Strand – Stole A Train
Can you hear that lonesome whistle blow?
This polished gem of a song can be found on Strand’s album Can’t Trust The Rain and features Niall F Toner (vocals, guitar), Duncan Maitland (guitar and vocals), Ger Kiely (guitar), Les Keye (bass, vocals and production duties), Kevin Malone (drums) and Darragh O Ceallaigh (keyboards).
The video by Liam Grant features archive footage of Buster Keaton and pleasing geometric shapes.
Nick says: The right side of the tracks.
Photo from the back page of The Word magazine February 1967.
“Young John is not a bit afraid of air travel, especially when he has his teddy bear and an understanding hostess with him.” pic.twitter.com/GqjRyvlKiv
— Brand New Retro (@brandnewretro) February 22, 2021
1967.
Good times.
Sun Mashene – The Righteous One
They’re bringing shoegazing back.
A wondrous wall of sound envelops Sun Mashene’s new single commenting on cancel culture.
It comes with a quirky and unsettling video directed by Ste Murray and featuring Annie Ryan (top) and Alana Horgan Smyth in a sort of Kubrick nightmare shot in Kilfane House, Kilkenny.
Great work all round.
Nick says: Sun worshipper.
Thank Frances it’s Friday.
That can only mean one thing: another music competition.
This week, I want to know: What’s your favourite song of this millennium? So, from 2000-2021.
Reply below to be in with a chance of winning a coveted Currys PC World voucher worth €20.
Here’s mine.
The winner will be chosen by my chef.
Please include video links if possible.
Lines close at Saturday 11am.
Nick says: Good luck!
Earlier: Last week’s winner here.
Carina Maher and friends, Linenhall Street, Dublin, Ireland 1985
From #DublinBeforeTheTiger (1982-1992), the most comprehensive series about the inner city before the boom.
For prints: see email address in header.
For more images please FOLLOW & RETWEET.@photosofdublin pic.twitter.com/8tYWDVoUU9— David Jazay (@DavidJazay) February 18, 2021
1985.
Don’t forget the cat.
Where are they now, anyone?
John Spillane – We Come In The Wind
Sail away with me.
Cork’s finest, John Spillane (top), is back with a fine new single from his new album 100 Snow White Horses, due on April 2.
The atmospheric ballad features ethereal backing vocals from Pauline Scanlon and was produced by John Reynolds.
The press blurb says:
“We Come In The Wind’ is based on the 3 Imramma or Wonder Voyages of Irish literature: The Voyage of Bran; The Voyage of Maeldun; and The Voyage of St. Brendan. It’s a fairytale dream journey inspired by some of John’s favourite old Irish stories.”
Nick says: A mighty wind.
The votes are in.
Last week, with a Currys PC World Voucher worth 20 big ones (€20) on offer, I asked you to name your favourite song by a Scandinavian artist?
You replied in your dozens, providing a Nordiculously decent playlist of seriously-sound Scandi choonage
But there could be only one winner.
Third Place:
We’re from Barcelona by I’m from Barcelona
Col writes:
“I saw this Swedish band in Galway many moons ago: 29 band members, many instruments and plenty of confetti, it was such an amazing live experience!”
Runner-up:
Slipping Through My Fingers by ABBA
Millie Bobby Brownie writes:
“I have a special place in my heart for this song. My own little lady is growing up much too quickly for my tastes and this beautiful, bittersweet song always makes me stop and appreciate every small moment with her, every funny little quirk, and appreciate how lucky I am to have a child like her.”
Winner:
Quiet Night by Anna Ternheim
Harry Warren writes:
“I nominate the haunting song that was used as the theme tune for the best Nordic noir TV series, the Swedish/Svensk version of Wallander. It breathes that dark part of Swedish society: cold, lonely, sad, perfect for Krister Henriksson‘s interpretation of Wallander.”
Nick says: Thanks all.
Blue Fish Diamond – Sunshine In My Brain
At the end of a storm…
Blue Fish Diamond have some words of reassurance for those struggling with their mental health on their new single.
Singer Jim Murphy writes:
“We live in a time where anxiety and despair are increasingly commonplace but also a time where there is greater openness about mental health issues and where hope exists through communal support. A song for today’s world, I hope listening to Sunshine In My Brain has a cathartic effect against the challenges that we all face whether ongoing or from time to time.”
Blue Fish Diamond are Jim Murphy (rhythm guitar & lead vocals), Shay Sweeney (drums), Ronan Quinn (bass), Laura Ryder (piano), Axel McDonald (lead guitar), Matilda O’Mahony (backing vocals) and Ella Ryan (backing vocals).
Nick says: A ray of light.
The votes are in.
Last Sunday, with a special heart-shaped €50 Golden Discs voucher on offer, I asked you to share a Valentine dedication.
You answered in your doe-eyed dozens.
But there could be only one winner:
Friends In Time by The Golden Horde (ft Larry Gogan)
Andy Pipkin writes:
“When I discussed this competition with herself and I told her I was going too dedicate a song to the first love of my life which is, music (and live music) let’s just say it didn’t go down so well!
“So I thought I better do the right thing and dedicate my choice to my best friend, my soul mate, my beautiful angel and hopefully soon to be Mrs Pipkin!
“Unbelievably she’s not really into music but this has been our song since I first introduced her to it.”
Nick says: Aww.
Last Sunday: Win Nick’s Valentine Voucher
Wonderful photos of St Mary’s camogie team in East Wall in the early 1920s and an all-nighter dance they organised in 1924 in the Irene Hall, Parnell Sq which went on from 10.30pm-6.30am! Credit: Joe Mooney (East Wall History Group) / David Whittaker. Sam pic.twitter.com/jqYJ1uMtng
— Come Here To Me! (@chtmdublin) February 17, 2021
1924.
6.30am.
One more croon!
