy of the album a few weeks back and I found it hard to keep it off the iPod and I’m sure this will be the case for some time to come. Two Door Cinema Club’s infectious tunes are just a complete instant pleaser to the ear and soul. These three guys are from Northern Ireland; Bangor to be precise, and the lead singer’s voice clearly has that classic northern Irish twang which adds an endearing quality to the record. If you asked me to compare them to another band I would say a pop-ier Bloc Party, but they are much more than this. Whilst echoes of their influences emerge throughout the record, they have forged a sound which stands on its own. Their sound references many spectrums of indie pop music with touches of Arctic Monkeys to Belle & Sebastian throughout their record. Their album is a joy to listen to and just puts you in a great mood for the rest of the day. Lasting only 33 minutes the album has you baying for more; I was delighted to see them down on the bill for Dolans and by the looks of this crowd, so were many others. The guys have been making waves in the music industry for awhile now, being on most people’s lists of "Ones to Watch in 2010" one such list being the excellent "BBC's Sound Of 2010 Poll". I don’t pay much attention to these lists as they just hype up some rubbish act that had one particular song with a half decent riff. Two Door Cinema Club released an EP called “Four Words to Stand On" in January 2010 a taste of what "Tourist History" was to become if you like. This EP was met with major praise and it’s easy to see why. The stand out track for me on their new album is "Undercover Martyn", which was included in that EP. This is the type of song that would have record producers and critics breaking down the door looking for more. It sucks you into their electro-pop indie world and you just want to stay there all day. Tonight sees their first date of 6 on an Irish mini tour which takes in the sights and sounds of Galway, Belfast, Dublin and Derry. First up on stage tonight sees another band from Bangor. Funny, I don’t think I’ve ever met someone from there, but tonight I will witness eight Bangorites. The band interestingly named Kowalski played a short but sweet set of four songs including one not even named yet. The band has clearly been gigging for quite some time due to their tight sound. The lead singer has a very soft tone, and I could describe them as having the melodic qualities of a mishmash of Travis, with hints of an old limerick band Woodstar, but injected with infectious pop beats. These songs mainly came from their new EP "Take Care, Take Flight". Head over to their MySpace to check them out for yourself, sample a few downloads and say hi! http://www.myspace.com/wearekowalski Kowalski Set List : I Do Navigate November New Song Phil Cansus Take Care, Take Flight Get Back Next up are the Two Door Cinema Club trio joined by a new fourth member purely to man the drums perched up behind the lads. They seem very young and are clearly way beyond their years with the record they just brought out. They get stuck in straight away playing the first track off their debut. The warehouse was nicely packed now, as the overspill made their way up to the balcony. It wasn’t jam-packed but very wise to move it from upstairs to here. They then play my favourite from the album "Undercover Martyn", it seems like they are playing hit after hit but that’s just the way the whole album works. Much to my delight, (and to the obvious elation of the number of dedicated fans who have already memorised the lyrics) they play the full ten tracks from the album. They also included two non album tracks "Kids" and "Costume Party", The latter can be downloaded here http://twodoorcinemaclub.com/ They go off for a bit (approx 10 seconds!) then come back on and blast into “Come Back Home” before playing the crowds highlight of the night "I Can Talk", and then head off to get on with the rest of the Irish tour. It’s very satisfying to witness a young band live up to and beyond the hype. After this mini tour this will be the last time you will be able to pay 10 bucks for a Two Door Cinema Club gig, Cheers for a great night! Two Door Cinema Club Set List : Cigarettes In The Theatre Undercover Martyn What You Know Do You Want It All? Something Good Can Work This Is The Life Kids Costume Party You're Not Stubborn Eat That Up It's Good For You Encore: Come Back Home I Can Talk

THE JD SET LIMERICK HEAT ANNOUNCED

This Friday sees the fantastic unsigned band competition roll into town once more. This will be the third heat of the JD set competition, It sure to be a great night of music and an opportunity in finding some new and exciting up and coming bands. From the blurb : Limerick’s leading music venue, Dolan’s on Friday 5th March for the third heat in The JD Set 2010 (doors open 8.30pm, bands on stage at 9.00pm). The winning band will go on to compete against the other four heat winners in The JD Set final in The Village on Thursday 29th April for the coveted title of winners of The JD Set 2010. 20 of Ireland’s top up and coming bands have been shortlisted to compete in this year’s competition in five heats which will take place in Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. The JD Set 2010 was launched by Tim Burgess of The Charlatans last October and a record number of entries were received from some of Ireland’s most talented and exciting unsigned bands. Each of the four bands competing in The JD Set Limerick Heat will perform live in front of a panel of judges comprised of music industry representatives including, Alan Owens of the Limerick Leader, Jackie Hayden from Hot Press and Adam Murphy from Jack Daniel’s. The confirmed line up for the Limerick heat is: Liz Is Evil (www.myspace.com/lizisevil) Redtwelve (www.myspace.com/redtwelve) Macrogrizzly (www.myspace.com/macrog) Henrietta Game (www.myspace.com/henriettagame) As overall winners of The JD Set 2010 the winning band will receive advice from Tim Burgess, Studio Time in Grouse Lodge Studios, inclusion of tracks on an official JD Set 2010 CD on the cover of Hot Press magazine and PR support. Previous winners of The JD Set include The Coronas, who won the competition in 2005, and The Chakras who were joint winners in 2006. Last year’s competition was won by Camogie Lovers (now known as We Cut Corners). Tim Burgess will return to Dublin to judge the final of The JD Set in The Village on Thursday 29th April. Now entering its ninth year, The JD Set is Ireland’s longest running unsigned band competition. For more information on The JD Set see www.thejdset.ie.