Author Archives: Nick Kelly

This afternoon.

In fairness.

Meanwhile…

The Riptide Movement – Turn On The Lights

Christmastime in Dublin city.

Lucan lads The Riptide Movement share a hopeful message in their new single to lift the gloom.

Recorded in Texas, the anthemic song features on the current Guinness campaign #KeepTheLightsOn which “shines a light on pubs highlighting their readiness for a safe re-opening.”

The nostalgic video was made by Crooked Gentlemen Films in pre-covid times.

Nick says: My kind of town.

The Riptide Movement

The votes are in.

Last week, with an EU-friendly €25 Golden Discs voucher on offer, I asked you to name your favourite song whose title features a European city?

You answered in your dozens.

But there could only be one winner.

Third Place:

Das Ist Berlin by Marlene Dietrich

Harry writes:

‘The fabulously glamorous Marlene Dietrich. Captures Berlin beautifully.’

Runner-up:

Barcelona by Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballé

Frilly Keane writes:

‘Ye’ll know it – most likely as the Barcelona Olympics (92) Grand Opener. But it was actually completed in 88 to meet the Olympic deadline. Caballé was originally invited by the Barcelona Bid Team – her home city, soon after they won the games in 87. But she immediately reached out to Freddy Mercury. And this is the result + an album. It definitely set the tone for the games. Anyone remember the diving events from Barcelona ’92? Of course Freddy never got to see the reaction as he passed in 91 But to me this is his Masterpiece. Play it at full blast.’

Winner:

Paris Match by The Style Council & Tracey Thorn

Eamonn writes:

‘By a fortuitous turn of events I was listening to Café Bleu by The Style Council only yesterday. It is as if the gods of my record collection were directing me. My choice number 1 would be this…”The gift you gave was desire – the match that started my fire”… Weller showing no fear – swapping Monkey Boots and Lonsdale tops for Penny Loafers,fine knits and galouise – Ooh La La – confusing and conflicting many acolytes – no power chords, no anger, no bite. New beginnings. And Tracey Thorn. what a voice.’

Nick says: Merci all.

Last Week: Win Nick’s Voucher


Revelino – Don’t Lead Me Down

Continuing our series of underrated Irish music since 1960, reader Andy Pipkin hails Dublin sharp-shooters Revelino, led by Brendan Tallon, whose debut eponymous 1994 album (top) has been remastered and re-released on vinyl.

Andy says:

“‘Don’t Lead Me Down’ is out this Friday to coincide with the release of the 2nd vinyl pressing of their debut album ‘Revelino’ which sold out within 2 weeks last month and went straight to No 1 in the Irish Indie charts.”

The new video contains footage from the cult Irish gangster flick I Went Down (1997) directed by Paddy Breathnach.

Nick says: Wild mercury Revelino.

Revelino

The rot set in soon after.

FIGHT!

Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews


Sam Wickens – Strange.24

Life’s a maze.

The powerful new single and video from Sam Wickens (top) deals with a sensitive topic close to his heart.

The singer/songwriter from Bangor, County Down, says:

“It’s a song about the acceptance of recovering from a battle with mental illness; the feeling of something changing within my life and trying to accept that it is actually happening.

“After fighting with mental illnesses for such a long time, the possibility of it leaving was a complete myth to me. Life without deep hopelessness seemed strange to me as I was accustomed to the black hole that was my normality.

“Just as you would need to get used to living in a new home, I had to get used to living as a person that was no longer mentally ill. This song was a therapeutic way to help me move on with my recovery.”

Strange.24 follows on from last year’s album All I’ve Seen and is the lead single from his EP Watson, due next February.

Sam plays The Workman’s Club, Dublin, on April 1, 2021.

Nick says: Sing it Sam.

Sam Wickens

Engine Alley – A Song For Someone

Continuing our series of underrated Irish music since 1960, step forward Kilkenny/Dublin glamsters Engine Alley who caused a splash in the 1990s.

Led by brothers Canice (top far left) and Brian Kenealy, they added a dash of colour to the local rock scene. A Song For Someone is from their self-titled second album released on Mother Records in 1993.

This live performance is from James Whale’s show on UK TV.

Nick says: Glamorama.

Orla Gartland – Pretending

A restroom with a view.

London-based Dublin singer/songwriter Orla Gartland (top) hangs out in the jacks in the innovative video for her new single, directed by Rosie Brear.

With over a quarter of a million views on YouTube, Orla copperfastens her reputation as an internet sensation.

Nick says: Royal flush.

Orla Gartland