Slane Castle to host the gig of 2009!

The 1500 acre estate is going to play host to 80,000 fans and Oasis in 8 months time. On the 20th of June the history laden music venue will enthral Irish fans once more. I am overjoyed that the band are playing there and I will join the scramble next Friday for tickets. I was in Slane 7 years ago to watch U2 take the place by storm and I am determined to go back. I started this year pointing out my list of bands i must see before i die (http://indielimerick.blogspot.com/2008/06/bands-you-must-see-before-you-die.html) I have already ticked off four in the past 12 months and now Oasis shall be my fifth to strike off. So many years of Oasis coming to Ireland, but I was either too young or broke so now is my opportunity. I hope to expect the classic sing-alongs, new material and classic anthem ending. Live music is what Oasis do best and i want to witness first hand. Looking forward to seeing what support act will be announced. Ryan Adams would be unreal seeing as he is supporting them at the moment, but they are not really a stadium band. My gut says indie English bands, Kasbian, Coral types. Cant wait Lord Henry Mountcharles, you have come up trumps again, cheers! Oasis Confirming the Date at Slane

Prospekts March EP

Artwork for the New Coldplay Ep out in Novemeber 21-25. More Details here http://indielimerick.blogspot.com/2008/09/coldplay-to-release-ep-later-this-year.html

Track List :

1. Life in Technicolor II 2. Postcards from Far Away 3. Glass of Water 4. Rainy Day 5. Prospekt’s March / Poppyfields 6. Lost + 7. Lovers in Japan [Osaka Sun Mix] 8. Now My Feet Won’t Touch the Ground

Cathy Davey - Jean Monet,UL 08/10/2008 Review

It must be a bad time of year for gig attendance or something as I was expecting a huge crowd in the Jean Monet last night, little over 100 showed up to see Miss Davey last night. A support act entertained the crowd like the Lisa hannigan gig last time in the jean Monet the support act was as forgettable however the guy himself was good but his accompanied players could have done with a miss, check him out here http://www.myspace.com/acousticpio Cathy arrived out with two guys and low and behold its the piano player from last nights gig. Told you those One Day International guys are multi talented. She is a little daunted by the closeness of the crowd and maybe the full lights being on and also it was the first time she was playing these songs without her full band. She started with a cover of Otis Redding's Arms of Mine and she apologised to the people who came for the loud upbeat numbers. I was very pleased to see her in this raw state and it was such a joy to hear her albums stripped down like that. The other two band members were also new to this arrangement and she mentioned it was only for tonight but might continue it in the future. A mini drum kit was also there to add to the acoustic bliss of the night. Cathy's chocolate like voice was flawless throughout and we were treated to several more covers such as George Gershwin's "Do It Again" , "nature boy" from moulin rouge,Billie Holiday's Gloomy Sunday and the multi covered cry me a river most notably by Ella Fitzgerald. I really hope these covers make it to some covers album by her. Handpicked numbers from her own album and covers provided a short but sweet set. She kept apologizing for the downbeat songs but she need not worry as it was a beautiful sounding gig. Cheers! She Plays Dolans 17th of Dec, Hopefully a new album on tow Set List: Arms of Mine Harmony Do it Again Nature Boy Little Red No Heart Today Sing for your Supper Reuben Nameless Gloomy Sunday Rubbish Ocean All of You Cry Me A River Cathy Davey - Gloomy Sunday-Dublin Fringe Festival

One Day International - Upstairs Dolans, 07/10/2008 Review

Their debut album was released last Friday and I happened to stumble across them on the same day. I have had the album on repeat ever since and last night I happened to see them live. On a cold miserable Tuesday night I found myself upstairs in Dolans warehouse once more. I have described this place as a sitting room where the audience are able to engage with the bands and feel like they just stumbled across them rehearsing in their front room. Knowing the cosy quality of this bands album I knew this venue was made for them. I arrived early in case of a ticket issue and to get a good seat, all were acquired as the support act started “She”. This girl was accompanied by a harp and a pocket full of songs about past lovers. The harp is such a nice instrument and always seems to fascinate me. The supporting act didn’t stay long and I am sure we will hear a lot more about her in time to come. “One Day International” were up and the place was empty I counted ten people and that includes friends of the support act. This was the attendance for the night. It was such a shame, as this band is going to be huge and the people of limerick really missed out on a magically evening of music. The band said that when you’re speaking to other bands about touring, they always mention that first handful of gigs where no one is at your gigs and they stay with you. Well tonight was one such occasion but it did not dampen the bands spirits in the slightest. They played their debut album “Blackbird” straight through except for one. The album is something special and it just is instantly likable. The first song and current single “Closed Doors” is just amazing and will have you repeating it over and over. The sound is hard to describe but the vocals are flawless, the lead singer Matt Lunson draws you in with every song. There are hints of Travis, Elbow, Radiohead and something I can’t quite put my finger on. The bands sound is so recognisable and easy on the ear it’s incredible. I am proud to say these guys are Irish however you might double check the lead singer’s accent as he has lived in Tasmania for years, The album was produced by Ex Bellx1 band member Brian Crosby and his influence is cleary here too. The Band seem to be multi talented and seem to have played with many artists at one time or another. Live this band transform the album into a completely different beast and the textures and layers are breathtaking. I saw Lisa Hannigan last week and her band when they start gelling together is quite similar. They played a new song last night in the form of “Pouring Rain” which cements the fact that they will be around for quite some time. If you get a chance buy this album and see these guys live. Speaking about familiarity with this band, one track in particular was too familiar to be true “Aliens”. Last night confirmed my beliefs and it was featured on the cake sale album also produced by Crosby, written by Lunson but performed by Neil Hannon, Strange but true. Having made up 10% of the audience, this gig truly was one of the best this year. Will look forward to seeing them again very soon, to a packed Dolans warehouse. Thanks for a great gig guys! Check them out for yourself : 10 Oct 2008 20:30 Spirit Store Dundalk 17 Oct 2008 20:00 The Pavilion Cork 31 Oct 2008 20:00 Roisin Dubh (Upstairs) Galway http://www.myspace.com/onedayinternational Set List: Miss Your Mouth Shiver Not Over You Sleeping On Trains Aliens Balloon Pouring Rain Darken Your Door Closed Doors Little Death Black is the Bird One Day International-Closed Doors

Swell Season Comes to Limerick

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE This Event is now sold out! The Daghdha Dance company have been using St.John's Church pictured on the left above for quite some time now. Various dance nights and art exhibitions have gone on here but none like what will take place in the coming month. November 28th will see Frames front man Glen Hansard and his partner Marketa Irglova transform this once active church into a gig venue. The small church I would imagine will provide fantastic acoustics and provide a beautiful venue for the Oscar winning duo. The Swell Seasons is the pairs gigging moniker and they have been touring extensively since their film "Once". A Film, A Music DVD and an Oscar later, will see them here in the treaty city. The tickets will go like hot cakes so get down to empire music and secure them. The expensive 31 Euro tickets will be worth it. The Swell Season - You Ain't Goin' Nowhere (Bob Dylan) - live Wiltern, Los Angeles 11/10/07

One Night Not to be missed

9 Squid in will be the cheapest to see these guys ever. Full review of an unreal album and hopefully a great gig to boot sometime wednesday.

Albums Listening to in October 08

Dirty Pretty Things Are No More!

Dirty Pretty Things have told NME today that the band have split up. Such sad news for band that have only just released a fantastic second album and a live act that are awesome to watch. Im glad i got to see them early this year and its sad to see them go. Carl has said the libertines are not going to be back together any time soon but with all the secret meet up's between him and pete its surely on the cards. Now pete do the honorable thing and split up the babyshambles and give the public what they want. A new Libertines album and a crazy ass tour of everywhere! Maybe this isn't bad news after all. Farewell DPT!

DTP play

03/11 Dublin Academy 05/11 Cork Cyprus Avenue 06/11 Wicklow Greystones Theatre 07/11 Galway Roisin Dubh , Dont miss out on one of the last ever shows

Review of the DTP gig earlier this year in dolans : http://indielimerick.blogspot.com/2008/06/dirty-pretty-things-livedolans-020608.html

Travis - Song to Self Acoustic Video

Still haven't actually been able to buy the physical release of the new album yet but after a good few listens at least 5 are instant singles the other 6 need to be listen to just that bit longer. The video below is an acoustic version of song to self. Enjoy

Lisa Hannigan - Jean Monet,UL 24/09/2008 Review

Photo Credit : http://photosandponders.blogspot.com/ Thanks

The venue was nicely packed upon arrival and the little lecture hall in UL was awash with students and a stage filled with every instrument possible. The Jean Monet provided everyone a good seat as it was such a cosy venue. I was last there for a Mundy gig 4 year previous and knew of its quiet relaxing powers. After a uneventful opening act Lisa and her merry band descended on a stage full of fairy lights, A illuminated Globe and a illuminated mushroom. The album cover from her first solo album Sea/Sea adorned the backdrop of the stage and the scene was set for an evening of relaxing music.

The place was filled with a smell of incense as the band started with “My Pirate Disco” a demo song not featured on her album and from there on in they seem to seamlessly go through the set with 100% bliss. The sounds the band made collectively was like they were born to play together and there was a chemistry between them that is hard to find with modern bands. The smiles and looks of approval between them were just great and each and every one of them knew what part to play.

Lisa was visibly just there to enjoy herself and let the music take over and sway her in every way. She was doing what she wanted and singing what she wanted and no one was going to stop her. The last time I saw lisa was 2003 with Damien Rice and she is a very different character today. Far from the shy girl in the corner harmonising, she was out front singing her heart out. I have been listening to the album for quite some time now and it just gives me that hair standing on the back of your neck feeling each time. The album is so familiar, it’s as if you have been listening to it all your life. I would describe it as a female version of Fionn Regan’s “The end of history” from 2006 with a dash of Feist’s quirkiness.

The album was played practical live on front of us with pin point accuracy and a sound you can quite create on an album. The harmonies between the band were immense and the rotation of instruments between them was quite amazing to watch. Trumpets, Bells, a Glockenspiel, a Melodica and a Harmonium were all passed about during the set to make a fantastic sound. It truly was a great night of music and it was refreshing to see a band enjoy playing live so much. The set consisted mainly of Sea/Sew, with two cover version thrown in. “The lady is a Tramp” was played at a nice jazz/folk pace also a beautiful cover Iron & Wines “Free Until They Cut Me Down” was played. Lille was played last to a standing ovation which evoked them to come back out for one last number joined by her tour manager playing the Glockenspiel before disappearing down the halls of UL to another standing ovation. It was a really great night and would urge you to catch her live if you can. She plays The Glor in Ennis on the 2nd of Oct, once again a night not to be missed. Lisa Hannigan - Lille

Travis Live at Cois Fharraige 7/09/2008 Bootleg

I was meaning to do this for awhile now. I have compiled all the video footage of the gig into mp3 form. Seeing as I could only salvage 8 songs, thats all I could bootleg. Being from youtube the quality isnt great but it is still nice to have them. So we shall call this the "Partial Bootleg" until something better comes along. If anyone has audio recording of the show or even videos not posted to youtube, please let me know. Cheers

To read a full review of the gig including photos and videos check out my review here :

http://indielimerick.blogspot.com/2008/09/travis-live-at-cois-fharraige-7092008.html

Bootleg Track List :

01 Selfish Jean 02 Writing to Reach You 03 Beautiful Occupation 04 Side 05 Sing 06 Turn 07 Flowers in the Window 08 Why Does It Always Rain On Me Download Bootleg Here : http://www.megaupload.com/?d=RDBP2F6B