Author Archives: Nick Kelly

Peter Broderick – Ode To Blackberry

Succulent.

Originally from Carlton, Oregon, but now living in the West of Ireland, indie folkster Peter Broderick (top) returns with a tune paying tribute to his favourite fruit while the video animation is by Chad Van Gaalen.

The album Blackberry is out now.

Peter says:

“What an honour to have Chad’s animation accompanying this tune. During my brief stint working in a record shop in Portland (Oregon) several years ago, Chad stopped in one day while passing through town, and this is how I first met him. I was struck by how warm and friendly he was, then later discovered what a brilliant artist he is. Isn’t it great when brilliant artists are also nice people?”

It sure is.

Nick says: The good seed.

Peter Broderick

This morning.

The discovery of a woman’s body inside a tent at Lynch’s Lane, Ronanstown, Clondalkin last Saturday brought to more than 50 the number of homeless people who have died this year.

Via The Irish Examiner:

As of Monday night there were 133 homeless in Dublin and we are not even seeing the full extent of what is happening,” explained [Independent councillor and CEO/ Co- Founder of Inner City Helping Homeless] Anthony Flynn

He revealed that homeless people don’t feel safe in many privately funded hostels and shelters, “as many are the scrapping of the bottle of the barrel with too many people sharing sleeping arrangements.

Cllr Flynn added: “Despite advice from the Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan for homeless people to seek shelter due to fears over their health and Covid-19 they feel safer on the streets because of poor conditions being provided.

“They don’t want to raise their chances of contracting the virus living in cramped and overcrowded conditions and they genuinely feel more secure going back out on the streets.”

Two bank holiday deaths bring to 50 number of homeless to die this year (Irish Examiner)

The Stars Of Heaven – Lights Of Tetouan

Continuing our series of underrated Irish music since 1960 (unearthed by our recent Golden Discs music competition), reader Brother Barnabas selects Dublin dreamers The Stars Of Heaven who shone bright in the 1980s.

Singer Stephen Ryan went on to form The Revenants in the ’90s and most recently The Drays.
Guitarist Stan Erraught went on to form The Sewing Room.

This lyric video (above) is for a song about a trip to Morocco taken from their 1988 album Speak Slowly (top).

Brother Barnabas writes:

“Just one of my favourite ever songs.”

Nick says: Magnetic North Africa.

This afternoon.

Crock of Gold.

The official trailer for Julien Temple’s Victoria Mary Clarke/Johnny Depp-produced, Ralph Steadman-animated documentary on Shane MacGowan has just ‘dropped’ (after a bit of a stagger).

Thanks Fanning Sessions

Meanwhile…

The Swedish Railway Orchestra – There’s Too Much Love

In Dublin’s fair city, where the streets are so empty…

For the latest single from The Swedish Railway Orchestra’s self-titled album, Rob Smith has set his pulsating groove to footage of the capital during lockdown, shot by video director and editor Barry Finnegan.

Nick says: Block(down) party

The Swedish Railway Orchestra

Blink – Going To Nepal

Continuing our series of underrated Irish music since 1960 (unearthed during a recent Golden Discs music competition), reader Muchacho Gordo-Delgado chooses lovable 1990s Dublin indie pop troopers Blink, who were led by Dermot Lambert (top).

Muchacho writes:

“Forget your 182s, this is the original Blink.”

Blink says:

“We spent an afternoon going around Dublin on the back of a 40-foot truck playing this song, setting off car alarms and, yes, frightening horses.”

Nick says: Kathmandu-be-du.

Blink

Thank Fred it’s Friday.

That means it’s time for another music competition. This week the question is: What in your opinion is the greatest moment in heavy metal?

A song we can dedicate to all the moshpit-missing, devil-horn handed headbangers caged in by Lockdown.

Reply below to be in with a chance of bagging a hair-tangled €25 Golden Discs voucher.

Here’s mine.

Please include video links if possible.

The winner will be chosen by my tattooist.

Lines close at 5.45pm EXTENDED until 11pm.

Nick says: Good luck!

Golden Discs

Paddy Goodwin & The Holy Ghosts – Is This Still America?

Are you ready for a protest song?

Hailing from Drogheda, County Louth, Paddy Goodwin and his blues-rockin’ band offer a visceral state-of-the-nation address to our neighbours across the pond.

No punches pulled.

Nick says: Waking up from the American dream.

Paddy Goodwin & The Holy Ghosts

Simple Kid – Serotonin

Continuing our series of underrated Irish music since 1960 unearthed by our Golden Discs music competition last week, reader Liam chose Cork indietronic hipster Ciaran McFeeley aka Simple Kid, who shone brightly in the Noughties.

Serotonin was released in 2007.

Liam said:

“I’d argue the Kid is one of the most underrated Irish artists full stop. He quit the business for a number of years due to lack of success but is back making music again, and it’s still great!”

Nick says: The Kid is alright.

Simple Kid