Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Tonight in The Stables UL

Tonight Sees Fight like Apes, Walter Mitty & The Realists and Hot electric all take to the stage in the Stables Club in The University of Limerick. All kicks off around 9 and tickets are cheap out at 7 buckaroos. Relive your students days!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Okkervil River Live at the Roisin Dubh, Galway - 07/08/2009

I was unable to make the trip to Electric picnic this year and by the sounds of it I missed out big time. One particular band were playing there over the weekend called Okkervil River. They decided to stay in Ireland awhile longer and set a date for the Roisin Dubh in Galway, their only date in Ireland other than the picnic. The price tag was a mere 16 yoyos so I took the trip from limerick, the texan band have been on the scene now for 11 years along the way they have recorded 5 albums and various EPs and sideprojects. The band have had personnel changes throughout their career but tonight saw a six piece take to the stage gig weathered and ready to shake up the place on a cold windy wet Monday night. First to the stage were support band “Dawn Landes”. I’m convinced if Ryan Adams was born a woman, he would sound something akin to this beautifully quirky singer. The played a half hour set of 9 amazing songs which included " Southern Accents" a Tom Petty cover. The set drew mainly from her new album that was just out that day called “Sweet Heart Rodeo”. I happily got a copy and the gig and I have a feeling it will be hard to put down. She was joined on stage by a bass/electric guitar player and a drummer that was full of energy. Some songs featured back tracks of almost aboriginal beats and just blew the house down. She commented that she had way to many pints of Guinness already today and was visible having a great time. She said her first gig out of the US was in Ireland and she had fallen in love with the place. On researching her as see she is married to a singer songer close to our hearts “Josh Ritter”. This girl is one to check out! http://www.myspace.com/dawnlandes

Dawn Landes Set : Wandering Eye Sweet Hear Rodeo Money in the Bank Twilight Southern Accents (Tom Petty Cover) Picture Show Young Girl Bodyguard Kids in a Play Next up were Okkervil river, 5 guys and a girl took to the stage as the Roisin Dubh was seeing more and more wind swept people flood through the doors. I kinda calm late in listening to this band but when I heard their album “Black Sheep Boy” for the first time I was hooked and continued to collect all their stuff. Their sound is amazing and couldn't wait to hear all of this transcend into the live arena. The band were visible festival worn as if you looked closely enough they were still bearing the muck scars of electric picnic. Lead singer Will Sheff got straight down to business playing “Plus Ones” from their 2007 album “Stage Names” , The set was amazing, Included such favourites as “Lost Coastlines” , “Pop Lie” , “Our Live is not a Movie or Maybe” and the mellow “A Stone”. Will’s voice was deteriorating as the songs went on but who could give out about that, They just rocked the Picnic and now were still chugging on to bring us a set on the Monday after, not many band would be able to pull this off. Requests for a whiskey neat to help the throat, were met with several fans handing drinks to the band. The collective live sound was amazing; the percussion of extra drums and trumpet were adding something special to the sound. The girl electric guitar player “Lauren Gurgiolo” was quite amazingly talented in her field. Playing the guitar almost like a piano in some songs and playing a host of different electrics throughout the night. The band turned their back to the crowd before the last song for a few minutes calming that this was their walking off stage part and encore due to the Roisin Dubh not having an easy walk off and on facilitates. They turned to play a rip roaring song "Westfall" taken fro their 2002 debut album "Dont fall in love with everyone you see", before heading off into the wet and windy night. A truly great night of music and if you haven’t heard these guys a truly recommend their latest album “The stand ins”.

Okkervil River Set List: Plus Ones Singer Songwriter A Hand to Take Hold of the Scene The Lastest Toughs

A Girl in Port Pop Lies A Stone John Allyn Smith Sail For Real Lost Coastlines Live is not a Movie or Maybe Unless It’s Kicks Encore : Westfall All my own Videos, The Visuals arent great due to the lighting but the sound is great, enjoy!

Monday, September 7, 2009

SpudShow - A Local Podcast

A blog by the name of Spudshow is podcasting radio shows featuring female unsigned indie artists all broadcast from limerick. The show is entirely in Irish and can be followed over here :http://spudshow.libsyn.com /

The show is currently getting alot of listeners from China and at home. This is a fantastic podcast to get if your learning Irish at the moment or even to just brush up on the language. The selection of artists featured are superb and it is well worth listening in.The blog also features some music video's from these artists featured. Its a great idea and has been up and running now since 2006, Ill look forward to the next cast but until then ill be brushing up on my Irish, Slan!

Monday, August 31, 2009

Albums Worth Listening to in September 09 Updated!

Lisa Hannigan on iLoveLimerick

Here is Lisa Hannigan on iLoveLimerick, A youtube channel dedicated to spreading the GOOD word about Limerick city and the exciting things the city has to offer, Check out the channel and subscribe!

The review on the gig they are taking about can be found on the left sidebar.

Music Snippets # 20 - Van Cleef

Hail From : Dublin Band Members : FEATHER - Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar ALAN JACKSON - Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals MARK COMMINS - Bass Guitar MICHAEL TEEHAN - Drums & Percussion

About : I recently got a hold of these guys debut album "Super Villainesque", What more do you want from an album when you have a whole song dedicated to Scarlett Johansson! There are some great songs in this 12 track debut most notable a track by the name of "Prince". The album is very charming and you cant help but smile listening to it. The album ebs and flows from very upbeat rock to the opposite in such tracks as "One of the Cosby's". These guys are a very likable band and I can only estimate that these guys are even better live. With a heavy gigging schedule planned I'm sure ill be able to sample this. The guys are worth checking out, Gig Listings are below and their myspace link. They have a list of stores where you can purchase their new album if itunes doesn't float your boat. Check them out!

Van Cleef coming to a town near you :

19 Sep 2009