THE LOST BROTHERS
“Bird In A Cage”
- EP Released on Bird Dog / Lojinx / Readymade -
MAY 24TH (IRELAND) & MAY 27TH (UK)

::: LIVE ::: May 18TH Whelans, Dublin - EP Launch & Homecoming Show
More Irish dates blow, including the UK dates with Billy Bragg

The new Bird In A Cage EP from The Lost Brothers consists of four songs. Bird In A Cage and Not Now Warden were recorded in Nashville by Brendan Benson and both tracks are taken from their third album The Passing Of The Night.

Also on the EP are two previously unreleased recordings- an alternate version of Pale Moon produced by Adam Selzer , and a fourth track which shares the album title name The Passing Of The Night . This song was recorded in the attic of producer Mike Coykendall .

For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: Stevo Berube / Berube Communications - stevo@ berubecommunications.com or +353 (0)87 244 2695 Frank Murray / Hill 16 M anagement - frank@hill16management.com

Live Bookings - clairecourtney@nomanis.com

RECENT LOST BROTHERS ACTIVITY

Since the release of their third album The Passing Of The Night The Lost Brothers have been busy both sides of the pond. October 2012 saw them complete a very successful extensive US tour with Glen Hansard. The band returned to Ireland in late October to play a storming show at the Olympia in Dublin as special guests to Fionn Regan. January saw the band back on the road once again with Glen Hansard on his UK Tour.

In March The Lost Brothers were invited as special guests to appear at the celebrated Levon Helm Midnight Ramble in Woodstock. After this appearance the band were again invited to perform at the Midnight Ramble Concert For Levon in Texas. Here they joined with Steve Earle and the Midnight Ramble Band to perform the classic song "The Weight".

While in Texas they received rave reviews for their live shows at SXSW festival as they went.

"Irish duo the Lost Brothers offered exceptional interplay between their acoustic guitars, building from deceptively simple folk structures with tight paired harmonies from their recent The Passing of the Night . " Doug Freeman. The Austin Chronicle, March 2013, Gig Pick Of the Day.

The Lost Brothers were also listed among Hidden Track and Glide Magazine's Top Ten Bands To See at SXSW 2013.

On May 18TH The Lost Brothers will headline Whelans in Dublin in what is going to be a great homecoming for the travelling troubadours. In June 2013 The Lost Brothers will tour in the UK with Billy Bragg.

THE FOUR EP TRACKS

Track 1. Bird In A Cage is an all out bar room brawl ruckus with shoot-out driving piano played by pianist Andrew Higley. The track was partly inspired by the book The Life And Legend of Leadbelly."We started writing the song in Ireland and finished it in Texas" say the Lost Brothers...."Each verse is its own medicine man day dream.We recorded it live in two takes and its kind of a drunken prayer and bit of fun really , nothing more and nothing less."

Track 2. Not Now Warden - This jailhouse lament was the very first song of the Nashville sessions with Brendan Benson.It features some beautiful guitar playing by Lost Brother Mark.

Track 3. This is an alternative version of Pale Moon .The song is a cosmic love song of war time emmigration and this version sheds a new light on the haunting lyric.Producer Adam Selzer has brought out the darker side of the Lost Brothers on this track."We've had this recording of Pale Moon in the drawer for a while now and we thought it was worth putting it on the EP."

Track 4. The Passing of the Night is the song that inspired the title of the Nashville album and the song has never been released. Its long been a favourite of The Lost Brothers' and it was recorded by their long time pal and debut producer Mike Coykendall. The track was recorded in Mike's attic.

For more info visit ... www.thelostbrothersband.com www.lojinx.com www.readymaderecords.com

UPCOMING LIVE DATES

04/05/13 Kilkenny Roots Festival Ireland
05/05/13 Kilkenny Roots Festival Ireland
09/05/13 Clonakilty, Co. Cork De Barras
11/05/13 Cork Coughlan's
14/05/13 Kildare Town Cunningham's
18/05/13 Dublin Whelan's
02/06/13 Derry Carnival of Colours BILLY BRAGG TOUR
03/06/13 Edinburgh Queen's Hall United Kingdom
04/06/13 Manchester Band on the Wall United Kingdom
05/06/13 London Union Chapel United Kingdom
04/08/13 Ballyshannon Folk Festival
16/09/13 Festival No 6 Wales UK

 
 
 
 
MARY GAUTHIER
"Live at BLUE ROCK"
Proper Records - Available in Ireland 3-5-13
www.marygauthier.com

Mary Gauthier has received countless accolades over the last decade for the 6 studio albums she has released. NY Times music writer John Pareles picked 2001's Filth and Fire as the #1 Indy release of the year, 2005's Mercy Now earned her the Americana Music Association's New/Emerging Artist of the Year title and, and 2011's The Foundling was named the #3 Record of the Year by the LA Times Randy Lewis to name a few. Mary's songs have been praised by both Bob Dylan and Tom Waits and recorded by Jimmy Buffet, Blake Shelton, Boy George, Candi Staton and others.

 

::: Upcoming Irish Tour Dates :::

Friday 3rd May – Monroe's, Galway
Sunday 5th May – Hawkswell Theatre, Sligo
Monday 6th May – Flowerfield Arts Centre , Portstewart
Wednesday 8th May – The Pavilion, Cork
Thursday 9th May – Button Factory, Dublin
Friday 10th May – St. Georges Church, The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, Belfast
Saturday 11th May – Ratoath Venue Theatre, Ratoath
...support for the tour is Ben Glover

>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<

 
 
 
 
CRY BEFORE DAWN
New Single “Is This What You Waited For?”
Reekus Records – Release Date (Ireland) - April 12, 2013


“Is This What You Waited For?” is Cry Before Dawn's first single in 23 years and will release in Ireland on April 12th on the legendary Independent Irish label Reekus Records, with whom they've had a long relationship dating back to our pre-CBS/EPIC years in 1986.

“We are really proud of the result. It has taken a huge effort but we think it's been worth it. We're excited and very proud that against the odds and after all these years, we once again have the opportunity to play our music with renewed vigour and passion. We're very happy to be working with independent label Reekus on this release. With echoes of the bands beginnings, it feels right for this re-birth of Cry Before Dawn begin with the release of “Is this What You Waited For” and for what the single represents.” ~ Brendan Wade (Cry Before Dawn).

Upcoming Shows:

19 April 2013 - Park Lodge Hotel, Spiddal, Co. Galway
29 June 2013 - Westport Music Festival, Westport House, Westport, Mayo

More to be added; check back on crybeforedawn.net

Formed in 1982, Cry Before Dawn became one of Ireland best loved bands, winning the prestigious IRMA award for “Best Newcomer” 1987, and “Best Irish Group”, in 1989. Their two albums “Crimes Of Conscience” and Witness For The World” went double platinum and they developed a reputation for being one of Irelands most passionate live bands. Their music is enhanced with Uilleann Pipes, Irish flute and whistles, a sound that sets them apart from their contemporaries.

Having recently completed a hugely successful and critically acclaimed reunion tour of Ireland and UK, Cry Before Dawn are committed to continue the comeback, with plans afoot for new releases in 2013. The reunion tour saw emotional, and rousing performances, in sold out venues throughout Ireland, including triumphant shows in Dublin's Vicar Street, and two nights at Wexfords Opera House. Appearances on the main stage at the London Feis, and a memorable show on the Crawdaddy stage at the Electric picnic, left the band and the fans wanting more. With new material and plans to record with a top producer, CBD are back and rearing to go again. The “Best of Cry Before Dawn” CD released to coincide with the tour reached no. 12 in the Irish album charts.

For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: Stevo Berube / Berube Communications stevo@berubecommunications.com or +353 (0)87 244 2695 Elvera Butler / Reekus Records info@reekus.com or +353 (0)87 686 5801

After almost 18 years apart - the acclaimed Wexford band Cry Before Dawn with two hugely acclaimed multi platinum albums to their credit - succumbed to fan pressure to reform for a summer tour in 2011. The tour was a massive success, including sold out concerts in Dublin's Vicar Street venue and two nights at Wexford's Opera House, as well as appearances the Electric Picnic and the London Feis festivals, playing alongside Bob Dylan, Van Morrison and other greats.

On the heels of the reunion shows the band released the critically received live album “Live At The Opera House” which was” recorded over the two Wexford Opera House shows in May of that year. “Live At The Opera House” was released independently released by the band and was produced and mixed by guitarist Steve Belton, who will again join Brendan Wade, Pat Hayes and Vinny Doyle on stage for a series of shows throughout 2013. The multi-talented Dara Munnis completes the line-up on keyboards.

Band history:

1986 - Cry Before Dawn released their first single “Follow Me “with Dawn Records, a song which landed them a deal with international label CBS. The highly acclaimed debut album “Crimes of Conscience” spawned 3 hit records in Ireland: the trad tinged “Gone Forever,” the gutsy “The Seed that's Been Sown” and the anthemic “The Girl in The Ghetto”. These instant classics paved the way for the second album, “Witness for the World”, which in turn produced three major hits for the band: the politically informed “Witness for the World”, the Dylanesque “Last of the Sun “and the beautiful melancholy of “No Living Without You”. Produced in Los Angeles the recordings had a different sound, but was still instantly recognisable, laced as it was with Brendan Wade's powerful vocals and intelligent lyrics, Pat Hayes's pounding, insistent drums, Tony Hall's delicate yet razor sharp guitars and Vinnie Doyle's looping, virtuoso bass. Cry Before Dawn have performed on many TV shows including RTE's “The Late Late Show” and “Kenny Live”, as well as a memorable performance of “Witness for the World “in 1989 on the institution that was the BBC's “Wogan”. Cry Before Dawn had sold out tours all over the UK and Ireland on numerous occasions, even selling out the National Stadium Dublin.

 
 
 
 
DUE TO DEMAND! EXTRA DATE ADDED
THE CORONAS 

CORK LIVE AT THE MARQUEE

Saturday 22 June 2013

Tickets On Sale Thursday 11 April at 9am

THE CORONAS ADD EXTRA SHOW AT LIVE AT THE MARQUEE

Aiken Promotions has announced that due to demand The Coronas have added an extra date on Saturday 22 June at Live At The Marquee Cork in addition to their original show on Saturday 29 June. Tickets for the extra Show are priced 33.50 Euro and go on sale Thursday 11 April at 9am from all usual outlets.

With their platinum-selling album, 'Closer To You' and double platinum ‘Heroes or Ghosts' and ‘Tony Was An Ex', t he band maintains a high profile on YouTube with over 4,000,000 hits . Having recently completed a European and UK Tour which included sold out shows in London, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Amsterdam, Zurich and Budapest, The Coronas make a welcome return to the Marquee following their sold out performance there in 2012.

www.ticketmaster.ie

Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide

24hr Credit Card Bookings:   0818 719300  (ROI)

24hr Credit Card Bookings:   0844 277 4455 (NI)

FOR MORE CONCERT INFORMATION CHECK  www.aikenpromotions.com

For press enquiries please contact  linda@bluemonkeypr.com  or  michael@bluemonkeypr.com

 
 
 
 
HamsandwicH

Single: “Models” Official soundtrack to the DISCOVER IRELAND 2013 TV & Radio Campaign.

Available Now on iTunes. Released by The Route 109A Recording Co.
New website!
www.hamsandwichmusic.com


From their 2nd album “White Fox” and featuring Niamh Farrell's subtle lead vocal gently driven home by special guest Sarah Lynch's masterful violin work, Models will be perfect accompanying tune to any summer holiday in Ireland this year! The catchy song will form the background to Discover Ireland's yearlong TV and radio advertising campaign.

With 2013 being the year of The Gathering, this year's Discover Ireland campaign aims to encourage Irish people to get out there and discover all that Ireland has to offer, highlighting the extensive menu of fun, feasts and festivals taking place this year, as well as all of the great value accommodation and special offers.

Niamh Farrell of Ham Sandwich commented, “We are thrilled that Models has been selected as the official track of the new Discover Ireland.ie 2013 Campaign. As a band we are lucky to have an opportunity to travel across Ireland and to see all the exciting destinations it has to offer and are proud and delighted to be part of the new 2013 Discover Ireland campaign.”

Hamsandwich has become one of the most consistent acts in the country in regards to producing a steady diet of pop-tinged melodic songs with a twist. Now regarded as one of the best drawing live acts in Ireland, the band's live shows have consistently garnered excellent reviews. “White Fox” was produced by Karl Odlum & mastered in Abbey Road Studios by Peter Mew (David Bowie, Beatles, ELO, Bob Marley).

For more information regarding / Interview & session requests / Promotional CDs: Hamsandwich - Stevo Berube / Berube Communications: stevo@berubecommunications.com +353 (0)87 244 2695 Discover Ireland  / Bespoke With Direction - Eilis Smith eilis.smith@ bespokewithdirection.ie / Leona McDaid leona.mcdaid@ bespokewithdirection.ie +353 01 6329250
Fáilte Ireland - Helen Brady helen.brady@failteireland.ie +353 01 8847262

 
 
 
 
REDWOODS
New Single “Don't Take Me Down” Launched on  RTE1's LATE LATE SHOW - March 1st 2012

 

Free Download Single available on Bandcamp http://redwoodsofficial. bandcamp.com/ (Just type 0.00 for the price) and Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/ redwoodsofficial from March 1st, 2013 Big Red Records

::: LIVE ::: Whelans, Dublin – Friday March 8th

The follow-up to the surprise radio hit "Nowhere To Hide" taken from their debut EP last year, the Greystones-based Redwoods have hit the ground running with their latest slice of infectious indie-pop and will be hitting the road in the coming months touring the length & breath of the country. The teen-aged Redwoods were singled out as the highlight of the "Ones To Watch" Festival in Dublin's Whelan's last year by several movers in music industry who were hooked on their blend of melodic edgy pop usually reserved for bands well beyond their years!

For more information / Interview & session requests / Promotional CDs / MP3s: Stevo Berube / Berube Communications: stevo@berubecommunications.com or +353 (0)87 244 2695 Manager - Alan Cullivan: a.c@bareknucklemgmt.com

Redwoods are a four-piece band from Greystones, Ireland. These young lads with their blend of melodic edgy pop, usually reserved for bands well beyond their years, have gained the attention of many movers in the music industry over the past two years! 2012 saw them release their debut, self recorded & released EP, 'Nowhere To Hide' which received national airplay, including getting a place on the RTE 2FM Playlist!

Redwoods are Elliot Crampton (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Killian Dunne (Lead Guitar, Vocals), Paul Sheehy (Bass, Vocals) and Tristan Gresty (Drums). Formed in 2010, the band took off to a great start, racking up over 10,000 hits on their then Myspace and playing sold out shows to crowds of over 500 in their home town! When they get a chance, they like to go busking & surfing in Dingle, Co. Kerry where they are known to some as the 'Dingle Buskers'.

 
 
 
 
MARK EITZEL

“Don't Be A Stranger”

Available in Europe – Décor Records

www.markeitzel.blogspot.com - http://www.decorrecords.com

Mark Eitzel 's new record, Don't Be a Stranger , will be released by Décor Records in Europe/Australia/NZ on and Merge Records in the USA.

::: LIVE ::: Irish Tour February 2013

Feb 21 Dublin - Workman's Club
Feb 22 Cork - Cyprus Ave
Feb 23 Kilkenny - Cleere's
Feb 25 Galway - Roisin Dubh
Feb 26 Belfast – Errigle Inn

For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs:

Chris Metzler / Décor Records (London): info@decorrecords
Stevo Berube / Berube Communications (Dublin): stevo@berubecommunications.com or +353 (0)87 244 2695

After a string of bad luck that included a heart attack that set him back several months and the implosion of his band American Music Club , Mark Eitzel fortuitously found himself in the studio with celebrated producer Sheldon Gomberg (Rickie Lee Jones, Ron Sexsmith, Ben Harper ), thanks to the generosity of a an old friend. The result is Eitzel's finest solo album in over a decade.

Mark began writing and recording the songs that would become Don't Be a Stranger in early 2010. Initially planned as the next American Music Club album, it quickly became evident that the new songs would work better as a solo album. He visited the UK for a few months to play the All Tomorrow's Parties festival and to help launch Marine Parade , the musical he co-wrote with Simon Stephens, which premiered at the Brighton Festival and has gone on to be produced in Germany.

Then in May of 2011, Mark suffered a serious heart attack that kept him flat on his back and out of circulation until the following October, he had to seriously re-evaluate his lifestyle and habits and take a step back from the recording. Good luck suddenly appeared in the form of a friend who had just won the lottery and offered to fund his recording in a professional studio. Producer Sheldon Gomberg put together a band that included Attraction's drummer Pete Thomas and American Music Club guitarist Vudi on a few songs, as well as a full string section and many Los Angeles musical luminaries. The collaboration between Mark and Sheldon had an organic sound resulting in a generous and beautiful record, about which Mark says, “I wanted to make an album more reminiscent of records like Harvest by Neil Young or Five Leaves Left by Nick Drake than anything I've previously done.”

Inspired by his experience writing a musical, Mark's songwriting is simpler on this record and lyrically reflects a more straight-ahead approach. There is a haunted quality to tracks like “I Love You But You're Dead” (a song based on seeing the punk band Destroy All Monsters) and “The Bill Is Due,” which are about broken promises, leftover people, the desperation one feels when time and cash are running out, and ultimately, the feeling of not knowing what comes next. “Break the Champagne” and “Nowhere to Run” were written in a fit of creativity just days before the album was completed.

Mark Eitzel has released over 15 albums of original material with his band American Music Club and as a solo artist. The Guardian has called him “ America's Greatest Living Lyricist ” and Rolling Stone once gave him their Songwriter of the Year award. Originally formed in 1983, American Music Club released seven albums before breaking up in 1995 and finally reuniting in 2004 for two more albums.

Mark plans to tour Europe in early 2013 and the US later this year with his band Mark Eitzel's Warm Gentle Rain . His live set consists of a mixture of songs from his rich catalog, including selections from American Music Club as well as newer material. Mark's touring band will consist of piano, bass, and drums in the classic lounge style, but he also plans to “bring the chaos” in the form of his electric guitar. Renowned for his self-deprecating sense of humor, Mark's live shows are always unique and unpredictable in the best possible way.

 
 
 
 
ELEVENS
'New Beginning'
EP Out Now on 22 Recordings and Available on iTunes
Previous EPs "Torn At The Seams" & "Tender to the Touch" Also Available
elevensmusic.net

::: Upcoming ELEVENS Shows :::

Feb 2nd - Mullingar – The Stables (support Cronin)
Feb 8th - Galway - Monroe's
Feb 11th - Cork - Crane Lane Theatre (after live KC sessions – 12midnight till 2am)
Feb 15th - Limerick – Dolans


Elevens have a brand new video for the title track of their new EP 'New Beginning' produced by Custard Pie Puppet Company, directed by Conor Lambert.

 

For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: Stevo Berube / Berube Communications stevo@ berubecommunications.com or +353 (0)87 244 2695

Linda Sharky 65churchavenue@gmail.com or +353 (0)86 356 9867

Elevens have been wowing audiences with their wonderfully crafted songs delivered with great poignancy by lead singer Martin McCann. The much talked about band will bring their eclectic acoustic sound to the surrounds of The Stables on Saturday, February 2nd…

Supplementing their acoustic prowess with Ukulele, Omnichord, Melodica & Toy Bells amongst other gadgetry, the latest batch of songs display yet another side of the band by changing tone and upping the tempo. Elevens' gigs have come to be considered “events” on the live music calendar and a truly unique musical experience.

Named after guitar string gauge size, a happy accident when Tony Barrett set his newly bought acoustic guitar with a set of 'Elevens' instead of the standard 'Twelves', the Dublin-based three piece was formed in 2009 by Martin McCann and Tony Barrett from two of Dublin's most prestigious Indie bands (SACK and BRILLIANT TREES).

With a knowledge of computer recording techniques, guitarist Mark Healy (THE JOSEPHS / JERRY FISH & THE MUDBUG CLUB) soon came on board to add some tonal colour through his use of various effects pedals to complete the overall sound.

However lately with the occasional addition of John Gilligan on Double Bass, Tony Brereton on Drums and Kenneth Rice on violin, Elevens' sound has matured and continues to do so. A 'go with the flow' attitude never seems to hinder their development.

In today's climate of the harsh and abrasive, Elevens have come to soothe the senses with their simple arrangements and unique delivery. The band has many fans including Chrissie Hynde and Morrissey, having attended one of their shows at the infamous Ronnie Scotts in London. Their EPs have received universal critical praise and airplay on both radio and TV.

Following the success of “Tender To The Touch” and “Torn At The Seams”, the latest 5-track EP 'New Beginning' includes 3 new studio recordings alongside 2 live takes from their sold out Unitarian Church (Dublin) show last February.

IRISH TIMES Review of the "Torn At The Seams" EP:

"A new-ish Dublin band made up of old-ish musicians from bands such as Sack (Martin McCann), The Brilliant Trees (Tony Barrett) and The Josephs (Mark Healy), Elevens are a combined aural and visual entity who perform selected gigs in Dublin and beyond. We haven't yet seen what they offer for the eyes, but if the music on this recently released EP is anything to go by we're talking about summer haze, autumnal bliss, winter calm and spring-loaded steps. Taking it down a notch or three seems to be at the heart of the band, yet there's an innate dynamism at play that lifts even the quietest of music into an area that persuades you to listen to it. At six tracks, this might not be the full story of Elevens, but for now they're definitely on the right side of beautiful." ~ Tony Clayton-Lea / The Ticket (Dec.9th, 2011)

 
 
 
 
The Gandhis
Double Single: It Isn't There
From the Album AFTER AUTUMN
A Change Is Gonna Come (Free Download - Cover version of the Sam Cooke classic)
Available January 25th
Digitally from on iTunes or thegandhismusic.com

The Gandhis fourth and final single off After Autumn is to be "It Isn't There". The release date will be the 25th of January and the release will be accompanied by their live favourite, a version of the Sam Cooke classic "A Change Is Gonna Come" as free download. The critically acclaimed album “After Autumn” also features the previous singles “Brother”, "Hunting" and “Maybe Maybe”.

Recent Press Quotes:

Bookending this second album by Dublin group The Gandhis are tracks titled Brother and Brothers. Ally these to the cover shot of a forest stream and it would appear they are of the same pastoral folk ilk asFleet Foxes, Bon Iver and King Creosote, but there's more to these guys than spot-on harmonies and reverbating acoustic arrangements. The vocals on Maybe Maybe and Time's Eye bring in mind a tearful Dennis Locorriere on Dr. Hook's Sylvia's Mother. Girl jumps into Green-era REM territory and Head is simplicity itself; over a plucked banjo they sing: 'It's been a tough year, you gave me back my smile...Climb on my boat, I'll keep you afloat.' It isn't There builds up over a largely acoustic guitar-driven backing to slowly take your breath away. I wonder how hard these four work at being so effortlessly affecting. - Danny McElhinney MAIL ON SUNDAY

...a collection of slow burning folk melodica and jaunty, happy-sad skiffle.The influence of stripped back Spiritualized, and Submarine-style Alex Turner, can be felt alongside more obvious folk inspirations. From the opening track 'Brother' there's an impressive emphasis upon backing vocals - and thankfully The Gandhis deliver with authentic four-part harmonies. 'There Is A Place' even hints at a barbershop quartet, while 'Hunting' leaps foward thanks to its instant chorus of "You don't know how hard I've tried".
DE \ CODE MAGAZINE

There's a genuine sense of vision behind the group's music, which occasionally lurches towards nu-folk...throughout they retain a sense of clear-eyed vulnerability and show unexpected flashes of humour...An outfit worth keeping an eye on. - Eamon De Paor METRO HERALD

Sepia-toned and presumably aged in oak barrels, The Gandhis timeless melodies, organic textures, and deft harmonies are clearly inspired by The Band. They're not the only influences on display here however and comparisons will inevitably be drawn with other notables in the Americana world, including Fleet Foxes, Mercury Rev, and Wilco among others...After Autumn is a very fine record. - Colm O'Hare HOT PRESS

Three years on from their acclaimed debut "You Are My Friend", Dublin outfit The Gandhis return with a pastoral pop affair blessed by the assured production skills of hometown-based studio genius Stephen Shannon. Conor Deasy's unmistakable voice remains a big selling point , while the pleasant , dreamy, guitar-driven indie pop underpinning it tips its head in the fleet foxes' direction occasionally and show's plenty of promise. - Mark Kavanagh THE STAR

"After Autumn" is the contemplative mood-driven second album from The Gandhis, a Dublin band with roots-rock aspirations. Folksy melodies, whimsical harmanies and plucky acoustics set the pace for a collection that is largely laid back. - Siobhan Maguire SUNDAY TIMES

Dublin outfit The Gandhis return, three years after their debut, with a follow-up that's a predominately glum affair. That's not necessarily a bad thing: this recessionary soundtrack is often wonderfully and intensely personal. Bracketed by Brother and Brothers, two cleverly mirrored, church-aesthetic tracks,"After Autumn" peaks with the glorious single Hunting. Tellingly, that's also the moment when the four-piece amp up the energy levels and seem to let the fun take the lead. - SUNDAY BUSINESS POST

 
 
 
 

TOY SOLDIER

New Single “NATURAL DISASTER” – Available on iTunes From their Debut Album “CALLING UP THE DUSK” (Out Jan. 18th, 2013)
www.toysoldierband.com
www.sonicbids.com/toysoldier
http://breakingtunes.com/ toysoldier
www.facebook.com/ toysoldierband

Toy Soldier launch their debut album “Calling up the Dusk” at Whelan's, Dublin on Saturday the 19 th of January with special Guests Juliet's Rescue and Manhattan.

Doors 8pm, Tickets only €5.

Check out their new video from their debut album “ Calling up the Dusk”

“Memorable tunes with catchy choruses… spectacular onstage” – Hot Press

“Promising Irish dance act” – Irish Mail on Sunday

Toy Soldier is an Cork-based Electro-Rock trio combining a dance-floor groove with hard rocking riffs. Think of your favourite club night with Nine Inch Nails and Blondie mashing it up on the decks. In their short lifespan Toy Soldier have toured internationally, featured on an ‘Ireland's Hottest Acts' CD in Hot Press Magazine and have been lauded by BBC radio DJ Tom Robinson on his show ‘BBC Introducing'. 2011 proved an amazing debut for the band. Having released two critically acclaimed singles Toy Soldier embarked on an extensive international touring schedule. The trio supported some amazing acts (LostBoy AKA Jim Kerr of Simple Minds, Darwin Deez, Ham Sandwich, British Sea Power) and also hit the major Irish Summer festivals last year including the Electric Picnic Body and Soul Stage. Their debut EP “ Natural Disaster " went straight to the top of the ‘iTunes Rock Charts' and hit number 2 on the week of its release. KC had “Natural Disaster' as 'Irish Single of the Week' on his TODAY FM show last Year. With more singles to be released and tour dates scheduled all around the country, it will be a busy year for these guys! They finished 2012 with a bang supporting Keywest in Limerick and also playing the Other Voices music trail in Dingle.

Summertime got voted ‘Sexiest Video' at the IMTV Awards

 
 
 
 
HamsandwicH

Announced for NYE Dublin Countdown Concert

Joining Imelda May & Bell-X1 for NYE Dublin Countdown Concert

- 31st Dec College Green, Dublin -


On the heels of their second sold out show in Dublin's celebrated music venue The Academy, Kells' Indie heroes HamsandwicH are delighted to announce they have been added to the line-up of the NYE Dublin Countdown Concert joining Imelda May & Bell-X1.

Festival goers will be treated to top class acts in a purpose-built outdoor venue in the atmospheric surrounds of College Green, preceded by a People's Procession of Light and a breath-taking fireworks display – all in all, the best party in Ireland to celebrate the beginning of 2013! Tickets for the Countdown Concert are available through nyedublin.ie at the price €20 plus booking fee.

With a reputation for being one of the best live acts in Ireland today - HamsandwicH have been winning over audiences across Europe in the past year. From playing to delighted crowds in Reading, Leeds and Berlin to the recent Benicassim festival in Spain, HamsandwicH have left their own distinctive mark on each festival. Call it intrigue or instinct but the band from Ireland with a name like HamsandwicH has worked wonders in attracting fans to stages everywhere they play. With tunes such as 'The Naturist', 'Models', ‘Long Distance' and crowd favourite 'Ants', the band have been an unstoppable force on the festival circuit this year. The charismatic chemistry between front duo of Niamh and Podge ensures that audiences are always part of each performance. A packed out tent at Electric Picnic this summer confirmed that the public are ready for more from this band on the ascent.

HamsandwicH have become one of the most consistent acts in the country in regards to producing a steady diet of pop-tinged melodic songs with a twist. Gradually brushing off their ‘guitar-indie band' tag, the band's fan base continues to grow steadily as the band pushes the boundaries with their song writing, instrumentation, and arrangements. Now regarded as one of the best drawing live acts in Ireland, the band's shows have consistently garnered excellent reviews. With the album "White Fox" regularly in the charts and their singles gaining constant radio play across the country, the band look forward to closing out a very successful 2012 with a flourish!

NYE Dublin is the first event of The Gathering Ireland 2013, a year-long calendar of gatherings, festivals and events organised by the people of Ireland to celebrate all that is great about our country. The festival, an initiative of Fáilte Ireland and Dublin City Council, with support by Dublin City BID (Business Improvement District), is produced and promoted by Davis events.

To buy tickets for the concert, or to see the full festival programme, visit www.nyedublin.ie or www.facebook.com/nyedublin

“White Fox” is Produced by Karl Odlum and mastered in Abbey Road Studios in London by Peter Mew (David Bowie, Beatles, ELO, Bob Marley).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
the pale
::: FREE DOWNLOAD :::
New Single “It Should Be Illegal” Released on 1969 Records - Digital Release out 26/11/12
Available for download from The Pale's website or Facebook Page
From the New Album - "I Woke Up And I Was Gone"; Also featuring the Single “An Autograph For My Dad"

The Pale's FREE App 'I Woke Up And I Was Gone' has been shortlisted in the 2012 APPYS Award, nominated in the “Best Music App” catagory. The Awards ceremony takes place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on November 29th; more information on www.theappys.ie

"Zero budget, 12 hours to film, 12 songs to perform at twelve places of interest, All in glorious black and white. This was a unique challenge and we are very pleased we did it, So pleased we already have a plan for a sequel" - Matthew Devereux - The Pale

“I've been a huge admirer of The Pale for a long time – in many ways they are the quintessential Dublin band. Working with them on the concept and execution of the app was a fantastic experience” - Declan O Brien - App Developer

Upcoming Shows:
December 14th - Vicar Street, Dublin - The Pale Play Support To The Stunning
December 27th - Dalys Of Mullingar

 
 
 
 
HamsandwicH
:::
SOLD OUT ::: The  ACADEMY, Dublin
SATURDAY DECEMBER 15TH

“We're incredibly excited about playin the Academy in Dublin again. It's our second time selling the place out this year! We have a brand new show with some new material and new arrangements. We can't wait for it to be honest.” Niamh Farrell from HamsandwicH

 

New Single 'LONG DISTANCE' Out Now on The Route 109A Recording Co. Available on iTunes

HamsandwicH have re-recorded a new arrangement of their live favourite "Long Distance" , originally one of the highlights from the band's ctitically acclaimed "White Fox" album. The B-side is a special remix of the track by Jamie Fox (FIGHT LIKE APES ). Off the back of a storming set at Electric Picnic, Irish indie hero's HamsandwicH have now sold out The Academy, Dublin on Saturday December 15th 2012. The band have now sold out two shows in the venue this year. .

With a reputation for being one of the best live acts in Ireland today - HamsandwicH have been winning over audiences across Europe in the past year. From playing to delighted crowds in Reading, Leeds and Berlin to the recent Benicassim festival in Spain, HamsandwicH have left their own distinctive mark on each festival. Call it intrigue or instinct but the band from Ireland with a name like HamsandwicH has worked wonders in attracting fans to the band's stages everywhere they play. With tunes such as 'The Naturist', 'Models', ‘Long Distance' and crowd favourite 'Ants' the band have been an unstoppable force on the festival circuit this year. The charismatic chemistry between front duo of Niamh and Podge ensures that every audience is always part of each performance. A packed out tent at Electric Picnic this summer confirmed that the public are ready for more from this band on the ascent...

For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs:
Stevo Berube / Berube Communications stevo@berubecommunications.com or +353 (0)87 244 2695

HamsandwicH have become one of the most consistent acts in the country in regards to producing a steady diet of pop-tinged melodic songs with a twist. Gradually brushing off their ‘guitar-indie band' tag, the band's fan base continues to grow steadily as the band pushes the boundaries with their song writing, instrumentation, & arrangements. Now regarded as one of the best drawing live acts in Ireland, the band's live shows have consistently garnered excellent reviews. With the album "White Fox" regularly in the charts & their singles gaining regular radio play across the country, the band look forward to closing out a very successful 2012 with a flourish! White Fox is Produced by Karl Odlum & mastered in Abbey Road Studios by Peter Mew (David Bowie, Beatles, ELO, Bob Marley).

 
 
 
 
Juliet Turner
New Digital Single “The House at the Top of the Hill”
Release Date 09/12/12
on
Juliet Turner Music (Self-Released) Available on iTunes
www.julietturner.com ~ http://www.facebook.com/turnerjuliet

“The laughter, the talk, as we walk through the night air
that's scented with wood smoke and pine.
The infinite distance of stars that remind us
that all our mistakes are now past”.


New Year's Eve is often the most disappointing party night of the year. On the eve of the millennium, fed up with over-priced alcohol, drunken brawls and hanging about in the rain for a taxi home, the friends and family of singer-songwriter Juliet Turner decided to abandon style and celebrate in comfort in an old cottage on the family farmland. Built in the early eighteen hundreds, the thatched roof was repaired, plumbing was installed, the diaspora was invited and accepted with alacrity. The alcohol was free, as long as people brought their own, and a gargantuan feast was provided in the farmhouse. Then folks climbed the hill to the old thatched cottage where party pieces were dusted down, poetry and prose gushed forth, violins were scraped, trumpets blown and voices raised in wild and dissonant harmonies. A toast at midnight, hand shaking for the single people, kissing for the couples, and by twenty minutes past the hour, everyone had gone home to bed. It was such a success that the gathering has been repeated in the house at the top of the hill every new year's eve since. “The House at the Top of the Hill” is the song behind the story.

“The House at the Top of the Hill” was recorded in Fitzroy Presbyterian Church in Belfast city centre, in the slow peace that dropped after the primary school children left off kicking their football against the church windows and went home for their tea. Turner's sweet voice and precise, evocative lyrics, Farriers' Stephen Macartney's warm backing vocals and guitar, and Gareth Hughes' mellow double bass have given us a recording that is as live and acoustic as they come. Just the way the fans requested.

“The House at the Top of the Hill” is the first release from Turner's new album, due out in 2013

>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<

 
 
 
 
HamsandwicH
::: LIVE ::: The  ACADEMY, Dublin
SATURDAY DECEMBER 15TH
Available from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and ticketmaster.ie

 

 

Off the back of a storming set at Electric Picnic Irish indie hero's HamsandwicH have just announced details of an exclusive headline performance at The Academy, Dublin on Saturday December 15th 2012 Tickets priced €17 inclusive of booking fee from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and ticketmaster.ie

New Single 'LONG DISTANCE'
Out Now on The Route 109A Recording Co. Available digitally from Bandstand.ie and hamsandwichmusic.com

HamsandwicH have re-recorded a new arrangement of their live favourite "Long Distance" , originally one of the highlights from the band's ctitically acclaimed "White Fox" album. The B-side is a special remix of the track by Jamie Fox (FIGHT LIKE APES ).

With a reputation for being one of the best live acts in Ireland today - HamsandwicH have been winning over audiences across Europe in the past year. From playing to delighted crowds in Reading, Leeds and Berlin to the recent Benicassim festival in Spain, HamsandwicH have left their own distinctive mark on each festival. Call it intrigue or instinct but the band from Ireland with a name like HamsandwicH has worked wonders in attracting fans to the band's stages everywhere they play. With tunes such as 'The Naturist', 'Models', ‘Long Distance' and crowd favourite 'Ants' the band have been an unstoppable force on the festival circuit this year. The charismatic chemistry between front duo of Niamh and Podge ensures that every audience is always part of each performance. A packed out tent at Electric Picnic this summer confirmed that the public are ready for more from this band on the ascent...

For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs:
Stevo Berube / Berube Communications stevo@berubecommunications.com or +353 (0)87 244 2695

HamsandwicH have become one of the most consistent acts in the country in regards to producing a steady diet of pop-tinged melodic songs with a twist. Gradually brushing off their ‘guitar-indie band' tag, the band's fan base continues to grow steadily as the band pushes the boundaries with their song writing, instrumentation, & arrangements. Now regarded as one of the best drawing live acts in Ireland, the band's live shows have consistently garnered excellent reviews. With the album "White Fox" regularly in the charts & their singles gaining regular radio play across the country, the band look forward to closing out a very successful 2012 with a flourish! White Fox is Produced by Karl Odlum & mastered in Abbey Road Studios by Peter Mew (David Bowie, Beatles, ELO, Bob Marley).

 
 
 
 
the pale
New Album - 'I Woke Up And I Was Gone'
Released on 1969 Records - Digital Release out now state51.co.uk & The Pale's website
Featuring the New Single “An Autograph For My Dad"

www.pale.ie

::: LIVE ::: 2012
July 27, 2012 - Dalys Of Mullingar - Mullingar - 20:30
July 29, 2012 - Bray Summer Festival Wicklow - 18:30
Aug 04, 2012 - Indiependence Festival, Deer Farm, Mitchelstown, Cork  -18:30
Aug 09, 2012 - Halo - Galway - 20:30
Aug 11, 2012 - Shortts - Waterford - 20:30
Aug 17, 2012 - Tower Records, Wicklow St. D2 - 6pm (Short set to promote the new album) Aug 18, 2012 - INEC - Kerry - 20:30
Sept 22, 2012 - Voodoo - Letterkenny - 20:30
Oct 12, 2012 - The Oliver Plunkett - Cork - 20:00
Oct 28, 2012 - An Brog Cork Jazz Festival - Time tbc
More Shows to be added; check website for updates

FREE App 'I Woke Up And I Was Gone'
Now Available From the Apple App Store. Android version now available

 

If you try to calculate the amount of music that calls on you to listen to it, you might feel the need to retreat to the nearest cave in order to escape it. Between the deluge of online chatter and most of what you're force fed on too many radio stations to mention, it's no wonder that sometimes the best music gets lost, and no surprise that sometimes the best bands get forgotten about.

20 years ago, The Pale made their major label debut with Here's One We Made Earlier, an album that introduced a band that, from then to now, has succeeded in blindsiding their audience with music that is equal parts eminently melodic and utterly singular. “I'm not good at focusing on the commercial aspects of music and trends,” says The Pale's lead singer and main songwriter, Matthew Devereux

Therein lays not only the pleasure for the creative spirit but also the problem for the accountants. Inevitably, The Pale's tenure on the major label didn't last too long, and so began a number of years where the band (in effect, Matthew and multi-instrumentalist Shane Wearen) soldiered on. Albums you've probably never seen stocked in record shops - Cheapside (1996), Cripplegate (1997), Spudgun (1998) – were released in parts of Europe you've probably never been to. The band even changed their name to Produkt, under which name more albums were released to further rippling waves of unawareness.

The aim, essentially, was to retain credibility. “I was inspired by artists whose careers I've followed through the years, and I take rather earnestly my inspirations from people who didn't follow contrived commercial interests,” says Matthew of his cunning but not necessarily financially rewarding plan. “I didn't want us to be revealed as such, because if you go for the quick buck it very rarely works out.” Back then, he admits, he took what was essentially anti-commercialism to extremes: “I wanted The Pale to have a cult-like following.”

At this stage - cult-like following achieved - Matthew admits to barely eking out a living. Gigging, he remarks, provided the financial wherewithal for him. Shane, meanwhile, played music and taught web design. “I was involved in various different projects that mostly crashed and burned!,” he says. “When The Pale isn't operative, I play music; yet whenever I go away from music I always veer back towards it after a month or two.”

Call it resilience (compulsion, even), but such a stance is so innate that it becomes part of the creative DNA. And so – without a nod to either popularity or profitability – The Pale carried on. Matthew and Shane admit that while they couldn't get to grips with the often mercurial nature of the music industry, they still wanted to make musical statements.

“For us to get albums released in even one European territory was a victory,” comments Matthew. “My ambition was obviously not for The Pale to become smaller, but it seemed that we were just out of tandem with the industry, particularly in Ireland.”

The stakes, such as they were, had also gotten too high for The Pale. By the mid-‘90s music acts had to have a financial outlay. “We could go to the table,” recalls Matthew, “we could pull off a poker face and play a game, but we didn't have the money to put into the pot.”

Yet The Pale refused to fold - “quite simply, myself and Shane have been designed to do what we do.” The frustrating part was that each time they released a new album, virtually everything “was reflected back to our early records and the cheeky chappie image we had back then. We, on the other hand, had been developing, maturing, changing.”

Which more or less brings us bang up to date. Developing, maturing, changing – these are crucial patterns for anyone, let alone creative types. What was paramount for the band, reveals Matthew, was gaining a broader education and the justified notion of an artist “chasing a masterpiece”, which he admits, “is the ignition for my ambition.”

Some people might think such a quest unwise, but there's no doubting the validity of it. The past five years has seen two albums – The Contents Of A Shipwreck (2007) and Proper Order (2009) – continue The Pale's pilgrimage for perfection. New album, I Woke Up And I Was Gone, sees the band reach out and grasp it. The album features a dozen beautifully measured songs that nudge the parameters of lo-fi pop/folk - nugget-sized and gem-like, charming tracks such as Company Of Wolves, It Should Be Illegal, The Boy With The Antlers, Hanging Around Airports and An Autograph For My Dad highlight the casual simplicity of perfect pop.

Coming from the pen of a man who cheerfully admits to once being too cerebral for his own good, the new album is a pithy, often poignant departure. “I feel guilty about how indirect or obscure I may have been about certain things,” says Matthew with a wry grin. “We suddenly found the drive again to make the music far more accessible, more direct. I had realised we needed to be. Back in the day, my youthfulness and aggression got in the way of looking for clarity.”

The new songs – largely written over the past three years while Matthew was based in Prague - are based on truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. “When I was younger I wanted the music to do different things, one of which wasn't the kind of truth that I feel we've stitched though The Pale's work in the past five years. I've realised, ultimately, that truth has freed me.” The feedback to this sense of directness has taken Matthew by surprise. “The more honest I was the more I connected with it. The idea that I can be so direct and that people are open-hearted to it is something I never expected.”

‘Roll down the window, throw away the plot…', sings Matthew on It Should Be Illegal, one of the album's many highlights. The lyric could well be The Pale's new modus operandi - after over 20 years of working through life's stuff and nonsense, it seems they have come to realise, finally, that less is more.

“It's about everything in its right measure,” reasons Matthew. “I could never understand why some people I know would spend 12 years to be a brain surgeon. But now? Now I totally get it.”

For Information / Interview requests:

Stevo Berube / Berube Communications stevo@berubecommunications.com or +353 (0)87 244 2695

 
 
 
 

Whelanslive.com presents....

ELEVENS
'New Beginning'
EP Out 6-7-12 on 22 Recordings

elevensmusic.net

::: LAUNCH SHOW ::: Saturday 7/7/12 Whelans, Dublin.
Doors 8pm. Tickets 12.50 Euro incl booking fee available online from WAV and Whelanslive.ie

The 3rd EP in the series by the Dublin-based ELEVENS, the musical & visual concept entity created by Martin McCann, Tony Barrett, & Mark Healy. Following the success' of  “Tender To The Touch” and “Torn At The Seams”, the latest 5-track EP includes 3 new studio recorded tracks alongside 2 live takes from their sold out Unitarian Church (Dublin) show last February. Supplementing their acoustic prowess with ukuleles, omnichord, melodica & toy bells amongst other gadgetry, the latest batch of songs display yet another side of the band by changing tone and upping the tempo. ELEVENS gigs have come to be considered ‘events' on the live music calendar; a truly unique musical experience!

Title track "New Beginning" video:

 

Named after the Finglas Dublin 11 postcode from which they hail, the Dublin-based three piece acoustic band formed in 2009 by Martin McCann and Tony Barrett from two of Dublin's most prestigious Indie bands (SACK and BRILLIANT TREES).Shortly after Mark Healy (THE JOSEPHS / JERRY FISH & THE MUDBUG CLUB) joined to add some tonal colour to complete the overall sound. What sets ELEVENS apart from the average acoustic setup is their collaborations with photographers and visual artists to incorporate a subtle and complimentary backdrop for ELEVENS' poignant tales of love lost and found. In todays climate of the harsh and abrasive, ELEVENS have come to soothe the senses with their simple arrangements and unique delivery.

"Torn At The Seams" & "Tender to the Touch"
Previous EPs Out Now on 22 Recordings and available on iTunes

IRISH TIMES Review of the "Torn At The Seams" EP:

"A new-ish Dublin band made up of old-ish musicians from bands such as Sack (Martin McCann), The Brilliant Trees (Tony Barrett) and The Josephs (Mark Healy), Elevens are a combined aural and visual entity who perform selected gigs in Dublin and beyond. We haven't yet seen what they offer for the eyes, but if the music on this recently released EP is anything to go by we're talking about summer haze, autumnal bliss, winter calm and spring-loaded steps. Taking it down a notch or three seems to be at the heart of the band, yet there's an innate dynamism at play that lifts even the quietest of music into an area that persuades you to listen to it. At six tracks, this might not be the full story of Elevens, but for now they're definitely on the right side of beautiful." ~ Tony Clayton-Lea  / The Ticket (Dec.9th, 2011)

Upcoming ELEVENS Shows

Saturday 7th / Dublin - Whelans
Thursday 12th / Limerick - Bourkes

 
 
 
 
JOHN HIATT
::: LIVE ::: Vicar Street - July 19th 2012
Tickets €44.05 from Ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide

New Album "Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns"
Available from New West Records johnhiatt.com

"Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns" (New West Records), the latest album from acclaimed musician and songwriter

John Hiatt, is available now on New West Records. This is Hiatt's twentieth solo album and follows his acclaimed 2010 release, The Open Road, which the Los Angeles Times heralded as a, “bluesy, heartland soaked musical excursion,” while the Buffalo News declared it “a classic for the future.” As an added bonus, a deluxe version of the album will be made available, which will include a special behind-the-scenes DVD, The Making of Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns and 24/96 High Resolution audio mix of the entire album.

John Hiatt's career as a performer and songwriter has spanned more than 30 years and his work has been covered by everyone from Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, BB King, and Bonnie Raitt to Iggy Pop, Three Dog Night and The Neville Brothers. Hiatt began his solo career with the 1974 album Hangin' Around the Observatory. His landmark 1987 release Bring The Family received critical praise and was his first album to chart in the U.S. In 1993, Rhino Records released Love Gets Strange: The Songs of John Hiatt, which collected many of the cover versions of his songs that were recorded during the 80s and 90s. 2000's Crossing Muddy Waters was released to critical acclaim and was called “The most natural and relaxed John Hiatt album in years…” by All Music Guide.

In 2008, Hiatt was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and was honoured by the Americana Music Association with their prestigious “Lifetime Achievement in Songwriting Award.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Gandhis
"AFTER AUTUMN"
Featuring the single "Hunting"
Irish Release Date 30/03/12 on 1969 RECORDS
thegandhismusic.com
  ~ 1969Records.com

 

 

::: LIVE ::: March 31 Friday - Album Launch Showcase 1pm in Tower Records, Wicklow St. Dublin 2
April 15 Sunday - The Pavillion, Cork
April 27th Friday - Album Launch Show, Whelans, Wexford Street, Dublin 2
May 27th Sunday - Roisin Dubh, Galway


"After Autumn" will be released on March 30th with a weekend of Pop-up gigs around Dublin followed by a nationwide tour and a few gigs in the UK. These shows will be listed on the website.

For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs:
Stevo Berube / Berube Communications stevo@ berubecommunications.com or +353 (0)87 244 2695

Contact for THE GANDHIS - Conor Sheahan on sheahan.conor@gmail.com  or +353 (0) 87 234 9964
Produced by The Gandhis
Recorded by Andy Knightley and Conor Brady
Mastered by Richard Dowling

 
 
 
 
MARY BLACK  with IMELDA MAY
"Mountains To The Sea"
New Single Released 11th March 2012
From the new Mary Black album ‘Stories From The Steeples'
Available now on 3ú Records
mary-black.net

::: LIVE ::: Mary Black - Grand Canal Theatre, Dublin on May 13th



For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs:
Joe O'Reilly / 3ú Records: 3urecords@gmail.com or +353 (0)87 253 1263
Hazel O'Connor /3ú Records:  +353 (0)86 814 7442 Stevo Berube / Berube Communications: stevo@berubecommunications.com or +353 (0)87 244 2695

Mary Black's new single ‘Mountains To The Sea' sees her team up with fellow Irish singer Imelda May to superb musical effect. Penned by Australian songwriters Neil Murray and Shane Howard (Mushroom Music) , ‘Mountains To The Sea' is a cleverly-told allegory for the life of the touring musician - “(I was) thrilled to get to sing alongside one of my favourite singers, Imelda May.”

In addition to working with great songwriters from all across the world, Mary Black has been championing burgeoning Irish talent throughout her career. Her new album ‘Stories From The Steeples' – her first in 6 years – is no exception. The album features three songs from up and coming young songwriter Danny O'Reilly, ‘Marguerite and the Gambler' by Ricky Lynch, as well as interpretations of songs by Eric Bogle (the anti-war ‘All The Fine Young Men') and Ry Cavanaugh's ‘Lighthouse Light'.

Having previously performed with Emmylou Harris, Joan Baez, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Van Morrison, Mary's new album also includes three collaborations with new artists. In addition to duetting with Imelda May on ‘Mountains To The Sea', Mary sings with Janis Ian on ‘Lighthouse Light' while her collaboration with Finbar Furey on ‘Walking With My Love' is “a song that always makes me smile” and was donated to a special EP for the Alzheimer Café Initiative.

‘Mountains To The Sea' is “an affirming song of self and belonging” (Folking.com) delivered by one of the finest, most enduring vocalists around today.

Praise for ‘Stories From The Steeples':

**** - “Black has achieved the perfect meld” – Mojo

“Whilst it's as carefully produced as the finest confectionary, there are no soft centres to this album - Album of the Week” – The Independent

**** - “Stories from the Steeples finds Black back in the best form of her career. Her voice is as strong and sensitive as ever.... It's a cathedral of sound, subdued and strong” - Sydney Morning Herald/The Melbourne Age

“Her first album of new material in 6 years ... it's been worth the wait" – Scottish Daily Express

 
 
 
 

Ham Sandwich

::: SOLD OUT :::
The Academy, Dublin + Little Xs For Eyes

Saturday February 18th ~ Tickets 14.50 Euro ~ Info on MCD.ie

Available from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and ticketmaster.ie

 

'White Fox' - Album

Featuring the Singles "Ants", "The Naturist", "Models", and "OH-OH"
The Route 109A Recording Co. ~ Dedicated in loving memory of Derek Nally
Limited Edition Vinyl Release Date 14th February
Available Hamsandwichmusic.com and selected Record Shops, including Tower Records (Dublin)

Special Edition Digital Release Out Now until February 28th
Features 4 Live Bonus Tracks Taken from Today FM Sessions, including the cover of Kate Bush's "Running UpThat Hill" recorded on the Ray D'Arcy Show.
Available only from the shop on Hamsandwichmusic.com

"There isn't a duff tune here, which makes it that very rare thing: an album you can listen to all the way through without being tempted to press fastforward" ~ Tony Clayton-Lea THE IRISH TIMES (The Ticket - Review of "White Fox")

"Ants" Video Wins Award in USA
Well it looks like the little Ant did good in the end! The little guy travelled all the way to New York and WON an award at the Well done Marc! Apparently the little ant has been on the beer for the past week in Brooklyn somewhere... Wanna see it again? http://youtu.be/fwBe_jxkJ-A

Upcoming Ham Sandwich Shows:

WESTMEATH - Mullingar - Danny Byrnes - 10th Feburary
DUBLIN - The Academy - 18th Feburary - SOLD OUT
GALWAY - Roisin Dubh - 2nd March
Croke Park - Dublin - 11th March

Ham Sandwich have become one of the most consistent acts in the country in regards to producing a steady diet of pop-tinged melodic songs with a twist. Gradually brushing off their ‘guitar-indie band' tag, Ham Sandwich's fan base continues to grow steadily as the band pushes the boundaries with their song writing, instrumentation, & arrangements. Now regarded as one of the best drawing live acts in Ireland, the band's live shows have consistantly garnered excellent reviews. With the album "White Fox" consistantly in the charts & their singles gaining regular radio play across the country, 2011 has now become the year of the Ham Sandwich! White Fox is Produced by Karl Odlum & mastered in Abbey Road Studios by Peter Mew (David Bowie, Beatles, ELO, Bob Marley).

For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs:

Stevo Berube / Berube Communications stevo@berubecommunications.com or +353 (0)87 244 2695

Looking back last year, it's difficult to pinpoint where it all went right ! Starting the year off by releasing the 3rd single from their highly acclaimed album "White Fox", the band never envisioned "Ants" becoming the huge hit that it did getting playlisted on virtually every radio staion in the country. Video director Marc Corrigan approached the band with an unorthodox idea for a video for "Ants" featuring an animated ant in the most unlikely of scenarios for a video using stop-motion animation. The end result exceeded everyones expectations and once it went viral online, Ham Sandwich landed themselves a whole new global fanbase. At the recent IMTV Awards, Marc scooped the "Best Concept" Award for the "Ants" video.

The "Ants" tour saw the band selling out venues across the country  which ultimately landed them on Festival bills across Ireland & the UK as a "must have" act on any line-up. Attendance to Ham Sandwich's performances at such festivals such as Forbidden Fruit, The Electric Picnic, The Sea Sessions, and Indie-Pendence were jam packed and certainly a talking point! Over in the UK they were invited to perform on the BBC Introducing Stage at the Leeds & Reading Festivals and what transpired can only be seen to be believed (google it!).

Ham Sandwich were also selected to participate in the prestiguous music industry showcase festivals South-By-Southwest in Austin, Texas and Popkomm in Berlin. Ham Sandwich were then chosen as The Best Festival Entertainment act in 2011 by Members. AOIFE (the Association Of Irish Festival Events).

While the band were clocking up their travel miles, their music was being featured in various TV shows such as Fade Street, The Sunday Game, Off The Rails, Raw, and the upcoming The Importance of Being Whatever. TV performances included Bulletin TV, The View, Ceol Ar An Imeall and then finishing off 2011 with the acclaimed Other Voices for the 2012 series.

One of the biggest honours bestowed upon Ham Sandwich in 2011 was the inclusion of their "White Fox" album in the new book "101 IRISH RECORDS YOU MUST HEAR BEFORE YOU DIE" written by legendary Irish Times music journalist Tony Clayton-Lea. Then to top it off nicely, they were asked by Tony personally to perform at the book's launch.

Ham Sandwich - A Short Introduction

Some rock bands fret too much about the successful fusion of commerce and creativity. Some rock bands think they can second-guess the music fan by blending strategies for world domination with mix-and-match, catch-all music. Ham Sandwich, however, instinctively react to rock music more than spending too much time thinking about it – which is nowhere near as bad as it might sound – and it is this that marks them out as one of the best Irish rock acts of recent years. Their unique sound is built around the dovetail vocals of Niamh & Podge flying against a cloudy sky, with catchy yet intricate songs. The Kells-based band have become one of the most consistent acts in the country in regards to producing a steady diet of pop-tinged melodic songs with a twist. Gradually brushing off their ‘guitar-indie band' tag, Ham Sandwich's fan base continues to grow steadily as the band pushes the boundaries with their song writing, instrumentation, & arrangements. Now regarded as one of the best drawing live acts in Ireland, the band's live shows have consistantly garnered excellent reviews. With the album "White Fox" consistantly in the charts and their singles -- especially their biggest commercial hit to date "Ants" -- gaining regular radio play across the country, 2011 will be remembered as the year of the Ham Sandwich!

 
 
 
 
THE CORONAS 

CORK LIVE AT THE MARQUEE

Friday 15th June 2012

TICKETS ON SALE FROM 9AM THIS MORNING, FEBRUARY 14

After another sell out tour in December and following the success of two hit singles from the platinum-selling album, 'Closer To You', The Coronas  play their biggest Cork show to date on Friday June 15 as part of Live at the Marquee 2012.

The band maintains a high profile on YouTube with over one million collective views and are quickly earning an international following. They were listed in the top 10 bands to watch in 2011 by The New York Post and completed  a North American tour that included sold out shows in New York, Vancouver and San Francisco.

TICKETS PRICED €27.90 (inc Booking Fee) AVAILABLE FROM:-

www.ticketmaster.ie

Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide

24hr Credit Card Bookings:   0818 719300  (ROI)

24hr Credit Card Bookings:   0844 277 4455 (NI)

FOR MORE CONCERT INFORMATION CHECK  www.aikenpromotions.com

For press enquiries please contact  linda@bluemonkeypr.com  or  michael@bluemonkeypr.com

 
 
 
 
THE CORONAS
"Mark My Words "
Out 03-02-12 on iTunes / 3ú Records
The 2nd Single From the Platinum Album "Closer to You"

www.thecoronas.net

After another sell out tour in December, which included SIX nights in Dublin's Olympia Theatre, and following on from the success of the their massive hit single "Addicted To Progress", The Coronas are back with their 2nd single from their 3rd album "Closer to You". Just over 2 months since it's release on Nov11th, "Closer To You" is the band's fastest selling album to date and has already gone platinum in Ireland.

For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs for the Coronas:
Jim Lawless: jim@thecoronas.net or +353 (0)86 835 4349
Kate Knox:  kate@thecoronas.net or +353 (0)85 121 8793
Stevo Berube / Berube Communications: stevo@berubecommunications.com or +353 (0)87 244 2695

The New Album .
"Closer to You"
Out Now on 3ú Records
Featuring the singles "Mark My Words" and "Addicted To Progress"
Produced by Tony Hoffer - Recorded in the Sound Factory (Los Angeles)

 
     
 
ELEVENS
::: LIVE :::  Feb. 4th  THE UNITARIAN CHURCH , St. Stephen's Green - Dublin 2 - 11 Euro Doors 7:30pm
www.elevensmusic.ne
t

ELEVENS will perform for one night only. After the success of their sellout show on 11/11/11, this promises to be a special night!

Tickets 11 Euro incl booking fee available online from  wavtickets.ie [Lo-Call 1890 200 078] (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone or creditcard bookings) or in person 39 Camden Row (beside Whelan's Venue). Opening Hours Mon to Fri: 1pm - 8pm and Sat: 4pm - 8pm


ELEVENS are Martin McCann (SACK), Tony Barrett (BRILLIANT TREES), & Mark Healy (THE JOSEPHS / JERRY FISH & THE MUDBUG CLUB) with additional musical colour of Omnichord, Melodica & Toy Bells amongst other gadgetry.

"Torn At The Seams""Tender to the Touch" Both EPs Available on 22 Recordings / iTunes
The video for the title track: http://vimeo.com/29478747
elevensmusic.net

IRISH TIMES
Review of the "Torn At The Seams" EP:

"A new-ish Dublin band made up of old-ish musicians from bands such as Sack (Martin McCann), The Brilliant Trees (Tony Barrett) and The Josephs (Mark Healy), Elevens are a combined aural and visual entity who perform selected gigs in Dublin and beyond. We haven't yet seen what they offer for the eyes, but if the music on this recently released EP is anything to go by we're talking about summer haze, autumnal bliss, winter calm and spring-loaded steps. Taking it down a notch or three seems to be at the heart of the band, yet there's an innate dynamism at play that lifts even the quietest of music into an area that persuades you to listen to it. At six tracks, this might not be the full story of Elevens, but for now they're definitely on the right side of beautiful." ~ Tony Clayton-Lea  / The Ticket (Dec.9th, 2011)

Additional ELEVENS Shows
Jan. 26 - Thursday - Cork - The Roundy Bar
Feb. 2 - Thursday - Limerick - Bourkes
Feb. 4 - Saturday - Dublin - Unitarian Church
April 20 - Friday - Carrick on Shannon - The Dock Theatre
More to be confirmed; check website for updates

ELEVENS, named after the Finglas Dublin 11 postcode from which they hail, is a three piece acoustic band from Dublin, Ireland. Formed in 2009 by Martin McCann and Tony Barrett from two of Dublin's most prestigious Indie bands (SACK and BRILLIANT TREES), it wasn't long before a third member Mark Healy (THE JOSEPHS / JERRY FISH & THE MUDBUG CLUB) joined forces to add some tonal colour to complete the overall sound. What sets ELEVENS apart from the average acoustic setup is their collaborations with photographers and visual artists to incorporate a subtle and complimentary backdrop for ELEVENS' poignant tales of love lost and found. In todays climate of the harsh and abrasive, ELEVENS have come to soothe the senses with their simple arrangements and unique delivery.

For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs:
Stevo Berube / Berube Communications stevo@berubecommunications. com or +353 (0)87 244 2695
Contact for ELEVENS - 3elevens@gmail.com

 
 
 
 

REEKUS 30th Anniversary 2-CD Compilation...
TOO LATE TO STOP NOW
Official Release Date: Friday March 2nd 2012
Pre-Release Copies Available on reekus.com

The pre-eminent Irish independent label of the post-punk era Reekus Records celebrates 30 years in existence with a broad and varied selection from its sometimes roster, including selected rarities and previously unheard material.

For Information / Interview requests with Elvera Butler:
Stevo Berube / Berube Communications stevo@berubecommunications.com  or +353 (0)87 244 2695

30th years after the release of Kaught at the Kampus , this 40 track, 2 CD compilation album features tracks from that first release right through to the current and future releases. All of the 20 tracks on CD1 are available on CD for the first time including two ‘ lost tracks ' from Microdisney , which were recorded in Windmill Lane studios in 1981 but unreleased at the time, and two unreleased tracks from Paul Cleary/The Blades , and the album also features the classic Blades single, the original version of Downmarket. Among the other tracks from the early days are gems from Belfast's Big Self, and the original Aslan recording of their classic hit This Is. Known as the ‘demo' version, this was released in May '86 and is said to be the longest playlisted single on Irish radio; Aslan subsequently went on to sign with EMI and re-record ‘This Is' for that label, though to the afficiandos the original Reekus version has a greater warmth and feel than the later versions. ‘Please Don't Stop' the b-side to the original 7” vinyl version of This Is, is also included, as is the b-side from the original 12” version ‘Been So Long'. Also included on CD1 are tracks from Some Kind Of Wonderful, Montage, Nigel Rolfe, Barry Warner, The Camino Organisation and Nun Attax.

CD2 features tracks from 2000 onwards a including Paul Cleary , Sweet Jane, The Radio, Perry Blake, and Saville, Deetrich, Saccade and Keith Moss.

Hotpress supremo Niall Stokes, commenting on the album says:

Independent record labels are crucial to any music scene – and in many respects Reekus Records has been the outstanding independent label in Ireland over the past 30 years. It is extraordinary to look back at the roll-call of great artists that the label has incubated and supported at different times – including The Blades, Big Self, Nun Attax, Micro Disney, Aslan, The Moondogs, Perry Blake, Saville and David Hopkins, among them, as well as recent contenders like Saccade and Sweet Jane, among others.

Running an independent label is a labour of love – and in that respect no one has shown a more genuine and enduring love for the music than the label founder, driving force and inspiration, Elvera Butler. Irish music owes her a huge debt of gratitude – and the release of this 2 CD 'Best Of' celebrating 30 years on the road for Reekus is as good a time as any to repay it. Here's to another 30 years!”

Too Late To Stop Now is scheduled for its official release on Friday March 2nd 2012 , though pre-release copies are available for purchase online from the Reekus website and at Tower Records in Dublin.

 
 
 
 
the pale
FREE App 'I Woke Up And I Was Gone'
Now Available From the Apple App Store

www.pale.ie

Legendary Dublin band The Pale have launched an App to coincide with the release of their new album 'I Woke Up And I Was Gone'.  The App takes the form of a tour of Dublin, which sees the band taking in some of the more interesting, innovative and inspirational sights the city has to offer. Along the way they perform acoustic versions songs from the album at each location, chat to the patrons of the various businesses and  initiatives they visit and give their own unique insight into a lesser spotted side of Dublin.

According to Matthew Devereux, lead singer with the band, 'The Pale App is a journey using the vehicle of twelve new songs and two musicians with one day to shoot a 2011 document of Dublin that covers twelve handpicked locations in the Centre of Dublin, Some new, Some old, All of them interesting.'

Additional functionality will be added to the album once the album is launched allowing users who visit the locations to 'check in' and download the studio version of that location's song when they visit. 'Our early singles 'Butterfly' and 'Dog With No Tail' were accompanied with maps of Dublin' says Devereux. 'We wanted to update that concept with new technology to make it more interactive.  We've had a brilliant time making this, meeting some great people and discovering some hidden gems along the way,'

The videos were filmed by Darragh Byrne and shot over the course of a single day in September 2011.

The application also contains a comprehensive history of the band, a full discography, and videography with links to their videos The App will be continuously updated with tour dates and new release information.

The App has already been downloaded as far afield as China, America and Japan. I Woke Up And I Was Gone is available now in the Apple App store. An Android version will be ready in the near future.


'I Woke Up And I Was Gone'
Available in Ireland from 1969 Records Late-Spring 2012

For Information / Interview requests:

Stevo Berube / Berube Communications stevo@berubecommunications.com or +353 (0)87 244 2695

 
 
 
 
TOM RUSSELL
::: Irish Tour 2012 :::

Jan 25th - Belfast - Errigle Inn (The Real Music Club) (028 9064 1410 / www.realmusicclub.com / www.errigle.com )
Jan 26th - Portstewart -The Flowerfield Arts Centre (028 7083 1400 / www.realmusicclub.com / www.flowerfield.org )
Jan 27th - Galway - Kelly's Bridge Street ( http://www.kellysbar. ie/venue.php )
Jan 28th - Roscrea - Damer Court Hotel (Grants) 0505 23300

Tom Russell is a master storyteller and Mesabi, his new release on Proper, corrals some of the acclaimed singer-songwriter's most compelling tales to date.

A thread runs through its songs, a zigzagging but determinedly solid line that connects the perilous bordertown of Juarez, Mexico to the real and faux glitz of L.A. and the bleak iron range of Minnesota—the Mesabi of the album's title. The broad landscapes created by Tom Russell for Mesabi are inhabited by characters we all know - Bob Dylan, James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor - and some we may not: the now-obscure, once well-known singer Cliff “Ukulele Ike” Edwards, the tragic Disney child star Bobby Driscoll and the character actor Sterling Hayden.

It's a logical progression from Russell's last album, 2009's Blood and Candle Smoke, yet it's like no other album Russell has made in his nearly four decades as a recording artist.

For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs:
Stevo Berube / Berube Communications stevo@berubecommunications.com or +353 (0)87 244 2695

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
One Of The Top 10 Artists To Know In 2011” -- The New York Post
"The Coronas are that curious but irresistible case study, a people's band" -- Hot Press
"The Coronas have become an Irish phenomenon" -- Irish Independent Day & Night Magazine
"Ireland's new favourite sons" -- Rave Magazine

THE CORONAS
::: LIVE ::: NYE Dublin The Countdown Concert - Headliners
New Years Eve ~ College Green,Dublin For Ticket Information Check
www.nyedublin.ie

www.thecoronas.net

The Coronas to headline Dublin's first official New Year's festival – NYE Dublin. The legendary local band will perform live at the Countdown Concert on 31st December in College green.

For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs for the Coronas:

Jim Lawless jim@thecoronas.net or +353 (0)86 835 4349
Kate Knox  kate@thecoronas.net  or +353 (0)85 121 8793
Stevo Berube / Berube Communications stevo@berubecommunications.com or +353 (0)87 244 2695

The New Album ..
"Closer to You"

Out Now on 3ú Records
Featuring the single "Addicted To Progress"
Produced by Tony Hoffer - Recorded in the Sound Factory (Los Angeles)
www.thecoronas.net

Produced by Tony Hoffer (Air, Beck, The Kooks, Belle & Sebastian)

The Coronas release their eagerly awaited 3rd album. Recorded in the Sound Factory (Los Angeles), the Dublin based band have made their most far-reaching album to date and just completed a sold out nationwide tour which includes SIX shows in Dublin's OLYMPIA THEATRE. Ireland has been home to some of the most influential artists and Dublin rock band The Coronas are no exception. This platinum-selling four piece have established themselves as one of Irelands biggest bands AND are now ready to take their place on the world stage. Their high energy live shows have made them one of the country's most popular concert attractions, and this summer they sold out their biggest ever headline concert in Marley Park to over 7,000 fans. The Coronas platinum-selling album “Tony Was An Ex-Con” shot straight to #1 in the Irish Indie and iTunes charts and #3 in the National Album chart and won the guys a prestigious Meteor Award for album of the year beating the likes of U2, The Script and Snow Patrol.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Ham Sandwich

::: LIVE :::
New Year's Eve "HAM'manay" + Special Guests

The Village, 26 Wexford Street, Dublin 2
Tickets 15 Euro ~ Doors 9pm

Tickets Now Available from the WaV Box Office 39 Camden Row (beside Whelan's Venue)
Opening Hours Mon to Fri: 1pm – 8pm, Sat: 4pm – 8pm Lo Call 1890 200 078 or online wavtickets.com

 

Upcoming Ham Sandwich Shows:

WEST MEATH - Mullingar - Danny Byrnes - 2nd December
KERRY - Dingle - OTHER VOICES - 4th December
GALWAY - Monrose - 9th December
MEATH - Kells - The Headford - 23rd December
DUBLIN - The Village - 31 December
DUBLIN - The Academy (MCD) - 18th Feburary 2012

For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs:

Stevo Berube / Berube Communications stevo@berubecommunications.com or +353 (0)87 244 2695

2011 has been an absolutely amazing year for HAM SANDWICH and the Kells-based band want to finish it off with a bang with their very own New Year's Eve "HAMmanay" blow-out in Dublin's The Village Venue on December 31st. Looking back on the year it's difficult to pinpoint where it all went right! Starting the year off by releasing the 3rd single from their highly acclaimed album "White Fox", the band never envisioned "Ants" becoming the huge hit that it did getting playlisted on virtually every radio staion in the country. Video director Marc Corrigan approached the band with an unorthodox idea for a video for "Ants" featuring an animated ant in the most unlikely of scenarios for a video using stop-motion animation. The end result exceeded everyones expectations and once it went viral online, Ham Sandwich landed themselves a whole new global fanbase.

At the recent IMTV Awards, Marc scooped the "Best Concept" Award for the "Ants" video. The "Ants" tour saw the band selling out venues across the country  which ultimately landed them on Festival bills across Ireland & the UK as a "must have" act on any line-up. Attendance to Ham Sandwich's performances at such festivals such as Forbidden Fruit, The Electric Picnic, The Sea Sessions, and Indie-Pendence were jam packed and certainly a talking point! Over in the UK they were invited to perform on the BBC Introducing Stage at the Leeds & Reading Festivals and what transpired can only be seen to be believed (google it!). Ham Sandwich were also selected to participate in the prestiguous music industry showcase festivals South-By-Southwest in Austin, Texas and Popkomm in Berlin. Ham Sandwich were then chosen as The Best Festival Entertainment act in 2011 by Members. AOIFE (the Association Of Irish Festival Events). While the band were clocking up their travel miles, their music was being featured in various TV shows such as Fade Street, The Sunday Game, Off The Rails, Raw, and the upcoming The Importance of Being Whatever. TV performances included Bulletin TV, The View, Ceol Ar An Imeall and then finishing off 2011 with the acclaimed Other Voices for the 2012 series.

One of the biggest honours bestowed upon Ham Sandwich in 2011 was the inclusion of their "White Fox" album in the new book "101 IRISH RECORDS YOU MUST HEAR BEFORE YOU DIE" written by legendary Irish Times music journalist Tony Clayton-Lea. Then to top it off nicely, they were asked by Tony personally to perform at the book's launch. In December the band plan to re-release "White Fox" digitally to include several bonus tracks; details on this will be announced on the band's website.

Ham Sandwich - A Short Introduction Some rock bands fret too much about the successful fusion of commerce and creativity. Some rock bands think they can second-guess the music fan by blending strategies for world domination with mix-and-match, catch-all music. Ham Sandwich, however, instinctively react to rock music more than spending too much time thinking about it – which is nowhere near as bad as it might sound – and it is this that marks them out as one of the best Irish rock acts of recent years. Their unique sound is built around the dovetail vocals of Niamh & Podge flying against a cloudy sky, with catchy yet intricate songs.

The Kells-based band have become one of the most consistent acts in the country in regards to producing a steady diet of pop-tinged melodic songs with a twist. Gradually brushing off their ‘guitar-indie band' tag, Ham Sandwich's fan base continues to grow steadily as the band pushes the boundaries with their song writing, instrumentation, & arrangements. Now regarded as one of the best drawing live acts in Ireland, the band's live shows have consistantly garnered excellent reviews. With the album "White Fox" consistantly in the charts and their singles -- especially their biggest commercial hit to date "Ants" -- gaining regular radio play across the country, 2011 will be remembered as the year of the Ham Sandwich! White Fox is Produced by Karl Odlum & mastered in Abbey Road Studios by Peter Mew (David Bowie, Beatles, ELO, Bob Marley).

"There isn't a duff tune here, which makes it that very rare thing: an album you can listen to all the way through without being tempted to press fastforward" ~ Tony Clayton-Lea THE IRISH TIMES (The Ticket - Review of "White Fox")

 
     
 
JAMES VINCENT McMORROW
Presents €20,000 Cheque to HEADSTRONG
for
SILVER LINING Charity Album Proceeds
Press Photo 1: (L-R) Shaun Cadogan - student at Sound Training Centre involved in making the album, Tony Bates - Founding Director of Headstrong, James Vincent McMorrow, Brian Carty -  Sound Training Centre Principal. Press Photo 2: (L-R) James Vincent McMorrow and Louize Carroll - musician (2 songs on the album) and psychologist in Headstrong .

"Silver Lining" , the charity album in conjunction with Headstrong and the Sound Training Centre , first went on sale back in May 2011 and has become a huge success. The album won the Audio/Music production category in The Digital Hub's Best in Show 2011 Awards . James Vincent McMorrow's cover of Steve Winwood's hit ‘Higher Love' from the album now features on Amazon's LOVEFILM.com advertisement. This ad is currently airing on television. James has also included ‘Higher Love' as a B-side to his new vinyl for the single ‘We Don't Eat'. This is great news because James has very kindly agreed to donate all monies paid to him by Amazon to Headstrong . A combination of James' donation and funds raised from the sale of the album come to €20,000 so far!

High Resolution Photos and interview requests:
Maggie Gallagher - Sound Training Centre - Temple Bar Music Centre, Dublin  - (01) 670 9033 or soundtrainingcentre@gmail.com
Orlaith Foley - Headstrong - (1) 4727 010 or Orlaith@headstrong.ie
Stevo Berube - Berube Communications info@berubecommunications.com or +353 (0)87 244 2695
If you would like a copy of the album, you can buy it on iTunes on http://lnkd.in/Mu69TD "SILVER LINING"

Cover Versions of Hits from 1986 By Contemporary Irish Artists

Proceeds will go to “Headstrong”, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health. Generously Supported by O2

Produced, Recorded, & Released by the Final Year Students in the Sound Training Centre (Dublin)  - €10 in O2 Shops, All Good Record Shops, & iTunes.

Album Tracklisting:

Superfly Featuring Bressie – Sledgehammer (Peter Gabriel)
Louize Carroll – You're the Voice (John Farnham)
James V McMorrow – Higher Love (Steve Winwood)
Superfly Featuring Paul Noonan (Bell-X1) – You can call me Al (Paul Simon)
The Cast Of Cheers – Dangerzone (Kenny Loggins)
Heathers – True Colors (Cyndi Lauper)
The Chapters – Hip to be Square (Huey Lewis)
This Club – Dancing on the Ceiling (Lionel Richie)
Dublin Gospel Choir – Livin on a Prayer (Bon Jovi)
R.S.A.G – There is a Light That Never Goes Out (The Smiths)

The Final Year students in the Sound Training Centre have put together a charity album continuing a run of successful releases which included artists such as The Corrs, Bell X1, Republic of Loose, Damien Dempsey, The Thrills, Lisa Hannigan and many more on previous albums.The title of this year's album is “Silver Lining”, a title which invokes positivity and suggests hope for the future.  The album comprises of contemporary Irish artists covering hits from the year 1986, 25 years ago. We chose 1986 specifically, not only for the great songs, but it also coincides with the formation of the Sound Training Centre. In 2011 the proceeds will help the charity “Headstrong” ( www.headstrong.ie ),  the national centre for youth mental health. Headstrong's aim is to change how Ireland thinks about young people's mental health. They envision an Ireland where young people are connected to their community and have the resilience to face challenges to their mental health.  Throughout our campaign to raise funds and awareness for Headstrong we will be generously supported by O2, who themselves are affiliated with Headstrong through their 'Think Big' social action programme

 
 
 
 

CRY BEFORE DAWN
::: LIVE :::

These shows have been postponed until the New Year
Friday December 2nd - Cyprus Avenue - Cork
Saturday December 3rd - Button Factory - Dublin
Sunday December 4th - Forum - Waterford

CBD's classic single ”The Seed That's Been Sown” is currently featured in new Kia Rio advertising campaign for Kia Motors Ireland.

 

After almost 18 years apart - the acclaimed Wexford band Cry Before Dawn with two hugely acclaimed multi platinum albums to their credit - succumbed to fan pressure to reform for a summer tour in 2011. The tour was a massive success, including sold out concerts in Dublin's Vicar St and two nights at Wexford's Opera House, as well as appearances the Electric Picnic and the London Feis festivals, playing alongside Bob Dylan, Van Morrison and other greats.

Continuing on from the success of the re-union, the band will play three special dates in December 2011. These shows will celebrate the release of a new live album “Live At The Opera House” recorded over the two Wexford Opera House shows in May. This initial limited edition issue of the album will be on sale exclusively at the gigs. Live At The Opera House is independent release by the band and was produced and mixed by guitarist Steve Belton, who will again join Brendan, Vinnie and Pat on stage for the December shows. The multi talented Dara Munnis completes the line-up on keyboards.

Band history: 1986 - Cry Before Dawn released their first single “Follow Me “with Dawn Records, a song which landed them a deal with international label CBS. The highly acclaimed debut album “Crimes of Conscience” spawned 3 hit records in Ireland: the trad tinged “Gone Forever,” the gutsy “The Seed that's Been Sown” and the anthemic “The Girl in The Ghetto”. These instant classics paved the way for the second album, “Witness for the World”, which in turn produced three major hits for the band: the politically informed “Witness for the World”, the Dylanesque “Last of the Sun “and the beautiful melancholy of “No Living Without You”.  Produced in Los Angeles the recordings had a different sound, but was still instantly recognisable, laced as it was with Brendan Wade's powerful vocals and intelligent lyrics, Pat Hayes's pounding, insistent drums, Tony Hall's delicate yet razor sharp guitars and Vinnie Doyle's looping, virtuoso bass. Cry Before Dawn have performed on many TV shows including RTE's “The Late Late Show” and “Kenny Live”, as well as a memorable performance of “Witness for the World “in 1989 on the institution that was the BBC's “Wogan”. Cry Before Dawn had sold out tours all over the UK and Ireland on numerous occasions, even selling out the National Stadium Dublin.
 
 
 
 
THE GANDHIS
"HUNTING"
Irish Release Date 25/11/11 on 1969 RECORDS
Produced by Andy Knightley
www.thegandhismusic.com

::: LIVE ::: Launch gig for "Hunting" - Sat 26/11/11 at Odessa, Dublin, 8pm. Tickets 10 Euro

Following their packed set at Electric Picnic & touring with the acclaimed Portland band Richmond Fontaine, the Gandhis return with a new single - "Hunting" - from the forthcoming album "After Autumn" which is pencilled in for release in early 2012 by acclaimed independent Irish music label 1969 Records, home of the Duckworth Lewis Method, Pugwash, Dave Couse, The Pale, Lir, Q, & Niall Colfer.

Reflective of a much more mature sound and possessing a newfound songwriting confidence since the release of their debut "You Are My Friend" back in 2009, the band have evolved up to a whole new level of musicianship while working extensively with the acclaimed producer & recording impresario Andy Knightley and legendary Dublin guitar bad-ass Conor Brady (The Blades, The Commitments, Jerry Fish, The Corrs, The Partisans, amongst many others). After developing their own unique style of pop quirkiness, epitomized in their self-released debut single 'Zaza' , The Gandhis were signed to 1969 Records. The fruit of this labour was to culminate in 2009's debut album "You Are My Friend" launched to a packed Whelans followed by a handful of high-profile RTÉ appearances (Arena, Saturday Night with Miriam O'Callaghan, The Cafe) . "Hunting" will be available as a free digital download through all usual channels and through the band's website.

 
 
 
 
One Of The Top 10 Artists To Know In 2011” -- The New York Post
"The Coronas are that curious but irresistible case study, a people's band" -- Hot Press
"The Coronas have become an Irish phenomenon" -- Irish Independent Day & Night Magazine
"Ireland's new favourite sons" -- Rave Magazine

THE CORONAS
"Closer to You"
Out 11-11-11 Available on 3s Records
Featuring the single "Addicted To Progress"
Produced by Tony Hoffer - Recorded in the Sound Factory (Los Angeles)

www.thecoronas.net

Produced by Tony Hoffer (Air, Beck, The Kooks, Belle & Sebastian) The Coronas release their eagerly awaited 3rd album. Recorded in the Sound Factory (Los Angeles), the Dublin based band have made their most far-reaching album to date & will be embarking on a nationwide tour which includes FIVE shows in Dublin's OLYMPIA THEATRE. Ireland has been home to some of the most influential artists and Dublin rock band The Coronas are no exception. This platinum-selling four piece have established themselves as one of Irelands biggest bands AND are now ready to take their place on the world stage. Their high energy live shows have made them one of the country's most popular concert attractions, and this summer they sold out their biggest ever headline concert in Marley Park to over 7,000 fans.

The Coronas ::: LIVE ::: Irish Tour Dates 2011:

Nov 25th - Live at the Big Top, Limerick
Nov 26th - Nerve Centre, Derry
Nov 27th - Empire Music Hall, Belfast
Dec 2nd – Black Box, Galway
Dec 5th, 6th, 8th, 9th, 10th - The Olympia, Dublin
Dec 15th - The Savoy Theatre, Cork
Dec 17th - The Forum, Waterford
Dec 26th – Royal Theatre and Event Center, Mayo
Dec 28th – INEC Gleneagle Hotel, Kerry


Check thecoronas.net for updates The Coronas platinum-selling album “Tony Was An Ex-Con” shot straight to #1 in the Irish Indie and iTunes charts and #3 in the National Album chart and won the guys a prestigious Meteor Award for album of the year beating the likes of U2, The Script and Snow Patrol.

  • The Coronas sold out 3 nights in a row at The Olympia over the Christmas of 2010 and were special guests on The Script's European Tour this year.
  • They also have previously played Ireland's Oxegen Festival in front of a crowd of 30,000 and have performed at many major UK and European festivals including Benicassim and Hard Rock Calling winning over a legion of new fans.
  • The Coronas opened for Sir Paul McCartney in Dublin and also shared the stage with him at the Isle of Wight festival last summer.
  • Hit singles include “San Diego Song”, “Someone Else's Hands”, “Won't Leave You Alone” AND 'Listen Dear'.
  • The band maintains a high profile on YouTube with over 1million collective views and an international following.
 
 
 
 
JOHN COOPER CLARKE
::: LIVE ::: Irish Tour 2011
johncooperclarke.com
November '11

Wed 9th - BELFAST, Black Box
Thu 10th - LETTERKENNY, Regional Cultural Centre
Fri 11th - DUBLIN, Button Factory
Sat 12th - CORK, The Pavilion
Sun 13th - GALWAY, Roisin Dubh
  • John Cooper Clarke is a British performance poet from Salford. He is considered a major figure in punk poetry and punk literature.
  • Often referred to as "the bard of Salford", he usually refers to himself on stage as "Johnny Clarke, the name behind the hairstyle".
  • He made an appearance in two UK adverts for Sugar Puffs in 1988, taking second billing to the Honey Monster.
  • Clarke's recording of "Evidently Chickentown" from his album Snap, Crackle & Bop was also featured prominently in the closing scene of the The Sopranos episode Stage 5.
  • His poem "Out of Control Fairground" was printed inside Arctic Monkeys' single "Fluorescent Adolescent" CD, which was released on 9 July 2007. The poem is also the inspiration behind the single's video in which clowns brawl.
  • John Cooper Clarke's poems have featured on the GCSE English syllabus.

 
 
 
 
RICHMOND FONTAINE

Kicks Off Irish Tour Nov. 4 - Dublin, Cork, Kilkenny, Belfast, & Galway

''The High Country'' New Album Out Now on Decor
richmondfontaine.com

::: Irish Tour (Full Band) ::: November 2011

4 - Fri -  Workman's Club - Dublin
5 - Sat - Cyprus Ave - Cork
6 - Sun - Cleere's - Kilkenny
7 - Mon - Empire - Belfast
8 - Tue - Roisin Dubh - Galway

>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<

Produced by John Askew | Recorded at Type Foundry and Scenic Burrows, Portland, Oregon

An operatically tragic tale is told in Richmond Fontaine's 10th studio album, THE HIGH COUNTRY. Songwriter and novelist Willy Vlautin has written an extraordinarily eccentric album like no other. More than a concept piece, the Portland, Oregon four-piece have crafted a song-novel, in which a gripping tale is spun with fully fleshed-out characters, changing scenes, snippets of radio and spoken word passages. It's a spectacularly unique album.

Richmond Fontaine's frontman, Willy Vlautin, is a published novelist whose 2006 debut, The Motel Life, has just been turned into a major motion picture directed by the Polsky Brothers and starring Dakota Fanning, Stephen Dorff, Emile Hirschand, and Kris Kristofferson and will hit the cinemas in 2012. With Richmond Fontaine's latest album, he's combined that story-telling prowess with his songwriting gift to stunning effect.

Set in a rural logging community in Oregon, THE HIGH COUNTRY is a gothic love story between a mechanic and an auto parts store counter girl, whose secret love inspires an effort to escape the darkness of the world that surrounds them -- drugs, violence, madness, loneliness, and desperation set against a backdrop of endless logging roads and the remains of a forest brutalized by logging. In this story of light vs dark, Vlautin has woven a tale where f**k-ups and freaks demonize the lives of innocents.

THE HIGH COUNTRY features Richmond Fontaine members Dan Eccles (guitar), Dave Harding (bass, guitar, vocals), Sean Oldham (percussion, keyboards, guitar, vocals) and Willy Vlautin (vocals, guitar) joined by The Damnations' Deborah Kelly (lead vocals on four songs) and Fontaine regulars Paul Brainard (pedal steel), Ralph Huntley (keyboards, accordion) and Collin Oldham (cello, cellomobo). Producer and film scorer John Askew brings his knack for creating atmosphere and sonic depth to the record.

From stark, romantic ballads and dialogue sequences to raw Northwest garage rock and cinematic songscapes, this album sees Richmond Fontaine's musical trajectory soar far beyond their cowpunk roots, ably assisted by producer John Askew (The Dodos, Karl Blau)Deborah Kelley from The Damnations' provides the female voice on the record. Kelley is a long-term collaborator with the group and also sang on their break through album Post to Wire.

Ahead of the album's release, the track Lost In The Trees will be released as a single. Existing outside of the direct narrative of the album, it's described by Vlautin as “a song about doing drugs in the middle of nowhere and getting lost,” though the 7” single package does come with a set of documents that flesh out the world of The High Country, including a bumper sticker from KSAW logging radio and a beer mat produced to locate the tale's missing girl. Its release will be marked with a special one-off acoustic show at London's Prince Charles Theatre.

 
 
 
 
ELEVENS
'Torn At The Seams' EP Out 11-11-11 at 11am on 22 Recordings / iTunes
The video for the title track: http://vimeo.com/29478747
www.elevensmusic.ne
t

::: EP LAUNCH SHOW ::: 11-11-11 THE UNITARIAN CHURCH - Dublin - 11 Euro Doors 8:30pm

Following on from their recent triumphant gig in London's legendary venue Ronnie Scott's (attended by Morrissey & Chrissie Hynde ), the music & visual concept artists known as ELEVENS , named after the Finglas Dublin 11 postcode from which they hail, return following their soldout performance in Dublin's Project Arts Centre and the Odessa Club with the release of their second collection of songs of love lost & found. The new 6-track EP, entitled "Torn At The Seams", includes 3 new recorded tracks alongside 3 live takes from their debut Project Arts Centre show last April.

The launch of the 'Torn At The Seams' EP takes place on 11/11/11 at The Unitarian Church, 112 St Stephens Green West, Dublin 2 at 8:30pm.

ELEVENS is an acoustic guitar based musical & visual concept created by Martin McCann (SACK), Tony Barrett (BRILLIANT TREES), & Mark Healy (THE JOSEPHS, SUBTONICS) with additional musical colour of Omnichord, Melodica & Toy Bells amongst other gadgetry. Their debut EP "Tender to the Touch" was released last June to great acclaim.

ELEVENS - Live - November 2011

4 - The Dock, Carrick on Shannon
11 - Unitarian Church. Dublin (E.P. Launch)
23 - The Roundy Bar, Cork
25 - Black Box, Belfast

For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs:

Stevo Berube / Berube Communications stevo@berubecommunications. com or +353 (0)87 244 2695

Contact for ELEVENS - 3elevens@gmail.com

 
 
 
 
THE CORONAS
"Addicted To Progress"
The 1st Single From the Upcoming New Album "Closer toYou"
Single Out 4-11-11 / Album Out 11-11-11 Available on 3ú Records
Produced by Tony Hoffer - Recorded in the Sound Factory (Los Angeles)

www.thecoronas.net

Ireland has been home to some of the most influential artists and Dublin rock band The Coronas are no exception. This platinum-selling four piece have established themselves as one of Irelands biggest bands AND are now ready to take their place on the world stage. Their high energy live shows have made them one of the country's most popular concert attractions, and this summer they sold out their biggest ever headline concert in Marley Park to over 7,000 fans.

The Coronas are currently recording their eagerly awaited 3rd album in LA with producer Tony Hoffer who has worked with the likes of Air, Beck, The Kooks, Belle and Sebastian and many more. The album is set to be released November 11, 2011


The New York Post lists The Coronas as “One Of The Top 10 Artists To Know In 2011”,  and with a new single set for release in September, and their new album to hit the shelves in November, The Coronas certainly are the band to look out for this year.

::: LIVE ::: Irish Tour Dates:

Sat 26th Nov - Nerve Center, Derry
Sun 27th Nov - Empire Music Hall, Belfast
Mon 5th Dec - Olympia Theatre, Dublin
Tues 6th Dec - Olympia Theatre, Dublin
Thur 8th Dec - Olympia Theatre, Dublin
Fri  9th Dec - Olympia Theatre, Dublin
Sat 10th Dec - Olympia Theatre, Dublin
Thur 15th Dec - Savoy, Cork
Sat 17th Dec - The Fourm, Waterford


More Dates to be added

The Coronas platinum-selling album “Tony Was An Ex-Con” shot straight to #1 in the Irish Indie and iTunes charts and #3 in the National Album chart and won the guys a prestigious Meteor Award for album of the year beating the likes of U2, The Script and Snow Patrol.

  • The Coronas sold out 3 nights in a row at The Olympia over the Christmas of 2010 and were special guests on The Script's European Tour this year.
  • They also have previously played Ireland's Oxegen Festival in front of a crowd of 30,000 and have performed at many major UK and European festivals including Benicassim and Hard Rock Calling winning over a legion of new fans.
  • The Coronas opened for Sir Paul McCartney in Dublin and also shared the stage with him at the Isle of Wight festival last summer.
  • Hit singles include “San Diego Song”, “Someone Else's Hands”, “Won't Leave You Alone” AND 'Listen Dear'.
  • The band maintains a high profile on YouTube with over 1million collective views and an international following.

 
 
 
 
TOM PAXTON
www.tompaxton.com

Tom's songs have a way of sneaking up on you. You find yourself humming them, whistling them, and singing a verse to a friend. They are reaching around the world more than he is, or any of us could have realized. Keep on, Tom!" - Pete Seeger

2011 Irish Tour Dates:

Wed 28th September - DUBLIN, National Concert Hall (Main auditorium)
Thu 29th September - KILWORTH, Arts Centre (sold out)
Fri 30th September - GALWAY, Town Hall Theatre
Sat 1st October - CULDAFF, McGrory's
Sun 2nd October - BELFAST, Black Box
Mon 3rd October - BELFAST, Black Box

Tom Paxton has become a voice of his generation, addressing issues of injustice and inhumanity, laying bare the absurdities of modern culture and celebrating the tenderest bonds of family, friends, and community .

In describing Tom Paxton's influence on his fellow musicians, Pete Seeger has said: "Tom's songs have a way of sneaking up on you. You find yourself humming them, whistling them, and singing a verse to a friend. Like the songs of Woody Guthrie, they're becoming part of America." Pete goes on: "In a small village near Calcutta, in 1998, a villager who could not speak English sang me What Did You Learn In School Today? in Bengali! Tom Paxton's songs are reaching around the world more than he is, or any of us could have realized. Keep on, Tom!"

Guy Clark adds: "Thirty years ago Tom Paxton taught a generation of traditional folksingers that it was noble to write your own songs, and, like a good guitar, he just gets better with age." Paxton has been an integral part of the songwriting and folk music community since the early 60's Greenwich Village scene, and continues to be a primary influence on today's "New Folk" performers. The Chicago native came to New York via Oklahoma, which he considers to be his home state. His family moved there in 1948, when Tom was 10 years old, and he graduated from Bristow High School and The University of Oklahoma, where he majored in drama while his interest in folk music grew and eventually predominated.

Brought to New York courtesy of the US Army, Tom remained there following his discharge. His early success in Greenwich Village coffeehouses, such as The Gaslight and The Bitter End, led to an ever-increasing circle of work. Then in 1965 he made his first tour of the United Kingdom -- the beginning of a still-thriving professional relationship that has included at least one tour in each of the succeeding years.

He and his wife, Midge, have been married 46 years and have two daughters, Jennifer and Kate. All three women have served as inspiration for many songs, and now three grandsons, Christopher, Sean, and Peter are adding to the sources of inspiration.

He has performed thousands of concerts around the world in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, Scandinavia, France, Italy, Belgium, Holland, England, Scotland, Ireland and Canada. That these fans still enjoy his work is a testament to the quality of his recent work, and to the enduring power of modern standards like The Last Thing On My Mind , Ramblin' Boy , Bottle Of Wine , Whose Garden Was This? , Goin' To The Zoo and The Marvelous Toy . Paxton's songbooks, critically acclaimed children's books (available from HarperCollins - see the page for children), award-winning children's recordings, and a catalog of hundreds of songs (recorded by artists running the gamut from Willie Nelson to Placido Domingo), all serve to document Tom Paxton's 40-year career.

Tom received a 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy during the 51st Annual GRAMMY® Awards. He was nominated for a GRAMMY for Comedians and Angels in 2007, and Live in the U.K. in 2006. He was also nominated for GRAMMYS in 2003 for his Appleseed Records CD, Looking For The Moon , and in 2002 for his children's CD, Your Shoes, My Shoes . He has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from ASCAP, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the BBC in London.

Tom Paxton's place in folk music is secured not just by hit records and awards, but by the admiration of three generations of fellow musicians. An internationally recognized and loved cultural figure, he has always chosen goodwill over commercial success. His generosity has taken the shape of a benefit concert performance for a little girl fighting leukemia, or a personal note of encouragement to an up-and-coming songwriter. This is the man who wrote and lives the words, "Peace will come, and let it begin with me."

He is one of the great songwriters of the last century and will be reckoned as one of the greats in this new century, as well. He is a man we have come to regard as our friend .

"Tom Paxton's songs are so powerful and lyrical, written from the heart and the conscience, and they reach their mark, our most inner being. He writes stirring songs of social protest and gentle songs of love, each woven together with his personal gift for language. His melodies haunt, his lyrics reverberate. I have sung Tom's songs for three decades and will go on doing so in the new century, for they are beautiful and timeless, and meant for every age." - Judy Collins

"Tom Paxton embodies the spirit of folk music in the most beautiful sense. Not just in his song crafting, his work ethic, his politics and his dedication to people's music, but also in his kind and generous heart. When I first started playing folk festivals, I was all of eighteen, shaved headed and politically outspoken. Many people in the folk community at that time seemed defensive and threatened by me, but I remember Tom was a notable exception. He was nothing but warm, welcoming and supportive to me from the git go. He's the coolest." - Ani DiFranco

"Every folk singer I know has either sung a Tom Paxton song, is singing a Tom Paxton song or will soon sing a Tom Paxton song. Now either all the folk singers are wrong, or Tom Paxton is one hell of a songwriter." - Holly Near BIOGRAPHY


Tom Paxton is one of the great songwriters of our time. His songs, recorded and released over an incredible 34 albums, are known and loved around the world and have been recorded by hundreds of artists as diverse as Pete Seeger, Willie Nelson and Placido Domingo. Ramblin' Boy. ‘The Last Thing On My Mind', ‘Ramblin' Boy', ‘Bottle Of Wine', ‘Whose Garden Was This?', ‘Goin' To The Zoo' and ‘The Marvellous Toy' are just a few of his truly timeless works…

Tom Paxton has become a voice of his generation, addressing issues of injustice and inhumanity, laying bare the absurdities of modern culture and celebrating the tenderest bonds of family, friends, and community. Guy Clark adds: "Thirty years ago Tom Paxton taught a generation of traditional folksingers that it was noble to write your own songs, and, like a good guitar, he just gets better with age."

Originally from Chicago, Tom moved to New York via Oklahoma, which he considers to be his home state. His family moved there in 1948, when Tom was 10 years old, and he graduated from Bristow High School and The University of Oklahoma, where he majored in drama while his interest in folk music grew and eventually predominated.

Brought to New York courtesy of the US Army, Tom remained there following his discharge. His early success in Greenwich Village coffee-houses such as The Gaslight and The Bitter End, led to an ever-increasing circle of work. Then in 1965 he made his first tour of the United Kingdom - the beginning of a still-thriving professional relationship that has included at least one tour in each of the succeeding years.
He and his wife Midge have been married 36 years and have two daughters, Jennifer and Kate. All three women have served as inspiration for many songs, and now grandson Christopher is adding to the sources of inspiration.

He has performed thousands of concerts around the world and that these fans still enjoy him is a testament to the quality of his work. Paxton's songbooks, critically acclaimed children's books (available award-winning children's recordings, and a catalogue of hundreds of songs all serve to document his extraordinary 40-year career. Tom Paxton's place in folk music is secured not just by hit records and awards, but by the admiration of three generations of fellow musicians. An internationally recognized and loved cultural figure, he has always chosen goodwill over commercial success. His generosity has taken the shape of a benefit concert performance for a little girl fighting leukemia, or a personal note of encouragement to an up-and-coming songwriter. This is the man who wrote and lives the words ‘peace will come, and let it begin with me.'

He is a man the World has come to regard as its friend.

 
 
 
 
RICHMOND FONTAINE
"The High Country"
Album Released in Ireland - September 2nd 2011 on Decor
richmondfontaine.com

::: Irish Tour (Full Band) ::: November 2011

4 - Fri -  Workman's Club - Dublin
5 - Sat - Cyprus Ave - Cork
6 - Sun - Cleere's - Kilkenny
7 - Mon - Empire - Belfast
8 - Tue - Roisin Dubh - Galway

>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<

Produced by John Askew | Recorded at Type Foundry and Scenic Burrows, Portland, Oregon

An operatically tragic tale is told in Richmond Fontaine's 10th studio album, THE HIGH COUNTRY. Songwriter and novelist Willy Vlautin has written an extraordinarily eccentric album like no other. More than a concept piece, the Portland, Oregon four-piece have crafted a song-novel, in which a gripping tale is spun with fully fleshed-out characters, changing scenes, snippets of radio and spoken word passages. It's a spectacularly unique album.

Richmond Fontaine's frontman, Willy Vlautin, is a published novelist whose 2006 debut, The Motel Life, has just been turned into a major motion picture directed by the Polsky Brothers and starring Dakota Fanning, Stephen Dorff, Emile Hirschand, and Kris Kristofferson and will hit the cinemas in 2012. With Richmond Fontaine's latest album, he's combined that story-telling prowess with his songwriting gift to stunning effect.

Set in a rural logging community in Oregon, THE HIGH COUNTRY is a gothic love story between a mechanic and an auto parts store counter girl, whose secret love inspires an effort to escape the darkness of the world that surrounds them -- drugs, violence, madness, loneliness, and desperation set against a backdrop of endless logging roads and the remains of a forest brutalized by logging. In this story of light vs dark, Vlautin has woven a tale where f**k-ups and freaks demonize the lives of innocents.

THE HIGH COUNTRY features Richmond Fontaine members Dan Eccles (guitar), Dave Harding (bass, guitar, vocals), Sean Oldham (percussion, keyboards, guitar, vocals) and Willy Vlautin (vocals, guitar) joined by The Damnations' Deborah Kelly (lead vocals on four songs) and Fontaine regulars Paul Brainard (pedal steel), Ralph Huntley (keyboards, accordion) and Collin Oldham (cello, cellomobo). Producer and film scorer John Askew brings his knack for creating atmosphere and sonic depth to the record.

From stark, romantic ballads and dialogue sequences to raw Northwest garage rock and cinematic songscapes, this album sees Richmond Fontaine's musical trajectory soar far beyond their cowpunk roots, ably assisted by producer John Askew (The Dodos, Karl Blau)Deborah Kelley from The Damnations' provides the female voice on the record. Kelley is a long-term collaborator with the group and also sang on their break through album Post to Wire.

Ahead of the album's release, the track Lost In The Trees will be released as a single. Existing outside of the direct narrative of the album, it's described by Vlautin as “a song about doing drugs in the middle of nowhere and getting lost,” though the 7” single package does come with a set of documents that flesh out the world of The High Country, including a bumper sticker from KSAW logging radio and a beer mat produced to locate the tale's missing girl. Its release will be marked with a special one-off acoustic show at London's Prince Charles Theatre. The full band returns to the UK in September, including a special London date where they will perform the new album and their seminal Post to Wire works both in their entirety. The band then return to Ireland in November 2011 for a 5-date Irish tour.

TOUR DATES

July 19 –  Galway Arts Festival (Willy & Dan acoustic duo) - Willy Vlautin doing an afternoon reading with Roddy Doyle and evening acoustic show at the Roisin Dubh.
July 20 –  Winchester - The Railway (Willy & Dan acoustic duo)
July 21 – London - Prince Charles Theatre (Willy & Dan acoustic duo)
July 23 – Truck Festival -  Oxfordshir e (Willy & Dan acoustic duo)
July 24 – Summertyne Festival – Sage, The Gateshead  (Willy & Dan acoustic duo)
Sept 15 – Manchester – Academy 3
Sept 16 – Oxford – The Bullingdon Arms
Sept 17 – Exeter – The Phoenix
Sept 18 – Winchester – The Railway
Sept 19 – Bristol – The Tunnels
Sept 20 – Sheffield – The Greystones
Sept 21 – Leeds – Brudnell Social Club
Sept 22 – Glasgow – Stereo
Sept 23 – Newcastle – The Cluny
Sept 24 – Bedford – The Civic
Sept 25 – Nottingham – The Glee Club
Sept 26 – Norwich – Arts Centre
Sept 27 – London – The Scala – album show*
Oct  02  – Brighton – Coalition
Nov  04 -  Dublin - Workman's Club
Nov  05 - Cork - Cyprus Ave
Nov  06 -  Kilkenny - Cleere's
Nov  07 - Belfast - Empire
Nov  08 - Galway - Roisin Dubh
FULL IRISH TOUR - November 2011 - Details Announced Shortly


*Performing the entire Post to Wire and The High Country albums
Laura Gibson supporting on all September dates

 
 
 
 

THE CORONAS
::: LIVE ::: The Olympia Theatre, Dublin
December 5th & 6th - 2011

www.thecoronas.net

The Coronas announce they will play two Christmas shows at The Olympia Theatre on 5th & 6th December 2011. Tickets from €27 including booking fee go on sale on Saturday 23rd July at 8am.Tickets available from ticketmaster and all ususal outlets.
The Coronas recently sold out their Marlay Park headline concert, an incredible achievement for the Dublin band whose rise in popularity has been steady and consistent with repeat hit record releases.

Their high energy live shows and repeat hit albums have created a relentless army of hardcore fans across the country now exploding worldwide, that most bands can only dream of. They sold out 3 nights in a row at The Olympia last Christmas, they were special guests on The Script's European Tour and have just returned from a US Tour that included sell out shows in New York, Vancouver and San Francisco. Sir Paul McCartney personally requested that they open his Dublin show at The RDS last summer. Their two albums todate, ‘Heroes or Ghosts' & 'Tony Was An Ex-Con' have each exceeded double platinum sales.

The Coronas will release their third studio album in November 2011 and plans for a nationwide Irish Tour will be announced shortly.

 
 
 
 


BILLY BRAGG
‘NEVER BUY THE SUN'
Billy Bragg (B. Bragg 2011) copyright control

Available from free download from

www.billybragg.co.uk
 

Billy Bragg's brand new song ‘Never Buy The Sun' takes aim at the whole sorry story of News International's systemic failure to understand that there are limits to legitimate news gathering. Billy concludes that neither press, police nor politicians come out of this scandal looking good. Only the people of Liverpool can hold their heads high.

Their refusal to buy The Sun in the wake of that paper's unfounded accusation that Liverpool FC supporters robbed the dead victims of the Hillsborough Disaster in 1989 shows that not only do the scousers have principles, but they are also determined to hold onto them in an often cynical world.

Written last Friday, first performed on Saturday, a video clip posted on Sunday, recorded on Monday, mixed on Tuesday and made available as a free download today, Wednesday, Billy Bragg's new song ‘Never Buy The Sun' could hardly be more urgent.

In the wake of the announcement that Rupert Murdoch had decided to close the News of the World, Bragg put pen to paper after spending the day driving north listening all the way to discussions about the ramifications of the phone hacking revelations.

After writing the song in his hotel room, Bragg polished the song enough to debut it during his set at Garforth Festival. The rapturous response that he got convinced him to post a video of himself performing the song in the dressing room of the festival, which, after 48 hours, had notched up over 20,000 views.

Back home in Dorset on Monday, as the allegations against News International spread to include The Sun and The Sunday Times, Bragg gathered some musician friends together in a Weymouth studio to record the song for immediate download from his site. Mixed on Tuesday afternoon, the track is available now as a free download from billybragg.co.uk .

Commenting on the speed of the process, from creation to release, Bragg said ‘ During the Miner's Strike in 1984, I wrote a song about the struggle called ‘Between the Wars'. By the time I got into the studio to record the song, the strike was eight months old and, when the record finally got into the shops in February, the strike was over.”

Although the digitisation of music has had negative effects on the music industry, it has made the process of recording and distributing material much simpler and faster. If like Billy, you're the writer of songs that try to offer a different perspective on the big issues of the day, the turnaround time helps add to the topicality.

Bragg, who is appearing at the Tolpuddle Martyrs Trade Union Festival in Dorset next Sunday 17 th July, said “Over the past few years, any expression of social solidarity has been scorned – from the new activism of the climate camps and UK Uncut to the more traditional campaigns of the unions – but by sticking to their guns, the people of Liverpool have been vindicated in their principled stand against News International.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE office(at) braggcentral.com 'Never Buy The Sun' - Billy Bragg (words and music B. Bragg 2011) copyright control

Recorded 11th July 2011 at Mike Hallett Studio, Weymouth, Dorset

Billy Bragg - acoustic guitar and vocals
Tom Hughes - piano and organ
Chris Lonergan - bass guitar
Ady Milward - drums and percussion


Recorded, engineered and mixed by Mike Hallett

All pulled together at the drop of a hat by Adrian Collis of Thoroughbred Music For further information, interviews etc....contact: Adrian Collis 07727 126645 or adriancollis@thoroughbredmusic.co.uk

 
 
 
 
An Acoustic Evening with ..
ELEVENS

June 30th ~ Odessa, Dublin
13 Dame Court, Dublin 2 +353 01 670 3080 - info(at) odessaclub.ie - 10 Euro Doors - 8:30pm
"Tender to the Touch" ep - Out Now on 22 Recordings; Available through iTunes
http://twitter.com/#!/ elevensmusic

www.elevensmusic.ne
t

Following on from their recent triumphant gig in London's legendary venue Ronnie Scott's (attended by Morrissey & Chrissie Hynde ), the music & visual concept artists known as ELEVENS , named after the Finglas Dublin 11 postcode from which they hail, return following their soldout performance in Dublin's Project Arts Centre back in April. Performing in the intimate atmosphere of the Odessa Club, seating is limited so book early!

ELEVENS is a three piece acoustic band from Dublin, Ireland. Formed by Martin McCann and Tony Barrett from two of Dublin's most prestigious Indie bands (SACK and BRILLIANT TREES), it wasn't long before a third member Mark Healy (The Josephs) joined forces to add some tonal colour to complete the overall sound. What sets ELEVENS apart from just your average acoustic setup is their collaborations with photographers and visual artists. This show sees a collaboration with photographer Robert McCann. A debut iTunes release is available for download entitled: Tender To The Touch EP

Acoustic guitar based and with the additional colour of Omnichord, Melodica and Toy Bells amongst other gadgetry, these songs of love lost and found, are aided by Kelly's urban landscapes incorporating interactive tell tale snap shots of everyday life. A 3-track release and download is scheduled for April 22nd, 2011 on 22 Recordings.

Preview - Video performances from the Project Arts Centre, April 23rd (for upcoming DVD Release)

   
 

 
 
 
 
Ham Sandwich
New Single  'MODELS' Out 17/06/11 on The Route 109A Recording Co.
hamsandwichmusic.com

"Models" is the follow-up single to "Ants", "The Naturist" & "Oh-Oh" from the band's critically acclaimed album White Fox. Featuring Niamh Farrell's subtle lead vocal contrasting with her previously brassy approach on "Ants", the band changes direction yet again in what has become a sonic rollercoaster gently driven home by Sarah Lynch's masterful violin work.

Ham Sandwich have become one of the most consistent acts in the country in regards to producing a steady diet of pop-tinged melodic songs with a twist. Gradually brushing off their ‘guitar-indie band' tag, Ham Sandwich's fan base continues to grow steadily as the band pushes the boundaries with their song writing, instrumentation, & arrangements. Now regarded as one of the best drawing live acts in Ireland, the band's live shows have consistantly garnered excellent reviews. With the album "White Fox" consistantly in the charts & their singles gaining regular radio play across the country, 2011 has now become the year of the Ham Sandwich! White Fox is Produced by Karl Odlum & mastered in Abbey Road Studios by Peter Mew (David Bowie, Beatles, ELO, Bob Marley)

"There isn't a duff tune here, which makes it that very rare thing: an album you can listen to all the way through without being tempted to press fastforward" ~ Tony Clayton-Lea THE IRISH TIMES (The Ticket - Review of "White Fox")

:::  Upcoming Ham Sandwich Shows :::

June 4th - FORBIDDEN FRUIT FESTIVAL, IMMA, Dublin
June 5th - Leixlip Festival
June 10th - Douglas, East Village
June 11th - Helium Festival, Longford
June 17th - No Place like Dome, Sligo
June 19th - London Feis Festival, Finsbury Park, London UK
June 24th - Sea Sessions, Bundoran, Co. Donegal
June 25th - Ballybunion Co Kerry
July 16th - Gig for Derek Nally, Whelans, Dublin -Tribute Show for Ham Sandwich's late manager with special guests
July 17th - Prawn Festival, Clogherhead
July 23rd - Boyle Arts Festival
July 29th - Le Cheile Festival, Oldcastle co Meath
July 30th - Indiependence Festival, Mitchelstown Cork
July 31st - Rockstock Music Festival, Gorey, Wexford


More dates to be added! Check hamsandwichmusic.com for updates.

 
 
 
 

"SILVER LINING"

Cover Versions of Hits from 1986 By Contemporary Irish Artists

Proceeds will go to “Headstrong”, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health. Generously Supported by O2

Released on Sound Training Records on Friday 20/5/11 - €10 in All Good Record Shops & iTunes.

:::LIVE::: FREE ENTRY - Album Launch Show Thursday May 19 th in the Button Factory, Dublin - CD Available for €5 on the night.

Album Tracklisting:

Superfly Featuring Niall Breslin (The Blizzards) – Sledgehammer (Peter Gabriel) Louize Carroll – You're the Voice (John Farnham) James V McMorrow – Higher Love (Steve Winwood) Superfly Featuring Paul Noonan (Bell-X1) – You can call me Al (Paul Simon) The Cast Of Cheers – Dangerzone (Kenny Loggins) Heathers – True Colors (Cyndi Lauper) The Chapters – Hip to be Square (Huey Lewis) This Club – Dancing on the Ceiling (Lionel Richie) Dublin Gospel Choir – Livin on a Prayer (Bon Jovi) R.S.A.G – There is a Light That Never Goes Out (The Smiths)

For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs:

Maggie Gallagher - Sound Training Centre - Temple Bar Music Centre, Dublin  - (01) 670 9033 or soundtrainingcentre@gmail.com
Stevo Berube / Berube Communications info@berubecommunications.com or +353 (0)87 244 2695

The Final Year students in the Sound Training Centre have put together a charity album continuing a run of successful releases which included artists such as The Corrs, Bell X1, Republic of Loose, Damien Dempsey, The Thrills, Lisa Hannigan and many more on previous albums. The title of this year's album is “Silver Lining”, a title which invokes positivity and suggests hope for the future.  The album comprises of contemporary Irish artists covering hits from the year 1986, 25 years ago. We chose 1986 specifically, not only for the great songs, but it also coincides with the formation of the Sound Training Centre.

This year the proceeds will help the charity “Headstrong” ( www.headstrong.ie ),  the national centre for youth mental health. Headstrong's aim is to change how Ireland thinks about young people's mental health. They envision an Ireland where young people are connected to their community and have the resilience to face challenges to their mental health.  Throughout our campaign to raise funds and awareness for Headstrong we will be generously supported by O2, who themselves are affiliated with Headstrong through their 'Think Big' social action programme. To mark the launch of Silver Lining on the 20th of May we will be having a CD launch party, hosted by The Button Factory, on the 19th of May and admission is FREE to the public! 1986 was the the year STC was founded so expect a fun filled night, with plenty... of throwbacks to the 80's! All proceeds from the night will go to the charity Headstrong. The launch will be an event not to be missed with live music from This Club, Mali Junior and more to be announced!!
 
 
 
 
MARY BLACK
Single: 'Marguerite and the Gambler'
3ú Records - Available on iTunes from May 6th, 2011
mary-black.net
::: LIVE :::

Mary Black & her Band Play 3 nights at the Olympia Theatre, Dublin on 16, 17 & 18th June. Tickets for all shows are priced from 23 Euro including fee and are on sale now. More info on MCD.ie On May 6th, Mary will be releasing her first new recording in 6 years. The single 'Marguerite and the Gambler' is written by Ricky Lynch tells the age old story Mary told in her first solo recording 'Anachie Gordon'. This time the story is set in the Wild West. It's the first recording from a new Mary album to be released later this year - working title 'Marguerite and the Gambler and other stories'. For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs:

Kate Knox  katejknox(at)yahoo.ie or +353 (0)85 121 8793

Stevo Berube / Berube Communications info@berubecommunications.com or +353 (0)87 244 2695

For over a quarter-century, singer Mary Black has been a dominant presence in Irish music, both at home and abroad. She has shared stages, tv shows and recording studios with some of the most revered performers of her time. She has also played a frontline role in bringing Irish music, past and present, to an increasingly appreciative and ever-growing global audience. The San Francisco Chronicle once described her as "One of the best interpretative singers around".

Known for her commitment to original material by Irish songwriters and her unique interpretations of the songs she chooses, Mary has released 11 studio albums all of which achieved platinum sales status and spawned countless hits. Indeed, one of Mary's albums - No Frontiers - spent more than a year in the Irish Top 30!

To the acclaim and awards Mary has received over the years from both the public and the critics must also be added the esteem she has generated from her fellow artists. Indeed, many of them have recorded and performed live with her, including Emmylou Harris, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Joan Baez and Van Morrison, not to mention a host of Irish traditional musicians and singers. Along the way she has also recorded and performed with her siblings in The Black Family and with her highly successful sister Frances.

2008 marked the 25th anniversary of Mary's first solo album, and to celebrate the momentous occasion Mary released a special compilation double album 25 Years/25 Songs. It featured a personal, hand-picked selection of gems spanning Mary's career and it still serves as a testament to the extraordinary range and quality of both her vocal prowess and her astute song selection. Mary recorded two brand new songs for the project, and the album went straight to No. 1 in the Irish charts, where it remained for a staggering five weeks, spending over seven months in the Irish top 40!

In an industry noted for its fickleness and its almost insatiable need for fresh novelties, Mary Black 's enduring successes have proven that her depth of talent and her love of singing transcend the generations, as well as national and musical boundaries too. She is indeed a real Irish treasure and her talent a gift from this small island to a grateful world.

 
 
 
 

The Single & Video "Olivia" Produced & Directed by Simon Daniels / Design For Life
From the New Album "100,000 Ways To Harvest Hope"
Out Now on Paper Scissors Rock Music - Available now on downloadmusic.ie/stand

www.standland.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THE CORONAS

plus special guest
KT TUNSTALL
performing a very special concert under canvas on
FRIDAY 22 JULY 2011

**TICKETS ON SALE THURSDAY 14th APRIL AT 9AM**

THE CORONAS with special guest KT Tunstall are to play an intimate concert under canvas @ The Park on Friday 22nd July.

Taking place within the unique surroundings of Marlay Park, @ The Park is a series of concerts which will provide fans with some of the best live music the venue has seen, all located within dark intimate surroundings of a tent giving people the festival experience set to the picturesque backdrop of the Dublin mountains.

Tickets priced €29.50 (standing) with limited tiered seating available at €34.50 go on sale next Thursday 14th April at 9am from Ticketmaster.

The Coronas' high energy live shows and repeat hit albums have created a relentless army of hardcore fans across the country now exploding worldwide, that most bands can only dream of.

The Coronas sold out 3 nights in a row at The Olympia at Christmas, they were special guests on The Script's European Tour and they have just returned from a US Tour that included sell out shows in New York, Vancouver and San Francisco. Sir Paul McCartney personally requested that they open his Dublin show at The RDS last summer. Their debut album ‘Heroes or Ghosts' has exceeded double platinum sales.

Now The Coronas with special guest KT Tunstall will play their biggest ever Irish headline concert limited to 6,000 revellers @ The Park this summer.

Multi platinum Scottish singer songwriter KT Tunstall released her third studio album ‘Tiger Suit' last autumn. KT Tunstall won a Brit award in the Best Female Solo artist category in 2006. She was also nominated for a Grammy Award for her smash hit ‘Black Horse and The Cherry Tree'.

Throughout the years, Marlay Park has provided a stage for some of the world's biggest performers including Radiohead, The Who, Aerosmith, The White Stripes, R.E.M., Daft Punk and Van Morrison. Continuing on in this fine tradition Marlay Park is about to be transformed into a music lovers paradise once again.

Tickets for The Coronas with special guest KT Tunstall go on sale next Thursday, 14th April at 9am.

To buy tickets in person: from 100 Ticketmaster outlets nationwide 24hr hotlines: Tel: (ROI) 0818 719 300/ ( NI ) 0844 277 4455. Ticket prices are inclusive of booking fee. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Subject to licence. Doors 5pm.

www.thecoronas.net / www.ticketmaster.ie / www.mcd.ie

For media information please contact Rory Murphy, MCD Productions
T: 01 284 1747 / E: rory@mcd.ie

 
     
 
Cashier No.9 sign to Bella Union

Cashier No 9, the Belfast five-piece are hugely pleased to announce their signing to the feted record label Bella Union. Their debut release for the leading indie imprint will be preceded by Goldstar, out April 25th on CN9 recordings. It was produced by the hugely-rated and respected David Holmes. Simon Raymonde, MD of Bella Union, tells how he came to sign Cashier No.9 :

I had a call from David Holmes out the blue and he told me a story that made my heart sing. What he has been doing for Cashier No 9, was in so many ways, what I have been doing with Bella Union. Bringing bands to my studio flying them in from wherever, recording them and producing them at my own expense, just ‘cos I loved them, that was how Bella Union worked in its early years when the label had the use of our Cocteau Twins studio. Hearing David speak about the band in this way, I was naturally intrigued, but a good story would be somewhat empty without some plot and substance. So interest firmly piqued, I listened to the album that night and was blown away by it all. The songs, the talent, the production, yes but most of all, the truth that we are all looking for. These are not songs for the sake of it, they are songs with heart and soul. The album has a deep soul, and I imagine this is what David saw. I now see it too, and I am delighted to welcome the band to the Bella Union family. They already feel part of it to me.”

... From the UK's RECORD OF THE DAY (Issue 417)

"They'll be a big band" - The Times, London

“Pure pleasure from start to finish – marvelous” - Artrocker

"They weave layer upon layer of melody together to create an unforgettable tapestry of noise. Every song could be a hit single" - BBC

“Danny Todd has all the swagger of Bobby Gillespie and possesses the kind of energy needed for a hall filled with 1600 people” - The Fly

April 25th marks the release of Goldstar, the new EP by Belfast five-piece Cashier No 9, which was produced by none other than David Holmes and mixed by Hugo Nicloson of Screamadelica, Boys Own and In Rainbows fame.

Adding to the dream team involved, further contributions come from Jason Falkner who's played with Air & Beck, Sly Stone's horn section and American recording legend Tommy Morgan, who laid-down the harmonica solo on Goldstar. Tommy has played with Elvis, on the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds and was responsible for the intro to He Ain't Heavy by the Hollies.

Cashier No 9 conjure up a warm feeling of summer-evening-good-times-by the-sea, with Echo and The Bunnymen, The Byrds, Teenage Fanclub, Joy Zipper, Phil Spector and Creation-era Primal Scream breezing from the radio.

The record was recorded over the course of the last year in Belfast, LA and Paris and comes with a remix by the hotly-tipped electronic outfit Keyboard Choir.

Cashier No 9 have played Glastonbury, Oxygen and The Great Escape, headlined shows at the Belfast Limelight Empire Music Hall and broadcasted live on BBC 1 from a performance in the Ulster Hall. They've supported Air, Two-Door Cinema Club, Republic Of Loose, Frightened Rabbit and Foals.

Cashier No 9 are Danny Todd (guitar/vocals), James Smith (guitar/vocals), Stuart Magowan (bass), Ronan Quinn (guitar vocals) and Phil Duffy (drums).

Watch this space for information on the forthcoming David Holmes produced album - expectations are high.

 
 
 
 
ELEVENS
"Tender to the Touch" ep
Out 4-22-11 on 22 Recordings
http://twitter.com/#!/ elevensmusic

www.elevensmusic.ne
t

ELEVENS is a four piece musical and visual concept created by Martin McCann - Vocals (SACK) and Tony Barrett - Guitar (BRILLIANT TREES). With the addition of Mark Healy on extra guitar (THE JOSEPHS/SUBTONICS/JERRY FISH & THE MUDBUG CLUB) and the photographic projections of Aidan Kelly (CANDY COLLECTIVE), both mediums are married for an unforgettable live experience. Acoustic guitar based and with the additional colour of Omnichord, Melodica and Toy Bells amongst other gadgetry, these songs of love lost and found, are aided by Kelly's urban landscapes incorporating interactive tell tale snap shots of everyday life. A 3-track release and download is scheduled for April 22nd, 2011 on 22 Recordings.

::: LIVE :::
April 1st, 2011 - BARRETSTOWN INSPIRATIONS 2011 -The Olympia Theatre, Dublin
The 3rd Inspirations Gig in aid of Barretstown takes place on Friday April 1st at The Olympia. The night will feature a host of acts performing songs by their musical heroes and some of their own material.  Confirmed performers so far include Elevens, Glen Hansard, The Stunning,  Delerentos, O Emperor , Dirty Epics and Ryan Sheridan, Declan O'Rourke, Mik Pyro(Republic of Loose), & more.

April 23rd - Project Arts Centre, 39 East Essex Street, Temple Bar, Dublin
Debut Dublin performance and ep Launch

 
 
 
 

THE DANGER IS :: All For Gold
Niamh Farrell, who performs under the moniker THE DANGER IS, performing "All For Gold" track from her debut ep. Directed by the incredibly talented Myles O'Reilly ~ www.ArbutusYarns.com

 

Quotes for THE DANGER IS:
"Farrell's eponymous debut EP contains four confident alt folk ditties, each brimming with emotion and humour (see the delightfully-titled 'Rub Who You Love'), while standout track 'All for Gold' has a sneaky tribal underbelly. Feist fans, form an orderly queue." Celina Murphy - Hotpress, Dec 2010
"Striking, classic indie-pop with alluring ties and bows from Niamh Farrell" Jim Carroll - The Ticket, Nov 2010

"A lot of people falling in love with The Danger Is in Whelans right now"   -Blogger Nialler9, Tweeting during the "Ones to Watch Festival", 15 Jan 2011

"Niamh Danger is one of the most recognizable singers to appear on the scene for several years. Her songs, voice and onstage charm are all instantly likeable and rolled together they make for a very special performance." Robert O'Connor, goldenplec.com , Nov 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ham Sandwich
New Single  'ANTS'
Out 4/02/11 on The Route 109A Recording Co.
hamsandwichmusic.com

The follow-up single to The Naturist & Oh-Oh from the band's new critically acclaimed album White Fox. Gradually brushing off their ‘guitar-indie band' tag, Ham Sandwich's fan base continues to grow steadily as the band pushes the boundaries with their song writing, instrumentation, & arrangements. ANTS continues that trend and it just so happens to be damn fine pop song to boot! Check out the brilliant animated ANTS video by Marc Corrigan ! White Fox is Produced by Karl Odlum & mastered in Abbey Road Studios by Peter Mew (David Bowie, Beatles, ELO, Bob Marley)

"There isn't a duff tune here, which makes it that very rare thing: an album you can listen to all the way through without being tempted to press fastforward" ~ Tony Clayton-Lea THE IRISH TIMES (The Ticket 4-Star Review of "White Fox")

 

::: 2011 National Tour Dates :::
2nd Feb - UCC, Cork 3rd Feb - (Private Function) 4th Feb - Roisin Dubh, Galway
5th Feb - The Bar Ritz, Mayo
10th Feb - The Spirit Store, Dundalk
11th Feb - The Stables,Mullingar, Westmeath
12th Feb -  Whelans, Dublin 15th Feb - The Old Oak, Cork
18th Feb - The Loft, Limerick
19th Feb - Greystones Theatre, Wicklow 4th March - The Cellar, Drogheda, Louth
5th March - Kavanaghs, Portlaoise, Laoise 14th-21st Mar - SXSW 2nd April - The Forum, Waterford

More dates to be added!
Check out the brilliant animated ANTS video by Marc Corrigan!

 

 
 
 
 
THE DANGER IS (aka Niamh Farrell)
www.thedangeris.com/
::: LIVE :::
March 5th, 2011 ~ Crawdaddy, Dublin
Tickets: 10 Euro including booking fee from ticketmaster.ie and usual outlets ~ Doors: 7:30pm
Introductory Self-Titled Debut EP Lefthand Productions ~ Available in All Good Record Shops and iTunes.

Up-and-coming indie-pop artist THE DANGER IS aka Dubliner Niamh Farrell is to play a headline show at CRAWDADDY on Saturday 5th March. Farrell's self-titled debut EP has been making waves since its release last year. Support will come from Tony Wright's (ASIWYFA) new project VERSECHORUSVERSE. For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: Stevo Berube / Berube Communications - stevo (at) berubecommunications. com or +353 (0)87 244 2695 Management: Jim Lawless jim(at)thedangeris.com   and Alan Cullivan alan(at)thedangeris.com THE DANGER IS

The Danger is the working title adopted by Dublin based artist Niamh Farrell for her musical endeavours. Niamh has been writing for years and after a two-year period of experimentation has created a 4-track E.P. recorded in Wicklow in 2010 and produced by Ken Mc Hugh. The E.P. confronts a multitude of emotions; from fear to happiness, love and its confusions. It is laced with honesty and humour and features climactic instrumental arrangements.

Niamh graduated from N.C.A.D. with a degree in fine art in 2008. Her art and music strive to question our place within the world and within ourselves. An important element of The Danger Is, is the artwork. It consists of an imagined horizon combining the past and the present, the personal and the universal. These micro/macro landscapes and musical experimentation enable The Danger Is to present an animated, hopeful and honest perspective of life and a young musician interrogating the idea of what happens when complacency rules.

Some highlights of recent months include performances in Crawdaddy supporting Warpaint, The Olympia supporting The Coronas, and supporting Brit Award winning Ellie Goulding on her Irish tour dates.
Niamh will also be featured in the upcoming season of RTE's Other Voices.

"Striking, classic indie-pop with alluring ties and bows from Niamh Farrell" ~ Jim Carroll / IRISH TIMES

"Farrell's eponymous debut EP contains four confident alt folk ditties, each brimming with emotion and humour (see the delightfully-titled 'Rub Who You Love'), while standout track 'All for Gold' has a sneaky tribal underbelly. Feist fans, form an orderly queue." ~ Celina Murphy- Hot Press, Dec 2010

"A lot of people falling in love with The Danger Is in Whelans right now" ~ Blogger Nialler9 Tweeting during the "Ones To Watch" Festival 15-1-11

"Niamh Danger is one of the most recognizable singers to appear on the scene for several years. Her songs, voice and onstage charm are all instantly likeable and rolled together they make for a very special performance."  ~ Robert O'Connor, goldenplec.com , Nov 2010

 
 
 
 
CASHIER NO.9
::: LIVE :::
Whelans (Upstairs), Wexford St, Dublin 2
Friday - Feb 25th - 8pm
Only €5!

"Goldstar"
Irish Release Date 25-3-11 on CN9 Recordings - Produced by DAVID HOLMES
www.reverbnation.com/ cashierno9

www.myspace.com/cashierno9

The first proper headline Dublin gig for the highly tipped Belfast band who  release the "Goldstar" ep (Out March 25th), the first taste of their much upcoming debut album "To The Death of  Fun" (Out in the Summer 2011). In an age of stagnant sound-alike bands where style seems to have all but usurped substance, Cashier No.9 are an alternative pop band ready to lead the counter revolution.

Harmonica solo by Tommy Morgan who played with Elvis, on Pet Sounds by the Beach Boys, & the intro to 'He Ain't Heavy' by the Hollies!

"Proper songs with no generic bits" Niall Byrne - State Magazine

"Ominous shuffle-beats and head-bending guitars" - Paul Lester - Guardian

"Get your cheque-books out!" Rob Da Bank - BBC Radio 1

“One of my favourite tunes” – Janice Long, Radio 2

“Thanks very much for turning us on to this! Cashier No.9 is the name of the band” – Steve Lamacq, Radio 2

“A band you want to hear more from.” – BBC.co.uk

"It's almost a cliche to say, but every song they play tonight could be a hit single. From the chiming bells and timpanis of 'Goldstar' to the closing rumble of 'Goodbye Friend', Cashier play with an intensity and confidence that would have seen the most die-hard naysayer tapping their toes. With their metronome pulse at the core of things, they weave layer and layer of melody together to create an unforgettable tapestry of noise." -- Steven Rainey - BBC NI ATL

"Cashier No.9's new album... a modern country rock classic, at once both epic and intimate, each song seems to hover in a kaleidoscopic bubblebath of darting, refracting, teeming detail before soaring heavenwards on a sonic thermal wave of glowing sound, swaddled in a warm multi-layered featherbed of gentle narcotic bliss - a bit like the Notorious Byrd Brothers on really good acid, librium, opium, prozac and soma, the mythical, mystical heavenly high of the ancient ones." - Mat Ducasse - SKYLAB

"Great songwriting and great delivery from a band who reward repeated listening and who offer a rich tapestry of sound." - Bert Scott - BBC NI ATL

Cashier No.9

Daniel Todd – Vocals, Guitars, Sequencing
James Smith – Guitars, Vocals
Stuart Magowan – Bass guitar, Vocals
Philip Duffy - Drums
Ronan Quinn – Keys, Percussion, Guitar, Vocals

For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs:
Stevo Berube / Berube Communications info@berubecommunications.com or +353 (0)87 244 2695

 
 
 
 

Tonight's Ham Sandwich Tribute to Derek Nally has been postponed

Rescheduled date is July 16th , original tickets still valid.

Tonight's Ham Sandwich Tribute to Derek Nally has been postponed due to worsening weather conditions. It is with great regret that we've taken the decision to postpone tonight's performance, with some artists, special guests and audience members stranded in various parts of the country we wouldn't be able to host the kind of evening that we see fitting for Derek also with overnight conditions set to worsen we'd prefer to reschedule rather than worry about people getting home. We'd like to thank all the artists that had agreed to participate and those who bought tickets for showing their support to Derek and his family. The rescheduled date will be July 16th commemorating the anniversary of Derek's death. Original tickets will still be valid but refunds will be available from point of sale.

Tickets: 15 Euro plus booking fee available from WAV Tickets (1890 200 078), Tickets.ie, City Discs & Ticketmaster Outlets.
::: All proceeds will be donated to the Nally family :::


The popular promoter, manager and fondly loved raconteur Derek Nally died of a heart attack on Thursday 15 July, 2010. His sudden passing sent shockwaves throughout the entire Irish music community. Derek worked with the great and the good over the years including Judy Collins, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Bert Jansch, John Cale, Guy Clarke, Townes Van Zandt, John Martyn, Allen Toussaint, Ian Dury & the Blockheads, Alex Chilton, Arlo Guthrie, Booker T, and John Cooper Clarke, to mention just a few.  He also managed the acclaimed Irish acts Juliet Turner and Ham Sandwich, steering their careers with remarkable passion and enthusiasm. Derek was particularly generous with his time when it came to offering advice to up and coming musicians, promoters and managers. His encyclopedic knowledge of music coupled with his straight-forward business ideals served him well in a long and esteemed career. His legacy is a positive example to everyone who works in the music industry.

The band Derek was most closely associated with Ham Sandwich and numerous other friends from the music community will together on December 22nd in memory and celebration of this legendary figure.

HAM SANDWICH:
The Kells-based band released their second album "White Fox", the follow-up to their 2008 award winning debut long-player "Carry the Meek", in October 2010. A glimpse of what was to come appeared on the nation's airwaves back in May which raised the bar of expectations for the much anticipated new album; the "The Naturist" announced to the fanbase that the band were pushing the boat out and not resting on their laurels!

“We've definitely grown up since ‘Carry The Meek',” maintains Niamh. “In terms of all of us getting involved in the song writing process and, I suppose, just maturing as people. Making the song structures more interesting is crucial for both the listener and the band, because it holds the attention for longer.” Podge recounts, "The first album was practically all electric guitar; the new album is more musically varied – and not for the sake of it, either. It's just that we're getting our heads around different instruments. It's a natural evolvement, and more texture is no harm.”

Produced and mixed by Karl Odlum and recorded at Sun Studios, Temple Bar (Dublin) & May Lodge (Co. Meath). Mastered by the legendary Abbey Road Studio (London) engineer Peter Mew (David Bowie, The Beatles, ELO, Bob Marley, etc)

The band will be playing a special night in Whelan's dedicated to their late manager Derek Nally on the July 16th. Derek meant a great deal to the band and was a major part in helping them bring their music to the foreground in Ireland. The band will be joined on the night by special guests, as well as sets from The Gandhis, Pugwash, Blink and more special guests yet to be announced. All proceeds will go to The Nally family.

hamsandwichmusic.com
myspace.com/eathamsandwich
 
 
 
 

THE DANGER IS
(aka Niamh Farrell)
Introductory Self-Titled Debut EP

2010 Lefthand Productions ~ Available in All Good Record Shops and iTunes

www.thedangeris.com/index.php

"The Danger Is" is the working title adopted by Niamh Farrell for her musical endeavours. Niamh has been writing music for years and after a two year period of experimentation and self doubt, has recorded a 4 track EP. Recorded in Wicklow and produced by Ken McHugh, the EP confronts a multitude of emotions from fear to happiness, love and its confusions. It is lyrically confessionally laced with both humour and heartache with wonderful instrumental builds and intimate moments.

Tracklisting:
1 - Rub Who You Love
2 - All For Gold
3 - Same Face
4 - Awkward

 
 
 
 
TONY JOE WHITE
“The Shine"
Irish Release Date 12/11/10 on Munich Records (MRCD 323)

ICONIC SOUTHERN SONGWRITER TONY JOE WHITE GETS RAW ON “THE SHINE”, HIS MOST INTIMATE, UNVARNISHED ALBUM TO DATE

One of the most distinctive and respected songwriters of the Deep South, Tony Joe White, gets raw and real on his new record “THE SHINE”, set for an Irish November 12th release on Munich Records. “THE SHINE” is a stripped-down collection of ten new White-penned songs that beautifully lays bare his rich, nuanced baritone, and distinctive brand of swampy southern soul. While White's critically acclaimed “Uncovered” featured a slew of special guests including Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Michael McDonald and J.J. Cale, “THE SHINE” is all about White. He produced and recorded the album himself in his home studio outside Nashville. From the first whispery notes of “Season Man”, in which he recounts an ominous dream, to the record's closing track, “A Place to Watch the Sun Go Down”, “THE SHINE” is an album of understated beauty and beguiling mystery.

TRACKLISTING
01 Season Man
02 Ain't Doing Nobody No Good;
03 Paintings on the Mountain;
04 Tell Me Why;
05 All;
06 Long Way From the River;
07 Strange Night;
08 Something to Soften the Blow;
09 Roll Train Roll;
10 A Place to Watch the Sun Go Down

Tony Joe White has accomplished much in the years since he emerged from his home in Louisiana's swamp country and the hardscrabble circuit of Texas honky-tonks. His music is part of America's soundtrack – sparse and elegant, filled with shadows, sadness and beauty. Nobody else writes songs like these – songs that evoke both the mysteries of the place were he was raised and the spirits that haunt us all in our most private, lonely moments. Nobody sings them like White either. That dark baritone, scarred and sweet, brings these songs to life like none other.

Even so, others have memorably interpreted his songs, from Brook Benton's unforgettable take on “Rainy Night in Georgia” in 1970 to Tina Turner's intensely soulful rendition of “Steamy Windows.” Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Roy Orbison, Dusty Springfield, Etta James – iconic artists in their own right have honored “the Swamp Fox” by cutting his tunes. Others have joined White, with Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Michael McDonald, Waylon Jennings, Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams and Shelby Lynne among those who have paid tribute as guests on recent, theme-oriented projects such as The Heroines and Uncovered.

But with The Shine, released September 28 on White's Swamp Records imprint, this long road circles and comes back toward where it began. Before exploding onto the Top 10 with “Polk Salad Annie” in 1969, before beginning his ongoing commitment to perform regularly for fans in markets as distant as Europe and Australia, White built his vision on a bedrock of blues, backwoods country, and sounds too much his own to categorize. This foundation is simple yet seductive and strong: Within its fabric of raw guitar, hypnotic rhythm and spellbinding lyrical imagery, White's soul pulls from its roots and reasserts itself with deep conviction. There are no all-star cameos on The Shine – only White on guitar, harmonica and vocals, bassist George Hawkins, drummer “Swamp Man” Jack Bruno, Tyson Rogers on keyboards, John Catchings on cello, and a selection of songs that had sprouted in White's imagination over the previous few months. “They just started stacking up on me and my wife Leann over the wintertime,” White says. “They hit me every day and every night. When I'd go to bed, they were going through my mind. It was really cool stuff, and I was like, ‘Man, I've got to put these down, just to see what they sound like.'” Each one told a different story, but taken together they seemed to call White back to the well that had first nourished him.

From the feverish, dreamlike images that course through “Season Man” to the heartbreak that colors the romantic nostalgia of “All", these tracks live on their own yet exist together as memories and premonitions of a single story. “They're all about truth and life and daily or nightly happenings,” White says. “They all came to me, the guitar parts and the words, maybe at a campfire down by the river with a few cold beers. I'll sit there, strum a little bit, and all of a sudden a lick will come – except for the ones I wrote with Leann. She's a real word person, so she'll say ‘what do you think about this,' and all of a sudden a little light goes off in my head, a guitar chord will pop up and here we go.” “Paintings on a Mountain” is one example of this collaboration between Tony Joe and Leann White. “We have a place up in Taos, New Mexico,” he says. “Our house sits on land that backs up to an Indian village. It's a magic spot. In the late afternoon, the sun makes so many paintings on the mountainside; they change as the sun moves on. A lot of that was written by Leann.”

The guiding principle for The Shine can be heard in one of its details, from “Tell Me Why,” which preaches “it's all about the song, keeping it simple. Got to have passion. Got to have soul.” That was the mission when White and his musicians began cutting these tracks in the living room of his home south of Nashville. Beneath high ceilings, on original hardwood floors in a building old enough to have been used as a battlefield hospital during the Civil War, they played with minimal direction, trusting in the moment as they brought these songs to life. “Sometimes I would say ‘simplify,' but that's all,” White remembers. “It was almost like I was a bystander. I had this weird feeling of looking at everybody as we played, watching the song happen without really trying very hard to make it happen.” Most songs were captured in one take. The emotions and connections were so strong that even without any rehearsal, with only the barest indication of which chord followed the next, each one seemed to draw deeper from somewhere within White. He sensed this himself, sometimes not even singing where he was supposed to because the music they were laying down was so compelling. “All of a sudden I'd remember, ‘Hey, you should have been singing right there,'” White says, chuckling. “So I'd go back later and punch it in. But we were all very aware that something was happening in the air between us. Maybe there were some spirits walking about.” They roamed especially free on the one track where White recorded solo, “Roll Train Roll.” “I think that one was a matter of being taken back,” he reflects. “That's what made it sound like I was going back to listening to Lightnin' Hopkins, when I lived on the Boeuf River in Goodwill, Louisiana, first learning the guitar. That's the kind of stuff I'd play out on the porch at night.”

One doesn't have to have been a Tony Joe White fan to appreciate that there is something elusive and hard to define in this music. But these depths surface in The Shine. More than a return to an artist's seminal references, this project seeks the seed from which his work took form. White finds it on The Shine; from here, all that he produced before and all that will follow come into a revealing and enduring light.

 
 
 
 
"Best lyrics in Ireland" - DAMIEN DEMPSEY
"Insight Melody Fear and Loathing" - IRISH TIMES
"Wired to a beautiful industrial moon" - PAT MC CABE - AUTHOR
JINX LENNON
"National Cancer Strategy"
22/10/10 - Septic Tiger Records

www.jinxlennon.com

Jinx Lennon the antagonist genius of social disorder and scuzzy beat lyricism returns with NATIONAL CANCER STRATEGY another peep under the rock of this Septic Tiger Island equipped with uplifting anthems to clear the demons out of  the heads of those willing to listen. Besides Miss Paula's magic tonsils, there are guest appearances from Captain Moonlight, The Stellar Dublin Poet Stephen James, Former Whipping Boy Colm Hassett provides some extra percussionon several tracks and Marc Aubele (Guitar), and Bill Blackmore (Trumpet) Appear on the song "It's Not Good to BeAlone in Your House When The Weekend Comes". Overall the sound veers towards Suicide's 2nd Album and the second Jinx album "30 Beacons of Light For A Land Full of Spite,Thugs, Drug Slugs, and Energy Vampires" Recently he played a slew of festivals this summer including The Electric Picnic, Flatlake Festival, Cork SXSW, Waterford Spraoi, to name but a few. He's a Punk / poet / performance artist whose repertoire contains elements of magic, rawness, rage, bullhorns, one chord Taylor guitars, Lee Van Cleef, a cascade of electro sound. The follow-up to the critically acclaimed albums TRAUMA THEMES IDIOT TIMES and KNOW YOUR STATION GOUGER NATION.

NATIONAL CANCER STRATEGY TOUR
OCTOBER

01 Roisin Dubh, Galway - Friday (special guest Fia Rua)
02 Gonzo Theatre, Cavan - Saturday
14 Bewleys Theatre, Dublin - Thursday (SOLD OUT)
15 Pavilion Cork City - Friday
22 Tain Festival:Spirit Store, Dundalk - Friday (special guest Captain Moonlight)
23 Saki Bar, Manchester - Saturday
24 Nottingham, Bodega Social - Sunday (with Captain Hotknives)
26 The Cricketers Keyleigh,West Yorkshire ,UK- Tuesday (with Captain Hotknives)
28 Sandinos, Derry - Thursday (special guest Captain Moonlight)
29 Phil Grimes, Waterford - Friday
30 McGirls Bar, Ballinamore- Saturday

NOVEMBER
06 Pumphouse, Kilkenny - Saturday (with special guest Captain Moonlight)
10 13th Note, Glasgow - Wednesday
11 The Forest Cafe, Edinburgh - Thursday (supporting Robert Blake)
12 Drouthie Neebors, Dundee - Friday (supporting Robert Blake)
18 Monroes, Galway - Thursday (supporting Milk Kan)
19 The Stables, Mullingar - Friday
20 Sligo,Venue TBC - Saturday (supporting Milk Kan)
26 The Bailey Enniscorthy - Friday (special guest The Focus Group)
DECEMBER
10 Murphys Bar, Waterford City - Friday

 
     
 
The CORONAS
New Single: ‘Won't Leave You Alone'
Official itunes release date Oct. 29th 2010
Available on 3ú Records
www.thecoronas.net

‘Won't Leave You Alone' is the latest single from the Coronas' Meteor Award-winning album, "Tony Was An Ex-Con". The album has already gone platinum in Ireland and produced 3 hit singles, “Listen Dear”, “Far From Here” and “Someone Else's Hands'. The band's Olympia Dublin dates, December 10th and 11th are already sold out and MCD have just announced a third night December 13th – on sale now. This, coupled with some Nationwide dates in December, will be fans last chance to see The Coronas before they head off on a U.S. tour in Jan/Feb.

The CORONAS ::: LIVE ::: December 2010
2nd - Dolans, Limerick
3rd - Dolans, Limerick
10th - Olympia Theatre, Dublin
11th - Olympia Theatre, Dublin
13th - Olympia Theatre, Dublin
16th - Savoy, Cork
17th - Set Theatre, Kilkenny
18th - Forum, Waterford
19th - Black Box, Galway

You will, of course, know The Coronas by this stage. Meteor Music Award nominees, significant Irish participants of Oxegen, the band behind the smart 2007 debut album, Heroes Or GhostsThe Coronas have slowly but surely been embraced by their ever growing contingent of fans as one of the best Irish bands to have emerged in the past five years. Success by virtual word of mouth? Without so much as a planning meeting? It's enough to make a Marketing Manager resign. “We just went with the flow,” relates Danny O'Reilly (vocals/guitar). “We never sat down and discussed what type of music we were going to make, and I think that's stood to us. Some bands do that, and talk about image, clothes, hair, and to this day we still don't do that. We just worked with the songs we had, and let it happen.” “What we would discuss and agree on,” comments Dave McPhillips (lead guitar), “would be songs that might gradually be left off the set list.”

According to Dave, the band's overall sense of ambition is wrapped up in a subdued collective confidence, rather than “any game plan of reaching a certain goal by a certain time, and being disappointed if we don't achieve it.” It also helped the band, remarks Danny, that they never grabbed any significant critical acclaim or hype. “There's a sense in some bands that they think they're better than they are, when really you're only as good as your last gig. We found that getting responses from gigs was much more encouraging in a productive way, as opposed to reading a brilliant review about the band. We're quite a humble group, anyway, and we've always had an underlying belief in ourselves. I mean, at this point we're confident enough that we can win over people who have never been to a Coronas gig before.” The Coronas have been around in some shape or form for over five years. Danny met up with Graham Knox (bass) and Conor Egan (drums) while at school and college, and a short time later hooked up with Dave during a working holiday in Vancouver. Come the start of 2007, a flurry of Irish chart activity commenced with their debut single, ‘Decision Time', reaching the Top 10. This success was enhanced with three further hit singles (‘Grace, Don't Wait', ‘Heroes Or Ghosts', ‘San Diego Song'), all of which preceded their debut album, ‘Heroes Or Ghosts', which subsequently spent over a year in the Irish charts.

Time moves on, though, and the band – following a licensing deal in Japan with JVC – have trumped ‘Heroes Or Ghosts' with their new album, ‘Tony Was An Ex-Con'. The debut album still resides in the heart of The Coronas, however, as it positioned them at a particular place and time. “We were proud of it at the time of release and we still are,” confirms Danny. “We were, I suppose, naïve at the time, but I wouldn't necessarily call ‘Heroes Or Ghosts' a naïve record. Joe Chester, the producer of it, really got the best out of us. We were winging it, big time, of course, but we knew we had to have an album because the records sell the gigs and vice versa. We also knew we weren't going to make the perfect record…”

Whether the new album is perfect is open to debate – one thing The Coronas won't do unnecessarily is to make big or superficial claims about it. All they can do is trust in their intuitive pop/rock instincts, release a few singles, play a rake of shows, light the fuse and stand back, and see what the reaction will be. Recorded in Cornwall's renowned Sawmills Studios (and overseen by Razorlight/Muse/Supergrass/ Oasis producer John Cornfield), Dave reckons the main difference between the new and the old album is that the band were far more cool, calm and collected second time around. Less nerves, more cohesion, less mess, more structure. “It was great to have the opportunity of trying out new songs,” offers Danny, “and because of the gap between the first and the second album – the guts of two years - we had lots of time.”

Both Danny and Dave agree that ‘Tony Was An Ex-Con' – which features more trademark smart rock/pop than you can shake a stick at – quietly boasts a more collaborative feel. The Coronas even more of a band than they used to be? You'd better believe it. But there's more to come

“We're happy enough at the stage we are in Ireland,” says Dave, “but we believe we have a sound that can actually travel. We're not a minimalist techno band, what we do is not for a niche audience, and between the two albums we have a consistency that will make an impact.” “If you improve, then things will happen,” states Danny, clearly in Field of Dreams mode, “and if we keep getting better then good things are bound to take place. We're the biggest critics of ourselves, yet we feel the new album is ten times the record ‘Heroes Or Ghosts' was. We are quietly confident that things will happen for us overseas. We have ambition to play to as many people as we can and, who knows, take over the world.”

‘Tony Was An Ex-Con' is available now through 3u Records

 
 
 
 

A Tribute to Derek Nally

Featuring

HAM SANDWICH,
THE GANDHIS,
BLINK,
PUGWASH,
BRONAGH GALLAGHER,

very special guests & many more

This gig has been postponed until December 22nd, original tickets are still valid or refunds will be available from point of sale.
Tickets priced 20 Euro on sale from www.tickets.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide ( http://www.ticketmaster.ie )

The popular promoter, manager and fondly loved raconteur Derek Nally died of a heart attack on Thursday 15 July, 2010. His sudden passing sent shockwaves throughout the entire Irish music community.

Derek worked with the great and the good over the years including Judy Collins, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Bert Jansch, John Cale, Guy Clarke, Townes Van Zandt, John Martyn, Allen Toussaint, Ian Dury & the Blockheads, Alex Chilton, Arlo Guthrie, Booker T, and John Cooper Clarke, to mention just a few.  He also managed the acclaimed Irish acts Juliet Turner and Ham Sandwich, steering their careers with remarkable passion and enthusiasm. Derek was particularly generous with his time when it came to offering advice to up and coming musicians, promoters and managers. His encyclopedic knowledge of music coupled with his straight-forward business ideals served him well in a long and esteemed career. His legacy is a positive example to everyone who works in the music industry.

The band Derek was most closely associated with Ham Sandwich and numerous other friends from the music community will together on October 9th in memory and celebration of this legendary figure.


Tickets priced 20 Euro on sale from www.tickets.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide ( http://www.ticketmaster.ie )

All proceeds will be donated to the Nally family.

 
 
 
 
Juliet Turner
::: LIVE ::: - National Concert Hall ~ Dublin
Co-Headline Show with  JOHN SPILLANE
06 October 2010 - 8:00 PM
Tickets 20 Euro and 25 Euro Available from NCH.ie or 01-417-0000

www.julietturner.com
Turner's live shows should be experienced. She is a quiet, relaxed performer with a wicked sense of humour. Her voice is unusually clear and sweet and her between song anecdotes are amusing, eccentric and off-the-cuff. Prepare to be drawn in and bowled over!

>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<

 
 
 
 

Ham Sandwich
New Album  'White Fox'
Featuring the Singles "The Naturist" and "OH-OH"
Available 01/10/10 on The Route 109A Recording Co.
Dedicated in loving memory of Derek Nally
hamsandwichmusic.com


::: LIVE :::  Album Launch - Saturday October 30 - The Button Factory, Dublin

The Kells-based band release their second album "White Fox", the follow-up to their 2008 award winning debut long-player "Carry the Meek". A glimpse of what was to come appeared on the nation's airwaves back in May which raised the bar of expectations for the much anticipated new album; the "The Naturist" announced to the fanbase that the band were pushing the boat out and not resting on their laurels! The track highlights the classic intertwining vocal wordplay from Niamh and Podge and driven by D'Arcy's anthemic guitar playing thus marking a soaring return from one of Ireland's most popular bands. The follow-up single (out 24/10), "Oh-Oh" continues to visit new territory with more complex arrangements and instrumentation taking the band's writing to new creative heights. “We've definitely grown up since ‘Carry The Meek',” maintains Niamh. “In terms of all of us getting involved in the song writing process and, I suppose, just maturing as people. Making the song structures more interesting is crucial for both the listener and the band, because it holds the attention for longer.” Podge recounts, "The first album was practically all electric guitar; the new album is more musically varied – and not for the sake of it, either. It's just that we're getting our heads around different instruments. It's a natural evolvement, and more texture is no harm.” Produced and mixed by Karl Odlum and recorded at Sun Studios, Temple Bar (Dublin) & May Lodge (Co. Meath). Mastered by the legendary Abbey Road Studio (London) engineer Peter Mew ( David Bowie, The Beatles, ELO, Bob Marley, etc)

TRACKLISTING: THE NATURIST / WHITE FOX / ANTS / OH-OH / MODELS / THE FOG / LONG DISTANCE / IN DECEMBER / ANIMALS / FLOORS

Upcoming Ham Sandwich Gigs:

21st SEPT ~ LSAD Limerick
23rd SEPT ~ GMIT Galway
24th SEPT ~ WEEVERS, Drogheda
25th SEPT ~ THE FORUM, Waterford
01st OCT ~ TOWER RECORDS, Dublin - ALBUM RELEASE
09th OCT ~ DEREK NALLY TRIBUTE SHOW, WHELANS, Dublin (One of several bands on the line-up)
14th OCT ~ THE SPIRIT STORE, Dundalk
30th OCT ~ THE BUTTON FACTORY, Dublin - OFFICIAL ALBUM LAUNCH


More Shows to be added. For bookings contact Mark Downing, mark(at) audionetworks.ie

 
 
 
 

Double A-side single "Olivia" / "She Is" Also features "Name My Mother"
From the New Album "100,000 Ways To Harvest Hope"
Irish Release Date 17/9/10 on Paper Scissors Rock Music - Available now on downloadmusic.ie/stand

www.standland.com

::: LIVE ::: Whelan's, Dublin on Saturday, September 18th, 2010

 
 
 
 

Rory Faithfield

New Single " The One You Need "

The latest single off the critically acclaimed album "SONGS FOR SOONER"

Release Date Sept 17th, 2010
www.faithfield.com ~ www.myspace.com/roryfaithfield

The Album "Songs for Sooner" Featuring the singles "The One You Need""Clonard”, "Blue Western Skies", and "Born in Sydney Town"
Out Now on Blind Romantic Records, distributed by ESD.



Australia's Dublin-based acoustic powerhouse Rory Faithfield is back with his latest single release from his fourth album "Songs For Sooner" . With Celtic songlines in his head and grains of sand between his toes, Rory has conjured an alluring songbook of life, love and consequence!

Dividing his time between Dublin and Vasse on the West Australian coast, Rory has honed his craft on the European pub circuit to create this authentic home-coming album. Big Blue Western Skies casts a wistful spell; capturing the hypnotic harsh beauty of our summers, while the single release Born in Sydney Town is a little piece of home for every erstwhile Australian traveller. Clonard beguiles as a Celtic ballad of the journey featuring John O'Brien on Uilleann Pipes & Whistles.

Much of Songs for Sooner was written last year in Australia, then recorded in Ireland with a full band which included Nick Scott (Van Morrison) and Johnny Boyle (The Frames). Rory co-produced the album with industry veteran Gavin Murphy  and also includes top local musicians Bill Shanley, Christian Herzberger, Lorcan Daly, and Ciaran Byrne.

Applauded by the often unforgiving Irish music media, Rory is described as "Power Acoustic" by the Irish Independent, and "invigorating and inspiring" by The Irish Times.

In a recent 4 Star review, 'The Australian' (national newspaper) noted that, “his message is that all shades of experience can be metamorphosed into positivity and individualistic growth”, and the West Australian newspaper remarked that “this is beautiful, straightforward storytelling, saturated in Irish folk traditions but with a keen edge born of Faithfield's days as a punk rocker in Sydney. I was reminded of Paul Kelly's more lyrical excursions, which is a high compliment”.

 
 
 
 
DAVE COUSE
"Alonewalk"
Featuring "Good Friday" -  the duet with Cathal Coughlan
Available on iTunes, www.1969records.com and Record Shops Nationwide
www.davecouse.com

Spare, but beautifully recorded and played, this, by anyones standard, marks a departure for Dave Couse as an artist. With an entirely new palatte of sounds, the songs are a heady meditation on life and love and loss. Following "The World Should Know" (2005), Dave raced back into the studio, and after a Blue Nilesque recording session re-emerged with the majestic "Alonewalk". Mastered by the beyond legendary Bob Ludwig....go on wiki him...anyone who has heard this album has been raving about it. Now its your turn. enjoy!! "Alonewalk" is the third album released by Dave Couse since the break up of A HOUSE, his second on the Irish Indie label 1969 Records. Originally given an online release back on Good Friday April 2nd, the album now gets it's commercial release in all good record shops nationwide on Oct.1st, 2010.

For Information / Interview requests / Promotional Copies contact:
Stevo Berube / Berube Communications info@berubecommunications. com or +353 (0)87 244 2695

NICK KELLY ~ IRISH INDEPENDENT
“Couse has returned, Phoenix-like, with — shout it from the rooftops — the finest album of his career. No, really. Released on 1969 Records, Alonewalk is a total revelation — the songs are written in a more classical mode, with nuanced cello (courtesy of Rike Soller) and electric guitar (courtesy of A House alumnus Fergal Bunbury) embroidering Couse's evocative, soulful piano melodies.”

TONY CLAYTON-LEA ~ IRISH TIMES
“… so much here is the work of a singular songwriter getting to grips (as is his wont) with nitty-gritty subjects in a reflective, almost sombre (but always compelling) manner”

JOHN MEAGHER ~ IRISH INDEPENDENT
“… a pair of songs, ‘Black and White' and ‘Don't say a word' are as good as anything he's written, but the Standout song is ‘Good Friday'. With just eight tracks, ‘alonewalk' doesn't outlast its welcome and it's a collection to reward the patient listener.”

COLM O'HARE ~ HOT PRESS
“Dave Couse's place in the pantheon of great Irish songwriters is assured. His first solo album in five years finds him in a mellow, introspective mood blending classical song structures with pop, post rock and even doo-wop. The songs range from the poignant, elegiac beauty of ‘what will become of us' and ‘don't say a word' to the melodically quirky ‘Good Friday' which features another singularly unique Irish voice in Cathal Coughlan.”

NIALL CRUMLISH ~ STATE.IE
“…I'm conscious of the absurdity of comparing Dave Couse to Beethoven. I have just spent two weeks with "Alonewalk" and it is such a thrilling and mysterious and moving record that, for now, the comparison stands.”

 
 
 
 
 
     
 
ARLO GUTHRIE
::: LIVE ::: 2010 Irish Tour Dates
More info on www.arlo.net
Thu 5th August
- BELFAST, Black Box -
Fri 6th August
- CULDAFF, McGrory's -
Sat 7th August
- SLIGO, Hawkswell Theatre -
Sun 8th August
- CASTLEBAR, Royal Theatre -
Tue 10th August
- GALWAY, Roisin Dubh -
Wed 11th August
- LIMERICK, Dolan's -
Fri 13th August
- KILLARNEY, INEC -
Sat 14th August
- CORK, The Pavilion -
Sun 15th August
- CARRIG-ON-BANNOW, Colfers -
Mon 16th August
- DUBLIN, National Concert Hall -

Over the last four decades Arlo has toured throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia winning a broad and dedicated following. In addition to being an accomplished musician—playing the piano, six and twelve-string guitar, harmonica and a dozen other instruments—Arlo is a natural-born storyteller whose hilarious tales and anecdotes are woven seamlessly into his performances.

In 1961 a young Arlo Guthrie took to the stage for the first time … solo. He played in England, Scotland and Denmark during the summer of 1965, showing up at clubs or singing on street corners … alone.

In November that same year he began work on his epic adventure, “Alice's Restaurant.” He worked as a solo artist touring around the world to as far away as Japan for the next two years until “Alice” was recorded. In 1967 “Alice's Restaurant” hit the radios and the record stores.

In 1969 four events converged to change everything. He appeared at Woodstock Music Festival, starred in the motion picture Alice's Restaurant, married Miss Malibu, Jackie Hyde, and bought an old farm in Massachusetts. He has rarely toured solo since those Woodstock days.

In 1983, alongside his thriving performing career, Arlo launched his own record label, Rising Son Records that holds his complete catalogue. His latest album, In Times Like These, is a dynamic work in which Arlo collaborated with the University of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra. It will be released on his 60th birthday, July 10.

In 1991, Arlo bought “The Church” which now houses The Guthrie Center, a not-for-profit interfaith church foundation, and The Guthrie Foundation, an educational foundation, dedicated to providing a wide range of local and international services.

In 2005, using the Guthrie Foundation as a springboard, Arlo and his family rode the Amtrak City of New Orleans train from Chicago to New Orleans, stopping along the way to perform benefit concerts. “‘We saw the disaster unfold in New Orleans, on a level that probably hadn't been seen since the Dust Bowl era…and I wanted to do something that would actually help.' said Arlo” – The Wall Street JournalArlo Guthrie & Friends – Ridin' on the City of New Orleans (Benefiting Victims of Katrina) raised over $100,000 directly targeted for musicians.

"In Times Like These" (2007), one of Rising Son's most recent releases, features Arlo alongside the University of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra. The album marks the culmination of his work with 27 different symphony orchestras and more than 40 live concerts. His show at Boston Symphony Hall, conducted by Keith Lockhart, was recorded and aired on PBS's Evening at the Pops. In 2001, the Fourth of July celebration with the Pops was broadcasted live by A&E. A compelling collection of original songs and select American classics performed by Arlo and the University of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, In Times Like These was released on vinyl in the fall of 2009.

In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock, Rising Son released (August 18, 2009). Recorded just prior to Woodstock, the recently discovered lost tape highlights Arlo live in concert in Long Island, NY and features nine tracks including an epic 28-minute talking blues tale as well as three previously unrecorded songs.

When not at home in Washington, MA hanging out with family and friends, Arlo tours the world. “Guthrie Family Rides Again” marks the second North American tour featuring Arlo on stage with his children and grandkids; in 2006 they traveled together in the "Guthrie Family Legacy Tour." Arlo comments, "Its really fun and an adventure to hit the road as a family. We get to travel together to all these wonderful cities. My parents always had a dream of doing this, but they never had the chance to pursue it. We've always been family oriented, and it's a great excuse to get everybody out of the house."

In 2005 as part of a Guthrie Foundation sponsored tour, the family rode the Amtrak City of News Orleans train from Chicago to New Orleans, stopping along the way to perform benefit concerts. Arlo Guthrie & Friends' "Ridin' on the City of New Orleans" has raised more than $140,000 in cash and garnered hundreds of replacement instruments for musicians suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Arlo's ambitions have always included various community projects in addition to his artistic pursuits. In 1991, he purchased the old Trinity Church near Stockbridge, MA, which is now home to The Guthrie Center, named for his parents, and The Guthrie Foundation. The Guthrie Center is a not-for-profit interfaith church foundation dedicated to providing a wide range of local and international services. The Guthrie Foundation is a separate not-for-profit educational organization that addresses issues such as the environment, health care, cultural preservation and educational exchange.

"Guthrie Family Rides Again Tour" (October 2009 – May 2010) featured three generations of Guthries including Arlo's son Abe, who has contributed keyboards and backing vocals to his father's live shows since the '80s. His daughters Cathy, Annie and Sarah Lee Guthrie, all of who have their own bustling music careers, will support by singing songs and accompanying on acoustic guitars. Sarah Lee's musical partner and husband Johnny Irion will lead songs and lend his stalwart guitar playing. The youngest generation of Guthrie kids took to the stage as well on select songs.

 
 
 
 

BLACK MAN'S CRY: THE INSPIRATION OF FELA KUTI
Available from NOW-AGAIN RECORDS / Essential Music

Black Man's Cry is a beautiful selection of covers and music inspired by the Godfather of Afro-Beat FELA KUTI
This Fela Estate-approved anthology includes rare and previously unreleased music from Nigeria, Ghana, Colombia, Trinidad and more.


DELUXE CD & HARDBOUND BOOK WITH EXTENSIVE LINER NOTES AND NEVER-PUBLISHED-BEFORE PHOTOS OF FELA KUTI

Fela Kuti and his Africa 70 popularized the hybrid of highlife, jazz and James Brown style, big-band funk he invented: Afro-Beat.

In Nigeria, his countrymen knew his music like Americans know Elvis. On foreign shores, a chosen few Westerners – Cream's drummer Ginger Baker and New York-based jazz vibraphonist Roy Ayers amongst them – could claim to know the extent of Fela's genius. As a result, while music historians have filled books with references to the influence of Westerners on Fela's creation, little has been said about Fela's inspiration on others.

Fela's music, and that of his organization inspired musicians across the global village when Afro-Beat was new and novel. This compilation focuses on the music Fela inspired – whether by fellow Nigerians recording alongside him in the early 70s, neighbors in Ghana, then-modern Colombian cumbia ensembles inspired by the man who injected a new feel into the Yoruban rhythms that formed cumbia's base, Trinidadian steel bands or the select few organizations left that have maintained Fela's fury in the new millennium.

This is but a cursory investigation into those inspired by Fela Kuti's genius, but it is unique: the first time that many of these tracks are not only offered a second chance for worthy introspection, but, in the case of many, the first time they're being issued full stop.

Tracklisting:

1. Cumbia Moderna De Soledad - Shacalao
2. Dan Satch and his Atomic 8 Dance Band - Woman Pin Down
3. 6th Infantry Brigade of the Nigerian Army - Black And Proud
4. Bola Johnson - Hot Pants
5. Segun Bucknor - Adebo
6. Bola Johnson - Never Trust A Woman
7. Jerry Hansen - Sisi Mi
8. Daktaris - Up Side Down
9. Phirpo Y Sus Caribes - Comencemos
10. Lever Brothers Gay Flamingoes - Egbi Mi O/Black Man's Cry (Medley)
11. Mosco Tiles Fonclaire Steel Orchestra - Black Man's Cry
12. Sylvania East Side Symphony - Egbi Mi O/Black Man's Cry (Medley)
13. Lisandro Meza - Shacalao
14. Karl Hector and The Malcouns - Toure Samar
15. Whitefield Brothers - Lullaby For Lagos

 
 
 
 
THE DUCKWORTH LEWIS METHOD
Neil Hannon (The Divine Comedy) ~ Thomas Walsh (Pugwash)
::: LIVE ::: Olympia Theatre, Dublin ~ Wed, July 28th 2010
Tickets from 28 Euro including booking fee f rom Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide or by Telephone (24 Hour): ROI - 0818 719 330. Book On Line: ticketmaster.ie

The Self-Titled Album "THE DUCKWORTH LEWIS METHOD" Fea. the Singles ‘The Age Of Revolution' & ‘Meeting Mr Miandad'.
Nominated for Best Album in the Meteor Music Awards (Ire), Choice Music Prize (Ire), and was shortlisted for the prestigious Ivor Novello Award (UK). Released in Ireland on 1969 Records and available on itunes, Amazon, Play.com and HMV.com dlmethod.com

 
 
 
 
JOHN HIATT

"The Open Road "

Available now from New West Records

www.johnhiatt.com ~ www.newwestrecords.com

>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional Copies contact Berube Communications on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<

LEGENDARY SONGWRITER JOHN HIATT TAKES A JOURNEY DOWN THE OPEN ROAD

Looking at life through the rearview mirror was the inspiration for John Hiatt's brand new album, The Open Road, out now New West Records. The legendary songwriter's 19th studio album is classic Hiatt, picking up the tempo and returning to rock following his previous critically acclaimed Same Old Man. Backed by his touring band, (Kenny Blevins on drums, Patrick O'Hearn on bass and Doug Lancio on guitars), the songs are inspired by life on the road, without looking back. "All the other years, my songs are about coming home," Hiatt says. But within these 11 new songs, home is never the destination.

Hiatt will take the new songs on the road beginning with a run of international dates with Lyle Lovett (see below). Upon returning to the states, he will appear on the 3rd annual Cayamo cruise, on which he's played since the first voyage. Tour dates in North America will follow in March with shows including NYC on March 10th followed by Pittsburgh, DC and Annapolis, which is already sold out.

Hiatt has written songs covered by a multitude of artists in a wide variety of genres including Bob Dylan, Rosanne Cash, Willie Nelson, Jewel and Bonnie Raitt, who most famously recorded "Thing Called Love." On The Open Road he showcases both his lyrical and musical talent with his blues driven, rock songs including the title track and "Haulin'." Hiatt produced The Open Road himself after recording with his band in his garage-turned-studio.

Of The Open Road, The Boston Herald says, "Proving that 2008's surprisingly moving “Same Old Man” was no fluke, singer-songwriter Hiatt continues his late-career renaissance. Trading the bittersweet look back of “Same Old Man” for the through-the-windshield view of “The Open Road,” Hiatt knocks together a rocking, full-throttle road record that in its tone, toughness and mix of blues, r & b and country harkens back to his landmark “Bring the Family. Known for his extraordinary songwriting talent, Hiatt was inducted into the Nashville Songwriter's Hall of Fame in 2008 and also was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Songwriting from The Americana Music Association. Hiatt has written songs covered by a multitude of artists in a wide variety of genres including Bob Dylan, Rosanne Cash, Willie Nelson, Jewel and Bonnie Raitt, who most famously recorded "Thing Called Love."

THE OPEN ROAD TRACK LIST:
The Open Road
Haulin'
Go Down Swingin'
Like A Freight Train
My Baby
Homeland
Wonder of Love
What Kind of Man
Movin' On
Fireball Roberts
Carry You Back Home

 
     
 
MARTHA REEVES & THE VANDELLAS
::: LIVE :::  Motown Legend Announces Two Rare Irish Shows
www.missmarthareeves.com

CORK - Thurs 22nd July '10 - Cork Opera House - SHOW CANCELLED DUE TO VENUE CLOSURE
DUBLIN  - Fri 23rd July '10 - The Helix - SHOW CANCELLED

It was 1962 that Motown's Artist and Repertoire Director William “Mickey” Stevenson first heard the voice that would become synonymous with "the sound of young America." A young jazz/blues singer with the unlikely name of "Martha Lavaille" was bringing audiences to their feet at Detroit's famed 20 Grand Nightclub singing songs made popular by singers the likes of Gloria Lynne and Della Reese. He invited her to audition at the new Motown Records headquarters, "Hitsville, USA."

Though the audition never happened, within a year, Martha had taken the reigns of the company's A&R department, ingratiating herself. She saw that musicians showed up on time and got paid. She watched, learned, and whenever opportunity presented itself, she sang. And when she did, everyone took notice. When Mary Wells couldn't make a session, Martha was called to the mic. With her group, the Del Phi's, she recorded "I'll Have to Let Him Go," and Martha and the Vandellas was born.

The song was rather forgettable, but Reeves' sound wasn't. While waiting for her first hit, Martha (along with Rosalind Ashford and Annette Beard) backed Marvin Gaye on his first three releases and sang with him on stage. Soon, however, they emerged from the shadows with "Come and Get These Memories," followed by an enviable string of hits: "Heat Wave," "Quicksand," "In My Lonely Room," "Nowhere to Run," "My Baby Loves Me,", "Love Makes Me Do Foolish Things," "I'm Ready For Love," "Jimmy Mack," and, of course, the Motown anthem, "Dancing In The Street."

After leaving Motown in 1972, Martha continued to expand her musical horizons, establishing herself as a singer-songwriter with few limitations. She sang rock, jazz, country, gospel, blues and classical. Her singing companions included everyone from the Godfather James Brown and the Boss Bruce Springsteen to opera diva Beverly Sills and gospel king Rance Allen. She headlined a national touring company of the musical "Ain't Misbehaving," and for three years toured the UK in the musical review "Dancing In The Street."

Martha Reeves continues to thrill audiences around the world. Her self-produced 2004 CD, "Home to You" was named one of the year's best by the Asbury Park Press. In 2005, Will Smith mined the Motown vaults to uncover her unreleased gem, "It's Easy to Fall In Love," and included it in the hit movie "Hitch."  Also in 2005, Motown released Martha's "Lost and Found" collection, which included the rare Smokey Robinson-penned "Spellbound," her studio recording of "For Once In My Life," and covers of hits by the likes of Aretha Franklin, the Marvelettes, Vikki Carr, Sam & Dave, and the Four Tops. She was also featured in the PBS special, "Motown: The Early Years," writing liner notes for the four-set CD package. A "Gold" collection was released in March 2006 and "The Definitive Collection" in 2009.  (Her 1968 "Live at the Copa" remains in the vaults, but we hope for a release in the not-too-distant future.

Martha just completed a four-year run as a member of the Detroit City Council. She is back on the road full time, making sure that no one ever forgets the Motor City!

 
     
 
 
 
 
 

Original Soundtrack

Availble Now - GGI / Ragz To Riches

A massive cinematic landmark comes the equally weighty movie soundtrack, a real dynamic audio treat that set to be as big as the movie itself!!

You may have heard the lead single by MOBO nominee and star of the movie BASHY ‘When a Sky is Falling' after it was debuted on Mista Jam's BBC Radio 1 show. Since then the video was launched on You Tube, where it became the most viewed video in the UK in the first week of it's broadcast!!

Set in 2015 SHANK takes a near futuristic look at what life might be like for the next generation should the recession continue to build and force the youth closer and closer towards the periphery of society. The film features some of the best of British young talent including a big screen debut from BASHY, ADAM DEACON (Kidulthood / Adulthood), MICHAEL SOCHA (Summer, Soft), KAYA SCODELARIO (Skins), COLIN SALMON (Die Another Day) & ROBBIE GEE (Hush).

So it's only right that the Soundtrack that accompanies it should feature the brightest young stars from the British music scene! The list is as mouth watering as any, with some of the biggest artists from the isle showing their full support. Names like the chart topping TINCHY STRYDER , Mercury award winning SPEECH DEBELLE , BOY BETTER KNOW , TINIE TEMPAH , GIGGS , ROLL DEEP , TEMPA T , BREAKAGE ft NEWHAM GENERALS , DONAEO , MZ BRATT and many more.

The production company behind the soundtrack also thought it would great to find the next great hope to sit among these already established artists. They decided to launch a competition, getting artists to submit their own music and picking one track that would be included on the finished album. They had hundreds of entries and the winner, Hydro , with his track ‘Blowing Up' was finally chosen. A big congratulations goes out to him!

TRACKLISTING:

Bashy Ft Loick Essien – When The Sky Falls
Tinchy Stryder Ft Tanya Lacey – Spotlight
Boy Better Know – Goin In
Roll Deep - Roll Deep Rally
Mz Bratt Ft Bruza and Tinie Tempah – Warning
Giggs Ft B.O.B - Don't Go There
Doctor - Tek Your Time
Donaeo – Riot Music (Skream Remix)
Tempz – Next Hype
Ghetts – Artillery
Breakage Ft Newham Generals – Hard
Speeche Debelle – The Key (Loose Cannons Remix)
Dotstar – Stick Up Skank
RoxXxan - Heavyweight
Hydro – Blowing Up (Competition Winner)
Adam Deacon – Madness

 
 
 
 

"BEHIND CLOSED DOORS" - In aid of the ISPCC
Featuring Tracks By Oliver Cole, Dave Geraghty, Delorentos, The Corrs, Noise Control, Neosupervital, Trevelle, The Aftermath, & Juno Falls
Coordinated, engineered, mixed and compiled by a group of second year students in the Sound Training Centre in Temple Bar


Available From Sound Training Records - Catalog Number PR003
Physical Release Date: 21/05/10 exclusively at Tower Records, Dublin
Digital Release Date: 28/05/2010 on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby

::: LIVE :::
May 20th - Launch Party Show - BUTTON FACTORY, Dublin - May 20th - 10 Euros ( Featuring Noise Control, Juno Falls, The Aftermath, and History of Harry)
May 21st - Album Launch in TOWER RECORDS, 6-8 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2 - Starts at 1pm - includes a performance by the Delorentos

CD Tracklisting:
·         Neosupervital - Just Be
·         The Aftermath - Need
·         Juno Falls - Same old Song and Dance
·         Delorentos - Hallucinations
·         Oliver Cole - Spotlight
·         The Corrs - Spancill Hill
·         Noise Control - Addiction
·         Travelle - Big Blue Sky
·         Dave Geraghty - Watch her Win ( Weensteen Mix )

For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs contact:
Maggie Gallagher / Sound Training Centre soundtrainingcentre@ gmail.com or 01-670-9033

Introducing "Behind Closed Doors"; a charity album in aid of the ISPCC; coordinated, engineered, mixed and compiled by a group of second year students in the Sound Training Centre in Temple Bar. "Behind Closed Doors" is an acoustic compilation of mainly unpublished and exclusive works from Irish artists which are not available anywhere else. The album was recorded in Temple Lane Studios; Temple Bar.

Artists featured on the album include the Corrs, Dave Geraghty, Juno Falls, Delorentos, Oliver Cole, Noise Control, Neosupervital, Trevelle and The Aftermath. "Behind Closed Doors" continues from last years "Sparks and Mind" album; in aid of Aware; which featured artists such as Bell X1, Lisa Hannigan, Damian Dempsey, Cowboy X, Ham Sandwich and The Thrills amongst others. The album will be released on "Sound Training Records" which was set up and run by a group of second year students in the Sound Training Centre.

We have chosen to work with the ISPCC (Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) this year to assist in their efforts on behalf of under privileged children in Ireland. The ISPCC was founded in 1889 and is Ireland's oldest and most well-known children's charity. ISPCC has developed and delivered innovative child centred services meeting the needs of children and their families. The ISPCC has a network of local regional centres in Castlebar, Cork, Drogheda, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Monaghan, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow. It's four key services include childline, Leanbh, Childfocus, Teenfocus and the Mentoring support Project. On Christmas day alone last year Childline received 770 calls from children in distress. The ISPCC is an independent charity and receives no funding from the Irish government. For more information see www.ispcc.ie

Behind Closed Doors will be launched digitally on the 28th of May (available on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby etc). The CD launch party will take place in the Button Factory on the 20th of May at 8pm and will feature acts such as Noise Control, Juno Falls, The Aftermath and History of Harry. Admission is 10 euros on the night. Physical release will take place on the 21st and will include a live performance from the Delorentos in Tower Records at 1 pm. The album is available exclusively from Tower Records. You can keep in touch with us on the following websites

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ SoundTrainingRecords

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/ soundtrainingrecords

Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/pages/ Sound-Training-Records#!/ pages/Sound-Training-Records/ 325886088083?ref=ts

 
 
 
 
Bettye LaVette
American Soul Legend Announces Rare Irish Show
Friday, June 11th ~ The Village ~ Wexford Street,  Dublin
Doors 7.30pm. Tickets 31 Euro, including booking fee.
www.bettyelavette.com

"You've got a singer here who is willing to stretch and is not content to live in the safety zone." - Elvis Costello

"Bettye Lavette has always been a wonderful singer - I have been a huge fan for many years. To my delight and surprise she recorded an amazing version of "Talking Old Soldiers" - a song which nobody else has covered, and made it her own. Now she has recorded "Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me" and has done exactly the same - but this time with a much more familiar song. I am truly touched by her picking these songs and can only hope that this album brings more attention to this incredible artist." - Elton John

"When you hear a voice like Bettye LaVette's there's a sense of transportation (NOT to a penal colony!), but a certain freedom of movement and emotion, which is rare. Especially to me and I suspect other Englishmen who were so fascinated by the music that is so natural to Bettye while we were still getting our feet wet. The 'hands across the pond' aspect gives me a warm feeling. A connection! A great record. Put me in the fan club! How did Bettye LaVette slip thru the net for so long?" - Keith Richards

"What a voice, and what a soul to compliment such a talent. I believe every word, as does everyone that has had the pleasure of hearing Bettye LaVette sing. She's inspired a lot of great music. You can hear clearly that her influence is all over the new music today." - Joss Stone

Music references Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Candi Staton, Solomon Burke, James Browne, Smokey Robinson, Al Green, Stevie Wonder, etc.

Bettye LaVette gears up for the release of her new CD, "Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook" - accompanied by praise from Keith Richards and Joss Stone.

The release of Bettye LaVette's eagerly awaited follow up to her Grammy-nominated Scene of the Crime is just around the corner with the May 25 release of "Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook". In anticipation, Anti- Records and Paste Magazine are making Bettye's take on the Jagger-Richards' gem from the classic "Beggar's Banquet" album “Salt of the Earth” available for download now from Paste Magazine.

On her upcoming Interpretations, Bettye brings the British invasion home to its American R&B roots, looking to the past for inspiration and uncovering common ancestry in seemingly divergent musical avenues. Throughout the new album, her performances are a revelation, inhabiting each song so completely as to make them her own. To that end, Bettye made some changes to the lyrics on a number of songs including the aforementioned track “Salt of the Earth,” whereby she modernized “strange beauty shows” to “reality shows” and “polio” to “HIV.”

Fittingly, Keith Richards has given Bettye some advance praise, noting: “When you hear a voice like Bettye LaVette's there's a sense of transportation (NOT to a penal colony!), but a certain freedom of movement and emotion, which is rare.  Especially to me and I suspect other Englishmen who were so fascinated by the music that is so natural to Bettye while we were still getting our feet wet. The ‘hands across the pond' aspect gives me a warm feeling.  A connection!  A great record.  Put me in the fan club! How did Bettye LaVette slip thru the net for so long?”

Produced by Bettye, Rob Mathes and Michael Stevens, the album is a 13-song journey through compositions by the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd among others, before concluding right where the very idea for "Interpretations" started: Bettye's visceral show-stopping rendition of The Who's “Love Reign O'er Me” from the 2008 Kennedy Center Honors, which appears here as an extended bonus track.

Meanwhile, Joss Stone, who has shared the stage with Bettye, declares: “What a voice and what a soul to compliment such a talent. I believe every word, as does everyone that has had the pleasure of hearing Bettye LaVette sing. She's inspired a lot of great music. You can hear clearly that her influence is all over the new music today”.
Throughout INTERPRETATIONS, her performances are a revelation not just of raw emotion, but of the inexorable ties between British rock ‘n' roll and American blues and R&B, which when combined, catalyzed popular music. That Lennon, McCartney, and so many others who crossed the Atlantic in their wake, were deeply influenced by American music is no great secret. What BETTYE demonstrates here so convincingly is the degree to which rock ‘n' roll and American soul remain bound by bloodlines.

The Beatles' pre-psychedelic Rubber Soul classic “The Word” takes on an almost religious fervor, while Paul McCartney's “Maybe I'm Amazed” is transformed from a majestic pop song into a stark, almost desperate expression of devotion. Profound alienation becomes intense longing on Pink Floyd's “Wish You Were Here,” and the wistful naiveté of The Moody Blues' “Nights in White Satin” matures into a deep and unshakeable lament. BETTYE inhabits these songs, revitalizes them and exposes the humanity that makes these 13 tracks not just pop songs, but enduring works of art.

Such mastery hardly comes as a surprise to at least one legend featured here. Elton John (whose “Talking Old Soldiers” appeared on The Scene Of The Crime) offers this endorsement of BETTYE's impassioned take on “Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me”
:
“Bettye LaVette has always been a wonderful singer – I have been a huge fan for many years. To my delight and surprise she recorded an amazing version of ‘Talking Old Soldiers' – a song that nobody else has covered – and made it her own.

“Now she has recorded ‘Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me' and has done exactly the same – but this time with a much more familiar song. I am truly touched by her picking these songs and can only hope that this album brings more attention to this incredible artist.”

Track Listing:
1. The Word (John Lennon/Paul McCartney)
2. No Time To Live (James Capaldi/Stephen Winwood)
3. Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood (Bennie Benjamin/Gloria Caldwell/Sol Marcus)
4. All My Love (John Baldwin/Robert Plant)
5. Isn't It A Pity (George Harrison)
6. Wish You Were Here (David Gilmour/Roger Waters)
7. It Don't Come Easy (Richard Starkey)
8. Maybe I'm Amazed (Paul McCartney)
9. Salt Of The Earth (Michael Jagger/Keith Richards)
10. Nights In White Satin (David Hayward)
11. Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad (Eric Clapton/Bobby Whitlock)
12. Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (Elton John/Bernard Taupin)
13. Love Reign O'er Me (Peter Townshend) [BONUS TRACK]

 
 
 
 
BOOKER T & Band
::: LIVE ::: Two Irish Shows Announced
New Album "Potato Hole" Out Now on Anti-Records
www.bookert.com

Cork - Opera House ~ Monday May 31st
Dublin - The Village ~ Tuesday June 1st

Booker T. won a GRAMMY in 1997 for his work with Booker T. & The MGs, taking home honors for Best Pop Instrumental Performance. He was presented a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007, also for his work with the MGs. But this year at the 52d Annual GRAMMY Awards, Booker T. scored his first-ever GRAMMY as a solo artist, winning the Best Pop Instrumental Album trophy for his April 2009 release Potato Hole (Epitaph/ANTI-). Potato Hole, on which Booker is backed by the blistering Drive-By Truckers, was Booker T.'s first new album in nearly two decades, and the lead single "Warped Sister" had been nominated for Best Rock Instrumental (the legendary Jeff Beck took home that award.)

Booker T and The MGs were the session band at Memphis based Stax Records, playing on the classic recordings by Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Sam And Dave, Irma Thomas, amongst many other classic recordings. He's also had hits in his own right with timeless instrumentals including Green Onions, Time Is Tight , Hip Hug-Her, Hang Them High ,Groovin', amongst many others. It is hard to believe that Booker T was only 15 and still at high school when he started as a session player at Stax Records and also wrote many of the great soul classics! Booker T's current project is recording a new album with hip hop outfit THE ROOTS. He is also a producer of some note having produced million selling albums for Bill Withers, Rita Coolidge and Willie Nelson's breakthrough album Stardust. Back in 1993 he appeared in Slane Castle with Neil Young, Pearl Jam and Van Morrison.
 

Hammond B3 alchemist Booker T Jones is one America's most prolific, distinguished and instantly recognizable musical forces, and the arrival of his new Anti- album, Potato Hole, not only re-affirms his greatness, it also re-introduces the neglected all-instrumental format to a noisy, crowded marketplace crying out for precisely the type of soul satisfying pleasure which Jones excels at.

With choice accompaniment by the capable Southern rock visionaries Drive By Truckers and a sound often pushed into over drive by the volcanic lead guitar of rock and roll legend Neil Young, it is an altogether extraordinary set. Featuring a mixture of newly written songs and a trio of intriguing covers, all recorded in a scant one weeks time, Potato Hole captures Booker T at the critical peak of a renewed creative phase in his storied career.

"I really feel like I've been opened up again, I've got the creative muse working for me," Jones said. "It's like I have discovered a new method, a little road I can take to open it up, and I'm excited about playing this music."

The album rolls through a selection of far-ranging compositions, each separate and distinct pieces that, by turn, manifest his characteristic adoration of the groove, exploring and exploiting each mood to the limit. Whether it's a case of cosmological serenity or funky staccato chicken peck work-outs, Jones' melodic vision and expansive arrangements are delivered with a mesmerizing quality. The album also pushes into sometime previously unvisited-by Jones territory: lead track "Pound It Out" is a brawny, relentless exercise in hard rock, an intense, driving song that's far more of a head-banger than a blast of steam-heated soul.

If that seems out of place, you don't really know Mr. Jones; "I like rock music, always have." he said. "Otis [Redding] did too, and we were getting into it a bit, but couldn't really do it back then. It just wasn't right for Stax." The statement is more than a bit provocative, but the musician tosses out such revelations like carelessly hurled thunderbolts, an arsenal accrued over the course of his remarkable career.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee on November 12 1944, Booker's interest in music manifested itself early, and as a child he both sang gospel in church and received classical training on the piano. A fascination with the Hammond B3 grew to the point where he funded his own organ lessons with newspaper route money and by his teens, Jones found himself at Stax Records, first as an underfoot hanger-on and soon on staff, as leader of the house band. Backing fabled stars like Rufus and Carla Thomas, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave and Eddie Floyd both in the studio and on the road, the teenager's multi-instrumental prowess--on keys, brass and reeds--was impressive.

With his Memphis Group cohorts Steve Cropper, Donald "Duck" Dunn and Al Jackson, Jones laid out the blueprint for the fabled Stax sound and reaped his own rewards with a string of hits that frequently crossed over to the pop charts. Jones post-Stax resume has been equally impressive, recording with everyone from Bobby Darin to John Lee Hooker and producing for numerous artists (including Bill Withers' signature Just As I Am album and Willie Nelson's 1978 multi-platinum blockbuster Stardust). Jones and the MGs re-formed to serve as house band for the famed 1991 Bob Dylan tribute at Madison Square Garden (which led to a sustained alliance between Neil Young and Jones). Along the way, he's also scored numerous films and enjoyed induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.

Potato Hole demonstrates that not only is Jones' talent and power undiminished, it also reveals how much there is to his music that we've never heard before. Jones has a remarkable knack for telling a story with his melodies, compositions so thoughtfully constructed that one can almost visualize narrative events, as the self-explanatory "Pound it Out", the room-to-room filial warmth of "Family Reunion", the illimitable intimacy and affection of "Nan" (Jones' wife), and, in the case of title track (the term is a 19th century Afro-American colloquialism for the spot where smuggled food items were stashed beneath slave quarters), a cinematic, almost epic recounting of the struggles and spiritual resilience slavery imposed.

This quality is so pervasively seductive that you may find yourself singing along, as if Jones was telegraphing lyrics that exist only within the listener. Even the three songs here that did not originate with Jones (Outkast's "Hey Ya," Tom Waits' "Get Behind the Mule" and the Drive By Truckers' own "Space City") are transformed into vintage Booker T jams, shimmering with relaxed, after-hours atmosphere and full of the fiery, taut organ work for which he is rightfully prized.

Whether laying down a meditative ramble or hard-charging rocker, Jones' sense of artistic liberation and depth of involvement on every track here is breath taking--with Potato Hole, the cat is going into orbit. "The Hammond B3 and me have this thing goin' on. It's always there inside me. I've heard whole pieces in my head that I'll never even remember--and now I'm finally getting them out." he explained. "It gives me a freedom that I didn't have . . . I sort of had it with the MG's in the 60s, but even then it was more murky. This is lot more clear. I don't know how to put it, except it's like I can see again."

 
 
 
 
Ham Sandwich
New Single  'The Naturist'
Available from 14/5/10 on The Route 109 Recording Co.
New Website! www.hamsandwichmusic.com

::: LIVE ::: Single Launch - Saturday May 15 - Whelans,

Dublin "The Naturist" is the first single taken from the Kells-based band's upcoming sophomore album set to be released in September '10. Featuring the classic intertwining vocal wordplay from Niamh / Podge and driven by D'Arcy's anthemic guitar playing, "The Naturist" marks a soaring return from one of Ireland's most popular bands. They'll be launching the single in Whelans on the 15th showcasing their new material as well as playing the live favourites from their ‘08 debut long-player "Carry The Meek"

"On the evidence of this effervescent album, Ham Sandwich could be Ireland's answer to Rilo Kiley." ~ IRISH INDEPENDENT
"Eclectic without being all over the place, judiciously selecting choice harmonies over dissonance, and boasting arrangements that favour subtlety over swagger, Ham Sandwich deliver, with an apparent minimum of fuss, a mini triumph." ~ IRISH TIMES
"With a name like Ham Sandwich, this needed to be good. It is so, so much better than that." ~ MAIL ON SUNDAY
"..a locker full of killer tunes." ~ METRO
"Carry The Meek is an album of beautifully sung, crisp, tight, lush, emotional and fun guitar songs that is much more than the sum of it's parts." ~ HOT PRESS
'''Carry The Meek' is a marker that other Irish albums of 2008 - and beyond - will have to match. " ~ CLUAS.COM
"While some sound the death-knell for the album ever louder, there are still plenty whose records drown it out. Like this one." ~ RTE GUIDE
“Spiky indie anthems & irreverent attitude are matched by the striking presence of lead singer Niamh Farrell" ~ SUNDAY TIMES

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The CORONAS
New Download Single "Someone Else's Hands"
From their Meteor Award Winning Best Irish Album "TONY WAS AN EX-CON" Also Features theSingles  "LISTEN DEAR" & "FAR FROM HERE" Out 30-4-10 on 3ú Records / iTunes
www.thecoronas.net

The Coronas - Australian Tour - May 2010

20th - The Zoo, Brisbane, QLD 21st - The Factory, Sydney, NSW
22nd - Newcastle League Club, Newcastle, NSW
23rd - The Mean Fiddler, Sydney, NSW
27th - The Governor Hindmarsh - Adelaide, SA
28th - The Prince of Wales, Melbourne, VIC
30th - The Fly By Night Club, Perth, WA

 
 
 
 
STAND
::: LIVE ::: Whelan's, Dublin ~ April 23rd
www.standland.com

New Album "100,000 Ways To Harvest Hope" Featuring the Hit Songs   "The Living Kind", "Olivia", "She Is", & "Full Circle"
Out on Paper Scissors Rock Music
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Rory Faithfield

"Songs for Sooner"

Featuring the Radio Hits "Clonard”, "Blue Western Skies", and "Born in Sydney Town"

Irish Release Date April 30th, 2010 on Blind Romantic Records, distributed by ESD.
www.faithfield.com ~ www.myspace.com/roryfaithfield

::: LIVE ::: Upcoming Irish Shows

01 May - Bewleys Cafe Theatre - Dublin
11 May - Ruby Session - Dublin
19 May - Roisin Dubh - Galway
20 May - Mullarkeys Bar - Clifden
26 May - Spirit Store- Dundalk
18 June - McCarthys Bar- Dingle
27 June - The Sky & The Ground Bar - Wexford
14 July - Whelan's - Dublin


Australia's Dublin-based acoustic powerhouse Rory Faithfield is back in Ireland to launch his fourth album. With Celtic songlines in his head and grains of sand between his toes, Rory has conjured an alluring songbook of life, love and consequence!

Dividing his time between Dublin and Vasse on the West Australian coast, Rory has honed his craft on the European pub circuit to create this authentic home-coming album. Big Blue Western Skies casts a wistful spell; capturing the hypnotic harsh beauty of our summers, while the single release Born in Sydney Town is a little piece of home for every erstwhile Australian traveller. Clonard beguiles as a Celtic ballad of the journey featuring John O'Brien on Uilleann Pipes & Whistles.

Much of Songs for Sooner was written last year in Australia, then recorded in Ireland with a full band which included Nick Scott (Van Morrison) and Johnny Boyle (The Frames). Rory co-produced the album with industry veteran Gavin Murphy  and also includes top local musicians Bill Shanley, Christian Herzberger, Lorcan Daly, and Ciaran Byrne.

Applauded by the often unforgiving Irish music media, Rory is described as "Power Acoustic" by the Irish Independent, and "invigorating and inspiring" by The Irish Times.

In a recent 4 Star review, 'The Australian' (national newspaper) noted that, “his message is that all shades of experience can be metamorphosed into positivity and individualistic growth”, and the West Australian newspaper remarked that “this is beautiful, straightforward storytelling, saturated in Irish folk traditions but with a keen edge born of Faithfield's days as a punk rocker in Sydney. I was reminded of Paul Kelly's more lyrical excursions, which is a high compliment”.

 
 
 
 

Jerry Fish & The Mudbug Club
New Single: "The Hole In The Boat"
The New Single from the album "The Beautiful Untrue", the follow-up to hit singles "Back to Before", "Dig, A Dog & Bone Story", & "Rogue Melody"
Available on The Mudbug Club Records and iTunes
www.jerry-fish.com ~ www.myspace.com/themudbugclub

Aiken Promotions are proud to present Jerry Fish & The Mudbug Club
::: LIVE :::
 Vicar Street, Dublin ~ Friday,  May 7th
Tickets 25 Euro through Ticketmaster and other usual outlets nationwide. Booking Line: 0818 719 390.

The debut album from Jerry Fish & The Mudbug Club, Be Yourself, was described as "Leonard Cohen doing Dean Martin" and "an album that bucked the zeitgeist with so much enthusiasm you just had to love it." High praise indeed, for one of Ireland"s (by way of Brixton) most enigmatic songwriter/performers.

Watching Jerry Fish do his lounge-lizard turn onstage evokes the smoky ghosts of Tom Waits, Willy DeVille, Professor Longhair and Dr John. With his rolling band of troubadours, Jerry Fish weaves a strange, heady brew of barrio blues, juke-joint jazz, psychedelia, Tropicalia and whatever you"re having yourself.

Eager crowds have flocked to Fish"s traveling musical medicine show. The debut album reached multi-platinum status, with the single, True Friends, truly ingrained in the Irish hum-along psyche when it was featured on a Vodafone advertising campaign. The band played three consecutive nights at Glastonbury ("We were like the court jesters, it was fantastic") and turned a triumphant gig at the Spiegeltent into a best selling live album.

Already The Beautiful Untrue is garnering positive reaction, with The Irish Times saying: "The Beautiful Untrue builds imaginatively on The Mudbug Club"s debut album and Jerry"s Mudbug world of comic-cut theatre feels more attractive with each track...this record is guaranteed to put a smile on troubled faces."

"There have been massive changes in the music industry since I released Be Yourself," explains Jerry. "So you have to take all that in. This is the first album I've completed digitally. I became a sound engineer under the tutelage of Dick Meaney (The Jesus and Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine) and Phil Hayes (The Cake Sale, Bell X1) I got to re-learn how to make a record. This is a one-man show. I am the record company, manager and artist."

Jerry Fish is the alter ego of singer Gerard Whelan who through the 1990"s was the main creative force in An Emotional Fish, the Irish rock band who released one of the most successful debut Irish albums ever. The band were signed to Atlantic Records by the labels legendary founder the late, great and much loved Ahmet Ertegun. "Ahmet really took us under his wing in the early days of An Emotional Fish, he brought the band to his holiday home in Turkey, and told me stories about Otis Reading and his band, Ray Charles, his brother Nesuhi, he was a great storyteller. Ahmet was a legend, and is one of the main reasons I still write songs and make music today."

Jerry made three albums with An Emotional Fish working alongside record producers, Dave Stewart, Tim Palmer, Alan Moulder, and Clive Langer. The band toured the world many times, sharing stages with the likes of Nirvana, Sonic Youth, Iggy Pop, Depeche Mode, The Velvet Underground, Pearl Jam and U2. Playing such iconic venues as the El Mocambo in Toronto and CBGB"s in New York.

Once the band came to an end, Fish retreated from the rock scene and went back to an old hobby, tinkering around with old motorcycles. He also went traveling to "find himself" and ended up finding the love ofhis life. However, it wasn"t until the birth of his first child, that The Mudbug Club"s bandleader felt he had to follow his heart and return to the other thing he loves most in the world, music.

 
 
 
 
Q(Colm Quearney)
"Root To The Fruit"
Featuring "Love Saves The Day" Release Date 16/04/10 on Strange Vibe/1969 Records

colmquearney.com ~ www.myspace.com/colmquearney

It's all about the roots – we are what we are because of circumstance, upbringing, family environment and influence. For proof of this all you need to do is take even a cursory look at the career of Colm Quearney (aka Q). If his father had been a plumber then it's likely Q would have tackled the intricacies of U-Bend technology rather than music. But Q's father wasn't into such work, and so it was that a young Colm grew up listening to blues and jazz, and checking out his dad's nifty bass playing at Sunday afternoon gigs in various venues around Dublin.

Q says he had little interest in becoming a musician until he heard the guitar riff from Satisfaction (a song by a band called The Rolling Stones – you may have heard of them). “It sounds like a cliché,” he relates, “but when I heard it I just wanted to find a guitar to replicate it as quickly as possible.”

And so started a life's journey in music: initially playing electric bass at the School of Hard Knocks, and studying double bass in the rather more refined quarters of the College of Music. “I was academically trained up to a point,” admits Q. “Conversations with my dad were always about music, and that informed how I approached the playing of it. I went on to forming bands, discovered the music of Jimi Hendrix, and then moved from playing bass to the lead guitar.”

In tandem with all of the above was Q's experience in the early 1990s at the Ballyfermot Rock School, of which his time there he describes as a terrific experience, “a melting pot of people from different backgrounds with the same aspirations. It had a profound effect on me – being surrounded by people that loved music as much as I did.”

While at Ballyfermot, Q formed Dragonfly, a cultish rock act that imploded in 1994. Within weeks of Dragonfly splitting, he received a phone call from (then) Irish contenders Lir, whose keyboard player had left the band. There followed a time spent living the life of a rock star in a band that was on the cusp of potential significant success. Like so many before and after, however, plans for this Irish rock band didn't work out. Every cloud, though, has a veritable silver lining.

“I learned how to be in a band, how to write songs,” says Q, “and of how hard it was to be in a band, and how much fun it was. The people that I worked with were likeminded, yet I never felt with Lir – as well as with Dragonfly - that I was doing anything that would ever be commercially viable. It didn't matter to me, though, because I felt that would come later. I was working through a lot of music I was interested in and influenced by. It was a bit self-indulgent, perhaps, but it was also great fun.”

Yet the realisation that being in a band isn't all it's made out to be set in around the time when Q broke one of his legs in a football match. Putting his record store job (the first job he had since he
left school) on hold for a few months afforded him the space to demo a batch of solo material he had been working on.

“The interesting thing about being in a band writing songs with other people,” states Q, “is that you're not entirely free because you're starting to censor yourself. In your head you're going, ‘well, the guitar player won't like that riff, or the singer won't like this song, or the drummer won't like that rhythm'.”

The penny, as they say, finally dropped: being a full time member of a band inhibited the flow of independent creativity. According to an intriguing theory of Q‘s, this is how bands develop those famous ‘music differences', because they become so comfortable with each other that creative viability is, ironically, undermined by their close friendship. “That's not unique. I've seen it happen in a lot of bands. So it's great to be writing songs when there's no agenda, when there's no idea of who you're writing the song for, or when you might be releasing it.”

In 2001, these songs eventually found their way onto Q's contrarily titled debut album, The World's Not Round. Thereafter followed more songwriting, a sophomore solo album in 2004 (Bodyelectric) and, to a gradual degree, a switch from solo act to contributor/collaborator/co- conspirator with the likes of Mundy, Jerry Fish & the Mudbug Club, Pugwash and a plethora of other acts that required help from a nifty guitarist as well as someone who could find their way around a song. All of this creativity and work, reckons Q, built up its own singular head of steam that fed - directly and by osmosis - into his own songwriting.

As if that wasn't enough, Q was often delving into the roots of his own inherently personal influences by performing with unsung Irish blues heroes (and his father's contemporaries) such as Pat Farrell, Jimmy Faulkner, Ed Deane and Noel Bridgeman in bands such as The Houseshakers and Left, Right & Centre. “I secured a work ethic and integrity from these people,” states Q, “that otherwise might not have been there.”

These influences notwithstanding (“playing with bands is a challenge, and your game has to be up to scratch.”), Q's primary focus is his solo work. Resilient and resourceful, he has kept himself busy through downtime periods by building a studio (The Qube Analogue & Digital) from where he plots, ponders and produces.

Q's new album, Root To The Fruit, sees the multi-faceted musician once again chase a sound that promises to blow you away. Unusually, it's an album where the production (courtesy of Q) and the sound are elements of the songwriting.

“You can get the song right and the recording totally wrong,” claims Q correctly. “Have I got it right? Maybe I have and maybe I haven't, but perhaps down the line I'll realise I've created all these songs. Maybe I'll look back when I'm not so close to it, and just enjoy the album.

“And it feels like an album, in the old sense of the meaning. The previous two albums, proud of them though I am, felt as if they were experiments. Root To The Fruit is an album I made that sounds like it's going somewhere. The songs deserve to be there, there's ebb and flow to them. They fit.”

Root To The Fruit is released on Strange Vibe/1969 Records. Q will be performing at the following venues throughout April and May.


 
 
 
 
Original Motion Picture Soundtrack For Fox Searchlight Pictures’  
CRAZY HEART
Produced By T Bone Burnett & Stephen Bruton / Original Songs Performed By Jeff Bridges
Out Now on New West Records
The Weary Kind (Theme From Crazy Heart)” Performed By Texas Songwriter Ryan Bingham; Co-Written With T Bone Burnett

* Garners ACADEMY AWARD® NOMINATION
* Winners of the GOLDEN GLOBE® Award in the Best Original Song – Motion Picture Category.
* Nominated for a British Academy of Film and Television Award (BAFTA).

The soundtrack features music from the Fox Searchlight Pictures movie Crazy Heart, starring JEFF BRIDGES, who received an ACADEMY AWARD® NOMINATION for Best Actor. Bridges garnered wins in the Best Actor category at the SAG Awards, Golden Globe® Awards, BFCA Critics Choice and LA Film Critics Association.

MAGGIE GYLLENHAAL was honored with an ACADEMY AWARD® NOMINATION for Actress In A Supporting Roll as well.

For Information Regarding The Soundtrack / Promotional Copies contact:

Stevo Berube / Berube Communications info@berubecommunications.com or +353 (0)87 244 2695

For Information Regarding the Movie / Screenings contact:

Janice Kearney / Twentieth Century Fox janice.kearney@fox.com or +353 (0)1 661 7171

“The Weary Kind (Theme From Crazy Heart)” received an ACADEMY AWARD® NOMINATION in the Best Original Song category. Co-written by T BONE BURNETT and RYAN BINGHAM, the two recently won the Golden Globe® Award in the Best Original Song – Motion Picture category. The song also received a nod from the BFCA Critics Choice awards, and Stephen Bruton & T Bone Burnett’s original score won the The LA Film Critics Association award. The music was also The Crazy Heart Original Motion Picture Soundtrack debuted strong on the Soundscan charts first week, coming in #5 Top Soundtracks and #6 Top Country Albums. The record also placed #5 on the Independent Record Label Chart and at #37 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart. Crazy Heart Original Motion Picture Soundtrack was coproduced by 10-time Grammy® Award winner Burnett and guitarist/songwriter Bruton, whom the film is dedicated to.

New West Records announces the release of Crazy Heart: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. A deluxe edition of the soundtrack featuring all 23 songs from the film, sequenced in their running order, will be in stores .. The releases are companions to the upcoming Fox Searchlight Pictures movie Crazy Heart, starring Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Robert Duvall. The soundtrack was co-produced by 10-time Grammy® Award winner T Bone Burnett who is also credited with the 2009 Album Of The Year and Record of the Year Raising Sand, the worldwide smash album from Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. Burnett, who co-produced the soundtrack with guitarist/songwriter Stephen Bruton, earned past Grammy Awards for his work on the 8-times Platinum release, O Brother Where Art Thou? and Platinum soundtrack to the Johnny Cash biopic, Walk The Line. The film Crazy Heart, which will have a limited release December 16th and opens wider in January, is already garnering praise from the press including The Wrap who declared, “The Oscar race needs to make room for Jeff Bridges and T Bone Burnett.”

With Burnett also producing the film, the music plays a prominent role. Burnett co-composed the film’s score with Bruton and co-wrote many of its original songs, including the pivotal track written throughout the film by Jeff Bridges’ hard-living country singer, Bad Blake, “The Weary Kind (Theme From Crazy Heart),” written with acclaimed Texas singer/songwriter Ryan Bingham. The song is performed numerous times in the film by Bridges himself and a Bingham version premieres over the film’s trailer. At 28, Bingham has encountered more at this early stage in his life than many will in an entire lifetime. He writes from the genuine perspective of an old soul and has a growing fan base in the US and abroad. Most recently he toured with the legendary Flatlanders and performed at Farm Aid. Bingham makes his acting debut in the film and performs “I Don’t Know” co-written by Bruton and Burnett. Buddy Miller, Jay Bellerose and Greg Leisz were among the notable musicians called in to play on the original songs.

The film is dedicated to Bruton, a lifelong friend of Burnett who passed away earlier this year. In a long and distinguished career, Bruton excelled as a musician, songwriter and producer. He played guitar with Kris Kristofferson since the early 70s, had songs recorded by Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash among others, and released five records as a solo artist, the last three for New West. Just before passing, Bruton was working on Crazy Heart both musically and in a consultation role for Bridges. Bruton was able to see the completion of the project before his death.

On the soundtrack, the new original music sung by the films actors, is interwoven with songs by artists who’ve lived the movie’s story including Waylon Jennings (“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way”) and Townes Van Zandt (“If I Needed You”). The soundtrack is rounded out with music from Buck Owens (“Hello Trouble”), The Louvin Brothers (“My Baby’s Gone”), Lightnin’ Hopkins (“Once A Gambler”) and Sam Phillips (“Reflecting Light”).

Tracklisting for the Deluxe Edition:


01. Hold On You - Jeff Bridges
02. Hello Trouble - Buck Owens
03. My Baby’s Gone - The Louvin Brothers
04. Somebody Else (Instrumental) - Stephen Bruton
05. Somebody Else - Jeff Bridges
06. I Don’t Know - Ryan Bingham
07. Wesley’s Piano - Tom Canning
08. Fallin’ & Flyin’ - Jeff Bridges
09. Searching (For Someone Like You) - Kitty Wells
10. I Don’t Know - Jeff Bridges
11. Once A Gambler - Lightnin’ Hopkins
12. Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way - Waylon Jennings
13. I Let The Freight Train Carry Me On - The Delmore Brothers
14. Color Of The Blues - George Jones
15. Joy - Lucinda Williams
16. Fallin’ & Flyin’ - Colin Farrell & Jeff Bridges
17. Gone, Gone, Gone - Colin Farrell
18. If I Needed You - Townes Van Zandt
19. Reflecting Light - Sam Phillips
20. Mal Hombre - Lydia Mendoza
21. Live Forever - Robert Duvall
22. Brand New Angel - Jeff Bridges
23. The Weary Kind (Theme From Crazy Heart) - Ryan Bingham


About Crazy Heart (From Fox Searchlight)

Four-time Academy Award ® nominee Jeff Bridges stars as the richly comic, semi-tragic romantic antihero Bad Blake in the debut feature film from writer-director Scott Cooper. Bad Blake is a broken-down, hard living country music singer who's had way too many marriages, far too many years on the road and one too many drinks way too many times. And yet, Bad can’t help but reach for salvation with the help of Jean (Maggie Gyllenhall), a journalist who discovers the real man behind the musician. As he struggles down the road of redemption, Bad learns the hard way just how tough life can be on one man’s crazy heart.

About T Bone Burnett:

T Bone Burnett is a 10-time Grammy Award winner, earning numerous statues in 2009 – including Album of the Year and Record of the Year – for his production work on Raising Sand, the worldwide smash album from Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. That same year, he was also awarded a Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album for his work on B.B. King’s One Kind Favor. He previously earned five Grammys for his work on the 8-times Platinum release, O Brother Where Art Thou?, which also spawned two highly successful national concert tours: Down From The Mountain and The Great High Mountain. Further Grammys followed for his work on the platinum soundtrack to the Johnny Cash biopic, Walk The Line, and the platinum Tony Bennett / k.d. lang duets album, A Wonderful World. He was nominated for an Academy Award in 2004, along with Elvis Costello in the category of Best Original Song for “The Scarlet Tide” from the film, Cold Mountain. For his work on that film, Burnett also earned the BAFTA’s Anthony Asquith Award for Achievement in Film Music.

About Stephen Bruton:

Renowned, Texas musician, Stephen Bruton had a long and distinguished career as a musician, songwriter and producer. He released five records as a solo artist, the last three for the New West Records label. As a lead guitar player Bruton was in high demand among legendary contemporaries including Kris Kristofferson and Bonnie Raitt. He recorded with Delbert McClinton, T Bone Burnett, Elvis Costello, Carly Simon, The Wallflowers, Sonny Landreth, Peter Case, Ray Wylie Hubbard and a slew of others. He produced records for Alejandro Escovedo, Marcia Ball and Jimmie Dale Gilmore to name a few. Bruton's songs have been widely covered as well, by artists including Raitt, Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffett, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Martina McBride and Patty Loveless.

About Ryan Bingham:

Ryan Bingham is a Texas-bred singer/songwriter who spent part of his teen years on the bull-riding rodeo circuit, before taking up music. Bingham’s latest release Roadhouse Sun (Lost Highway/June 2009) is the follow up to the singer/songwriter’s critically acclaimed Lost Highway debut Mescalito (2007). Bingham received high-praise for both albums, including a major cover story in the Los Angeles Times ‘Calendar’ section. Bingham, and his band The Dead Horses, have appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Austin City Limits, and most recently performed on The Late Show with David Letterman on November 6, 2009.

 
 
 
 
THE DUCKWORTH LEWIS METHOD
Eponymous Album Has Been Shortlisted For The
CHOICE MUSIC PRIZE Album Of The Year 2009
www.choicemusicprize.com

The Choice Music Prize – Irish Album of the Year 2009 celebrates its 5th Anniversary this year!

The winner will be selected at the Choice Music Prize live event at Vicar Street, Dublin on Wednesday 3 March, which will be broadcast live on the Paul McCloone Show, Today FM.

The winning act will receive a cheque for 10,000 Euro, courtesy of the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) and Irish Recorded Music Association (IRMA), and a specially commissioned award, courtesy of Recorded Artists and Performers Ltd (RAAP).

As usual the Choice Music Prize will focus, simply and solely, on the music!


_______________________________________________________________________

Neil Hannon (The Divine Comedy) & Thomas Walsh (Pugwash) As ...
THE DUCKWORTH LEWIS METHOD
Featuring the Singles ‘The Age Of Revolution’ & ‘Meeting Mr Miandad’
Released in Ireland on 1969 Records

With new ball in hand, The Duckworth Lewis Method released their eponymous maiden album, July 3 – exquisitely timed to coincide with this summer’s Ashes tour.

Written by Duckworth (Thomas Walsh) and Lewis (Neil Hannon) the album was recorded and mixed in Dublin and mastered just down the road from Lord’s in Abbey Road Studios.

All the songs are either loosely or tightly connected to the beautiful game of cricket, there are no covers, extra covers or cover drives for that matter. These are all wonderfully crafted pop songs for cricket lovers and non-lovers equally to enjoy.

First delivery, ‘The Coin Toss’, spins wickedly into lead single ‘The Age Of Revolution’, released June 28.

From ‘Jiggery Pokery’, which tells the tale of the Gatting Ball and features guest cameos from Phill Jupitus, Alexander Armstrong and Matt Berry amongst others, through the Trescothian angst of ‘The Nightwatchman’, to the triple century of ‘Test Match Special’. This album really hits ‘The Sweet Spot’ (track4!) with a guest appearance from Cathy Davey.

With trademark melodies and glorious harmonies, the anthemic ‘Meeting Mr Miandad’ is yet another album highlight. It depicts Duckworth and Lewis' epic road trip to meet the legendary batsman Javed Miandad.

"The Duckworth Lewis Method is an album steeped in the love of cricket and pop. The resultant twelve songs are a cacophony of leather and willow turning through a cosmos of searing melodies and all round tunes,” says Duckworth in his post match interview.

 
 
 
 
Congratulations to the following Berube Communications artists for their 2010 METEOR MUSIC AWARDS nominations!

Recognised worldwide as Ireland’s definitive music awards it will celebrate its ten year anniversary this year. The event will be held at the RDS Dublin Friday 19th February 2010 in what promises to be the music highlight of the year. There are a limited number of tickets available from ticketmaster.ie
Vote on-line www.meteormusicawards.meteor.ie or by text.
The Coronas
- THE BEST IRISH BAND
- BEST IRISH ALBUM - "Tony Was An Ex-Con" (3ú Records)

To Vote for the CORONAS in the THE BEST IRISH BAND Catagory, TEXT "VOTE BAND 2" TO 085 7114444
To Vote for the THE CORONAS in the BEST IRISH ALBUM Catagory, TEXT "VOTE ALBUM 2" TO 085 7114444
www.thecoronas.net
The Duckworth Lewis Method
- BEST IRISH ALBUM - "The Duckworth Lewis Method" (1969 Records)
To Vote for the DUCKWORTH LEWIS METHOD in the BEST IRISH ALBUM Catagory, TEXT "VOTE ALBUM 3" TO 085 7114444
www.dimethod.com
Jerry Fish
- BEST IRISH MALE - "The Beautiful Untrue" (The Mudbug Club)
To Vote for JERRY FISH in the BEST IRISH MALE Catagory, TEXT “VOTE MALE 2“ JERRY FISH TO 085 711 4444
www.jerry-fish.com
 
 
 
 
THE CORONAS
New Download Single "FAR FROM HERE"
From their Latest Album "TONY WAS AN EX-CON", also includes "LISTEN DEAR"
Out Now on 3ú Records / iTunes
www.thecoronas.net

::: Nominated for Two Meteor Music Awards ::: THE BEST IRISH BAND and BEST IRISH ALBUM

Having lost out to Westlife in the Best Irish Pop Category for the last few years, The Coronas are delighted to announce that they have been nominated in the two biggest categories for the 2010 Meteor Music Awards - Best Irish Band and Best Irish Album.

Check out www.meteormusicawards.meteor.ie for more information and to vote. You can also vote by text:

TO VOTE FOR THE CORONAS IN THE BEST IRISH BAND CATEGORY, TEXT "VOTEBAND2" TO 085 7114444

TO VOTE FOR THE CORONAS IN BEST IRISH ALBUM CATEGORY, TEXT "VOTEALBUM2" TO 085 7114444

Recognised worldwide as Ireland’s definitive music awards it will celebrate its ten year anniversary this year. The event will be held at the RDS Dublin Friday 19th February 2010 in what promises to be the music highlight of the year. There are a limited number of tickets available from ticketmaster.ie

 
 
 
 
OCEAN COLOUR SCENE Celebrate 21st Birthday With New Album "Saturday" ~ Play Gigs in Dublin & Belfast
OCEAN COLOUR SCENE
New album "Saturday"
Featuring the Download Singles "Magic Carpet Days" & "Mrs Maylie"
Irish Release Release Date 5th February on Cooking Vinyl
www.oceancolourscene.com ~ www.myspace.com/ocsmusic ~ www.cookingvinyl.com

::: LIVE ::: Irish Dates
March 6th, 2010 - DUBLIN - Olympia Theatre
March 7th, 2010 - BELFAST - Mandella Hall
www.ticketmaster.ie

Birmingham’s emperors of rock’n’folk Ocean Colour Scene have announced that they will be releasing a new album, Saturday, on 1st February 2010, which will be preceded by a digital single, Magic Carpet Days on 25th January.

OCS, who will be celebrating their 21st anniversary next year, have clocked up an impressive eleven Top 20 singles and five Top 10 albums during their illustrious career. Saturday, their ninth studio album, was recorded over six weeks last summer at the iconic Rockfield studios in South Wales with producer Gavin Monaghan (Editors/ the Twang), and finds them as vibrantly tuneful as they’ve ever been.

From the opening bars of psych-folk opener ‘100 Floors Of Perception’ - written by Simon about the on-going financial crisis - to epic climax ‘Rockfield’ (think ‘Baba O’Riley’ meets ‘Tomorrow Never Knows’), it’s a reminder than when it comes to delivering classic rock hooks there is simply no one better. Denim-driven boogie ‘Old Pair Of Jeans’ (written by Bennett) will delight those hankering for the full-tilt mod-pop of ‘For Dancers Only’, while Harry Kidnap’ (written in tribute to John Weller) boasts shades of North Atlantic Drift stand-out ‘Make The Deal’. The single, ‘Magic Carpet Days’, meanwhile (key lyric: “The world won’t shake you/Knock you down and break you/I’ll steer you through these magic carpet days”) is a reminder that their belief in the Mod aesthetic of self-improvement remains as strong as ever.

OCS are renowned for their live performances, and stole the show at this year’s V, where they were named ‘Band Of The Festival’ by BBC Radio 2 and Absolute Radio.
In February and March 2010, the band will be undertaking a 24 date UK & Ireland tour.

Available on CD and as a digital download, the full tracklisting is as follows :

1. 100 Floors Of Perception
2. Mrs Maylie
3. Saturday
4. Just A Little Bit Of Love
5. Old Pair Of Jeans
6. Sing Children Sing
7. Harry Kidnap
8. Magic Carpet Days
9. The Word
10.Village Life
11.Postal
12.What’s Mine Is Yours
13. Fell In Love On The Street Again
14. Rockfield

 
 
 
 
HAYSEED DIXIE
New album "Killer Grass"
Released 8th February 2010 on Cooking Vinyl

Free download "Norfolk Girl" – Available until Feb. 8th on
www.hayseed-dixie.com
Witness you now that Appalachian Rockgrass hellraisers, Hayseed Dixie, have completed their 8th full-length studio album. "Killer Grass" is either Hayseed Dixie’s absolute greatest musical achievement or absolute worst offence yet, depending on your personal perspective! The CD DVD package contains 7 original compositions along with 6 reinterpretations of previously known songs about drinking, cheating, killing and hell - with a particular emphasis on murder and death. The DVD contains music videos for 6 songs as well as 5 instructional "tutorial" videos addressing everything from how to play rockgrass banjo, to how to hide the body. On the road on tour throughout 2010, the suspects are known to be armed with acoustic instruments and should be considered extremely dangerous.

::: LIVE ::: 2010 Irish Tour
February 18 - Thursday - Galway, Roisin Dubh
February 19 - Friday - Limerick, Dolan's
February 20 - Saturday - Dublin, Tripod
February 21 - Sunday - Cork, Cyprus Avenue
February 22 - Monday - Belfast, Spring & Airbrake


For Information / Interview requests / Promotional Copies contact:

Stevo Berube / Berube Communications info@berubecommunications.com or +353 (0)87 244 2695

CD Contents:
1 Tolerance
2 Bohemian Rhapsody
3 Alien Abduction Probe
4 Omen
5 In the Backyard
6 Eine Kleine Trinkmusik
7 Norfolk Girl
8 She's Just My Type
9 Underneath the Bed
10 Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
11 Won't Get Fooled Again
12 Ramblin' Man / Don't Cry For Me

 
 
 
 
STAND
New Album "100,000 Ways To Harvest Hope"
Irish Release Date 5th March 2010 on Paper Scissors Rock Music
www.standland.com

Double A-side single "The Living Kind" / "Full Circle"
Irish Release Date 29th January 2010 on www.downloadmusic.ie/stand


::: LIVE ::: Whelan’s, Dublin, on January 30th

 
 
 
 
Tom McRae
Album ‘Alphabet of Hurricanes’ 19th Feb
Single ‘Please’ 12th Feb
www.cookingvinyl.com ~ www.tommcrae.com


Tom McRae releases his new album ‘Alphabet of Hurricanes’ in Ireland on Cooking Vinyl on 19th February.
Available on CD and as a download, the album will be preceded a week earlier by the single ‘Please’.
Tom has also confirmed a full Irish tour to coincide with both releases.

::: LIVE ::: Irish Tour 2010
09-March-10 - Cork - Cyprus Avenue
10-March-10 - Limerick - Dolans Warehouse
11-March-10 - Galway - Roisin Dubh
12-March-10 - Dublin - The Academy 2
14-March-10 - Belfast - Spring & Airbrake


For Information / Interview requests / Promotional Copies contact:

Stevo Berube / Berube Communications info@berubecommunications.com or +353 (0)87 244 2695

‘Alphabet of Hurricanes’, McRae’s first album for Cooking Vinyl, was written over a two year period during which he toured extensively across Europe, North America and the Far East. “Touring lost me my sense of home,” Tom explains. “Traveling constantly kept my feet itchy – being in motion is the best way to feel alive without actually engaging. I loved it.”

“After a while I just ran out of steam. I wound up in New York and started writing songs, trying to make sense of the last few years. Somehow I had to reconcile the self-destructive side of my nature and the desire to constantly smash things up with the need to feel settled in order to have a better grasp on song-writing and recording. If everything feels breathlessly exciting all the time it’s probably time to take a break from touring.”

McRae, whose debut album was nominated for the Mercury Prize and a Brit Award, recorded the album at his house in Bow, London. He bought a banjo, ukulele, mandolin, drums, violin, an old piano and “other junk from ebay”. Here he began fleshing out the songs he’d been writing on his travels. He dragged his band and a few friends into the studio for a couple of songs and the record began to take shape.

The title ‘Alphabet of Hurricanes’ comes from a song that actually started the writing process, but won’t see the light of day on the record of the same name. Each year hurricanes are named alphabetically and last year the world went through the alphabet twice, which had never happened before. Such was the huge increase in hurricanes the world over. The revenge of the natural world unveiling itself in one of its fiercest forms.

“There’s a line in that song,” expands Tom. “‘An alphabet of hurricanes can’t blow this drifter home,’ which sums up how I felt. The turbulence in my life seemed stuck on repeat, but then I realised if you stop fighting the wind and tides and work with them, you can call it sailing."

So, maybe this is the sound of an angry man coming to terms with the vagaries of the world, the imbalance that it causes both personally and globally and the beginning of his understanding of where he fits in

 
 
 
 

STAND play Whelan’s, Dublin, on January 30th.

Double A-side single The Living Kind/Full Circle is released to radio [29th January 2010]

100,000 Ways To Harvest Hope is released in March 2010.

 
 
 
 
DAWN LANDES
Announces Irish Shows
New single "Young Girl" – 7th December, the follow-up to "Romeo"
From the New album "Sweet Heart Rodeo" – out now on Cooking Vinyl
www.dawnlandes.com / www.myspace.com/dawnlandes / www.cookingvinyl.com
Kentucky-born and Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Dawn Landes, who released her album Sweet Heart Rodeo to critical acclaim earlier this year, has announced she will touring the Ireland in December to coincide with the release of her new single, "Young Girl", the second single following "Romeo", from the critically acclaimed "Sweet Heart Rodeo" album. Full Irish dates as follows:

::: LIVE ::: Dawn Landes 2009 Irish Dates
11-Dec-09 - Belfast - Auntie Annies Porterhouse
12-Dec-09 - Dublin - The Sugar Club
13-Dec-09 - Dundalk - The Spirit Store
14-Dec-09 - Cork - Cyprus Avenue
15-Dec-09 - Galway - Roisin Dubh


"Wandering Eye, Brighton, Clown, Money in the Bank – it’s hard to pick a highlight on an album that so consistently delivers." SINÉAD GLEESON -- Irish Times 'The Ticket' ****
“Sweet Heart Rodeo is pure quality; there is a sureness and maturity in the songwriting, and a lightness and poise in the delivery, that is utterly beguiling … Effortlessly magnificent.” – Clash 8/10
“Beautiful.” - Mojo ****

“Delicately adventurous. Young Girl leans towards a previously untapped rockist side, while a semi-freaky cover of Margo Guryan’s Love posits Landes as a muted banshee. She’s on plainer ground with Money In The Bank and Dance Area, feathery acoustic songs that shuffle and sway beautifully, though it’s the graceful cadence of Wandering Eye that steals the show.” – Uncut ****
“As close to graceful as anything I’ve heard in a long time … A gentle canter of mesmerising, summery-tinged tunes which are gilded with effortless vocals and understated melodies … If you’ve already got Cerys Matthews’ Cockahoop, you’ll love it..” - Artrocker
“Writing an album about your great-grandma’s adventures might sound riddled with pitfalls, but Brooklyn-based singer Dawn Landes has struck it lucky. Her great nan ran away with the rodeo, and this country-tinged tribute sounds as sweet as its title.” - Grazia

Landes first came to the UK & Ireland's attention with the release of her acclaimed second album (and her UK / Irish debut), Fireproof (2008). Q declared it to be “Understated and beautiful” (Q **** Recommended Album), whilst The Guardian called it “vivid girl-next-door indie pop in the spirit of Frente and Cat Powers.” Uncut said “Landes propels the whole project skywards with a voice that encapsulates the best qualities of Laura Veirs and Cat Powers. It’s pretty much essential stuff.”

Sweet Heart Rodeo was inspired by Landes great-grandmother’s beau, who ran away to join the rodeo during the Great Depression. A rodeo theme runs throughout the record as she compares the ups and downs of romance to the rigours of bull riding. “Each song is like its own bull,” the twenty-eight-year-old deadpans. “Each ride its own love-story … you know, trying to hang on to a wild thing isn’t always graceful.”

Recorded in Landes own studio (Saltlands in Brooklyn) with regular collaborator, drummer and all-rounder Ray Rizzo, guitarist Josh Kaufman and bassist Annie Nero, the album kicks off with the new single, “Young Girl”, which ponders gender stereotyping - competitive boys, jealous girls - over a reductive and distorted keyboard riff. The haunting ‘Money In The Bank’ marries down-home hippie wisdom ‘the night before you die, what are you gonna buy?’ to a glorious chorus bolstered by a wistful French horn. Landes even drums on an unlikely cover of Margo Guryan’s already unlikely ‘Love’, a 1968 collision of cool jazz and nascent psychedelia. Rizzo’s idiosyncratic harmonica style "kinda cloudy- the opposite of ethereal” boosts the quirky ‘Wandering Eye’, a rare song that combines sex and travel without causing offence, while ‘Little Miss Holiday’ imagines a conversation between Jodie Foster and the teenage hooker that inspired her character in Scorsese’s unhinged “Taxi Driver.” It’s tender rather than bleak. ‘Brighton’ is a tribute to a magical day in that great Southern (English) town, yet it could hardly sound more American, Appalachian even. “I hope I captured it in the song,” she says. Her Brighton though is more romantic than the resort us Britons know, already a fond memory. By the album’s conclusion, the wobbly wedding march of ‘All Dressed In White’, you’ll probably be thinking of giving love a try. Even if it does hurt when you fall off.


 
 
 
 

GROOVE ARMADA
‘Black Light’
Brand New Studio Album Released February 22nd
Features the Singles: I Wont Kneel (Feat. SaintSaviour) & Warsaw (Feat. Nick Littlemore)
On ‘Work It’ Recordings In Partnership With Cooking Vinyl
www.groovearmada.com ~ www.cookingvinyl.com



Groove ArmadaAndy Cato and Tom Findlay - release their hotly awaited new studio album ‘Black Light’, February 22nd, which sees the masters of reinvention move in some thrilling new directions.

Written and produced by Andy Cato and Tom Findlay, their sixth studio album ranks among their best work to date.

“We needed a new challenge, explains Andy. “Bands like Friendly Fires, Klaxons, Passion Pit, and MGMT, they're the ones really leading the charge, making genuinely exciting, dance-informed music. That sound really pushed us back towards people like Bowie, Fleetwood Mac and Roxy Music."

Recorded in Tom’s studio in North London, the blistering 12-track album features intriguing and fascinating collaborations with Bryan Ferry, Will Young and Nick Littlemore (Empire Of The Sun/PNAU) to name a few.

Bryan Ferry supplies his first ever guest vocal to the softly intense ‘Shameless’. Having had ‘Love Is A Drug’ on repeat for much of the recording it seemed only right. While the yearning voice heard on the stirring house lullaby ‘History’ belongs to Will Young, a good friend of Andy’s.

With their fingers sitting permanently on the musical pulse Andy and Tom recruited lesser-known quantities but equally impactful in Nick Littlemore (Empire Of The Sun/PNAU), electro wonder kids Fenech Soler, livewire female vocalist SaintSaviour and Brooklynite Jess Larrabee.

Nick appears on the first song for the record ‘Warsaw’ – a juddering electro-rocker that became an online hit when it was offered as a free sneak preview in September. His vocals drive the delicate ‘Fall Silent’, the menacing ‘Not Forgotten’ and 80s-tinged popper ‘Cards To Your Heart’.

Another of Black Light's main contributors is SaintSaviour who fronted the ‘Black Light’ preview tour in October. The singer has lent her crystalline vocals to the album's first single ‘I Won't Kneel’ (Out November 23rd), as well as the second single ‘Paper Romance’ (Due February 15th), who she shares vocals with Ben from electro wonder-kids Fenech Soler.

SaintSaviour also appears on the driving, electro-‘Time and Space’ alongside Jess Larrabee. "We've never actually met Jess," says Andy, "We got really into her albums and started emailing tracks for her to add vocals. Her music usually has more of a White Stripes kind of vibe. She got really into the disco flavour and absolutely nailed it."

Larrabee lends her voice to the album's gorgeous mellow gem, Just For Tonight’ and provides some New York attitude to the spiky, rocked-up ‘Look Me In The Eye Sister’ - a track the Yeah Yeah Yeahs would kill for.

"It's amazing to make a record at this point in your career that you're viscerally excited about," says Tom. "Even people who've hated everything we've ever made before could absolutely love this record. I'm incredibly proud of it.”

Tracklisting & List Of Collaborators
Look Me In The Eye Sister Feat. Jess Larrabee
Fall Silent Feat. Nick Littlemore
Just For Tonight Feat. Jess Larrabee
Not Forgotten Feat. Nick Littlemore
I Wont Kneel Feat. SaintSaviour
Cards To Your Heart Feat. Nick Littlemore
Paper Romance Feat. Fenech Soler & SaintSaviour
Warsaw Feat. Nick Littlemore
Shameless Feat. Bryan Ferry
Time & Space Feat. SaintSaviour & Jess Larrabee
History Feat. Will Young

 
 
 
 
ELLIOT MINOR
"Solaris"
Includes the Singles Electric High and "Discover (Why the Love Hurts)"
Available on Repossession Records
www.myspace.com/elliotminor
::: LIVE ::: Irish Dates
3 Dec - Limelight, Belfast
4 Dec - Cyprus Avenue, Cork
5 Dec - Roisin Dubh, Galway
6 Dec - Academy - All Access Festival, Dublin

After an incredible 2008/09 so far, which has included a debut top 10 album, 2 full headline UK and European tours, European dates with Simple Plan, Radio 1 B listed singles, over 125,000 singles sold and a whole run of festivals, ELLIOT MINOR are now set to release their new single ‘Electric High’ and 2nd album ‘Solaris’.

‘Electric High’ signifies a more mature leap forward in every department for ELLIOT MINOR, from playing to song writing, production and ambition. Frontman and songwriter Alex Davies started writing the new material as soon as the band came off the road in December last year. The new songs pull from the band’s experiences of making and touring their first album.

The new single was recorded during the album sessions starting in April this year at Chapel Studios in Lincoln and at Mavehole Studios in York. Produced once again by Jim Wirt (Incubus, Hoobastank, Something Corporate) and mixed by the multi Grammy award winning Tom Lord-Alge (Manic Street Preachers, Taking Back Sunday, Weezer, The Rolling Stones), this second collaboration meant that the band and Jim knew what had worked before but gave them a lot of room to add new creative ideas and to push into bold new territory. Live wise, the band have played Oxygen, T in the Park, Leeds and Reading and Download last year. They also played main support to Simple Plan in Europe and Fall Out Boy in the UK, been to Japan three times doing their own headline shows, have toured as a headline act through Europe into Paris, Prague, Brussels and Amsterdam on every tour. On top of this, they have also taken the likes of You Me at Six, We are the Ocean, The Higher and Mission District as support.

TRACKLISTING

1) The Dancer
2) I Believe you need me to...
3) Electric High
4) Coming Home
5) Carry on
6) Better than the Courtroom
7) All Along
8) Solaris
9) Discover (Why the love hurts)
10) Shiver
11) Tethered
12) Sometimes You're Wrong

 
 
 
 
HAR MAR SUPERSTAR
"Dark Touches"
Irish Release 27/11 on Dilettante Recordings
www.harmarsuperstar.com
::: HAR MAR SUPERSTAR ANNOUNCES ACADEMY 2 SHOW :::
LIVE in Dublin’s Academy 2 on Wednesday 9th December ~ Tickets are priced 15 Euro inclusive of booking fee.
Check mcd.ie for details.



After a five year hibernation since 2004’s The Handler, Har Mar Superstar, is ready to unleash his new LP Dark Touches on the masses, through Dilettante Recordings. On Dark Touches, Har Mar delivers his most club-friendly collection of jams yet. His silky smooth croon and tongue-in-cheek lyrics lead a nonstop dance party that blends everything from synth-pop to R&B, with ample hooks around every corner. Dark Touches builds a bridge between the worlds of indie and top 40 dance music, thanks in part to an eclectic group of collaborators.

The albums many guests include John Fields (Andrew WK, Jonas Brothers, Rooney), The Faint’s beatmakers Clark Baechle and Jacob Thiele, singer-songwriter Adam Green, P.O.S. of the Rhymesayers collective, Neon Neon’s Boom Bip, The Bird and The Bee’s Inara George, Flowers of Doom, and Samaire Armstrong.

The Bird and The Bee’s Greg Kurstin, who has also produced tracks for Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue, and Lily Allen, co-wrote and lent his studio wizardry to the first single “Tall Boy.” The track was originally intended for Spears and, with the unchanged lyrics, takes on a vibrant new life in the hands of Har Mar.

Har Mar is also getting ready to dip his toes into the world of Hollywood with the release of Whip It, a film directed by Drew Barrymore that he appears in alongside Juno’s Ellen Page and Arrested Development’s Alia Shawkat. As if he isn’t wearing enough hats already, Har Mar is also developing his own movie scripts and sitcom pilots. Along with his golden pipes, the ability to juggle multiple creative outlets is sure to win him entry into both the hearts and undergarments of women and men everywhere.

Tracklisting:

Intro
Sunshine
Got Next
Tall Boy
Turn It Around
Game Night
Gangsters Want To Cuddle Me
Creative Juices
Don't Ask Don't Tell
Dope, Man
Girls Only
Almond Joy
Turn The Key

________________________________________________

Like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon, Har Mar Superstar returns this fall with Dark Touches, his first album since 2004’s critically acclaimed The Handler. The new Har Mar retains his defiant sexiness and uncanny knack for irresistible R&B hooks, but fans his colorful wings in the spirit of inclusion. “Har Mar has always represented the most out-there and outrageous and in your face aspects of me,” says Sean Tillmann, the Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter and producer behind the Har Mar Superstar moniker.

Tillmann spent the past several years playing music with his other projects – Sean Na Na and Neon Neon, whose album Stainless Style was nominated for the 2008 Mercury Music Prize. But he also found time to launch a new career as an actor and screenwriter, earning roles in the upcoming feature films Whip It (directed by Drew Barrymore, and starring Juno’s Ellen Page and Arrested Development’s Alia Shawkat) and Lovely, Still. He’s developing his own movie scripts and sitcom pilots, building on the success of his “Crappy Holidays” videos; in each of the comedic shorts – directed by Ryan Rickett and written with John Ringhoff – Tillmann suffers a different cruel twist of fate for each holiday.

Har Mar Superstar was born ten years ago, when Tillmann was living in Minneapolis, playing guitar-based indie rock. The Har Mar idea, he says, was “a reaction to boring indie rock and how people were taking themselves way too seriously, and any aspect of playing and touring was no fun after a while, and I realized if I go to a dance party and sing an R. Kelly song on a couch, the girls are going to go f**king crazy. So I started transferring that to the stage and doing more R&B-oriented songs, and it really was a no-brainer after I’d done it a few times. Like, ‘why don’t I just make this gross, why don’t I just start writing songs like that?"And as soon as I did, it was obvious, it was like a light bulb went off and I went on my way and got more and more aggressive, and the shows became this weird exercise in sexual tension, and I really learned how to play with that fire and make it work for me.”

 
 
 
 
MARK EITZEL
“Klamath”
Irish Release Nov 6th on Decor Records
http://www.americanmusicclub.com/ - www.markeitzel.blogspot.com - http://www.decorrecords.com

Plus Special Piano Tour of Europe includes Four Irish Dates:
10.11.09 - Cork - Cyprus Ave
11.11.09 - Dublin - The Village
12.11.09 - Galway - Roisin Dubh
13.11.09 - Sligo - Tobergal Lane


For Mark Eitzel’s new tour he will be performing special piano shows across Europe with the accompaniment of American Music Clubs arranger and keyboardist Marc Capelle.
Mark will sing American Music Club songs along side solo tracks.

‘Klamath’ (décor records) is the album that a lot of people have been asking Mark Eitzel to make for a very long time, just Mark’s amazing voice, an acoustic guitar and minimal instrumentation.

After a full year of touring Mark came back to San Francisco exhausted and called on some friends for an escape. They were living in Happy Camp, California - by the Klamath river, a small cabin in the middle of the woods and way off the grid in Northern California. Mark says about writing the album:

“I wandered around for a couple of weeks in this untouched forest and decided I would make a record that included the stillness - the vicious beauty - I heard there. I had not felt this way for a long time. I should have made another American Music Club record for the label - but didn’t hear drums and big electric guitars. Klamath is a simple record. I am a simple man. Or I wanna be. It's the kind of record i would want to listen to.”

The basic tracks were written and recorded in Klamath and finished off in San Francisco in the following three months with Eitzel producing and the likes of Franz Nicolay from the Hold Steady and Marc Capelle from American Music Club and Dave Douglas (who drums with Kelley Stoltz) guesting on the album. The pastoral – laid back, late night sparse feel to the album harkens back to Eitzel’s folk influences of Nick Drake and John Martyn and earlier work with AMC. The only electric guitar featured is in Eitzel’s tribute to local Columbus, Ohio (where Eitzel grew up) new wave hero Ronald Koal. After the instrumental lead in to the album ‘Buried Treasure’ Eitzel puts on his lyrical and melodic best.

‘Klamath’ is Mark’s first proper solo album of new material since 2001’s ‘Invisible Man’ on Matador. Just prior to AMC’s breakup in 1995, Eitzel began his solo career in earnest and since then he has released six albums including “60 Watt Siliver Lining”, “West” with REM’s Peter Buck, “Caught in a Trap...” with members of Sonic Youth and Yo La Tengo and two albums of cover versions. In 2003, American Music Club got back together for one of the most anticipated and amazing reunions in ages. Their 2004 album, “Love Songs for Patriots”, received widespread critical acclaim as well as the follow up “The Golden Age”. In between these albums he released a collection of soundtrack material called ‘Candy Ass’. Eitzel is now working on a new record with Peter Buck, the next AMC album and a musical in London called Marine Parade co-written with Simon Stephens.

“Klamath” - Tracklisting
1. Buried Treasure
2. Like A River That’s Reaching the Sea
3. The Blood on My Hands
4. I Miss You
5. I Know There Is Someone Waiting
6. What Do You Got For Me
7. The White of Gold
8. I Live In This Place
9. Why I’m Bullsh!t
10. Remember
11. Antennas
12. Ronald Koal Was a Rock Star

Mark Eitzel is the singer and songwriter out of American Music Club. Mark has been making records since 1980. He has a full beard and is bald. Mark is one of the best songwriters in the world, Rolling Stone said this back in 1992 but it is still true. Mark Eitzel is sometimes his own worst enemy so it is fun to get them fighting each other, Mark Eitzel II normally loses out to Alpha Eitzel. Mark has also sung with the Toiling Midgets and with Peter Buck of REM. Mark hates long haul flights and loves writing rants about bad hotels on travel sites, someday we may collect these into a book. Mark Eitzel has released 8 solo albums, 9 albums with American Music Club and many other side projects, tour albums etc. I’m not sure Mark Eitzel is a very good lover, he is defiantly not a very good fighter. Mark Eitzel is currently working on his new solo album, another album with Mr Buck and after that a new American Music Club album. Mark lives in the city of San Francisco in the Mission District…the worlds best burritos come from here. Mark has lived in Ohio, NYC, Southampton and can often be found walking the streets of London. If you see Mark II stop and say hi and he may get you a drink but please don’t hassle Alpha Eitzel, we are not insured here for any public liability.

 
 
 
 

Jerry Fish & The Mudbug Club
"Rogue Melody"
The New Single from the album "The Beautiful Untrue", the follow-up to "Back to Before" and "Dig, A Dog & Bone Story"

"True Friends"
One of the all-time great Irish singles re-issued for the Holiday Season from the multi-platinum album "Be Yourself"
Available on The Mudbug Club Records and iTunes
www.jerry-fish.com ~ www.myspace.com/themudbugclub

::: LIVE ::: New Years Eve Carnival Extravaganza ~ Vicar Street, Dublin


Supports...
Bone Idle Circus
The North Strand Kontra Band
Candice Gordon

& very special guest Carol Keogh
Ticket price 29.50 Euro

Upcoming Jerry Fish & the Mudbug Club Shows
Sat, Nov 21 - McHughs, Drogheda
Thu, Dec10 - The Olive Grove, Athlone
Sat, Dec19 - Roisin Dubh, Galway
Tue, Dec22 - Party with Imelda May in the 02, Dublin
Sun, Dec27 - The Late Lounge, Kildare
Mon, Dec28 - The Pavilion, Cork
Thu, Dec 31 - New Years Eve Party / Carnival Extravaganza!! Vicar Street, Dublin

 
 
 
 
ALPHASTATES
"You Talked I Can Tell"
Out 20/11/09 on Magi Records
www.myspace.com/alphastates
The 3rd Single from the album HUMAN NATURE - Out Now
Featuring the previous singles HUMAN NATURE & CHAMPAGNE GLASS


::: LIVE :::
SAT NOV 14TH - DUBLIN - VILLAGE (with THE DC EXPERIMENT & THE BEAT POETS)
MON NOV 6TH - GALWAY, ROISIN DUBH
FRI NOV 20TH - MULLINGAR, STABLES
SUN NOV 22ND - BELFAST, AUNTIE ANNIES
WED NOV 25TH - DUNDALK, SPIRIT STORE
SAT DEC12TH - WARRENPOINT, SQUARE PEG


Prepare to be blasted by pop delusionists of grandeur. Alphastates deliver their sound under the blanket of unselfconscious art. Fed on Joy division, Billie Holiday, Tom Waits, Sonic Youth, Edith Piaf, Portishead, Velvet Underground, this band will manage to reassure you that there's still urgency, passion, and art left in music.

They continue to blend slow elastic beats with delicously dark pop soundscapes on a grander scale. Graced with the addictively evocative vocals of Catherine Dowling and with music that is beautifully pop yet ethereally alternative. Alphastates have the potential to leave a massive imprint. Human Nature is the follow up to their critically acclaimed "Made from Sand".

Music and misfits always come together. An after-hours gig in a warehouse in Dublin introduced Catherine Dowling to Gerry Horan. Some years later they formed alphastates. In the hands of music composer Gerry Horan, Dowling expressed the dark comedy of the Human Condition. "Pop is a perfect avenue for human tragedy". Shy of performances and people, they hung in the background. She sang her twisted off-kilter melodies over his guitar and electro noise assaults. Other talented misfits joined the melting pot. It started simple and their only goal was to write beautiful songs.

Champagne Glass was the first single taken from their very beautiful second album "Human Nature", the follow up to their critically acclaimed "Made from Sand". "Human Nature" will be released to the public on the 24th April 2009. Already making its way to the dance floors in New York, Champagne Glass is a pop song draped in house beats but smiling through the eyes of disco. Featuring two remixes by acclaimed production duo "Arveene and Misk" and mastered by Nilesh Patel, the face behind the mastering of Daft Punk's Homework, Champagne Glass is a hook-laden pop sparkler that won't leave your head once inside.

Having toured with Cat Power, Mercury Rev, Deus, Zero 7, Sinead O'Connor, The Beta Band to name but a few, alphastates have had their music appear on both Irish and International film productions. They've played Oxegen numerous times as well as the Electric Picnic together with an a number of high profile festivals across Europe. Having recently signed an international publishing deal and currently put the closing stages to the contract with their US record label, "HUMAN NATURE" is to see a release date Stateside at the end of 2009.

With music that is beautifully pop yet ethereally alternative, alphastates have the potential to leave a massive imprint.
____________________________________

Quotes from the media:

Metro (4/5 stars)... "A triumph"

Hot Press (4/5 stars) ....Groundbreaking, wondrous, exhuberant...Singer Catherine Dowling's presence throughout is a revelation throughout

Sunday Business Post (4/5 stars) - Cool, brooding electronica that recalls other sophisticated female fronted acts such as Portishead and the Cocteau Twins. What really lingers in the memory are those vocals – breathy, vulnerable and disarmingly sexy. Dowling’s oblique lyrics mean that you may not know what she’s on about half the time, but one listen to those hushed tones should be enough to get any male trembling at the knees. Alternately soothing and chilling, Human Nature is never less than an intriguing listen – and you get the impression that Alphastates’ best work is still ahead of them.

Entertainment.ie (4/5 stars)
With their 2004 debut, 'Made From Sand', Alphastates became one of the most underrated bands on the Irish music scene, not only because they were ahead of their peers in terms of mixing guitar driven indie with electro pop sounds, but also because of their dark fragility and beautifully truthful lyrics. Now that the scene's caught up to them, 'Human Nature' sees Alphastates develop that sound and delve further into the realm of danceable pop music.

Catherine Dowling's sultry haze of a voice is the defining and pre-eminent feature, as ever, as it shifts and softly cracks above both catchy hooks and soft vibes. The bassy synth hook of lead single 'Champagne Glass' vindicates its success on the dancefloors of New York, while the rough-edged riff and distorted punk guitars of 'The Record Machine' show that the band formerly known as Babelfish still know how to rock out.

But it's the stark contrast between these upbeat pop numbers and the mellower, more reflective tracks, which ooze an introspective aching, that makes 'Human Nature' an album with real depth. The plonking synths, building strings and delayed vocals of 'Swimming' construct the perfect watery backdrop for its subject matter, while atmospheric closer 'Comfort in Silence' ambles from its droning instrumental opening through discreet vocal passageways with ease and grace. If only more Irish bands had this kind of range.

Irish Times (3/5 stars)
Inspirational.....

 
 
 
 

::: LIVE :::
Thursday 5th November 2009 - THE VILLAGE, DUBLIN
Saturday 7th November 2009 - HEADFORT ARMS HOTEL, KELLS
Thursday 12th November 2009 - THE BACKROOM, NAVAN

Check website for more information.

"Beekeeper", the 3rd single to be released from the critically acclaimed album INVITATION TIME (Album of the Week - RTE Radio 1)
following "Eviction" and "Secret" is out now on LP Records and Available on iTunes & downloadmusic.ie

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IDLEWILD
New digital single "Readers & Writers"
New album "Post-Electric Blues"
::: Irish Release 23/10 on Cooking Vinyl :::
www.idlewild.co.uk / www.myspace.com/idlewild

Idlewild has announced it will be releasing its seventh studio album, "Post-Electric Blues"

The album, which was available earlier this year as a limited edition via the bands website, will also feature two bonus tracks – Take Away The Night Time and Take Me Back In Time (demo). These tracks will be available to download once the album has been purchased. The release was be preceded by a digital single, Readers & Writers, which will feature an extra track, (The Night Will) Bring You Back To Life (demo)

'Post-Electric Blues' is an indie-rock album of Boss-like bombast, flecked with 70s synths and dashes of brass. It's an album that leaps from Fleetwood Mac epic folk/rock/pop peaks into joyous Loch-side sing-a-longs. It's the sound of a deft and defiant band(completed by Rod Jones on guitar, backing vocals, keyboards; Colin Newton on drums, percussion; Allan Stewart on guitar and Gareth Russell on bass), exploring soundscapes whilst finding hooks and generally, genuinely and quite clearly, having a fookin’ good time.

"Album opener 'Younger than America' was the first track we wrote for the album," says singer Roddy Woomble. "The idea for the lyrics came from a spate watching Westerns - simple stories of justice and courage set at the 'frontier'. It sounds the way it does because we're all big fans of Neil Young & Crazy horse. After we'd written the song I though the record might turn into a American sounding piece of classic rock, but it didn't turn out that way really, especially after writing 'Readers and Writers'. The record went in whatever direction it chose to.”

Lyrically, the punk-rock sloganeering of their earlier work has become a mixture of poignant observational small-world imagery and universal ponder-neering. This isn't all textural wilderness-gazing or woe is me Morrissey-like rambling. There are a few wry lyrics because "sometimes you need some daft lines in there," explains Roddy, "I don't that think it's possible to have a rock song where every line is perfect, I don't think that's the point of rock music."

Whilst the band were writing and recording the album, members of their fanclub-like online community saw and heard work-in-progress snippets: "The fans of the band were part of this album and were entitled to see the songs being written and to feel a part of them," beams Roddy. "They paid for them to be recorded after all. In today's musical world when everything has to be available and instant and people get bored quickly (far too quickly in my opinion) this album was our attempt to get with the times. I suppose the album title reflects this. We all really like and appreciate the fact the fans paid for us to make this album and that all their names are inside of it."

Written in Scotland and recorded in Wales (and Scotland), Post-Electric Blues is an album made to play live, as Roddy explains: "Most bands now make their living through concerts, and we're no exception, so records have to be tailored that way. With 'The Remote Part and 'Warnings...' we were writing songs that would sound good on the radio (and live, but the radio was more important - so we were told). There are a million new bands on the radio waves, or digital waves, now so it's more important to us how we will sound good through a PA system in a club and that we can play and sing it all!"

 
 
 
 

Invaders Must Die – Special Edition

3 disc set (2 x CD / 1 x DVD)

Take Me To The Hospital / Cooking Vinyl - November 9th

::: LIVE :::
Belfast - Odyssey Arena, Thursday 17 Dec 09
Dublin - The O2, Fri 18 Dec 09

There can be no doubt that this year belongs to the Prodigy. They’re back, getting in the world’s face and doing what they do best: they’ve proved themselves as the last gang in town all over again, selling over a million copies of new album ‘Invaders Must Die’ and playing a string of devastating live shows across the world that turn any gig into a festival and any festival into an snarling, pogoing orgy of full on rave power. Three men standing completely at the top of their game.

So with the world at their feet, the bar has been set pretty high to make this three disc special edition of ‘Invaders Must Die’ a memorable end to a very special year…

Featuring heavyweight underground rhythm tracks from Liam Howlett’s now scarce and much talked about Lost Beats EP, new mixes from Liam Howlett, Yuksek and Bang Gang as well as collecting the cream of the album’s remixes to date including radical dancefloor reworkings from Josh Homme, Sub Focus, Chase & Status, Benga, Herve and Rusko, as well as live versions of tracks, videos and live footage plus a 48 page tour booklet.

The album will also include Invaders Must Die (Liam H Re-amped version) and as a mark of respect to their fans this track will be available to download for free from www.theprodigy.com from Wednesday 21st October for 7 days and will then get a full release on November 30th. Full details to follow …

This is a collection that shows off both a band at the peak of their live powers and a collection of some of the most vital contemporary music being made by anyone today.

Disc 1 - Audio CD - original album plus …

The Big Gundown (from Lost Beats EP)?
Wild West (from Lost Beats EP)
Omen - Live - Rock am Ring

Disc 2 - Audio CD

1. Invaders Must Die - new Liam Howlett mix
2. Invaders Must Die - Chase & Status Remix
3 Omen - Noisia Remix
4. Omen - Herve Remix
5. Warriors Dance - Future Funk Squad Remix
6. Warriors Dance - Benga Remix
7 .Warriors Dance - South Central Remix
8. Take Me To The Hospital - Rusko Remix
9. Take Me To The Hospital - Subfocus Remix
10. Take Me To The Hospital - Josh Homme & Liam H's Wreckage Mix
11. Take Me To The Hospital - Loser 's Middlesex A & E Remix
12. Invaders Must Die - Yuksek Remix
13 .Thunder - Bang Gang Remix

DVD Disc

1. Invaders Must Die - video. directed by Paul Dugdale
2. Omen - video. directed by Paul Dugdale
3. Warriors Dance - video. directed by Corin Hardy
4. Take Me To The Hospital - video. directed by Paul Dugdale
5. Worlds on Fire - live. directed by Paul Dugdale
6. Warrior's Dance - live. directed by Paul Dugdale
7. Run - live. directed by Paul Dugdale
8. Take Me To The Hospital - Big Day Out - Australia 2009. directed by Paul Dugdale

 
 
 
 
HAM SANDWICH
New Single "Out Of The Darkness"
Irish Release 6-11-09 The Route 109 Recording Co.
::: LIVE :::
06 November (Fri) - The Spirit Store - Dundalk
07 November (Sat) - Whelans - Dublin
19 November (Thur) - Roisin Dubh - Galway
After a lengthy break, Ham Sandwich return with “Out of the Darkness”, the new single from the Kells-based band is released Nov 6th in anticipation of their sophomore album in the Spring of 2010. Following the success of their debut long-player Carry the Meek back in 2008, the band will be playing across Ireland throughout the Autumn showcasing the new songs as well as serving up all the fan favourites.
Now established as one of Ireland’s hardest working bands, Ham Sandwich returned to the studio with Karl Odlum back in the producer’s chair.

>>> NEW "HAM SANDWICH" LOGO COMPETITION <<<

Calling all budding designers and young Van Gogh's out there! HAM SANDWICH are looking for a new FONT / LOGO and we decided we'd give our fans a shot at it. As it's a competition the winner will win a hefty lump of cash along with our entire back catalog signed by everyone in the band.

Here's the criteria,it's nothing too specific. Basically we'd like it to be BIG and BOLD and most importantly very easytoread. Lastly we'd like both words to be on seperate lines.

Send all your efforts to: podgesandwich@gmail.com

THERE IS NO LIMIT TO THE AMOUNT OF TIMES YOU CAN APPLY

Over the years there has been barely a handful of Irish bands whose dizzying ascent to the top of the music industry has been made in double-quick time. Bands like The Thrills and Cranberries are two examples of acts that had barely finished playing village halls and local pubs when they found themselves tripping the live fandango across huge stages in front of vast crowds. They, however, are as rare the proverbial hen's teeth, and even bands like U2 and the sickly sweet Corrs, earned their stripes, parading up and down the country, as they sharpened their skills waiting for that moment; when your luck finally meets up with your opportunity. And when you are a musician with any ambition, it is that "moment" that you strive for, although most never even get that close. As a small example of just how far the odds are against you becoming a working musician, consider the following statistics. In Ireland, experts vary about how many original bands exist in the country at any given time but estimates ordinarily fall somewhere in the region of 8,000 or more.

Each year, perhaps a half dozen of these will make the jump from obscurity to national renown, with perhaps only one of these going on to achieve anything on an international level. Considering Ireland's anemic national support for its homegrown acts, it is a wonder that even that many make it to solvency, but such adverse odds have done little to dissuade the tens of thousands of kids that dream everyday about being a rock star or even those bands that continue to carry amps up and down the stairs of gin mills and dives every weekend for years on end, in the dogged pursuit of that "moment". For Ireland's latest indie sensation, Ham Sandwich, that moment is now and few bands on the island have worked as hard to achieve it.

According to legend, Ham Sandwich's birth was positively biblical given the fact that Johnny Moore approached, Podge McNamee and, Niamh Farrell about the idea of forming their own group, while the trio were at a Good Friday party, in 2003. With Moore as the main songwriter and the other two as vocalists, they then set their sights on combing through the musicians they knew in hometown, Kells, County Meath, in an effort to shore up the lineup with likeminded individuals. Guitarist, Darcy, was recruited from the school he attended with Moore in the nearby town of Navan, which, curiously, is the same school that gave Ireland three of its most esteemed comedic talents, in the shape of Dylan Moran, Tommy Tiernan and Hector O'hEochag·in. With the addition of Ollie Murphy on drums, the band was complete and rehearsals began in earnest. After almost one year of intense jamming and absorbing a multitude of tastes, the band finally took its first steps into the public spotlight, becoming something of a local phenomenon, on the strength of their charged live performances and colorful personalities.

In early autumn of 2005, the national underground music scene got its first taste of the band with the release of their first single, the superb, Sad Songs, which called to mind acts such as Jesus & Mary Chain, Pavement and The Smiths. With McNamee and Farrell's vocals projecting a perfect balance of light and shade, the single served as an early signal that Ham Sandwich had potential to be a band of consequence. The next two years would only confirm this notion as the five-piece set about touring the highways and byways of Ireland, drumming up support wherever they went, with a show that is as energetic as it is unpredictable. In Farrell, the band has the ultra-cool female singer, who is unafraid to mix it up with her fellow band members, yet is not beyond projecting an air of cool detachment when the mood demands it, while in McNamee, the band has a bona fide space cadet (sometimes quite literally when he wears his astronaut costume). Bounding around the stage, exuding fun and mischief, and alternating between ringmaster and clown, his energy alone could probably power all their amps. Together, the pair are almost sound somewhat like The Sunday's Harriet Wheeler and Crash Test Dummies, Brad Roberts, might sound like if they ever played in a high-octane indie band, although it's doubtful then that they would retain a scintilla of the natural chemistry evident between Farrell and McNamee. Such a live show soon had the band selling out venues throughout the country, despite little or no promotion and winning them the title as Ireland's greatest cult band.

Two more singles followed, St Christopher and Click... Click... Boom!, the latter of which exploded the band onto the national consciousness, with it's Pixies-like collision of energy and substance. Suddenly Ham Sandwich found themselves opening for names such as Electric Six, Buzzcocks and My Morning Jacket, as their public profile grew and their singles began to receive airplay in prime time shows. They also made their first appearances on TV and as the year drew to a close, the band retired to a cottage in Cavan, to begin work on their debut album with producer, Karl Odlum. In fact, the view from the cottage was the same view that Irish writer, Jonathon Swift, was looking at when he was struck with the idea for his novel, Gulliver's Travels, adding just the right amount of solitude and mystique to proceedings.

On February 15, the band's labors attained a physical form, when their debut album, Carry The Meek, hit stores and promptly debuted at 23 in the Irish album charts, an extremely creditable result considering they released it on their own label, Route 109 Records, which is named after the bus route from Dublin to Kells. In case the band needed any more affirmation that they were on their way to the next level, they were also presented with the Meteor Music Hope For 2008 Award, on the same day as their album release. The interest is such that the band is already in talks with several labels with a view to getting the album out overseas and it will undoubtedly only be a matter of months before the band start gigging outside of Ireland on a regular basis. The years of dedication appear to be paying out, proving the adage that hard work always pays off in the end. McNamee recently alluded to this fact saying: "It's always been a slow rise. We've never forced our music on anyone." Now the people are coming to the music in their droves, leaving only one slightly downbeat note for the rest of us; we're going to have to find another band to call Ireland's greatest cult band, because Ham Sandwich has gone above ground and if they keep producing albums like that, they are there to stay.

By Joe Kavanagh (Irish Examiner - USA)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


"Mrs. Maylie" - Free Download

www.oceancolourscene.com / www.myspace.com/ocsmusic / www.cookingvinyl.com

OCEAN COLOUR SCENE announce free download "Mrs Maylie" taken from forthcoming album "Saturday"

Ocean Colour Scene, who have clocked up an impressive eleven Top 20 singles and five Top 10 albums during their illustrious career, have announced that they will be giving away a free track ahead of the release of their forthcoming album, "Saturday". Taken from the album (due for release on Monday 1st February 2010), the free download, "Mrs Maylie", will be available for 2 weeks only from Monday 2nd November at
www.oceancolourscene.com

During their illustrious career, Ocean Colour Scene have clocked up an impressive eleven Top 20 singles and five Top 10 albums in the UK alone. They recorded their new album "Saturday" at legendary Rockfield studio (Oasis, The Stone Roses, and Black Sabbath), with esteemed producer Gavin Monaghan (Kings of Leon, Robert Plant ,The Editors, The Twang) at the helm, and is due for release on Monday 1st February. Earlier this year, the band previewed some of the new songs during its performances at the Oxegen, V and Belladrum Festivals. Commenting on the album, frontman Simon Fowler says, “During our six weeks at Rockfield we have recorded fourteen new songs so far, and it's shaping up to be our best collection since Marchin’ Already. Now we are looking forward to playing a whole new set early next year.” More details to follow ….


 
 
 
 
THE GANDHIS
‘You Are My Friend’
Available from 1969 Records
www.myspace.com/thegandhis ~ www.thegandhismusic.com

Hot on the heels of stuffing Dublin's Whelans with over 400 punters on the same night as the Ireland v Italy World Cup qualifier, Rising Dublin popsters The Gandhis have just released their debut album ‘You Are My Friend’ through 1969 Records. After raising a few eyebrows around the country with their memorable performance RTE TV's "Saturday Night With Miriam" show during the summer, the band now hit the road to play dates around the country.

::: LIVE :::
22 Oct 2009 - The Spirit Store - Dundalk, Louth
23 Oct 2009 - The Stables - Mullingar, Westmeath
25 Oct 2009 - Dublin Flea Market (Acoustic Gig Thingy) - Dublin
28 Oct 2009 - Dolans Warehouse - Limerick
31 Oct 2009 - The Lower Deck - Halloween Gig w/ Van Cleef - Dublin
17 Nov 2009 - Roisin Dubh - Galway
21 Nov 2009 - Whelans - Dublin

...check the myspace site for added gigs.

 
 
 
 


New Single ‘I WON'T KNEEL’
Featuring Guest Vocalist SaintSaviour out November 16th
Hotly Anticipated Studio Album Due Feb 2010
On ‘Work It’ Recordings in partnership with Cooking Vinyl
www.groovearmada.com / www.cookingvinyl.com
Groove ArmadaAndy Cato and Tom Findlay - release their euphoric new single ‘I Won’t Kneel’, November 16th. It’s a blistering sneak preview from their eagerly anticipated new studio album (due Feb 2010), which ranks among their best work to date and sees the masters of reinvention move in some thrilling new directions.

"Free of all major label agendas, we have made the record we wanted to make, says Andy. “We got that same combination of live band and electronics going in the studio that have made GA live special. We found vocalists that would keep working with us until it was right. There have been some difficult months, but maybe that's why they are the best songs we have written. If we had to choose one record for the time capsule, this is it."

Written and produced by Andy Cato and Tom Findlay, ‘I Won’t Kneel’ received its world premiere from Annie Mac on BBC Radio One (September 18th) in the UK.

‘I Won’t Kneel’ is available in the following formats: CD Single / 12" / Digital Track / itunes Single / STD Digital Single. The track features a scintillating vocal from female singer SaintSaviour, who has been described as a cross between Kate Bush and Anthony & The Johnson’s. She owned the stage with her performance on Groove Armada’s highly energised set, at their very own creation, Lovebox Festival in July.

"We've worked with a lot of legends,” says Andy Cato talking about their newfound vocalist SaintSaviour. “Now we've found one. We've done just a couple of ‘Black Light Live’ warm-up gigs with her so far, but already I'm only ever asked one question. Who IS that girl?"

SaintSaviour will illuminate the live stage with Groove Armada in October when she fronts their ‘Black Light’ shows in the UK. She also features on several tracks on Groove Armada’s hotly awaited forthcoming new album along with a whole host of fascinating collaborators including Bryan Ferry, Fenech Soler and Nick Littlemore from PNAU/Empire Of The Sun.

Last month Groove Armada launch their eagerly awaited return with the release of their explosive new track ‘Warsaw’ – a sneak preview from their hotly anticipated new album ‘Black Light’. ‘Warsaw’ was available immediately after Pete Tong pushed the button for its worldwide premiere on BBC Radio One back on September 4th as a free download. The following day Groove Armada played one of their legendary live sets at Warsaw Peace Festival to a 70,000 strong crowd.

Produced by Groove Armada (Andy Cato and Tom Findlay) and co-written by Groove Armada and Nick Littlemore from PNAU & Empire Of The Sun, the free download was a breathtaking taster from their new record set for release in February 2010, their first on GA Recordings in a worldwide partnership with Cooking Vinyl.

 
 
 
 
LITTLE PALACE
"Beekeeper"
The next single to be released from the critically acclaimed album INVITATION TIME (Album of the Week - RTE Radio 1)
Out October 16th, 2009 on LP Records and Available on iTunes & downloadmusic.ie
The next single to be released from the critically acclaimed album INVITATION TIME (Album of the Week - RTE Radio 1)
Out October 16th, 2009 on LP Records and Available on iTunes & downloadmusic.ie
www.littlepalace.ie ~ www.myspace.com/littlepalacemusic

Beekeeper single release will be followed with the following live tour dates!!...

  • Saturday 24th October 2009 - PUMPKIN FESTIVAL - VIRGINIA (SUPPORT TO BELL X1)
  • Thursday 5th November 2009 - THE VILLAGE, DUBLIN Saturday 7th November 2009 - HEADFORT ARMS HOTEL, KELLS
  • Thursday 12th November 2009 - THE BACKROOM, NAVAN

Check website for more dates to be added.

In March 2009, Meath based band "Little Palace" released their second studio album, titled "Invitation Time".

Two singles were subsequently released, the melodic and thought provoking "Eviction" with shared vocals from Ann-Louise Mulvany and Anthony Cregan, and the heart-felt ballad "Secret", featuring Colm Mac Con Iomaire of renowned Irish band the "Frames". Both singles received substantial airplay across national radio.

The release of the album was followed by a very successful Irish tour, taking in venues in Cork, Galway, Limerick, Louth and Meath.

"We really enjoyed being back on the road together" says drummer Ian Melady who incidentally also played with critically acclaimed indie band "Turn" "because we'd taken a break from playing live for a few years we were all fresh going in to it".

With main songwriter Michael Brunnock now resident in New York, recording and touring were never going to be easy. Bassist Anthony Cregan says "the logistics of getting us all in the same place were a bit of a nightmare, but the fact that we did it just shows how much we really wanted it to happen". And, happen it did! With sold out shows and rave reviews and even album of the week on RTE radio 1.
________________________________________

Little Palace went back into the studio in 2008 to record some songs written by Michael Brunnock. "They were good songs and we all felt that there was unfinished business, so why not!" says Michael. These recordings became "Invitation Time" the new album from the band.

Previously they had released two very successful E.Ps. The debut "Beekeeper" featuring the song "Gift" produced by "Dead Can Dance" main man Brendan Perry, and the follow up "Car" which were both accompanied by extensive touring of Ireland, several dates in the U.S and some shows in Paris, France.

Long term member and co-producer Martin Quinn says of the new record "This is some of the best work we've ever done and it all came together pretty easily!"

The new album features a re-working of the very popular song "Secret" with a fine piano performance by James Quinn, also a member of the band since day one, and additional strings played by Colm Mac Con Iomaire of the Frames.

Band Members

Ann-Louise Mulvany - Vocals
Michael Brunnock - Vocals/Guitars
Anthony Cregan - Vocals/Guitars/Bass
Martin Quinn - Vocals/Guitars/Bass/Keyboards/Producer
James Quinn - Piano/Keyboards
Ian Melady Drums/Percussion
David Butler - Manager

 
 
 
 
COWBOY X
"Analogue Droids"
4-Track EP Available 09/10/09 on Actual Size Records
Tracklisting: Analogue Droids - Squirrel Chase Ball - Ed White's Glove - Villain In Disguise
www.myspace.com/cowboyxmusic

:: LIVE ::: WHELANS (Upstairs), Dublin - October 10th, 2009"Analogue Droids"Launch Gig

>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<

 

"Analogue Droids" is the 3rd single taken from Cowboy X's long awaited second album - "Meant To Be Machines" - out 2010 - and will be available on download.ie with 3 other tracks, Squirrel Chase Ball, Ed White's Glove, and Villain In Disguise, as the Analogue Droids EP. This is the first time Cowboy X have released an EP and the other 3 tracks, will not be on the forthcoming album.

Also the two previous singles Japanese Toy and Break Me (Featured as the theme to RTE2 "Raw Sessions") will for the first time be available on download.ie
_______________________________

John and David have been in several bands together since they were knee high to grass hopper. They failed miserably. Then one day, on a beach like the one in The Beach they both rescued Karen, a complete stranger, from a shark, crocodile and pigeon attack.

After many months of recuperation in hospital (and with a few plastic surgery operations thrown in for good measure) Karen was back on her feet and tracked down John and David to thank them for saving her life. They suggested many ways in which she could repay them...none of which will be mentioned at this time. Then they realised she could sing and her voice would work well on the music they had been writing. From then on, they were collectively known as Cowboy X and their music rang throughout the land.

COWBOY X:
Karen McCartney - Vocals/Guitar
John Hanley - Drums
David Grealy - Guitar
Wayne Gibson - Bass

 
 
 
 
The CORONAS
"TONY WAS AN EX-CON"
Featuring the Download Single "LISTEN DEAR"
Out Now on 3ú Records
www.thecoronas.net
The CORONAS ::: LIVE ::: The Olympia Theatre ~ Friday 11th December
Tickets are €25.00 including booking fee on sale from Ticketmaster.ie

The Coronas ~ Upcoming Irish Shows:
03rd October - Hot Press Music Show, RDS, Dublin
16th October - Roisin Dubh, Galway
17th October - Glor, Ennis, Co Clare
21st October - Electric Avenue, Waterford
23rd October - Dolans Warehouse, Limerick tickets
24th October - Cyprus Avenue, Cork (All Ages Gig)
24th October - Cyprus Avenue, Cork (Over 18s Gig)
28th October - Spirit Store, Dundalk
31st October - Trick or Street Halloween Party, Portlaoise, Laois (Free Outdoor Concert)
::: November - Southeast Asia Tour :::
11th December - Olympia Theatre, Dublin tickets

_______________________________________________________

You will, of course, know The Coronas by this stage. Meteor Music Award nominees, significant Irish participants of Oxegen, the band behind the smart 2007 debut album, Heroes Or Ghosts – The Coronas have slowly but surely been embraced by their ever growing contingent of fans as one of the best Irish bands to have emerged in the past five years. Success by virtual word of mouth? Without so much as a planning meeting? It’s enough to make a Marketing Manager resign.

“We just went with the flow,” relates Danny O’Reilly (vocals/guitar). “We never sat down and discussed what type of music we were going to make, and I think that’s stood to us. Some bands do that, and talk about image, clothes, hair, and to this day we still don’t do that. We just worked with the songs we had, and let it happen.” “What we would discuss and agree on,” comments Dave McPhillips (lead guitar), “would be songs that might gradually be left off the set list.”

According to Dave, the band’s overall sense of ambition is wrapped up in a subdued collective confidence, rather than “any game plan of reaching a certain goal by a certain time, and being disappointed if we don’t achieve it.”

It also helped the band, remarks Danny, that they never grabbed any significant critical acclaim or hype. “There’s a sense in some bands that they think they’re better than they are, when really you’re only as good as your last gig. We found that getting responses from gigs was much more encouraging in a productive way, as opposed to reading a brilliant review about the band. We’re quite a humble group, anyway, and we’ve always had an underlying belief in ourselves. I mean, at this point we’re confident enough that we can win over people who have never been to a Coronas gig before.”

The Coronas have been around in some shape or form for over five years. Danny met up with Graham Knox (bass) and Conor Egan (drums) while at school and college, and a short time later hooked up with Dave during a working holiday in Vancouver. Come the start of 2007, a flurry of Irish chart activity commenced with their debut single, ‘Decision Time’, reaching the Top 10. This success was enhanced with three further hit singles (‘Grace, Don’t Wait’, ‘Heroes Or Ghosts’, ‘San Diego Song’), all of which preceded their debut album, ‘Heroes Or Ghosts’, which subsequently spent over a year in the Irish charts.

Time moves on, though, and the band – following a licensing deal in Japan with JVC – have trumped ‘Heroes Or Ghosts’ with their new album, ‘Tony Was An Ex-Con’. The debut album still resides in the heart of The Coronas, however, as it positioned them at a particular place and time. “We were proud of it at the time of release and we still are,” confirms Danny. “We were, I suppose, naïve at the time, but I wouldn’t necessarily call ‘Heroes Or Ghosts’ a naïve record. Joe Chester, the producer of it, really got the best out of us. We were winging it, big time, of course, but we knew we had to have an album because the records sell the gigs and vice versa. We also knew we weren’t going to make the perfect record…”

Whether the new album is perfect is open to debate – one thing The Coronas won’t do unnecessarily is to make big or superficial claims about it. All they can do is trust in their intuitive pop/rock instincts, release a few singles, play a rake of shows, light the fuse and stand back, and see what the reaction will be. Recorded in Cornwall’s renowned Sawmills Studios (and overseen by Razorlight/Muse/Supergrass/Oasis producer John Cornfield), Dave reckons the main difference between the new and the old album is that the band were far more cool, calm and collected second time around. Less nerves, more cohesion, less mess, more structure.

“It was great to have the opportunity of trying out new songs,” offers Danny, “and because of the gap between the first and the second album – the guts of two years - we had lots of time.”

Both Danny and Dave agree that ‘Tony Was An Ex-Con’ – which features more trademark smart rock/pop than you can shake a stick at – quietly boasts a more collaborative feel. The Coronas even more of a band than they used to be? You’d better believe it. But there’s more to come.

“We’re happy enough at the stage we are in Ireland,” says Dave, “but we believe we have a sound that can actually travel. We’re not a minimalist techno band, what we do is not for a niche audience, and between the two albums we have a consistency that will make an impact.”

“If you improve, then things will happen,” states Danny, clearly in Field of Dreams mode, “and if we keep getting better then good things are bound to take place. We’re the biggest critics of ourselves, yet we feel the new album is ten times the record ‘Heroes Or Ghosts’ was. We are quietly confident that things will happen for us overseas. We have ambition to play to as many people as we can and, who knows, take over the world.”

‘Tony Was An Ex-Con’ was released September 25th through 3u Records.

 
 
 
 
Trust Me I’m A Thief presents
‘New Sounds, Different spaces’
By Beautiful Unit.
 

A New project from the Trust Me I’m A Thief record label (Jape, The Redneck Manifesto, Si Schroeder, Somadrone, Goodtime John and others) is set to brighten the October nights this year with an unusual tour by their latest act, ‘Beautiful Unit’….

Beautiful Unit explores the sonic possibilities of real time sound manipulation using 8 bit sampling, repetitive grooves and live music. The audio performance is accompanied by visuals designed by Hector Castelles.

Helmed by Guitarist Brian Mooney and producer Jimmy Eadie, Beautiful Unit released their debut album ‘European Son’ earlier this year. Mooney is a well established musical magic man on the Irish scene having played with everyone from Jape, David Kitt and Si Schroeder and to his own band The Idiots, while Eadie has produced these artists and many more in his Asylum Studios Dublin.

Every space is different, from playing in the back of a van in car parks to disused shops, living rooms to barns; in fact, you might find this event taking place anywhere… ‘The idea is to break down the barrier between performer and spectator …we’re getting rid of the stage’.

‘New Sounds, Different Spaces’ has been devised specifically for a once off tour of Ireland in October 2009. The tour is presented with funding from the Music Network Performance and Touring Award.

“A sonic technique that oozes character and distinction, rhythms thumped out on toy drum sets, strums on borrowed banjo and music that thrums to, in the words of Mooney himself, “ The pulse of the static from the jack-to-jack” Our advice – Don’t let this one pass you by” - The Irish Times.

TOUR DATES

10th October: Cork city in conjunction with Triskel Arts Centre in a disused ESB Sub Station at 4pm. ADM FREE

11th October: Clonakilty De Barras. 8pm ADM FREE

16th October: Sligo in Conjunction with The Niland and Model Arts in a disused shop front yet to be announced. 8pm ADM FREE

22ND-25TH October: Temple Bar, Dublin 2 in conjunction with Dublin Electronic Arts Festival from a van in Temple Bar.

Time and place to be announced on Twitter 24 hours in advance. ADM FREE

30th October: Dundrum, Dublin 16 in the Hay Barn at Airfield House. 8pm ADM €8/€12

1st November: Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny The carpark of Eddie Murphys pub from the back of the van. 6pm ADM FREE

 

 
 
 
 
INDIGO GIRLS
::: LIVE ::: October 29th, TRIPOD, Dublin
Tickets: €28.00 and €31.50 inc booking fee from www.ticketmaster.ie and www.tickets.ie

New Album "Poseidon And The Bitter Bug" Out Now on IG Recordings/Vanguard Records

The Indigo Girls launch their own imprint to release their first studio album in 3 years
The release will contain 2 CDs – a full band version and acoustic disc with a bonus track

It’s been two decades since the Indigo Girls launched their career with their independently released debut album, 1987’s Strange Fire. Now, after entertaining millions of fans with their 10 major-label studio albums (nine on Epic Records and one, 2006’s Despite Our Differences, on Hollywood Records), Emily Saliers and Amy Ray have come full circle with the independent release of their new 2-CD album, Poseidon And The Bitter Bug, on their new label IG Recordings, distributed through Vanguard Records.

The new album reunites the Grammy-winning duo with veteran producer, arranger and keyboardist Mitchell Froom (Elvis Costello, Paul McCartney, Los Lobos and others), who worked on the Indigo Girls’ acclaimed 2006 release, Despite Our Differences. Longtime bassist Clare Kenny, drummer Matt Chamberlin and engineer David Boucher make up the rest of the core band but the sound is pure Indigo Girls, with uplifting, effortless harmonies; honest, passionately involved lyrics and infectious melodies.

“Mitchell was able to build a bridge between Emily’s songs and my songs more successfully than anyone we’ve worked with“, says Ray, “he’s a musicians’ musician and has a very clear idea of what will work.” Adds Saliers, “He likes Amy’s music and he likes my music, which is not the easiest thing to find because we are so different and our songs are different.”

The album was recorded in Atlanta in a whirlwind three week session – they wanted to keep a sense of spontaneity and discovery to the process. And it’s the songwriting that shines on Poseidon, with the duo exploring new approaches to melody, harmonics and rhythm, especially on Saliers’ “Digging For Your Dream,” which she says is “as close to R&B as I’ve ever gotten,” and Ray’s “Sugar Tongue,” a fevered meditation on colonialism that finds her experimenting with her higher vocal range to capture an innocence not commonly displayed by the fiery rocker.

Says Saliers, “For a band like us, it might feel inauthentic if we tried to branch out in some crazy way musically. That's why Amy makes solo records, so she can do her own thing outside of what we do together. As a unit, we do what we do and Mitchell just happens to bring the best out of it. That's a good thing at this point in our career.”

One thing the Girls have done differently on Poseidon is include a second CD that features acoustic versions of all the songs, plus a bonus track, “Salty South.” It’s a chance for listeners to hear stripped down, organic versions of the songs – just the Girls in a room with a few mics – before the arrangements changed with the addition of the band.

With a Grammy, six Grammy nominations and a legacy of releases and tours behind them, the Indigo Girls have outlasted many of their peers and forged their own way in the music business. They’ve always thought independently, and have always balanced their commitment to music and performing with an unwavering commitment to social, political and environmental issues – Ray and Saliers don’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk. In 1991, Ray and Saliers co-founded the non-profit organization Honor the Earth to raise awareness and financial support for indigenous environmental justice, and over the years they have supported groups fighting for women’s rights, civil rights for same-sex couples, and the abolition of the death penalty as well as voter registration.

Now with their own imprint, the Girls have come full circle; they’ve weathered the ups and downs of the music industry and come out with their musical vision and enthusiasm intact.

“I am overwhelmingly excited to be independent because it really is where the heart of music sits for me,” says Ray, “I don't have many regrets about the major-label life of the band because we certainly got a lot out of it. We were lucky enough to be on Epic when Pearl Jam and Rage Against The Machine were our label-mates and the company was developing bands with the intent of creating catalog artists. That has all changed, and it's just not worth being on a major. It hasn’t felt worth it for a long time. Beyond that, it never fed my soul the way an independent career can.”

“I feel a great sense of freedom in finally being rid of the major-label world,” Ray says. “It’s been a burden for a while for me. I felt an honesty and sincerity making Poseidon, because I fully believe in independence.” Saliers says, “It fees liberating and centering, even in the midst of change.”

Poseidon And The Bitter Bug is the work of career artists at the top of their artistic game, invigorated to be doing what they love best – writing and performing music. With these two CDs, the Indigo Girls give listeners an intimate look at their songwriting and how it’s affected by the recording process. Poseidon is a release that affirms their position not only as musical icons but as artists who continue to live up to the high standards they’ve set for themselves.

 
 
 
 
RICHMOND FONTAINE
"We Used To Think The Freeway Sounded Like A River"
Irish Release August 21st on DÉCOR RECORDS
www.willyvlautin.com ~ www.richmondfontaine.com

::: LIVE ::: Irish Tour 2009
October 15 Cork - Cyprus Avenue
October 17 Dublin - Sugar Club
October 18 Kilkenny - Cleeres
October 19 Belfast - The Empire

>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<

We Used To Think The Freeway Sounded Like A River will be released on Décor Records (American Music Club, Franz Nicolay) August 17, 2009 . We Used to Think…, Richmond Fontaine’s eighth studio album finds the band at their peak both artistically and commercially. The Independent recently called singer/songwriter Willy Vlautin “the Dylan of the dislocated” and the band has been a firm critics favourite since the release of Post to Wire in 2004 and were given two albums of the month from UNCUT in 04 and 05.. Fontaine’s sound has continued its decade-long evolution and is now fully realized on We Used to Think… Featuring epic songs like “Lonnie“ and “Two Alone” and beautiful folk tunes like “Ruby And Lou” and “The Pull”, the new album delivers Vlautin’s classic storytelling backed by Fontaine’s most interesting and accomplished musical performance to date.

The birth of We Used To Think… began at the tail end of a year-long tour in 2007 supporting Thirteen Cities. Singer/songwriter Willy Vlautin’s mother died suddenly, two days before Vlautin was scheduled to return home. This prompted the road-weary band to take a year’s sabbatical. Holed up at his home in rural Oregon, Vlautin reflected on family, relationships, and love and began writing songs. Two months into a writing streak, he was bucked off his horse and forced to spend months nursing a badly broken arm. Finally able to get back to writing, Vlautin retreated to his writing shed and emerged a year later with a new novel (Lean on Pete, release date Feb 2010, Faber & Faber) and twenty songs about love, heartache, and loss.

After arranging and rehearsing the songs that would become We Used To Think…, the band decided to stay close to home and record with old friends Larry Crane and JD Foster (Dwight Yokam, Calexico) at Crane’s Jackpot Studios (The Go-Betweens, Elliott Smith, The Decemberists, The Shins) in Portland.

The core of the band remains Willy Vlautin (guitars, vocals), Sean Oldham (drums, vocals), Dave Harding (bass), and Dan Eccles (guitars). For the session, Fontaine also brought in family members and friends, Collin Oldham (cello, cellomobo), Paul Brainard (pedal steel, trumpet), and Ralph Huntley (piano).

Willy will be playing a set at the Latitude Festival on July 19th and the full band will be heading out on a full UK & Ireland tour in September with a stops at the End of the Road Festival (UK) and The Electric Picnic (Ireland). The album will be preceded by the limited 7” single “You Can Move Back Here” out July 20th released on Trash Aesthetics and will feature a short story written by Willy inside the silkscreen cover.

Willy Vlautin has released two novels to great acclaim, The Motel Life and Northline on Faber & Faber. Movie rights to both novels have been optioned. Oscar-nominated screenwriter and award-winning director Courtney Hunt (Frozen River) is adapting and directing Northline.

Here is Willy’s rough guide to the tracklisting of "We Used To Think The Freeway Sounded Like A River":

1) We Used To Think The Freeway Sounded Like A River – Living next to an abandoned house, the romance and cost of a young couple getting their first place in a rough neighborhood.

2) Northwest – Instrumental featuring JD and Dan

3) You Can Move Back Here – Getting a call from an old pal drowning in a city.

4) The Boyfriends – A mom’s series of boyfriends and the kid who has to endure them, featuring trumpet by Mr. Paul Brainard.

5) The Pull – The anxiety and struggle of trying to stay sober.

6) Sitting Outside My Dad’s Old House – Instrumental featuring Collin Oldham’s cellomobo and radio trowel.

7) Maybe We Were Both Born Blue – A high school romance and a neighbor who ruins both of them

8) Watch Out – Instrumental for the most part except some “Watch outs” by me and Kendra.

9) 43 – buried in debt, working at a paint store, and a basement full of weed.

10) Lonnie – Running into your friend’s aunt at a grocery store and listening to her rant about the horrible things he’s done.

11) Ruby and Lou – A romance and a couple believing there's a place where the darkness doesn’t exist.

12) Walking Back To Our Place At 3AM – Instrumental. A couple walking back to their apartment after a good night at the bar.

13) Two Alone – Moving to a new town, working as forklift driver, living with your pregnant girlfriend who loves credit cards and doesn’t have a job.

14) A Letter To The Patron Saint Of Nurses – A nurse having a nervous breakdown while drinking wine coolers and listening to Mariachi music.

Recent Press Quotes:

Thirteen Cities: “Quite simply, Vlautin’s one of the most compelling songwriters working today, compared equally to great American novelists llike Raymond Carver or John Steinbeck and musicians such as Bruce Springsteen or Tom Waits” The Sun

“Heartbreakingly great” 7/10 NME

"Nothing less than the Dylan of the Dislocated” Independent 5/5, UNCUT 4/5 and 4/5 Mojo

The Fitzgerland:“..is mind-blowing…absolute perfection”, UNCUT’s “Album of the Month” 5/5

“the most beautiful sad album of the year” Q Magazine 4/5 stars , “downbeat masterpiece…bleak but brilliant” 5/5 The SUN and 4/5 MOJO

Post To Wire: “Uncut’s discovery of the year….Fans of a certain kind of orphaned Americana are likely to fall on Post To Wire like apostles on The Grail….soon be entirely enthralled with this dark and mesmerising masterpiece” UNCUT ALBUM OF THE MONTH 5/5 (listed as the 4th best album of 2004) “Without a doubt, the best album of the decade” Comes With A Smile, ”the seasons must have Americana purchase. 4/5 MOJO

 
 
 
 
“Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that.” - Steve Earle

STEVE EARLE

www.steveearle.com ~ www.myspace.com/steveearlemusic ~www.newwestrecords.com

 

::: LIVE ::: Upcoming Irish Shows
Sept 26 - Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival, Longford - €41.70 ~ Tel: +353-87-281-7825 / www.johnnykeenan.com
Sept 27 - Belfast Open House Festival - £25.00 ~ Tel: +44 (0)28 90246609 / www.openhousefestival.com
Nov 09 - Galway, Town Hall - €40.00 ~ Tel: 091-569777 / www.tht.ie
Nov 10 - Galway, Town Hall - €40.00 ~ Tel: 091-569777 / www.tht.ie
Nov 11 - Cork, Opera House - €40.00 ~Tel: 021-4270022 / www.corkoperahouse.ie
Nov 13 - Ennis, Glor - €40.00 ~ Tel: 065-6843103 / www.glor.ie
Nov 14 - Castlebar, The Royal Theatre & Events Centre - €36.50 ~Tel: 0818 300000 / www.ticketmaster.ie
Nov 17 - Dublin, Olympia Theatre - €40/€36 ~ Tel: 0818 719300 / www.ticketmaster.ie


>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<


New Album "Townes" OUT NOW on New West Records
15-SONG SET COMPRISED OF SONGS WRITTEN BY THE LEGENDARY SINGER-SONGWRITER,
::: TOWNES VAN ZANDT :::


Features Guest Appearances by TOM MORELLO (Rage Against The Machine, The Nightwatchmen), ALLISON MOORER, and appearing on a Steve Earle Record for the first time, JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE

Steve Earle releases "Townes", his highly anticipated follow up to the Grammy Award winning album Washington Square Serenade, on New West Records. The 15-song set is comprised of songs written by Earle’s friend and mentor, the late singersongwriter, Townes Van Zandt. Townes will also be available as a deluxe two-CD set, as well as double Limited Edition 180 gram vinyl.

The album was produced by Earle at his home in Greenwich Village, at Sound Emporium and Room and Board in Nashville, TN and The Nest in Hollywood, CA. The track “Lungs,” was produced and mixed by the Dust Brothers’ John King and features Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine/The Nightwatchman on electric guitar. Earle’s wife, the acclaimed singer-songwriter Allison Moorer, is featured on backing vocals on “Loretta” and “To Live Is To Fly.” Three songs cut in Nashville, “White Freightliner Blues,” “Delta Momma Blues,” and “Don’t Take It Too Bad” feature a bluegrass band consisting of Dennis Crouch, Tim O’Brien, Darrel Scott and Shad Cobb.

Earle met Townes Van Zandt in 1972 at one of Earle’s performances at The Old Quarter in Houston, TX. Van Zandt was in the audience and playfully heckled Earle throughout the performance to play the song “Wabash Cannonball” Earle admitted that he didn’t know how to play the tune and Van Zandt replied incredibly “You call yourself a folksinger and you don’t know ‘Wabash Cannonball?’” Earle then silenced him by playing the Van Zandt song “Mr. Mudd and Mr. Gold,” not an easy feat due to its quickly-paced mouthful of lyrics squeezed into just over two minutes of song. Their bond was immediately formed. On Townes, Earle and his son, singer-songwriter Justin Townes Earle (named after Van Zandt) trade verses on the tune, a song the two of them have been playing together since Justin was a teenager.

The songs selected for Townes were the ones that meant the most to Earle and the ones he personally connected to (not including selections featured on previous Earle albums). Some of the selections chosen were songs that Earle has played his entire career (“Pancho and Lefty,” “Lungs,” “White Freightliner Blues”) and others he had to learn specifically for recording. He learned the song “(Quicksilver
Daydreams of) Maria”
directly from Van Zandt, and taught himself “Marie” and “Rake” specifically for the album’s recording. Once a song he played during his live show, Earle relearned “Colorado Girl” in the original Open D tuning that Van Zandt played it in. Earle recorded the New York sessions solo and then added the other instruments later on in order to preserve the spirit of Van Zandt’s original solo
performances to the best of his recollection.

When speaking about Townes, Earle stated, “This may be one of the best records I’ve ever made. That hurts a singer-songwriter’s feelings. Then again, it’s some consolation that I cherry picked through the career of one of the best songwriters that ever lived.”

TRACKLISTING:

Pancho And Lefty
White Freight Liner Blues
Colorado Girl
Where I Lead Me
Lungs
No Place To Fall
Loretta
Brand New Companion
Rake
Delta Momma Blues
Marie
Don’t Take It Too Bad
Mr. Mudd And Mr. Gold
(Quicksilver Daydreams Of) Maria
To Live Is To Fly


Deluxe Limited Edition 2 x CD content – Acoustic version of the album. Fold out poster of the cover art. Expanded liner notes with lyrics.

 
 
 
 
"This is a pulsating collection of high-octane, blue-eyed soul, accentuated by analogue recording, brilliantly punctuated by boisterous brass and carried by a singer whose desire to sing is all too evident.
– it’s an impressive start."
~ Joe Breen - IRISH TIMES

JESSE DEE
::: LIVE ::: Whelans, Dublin - Sunday, September 27th - €16
Irish Debut for the Boston Soul Singing Sensation!

Tickets available from WAV [lo-call 1890 200 078], City Discs, Road Records, Tickets.ie & Ticketmaster
"Bittersweet Batch" Out now on Munich Records
www.myspace.com/jessedee

 If you are a Van Morrison, James Hunter, Al Green or Sam Cooke fan you should check out Boston's Jesse Dee!


Jesse Dee’s influences read like a Who’s Who of classic soul music. Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Etta James, Al Green and many others. But Jesse Dee is not just a student of the classics. He also loves the new wave of rootsy artists – James Hunter, Amos Lee and John Legend, among them.

“Soul music has always hit me harder than any other kind of music,’’ says the Boston-based Jesse, who has learned his lessons well. He puts a convincing new spin on the subject with his debut solo disc, “Bittersweet Batch,’’ which should please anyone with a love of this heartfelt style. Jesse adds a stunning vocal expressiveness and a unique ability to inject and dissect emotions. He delivers it all with a warmth that comes from analog recording and from cutting a lot of the songs live in the studio.

Jesse co-produced “Bittersweet Batch’’ (consisting of all-original tracks) with Jack Younger in the latter’s Basement 247 Studio. Younger has also produced for fellow Boston roots phenomenon Eli “Paperboy’’ Reed. The record is targeted for an April release on Munich Records.

Jesse’s love of soul is honest to the core. When you step into his home studio, for example, you may find him putting on a vinyl copy of “The Best Chess Vocal Groups,’’ including cuts on the seminal Chess Records by the Moonglows, Miracles, and Flamingos. And on the walls are paintings that he has created of faves like Jackie Wilson and James Brown. The paintings are exceptional. Jesse is a graduate of MassArt (Massachusetts College of Art and Design) and almost went into art as a profession over music.

“I’ve been painting longer than I’ve played music,’’ says Jesse. “I have studied art most of my life and have been doing both for a while, but I made my decision to focus on music.’’

Raised in the Boston suburb of Arlington, Jesse started at MassArt by studying illustration, but switched over to its Studio for Interrelated Media, where he studied performance, production, mixed-media, and composition. During college he was in the ten-piece band Decifunk, which played up and down the east coast and released an original record called “Open Your Eyes’’ on Squeezebox Records in 2001. That was followed by a stint in the group The Dirty Whites (“more like Black Sabbath meets Motown,’’ he says). They put out a five-song, self-released EP in 2006.

Then came his own group under the name Jesse Dee, which includes guitarist Matthew Joy, bassist Jim Larkin, and drummer Matt “Pie’’ Beaulieu. They’re all on the new album, as are such top-notch guests as guitarist Kevin Barry (Paula Cole, Dennis Brennan), and the soulful duo of Dwight & Nicole, not to mention an all-star horn section with Scott and John Aruda, and Paul Ahlstrand, who has played with Susan Tedeschi.

The new record has some “bittersweet’’ themes, hence the title “Bittersweet Batch,’’ but most songs reflect Jesse’s ultimately positive view of the world. The standout “Slow Down,’’ which is on his myspace page (www.myspace.com/jessedee), has an easy-loping swing groove and the message that “people try to stay with the pace but the fact is that life is not a race.’’ Other upbeat tunes are “Still Here’ and the buoyant “Alive & Kicking.’’

Jesse, who has opened for Al Green, is also a cofounder of Sea Monsters, a popular club band he started with singer Christian McNeill. It’s a true musician’s band and has featured guest appearances from other Boston roots acts such as Tim Gearan, Miss Tess, and Dennis Brennan.

Jesse still paints and freelances as a graphic designer. The painting sparks his music. “I sing when I paint,’’ he says. “I’ve composed songs while I paint a number of times.’’
But exploring and updating soul music is his true passion. “I’m just trying to get better – to write better songs, get better at performing them, and enjoy myself in the process,’’ he says.

-- Written by Steve Morse, a former staff writer for the Boston Globe

 
 
 
 
The CORONAS
New Download Single "LISTEN DEAR" Out Sept. 11th, '09
From the Upcoming New Album "TONY WAS AN EX-CON" Out Sept. 25th, '09
Available on 3ú Records

www.thecoronas.net / www.myspace.com/coronaband / www.thecoronas-band.bebo.com

The CORONAS ::: LIVE ::: The Olympia Theatre ~ Friday 11th December
Tickets are €25.00 including booking fee on sale from
Ticketmaster.ie

The Coronas are back. Their debut LP - 2007’s Heroes or Ghosts - achieved platinum sales in Ireland, and spawned massive singles such as “Grace, Don’t Wait!”, “Heroes or Ghosts” and especially “San Diego Song” which became an anthem in clubs and radio stations all across the country.

The Dublin quartet quickly followed its’ release with sell-out shows nationwide, two meteor award nominations and a spellbinding set on the main stage at Oxegen. All this along with tours in the U.S., UK and Asia, has enabled the Coronas to establish themselves as one of Irelands’ biggest new bands.

“We’ve worked really hard for the last two years but taking a break never really occurred to us”, says lead singer Danny O’Reilly. “We wanted to continue to build on what we had going and we knew the only way to do that was to go into the studio and record an album that we felt blew Heroes (or Ghosts) out of the water”.

“We were quite young when we recorded Heroes or Ghosts”, concurs guitarist Dave McPhillips (indeed they had all just turned 21). “And, although we were so proud of it, we really didn’t expect it to do as well as it did. The last couple of years on the road, constantly gigging and developing our sound, left us with a better idea of the album we wanted to make”

Indeed anyone who has become accustomed to the Coronas own brand of pop-rock tunes will have plenty of reason to cheer when it comes to their new album, Tony Was An Ex-Con, recorded over 6 weeks in the prestigious Sawmills studio in Cornwall. This time round the guys teamed up with esteemed producer John Cornfield (Muse, Razorlight, Oasis). “Working with John in the mill (Sawmills) was an amazing experience”, says bassist Knoxy. “We thought that, with his resume, he’d be telling us exactly what to do but he was really cool and just let us do our thing. It was a really chilled-out, productive atmosphere.”

The title track comes from an incredible story about the lads on tour in America, involving a psychotic bus driver who left the entire entourage fearing for their lives. “It’s funny looking back at it now, but at the time it was really quite scary”, says drummer Conor Egan. McPhillips: “The song was one of the first new songs that set us off on the writing spree that led to the entire record so it felt like the right title”

In Tony Was An Ex-Con, The Coronas' fans will once again be reminded of the endearing spirit that made Heroes or Ghosts a true word-of-mouth success, while many will be impressed by how far they’ve come musically.

“We’re so proud of this record”, says O’Reilly. “We realised along time ago that it’s impossible to try to impress everyone. You can only make music that you believe in yourself - be it pop, rock, indie, rap, whatever. Hopefully the tunes will speak for themselves”

The Coronas new album ‘Tony Was An Ex-Con’ is out Sept. 25th for more details please see www.thecoronas.net

 
 
 
 
NELL BRYDEN
New album "WHAT DOES IT TAKE" released 9th October on COOKING VINYL
New digital single "SECOND TIME AROUND" released 5th October
www.nellbryden.com ~ www.myspace.com/nellbryden ~ www.cookingvinyl.com

Nell Bryden, whose self-released debut single, What Does It Take, recently spent 7 weeks on the A-List at BBC Radio 2 in the UK, has announced that she will be releasing her debut album, What Does It Take, in Ireland Friday 9th October. The album will be preceded by a new digital download single, Second Time Around on Monday 5th October.

>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<


Bryden is fast becoming one of the most talked about and sought after new artists, building the buzz the old-fashioned way with word-of-mouth endorsements of her live shows. With four international tours (and 500 shows) in the last 12 months under her belt, including tours with KT Tunstall, and The Counting Crows, she is definitely one to watch.

Bryden has also travelled to Iraq twice this year to entertain US troops and boost morale. Award winning documentary maker Susan Cohn Rockefeller, of the Rockefeller dynasty in the USA, commissioned a team of filmmakers to go with Bryden on her second visit. A documentary on the tour is currently in production with a view to being released in the Autumn.

Named Best Unsigned Artist of 2008 on Hits Daily Double, Bryden’s debut single “Second Time Around” not only earned her the coveted BBC R2 A List, but also became Song of The Week on Ireland’s Today FM, and secured her a Top 40 place in the Official Irish Charts.

What Does It Take was recorded in New Orleans and New York, and produced by Grammy-winning producer David Kershenbaum (Tracy Chapman, Tori Amos, Joe Jackson) and Dave Trumfio (Wilco, The Handsome Family, Jesus & Mary Chain). The album was originally released in late 2008 and titled Second Time Around, but has subsequently been remixed. This new version also contains two new songs – ‘What Does It Take’ and ‘Not Like Loving You’, plus a re-recorded version of ‘Pavement’.

Critics praised the 2008 release, saying it was:

“An album of jazz torch singer style, and Patsy Cline heartache. Her vocal versatility is supported by consummate songwriting skills ... Think of a female Nick Lowe with a better voice” ~ UNCUT

“An eclectic collection, it takes in country blues, Dixieland Jazz and her warm, rich voice even shows a touch of the Roberta Flacks” ~ Q

Available on CD and as a digital download the full tracklisting is as follows:

1. What Does It Take
2. Not Like Loving You
3. Where The Pavement Ends
4. Helen’s Requiem
5. Goodbye
6. Only Life I Knew
7. Second Time Around
8. Meridian (I Love The Same)
9. Green Dress
10. Tonight
11. Late Night Call

 
 
 
 
For me the best songwriter in the country at the moment is Jinx Lennon, and he matters. He matters to me. And we don‘t hear him because he's telling the truth. He's singing about this island we live in as it is, and he doesn’t get airplay. Why doesn’t he get airplay? …Because he's telling the truth. And why can’t people deal with that truth?... Because it's very raw, and he doesn’t sugar it up. ~ Christy Moore – interview (Sunday Tribune)
Jinx Lennon
:::LIVE DVD::: “Magic Rawness & Rage”
OUT NOW on Septic Tiger (Distribution on EMD)
www.jinxlennon.com ~ www.myspace.com/httpwwwmyspacecomjinxlennon
"Magic Rawness & Rage" Live DVD Release and Irish dates Announced

For Information / Interview requests / Promotional Copies contact:

Shane O'Neill eclecticmediaservices@gmail.com or mobile 087 917 1085

Stevo Berube / Berube Communications info@berubecommunications.com or mobile 087 244 2695

Jinx Lennon, featuring Miss Paula Flynn, releases a new live DVD on October 9th, 25 songs recorded live at the Sugar Club in Dublin by Dara McClusky (Arts Lives). “Magic Rawness & Rage” is a recording of his live show featuring songs taken from all of his four albums. It captures the essence of his live performance, which can at times challenge us by mixing poetry and noise. A bit like modern Irish story telling accompanied by music from New York’s punk duo Suicide. This is the first time some of these songs have been recorded with Miss Paula Flynn.

To promote the DVD, Jinx and Paula will be playing some dates in October including two dates at the Sugar Club with some very special guests being lined up…more on that later.

October 2009 Irish Tour Dates
2 Oct - Letterkenny Arts Centre, Donegal
8 Oct - Sugar Club, Dublin with The Revelator Orchestra
9 Oct - The Glens Centre, Manorhamilton, Leitrim with Wasps V Humans
12 Oct - Roisin Dubh, Galway with Evil Uncle
15 Oct - The Roundy Bar, Cork City
16 Oct - Baker’s, Limerick City with Niall Quinn
17 Oct - Spirit Store, Dundalk, Co. Louth with Niall Quinn
23 Oct - Clarence Hotel, Sligo Live Festival, Sligo
25 Oct - Leonard Arms, Clones (Clones Film Festival)
30 Oct - The Static, Roscoe Lane, Liverpool Irish Festival, Liverpool with Captain Moonlight
12 Nov - Sugar Club, Dublin
13 Nov - De Barras, Clonakilty
27 Nov - The LV, Cork


Jinx Lennon is a punk / poet / performance artist whose repertoire contains elements of spoken word, electro, and noise. Story telling delivered with a rage and rawness that is beautifully complimented by Jinx's stage partner Miss Paula Flynn’s tender vocals.

Track List:
1/ ANTHRAX OF THE MIND 14/ HOUSES EVERYWHERE
2/ BALACLAVA BOYS 15/ THE BUS DRIVER LOOKS SOUR
3/ CITY OF STYROFOAM CUPS 16/ THE BACHELORS OF PEARSE PARK
4/ FORTY FACES 17/ ST. BRIGID’S SHRINE
5/ RAW-W-W-W 18/ YOU ARE THE VACCINE
6/ BRUISED BANANA 19/ STOP GIVING OUT ABOUT NIGERIANS
7/ GUITAR=MAGIC WAND 20/ PROTECT THYSELF AND HOME
8/ THE LOOKOUT POSTS OF FORKHILL 21/ THE ORANGE CRANES OF GREENORE
9/ EVERYONE’S GOT A MENTAL HOME INSIDE THEIR HEAD 22/ ACCUSED IN THE JACUZZI
10/ THE MEN WHO SAVED THE FACE OF FOOTBALL 23/ ESCAPE FROM THE PLANET OF THE APES
11/ CAN’T KEEP EVERYONE HAPPY 24/ CIRCLE OF S**T
12/ FUNERAL FACES 25/ THE NEXT SLOW SONG
13/ NOISEMAKER  


Press Reviews:

I loved this album but if you are offended easily, avoid this Dundalk depth charge. ~ Irish Mail on Sunday – Danny McElhinney (4/5)

One of the most refreshingly fearless and relevant songwriters in Ireland. ~ The Irish News - David Roy

For me the best songwriter in the country at the moment is Jinx Lennon, and he matters. He matters to me. And we don‘t hear him because he's telling the truth. He's singing about this island we live in as it is, and he doesn’t get airplay. Why doesn’t he get airplay? …Because he's telling the truth. And why can’t people deal with that truth?... Because it's very raw, and he doesn’t sugar it up. ~ Christy Moore – in interview in the Sunday Tribune

There is no one – and I mean no one – in Ireland making music quite like Jinx Lennon…. hand-in-hand with the punk-poetry comes a soundscape that is immensely listenable ~ Clare People Interactive - Andrew Hamilton

One of Ireland's greatest living storytellers… Nobody can listen to Jinx Lennon and not be affected ~ Connected magazine *****

You see Jinx is a true diamond in the rough. While Trauma Themes Idiot Times mightn’t be everyone’s cup of tea, there’s no doubting that this performer is one of the most unique and daring artists to emerge from Ireland in quite some time ~ Hot Press / Edwin McFee 4/5

While there is no question that Jinx’s ubiquitous style is an acquired taste; with music this original and rousing on the menu, you’d be an absolute idiot to not at least try and relish its mouthwatering flavours ~ Limerick Independent - Alan Jacques

The worry for Jinx is that the populace, jaded from the endless drip of bad news stories from the front line of the Recession, will run a million miles from anyone banging on about life as it's really lived in this banana republic ~ Irish Independent – Nick Kelly

 
 
 
 

FINLEY QUAYE
::: LIVE ::: The Village, Dublin ~ Friday September 11th
Doors 8pm. Tickets Ticketmaster, Sound Cellar, Road Records, Tickets.ie and WAV tel.1890200078.

www.myspace.com/finleyquayeuk ~ www.finleyquaye.com

After a complete sell out in Dublin's Whelans back in April, Finley Quaye makes a triumphant return to the Capital to play the Village Venue on Dublin's Wexford Street.

In 1997 Finley Quaye released his debut album "Maverick A Strike", which included the hits "Sunday Shining" and "Even After All", sold over five million copies world wide. That same year Finley scooped 'Best Male Singer' at The Brit Awards and play every major festival in The UK and Europe. He was the opening act for Oasis in Slane the same year.

Finley is currently busy finishing his new album which will be released in 2010 and starts a major UK / Ireland Tour in September.
__________________________

Maverick, now there's an overused word. Restless Finley Quaye fits the bill perfectly with a multifaceted, multi ethnic catalogue of music that somehow mashes pure pop to the underground. He scored a solo record deal with Polydor Records 1994. He began working with Epic/Sony in 1996 and in 1997 he reached the UK Top 20 twice with 'Sunday Shining', and 'Even After All'.

‘Sunday Shining' was classic Finley with its bizarre cross section of influences of Tenor Saw, the Breeders and the Zombies mashed together.

His debut album Maverick A Strike is a masterpiece capturing the sunshine vibe of primetime Marley but placing it firmly in the concrete of mid nineties bohemian Britain and making it pure pop. Finley's following two albums are even more musically satisfying and challenging and were released on Epic, Vanguard (2000) and Much More Than Much Love (2004). Quaye is readying several albums. ‘Pound for Pound' and ‘The Best Of The Epic Years' on Sony/BMG are both out this year.

'Straight From Country' a country album and also 'Pinnacle' which are both prepared for release in 2009.

He is currently living between London and Miami.

 
 
 
 
THE LEMONHEADS
::: LIVE :::
The Academy, Dublin - Friday 11 September 2009
Tickets 26 Euro including booking fee - Doors 7pm
Details on mcd.ie

New album "VARSHONS" Out Now on Cooking Vinyl
www.myspace.com/thelemonheads / www.thelemonheads.net / www.evandando.co.uk / www.cookingvinyl.com

Gibby Haynes Produced Collection Features Covers of Songs by: Gram Parsons, Leonard Cohen, Townes Van Zandt, G.G. Allin, Wire, July, and More

 THE LEMONHEADS, who have entered into a licensing agreement with Cooking Vinyl, released their long-awaited covers collection, VARSHONS, through the label back in June 2009.

>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<


It makes sense that the new album from The Lemonheads sounds like a mix tape slipped to you by a music-obsessed friend anxious to turn you on to something new. In fact, the idea for the band’s new covers record was inspired by Gibby Haynes, ringmaster of the Butthole Surfers, who for years has made mixes for his longtime friend Evan Dando. “Making a good mix is an art, and Gibby has it down,” says Dando. “I thought it would be fun to share these songs with other people like he shared them with me. So I picked the ‘greatest hits’ from his mixes and covered them, along with a few other songs I always wanted to play.”

VARSHONS was produced by Haynes and features Dando along with Vess Ruhtenburg (bass) and Devon Ashley (drums). The collection is filled with strange bedfellows - from G.G. Allin to Texas troubadour Townes Van Zandt and garage rockers The Green Fuz. The Lemonheads make each track their own, with help from actress Liv Tyler, singing back up on Leonard Cohen’s “Hey, That’s No Way To Say Goodbye,” and Kate Moss, who sings over the dance groove of Arling & Cameron’s “Dirty Robot,” which also features lead guitar by John Perry on loan from The Only Ones.

VARSHONS unearths a pair of psychedelic treasures with “Yesterlove” – a song recorded in 1969 by the group Sam Gopal featuring future Motorhead bassist Lemmy Kilmister – and “Dandelion Seeds” from July, record collector’s Registered Landmark Band. For “Layin’ Up With Linda,” the band filters Allin’s cold-blooded tale through the swaggering country-honk of The Stones’ “Dead Flowers.”

Filled with obscure nuggets, the tracks on VARSHONS cut a wide swath, jumping from early British psychedelic to Dutch electronica and like all good mix tapes, you never know what is coming next.

Full tracklisting as follows :

1. “I Just Can’t Take It Anymore” (Gram Parsons)
2. “Fragile” (Wire)
3. “Layin’ Up With Linda” (G.G. Allin)
4. “Waiting Around To Die” (Townes Van Zandt)
5. “Green Fuz” (Randy Alvey & Green Fuz)
6. “Yesterlove” (Sam Gopal)
7. “Dirty Robot” v/ Kate Moss (Arling & Cameron)
8. “Dandelion Seeds” (July)
9. “Mexico” (Fuckemos)
10. “Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye” f/ Liv Tyler (Leonard Cohen)
11. “Beautiful” (Linda Perry)
* Original artist in parenthesis

 
 
 
 
Saving J
THIS CITY STREET

Out 11-09-09 on Can Can Recordings
www.savingj.com ~ www.myspace.com/savingjmusic ~ www.bebo.com/SavingJ

Kilkenny-based purveyors of power-pop release their debut album produced by Martin Quinn. Known as a singles band, they decided to make their debut long-player due to the overwhelming feedback from their growing fanbase. Featuring all their singles to date: BUS STOP, INDICATION STREET, VALENTINE, KICK OFF, & ABC plus new single EVERYBODY. The band continues to tour the country non-stop winning the musical hearts of all and bouncing all over the radio waves with their blitz of infectious tunes. Doing it the good old-fashioned way by hitting the road & releasing a steady flow of brilliant singles, their ‘live’ following has grown to impressive numbers. Definitely one to watch!


Upcoming SAVING J Live Dates:
14.08 - Party in the Park, Kilkenny (12 noon)
23.08 - The Bunker, Belfast
02.09 - An Brog, Cork
11.09 - Tower Records, Dublin - (5pm)
12.09 - Whelans, Dublin
15.09 - NUI, Galway SU (7PM)

17.09 - The Bailey, Enniscorthy
18.09 - The Purty Loft, Dun Laoghaire
19.09 - Heartbeat City, Kilkenny (3pm)
21.09 - DCU, Dublin
22.09 - NUI, Maynooth SU
24.09 - Baker Place, Limerick
25.09 - Langtons Theatre, Kilkenny
26.09 - Electric Avenue, Waterford
02.10 - Arts Theatre, Greystones
03.10 - O'Keefe's, Clonmel

More to be announced; check
www.myspace.com/savingjmusic

Sean Redmond - Lead Vocals / guitar Paul Hindle - Drums / Backing vocals Liam Redmond - Lead Guitar Eamon Mc Evoy - Bass Guitar


 
 
 
 
DECLAN DE BARRA
"A Fire to Scare the Sun"

Irish Release Date September 4th on Kila Records (RMG)
Featuring the International radio hits "Until the Morning Comes", "Brightest Star" & "Diamonds"

www.declandebarra.com ~ www.myspace.com/declandebarra

Waterford's Declan de Barra releases 'A Fire to Scare the Sun', the much anticipated follow-up to his critically acclaimed debut album 'Song of A Thousand Birds' (2006). Already a hit on world and indie music charts across Europe & America, Kila Records has licensed 'A Fire to Scare the Sun' for Ireland and is set to release it on September 4th. Known as a musician's muscian, many of Ireland's top artists have namechecked Declan, now based in Dublin, as an essential element in contemporary Irish music crossing over the genre divide from punk, world music, folk, trad, jazz.

Earlier this year, Declan was selected, along with The Coronas, Wallis Bird, and Fight Like Apes, to represent Ireland at Eurosonic, the prestigious European Music Conference and Showcase Festival held in Groningen.

UPCOMING SHOWS:

2009

18 Jul - CANADA - Alberta - Fort Macleod - COUTH COUNTY FAIR 5.10pm Mainstage

also 10:30 am East Stage with Jen Paches, David Ross Macdonald, Scott Nolan

12 Sep - FRANCE - Paris - France Inter - Les point des artistes - Radio show with audience (5 songs)

14 Sep - FRANCE - Paris - Sunset

15 Sep - FRANCE - Paris - Sunset

16 Sep - FRANCE - Paris - Sunset

26 Sep - FRANCE - ORLEANS - Festival De Loire

Sep 30 - Spain Salamanca - - TBA

Oct 01 - Portugal - TBA

Oct 02 - Portugal - TBA

Oct 03 - Portugal - TBA

Oct 04 - Spain - TBA

Oct 05 - Spain - Don Benito - - TBA

Oct 06 - Spain -Madrid - TBA

Oct 07 - Spain -Barcelona - - TBA


 
 
 
 
::: LIVE ::: National Concert Hall ~ August 18th, 2009
Tickets available from www.nch.ie and NCH box office
www.proclaimers.co.uk

New Album "Notes & Rhymes" Featuring the single "Love Can Move Mountains" is OUT NOW on W14 / Universal Music

The Proclaimers return with their eighth studio album Notes & Rhymes (W14/Universal) released in the UK & Ireland on 15th June. This was preceded by the single Love Can Move Mountains available as digital download from 8th June. Together with their band, Craig and Charlie hit the road with tour dates in UK, Ireland, and North America for the rest of the 2009, including Ireland's National Concert Hall in Dublin on August 18th, 2009.

Strikingly individual, twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid have over the years enjoyed huge success across the globe as the emotional honesty, political fire, wit and sing-along raucousness of their songs and their extensive touring has enlightened and entertained fans new and old. The Proclaimers have carved out a niche for themselves in the netherworld where pop, folk, new wave and punk collide. In the process they have enjoyed Gold and Platinum singles and albums in UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

After a rapid writing period in the second half of 2008, Craig and Charlie Reid headed back to the legendary Rockfield Studios in February with producer Steve Evans (Robert Plant, Siouxsie) to record a new album ‘Notes & Rhymes’ (W14/Universal) for release on 15th June. Craig and Charlie then went over to Austin, Texas to make their debut at SXSW where they performed a series of seven acoustic showcases, including a one-off Scottish extravaganza, sharing a bill with Glasvegas and Primal Scream.

2008 saw The Proclaimers bring a 129 date, yearlong World tour to a triumphant conclusion with 2 final shows July 19/20 in front of 15,000 fans at Edinburgh Castle and a big top at Bught Park, Inverness. Craig and Charlie then got down to writing new songs for the remainder of the year.

March 2008 had seen The Proclaimers tour across Europe before heading off to USA & Canada for a 2 month coast to coast tour. They followed that with a variety of shows from Muscat to Bermuda, alongside English seaside resort gigs and European festivals including their fourth Glastonbury appearance.

September 2007 had seen The Proclaimers release their seventh studio album ‘Life With You’ (W14/Universal) in the UK to fantastic critical acclaim and great commercial success. October then saw The Proclaimers kick off their biggest ever UK & Ireland tour, 44 dates to over 100,000 fans. In Scotland, they sold more gig tickets than any other single act in 2007. The summer saw them play at a number of festivals, including 2 exhilarating main stage performances at V Festivals.

Earlier in 2007 they topped the UK singles chart in March with a rousing new rendition of their classic anthem I'm Going to Be (500 Miles), a collaboration with comedians Peter Kay and Matt Lucas for Comic Relief, raising over a million pounds in the process. EMI relaunched their 2002 Best Of collection, re-entering the Album Charts at No 5 with sales soaring beyond platinum.


 
 
 
 
CHUCK PROPHET
"¡Let Freedom Ring!"
Irish Release 4th September on Cooking Vinyl
www.chuckprophet.com

Friday 4th September sees the Irish release of solo artist/guitar slinger Chuck Prophet’s 9th studio album, “¡Let Freedom Ring!”

Chuck wrote these songs last summer in one long spurt in San Francisco with the window open wide during a rare heat wave. Dwight Twilley, Iggy, Thin Lizzy and the Knack were blaring out the Hi-fi. It is as anxious a time as any for the life, death, rebirth and future of the American Dream. A concept album emerged around this dream. The songs were immediate and called for guitars and more guitars and needed to be recorded somewhere raw and energizing. You see, to Chuck music is geography, so his trick is to wake up interested and inspired from what is around him.

The answer came, so Chuck reached out to some musicians and talked them into going down to Mexico City, The Biggest City in the World (pop. 25 million). Recorded at Estudio 19, a state-of-the-art studio (well, circa 1958 state-of-the-art anyway) with Greg Leisz (Beck, Wilco, Emmylou Harris) co-producing. Within three days of arriving swine flu broke out and the indignity of having to wear blue surgical masks just to fit in.

Over the course of the next eight days, the band set about recording ¡Let Freedom Ring!, enduring a poorly timed blackout, shakedowns by the Policia, and a 6.4 earthquake mid-take - Mexico City might only be 4 hours away by plane but it might as well have been on the other side of the moon. But whilst mayhem ensued, the band buckled down to the task in hand, all set up together in a tight little bamboo lined room with the amps cranked. Chuck played his Fender Squire, Kelly Stoltz on backing vocals, Rusty Miller (Jason Lyte’s band) played bass while Drummer Ernest "Boom" Carter turned his sticks into kindling. Carter played on Springsteen’s “Born To Run” - he promptly quit the E Street Band after they spent 6 months recording it. The results can be heard from the Clash inspired opener to the power pop of ‘Let Freedom Ring’ and the Eddie Cochran infused ‘Good Time Crowd’.

Prophet started his wild ride back in 1984, when Green on Red, the seminal purveyors of American Rock-Roots, plucked him out of Berkeley, CA and threw him in the van for an eight-year ride, and the recording of as many albums. Since then Prophet has recorded nine amazing solo albums and toured and recorded with the likes of Lucinda Williams, Aimee Mann, Cake and Jonathan Richman. Ryan Adams, Solomon Burke and Heart have recorded his songs, along with a host of others. Prophet has never been one to rest on his laurels and ride it out.

His last album, 2007’s “Soap and Water”, was heralded as “The best work of his career” (Q**** Recommended Album) and “His most satisfying album yet. The range of styles is impressive” (Uncut****). Mojo declared “His Richard Thompson-indebted Telecaster squalls have subsequently decorated a litany of credible solo albums of which the latest may well be the finest”, whilst Q also voted it one of the Best Roots Albums of 2007 in their end of year poll.

“¡Let Freedom Ring!” is a
vailable on CD and as a digital download, the full tracklisting is as follows :

1. Song Liston’s Blues
2. What Can A Mother Do
3. Where The Hell Is Henry?
4. Let Freedom Ring!
5. You and Me Baby (Holding On)
6. American Man
7. Barely Exist
8. Hot Talk
9. Love Won’t Keep Us Apart
10. Good Time Crowd
11. Leave The Window

 
 
 
 
DAWN LANDES
"Sweet Heart Rodeo"
Irish Release Released 4/9/09 on Cooking Vinyl
www.dawnlandes.com / www.myspace.com/dawnlandes / www.cookingvinyl.com
 Kentucky-born and Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Dawn Landes has announced she will be releasing her third album in Ireland, Sweet Heart Rodeo, on Friday 4th September. The album will be preceded by the release of a digital download single, Romeo (released Monday 24th August), which berates a certain someone who once ruined one of Landes birthdays by standing her up, and borrows a hook from Tennessee Ernie Ford’s fifties nugget of resignation “16 Tons”.

Landes first came to attention with the release of her acclaimed second album (and her UK & Ireland debut), Fireproof (2008). Q declared it to be “Understated and beautiful” (Q **** Recommended Album), whilst The Guardian called it “vivid girl-next-door indie pop in the spirit of Frente and Cat Powers.” Uncut said “Landes propels the whole project skywards with a voice that encapsulates the best qualities of Laura Veirs and Cat Powers. It’s pretty much essential stuff.”

Sweet Heart Rodeo looks set to garner even more critical acclaim.The title was inspired by Landes great-grandmother’s beau, who ran away to join the rodeo during the Great Depression. A rodeo theme runs throughout the record as she compares the ups and downs of romance to the rigours of bull riding. “Each song is like its own bull,” the twenty-eight-year-old deadpans. “Each ride its own love-story … you know, trying to hang on to a wild thing isn’t always graceful.”

Recorded in Landes own studio (Saltlands in Brooklyn) with regular collaborator, drummer and all-rounder Ray Rizzo, guitarist Josh Kaufman and bassist Annie Nero, the album kicks off with “Young Girl”, which ponders gender stereotyping - competitive boys, jealous girls - over a reductive and distorted keyboard riff. The haunting ‘Money In The Bank’ marries down-home hippie wisdom (‘the night before you die, what are you gonna buy?’) to a glorious chorus bolstered by a wistful French horn. Landes even drums on an unlikely cover of Margo Guryan’s already unlikely ‘Love’, a 1968 collision of cool jazz and nascent psychedelia. Rizzo’s idiosyncratic harmonica style (“kinda cloudy- the opposite of ethereal”) boosts the quirky ‘Wandering Eye’, a rare song that combines sex and travel without causing offence, while ‘Little Miss Holiday’ imagines a conversation between Jodie Foster and the teenage hooker that inspired her character in Scorsese’s unhinged “Taxi Driver.” It’s tender rather than bleak. ‘Brighton’ is a tribute to a magical day in that great Southern (English) town, yet it could hardly sound more American, Appalachian even. “I hope I captured it in the song,” she says. Her Brighton though is more romantic than the resort us Britons know, already a fond memory. By the album’s conclusion, the wobbly wedding march of ‘All Dressed In White’, you’ll probably be thinking of giving love a try. Even if it does hurt when you fall off.

Available on CD and as a digital download, the full tracklisting as follows :

1. Young Girl
2. Romeo
3. Money In The Bank
4. Love
5. Sweetheart Of The Rodeo
6. Clown
7. Wandering Eye
8. Little Miss Holiday
9. Dance Area
10. Brighton
11. All Dressed In White

 
 
 
 
IAN HUNTER
"Man Overboard"
Irish Release 7/8/09 on New West Records
www.ianhunter.com ~ www.newwestrecords.com

Original Mott The Hoople Lineup Confirms Five 40th Anniversary Reunion Shows in London at the HMV Hammersmith Apollo
>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<

Legendary Mott the Hoople front man and renowned solo artist, Ian Hunter, has signed to New West Records. Man Overboard is Mr. Hunter’s anticipated follow up to his critically acclaimed solo album, 2007’s Shrunken Heads (his first release after a 6 year gap).

With Mott the Hoople, Ian Hunter quickly established himself as an incredibly inventive songwriter with his gritty and thought provoking songs which paved the way for the original wave of punk rock. The 1972 David Bowie produced breakthrough album All The Young Dudes catapulted the band into the British Top 10 and the American Top 40. Additionally, the band was the first act to ever sell out a week of Broadway concerts in New York City. Ian Hunter’s autobiography, Diary Of A Rock and Roll Star, written during the band’s 1972 US Tour and published in 1974, was also acclaimed by Q Magazine as “the greatest music book ever written.” The original Mott The Hoople lineup of Ian Hunter, Mick Ralphs, Verden Allen, Dale Griffin and Overend Watts have announced five 40th anniversary reunion shows at the HMV Hammersmith Apollo in London on October 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th.

As a solo artist, Mr. Hunter has been responsible for instantly recognizable classics as “Once Bitten, Twice Shy,” “Cleveland Rocks” (which went on to be the theme song for ABC’s hit series The Drew Carey Show), and many, many more. Both Ian Hunter and Mott the Hoople have been cited as major inspirations for numerous artists including The Clash, Kiss, R.E.M., Oasis, Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, Motley Crue, Blur and Primal Scream among others. Hunter’s influence on modern rock and roll music has been immeasurable, with over 150 different cover versions of his songs.

Man Overboard is Ian Hunter’s 13th solo album since his eponymous debut in 1975. Recorded in late 2008 in Pawling, NY, the 11-song set is a stunning follow up to the overwhelmingly critically acclaimed Shrunken Heads album. Man Overboard was produced by Andy York (veteran guitarist for John Mellencamp) and Ian Hunter and features a backing band of superstar talent comprised of Steve Holley on drums and percussion (Wings, Joe Cocker), Paul Page on bass (Dion), Jack Petruzzelli on electric guitar (Rufus Wainwright, Joan Osbourne), James Mastro on electric guitar (Patti Smith, John Cale), Andy Burton on piano and organ (The Db’s) and Producer Andy York on guitar and backing vocals. Many of the band members are returning from the Shrunken Heads sessions. Regarding Man Overboard, Ian Hunter stated, “When we did Shrunken Heads, I felt like we had a good thing going so I wanted to revisit the experience before anything changed, and that’s what we did.
"

Track List:
1. The Great Escape (4:28)
2. Arms And Legs (4:34)
3. Up And Running (3:47)
4. Man Overboard (5:16)
5. Babylon Blues (4:54)
6. Girl From The Office (4:35)
7. Flowers (3:32)
8. These Feelings (4:01)
9. Win It All (2:24)
10. Way With Words (4:15)
11. River Of Tears (5:32)

 
 
 
 
"He sounds as though he has drunk deeply from the same fountain that gave the world Henry Lawson, Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan". Bruce Elder - Sydney Morning Herald

 ::: LIVE ::: Upstairs At Whelan's, Dublin - Sunday 2nd August, 8pm.

Best known in Ireland for Mary Blacks' interpretation of 'Flesh & Blood' along with many other songs. Shane Howard is an iconic and prolific Australian singer & songwriter. Starting out in the late seventies with the hugely successful indigenous folk/rock outfit 'Goanna', Shane has spent many years solo, working with and producing other Australian musicians. This is a rare return for Shane to his ancestral homeland.

Support on the night comes from Rory Faithfield. Dublin-based for many years, yet Sydney born and bred, singer-songwriter Rory Faithfield is described as "Power Acoustic" by the Irish Independent, and "invigorating and inspiring" by The Irish Times.

>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<

(Note - For Interviews: Shane will land in Ireland on Sunday 26 July and will be available for interviews and sessions from Mon 27 until Weds 29th July)

 
 
 
 
“The Prodigy’s fifth studio album sounds just like The Prodigy should. Only leaner, harder, and even faster than before.” Q ****, April 2009
“It’s hard to imagine many better records being release this year.” London Lite, 5/5, 16th February 2009
“Nobody does The Prodigy like The Prodigy, and it’s a joy to have them back on all cylinders.” – Clash – 8/10, March 2009

"Take Me To The Hospital"
The New Single From the Chart Topping Album "Invaders Must Die"
Irish Release: OUT NOW on Take Me To The Hospital / Cooking Vinyl
www.theprodigy.com
/ www.invadersmustdie.com / www.cookingvinyl.com

Having smashed it with their intensity and energy recently at Irish festivals LIVE AT THE MARQUEE (Cork), LIVE IN THE PARK (Co. Down), and SLANE CASTLE (with OASIS) and virtually every major festival over in the UK this year including headline performances at Glastonbury, Isle of Wight and Download to name a few, The Prodigy release the third single Take Me To The Hospital in Ireland on August 28th. Still riding high in the European charts, their album ‘Invaders Must Die’ is among the top five selling albums of 2009 and has reaffirmed the band’s status as true legends of both dance and rock.

Take Me To The Hospital is the exhilarating car crash sound of all three members … a sound so frenetic, unhinged and deeply bass driven it could only come from the minds of Liam, Keith and Maxim. Steeped in the history early 90s rave the Prodigy themselves pioneered but given a suitably awe inspiring 21st century reboot, this ain’t no retro banger … it’s a future classic.

Remixes include an apocalyptically gnarly remix from Queens Of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme collaborating with Liam himself. On the dancefloor side there are mixes from Adam F & Horx, Rusko, Losers and drum & bass demons Sub Focus, all making Take Me To The Hospital a total festival banger you’ll be hearing blasting out of late night legal high stalls all summer long.

Available on the following formats:

CD Single
1. Take Me To The Hospital – 09 EQ
2. Take Me To The Hospital – Sub Focus Remix.

12” Single
A. Take Me To The Hospital – Sub Focus Remix.
B. Take Me To The Hospital – Rusko Remix.

Download
1. Take Me To The Hospital – 09 EQ
2. Take Me To The Hospital – Sub Focus Remix
3. Take Me To The Hospital – Josh Homme And Liam H's Wreckage Mix
4. Take Me To The Hospital – Rusko Remix
5. Take Me To The Hospital – Adam F and Horx Remix
6. Take Me To The Hospital – Losers Middlesex A & E Remix
7. Take Me To The Hospital – Instrumental ’09 EQ
8. Take Me To The Hospital – Album version

 
 
 
 
The Chapters

"TRYING TO GET AHEAD"
Download Single Out July 24th '09 on 3u Records; Available on iTunes

From the Acclaimed Debut Album "PERFECT STRANGER"; also features the single "VIDEOTAPES"
www.myspace.com/thechaptersofficial ~ www.thechapters.com ~ www.thechapters.bebo.com

Dublin Five Piece The Chapters release the second offering from their critically acclaimed debut album Perfect Stranger when download only single Trying to get Ahead goes live on Friday July 24th.

Having just rocked the Hotpress New Band Stage at Oxegen despite going head to head with Razorlight, Janes Addiction and the only good weather of the weekend, The Chapters have a busy summer ahead of them.

They will be playing live as part of Irish Rails 25th anniversary of the Dart Celebrations with an eclectic show on the Dart on July 23rd.

Following this, The Chapters will support Ocean Colour Scene at INDIEPENDENCE before making a guest appearance at Castlepalooza the same weekend.

September sees the boys celebrate the day that the black was first brewed as they play a special guest appearance at the Arthurs Day celebrations in Dublin.

Debut Single Videotapes received nationwide airplay with Today FM's Tony Fenton stating that The Chapters are "gonna be huge" - who are we to argue!

Trying to get Ahead is released on July 24th on 3ú Records and is available from all good download sites!

 
 
 
 
LITTLE PALACE
"Secret"
The New Single From The Critically Acclaimed Album
"Invitation Time"

Featuring Colm Mac Con Iomaire from THE FRAMES
Out on LP Records and Available on iTunes & downloadmusic.ie

www.littlepalace.ie ~ www.myspace.com/littlepalacemusic
::: LIVE :::
Lé Cheile Festival - Caffrey’s Oldcastle, Meath ~ Aug. 8th, '09 www.lecheile.com
Also Featuring Lisa Hannigan, Mundy, Declan O'Rourke, Fight Like Apes, Delorentos, Barleyshakes, and more

>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<


Little Palace went back into the studio in 2008 to record some songs written by Michael Brunnock. "They were good songs and we all felt that there was unfinished business, so why not!" says Michael. These recordings became "Invitation Time" the new album from the band.

Previously they had released two very successful E.Ps. The debut "Beekeeper" featuring the song "Gift" produced by "Dead Can Dance" main man Brendan Perry, and the follow up "Car" which were both accompanied by extensive touring of Ireland, several dates in the U.S and some shows in Paris, France.

Long term member and co-producer Martin Quinn says of the new record "This is some of the best work we've ever done and it all came together pretty easily!"

The new album features a re-working of the very popular song "Secret" with a fine piano performance by James Quinn, also a member of the band since day one, and additional strings played by Colm Mac Con Iomaire of the Frames.

Band Members
Ann-Louise Mulvany - Vocals
Michael Brunnock - Vocals/Guitars
Anthony Cregan - Vocals/Guitars/Bass
Martin Quinn - Vocals/Guitars/Bass/Keyboards/Producer
James Quinn - Piano/Keyboards
Ian Melady Drums/Percussion
David Butler - Manager

 
 
 
 
NIALL COLFER
"Blind Eye"
The 2nd Single From the Critically Acclaimed Debut Album "Finds"
Irish Release Date July 31, 2009 on 1969 RECORDS

www.myspace.com/niallcolfer ~ www.niallcolfer.com ~ www.1969records.com

::: The Album "FINDS" Out Now on 1969 Records :::

After the success of his first single "After All That's Happened", Dublin-based Wexford man Niall Colfer's glossy lo-fi debut album "Finds" was gently placed into the consciousness of the music loving public with an astonishing "word-of-mouth" efficiency. Upon a chance hearing of Niall's demos, 1969 Record's Daragh Bohan immediately seized upon the opportunity to release the album which went on to become one of the label's success stories of 2009. Recorded in Sun Studios & co-produced with Gareth Mannix, "Blind Eye" continues along the path paved by the ex-Salthouse frontman with breezy guitars, catchy choruses, and wistfully blissful lyrics. Perfect for a gorgeous summer day!

>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<

 

Niall’s first solo project after fronting the critically acclaimed Wexford band SALTHOUSE. Recorded and produced over the last year in Sun Studios with additional production by Gareth Mannix, Finds is Niall’s first solo album. Playing many of the instruments on these new tracks himself, Niall has honed a distinctive style; a hushed confidence of melody and groove, inside disco, rock and sometimes even folk. Not afraid to admit where his inspiration comes from, he says it’s everything from love, loss, and the history of life. You’ll find street scenes in one song, ancient maps in another.

Niall’s songs come across as honest explorations of everyday feelings without the smaltz. He hits a characteristic groove in each song, which just continues on through, hooking you in. Together, the songs leave an impression of subtlety, individualism and toe-tapping rhythm, with lyrics that creep on up and get you thinking.

 
 
 
 
THE FLATLANDERS
(Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely and Butch Hancock)
::: LIVE ::: Vicar Street, Dublin - July 29th, 2009
The Texas Legends Only Irish Show of the Year!
Tickets are €38 on sale now through Ticketmaster and other usual outlets nationwide. Booking Line: 0818 719 390

"Hills And Valleys" – Out Now on New West Records
Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely and Butch Hancock have been friends for almost 40 years, and members of that not-really-a-band, life-of-its-own musical entity known as The Flatlanders for nearly as long. They will be performing live together at Vicar St. this July 29th.

But when the trio decided to collaborate on songwriting for Hills And Valleys, the fourth in a rather elongated string of Flatlanders albums, they realized it wouldn't be easy. They'd done it before for one thing, first for the soundtrack to the 1998 film The Horse Whisperer, then for their "reunion" album, 2002's Now Again. So they already knew they'd be as likely to spend hours trading tales and laughing uproariously as they would trying to agree on a lyric.

And they knew how long that could stretch out, too. "Sometimes we'd work on one line of a song for several days," Ely reveals. "That's just one line, not a verse. It's hard to please all three of us at once."

But for Hills and Valleys, they not only managed to come up with eight eloquent joint efforts, they added Ely's "Love's Own Chains" and "There's Never Been," Hancock's "Thank God For The Road," one by Gilmore's son, Colin ("The Way We Are"), and, for good measure, their arrangement of Woody Guthrie's "Sowing on the Mountain." That one serves not only as an homage to one of their musical guideposts but, as Hancock notes, a representation of the album's general theme: "the ups and downs, emotionally, of peoples' lives these days."

"One moment you're sitting on top of the world," he explains, "and the next, you're ‘sowing on the mountain and reaping in the valleys.'"

They didn't set out with an agenda, but what Ely calls "the heavy-dutiness" of the last eight years-9/11, Katrina, Iraq, border walls going up while the economy careened downward-all were definitely on their minds as they wrote.

"Even though all of us are very active politically, a lot of times we don't want to bring certain things into our songs," Ely explains. "This time, we had to say, ‘Hey, let's look at this, not in a pushy way, but really
figuring it out in our own heads. Putting it into a song and trying to unravel it.'"


The psychological approach. Which explains how a song called "After The Storm" never mentions a specific deluge, but examines, via Gilmore's gentle tremolo, the feelings of loss and aloneness one might experience "looking out after the storm, wondering what to do and where to go."

That was the first song they came up with. The last was "Homeland Refugee," which addresses foreclosures and the "so-called security trust," though it was composed months before the credit crunch triggered a string of bank failures that unleashed even more economic calamity.

The song was partly inspired by an irony they saw in the current "reverse migration" of Californians to Texas, because their families had been part of the original Dust Bowl exodus. As they wrote at Hancock's home in Terlingua (writing sessions were also held in Austin, where Gilmore and Ely live), they also watched the construction of a wall designed to prevent Mexican people from migrating to America. Telling a simple story in simple words, they cut right to the core of these complex issues. An overt reference to Guthrie's "Pastures of Plenty" and an implied one to his "Deportee (Plane Crash at Los Gatos)" further allude to those hills and valleys of earth and life-which they put in irrefutable perspective in the line: For everything this world is worth, we're all just migrants on this earth, returning to the dust from where we came.

"After the Storm" and "Homeland Refugee" form a trilogy of sorts with the Tex-Mex-flavored "Borderless Love." Over the jaunty notes of honorary Flatlander Joel Guzman's accordion, the song draws the conclusion: A wall is a mirror, it can only reveal/one side of the story that passes for real.

But not all of these tracks are so obviously topical. "Just About Time" makes seeming allusions to a long-needed change in leadership, but it's also a song about mortality-the happiest little rocker about death you're likely to ever whistle inside the shower. It prominently features that early Flatlanders staple, Steve Wesson's singing saw-which automatically adds levity just by the weirdness of its sound. Another original Flatlander, Tony Pearson, performs mandolin and sings harmony on the disc; both were heard on the band's first recording, that long-fabled entity from 1972 that finally got a proper release 20 years later with the title, More A Legend Than A Band.

Though Ely produced its follow-up, Now Again, and 2004's Wheels of Fortune, Hills and Valleys was produced by another old friend who grew up in the cotton-furrowed flatlands of Lubbock: Lloyd Maines.

In addition to their long musical history with Maines (he was a member of Ely's band for years and produced Gilmore's Hightone Records debut), Gilmore points out a trait that further strengthens their bond: Maines' off-the-wall sense of humor is similar to theirs. His Dixie Chick connection apparently didn't hurt, either; daughter Natalie's bandmate Martie Maguire contributed some fiddle. A who's-who of Austin sidemen (and friends) also participated: Robbie Gjersoe on guitars; Glenn Fukunaga on bass; Rafael Gayol on drums; Bukka Allen on keyboards and accordion; Brian Standefer on cello; and Pat Manske on percussion. Maines played steel, mandolin, banjo and guitar, and contributed harmonies.

Perhaps all that involvement makes him an honorary Flatlander, too. But none of them takes the designation too seriously. As with each Flatlanders album or tour, no one knows about a next one; they're a product of fate, chance, inspiration, the gods ... and come around when they come around. They've each got successful solo careers to keep up as well.

But here they are, 37 years after they were prodded into recording together the first time, still collaborating-and still the best of friends. In his soft Texas drawl, Ely sums the philosophy behind their creativity: "We might as well write music and make songs up, because there's not anything that we'd rather be doing."

"Hills And Valleys" Tracklisting:

Homeland Refugee
Borderless Love
After The Storm
Wishing For A Rainbow
No Way I’ll Never Need you
Just About Time
Love’s Own Chains
Cry For Freedom
The Way We Are
Thank God For The Road
Free The Wind
Sowing On The Mountain


 
 
 
 
THE CORONAS
::: LIVE ::: The Academy, Dublin - June 4th
Support from The Chakras and The Dirty Epics
Tickets 28 Euro inclduing booking fee on ticketmaster.ie; Over 18’s. I.D required
www.thecoronas.net / www.myspace.com/coronaband / www.thecoronas-band.bebo.com
The Coronas are currently recording the follow-up to their multi-platinum debut album "Heroes or Ghosts" in the famous Sawmills Studio on the River Fowey in Cornwall with John Cornfield who has worked with a vast selection of artists including Muse, The Stone Roses, Supergrass, Razorlight, Oasis and Robert Plant. The as-of-yet untitled new album is pencilled in for an Autumn 2009 release so keep your eyes peeled for it!

In addition to writing & recording the new alblum, 2009 has been a busy year for band. They signed a licensing deal in Japan with JVC for their first album, which found them travelling to Tokyo in March for a string of shows. The album ‘Heroes or Ghosts’ had its UK release in May 2009 where the band will be returning for another tour later this year.

The band will be playing several festivals throughout the Summer, including the main stage at OXEGEN on July 10th.

::: Upcoming Shows :::
29 May - Volvo Ocean Race Festival, Galway
30 May - Kilcornan House, Limerick
31 May - Kerry Rose Festival, Tralee, Kerry
04 June - The Academy, Dublin
26 June - Ballybunion Festival, Kerry
04 July - Diamond Festival, Donegal Town
10 July - Oxegen Festival, Punchestown Racecourse
16 July - Festival Internacional, Benicassim, Valencia
01 August - Merriman, Killena Festival, Killena, Clare
06 August - Bulmers Live, Leopardstown Racecourse, Dublin
Check
www.thecoronas.net for updates

The Coronas were nominated for two Meteor Irish Music Awards this year. For the second year running they were nominated for Best Pop act along side The Blizzards and The Script. Their second nomination is for Best Live act with Republic of Loose and Swell Season.

2008 was been a phenomenal year for The Coronas. Their debut album “Heroes or Ghosts” achieved platinum selling status in Ireland, they successfully embarked on tours in the UK and the US, and they ended the year with an amazing headline show in Dublin’s prestigious Olympia Theatre. When asked their highlight of their year recently Graham Knox (Bassist) said, “It’s hard to pick a highlight because the year has gone so fast and we’ve crammed so much in to it. I think for me one of the highlights was playing the Ambassador Theatre in Dublin in February as it was our first big headline show and it went as well as any of us could have possibly hoped.”

Danny O’Reilly (lead Vocal, Guitar and Piano) thought Oxegen ’08 was the highlight for him. “Playing the main stage at such a big festival was a dream for us. We had about 30,000 people singing our songs back to us. It really was a surreal and amazing experience”

 
 
 
 
THE DUCKWORTH LEWIS METHOD
Self-titled Maiden Album Released in Ireland July 3 on 1969 Records
::: New Single ‘The Age Of Revolution’ Released June 28 :::
www.myspace.com/dlmethod

With new ball in hand, The Duckworth Lewis Method release their eponymous maiden album, July 3 – exquisitely timed to coincide with this summer’s Ashes tour.

Written by Duckworth (Thomas Walsh) and Lewis (Neil Hannon) the album was recorded and mixed in Dublin and mastered just down the road from Lord’s in Abbey Road Studios.

All the songs are either loosely or tightly connected to the beautiful game of cricket, there are no covers, extra covers or cover drives for that matter. These are all wonderfully crafted pop songs for cricket lovers and non-lovers equally to enjoy.

First delivery, ‘The Coin Toss’, spins wickedly into lead single ‘The Age Of Revolution’, released June 28.

From ‘Jiggery Pokery’, which tells the tale of the Gatting Ball and features guest cameos from Phill Jupitus, Alexander Armstrong and Matt Berry amongst others, through the Trescothian angst of ‘The Nightwatchman’, to the triple century of ‘Test Match Special’. This album really hits ‘The Sweet Spot’ (track4!) with a guest appearance from Cathy Davey.

With trademark melodies and glorious harmonies, the anthemic ‘Meeting Mr Miandad’ is yet another album highlight. It depicts Duckworth and Lewis' epic road trip to meet the legendary batsman Javed Miandad.

"The Duckworth Lewis Method is an album steeped in the love of cricket and pop. The resultant twelve songs are a cacophony of leather and willow turning through a cosmos of searing melodies and all round tunes,” says Duckworth in his post match interview.

 
 
 
 
THE MINUS 5
"Killingsworth"
Irish Release 3rd July 2009 on Cooking Vinyl
www.minus5.com ~ www.cookingvinyl.com

The Minus 5, led by underground icon Scott McCaughey, will be releasing a new album Killingsworth in Ireland on Friday 3rd July 2009.

>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<

 

Killingsworth is an aptly named thoroughfare that borders northeast Portland's "Alberta Arts District", where the tracks were primarily conceived and executed. Scott's old buddy John Moen, who has been a Dharma Bum and a Maroon and a Jick, and is now a Decemberist, wove a noose out of papyrus, and helped lasso his current bandmates and other notables to flesh out the arrangements on a dismal and disturbing array of soon-to-be-classics. The effervescent smokin' drinkin' Little Sue and the four ultra-stylish priestesses once known as the Shee Bee Gees provided welcome feminine counterpoint to the song cycle's wanton depravity (it's not truly a song cycle, nor is it a Richard Strauss tone poem, but the caliber of the material deserves a modicum of pretension). Various members of M. Ward's combo, as well as the very great Norfolk & Western (some of them the same people), played crucial roles in delivering the goods. They were poorly remunerated. Noted novelist and Richmond Fontaine frontispiece Willy Vlautin provided a golden lyrical trampoline, and Timothy Bracy of Mendoza Line fame collaborated on the dance-floor-bound "Dark Hand of Contagion". As ever, Peter Buck (REM) put twelve strings or less to optimal use whenever cajoled. Ken Stringfellow sang on a Scandinavian ferry, fully clothed.

Thus begins a new chapter in the Minus 5 saga. Different than the rest, yet barking up the same monkey tree. And if you have any questions or comments about the music itself, Mr. McCaughey would be glad to elucidate all over you, to the best of his ability, which varies according to the situation.

Killingsworth is available on CD and as digital download, full track listing as follows :

01. Dark Hand of Contagion
02. The Long Hall
03. The Disembowlers
04. Th Lurking Barrister
05. It Won't Do You Any Good
06. Vintage Violet
07. Scott Walker’s Fault
08. Big Beat Up Moon
09. I Would Rather Sacrifice You
10. Ambulance Dancehall
11. Gash In The Cocoon
12. Smoke On, Jerry
13. Your Favourite Mess
14. Tonight You’re Buying Me A Drink, Bub

 
 
 
 

"SPARKS N' MIND"
AWARE - Charity Album
Release Date June 12th Through 1969 Records

Featuring Cover Versions by Irish Acts:
Bell X1, Republic of Loose, Lisa Hannigan, Ham Sandwich, Cowboy X, Damien Dempsey, The Flaws, Le Galaxie, Dave Couse, Dirty Epics, The Thrills
::: Tracklisting Below ::: For More Information Contact stcalbumproject@gmail.com

"SPARKS N' MIND" Album Launch
TOWER RECORDS, Wicklow Street, Dublin
Thursday, June 11th
1pm - Ham Sandwich
5pm - Le Galaxie
More Acts to be Announced, check www.towerrecords.ie for updates.


The Final Year students in the Sound Training Centre are putting together a charity album with all the proceeds going to “Aware”, an organistion that provides support and awareness programs for people suffering with depression. The concept and general theme of the album is “Songs That Inspire”. The album comprises of contemporary Irish artists covering influential musicians and songwriters that gave them the initial spark to start a band. The album is entitled “Sparks n’ Mind,” as it deals with themes of personal and creative growth, hope and guidance, which we feel are relevant to the themes “Aware” deals with, in helping people suffering from depression.

The artists involved with the album range from the cutting edge of the Irish Indie scene to the some the most established acts in the country. The album varies from big selling Irish artists like Bell X1, Republic of Loose, Damien Dempsey and Lisa Hannigan, to up and coming alternative acts like Ham Sandwich, Cowboy X, The Flaws, and LeGalaxie, to name but a few.

Many of the bands will be recorded in Temple Lane Recording Studios, state of the art Apollo studio, by the Sound Training Centre final year students.

The release date is set for the 12th of June through 1969 Records

Tracklisting:

1. The Flaws - The Killing Moon (Echo & the Bunnymen)
*2. Ham Sandwich - Stay (Shakespeare's Sister)
3. Republic Of Loose - God Moves On The Water (Blind Willie Johnson)
4. Damien Dempsey - The Hackler From Grouse Hall (Christy Moore)
5. Dave Couse - Caroline, No (Brian Wilson / Beach Boys)
6. Lisa Hannigan - Courting Blues (Nick Drake)
*7. LeGalaxie - Maneater (Hall& Oates)
*8. Cowboy X - Gigantic (Pixies)
9. Dirty Epics - Glory Box (Portishead)
10. The Thrills - Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me (The Smiths)
11. Bell X1 - No Retreat, No Surrender (Bruce Springsteen)

* Featured on the radio promotional single / Copies available from Berube Communications: info@berubecommunications.com or phone +353 87 244 2695

 
 
 
 
BUFFY SAINTE-MARIE
"Running For The Drum"
Also includes DVD "A Multimedia Life"
Irish Release Date 3rd July 2009 on Cooking Vinyl
www.buffysainte-marie.com ~ www.cookingvinyl.com

 Buffy Sainte-Marie to release first album in over 15 Years!

Buffy Sainte-Marie virtually invented the role of Native American international activist pop star. She was a graduating college senior in 1962 and hit the ground running in the early Sixties, touring all alone in North America. She entertained and educated audiences and record companies with their initial dose of Native American reality in the first person who expected to see Pocahontas in fringes.

Her concern for protecting indigenous intellectual property, and her distaste for the exploitation of Native American artists and performers has kept her in the forefront of activism in the arts for forty years.

By age 24, Buffy Sainte-Marie had appeared all over Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia, her song Until It’s Time for You to Go was recorded by Elvis, Barbara Streisand and Cher, and was voted Billboard’s ‘Best New Artist’ for her very first album. She disappeared suddenly from the mainstream American airwaves during the Lyndon Johnson years, as part of a blacklist which also affected Eartha Kitt, Taj Mahal and a host of other outspoken performers. Her name was included on White House stationary as among those whose music “deserved to be suppressed”.

Throughout her career, she has made 17 albums of her music, three of her own television specials, spent five years on Sesame Street, scored movies, helped to found Canada's 'Music of Aboriginal Canada' JUNO category, raised a son, earned a Ph.D. in Fine Arts, taught Digital Music as adjunct professor at several colleges, and won an Academy Award Oscar for the song "Up Where We Belong"

Running For The Drum is Buffy’s first album since the 1992 release Coincidence and Likely Stories. The album contains twelve new inspired songs and stories about current events, art, politics and the aboriginal people that showcase her emotional integrity and thrilling voice!

The DVD A Multimedia Life, will mark the first time Buffy's extraordinary life story is told on screen. From her early days bursting onto the Greenwich Village folk scene in the 60's, to becoming an Oscar-winning songwriter, a Sesame Street regular, an international Aboriginal spokesperson and a pioneering digital artist. The hour long documentary also features interviews with several well known musicians and includes archival footage and music from a dozen or so songs of hers including "Up Where We Belong", the anti-war anthem "Universal Soldier" and more.

CD Track Listing:
No No Keshagesh
Cho Cho Fire
Workin' for the Government
Little Wheel Spin and Spin
Too Much is Never Enough
To the Ends of the World
When I Had You
Bet My Heart on You
Blue Sunday
Easy Like the Snow Falls Down
America the Beautiful
Still This Love Goes On


DVD - Tracks / Chapters
Opening
Greenwich Village
Growing Up
Consciousness Raising
Until It’s Time For You To Go
Hawaii retreat
Digital Art
Sesame Street
Up Where We Belong
Buffy And Chuck
Cradleboard
Between Two Worlds
Going Home
Ending


 
 
 
 
SPINAL TAP
"Back From The Dead"
Irish Release 12th June 2009 - THE LABEL INDUSTRY RECORDS
www.spinaltap.com ~ www.myspace.com/officialspinaltap
The loudest Rock band in the World, Spinal Tap, Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins and Derek Smalls have announced that they will be returning to the UK this June to kick off their one time only exclusive special show at London's Wembley Arena with very special guests The Folksmen. 2009 marks the 25th anniversary of the iconic cult classic rock movie 'This is Spinal Tap' and Spinal Tap are celebrating this in a big way! By reuniting for the 'One Night Only World Tour' the band had the following to say:

"If we're going to do a World tour on only one night, at least it's this world" - Nigel Tufnel
"This show will be dedicated to all of our drummers who have passed on, either to their reward or to middle management at Sainbury's." - David St. Hubbins
"One night is not enough, and it's way too much!" - Derek Smalls

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the cult classic film "This is Spinal Tap" and now England's Loudest Heavy Metal Band, SPINAL TAP, is celebrating with the release of their first new album in almost two decades, Back From The Dead. SPINAL TAP's last album was 1992's Break Like The Wind.

On Back From the Dead, Tap members David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel and Derek Smalls unearth their long-self-suppressed studio versions of the classic songs from the movie "This is Spinal Tap," as well as six new additional songs, and an exclusive hour long accompanying DVD featuring a track-by-track video commentary by the band. Back From The Dead also features guest appearances by Phil Collen, Keith Emerson, John Mayer and Steve Vai. "This album title says it all. We're back from the dead. But we weren't dead. But we definitely are back," proclaimed Hubbins.

Back From The Dead is a deluxe CD/DVD package aggressively priced and containing 19 original Spinal Tap songs, a one-hour DVD and unique pop-up diorama package that unveils three 12-inch action figures (courtesy of Sideshow Collectibles) of the band along with a proportionally sized Stonehenge. Back From The Dead is destined to be a collector's item, especially among collectors.

The new album includes the newly interpreted Tap classics 'Hell Hole,' 'Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight,' 'Heavy Duty,' 'Rock 'n' Roll Creation,' 'America,' 'Cups and Cakes,' 'Big Bottom,' 'Sex Farm,' 'Stonehenge,' 'Gimme Some Money' and '(Listen to the) Flower People.'

"While the movie and soundtrack accurately represented our stage sound at the time, the studio versions of these songs on this album represent the cosmic maturation of the material, within a digital context. Also, they're louder," stated Smalls.

The new songs recorded specifically for Back From The Dead include 'Warmer Than Hell,' 'Short and Sweet,' 'Celtic Blues,' Rock 'n' Roll Nightmare,' 'Back From The Dead' and "the first known studio recording of the soon-to-be-long-forgotten 'Jazz Oddyssey.'"

Back From The Dead once again shows SPINAL TAP defies categorization, hop scotching from genre to genre all with moments of brilliance. The album is that perfect combination of Loudness, Vulgarity and a pinch of Evil. Back From the Dead promises to finally give SPINAL TAP their rightful place in history as "The true unsung and misunderstood geniuses of Rock 'n' Roll" and they dedicate this new album to all those metal titans the world has come to love—or at least tolerate.

Back From The Dead was produced by CJ Vanston, who arranged and played keyboards on the band's Break Like The Wind album and was musical director for their 1992, 2000 and 2007 tours. As a film composer, he has produced music for Christopher Guest's movies "Waiting For Guffman," "Best In Show," "A Mighty Wind," and "For Your Consideration."

TRACKLISTING
01. Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight
02. Back From The Dead
03. (Funky) Sex Farm
04. Rock 'n' Roll Creation
05. Jazz Oddyssey I
06. Gimme Some Money
07. Rock 'n' Roll Nightmare
08. Heavy Duty
09. America
10. Jazz Oddyssey II
11. (Listen to the) Flower People (Reggae Stylee)
12. Hell Hole
13. Big Bottom
14. Celtic Blues
15. Jazz Oddyssey III
16. Warmer Than Hell
17. Stonehenge
18. Short And Sweet
19. Cup And Cakes

+ accompanying DVD giving a track by track rundown from Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins and Derek Smalls (60 mins)

 
 
 
 
Jinx Lennon
“Trauma Themes Idiot Times”
OUT NOW on Septic Tiger (Distribution on EMD)
www.jinxlennon.com

::: LIVE :::

04 JuneSugar Club, Dublin
19 June Pavilion, Cork
27 June Spirit Store, Dundalk
30 October - The Picket, Liverpool

IN HIS OWN WORDS: An awful man Jinx stands at the outer edge of the periphery of the Hibernian music machine picking the dirt beneath the fingernails of fading septic tiger landscape while the larvae practise their new voices in their bedrooms in front of mirror contemplating visualization for the mid Atlantic voiced shiny ''discover me'' dream that will enable them to become new chrysalis transformation and escape. Jinx once lay horizontally in early am before school unconsciously soaking up the neo nuclear 4 minute warning sirens of the nearby factory 8 am work shift cattle round up, and the spooky echoes of metallic brewery noise and far off railway line vibrato ghosts. Now he pulls out these cranial archives into new shapes and TRAUMA THEMES of word and sound along with the rage built up from border town omnipresent soccer fascism environment and mundane assembly line worlds where hard chaw lads and doomed faced women walked along the conveyor belt towards cement block Invasion of Body snatchers / Stepford Wives package existence. JINX LENNON FREE STATE NOVA is an Irish wordsmith here to primarily uplift people and squash the unseen energy vampires in all myriad forms. Making room to weave some modicum of hope and dignity Jinx is the dying light in the red leech face of disgraced solicitor contrite and pleading now no longer poster boy for the gimme gimmes, but he brings the message that one must try their best to FORGIVE THE C***S and move upwards. These sounds are not just for those tired of listening to the empty heads, but also for the helicopter Icarus people who crash land back to earth in these IDIOT TIMES.

This album deals with isolation, the sort that transforms people and leads them into difficult situations, it also deals with themes of spiritual deadness and being aware of this fact in oneself before one turns into a lifeless Invasion of the Bodysnatchers / Stepford Wives type entity. It’s slightly darker than the other records I have made so far.

Jinx Lennon is a punk / poet / performance artist whose repertoire contains elements of spoken word, electro, social commentary with a rage and rawness that is complimented by Jinx's stage partner Miss Paula Flynn and her magnificent voice.

Tracklisting

1/ TRAUMA THEMES INTRO 2/ MY HEAD IS SLOWLY DISAPPEARING UP MY OWN ARZZZ 3/ EVERYONE'S GOT A MENTAL HOME I.T.H. 4/ PROTECT THYSELF AND HOME 5/ SPLATTERED EGGS
6/ THE MEN WHO SAVED THE FACE OF FOOTBALL 7/ FUNERAL FAYSIS 8/ TAXI MAN FACE 9/ THE FERRIS WHEEL AT DOWDALLSHILL 10/ FOLK MUSIC FOR THE MIDLANDS 11/ THE ORANGE CRANES OF GREENORE 12/ 40 F/GLAZED I CLUB 13/ BIG PROTEST DAY 14/ YOU C'ANT KEEP EVERYONE HAPPY 15/ AWKWARD AND REAL 16/ ASCEND! ICEHOUSE HILL


Reviews for TRAUMA THEMES IDIOT TIMES

IDIOTS BEWARE: JINX IS BACK - NICK KELLY, IRISH INDEPENDENT
This country has produced its fair share of singer/songwriters who can't see further than their own plectrum and sing about little else but their own reflection. But with Ireland in the midst of a collective nervous breakdown, it seems like it's high time someone tried to reflect in song what's really happening right here, right now.

I remember going to see the Fatima Mansions play in the early 1990s. Cathal Coughlan would often begin a song with a tragi-comic spoken-word intro that seemed to sum up the state of the nation at any given time. Part bar-room philosopher, part punk poet, Coughlan aimed both barrels at his carefully chosen targets, the often surreal imagery of his steaming streams of consciousness braided John Cooper Clarke with Bill Hicks.

Having long since exiled himself to France, I sometimes wonder what the contrarian Corkonian would make of the fine mess we've got ourselves into now. There seems to be precious few artists out there with the smarts or the willingness to take up the cudgels. You could argue that Damien Dempsey has had a go, especially with his broadsides against clerical sex abuse ('Industrial School') and the heroin epidemic that has large swathes of our cities in its grip ('Ghosts of Overdoses'). But there are still too many shades of green in his music for my liking.

You might also point to the title track of Paul Cleary's Crooked Town album, which castigated the cubs of the Celtic Tiger for their racist attitudes towards our immigrants. Yes, but that was eight years ago.
Do any of the modern day troubadours have the spirit of Cathal Coughlan coursing through their veins? They appear to be few and far between -- but I believe Jinx Lennon is one. I like the cut of his jib. He called one of his albums 30 Beacons Of Light For A Land Full Of Spite, Thugs, Drug Slugs And Energy Vampires, which I'm sure is a favourite on the playlists of 4FM.

The follow-up, Know Your Station Gouger Station!!! featured a photo of our hero laying prostrate by the side of an anonymous motorway. A star of the County Louth, Jinx distinguishes himself from his peers by refusing to sing in the mid-Atlantic twang that has become the industry standard.

Instead, Jinx's accent is unapologetically -- and unmistakably -- hewn from the sod of Dundalk. So much so that you half expect him to declare, a la Stan, 'I'm the gaa-ffer -- what I say goes' . . . an observation which I'm sure will earn me a clip round the ear next time I find myself anywhere near Termonfeckin. (But I plead diplomatic immunity: my dad's an Ardee man!)

Jinx's trademark get-up of snazzy suit and shades would make him look like a door-to-door Mormon or shady FBI spook if it wasn't for his habit of Tipp Ex-ing his sunglasses with his latest slogan -- which instead makes one think of Northern agit-pop masters That Petrol Emotion (who pulled a similar trick on the cover of their Babble album). More than the Petrols, though, Jinx seems closer to an Emerald version of New York troubadour-poet Hammell On Trial, with whom he has toured here.

Jinx's new album Trauma Themes, Idiot Times -- released yesterday on his own Septic Tiger label -- thrusts a steel-capped Doc Marten into the underbelly of 21st century Hibernia. From heartless taxi drivers watching passively as their passenger is knocked down, to the soullessness of the new-sprung ghost estates in the greater Dublin commuter belt, Jinx casts a withering eye on modern Irish life -- and decides that, yes, it's mostly rubbish.

Combining the soap box with the beat box, Jinx is part manic street preacher, part Mike 'Streets' Skinner. He defends the right of isolated old people to defend their homes from burglars; he decries the soccer hooligans of his home town. In 'Folk Music For The Midlands', he casts a cold eye on life in a part of the country that, Pure Mule apart, has been largely neglected by our songwriters and filmmakers (with good reason, says you). From the lonely old pensioner stuffing her mattress with wads of bank notes to the smug nouveau riche upstarts, Jinx paints a picture of a people full of fear and (self) loathing.
The factories in 'Ascend! Ice House Hill' belch out carcinogenic smoke and rats with brain tumours lie dead in the ditches; sinister gangs of alcoholic middle-aged men with perverted sexual tendencies lurk on the outskirts of town . . . Local women go missing, never to be seen again.

As for the general public at large, Jinx doesn't much like what he sees "all through the offices and restaurants": "You're not even 23, and you've already got the sourball, blank, puppet, stupid, quarry-stone grey, taxi man face."

As chat-up lines go, I'd say it needs a bit of work. To be fair, there are moments where Jinx puts down the loud-hailer and tries a little tenderness, usually with 'Miss Paula Flynn' (she who sang that silky cover of Bowie's 'Let's Dance' on a TV ad) in tow to soften those Louth vowels. 'The Ferris Wheel at Dowdallshill' is positively romantic.

The worry for Jinx is that the populace, jaded from the endless drip of bad news stories from the front line of the Recession, will run a million miles from anyone banging on about life as it's really lived in this banana republic.

Somehow, though, I can't quite see Jinx queuing up for the next round of X Factor auditions. Jinx Lennon – Trauma Themes Idiot Times – (Septic Tiger)

IRISH TIMES /THE TICKET
Trauma Themes Idiot Times Septic Tiger Records
It’s impossible to decide whether Jinx Lennon is a poet, a chancer or simply a daft scoundrel. He’s
certainly a character, one endearingly out of step with the mainstream. Think John Cooper Clarke atop a beer-crate soapbox on a dreary Friday night in Dundalk. Nevertheless, the Louthman revels in eccentricity, and his latest album brandishes more of his unique social commentary. Vocalist Miss Paula Flynn provides the occasional melodic flourish, but Lennon’s lyrical deftness, combining comedy and tragedy in one fell swoop, means that the mostly jazz-poptinged soundtrack is ultimately trifling. Regardless, Jinx is a true individual, and there will always be a place for him – or at least
someone like him – in Irish music. www.jinxlennon.com
LAUREN MURPHY

TRAUMA THEMES IDIOT TIMES: ALAN JACQUES - LIMERICK INDEPENDENT
If the Louth noisemaker’s last album ‘Know Your Station Gouger Nation’ was a ‘King Lear’-like ‘madness before the storm’ epiphany with dark swirling clouds casting an ominous shadow over modern Ireland, then this time round Jinx uses that very same psychosis as a means of self-preservation as he dances rabidly on the Celtic Tiger’s mangy and reeking pelt.
With rapid economic growth in Ireland during the nineties and noughties we were happy to sell our souls for sunshine holidays, houses with two cars in the driveway, nights on the beer, golf club membership, lapdances and IKEA furniture.

Dundalk legend Jinx Lennon, a revolutionary musical figure compared by actor Keith Allen as “a cross between Johnny Cash, Joe Strummer, and Ian Paisley” tolled the death knell for our boom times with intelligent and witty lyrics spat out at a bullet pace in a thick and deadly border-town brogue.

Now that the party’s well and truly over, Lennon is back with a new album ‘Trauma Themes Idiot Times’ examining our spiritual deadness and how we have turned into an Island of ‘Invasion of the Bodysnatchers’/’Stepford Wives’ type entities. However, this is no bleak winge-fest of a record but an uplifting call to arms for every Irish man, woman and child to redeem themselves of that ‘gimme gimme’ mentality and dig deep within their souls to find true hope and purpose.

In his own words this unique and inspiring artist explains, “These sounds are not just for those tired of listening to the empty heads, but also for the helicopter Icarus people who crash land back to earth in these Idiot Times”.

‘Trauma Themes’ is a much darker record than ‘Know Your Station Gouger Nation’. Throughout the album Jinx comes across like a bacon and cabbage-chomping version of Patrick Bateman, the well-groomed serial killer from Bret Easton Ellis’s ‘American Psycho’ novel. There is a claustrophobic atmosphere to most of the songs here as we are lured into the murky and unhinged corners of a mind tormented and suffocated by loneliness and frustration brought on by the apathetic nature of the world around it.

“I am institutionalised behind walls/ my house is like a purgatory box/ I use a machine of plastic, steel and glass to take me to nasty places I haven’t seen before/ without leaving my room,” Jinx earnestly confesses on ‘My Head Is Slowly Disappearing Up My Own Arzzzz’.

A visionary and poetic lyricist, Lennon walks that fine line between madness and genius as he delivers lunatic bursts of exhilarating social commentary filled with rawness and rage. But he needn’t worry about his own sanity as it soon becomes evident on ‘Everyone’s Got A Mental Home Inside Their Heads’ that he does not hold the exclusive rights on crazy.

“There’s no need to walk round town like you are a SIM Card in a new range of phobias/ Cos no matter what you do or where you go/ There is one thing that quickly becomes apparent and that is/ Everyone’s got a mental home inside their heads,” he assures us adamantly.

A man who believes in standing up for his rights, Jinx Lennon is a formidable foe that is not to be crossed. A true maverick, this punk-poet messiah has a distinct style and forceful energy that would slay you as fast as look at you with its provocative out of step beats, incendiary one-chord riffs and hot-headed bullhorn rants. He has the ghosts of Muhammad Ali, Che Guevara and Ian Dury riding in his corner so God help you if you tried to break into his Pearse Park bachelor pad. He stoutheartedly opines on ‘Protect Thyself And Home’ that everyone should be entitled to protect themselves in their own house.
“If someone breaks into your house to murder you/ You should be entitled to stick a knife in their eye and say/ Listen if one of us is going to die/ It’s not going to be me,” he proclaims with a serene calmness that would give you goosebumps.

Thankfully Miss Paula Flynn is on hand on tracks such as the poignant ‘The Ferris Wheel At Dowdallshill’ and ‘The Orange Cranes of Greenore’ to help subdue the murderous fury that streams out of Jinx’s every pore. And while her soft and sultry tones add a wonderful sense of creepiness to ‘Trauma Themes’ it quickly becomes apparent that there is no containing this barking headbanger.

He takes a swipe at nonchalant protesters on ‘Big Protest Day’ with his insightful glimpse into the psyche of people who turn out to support trendy causes just to be part of the crowd. “What is this protest about anyway? / Oh cluster bombs/ Well isn’t that nice/ And maybe later on we can get to the sales before the shops all close.”

On ‘The Men Who Saved The Face Of Football’, one of the album’s 16 highlights, it’s boorish and pea-brained football hooligans that feel the crappy end of Jinx’s stick.

While elsewhere the Mark E Smith-tinged ‘Taxi Man Face’ lets fly at the indifference of today’s society and how our selfish wants zap our lust for life. “You had a red face eager beaver/ Now you are no longer a believer/ Now you are full of rust/ You don’t believe you are going to the road to damnation/ But you must,” Jinx warns in a chipper tone like a man just gagging for the opportunity to gun down these mopish sheep.
Jinx Lennon jumps from genre to genre — electro, folk, chant, rap, and poetry — at breakneck pace. ‘Trauma Themes Idiot Times’ is a record that steadfastly refuses to be pigeonholed and while there is no question that Jinx’s ubiquitous style is an acquired taste; with music this original and rousing on the menu, you’d be an absolute idiot to not at least try and relish its mouthwatering flavours.
(5/5)

ANALOGUE MAGAZINE TRAUMA THEMES IDIOT TIMES BY KARL MC DONALD
One of Ireland’s less grumpy musical poets Mumblin’ Deaf Ro once talked about disrupting the small set of perspectives that music deals in, by writing from new perspectives. The idea was that breaking up the cosy relationship between the self-regarding “I” and the imaginary female “you” would help little-respected song lyrics move forward, and be a little more like literature. On his fourth album, Jinx Lennon goes a way towards fulfilling that mission. Over beats that are sometimes surprisingly catchy, he writes songs about the Other side of modern life - not so much angry complaints, which are plentiful and pouring out of everyone from Green Day to Lily Allen, but “awkward and real” criticisms. Rather than shouting nihilistically, Lennon seems to simply shine a light on things-as-they-are and say “see for yourself”. It works.

Some of the “trauma themes”: The fact that a football team is not a satisfactory replacement for actually living a worthwhile life, in ‘The Men Who Saved The Face of Football’. A study of the “don’t get involved” phenomenon of the unconcerned modern world in the particularly Fall-like ‘Taxi Man Face’. Sticking a knife in the eye of a house invader in ‘Protect Thyself And Thy Home’. Anything is potential subject matter.
It’s also a little refreshing just to hear the voice of the towns - a guy who speaks in a fairly thick Louth accent and makes no apology for it. There is no secondarity about it, no effort to squeeze through some sort of US/UK/urbane mould. Who else would bother with ‘Folk Music For The Midlands’, as Lennon does on the tenth track of this album? Where else are you going to hear about places like Oriel Park, Dowdallshill, Delvin Co. Westmeath or the De La Salle school from Ravensdale Forest? Or “mormons on bikes and in pairs” or even “some bollocks from Jonesboro I did an electronics course with”?

I suppose part of Jinx Lennon’s project is to make poetry out of those places and those people. There’s nothing that says they’re not worthy, and Lennon follows in a proud line of Irish poets and writers from Patrick Kavanagh through to John McGahern and Patrick McCabe by writing about them. That’s the way to get to “modern Ireland”, you see. You can’t just work in generalisations. You have to dig a little, notice things outside Dublin 2. Jinx Lennon, as much as anyone else, is writing the story of this country. Romantic Ireland is long gone and all but forgotten. What’s there now is a “tape recorder/answering machine/type voice”, a blankness with “rusted Pope’s medals” and memories of Italia 90 keeping people linked to a time long ago, but little else to permeate the bullshit of housing estates and “selfish stupid automatons”.

It’s not just a gloomy State of the Nation address though. It’s also incredibly funny, in a very dark way. And its songs, some of which come complete with potentially shout-along choruses, are eminently listenable. Which is convenient, because it’s almost important that people listen to this record, so that they can have the proverbial “one good look at themselves” in Jinx’s nicely polished looking glass.

JOHN MEAGHER IRISH INDEPENDENT
TRAUMA THEMES IDIOT TIMES

The punk-poet from Dundalk is one of the country's singular talents. Once you've heard Jinx Lennon's acerbic, witty words, you're unlikely to confuse him with anyone else. His spoken-word 'songs' can pack quite a punch. He has made his name dissecting the ills of modern society, and there's no let up on this 16-track album as he offers his unflinching take on malevolent nightclub bouncers and football hooligans.

I would recommend seeing this man in action -- this album certainly suggests the live experience is not to be missed -- but as an album, this will have very limited appeal once heard, absorbed and appreciated. Maybe that's just me. **

CONNECTED MAGAZINE
Jinx Lennon Trauma Themes For
Idiot Times *****
A punk poet in the vein of John Cooper Clarke, Jinx Lennon's one of Ireland's greatest living storytellers – a comedian, a preacher, a troubadour and a rebel but, overall, a Celtic Tiger philosopher. Track two, 'My Head Is Slowly Disappearing Up My Own Arzzz' sets the tone wonderfully. 'Protect Thyself And Home' argues that everyone has the right to 'stick a knife into the eye' of burglars. Nobody can listen to Jinx Lennon and not be affected. Instantly he becomes your best friend, your blood-brother, your cooler cousin; giving priceless advice in this f**ked up world

CLARE PEOPLE
Trauma Themes Idiot Times
Jinx Lennon -Trauma Themes Idiot Times
8/10
There is no one – and I mean no one – in Ireland making music quite like Jinx Lennon. With the release of his latest album the Louth poet come punk-songster it finally stretched his legs, ready to take flight.
And if ever their was an artist who possessed the ability to diagnose a nation in the middle of a nervous breakdown it’s Lennon.

The tone is set early with the deliciously self deprecating ‘My Head Is Slowly Disappearing Up My Own Arzzz’. What follows is 16 songs of anger and pain, fantasy and joy – no holds barred, no ideas left unchallenged, no feeling left unhurt.

But the key is that hand-in-hand with the punk-poetry comes a soundscape that is immensely listenable. Much of the credit for this must go to the increasing prominence of Miss Paula Flynn - you remember, the girl who sand ‘Lets Dance’ on the Ballygowan advert.

True, this album is still unlikely to get too many spins at your local club but you can easily listen to Trauma Themes Idiot Times without feeling like you’ve been through a soul destroying sermon.
Andrew Hamilton

SUNDAY BUSINESS POST
Jinx Lennon Trauma Themes Idiot Times
Louthmouth is back. Jinx Lennon, the soi-disant punk poet from Dundalk, has returned with a fourth album which, as ever, casts him as a sort of border version of John Cooper-Clarke, only with even rougher edges and less polish.

To a backdrop of simple, no frills garage rock, Lennon belts his yarns of Louth life out in a pleasingly unsanitised Dundalk accent, even if you find yourself thinking once or twice that Steve Staunton has wandered into the studio. But there’s a surprising amount of anger here – Protect Thyself And Home advocates murdering anyone who breaks into your house, Taxi Man Face ridicules an ageing cab driver ‘‘full of rust’’ in ‘‘a soft dull place’’, and Big Protest Day is a broadside at barricade-manning marchers who don’t even know what they’re railing against. The rough-and-ready nature of much of the music is a big problem: the bellowed, wordless chorus of Everyone’s Got a Mental Home Inside their Head sounds totally silly, and The Ferris Wheel at Dowdallshill is simply a hastily-strummed mess. You can imagine a lot of this stuff being much more effective in a live setting, so it’s no surprise that Lennon is renowned for being a fine on-stage performer – another thing he has in common with Cooper-Clarke, whose records have never matched the glory of his gigs. *** J O’B

 

 
 
 
 
“The Prodigy’s fifth studio album sounds just like The Prodigy should. Only leaner, harder, and even faster than before.” Q ****, April 2009
“It’s hard to imagine many better records being release this year.” London Lite, 5/5, 16th February 2009

THE PRODIGY "Warriors Dance"
The New Single From the Chart Topping Album "Invaders Must Die"
Irish Release: OUT NOW on Take Me To The Hospital / Cooking Vinyl
www.theprodigy.com
/ www.invadersmustdie.com / www.cookingvinyl.com

::: Upcoming Irish Dates :::
LIVE AT THE MARQUEE -- June 18th, 2009 ~ Docklands, Cork ~ Info on www.aikenpromotions.com
LIVE IN THE PARK - June 19th, 2009 ~ Donard Park, Newcastle Co. Down ~ Info on www.planetlovemusic.com
SLANE CASTLE - Supporting OASIS -- June 20th, 2009 ~ Slane, Co. Meath ~ Info on www.mcd.ie

Back at the top of their game with the release of their 5th album ‘Invaders Must Die’ (which went straight in at No. 1 and is already one of the best selling album this year), The Prodigy get ready to release the all out monster ‘Warriors Dance’.

One of the many highlights of the album, ‘Warriors Dance’ is old skool Prodigy – a grizzly mix of 91’ hardcore warehouse rave and ecstatic diva vocals only catapulted confidently into the modern age. The perfect reminder that yes, there have been a fair few pretenders attempting to emulate them in recent years, but quite simply … no one does or could ever sound like The Prodigy.

The band are about to embark on a sold out arena tour, taking in two Wembley Arenas and have just announced a third date at 02 Academy Brixton on April 18th. This will be an all night affair with support from Dizzee Rascal, Kissy Sellout and Chase And Status. Tickets are priced at £35 and go on sale Thursday 26th March.

 
 
 
 
the pale
"PROPER ORDER"
Features the Single "Chocolate Factory"
Irish Release Date May 15th on 1969 Records
www.pale.ie ~ www.myspace.com/thepaleie ~ www.1969records.com

:: LIVE :::
07 May 2009 - Whelans, Dublin - Album Launch Show East
12 June 2009 - The Roisin Dubh, Galway - Album Launch Show West

* Recorded and produced by long term member Darren Flynn.
* The new album is ten songs long and is as concise and direct as the title suggests.
* The Pale will be touring in Ireland and Eastern Europe this Summer to promote the new album.
* A single called "Chocolate Factory" has already been released from the forthcoming album. It was released last year as a free downloadon the band's website.

Here is what Hot Press Magazine had to say about it ...

The Pale "Chocolate Factory" (1969 Records)
"An exotic Mediterranean flavour permeates this catchy little acoustic ditty from the always-enjoyable Pale. After a well-received return last year with "The Contents Of A Shipwreck", it seems yet more new material is in the works - and if this single is anything to go by, we could be in the middle of something of a golden age for Pale fanatics" - Stephen Errity, Hot Press

Here is what 1969 Records had to say about The Pale recently...

"There are also rumours of a collection of Pale music and tracks for later on in the year. As anyone who has seen the recent live shows will know, there is still a great affection for earlier tracks and notwithstanding the long unavailability of these tracks on CD, this is something that the band are hoping to address in the coming months, as well as including some rare material" - Daragh Bohan , 1969 Records
______________________________________________

Here's what some reviews had to say about "The Contents Of a Shipwreck"...

"The Contents Of A Shipwreck is a welcome return by an oft missed, much needed band" John Brereton


"File under Welcome Back" Jackie Hayden

"As comebacks go, then,The Contents Of A Shipwreck is one of constant, delightful suprise" Eamon de Paor

"The Pale are back with a new album that adds even more to their reputation" Stephen Rapid

For Gig Bookings Contact Eoghan Kavanagh phone 0863967391
For Record Company Contact www.1969records.com / daragh@1969records.com

 
 
 
 
THE CHAPTERS
Debut Album "PERFECT STRANGER" ~ Out June 5th on 3ú Records
Featuring the New Single "VIDEOTAPES"

www.myspace.com/thechaptersofficial ~ www.thechapters.com ~ www.thechapters.bebo.com
Dublin 5-piece The Chapters release their debut album Perfect Stranger on 3u Records on June 5th 2009. The eagerly awaited debut from The Chapters nearly didn’t happen when the label initially due to produce the record crashed in the financial downtown. A band with songs like these were never going to be homeless for too long and within 48 hours had signed a deal with Dublin based independent label 3u Records, home of The Coronas.

With the deal signed, there was no holding back a band that have been together since they met in college. Brilliant up and coming Irish producer Ciaran Bradshaw took the band through Beechpark & Suite studios to produce a fantastic album of brilliant song writing.

Debut single VIDEOTAPES was released as a digital only release charting at No: 15 on the iTunes Top 100 and No: 2 on the iTunes Rock chart making the track the highest ranking Irish track that week. The Single also charted at No: 41 in the main Irish charts, an incredible feat for a download only debut single.

Despite the initial chart success, it is on stage where The Chapters really come into their own, having sold out their Dublin return at the Academy 2 on April 30th, they now embark on a nationwide tour in support of their debut album. The tour includes;

June 1st -- Greystones Theatre, Greystones
June 6th -- De Barras, Clonakilty
June 14th -- Cyprus Avenue, Cork
June 18th -- Whelans, Dublin
June 19th -- The Stables, Mullingar
June 26th -- Electric Avenue, Waterford (w/Floyd Soul & The Wolf)
August 1st -- Castlepalooza Festival, Tullamore
August 2nd -- INDIE-PENDENCE Festival, Mitchelstown

Many more live dates and Instores to be confirmed!

What the Press said:

“The Chapters find themselves nicely positioned somewhere between Smog & Talking Heads, a rug cutting piece of funk punk” 4/5 – Kevin Courtney, The Irish Times

“The next big thing in 2009” - Claire Connellan – 98 FM

“Sh*t Hot” – Sinister Pete – Phantom FM

“Something of a best kept secret, they could be your new favourite band, just give them a try” – Gareth Maher – Totally Dublin

“….one of the best things to come out of Ireland in years…great songs that set the bar higher then its been in a long time … they have what it takes for the long haul…” – Niall Stokes – Hotpress

The Chapters debut album Perfect Stranger is one of the best Irish albums to be released this year. You only need to listen to it to believe!

 
 
 
 
Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion
www.sarahleeandjohnny.com

::: LIVE ::: 2009 Irish Tour
May 4 Dublin, Whelan's (upstairs)
May 5 Galway, Roisin Dubh
May 6 Cork, Cyprus Avenue
May 7 Belfast, Errigle Inn
May 8 Roscrea, Leap Castle


“FOLKSONG” - THE NEW 2 DISC SET FEATURING A LIVE DVD RECORDED IN CALIFORNIA AT THE MAVERICK SALOON AND AN AUDIO CD FEATURING FOUR NEWLY RECORDED SONGS INCLUDING “ WHEN THE LILACS ARE IN BLOOM” AND “NEVER FAR FROM MY HEART” IS NOW AVAILABLE.

>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<


Coming up in spring 2009, Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion will release two new projects including Sarah Lee Guthrie & Family's "Daddy's Shoes" and "Folksong," a live HD DVD capturing their unforgettable Valentine's Day 2008 show at Tales from The Tavern at The Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez, California.

Sarah Lee Guthrie & Family's "Daddy's Shoes" invites four generations of Guthries and Seegers to sing, play and clap along to 13 newly recorded children songs. "Daddy's Shoes" features previously unreleased Woody Guthrie lyrics set to three new songs, two traditional children songs and nine original compositions written by Sarah Lee Guthrie and her husband Johnny Irion. Arlo Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Tao Rodriguez Seeger, Johnny Irion and seven grandkids contribute guitar, ukulele, banjo, autoharp and vocals amidst Sarah Lee's beautiful voice. Carrying on the Guthrie tradition of timeless family friendly songs, Sarah Lee Guthrie & Family's "Daddy's Shoes" is a playful and charming set of down-home, country-folk tunes fit for an assortment of family occasions.

"Folksong" is a 2 disc set featuring a HD DVD film of Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion's Valentine's Day set at the Maverick Saloon and an accompanying audio-only CD of the 13 songs performed that special evening. "Folksong" includes four new compositions and highlights the duos' caressing harmonies, high-lonesome folk melodies and unadorned American roots music.

 
 
 
 
"The Prefect Remedy for doom laden ression Talk: Unstoppable Euphoric Pop" - Hot Press
"A Single Worth Saving For" - The Star
"The Band The South East has Been Looking For" - Brendan Keane
"Saving J prove themselves diligent students of the golden age of 90's US Pop" - Hot Press
Saving J
"ABC"
Available in all good music shops, iTunes, & Downloadmusic.ie
SAVING J's previous singles: "Indication Street", ”Bus Stop”, "Valentine”, and “Kick Off”
www.savingj.com ~ www.myspace.com/savingjmusic ~ www.bebo.com/SavingJ

CLICK HERE to View the Crackin' New Video for ABC!

Kilkenny-based purveyors of power-pop SAVING J return with their 5th single, the blissfully dark "ABC" which takes the band's sound down a rockier road from their usual back-beat brilliance complete with buzz saw guitar licks and ultra deadly lyrics! It's yet another string in the Saving J bow!

The band continus to tour the country with the likes of The Coronas, The Blizzards, Ham Sandwich, winning the musical hearts of all and bouncing all over the radio waves with their blitz of quality singles. Doing it the good old fashioned way by releasing a steady flow of brilliant singles, their ‘live’ following has grown to impressive numbers. Definately one to watch!

The video for ‘ABC’ was produced & directed by Alan Slattery from Mycrofilms in Kilkenny, who also made the band's "Kick Off" video.

Upcoming SAVING J Live Dates:
07 May - Cork - Pavillion, Cork
09 May - O’ Keefe’s, Clonmel
13 May - De Burgos, Galway
29 May - Cuba, Galway
31 July - Kazbar, Waterford

More to be announced; check
www.savingj.com
 
 
 
 
HAYSEED DIXIE
“Golden Shower Of Hits: The Very best Of Hayseed Dixie”
Irish Release May 15, 2009 on Cooking Vinyl
www.hayseed-dixie.com

American “Rockgrass” raconteurs, Hayseed Dixie, are releasing a retrospective of their 9 year, 7 album career,
titled: Golden Shower of Hits: The Very Best of Hayseed Dixie

For Information / Interview requests / Promotional Copies contact Stevo Berube
Berube Communications: info@berubecommunications.com or phone 087-244-2695

Blending together exceptional musical skill with extreme irreverence and brash humor, Hayseed Dixie have performed over 1,000 live shows in 21 different countries since forming in the Appalachian Mountains of the Southeastern United States in the Fall of 2000.

Since the release of their first album, “A Hillbilly Tribute To AC/DC,” in April of 2001, critics and audiences alike have been extremely divided on Hayseed Dixie, either absolutely loving the band or absolutely hating them. And that suits the band just fine. As singer Barley Scotch says regarding record reviews, “I don’t give a damn about the opinions of people who don’t have to pay for their records. But either way, we play music that we like to play while we’re drinking beer – we do it for ourselves and all the other beer drinkers around the world. And since we’ve sold over 600,000 albums worldwide, that tells me there are a lot of beer drinkers out there.”

Golden Shower of Hits collects 18 of the most popular songs from the band’s previous 7 studio albums, featuring classic original songs such as the tender love ballad, “I’m Keeping Your Poop (In a Jar)” along with their rockgrass reinterpretations of songs from acts as diverse as AC/DC, Motorhead, Black Sabbath, Green Day and Scissor Sisters.

Whether simplemindedly dismissed as a novelty or wisely heralded as musical pioneers, this album is a testament to Hayseed Dixie’s perseverance and endurance for nearly a decade as they continue to do what they love: get stark-raving plastered and rock out in their own unique and inimitable way.

From the fertile valley of Deer Lick Holler, deep in the heart of Appalachia, comes a sound that is old yet new. In an area completely isolated from outside cultural and musical influence, this band of acoustic musicians grew up playing the traditional music of their forefathers. Then, as fate would have it, one crisp fall afternoon a stranger passed through the holler. Well, he almost passed through.

Unfortunately for him, but fortunately for appreciators of great music worldwide, the stranger crashed his muscle car into a stately old oak tree at Devil's Elbow curve. Sadly, the stranger expired, but his legacy lives on. In the back seat of his car the boys found a box of old vinyl records as they went through his belongings looking for some identification. The name of the band on the records was AC/DC, and though all they had on which to listen to them was an old Edison Victrola that only played at 78 R.P.M., the boys all agreed that it was mighty fine country music - a bit different, but mighty fine just the same.

In memory of the stranger who had perished, the boys set about learning these new songs, injecting elements of their own traditional mountain style. And thus, from these unlikely beginnings, an entirely new musical and cultural synthesis was set in motion. Rockgrass was born. As if the Creator Himself had uttered, "Let there be Rockgrass!"

HAYSEED DIXIE are … Barley Scotch - singer, fiddle, guitar / Dale Reno – mandolin / Don Wayne Reno – banjo

 
 
 
 
BOOKER T
::: LIVE ::: Two Rare Irish Shows Announced
New Album "Potato Hole" Out Now on Anti-Records
www.bookert.com

Dublin - Vicar Street ~ Monday July 20th
Galway - Roisin Dubh ~ Tuesday July 21st
 Hammond B3 alchemist Booker T Jones is one America's most prolific, distinguished and instantly recognizable musical forces, and the arrival of his new Anti- album, Potato Hole, not only re-affirms his greatness, it also re-introduces the neglected all-instrumental format to a noisy, crowded marketplace crying out for precisely the type of soul satisfying pleasure which Jones excels at.

With choice accompaniment by the capable Southern rock visionaries Drive By Truckers and a sound often pushed into over drive by the volcanic lead guitar of rock and roll legend Neil Young, it is an altogether extraordinary set. Featuring a mixture of newly written songs and a trio of intriguing covers, all recorded in a scant one weeks time, Potato Hole captures Booker T at the critical peak of a renewed creative phase in his storied career.

"I really feel like I've been opened up again, I've got the creative muse working for me," Jones said. "It's like I have discovered a new method, a little road I can take to open it up, and I'm excited about playing this music."

The album rolls through a selection of far-ranging compositions, each separate and distinct pieces that, by turn, manifest his characteristic adoration of the groove, exploring and exploiting each mood to the limit. Whether it's a case of cosmological serenity or funky staccato chicken peck work-outs, Jones' melodic vision and expansive arrangements are delivered with a mesmerizing quality. The album also pushes into sometime previously unvisited-by Jones territory: lead track "Pound It Out" is a brawny, relentless exercise in hard rock, an intense, driving song that's far more of a head-banger than a blast of steam-heated soul.

If that seems out of place, you don't really know Mr. Jones; "I like rock music, always have." he said. "Otis [Redding] did too, and we were getting into it a bit, but couldn't really do it back then. It just wasn't right for Stax." The statement is more than a bit provocative, but the musician tosses out such revelations like carelessly hurled thunderbolts, an arsenal accrued over the course of his remarkable career.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee on November 12 1944, Booker's interest in music manifested itself early, and as a child he both sang gospel in church and received classical training on the piano. A fascination with the Hammond B3 grew to the point where he funded his own organ lessons with newspaper route money and by his teens, Jones found himself at Stax Records, first as an underfoot hanger-on and soon on staff, as leader of the house band. Backing fabled stars like Rufus and Carla Thomas, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave and Eddie Floyd both in the studio and on the road, the teenager's multi-instrumental prowess--on keys, brass and reeds--was impressive.

With his Memphis Group cohorts Steve Cropper, Donald "Duck" Dunn and Al Jackson, Jones laid out the blueprint for the fabled Stax sound and reaped his own rewards with a string of hits that frequently crossed over to the pop charts. Jones post-Stax resume has been equally impressive, recording with everyone from Bobby Darin to John Lee Hooker and producing for numerous artists (including Bill Withers' signature Just As I Am album and Willie Nelson's 1978 multi-platinum blockbuster Stardust). Jones and the MGs re-formed to serve as house band for the famed 1991 Bob Dylan tribute at Madison Square Garden (which led to a sustained alliance between Neil Young and Jones). Along the way, he's also scored numerous films and enjoyed induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.

Potato Hole demonstrates that not only is Jones' talent and power undiminished, it also reveals how much there is to his music that we've never heard before. Jones has a remarkable knack for telling a story with his melodies, compositions so thoughtfully constructed that one can almost visualize narrative events, as the self-explanatory "Pound it Out", the room-to-room filial warmth of "Family Reunion", the illimitable intimacy and affection of "Nan" (Jones' wife), and, in the case of title track (the term is a 19th century Afro-American colloquialism for the spot where smuggled food items were stashed beneath slave quarters), a cinematic, almost epic recounting of the struggles and spiritual resilience slavery imposed.

This quality is so pervasively seductive that you may find yourself singing along, as if Jones was telegraphing lyrics that exist only within the listener. Even the three songs here that did not originate with Jones (Outkast's "Hey Ya," Tom Waits' "Get Behind the Mule" and the Drive By Truckers' own "Space City") are transformed into vintage Booker T jams, shimmering with relaxed, after-hours atmosphere and full of the fiery, taut organ work for which he is rightfully prized.

Whether laying down a meditative ramble or hard-charging rocker, Jones' sense of artistic liberation and depth of involvement on every track here is breath taking--with Potato Hole, the cat is going into orbit. "The Hammond B3 and me have this thing goin' on. It's always there inside me. I've heard whole pieces in my head that I'll never even remember--and now I'm finally getting them out." he explained. "It gives me a freedom that I didn't have . . . I sort of had it with the MG's in the 60s, but even then it was more murky. This is lot more clear. I don't know how to put it, except it's like I can see again."

 
 
 
 

STEVE EARLE
"Townes"
Irish Release on May 15, 2009 on New West Records

www.steveearle.com ~ www.myspace.com/steveearlemusic ~ www.newwestrecords.com

15-SONG SET COMPRISED OF SONGS WRITTEN BY THE LEGENDARY SINGER-SONGWRITER,
::: TOWNES VAN ZANDT :::


Features Guest Appearances by TOM MORELLO (Rage Against The Machine, The Nightwatchmen), ALLISON MOORER, and appearing on a Steve Earle Record for the first time, JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE

>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<

 

Steve Earle is set to release Townes, his highly anticipated follow up to the Grammy Award winning album Washington Square Serenade, on May 12th via New West Records. The 15-song set is comprised of songs written by Earle’s friend and mentor, the late singersongwriter, Townes Van Zandt. Townes will also be available as a deluxe two-CD set, as well as double Limited Edition 180 gram vinyl.

The album was produced by Earle at his home in Greenwich Village, at Sound Emporium and Room and Board in Nashville, TN and The Nest in Hollywood, CA. The track “Lungs,” was produced and mixed by the Dust Brothers’ John King and features Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine/The Nightwatchman on electric guitar. Earle’s wife, the acclaimed singer-songwriter Allison Moorer, is featured on backing vocals on “Loretta” and “To Live Is To Fly.” Three songs cut in Nashville, “White Freightliner Blues,” “Delta Momma Blues,” and “Don’t Take It Too Bad” feature a bluegrass band consisting of Dennis Crouch, Tim O’Brien, Darrel Scott and Shad Cobb.

Earle met Townes Van Zandt in 1972 at one of Earle’s performances at The Old Quarter in Houston, TX. Van Zandt was in the audience and playfully heckled Earle throughout the performance to play the song “Wabash Cannonball” Earle admitted that he didn’t know how to play the tune and Van Zandt replied incredibly “You call yourself a folksinger and you don’t know ‘Wabash Cannonball?’” Earle then silenced him by playing the Van Zandt song “Mr. Mudd and Mr. Gold,” not an easy feat due to its quickly-paced mouthful of lyrics squeezed into just over two minutes of song. Their bond was immediately formed. On Townes, Earle and his son, singer-songwriter Justin Townes Earle (named after Van Zandt) trade verses on the tune, a song the two of them have been playing together since Justin was a teenager.

The songs selected for Townes were the ones that meant the most to Earle and the ones he personally connected to (not including selections featured on previous Earle albums). Some of the selections chosen were songs that Earle has played his entire career (“Pancho and Lefty,” “Lungs,” “White Freightliner Blues”) and others he had to learn specifically for recording. He learned the song “(Quicksilver
Daydreams of) Maria”
directly from Van Zandt, and taught himself “Marie” and “Rake” specifically for the album’s recording. Once a song he played during his live show, Earle relearned “Colorado Girl” in the original Open D tuning that Van Zandt played it in. Earle recorded the New York sessions solo and then added the other instruments later on in order to preserve the spirit of Van Zandt’s original solo
performances to the best of his recollection.

When speaking about Townes, Earle stated, “This may be one of the best records I’ve ever made. That hurts a singer-songwriter’s feelings. Then again, it’s some consolation that I cherry picked through the career of one of the best songwriters that ever lived.”

TRACKLISTING:

Pancho And Lefty
White Freight Liner Blues
Colorado Girl
Where I Lead Me
Lungs
No Place To Fall
Loretta
Brand New Companion
Rake
Delta Momma Blues
Marie
Don’t Take It Too Bad
Mr. Mudd And Mr. Gold
(Quicksilver Daydreams Of) Maria
To Live Is To Fly


Deluxe Limited Edition 2 x CD content – Acoustic version of the album. Fold out poster of the cover art. Expanded liner notes with lyrics.

 
 
 
 
DOLORES O’RIORDAN
"No Baggage"
Irish Release 21st August, 2009 on Cooking Vinyl
www.doloresoriordan.ie / www.myspace.com/doloresoriordan / www.cookingvinyl.com
 Dolores O’Riordan, songstress and critically acclaimed voice of The Cranberries, has announced that she will be releasing her second solo album, No Baggage, in Ireland on Friday 21st August.

Co-produced by Ontario-based Dan Brodbeck, the album sees O’Riordan exploring many emotive subjects. “I probably haven’t worn my heart on my sleeve like this since the second Cranberries album [1994’s No Need to Argue],” she says. “It’s at times very confessional and dealing with my true emotions. Everyone, through their experiences or their background, has had terrible moments where they think they can’t handle it. With this record I’m trying to show that, no matter how bad things may seem, it’s not really that bad in the big picture.”

Looking forward and backwards – sometimes simultaneously – is one of the new album’s primary themes, as evidenced on tracks such as the quasi-Beatlesque ‘Fly Through’ and its yearning for unambiguous solutions, the bittersweet nostalgia of the insinuatingly catchy ‘It’s You’, and the blunt, seemingly self-critical ‘Stupid’. ‘Skeleton’, meanwhile, takes its title not just from the physical structure at each person’s core but also from the all-too-common “skeletons in the closet” that we all have. ‘Throw Your Arms Around Me’, with its Indian-styled instrumentation and structure is a song that O’Riordan is clearly proud of. “That song’s really about how there are two kinds of people: those who are believers and have faith, and those who scoff at such things,” she says. “It has a kind of mysterious sound to it, unpredictable; it doesn’t sound anything like normal.”

Available on CD and as a digital download, the album’s full tracklisting is as follows :

1. Switch Off The Moment
2. Skeleton
3. It’s You
4. The Journey
5. Stupid
6. Be Careful
7. Apple Of My Eye (new version)
8. Throw Your Arms Around Me
9. Fly Through
10. Lunatic
11. Tranquilizer

Since leaving The Cranberries, who sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, O’Riordan has been splitting her time between Dublin and Ontario, Canada. Her interests in life extend far beyond her musical abilities; she is a devoted wife and mother to four beautiful children, and is also a gifted visual artist.

 
 
 
 
MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF SOUND
"Soy Sauce"
Featuring the Single "Yo Digo Baila"
Irish Release Dates "Soy Sauce" 1/5/09 & "Yo Digo Baila" 11/5/09 on Cooking Vinyl
www.myspace.com/mexicaninstituteofsound ~ www.cookingvinyl.com

 One man mariachi Camilo Lara aka Mexican Institute of Sound, has announced he will be releasing a new single, Yo Digo Baila on Monday 11th May.
Taken from the forthcoming album Soy Sauce, the single, which Lara describes as “my most to the point dance track - it has sounds of cumbia but in a very radical way”, will be released as a digital download only.

By day Lara works as the head of EMI Mexico but by night he emerges as the conveyer of what can only be described as electronic works of art; a true icon of the city as well as the underground.

“Soy Sauce” (Irish Release Friday 1st May) traverses his wild musical imagination with a witty sense of humour for good effect - whether it’s converting the traditional sounds of cumbia to a full-on electronic dance track, paying tribute to hip hop luminaries J Dilla and Biggie with Mexican sonidos, or singing a love song as if Serge Gainsbourg had spent time in the Mayan jungle.

Produced by Holger Beier (one half of Bungalow’s Le Hammond Inferno), the album features almost entirely original songs recorded with a live band and vocals. Lara also invited some of his influential musician friends to perform on the album, including Café Tacuba lead guitarist Joselo Rangel, and Ad Rock of the Beastie Boys who remixed ‘Alocatel’ – an explosive dance anthem that bridges the worlds between Mexico City and New York.

Mexican Institute Of Sound’s 2007 album Pinata received incredible critical acclaim, including Rolling Stone magazine calling it “One of the 10 Best albums of the year”, and tracks were featured on Ugly Betty and in adverts for Pizza Hut and FIFA 2008.

>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<

Camilo Lara never set out with the intention of taking his personal musical career seriously. At first, he was simply creating holiday mixes for friends. But then his friends convinced him that he should take his songs off his computer and into the studio. Now four years later, Lara, known as the Mexican Institute of Sound (M.I.S.) is building on the momentum of his breakthrough sophomore release ‘Pinata’ with a highly-anticipated new album “Soy Sauce”, released on Monday 4th May

“Soy Sauce” traverses Lara’s wild musical imagination with a witty sense of humour for good effect ... whether it’s converting the traditional sounds of cumbia to a full-on electronic dance track, paying tribute to hip hop luminaries J Dilla and Biggie with Mexican sonidos, or singing a love song as if Serge Gainsbourg had spent time in the Mayan jungle.

While early M.I.S. songs combined a variety of vintage samples into instrumental tracks, “Soy Sauce” features almost entirely original songs recorded with a live band and vocals. “Holger Beier, the mastermind behind German act Le Hammond Inferno, is the producer for the album,” Lara says. “He helped give the songs structure and brought new flavours for my ideas.”

Beier’s contribution is most evident on a song like ‘Yo Digo Baila’. “This is my most to the point dance track,” Lara explains. “I have to thank Holger for pushing me to being open minded to these sorts of ideas. What I like is that it has the sounds of cumbia but in a very radical style.”

Lara also invited some of his influential musician friends to perform on the album. “When I was working on ‘Soy Sauce,’ I was obsessed with Café Tacuba’s classic album ‘Re’,” Lara says. “I wanted to record an album like that - going from polka to punk in one second. That’s why I had found it so fascinating. I wanted my album to really cover the entire scope of my musical tastes.”

So he ended up recruiting close friend and Tacuba’s lead guitarist Joselo Rangel to play on the tracks ‘Hiedra Venenosa’ and ‘Alocatel’. From there, Ad Rock, of hip hop icons the Beastie Boys, decided he wanted to remix the track ‘Alocatel'.

“I’ve been friends with Mike D of the Beastie Boys for a long time,” Lara explains. “So one night after one of their shows in Mexico City, I had the group over to my place for dinner. Mike introduced me to Ad Rock and I gave him some of my music from the new album that I had been working on. Months down the line, he got back in touch, saying that he wanted to collaborate.”
The result is an explosive dance anthem that bridges the worlds between Mexico City and New York. It represents a common theme across the M.I.S. catalogue; fusing the sounds of contrasting music genres and cultures. On ‘White Stripes’, M.I.S. makes its own personal tribute to hip hop legends J Dilla and Biggie. The song features the vocals of Mexican pop star Paty Cantu. “I had wanted to do a hip hop track with a Mexican vibe,” Lara says. “The result? Well, it’s the opposite.”

As the M.I.S. recording and songwriting process has evolved, so has the live show. It has developed from simply "pushing buttons" to incorporating a live drummer, bassist and DJ. In the past year, M.I.S. has brought the band to rock stages from Central Park Summer Stage in New York City all the way out to Japan, and the group will be performing at this years prestigious Coachella Music Festival in California in April.

In the past, Lara has attended Coachella as a fan but performing for the first time has special meaning. “For me, it is part of the Mount Olympus of rock,” he explains. “This includes feats like getting covered in Rolling Stone, Spin, Q and playing Coachella, Reading and Glastonbury. Yet another dream to cross off!”

Full tracklisting as follows :

01. Cumbria
02. Alocatel
03. Yo Digo Baila
04. White Stripes
05. Hiedra Venenosa
06. Te Quiero Mucho
07. Jalale
08. Comité Culificador Part 1
09. Comité Culificador Part 2
10. Karate Kid 2
11. Reventon
12. Sinfonia Agridulce
13. Alocatel (Ad Rock remix)
14. Chiflideur

 
 
 
 
THE BROKEN FAMILY BAND
"Please And Thank You"
Featuring the Single "Salivating"
Irish Release 24/4/09 on Cooking Vinyl
www.thebrokenfamilyband.com ~ www.myspace.com/thebrokenfamilyband ~ www.cookingvinyl.com

 The Broken Family Band has announced it will be releasing its seventh album, Please And Thank You in Ireland on Friday 24th April, which includes the single Salivating.

Mixed by veteran producer George Shilling, Please and Thank You is, according to singer and lyricist Steve Adams, an album loosely centred around the uncontroversial yet indeterminate idea of “being nice to people”. From its stomping opener ‘Please Yourself’, a sceptical look at hipsters (with ‘cocaine in your moustache’) offended by his cheap guitar with nods, lyrically and musically (and not accidentally) to Elvis Costello’s classic masturbation anthem ‘Pump It Up’, to its conclusion, a gentle ode to burying the hatchet, country-tinged ‘Old Wounds’ (the only trace of their folksy origins), it covers a lot of ground. The gentle ‘Mimi’ is about a beautiful girl who worked in an 'adult' shop, according to its writer, while the drably titled ‘St Albans’, effectively a short story about a man who went to the wrong place to have sex with an Eastern European girl set to an ominous melody, started out as the more exotic ‘St Petersburg’, a title that was deemed to be “unrealistic”. ‘Borrowed Time’, with its anachronistic plea to “keep on choogling, even when we’re tired”, neatly captures the band’s split personality while ‘Cinema Vs House’, a witty dissection of the eternal dating seesaw, starts sweetly and ends up as a rock juggernaut. Eight years in, The Broken Family Band have gradually shed the accordionists, the cute girl singers, the banjo players, even the American drawl, and reduced themselves to the unchanged core of Adams, bassist Gavin Johnson, guitarist Jay Williams and drummer Micky Roman. And they’ve made their best album so far.



Available on CD and as a digital download, the full track listing is as follows :

1. Please Yourself
2. Salivating
3. St. Albans
4. You Did A Bad Thing
5. Cinema vs House
6. Borrowed Time
7. Mimi
8. Don’t Bury Us
9. Stay Friendly
10. Son Of The Man
11. The Girls In This Town
12. Old Wounds


THE BROKEN FAMILY BAND is … Steve Adams (vocals/guitar) / Gavin Johnson (bass) / Jay Williams (guitar) / Micky Roman (drums)

 
 
 
 
ALPHASTATES
"Human Nature"
Featuring the singles "HUMAN NATURE" & "CHAMPAGNE GLASS"
Out 24/04/09 on Maji Records
www.myspace.com/alphastates
Prepare to be blasted by pop delusionists of grandeur. Alphastates deliver their sound under the blanket of unselfconscious art. Fed on Joy division, Portishead, Tom Waits, Sonic Youth, Edith Piaf ..., this band will manage to reassure you that there's still urgency, passion, and art left in music.

They continue to blend slow elastic beats with delicously dark pop soundscapes on a grander scale. Graced with the addictively evocative vocals of Catherine Dowling and with music that is beautifully pop yet ethereally alternative. Alphastates have the potential to leave a massive imprint. "Human Nature" is the follow up to their critically acclaimed "Made from Sand"

Music and misfits always come together. An after-hours gig in a warehouse in Dublin introduced Catherine Dowling to Gerry Horan. Some years later they formed alphastates. In the hands of music composer Gerry Horan, Dowling expressed the dark comedy of the Human Condition. "Pop is a perfect avenue for human tragedy". Shy of performances and people, they hung in the background. She sang her twisted off-kilter melodies over his guitar and electro noise assaults. Other talented misfits joined the melting pot. It started simple and their only goal was to write beautiful songs.

Champagne Glass was the first single taken from their very beautiful second album "Human Nature", the follow up to their critically acclaimed "Made from Sand". "Human Nature" will be released to the public on the 24th April 2007. Already making its way to the dance floors in New York, Champagne Glass is a pop song draped in house beats but smiling through the eyes of disco. Featuring two remixes by acclaimed production duo "Arveene and Misk" and mastered by Nilesh Patel, the face behind the mastering of Daft Punk's Homework, Champagne Glass is a hook-laden pop sparkler that won't leave your head once inside.

Having toured with Cat Power, Mercury Rev, Deus, Zero 7, Sinead O'Connor, The Beta Band to name but a few, alphastates have had their music appear on both Irish and International film productions. They've played Oxegen numerous times as well as the Electric Picnic together with an a number of high profile festivals across Europe. Currently put the closing stages to the contract with their US record label, "HUMAN NATURE" is to see a release date Stateside at the end of 2009.

With music that is beautifully pop yet ethereally alternative, alphastates have the potential to leave a massive imprint.

 
 
 
 
“With an endless barrage of dry humour and damn catchy riffs, plus lush harmonies and of course some mean guitar solos, the world is a better place because of this band.” – Big Cheese
“The Seattle band’s quirky pop is clearly at odds with current trends, yet that’s a huge part of the appeal. They don’t care if they sound different or weird. So they create songs like Bad Times and Truckstop Butterfly that are full of wit, charm and amusing anecdotes. And as PUSAs enduring popularity shows, there’s always a place for music that puts a smile on your face.” – Rocksound
“Pop magic” – Plan B
“Hard, fast, good-time rock’n’roll” – Classic Rock
THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Announce the release of three digital EPs on Cooking Vinyl
www.presidentsrock.com / www.myspace.com/thepresidentsoftheunitedstatesofamerica / www.cookingvinyl.com

::: LIVE ::: Friday April 3rd, 2009 - Vicar Street - Dublin

 

The Presidents of the United States of America has announced it will be releasing three digital EPs next year. Each EP will feature two songs, plus a brand new video. Each lead track is taken from the band’s latest album, These Are The Good Times People (Released Backin March 2008).

Full digital EP tracklistings and release dates below:

Monday 26th January – Ladybug EP
1. Ladybug
2. Rooftops In Spain
3. Ladybug video


Monday 23rd February – More Bad Times EP
1. Bad Times
2. Ballad of the Unstoppable Female (The Anna Nicole Smith Story)
3. Bad Times video


Monday 30th March – Rot In The Sun EP
1. Rot In The Sun
2. Scrappy Puppy
3. Rot In The Sun video



Since the Seattle-based trio first burst into the public eye in 1995 with its twice Grammy-nominated eponymous debut – on the strength of radio smashes like “Lump” and “Peaches” – the band has been serving out its trademark joy-pop to crowds worldwide ever since. Their latest offering, These Are The Good Times People is an inventive, uplifting and often brilliant rock & roll album. Recorded with Northwest legends The Fastbacks’ and Young Fresh Fellows own Kurt Bloch (Robyn Hitchcock, Mudhoney, Les Thugs) and mixed by Martin Feveyear (Screaming Trees, The Epoxies, Amber Pacific), PUSA dig deep and pull off their most diverse and accomplished record yet, which shares the landscape with recent acclaimed efforts by like-minded groups The Hives and They Might Be Giants. PUSA’s eponymous debut album continues to thrive as an enduring modern rock disc since peaking at #6 on the Billboard Top 200.

 
 
 
 

THE PRODIGY "Warriors Dance"
The New Single From the Chart Topping Album "Invaders Must Die"
Irish Release: May 8th on Take Me To The Hospital / Cooking Vinyl
www.theprodigy.com
/ www.invadersmustdie.com / www.cookingvinyl.com

::: Upcoming Irish Dates :::
LIVE AT THE MARQUEE -- June 18th, 2009 ~ Docklands, Cork ~ Info on www.aikenpromotions.com
LIVE IN THE PARK - June 19th, 2009 ~ Donard Park, Newcastle Co. Down ~ Info on www.planetlovemusic.com
SLANE CASTLE - Supporting OASIS -- June 20th, 2009 ~ Slane, Co. Meath ~ Info on www.mcd.ie

Back at the top of their game with the release of their 5th album ‘Invaders Must Die’ (which went straight in at No. 1 and is already one of the best selling album this year), The Prodigy get ready to release the all out monster ‘Warriors Dance’.

One of the many highlights of the album, ‘Warriors Dance’ is old skool Prodigy – a grizzly mix of 91’ hardcore warehouse rave and ecstatic diva vocals only catapulted confidently into the modern age. The perfect reminder that yes, there have been a fair few pretenders attempting to emulate them in recent years, but quite simply … no one does or could ever sound like The Prodigy.

The band are about to embark on a sold out arena tour, taking in two Wembley Arenas and have just announced a third date at 02 Academy Brixton on April 18th. This will be an all night affair with support from Dizzee Rascal, Kissy Sellout and Chase And Status. Tickets are priced at £35 and go on sale Thursday 26th March.

 
 
 
 
THE CHAPTERS
Debut Album "PERFECT STRANGER" ~ Out June '09 on 3ú
Featuring the New Single "VIDEOTAPES" ~ Out May 1st, '09

www.myspace.com/thechaptersofficial ~ www.thechapters.com ~ www.thechapters.bebo.com

 ::: LIVE Academy 2, Dublin ~ Thurs, April 30th :::


Tickets for the Academy 2 are strictly limited and available from Ticketmaster priced at 12.50 Euro including booking fee.
www.theacademydublin.com for further details! Tickets available from www.ticketmaster.ie and www.mcd.ie

The Chapters play their first Dublin show in 8 months as they showcase debut album Perfect Stranger in the intimate setting of Academy 2 on April 30th.
Having recently become stable mates of The Coronas by signing to 3u Records and with a new Management structure in place, The Chapters have been busily putting the final touches to their debut album with proucer Ciaran Bradshaw.



For Information / Interview requests / Promotional Copies contact:
Stevo Berube / Berube Communications: info@berubecommunications.com / 0872442695
Management: Shane Dunne - shane.thechapters@gmail.com / 086 886 8612



 
 
 
 
RORY FAITHFIELD
"Born In Sydney Town"
Irish Release 10-04-09 Blind Romantic Records and Downloadmusic.ie
Also Features the Full Story Version of the Live Favourite
"Sooner Or Later"

::: Both Songs From the Forthcoming New Album :::
"Songs For Sooner"

www.faithfield.com ~ www.myspace.com/roryfaithfield
>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<

::: Currently touring in Australia with Declan O'Rourke :::

The latest single from the forthcoming 'Songs For Sooner' album. Written on a Qantas flight to Sydney and recorded late last year back in Dublin. Featuring Johhny Boyle on Drums, Gavin Murphy on keyboards, Nick Scott on Bass and Bill Shanley on lead guitars. Recorded at The Cauldron Studios Dublin & Spiral Studios, County Meath.

Renowned for his positive energy and infectious enthusiasm, with songs that bounce between folk, rock, trip hop and every place in between, Rory's solo acoustic shows are a simultaneously mystical and energising experience. Described as "Power Acoustic" by the Irish Independent.

An attitude of exploration, demonstrated by a childhood spent "digging up stuff in the backyard", and early years playing in garage punk bands around Sydney Australia, led to a move to Ireland 18 years ago where songs became the obsession. After writing and developing his craft amongst the heavily populated singer-songwriter scene in Dublin, Rory started quietly slipping off to mainland Europe, touring solo acoustic, refining and expanding his repertoire with literally hundreds of gigs and continues to tour regularly both in Australia and Ireland.

Described by one journalist as "a strength that will move and inspire you with jolts of positive energy", 1998 saw the UK-only release of his debut album and first single 'NOWHERE SOMEWHERE ANYWHERE', recorded in Dublin.

Rory's second album, 'BLOOD, BONES & SOUL', was also recorded in Dublin, with Bill Shanley and Ciaran Byrnes sharing production duties at 'The Cauldron Studios'. An uplifting and energised set of songs featuring the metaphysical imagery of 'SHED MY SKIN' and the invigorating 'RISE ABOVE'. The Irish Times observed that his “relentlessly upbeat folk-rock courses with positive thinking and surges with vigorous musicality....Faithfield is invigorating and inspiring....”

In 2007, Rory Faithfield returned with his third and fundamentally solo acoustic album 'CIRCLE DANCE'. The intriguing song 'CLONARD' opens the album, and to quote the West Australian newspaper: “This is beautiful, straightforward storytelling, saturated in Irish folk traditions but with a keen edge born of Faithfield's days as a punk rocker in Sydney. I was reminded of Paul Kelly's more lyrical excursions, which is a high compliment"

 
 
 
 
JERRY FISH & THE MUDBUG CLUB
"The Beautiful Untrue"
Featuring the upcoming single "Back to Before"
Irish Release 24-04-09 on The Mudbug Club and distributed by RMG Chart Entertainment

>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<

The New studio album from ‘Jerry Fish & The Mudbug Club’ entitled: ‘The Beautiful Untrue’ is scheduled to be released in Ireland on April the 24th.

The album features some extraordinary guest vocal performances from two of Irelands up and coming female singers Imelda May and Carol Keogh (Automata, Tychonaut).

The first Single to be taken from ‘The Beautiful Untrue’ entitled ‘Back to Before’ (feat. Carol Keogh) Will be released to radio mid March and available on itunes as a download only single.

Produced by Jerry Fish, Recorded by Dick Meaney (The Jesus & Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine) and Mixed by Phil Hayes ( The Cake Sale, Bell X1)

"The Beautiful Untrue" is the follow-up to the multi-platinum "Be Yourself" which featured no less than four chart hits, including the immensely popular single “True Friends” which was used as the soundtrack for the Vodafone TV commercials.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

THE PRODIGY "Invaders Must Die"
ENTERS BILLBOARD EUROPEAN TOP 100 ALBUM CHART AT #1
Out Now Take Me To The Hospital / Cooking Vinyl
www.theprodigy.com

::: Upcoming Irish Dates :::
LIVE AT THE MARQUEE -- June 18th, 2009 ~ Docklands, Cork ~ Info on www.aikenpromotions.com
SLANE CASTLE - Supporting OASIS -- June 20th, 2009 ~ Slane, Co. Meath ~ Info on www.mcd.ie

The Prodigy’s fifth studio album ‘Invaders Must Die’ has entered the Billboard European Top 100 Album Chart at #1. The chart is compiled from sales charts in 20 European countries.

The critically acclaimed album, which has been hailed as a triumphant return to form for The Prodigy, has entered the Top 5 in the Album Charts of eight European Countries.

"Invaders Must Die’ is released on the bands own imprint ‘Take Me To The Hospital’ via Cooking Vinyl. This marks a double success for the CV group as the first UK #1 for the label and for the sales division Essential Music.

Says MD Martin Goldschmidt: “After 23 years we have paid our dues - I am totally stoked!”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


NEW ALBUM "Invaders Must Die"
::: Note ::: New Release Date (Ireland): 20/2/09 / The single "OMEN" Out 13/2/09
Label: Take Me To The Hospital

www.theprodigy.com

::: Upcoming Irish Dates :::
LIVE AT THE MARQUEE -- June 18th, 2009 ~ Docklands, Cork ~ Info on www.aikenpromotions.com
SLANE CASTLE - Supporting OASIS -- June 20th, 2009 ~ Slane, Co. Meath ~ Info on www.mcd.ie

>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<

The Prodigy return with the release of their fifth studio album and a free download.

‘Invaders Must Die’ is 40 minutes of having your head battered by future nostalgia, serotonin levels twisted by feel-good horrorcore and your synapses snapped by whiplash attitude. It's the sound of The Prodigy mixing up genres, contorting the past and rewiring the future, ram-raiding through the tranquility of music's status quo like a blot on the landscape of England's dreaming.

The first thing you notice about Invaders Must Die it is how complete it sounds, a consistent collection of bangers all firing from the same cannon. The next thing you notice about Invaders Must Die is just how melodic it is. Not just melody in the vocal sense but in the heyday-of-hardcore keyboard-hookline sense. Yes, if The Prodigy have learned anything from the hugely successful live shows was that those old skool rave anthems still rock hard - and are every bit as iconic to their generation as punk was to the nation's forty-somethings.

So Invaders Must Die is awash with references to the free party generation, thundering along like the mother of all E-rushes, all hairs tingling, spine jumping and lips buzzing. But not a retroactive arms-in-the-air, water-sharing nostalgia trip, but a set fuelled by punk's saliva-dripping rabid snarl. Take 'Colours', the first tune The Prodigy recorded for this set with it's 1992 polysynth riffing that sounds like The Stranglers' 'No More Heroes' parachuted into the middle of a Castlemorton circa 1992. Or 'Thunder', the 21st century bastard child of the classic 'Out of Space'.

‘Take Me To The Hospital' finds Keith and Maxim flexing over a vintage Prodigy riff. Suitably rusted, distorted and in need of urgent medication it bites like the soundtrack to Dante's Inferno. While the live favourite 'World’s On Fire' resurrects a 'flaming' theme and applies it to a groove straight out second album 'Music for the Jilted Generation. 'Omen' and ‘Warrior’s Dance’ are both beamed straight into the moshpit from rave central, while 'Piranha' rips the threads from the back of 60's garage and beats it into the filthy gutters of modern urban life.

Any old skool bonhomie floating around the riffs of this album are quickly slaughtered by 'Run With The Wolves' where The Prodigy's self-assured, gang-minded campaign turns into a maniacal, nose bleeding, heads-against-the-wall warzone. With added drum-pounding energy supplied by Dave Grohl.

And finally Invaders Must Die delivers its last brilliant twist with ‘Stand Up’ a horn-led sunrise anthem that aches with the positivity of a new dawn, walking the line of a burning horizon with the swaggering look of satisfaction that only comes when you instinctively know you've achieved what you set out to do.

Cocky? Perhaps, but wouldn't you be if you'd seen off all of the invaders with your most complete album yet, the first for your own record label?

Invaders Must Die is the unique sound of The Prodigy, still breaking and entering where other's can only dream of following.

ALBUM TRACKLISTING:

01. Invaders Must Die
02. Omen
03. Thunder
04. Colours
05. Take Me To The Hospital
06. Warrior's Dance
07. Run With The Wolves
08. Omen Reprise
09. World’s On Fire
10. Piranha
11. Stand Up

 
 
 
 

BEN LEE
"Rebirth of Venus"
NITE: NEW IRISH RELEASE DATE: March 20th on New West Records

www.ben-lee.com ~ www.myspace.com/benlee ~ www.newwestrecords.com

::: LIVE :::
Sunday, March 29th 2009 – Sugar Club, Dublin

Tickets 15 Euro incl. booking fee – on sale now ~ Info on www.mcd.ie

>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<

 

BEN LEE PAYS TRIBUTE TO FEMININITY WITH THE REBIRTH OF VENUS

PORTION OF PROCEEDS FROM ALBUMS SOLD TO BE DONATED TO FINCA'S VILLAGE BANKING PROGRAM SUPPORTING THE WORLD'S LOWEST-INCOME WOMEN IN ENTREPRENEURIAL EFFORTS

Ben Lee dedicates his seventh studio recording to Venus, the Goddess of Love and Beauty. A bold move for a man, but Ben recognizes that the strongest feminine qualities "such as compassion, nurturing, creativity, spontaneity, intuition, playfulness, tenderness and warmth...are qualities that we all, men and women, need to cultivate." The Rebirth of Venus (February 10th, 2009) was produced by Brad Wood, who also produced Ben's breakout Awake Is The New Sleep (as well as his critically acclaimed debut Grandpaw Would and sophomore album Something To Remember Me By). A portion of proceeds from albums sold will be donated to FINCA's Village Banking program. FINCA offers financial services, not charity, to the world's lowest-income women entrepreneurs. This creates jobs, builds assets and generally improves the standard of living in these destitute communities.

The album's cover re-creates Botticelli's Birth of Venus, but with a rock and roll twist. Ben is featured in the clamshell with fiancé Ione Skye and band mates as angels above him. Other musicians who appear on the album include Missy Higgins, Cary Brothers, Patience Hodgson of The Grates, Nic Johns, John Alagia (producer of Ripe) and longtime collaborators and musicians Lara Meyerratken and Nic Johns.

Ben wears his heart on his sleeve in his songs as PASTE magazine describes of Awake Is The New Sleep, "...Lee has become a writer so adept at communicating his personality through song, that it's easy to feel like you know him after just a few listens." With The Rebirth of Venus, Ben continues to let listeners get to know him while exploring the balance between masculine and feminine nature. One song on the album that exemplifies this quest is "I'm A Woman Too." Ben urges that "until we recognize that we are all made up of the same stuff, we are bound to keep hurting each other."

The Rebirth of Venus' first single, "What's So Bad (About Feeling Good)," showcases Ben's trademark pop craftsmanship and sense of humor. Complete with catchy hooks and sing-along chorus, the song features Ben's future stepdaughter on pots and pans as well as backing vocals.

Ben Lee has been living as a working musician for over half of his lifetime. Beginning at the age of 14, he has stayed grounded and spiritually focused. Aside from the honor of winning four ARIA Awards (Australia's equivalent to the Grammy), Ben has started to make regular appearances with various symphony orchestras throughout Australia. Following the first set of sold out symphony performances with the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra, Ben will play with the Queensland Orchestra in Brisbane featuring hits such as "Catch My Disease," "Cigarettes Will Kill You," "We're All In This Together," and more. He also wrote and produced the original soundtrack to the film "The Square," which is nominated for Best Soundtrack at the 2008 AFI Awards (Australian Equivalent to the Academy Awards).

Ben's songs have been used in over 30 film, TV and commercial syncs off his last two albums. In the last year he's had syncs on "Grey's Anatomy," "One Tree Hill," and Kohl's Department Stores in the US and Coca Cola internationally. His music was also recently used in the trailer for "He's Just Not That Into You," starring Ben Affleck, Jennifer Anniston, Drew Barrymore and Scarlett Johansson. Awake is the New Sleep (Ben's first release for New West Records) garnered rave reviews, career-high worldwide sales, and a hit in the track "Catch My Disease." The album went Double Platinum in Australia, where the single went on to become the first ever independently released #1 radio song in Australian history and went Top 10 in Canada, Spain and the Benelux, and Top 20 in the US.

The Rebirth of Venus Track Listing:
1. What's So Bad (About Feeling Good)
2. Surrender
3. Sing
4. I Love Pop Music
5. Rise Up
6. Yoko Ono
7. Boy With A Barbie
8. Bad Poetry
9. Blue Denim
10. Wake Up To America
11. I'm A Woman Too
12. Families Cheating At Board Games
13. Song For The Divine Mother of the Universe

 
 
 
 
Jinx Lennon
“Trauma Themes Idiot Times”
Irish Release March 20th on Septic Tiger (Distribution on EMD)
www.jinxlennon.com

::: LIVE ::: Jinx Lennon - Irish Tour Dates

19 March Sugar Club, Dublin - Special guests: Captain Moonlight and Stephen James Smith
20 March Pavilion, Cork - Special guests: Cajun punks Los Langeros
21 March Spirit Store, Dundalk Special guest Acoustic Dan
03 April Glen Centre, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim
13 April Roisin Dubh, Galway
17 April De Barras, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
01 May - CQAF, Belfast

IN HIS OWN WORDS: An awful man Jinx stands at the outer edge of the periphery of the Hibernian music machine picking the dirt beneath the fingernails of fading septic tiger landscape while the larvae practise their new voices in their bedrooms in front of mirror contemplating visualization for the mid Atlantic voiced shiny ''discover me'' dream that will enable them to become new chrysalis transformation and escape. Jinx once lay horizontally in early am before school unconsciously soaking up the neo nuclear 4 minute warning sirens of the nearby factory 8 am work shift cattle round up, and the spooky echoes of metallic brewery noise and far off railway line vibrato ghosts. Now he pulls out these cranial archives into new shapes and TRAUMA THEMES of word and sound along with the rage built up from border town omnipresent soccer fascism environment and mundane assembly line worlds where hard chaw lads and doomed faced women walked along the conveyor belt towards cement block Invasion of Body snatchers / Stepford Wives package existence. JINX LENNON FREE STATE NOVA is an Irish wordsmith here to primarily uplift people and squash the unseen energy vampires in all myriad forms. Making room to weave some modicum of hope and dignity Jinx is the dying light in the red leech face of disgraced solicitor contrite and pleading now no longer poster boy for the gimme gimmes, but he brings the message that one must try their best to FORGIVE THE C***S and move upwards. These sounds are not just for those tired of listening to the empty heads, but also for the helicopter Icarus people who crash land back to earth in these IDIOT TIMES.

This album deals with isolation, the sort that transforms people and leads them into difficult situations, it also deals with themes of spiritual deadness and being aware of this fact in oneself before one turns into a lifeless Invasion of the Bodysnatchers / Stepford Wives type entity. It’s slightly darker than the other records I have made so far.

Jinx Lennon is a punk / poet / performance artist whose repertoire contains elements of spoken word, electro, social commentary with a rage and rawness that is complimented by Jinx's stage partner Miss Paula Flynn and her magnificent voice.

Tracklisting

1/ TRAUMA THEMES INTRO 2/ MY HEAD IS SLOWLY DISAPPEARING UP MY OWN ARZZZ 3/ EVERYONE'S GOT A MENTAL HOME I.T.H. 4/ PROTECT THYSELF AND HOME 5/ SPLATTERED EGGS
6/ THE MEN WHO SAVED THE FACE OF FOOTBALL 7/ FUNERAL FAYSIS 8/ TAXI MAN FACE 9/ THE FERRIS WHEEL AT DOWDALLSHILL 10/ FOLK MUSIC FOR THE MIDLANDS 11/ THE ORANGE CRANES OF GREENORE 12/ 40 F/GLAZED I CLUB 13/ BIG PROTEST DAY 14/ YOU C'ANT KEEP EVERYONE HAPPY 15/ AWKWARD AND REAL 16/ ASCEND! ICEHOUSE HILL


“Brimming over with words, intelligence, humour, badly sampled beats and scary proselytizing...
...But much better”
– Everett True

''A brilliant soul singer, a cross between Johnny Cash, Joe Strummer, and Ian Paisley!'' -- Keith Allen - Actor - in MOJO Magazine

''The best lyricist in Ireland' -- Damien Dempsey - Musician

“Bow Lilliputians and pay due homage!” -- Patrick Mc Cabe - Author

 
 
 
 
ALPHASTATES
New single CHAMPAGNE GLASS Out on Friday March 25th 2009
Taken from their upcoming new album HUMAN NATURE on Friday April 17th 2009
www.myspace.com/alphastates ~ www.myspace.com/arveeneandmiskmusic

::: LIVE ::: Wednesday ~ March 25th 2009 ~ Whelans, Dublin (Main Venue) - 10 Euro

Upcoming ALPHASTATES Show:
Wed 25th March - Whelans Dublin
Friday 10th April - Greystones Theatre, Greystones, Co. Wicklow
Wednesday 15th April - Whelans Dublin
Friday 1st May - Electric Avenue, Waterford with RSAG
MORE TO BE CONFIRMED

ALPHASTATES RETURN WITH THEIR BRILLIANT NEW SINGLE "CHAMPAGNE GLASS" OUT MARCH 25TH; NEW ALBUM "HUMAN NATURE" OUT APRIL 17TH.

Prepare to be blasted by pop delusionists of grandeur. Alphastates deliver their sound under the blanket of unselfconscious art. Fed on Joy Division, Billie Holiday, Tom Waits, Sonic Youth, Edith Piaf, Portishead, The Velvet Underground..., this band will manage to reassure you that there's still urgency, passion, and art left in music.

Music and misfits always come together. An after-hours gig in a warehouse in Dublin introduced Catherine Dowling to Gerry Horan. Some years later they formed alphastates. In the hands of music composer Gerry Horan, Dowling expressed the dark comedy of the Human Condition. "Pop is a perfect avenue for human tragedy". Shy of performances and people, they hung in the background. She sang her twisted off-kilter melodies over his guitar and electro noise assaults. Other talented misfits joined the melting pot. It started simple and their only goal was to write beautiful songs.

Champagne Glass is the first single taken from their very beautiful second album "Human Nature", the follow up to their critically acclaimed "Made from Sand". "Human Nature" will be released to the public on the 17th April 2007. Already making its way to the dance floors in New York, Champagne Glass is a pop song draped in house beats but smiling through the eyes of disco. Featuring two remixes by acclaimed production duo "Arveene and Misk" and mastered by Nilesh Patel, the face behind the mastering of Daft Punk's Homework, Champagne Glass is a hook-laden pop sparkler that won't leave your head once inside.

Having toured with Cat Power, Mercury Rev, Deus, Zero 7, Sinead O'Connor, The Beta Band to name but a few, alphastates have had their music appear on both Irish and International film productions. They've played Oxegen numerous times as well as the Electric Picnic together with an a number of high profile festivals across Europe. Currently put the closing stages to the contract with their US record label, "HUMAN NATURE" is to see a release date Stateside at the end of 2009.

Alphastates continue to blend their slow elastic beats with delicously dark pop soundscapes on a grander scale. Graced with the addictively evocative vocals of Catherine Dowling and with music that is beautifully pop yet ethereally alternative, Alphastates have the potential to leave a massive imprint.

 
 
 
 
NIALL COLFER "Finds"
Featuring After All That's Happened, Dawnin’, & Stole Away
Irish Release Date March 3rd on 1969 RECORDS
www.myspace.com/niallcolfer ~ www.niallcolfer.com

Album Launch ::: LIVE::: – WHELANS, Dublin – March 18th

>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<

Niall’s first solo project after fronting the critically acclaimed Wexford band SALTHOUSE. Recorded and produced over the last year partially in his home studio, partially in Sun Studios with additional production by Gareth Mannix, Finds is Niall’s first solo project. Playing many of the instruments on these new tracks himself, Niall has honed a distinctive style; a hushed confidence of melody and groove, inside disco, rock and sometimes even folk. Not afraid to admit where his inspiration comes from, he says it’s everything from love, loss, and the history of life. You’ll find street scenes in one song, ancient maps in another.

Niall’s songs come across as honest explorations of everyday feelings without the smaltz. He hits a characteristic groove in each song, which just continues on through, hooking you in. Together, the songs leave an impression of subtlety, individualism and toe-tapping rhythm, with lyrics that creep on up and get you thinking.

Additionally, he’s composing the music for a documentary about his novelist brother Eoin Colfer, author of the Artemis Fowl series.

Finds, Niall’s forthcoming album, will be released on Friday March 6th 2009.

 
 
 
 
JERRY FISH & THE MUDBUG CLUB
"The Beautiful Untrue"
Featuring the upcoming single "Back to Before"
Irish Release 24-04-09 on The Mudbug Club and distributed by RMG Chart Entertainment

The New studio album from Jerry Fish & The Mudbug Club entitled: ‘The Beautiful Untrue’ is scheduled to be released in Ireland on April the 24th.

The album features some extraordinary guest vocal performances from two of Irelands up and coming female singers Imelda May and Carol Keogh (Automata, Tychonaut).

The first Single to be taken from ‘The Beautiful Untrue’ entitled ‘Back to Before’ (feat. Carol Keogh) Will be released to radio mid March and available on itunes as a download only single.

Produced by Jerry Fish, Recorded by Dick Meaney (The Jesus & Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine) and Mixed by Phil Hayes ( The Cake Sale, Bell X1)

"The Beautiful Untrue" is the follow-up to the multi-platinum "Be Yourself" (2002) which featured no less than four chart hits,

including the immensely popular single “True Friends” which was used as the soundtrack for the Vodafone TV commercials.

 
 
 
 
“The best work of his career” – Q **** ( Q Recommends )
::: LIVE :::
CHUCK PROPHET (solo)
Plays Four Irish Shows as part of his Solo European Tour
www.cookingvinyl.com / www.chuckprophet.com / www.coppertreerecords.com

March 01, Sunday - Spirit Store - Dundalk
March 02, Monday - Cyrpus Ave - Cork
March 03, Tuesday - Whelans - Dublin
March 04, Wednesday - The Empire - Belfast


The Critically Acclaimed New Album “SOAP AND WATER” out now on Cooking Vinyl (Reviews below). Featuring the singles "The FRECKLE SONG" and "WOULD YOU LOVE ME?"

>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<

 

"Even in this iPod era, albums can be journeys of discovery. When I started out on Soap and Water I was armed with a huge admiration for San Francisco-based guitarist and songwriter Chuck Prophet, his work with seminal alt. everything band Green on Red, and his large body of solo work. Soap and Water, however, seemed cloaked in obscurity and the music was oddly rootless. A few dozen plays later and there is not a track I'd change - though I might argue a backing vocal here or a guitar lick there. This is a monumental album of constant surprise, chilled intelligence and quietly assured song writing skill, singing, playing and production. Prophet has said it was inspired by wayward rock icon Alex Chilton, but I also hear Randy Newman's caustic amusement at the human condition, especially on the epic New Kingdom. Wonderful, but time is required."
~ FIVE out of FIVE Stars ***** - Joe Breen - Irish Times

“The odd electronic beat may beef up Prophet’s swampy blues and dusty country, but his ninth solo album is lavish and haunting, from the post-punk attitude of Doubter Out Of Jesus (All Over You) to Freckle Song’s bog riffing.” – “The best work of his career” ~ Q Magazine / ****, Q Recommends

“His most satisfying album yet. The rang of styles is impressive, from the pale hip hop of Something Stupid to the title track’s murky southern fun and the swamp-blues of A Woman’s Voice.” ~ Uncut ****

“Soap and Water runs the gamut of Prophet's influences, from Bob Dylan (Naked Ray) to Alex Chilton (Let's Do Something Wrong) and the Stones (Soap and Water), all of it delivered with a quixotic swagger and Prophet's declamatory sneer of a voice. His quicksilver fretwork still impresses - especially on the Television-like stomper Freckle Song, though the stand-out track is the burnished, redemptive ballad Would You Love Me, replete with a Methodist children's choir and a counterpoint melody that could melt the stoniest heart.” ~ Mojo ****

_________________________________________________________________________

Soap and Water was recorded in Nashville at the Alex the Great Recording Studios, with producer Brad Jones (Yo La Tengo, Dolly Parton, Josh Rouse) manning the desk. Chuck is joined by his own band The Mission Express, Todd Roper (of Cake) on drums, and The Spinto Band. Hell, they even drafted in the local Methodist children’s church choir for a few tunes. The album sees him blending his twisted soul-country-rock; a Alex Chilton-meets-Waylon Jennings via Dylan thing, with that Fender Telecaster he’s had since his Green On Red days weaving a singular common thread throughout. From the beautiful lyricism and arrangement of “Would You Love Me?”, the witty and wicked call-and-response of the title track, to the pure rock and roll ecstasy of “Let’s Do Something Wrong” featuring Chuck’s well-honed six-string abilities. “We goofed on some agitated single coil cubist junk, got serious with the spring reverb on mournful ballads” says Chuck.

It’s been three years since his last album, “Age of Miracles”, but Chuck Prophet is not a man to sit about. He revived the band that started that whole goddamn alt-country thing, Green on Red, for a recent spin around Europe. He produced and helped co-write Kelly Willis’ new album “Translated From Love”, and is currently collaborating with Alejandro Escovedo on his next album. Chuck has also made his debut on the silver screen, acting the part of the dope dealer in the new film “Revolution Summer” (with a fine soundtrack by Jonathan Richman) as well as contributing his own tracks to the Sundance Jury Award winning film “Teeth” about a woman with a toothed vagina. If that work doesn’t make you break out in a sweat, the thought of a toothed vagina should do the trick for the rest of you.

Chuck started it all as a kid back in the eighties when Green on Red plucked him out of Berkeley, CA and threw him in the van for an eight year ride and the recording of as many albums. Green on Red were seminal purveyors of American Roots-Rock and broke up in 1992 just before an entire movement followed in their wake. Since then Chuck has recorded seven amazing solo albums and toured and recorded with the likes of Lucinda Williams, Aimee Mann, Cake, Alejandro Escovedo, and Jonathan Richman. Ryan Adams, Solomon Burke and Heart have recorded his songs, along with a host of others. Chuck’s never been one to rest on his laurels and ride it out. He’s always manically chopped and changed; with his distinctive panache for a classic tune always in tow.

www.cookingvinyl.com / www.chuckprophet.com / www.coppertreerecords.com

 

 
 
 
 
ART BRUT
"Art Brut vs Satan"
Irish Release Date 17/04/09 on Cooking Vinyl
Featuring the Single "Alcoholics Unanimous", Out 03/04/09
www.artbrut.org.uk ~ www.myspace.com/artbrut ~ www.cookingvinyl.com
 “We recorded the album in a punk-as-f**k two weeks in Salem, Oregon,” explains lead singer Eddie Argos. “I don't always enjoy the recording process - all that fiddling with guitars and drum sounds waiting for my turn to ‘sing’. This time though, we did it just right. We spent a day getting the sound of the instruments perfect, then with all of us in the same room at the same time, with the amazing Black Francis conducting us, we pressed record, jumped around and played our songs. This is how I always thought albums were made and it’s definitely how we're doing it from now on!”

The first single to be released from the album will be Alcoholics Unanimous, in Ireland on 3rd April. More details to follow …

ART BRUT is … Eddie Argos (vocals) / Ian Catskilkin (guitar) / Jasper Future (guitar) / Freddy Feedback (bass) / Mikey Breyer (drums)

Tracklisting:

Alcoholics Unanimous
DC Comics And Chocolate Milkshake
The Passenger
Am I Normal?
What A Rush.
Demons Out!
Slap Dash For No Cash'
The Replacements
Twist And Shout
Summer Job
Mysterious Bruises

 
 
 
 
LITTLE PALACE
"Invitation Time"
Featuring the single "Eviction"
Release Date April 3rd, 2009 on LP Records
www.littlepalace.ie ~ www.myspace.com/littlepalacemusic ~ www.bebo.com/littlepalace ~
www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Palace/46064697732

 Influential Kells-based band reconvene with a new album and live dates around the country.


::: LIVE :::
29 March - Sun - Crane Lane - Cork
31 March - Tue - Roisin Dubh - Galway
01 April - Wed - Dolans Warehouse - Limerick
03 April - Fri - Spirit Store - Dundalk
04 April - Sat - Headfort Arms - Kells
07 April - Tue - Whelans - Dublin
09 April -Thu - The Backroom - Meath


>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<



Little Palace went back into the studio in 2008 to record some songs written by Michael Brunnock. "They were good songs and we all felt that there was unfinished business, so why not!" says Michael. These recordings became "Invitation Time" the new album from the band.

Previously they had released two very successful E.Ps. The debut "Beekeeper" featuring the song "Gift" produced by "Dead Can Dance" main man Brendan Perry, and the follow up "Car" which were both accompanied by extensive touring of Ireland, several dates in the U.S and some shows in Paris, France.

Long term member and co-producer Martin Quinn says of the new record "This is some of the best work we've ever done and it all came together pretty easily!"

The new album features a re-working of the very popular song "Secret" with a fine piano performance by James Quinn, also a member of the band since day one, and additional strings played by Colm Mac Con Iomaire of the Frames.

Little Palace will be releasing "Invitation Time" on April 3rd, 2009 and this will coincide with shows around the country which can be viewed on our gigs page.

Band Members
Ann-Louise Mulvany - Vocals
Michael Brunnock - Vocals/Guitars
Anthony Cregan - Vocals/Guitars/Bass
Martin Quinn - Vocals/Guitars/Bass/Keyboards/Producer
James Quinn - Piano/Keyboards
Ian Melady Drums/Percussion
David Butler - Manager

 
 
 
 
Scott Weiland
“Happy In Galoshes"
Featuring the single "Missing in Cleveland"
Out Now Soft Drive Records / New West Records
www.scottweiland.com ~ www.myspace.com/scottweiland

 Sophmore album from Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver frontman.

Deluxe Edition includes two discs, 19 songs & over 88 minutes of music as well as an expanded, full colour 16-page booklet.

>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<


_____________________________________________________________

Following the success of his red-hot reunion tour with Stone Temple Pilots, Scott Weiland has announced the release of his highly-anticipated sophomore album, 'Happy In Galoshes' out 19th January 2008 via his own Softdrive Records (via New West Records).

Rocketing to the forefront of the music world in 1992, Scott Weiland has become one of the music world's most highly-respected and prolific artists. As the front man for Stone Temple Pilots, Weiland has remained a dominant force in rock music since the group's inception. Now with his sophomore solo release Weiland proves that his music and song-writing is as potent and powerful as ever.

'Happy In Galoshes', produced by Scott Weiland and Doug Grean (Velvet Revolver, Sheryl Crow, Crystal Method), with select tracks recorded by Steve Albini features a collection of songs that bring a revitalizing sound to Weiland's highly praised and unique musical style. The album also features several guest appearances including Adrian Young, Tony Kanal and Tom Dumont of No Doubt who, along with Grean and Weiland, penned "Paralysis," which features Young on drums. "She's so Cold" was co-written by Gary Beers from INXS. The album also includes other standout tracks such as the dynamic "Missing Cleveland" and the catchy hooks of "Talk About Love." Scott Weiland plans to tour in support of the release in early spring, following the release of the album.

STP's impressively extensive and top-selling music has sold more than 35 million albums worldwide. The band's catalogue includes five studio albums have spanned countless hits including the album Purple, which went to #1 on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart. The band was also awarded a Grammy Award in 1994 for "Best Hard Rock Performance" for its song "Plush." In 2004, Weiland became front man for rock super-group Velvet Revolver and lead the group to achieve both critical and commercial success for their debut album Contraband, which included the hit song "Slither" that won the 2005 Grammy Award for "Best Hard Rock Performance." The release was followed up by a sophomore album entitled Libertad in 2007. Weiland's debut album, 12 Bar Blues, was released in 1998.

TRACKLISTING:

Disc 1
1/ Missing Cleveland
2/ Tangle With Your Mind
3/ Blind Confusion
4/ Paralysis
5/ She Sold Her System
6/ Blister On My Soul
7/ Fame
8/ Killing Me Sweetly
9/ Big Black Monster
10/ Beautiful Day

Disc 2
1/ Crash
2/ Hyper-Fuzz-Funny-Car
3/ The Man I Didn’t Know
4/ Sometimes Chicken Soup
5/ Somethings Must Go This Way
6/ Pictures And Computers (I’m Not Superman)
7/ Sentimental Halos
8/ Reel Around The Fountain
9/ ArchAngel

 
 
 
 

"Break Me"
Out 06/03/09 on Actual Size Records
www.myspace.com/cowboyxmusic
The follow-up to last Autumn’s radio hit “Japanese Toy”, COWBOY X return with “Break Me”, another sneak preview from the upcoming album "Meant To Be Machines" (Out Sept. '09) in what is certainly going to be one of the much-anticipated albums of the year. "Break Me" takes the band into new territory, displaying a high energy pop sheen that sits in tandem with their electronic indie rock sensibility. Definately a band on a high creative run!
________________________________________

New Video for "Japanese Toy"!
Director: Lauren Brady ~ DP: Kristopher Rey-Talley
Watch the Evil Karen battle it out with Good Karen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUmC1g6fO8A&feature=related
________________________________________

Last year’s ELECTRIC PICNIC performance & recent tours of Germany & Ireland have reconfirmed their place in the upper echelon of Irish music scene. Firmly established as one of Ireland’s top bands with their crackin’ 2006 debut “Who Are These People” which featured the massive hit “Gabbi”, Cowboy X are firing up the engines!



Cowboy X are Karen McCartney, David Grealy and John Hanley. Hailing from Carlow, Longford and Roscommon respectively, they formed in 2006 in a recording studio and took their name from an obscure Sesame Street character.

Influenced by a blend of the Pixies, Kraftwerk and Tori Amos and a sick sense of humour they recorded their debut album ‘Who Are These People?’ It was released in the summer of 2006, and was very well received by the press and radio.


 
 
 
 
the laundry shop
"The Daily Special" & "Highs & Lows"
::: From the Debut Album "Grandstanding" :::
Out March 6th on Medicine Ball Records ~ Available on iTunes now
www.myspace.com/thelaundryshop ~ www.thelaundryshop.net

 Limited Edition Double A-Side Single Featuring:
"THE DAILY SPECIAL" - the 2nd single taken from the album "GRANDSTANDING"
"HIGHS & LOWS" - their debut single which featured in the DISCOVER IRELAND TV Ad Campaign.

the laundry shop ::: LIVE :::

06 February 2009 - The Stables , Meath
10 February 2009 - NUIG, Galway
12 February 2009 - Dolan’s Upstairs, Limerick
19 February 2009 - CIT (Rag Ball) Cork
22 February 2009 - NUIG Student Bar (Rag Week), Galway
26 February 2009 - 17:00 - NUIG College (Ragweek) Student bar
26 February 2009 - 22:45 - Roisin Dubh, Galway
02 March 2009 - University Limerick (Rag Week) Limerick
09 March 2009 - Griffith College (Rag Week), Dublin
15 March 2009 - Whelans, Dublin
16 March 2009 - South by Southwest Festival 2009 - Austin, Texas

 
 
 
 

Latest Single "Indication Street"
Available now in all good music shops, iTunes, & Downloadmusic.ie
SAVING J's previous singles: ”Bus Stop”, "Valentine”, and “Kick Off”
www.savingj.com ~ www.myspace.com/savingjmusic ~ www.bebo.com/SavingJ

The new video for the bands "Indication Street" was shot in Dublin is Directed by cult Director Eddie King and Produced by Paul Ward.
The video cast includes “Hollywood Trials” actor Emmett J Scanlon who is currently working with Justin Timberlake for an MTV production called “The Phone” and has starred in the CSI Miami in recent weeks.

View the INDICATION STREET Video on MUZU: www.muzu.tv/savingj

Kilkenny-based purveyors of power-pop SAVING J continue to tour the country with the likes of The Coronas, The Blizzards, Ham Sandwich, winning the musical hearts of all and bouncing all over the radio waves with their blitz of quality singles. Doing it the good old fashioned way by releasing a steady flow of brilliant singles, their ‘live’ following has grown to impressive numbers. Definately one to watch!

Upcoming SAVING J Live Dates:
11 Feb 2009 Pravda, Dublin
19 Feb 2009 Limerick Institute of Technology - Rag week
24 Feb 2009 N.U.I.G. - Galway- Rag week
03 Mar 2009 W.I.T - The Dome (w/ The Blizzards), Waterford - Rag week
12 Mar 2009 O Keefes Clonmel
13 Mar 2009 Wexford Arts Cenre, Wexford
27 Mar 2009 Greystones Theatre, Wicklow
03 Apr 2009 Purty Loft, Dun Laoighaire
22 Apr 2009 Whelan’s, Dublin

More to be announced; check www.savingj.com

 
 
 
 

DOUG SHERIDAN
Releases 3 Songs "Wait A While", “Ghost For You” & “I’m on Fire”

www.myspace.com/dougsheridanmusic

"Songs >From Just Outside The House" DELUXE EDITION Out 13/03/09 on Clothes Horse Music and iTunes



Two of the featured songs from the upcoming re-issue of the critically acclaimed album "Songs From Just Outside The House" DELUXE EDITION.
New single "Wait A While" and the radio hit "Ghost For You" now available on iTunes.
'Live' favourite "I'm On Fire", a cover of the Bruce Springsteen classic, has been made available due to popular demand.

A rising new talent on the Irish scene, Doug Sheridan’s bittersweet, haunting vocal style and his heartfelt lyrics are becoming a rising force across the country. Rich with raw emotion and poignant lyrics from start to finish, it takes you on a musical journey through hope, heartbreak and despair. One to watch!

Upcoming ::: LIVE ::: Doug Sheridan Shows:
06 Feb - Bewleys Cafe Theatre, Dublin
27 Feb - Passion Fruit Theatre, Athlone
08 March - The Purty SessionsDu, Dublin
13 March - Debarras, Cork


>>> For Information / Interview requests / Promotional CDs: contact Berube Communications:
Stevo Berube on info@berubecommunications.com or phone 0872442695 <<<

 

In mid 2008 Doug Sheridan releases his first album 'Songs From Just Outside The House'. It was recorded & mixed over 15 days at Sonic Eye Studios, Dublin. "The album is loosely based on a few people in a small town. It's from their perspective. Most of them are broken people I suppose. It's what they might say if they were asked how they really feel about things"

The album came about when Doug's brother introduced him to producer Rob Mac Leod. "I'd heard some stuff Rob had recorded and we talked about the kind of album I was going for. It was an intense 15 days but it turned out really well I think. I'm very proud of it. It wasn't about getting everything in tune or in time, just about getting a feeling across & I think we got that"

REVIEWS

SOUND + VISION "Graffiti"
'this album features ten beautifully written songs, all pegged by Sheridan himself. Rich with raw emotion and poignant lyrics from start to finish, it takes you on a musical journey through hope, heartbreak and despair. Accompanied by a set of beautiful melodies, the depth of these emotions is well evident throughout the album......This album is hopefully only the first of many offerings from this amazingly talented artist – GA

THE SUN
'This is a lyrical dream - well crafted, heartfelt stories with an incredibly addictive voice. He is a breath of fresh air'

THE STAR