The Irish Government has announced the extension of the requirement for a pre-departure negative/not detected PCR tests to passenger arrivals from ALL countries from Saturday 16 January 2021. The test must be taken within 72 hours prior to arrival
👉https://t.co/4BLj1ZiEkB pic.twitter.com/dcxdx5wpJr
— Irish Foreign Ministry (@dfatirl) January 13, 2021
This afternoon.
Good times.
Coming soon.
‘The United States Vs Billie Holliday’
Andy Pipkin writes:
I hope some of your readers might find this new movie (released in February) of interest, it’s about one of the most unique and greatest vocalist ever and the tough life she had.
The first trailer explores the tragic story of singer Billie Holiday, the racial inequalities of 1940s America and her encounters with the Federal Bureau of Narcotics.
The jazz singer, portrayed by Andra Day, (whom I’m tipping for an Oscar) came under fire by the agency after performing the song “Strange Fruit” which condemns the U.S. history of lynching Black people.
The film, directed by Lee Daniels, focuses on Holiday’s dealings with federal agents, who allegedly began to target her due to her alcohol and drug abuse. Their behavior, however, was based more on her political sway with “Strange Fruit” than her actual struggles, according to NPR. An FBI memo even acknowledged that the Federal Bureau of Narcotics hoped to discredit people like her through their use of narcotics…
The United States Vs Billie Holliday
Alex Gough – That’s My Job
Golf and hip-hop are two things that don’t usually go together. So welcome to the world of Alex Gough.
The 21-year-old drummer, rapper and producer rose to prominence after his song ‘Dear SJ’ featured in the TV series “Normal People’.
Now he’s back with a song written and recorded during the first lockdown and mixed in Los Angeles by Nate Burgess. The video is directed by Debbie Scanlan.
Alex headlines The Grand Social, Dublin, on May 29.
Alex says:
“You can’t constantly look after everyone else without looking after yourself first. That is “That’s My Job” in a nutshell right there.”
Nick says: A hole in one.
Post-Party – Being Honest
Revenge is a dish best served cold.
Dublin-based pop-rock quartet Post-Party stick it to the bullies in their latest video directed by the band’s Colin Peppard.
Peppard and his bandmates Keelan O’Reilly, Matthew O’Reilly and Peter Toal aim to write songs reflective of their own experiences.
Fans of The Strokes will cheer from the sidelines.
Nick says: Party time.
Colm Hayes & Friends – New England
A wistful ballad for our times.
Singer/songwriter Colm Hayes gathers a band of brothers in remote locations to produce this powerful song.
The players are: Colm (guitar and vocals); Cian McCarthy (keyboards); Rowan Sherlock (fiddle); David Murphy (pedal steel); Alan Murphy (backing vocals); Niall Dennehy (drums) and Tom Edwards (bass).
Colm says:
“A gentle song of foreboding that perfectly mirrors my current mood.”
Nick says: The best Hayes of our lives.
Cathal Coughlan – Song Of Co-Aklan
She’s still trying to pronounce his name.
Former Microdisney and Fatima Mansions colossus Cathal Coughlan has dropped a new video on his YouTube channel.
Filmed with his band remotely, it’s another banger.
Welcome back!
Nick says: CC incidentally.
‘Desert Island Golden Discs’.
A playlist of the 2020 winners of my weekly Golden Discs voucher competition.
Compiled by Andy Pikin, who writes:
The Broadsheet community came up with thousands of brilliant suggestions, resulting in a brilliant playlist ever week. With some of the results more controversial then the US election.
So enjoy 2020’s playlist of the winners…
An incredible diverse and eclectic mixture of music, but brilliant at the same time.
A playlist that amazingly enough only has one artist getting two songs on the list, the brilliant Townes Van Zandt!
Thanks to too everyone who contributes every week, I’ve learned a lot of new/old music and some brilliant videos. I remember someone saying it’s like been in the pub on a Friday with your mates talking about music, and that’s exactly how I feel!
Thank You Nick! And Thank you Golden Discs for their continued support for Irish artists and this competition!! And thank you all.
Thank you, Andy!
The voucher competition will return next week.
Sara Bini – Unlock Me Down
Italian musician Sara Bini (top) will be known to Morrissey fans for her impassioned covers of his songs which have been shared on Morrissey’s own website.
She describes herself as a “singer, Biomusic operator, violin player poet and songwriter.”
Here, she sings one of her own compositions, which she introduces as:
“The ultimate cry for freedom in a more and more dehumanised world.”
Nick says: That’s amore.
Meanwhile…
Manchester curry house This Charming Naan.
From the Punjab.
LP record from Mercier Press, Cork 1967.
Design by Cor Klaasen pic.twitter.com/AiSLMQLO8n— Brand New Retro (@brandnewretro) January 8, 2021
Do not play it backwards.
John Blek – Right Moves
Home videos is where the heart is.
The pride of Cork, John Blek, returns with a song written during and about lockdown.
It’s the first single from his forthcoming album Digressions #2: Grounded (top), which will be available on limited edition vinyl and CD.
The press blurb says:
“Recorded at home in isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, Grounded is Blek’s effort to regain a sense of balance and purpose during this period of great uncertainty. It shows the artist drawing from a new well of sound, embracing synthesis, remote recording and electronic instruments for the first time.
“With the process being as integral to the message as the songs themselves, John wanted to demonstrate the sound of a world in the digital age while still maintaining his signature warm acoustic tones and reverence for the simple things in life.”
Amen.
Nick says: Back to Blek.
