Author Archives: Nick Kelly

Luan Parle – My Something Beautiful

Fancy a walk in the woods?

Then feast your eyes on the new video by Wicklow singer/songwriter Luan Parle.

My Something Beautiful is smartly written tale of romantic disappointment anchored by a splendid rootsy riff and Luan’s yearning vocal.

It’s the first single off Luan’s new album Never Say Goodbye which was recorded in Kilkenny and is out on February 7 on LPR Records.

The first part of Luan’s nationwide tour takes in Wexford Arts Centre on February 8; Bob’s Hideout, Durrow, County Laois, February 27; Birr Arts Theatre, County Offaly, February 28; and Balor Arts Centre, County Donegal, February 29.

Nick says: Something in the way she sings…

Luan Perle

Welcome to 2020 sound and vision.

To get you in the mood for the weekend, we’re offering a precious Golden Discs voucher worth exactly €25.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply tell me below what your favourite closing song is on an album.

Here’s mine (off this long player).

The winner will be chosen by my pet zebra.

Lines MUST close at 6am!

Please include video links if possible.

Nick says: Good luck.

Golden Discs

A.S. Fanning – Abandoned

Desperate times call for committed songwriters.

Step forward Berlin-based, Dublin-born gothic-folk musician A.S. Fanning (top).

Formerly frontman of Porn Trauma and The Last Tycoons, Fanning is set to release the follow-up to his 2017 debut album Second Life.

The golden-voiced Fanning describes his new single ‘Abandoned’ as being based on…

“…the sense that there’s this other tier of society, whose actions have a huge impact on the rest of us, but who behave with complete recklessness and without consequences. I suppose the song is written from the point of view of someone who’s feeling those consequences.”

The striking video comes courtesy of Grant and Adam Conversano.

Nick says: Get the message.

A.S. Fanning

At top: Christian Slater (left) in Interview With The Vampire, River Phoenix (right)

The Department of Culture and the Gaeltacht writes:

Above is a letter from Christian Slater to Neil Jordan.

River Phoenix was to play Daniel Molloy in Interview With The Vampire (1994). After his death the role went to Christian Slater (who donated his salary to Phoenix’s favourite charities).

Documents such as this were donated by Neil Jordan to the National Library of Ireland…

Previously: Heir Jordan

The votes are in!

Last week, with a tasty voucher for Golden Discs worth 25 big ones (Euros) on offer, I asked YOU to name a favourite song from the years 2010-2019 (this was mine.

You answered in your tens appropriately.

But there could be only one winner:

Third Place:

Myth by Beach House

Jonboy writes:

While there’s loads of brilliant songs, particularly from the first half of the decade, I would have to say the objectively correct answer is Beach House – Myth. It’s the kind of song where you can fall in love with someone on the drive home.

Runner up:

I Can’t Give Everything Away By David Bowie

Fez writes:

What a beautiful and sad way to say goodbye to the world. Ends the album and his life story beautifully

Winner:

Heart Is A Drum by Beck

Rosette of Sirius writes:

Midway thru the decade, Beck released what I believe to be his magnum opus. I am of course referring to Morning Phase. On that album, a track called Heart is a Drum stood out to me. As a track, it’s tight yet airy and warm. It’s melodic and has wonderful rhythm. It’s harmonies are syrupy and with its mellow but distinctive stringed bass, it’s a track (and album) I can’t stop playing. It’s also a piece of music imo that was made for vinyl. Or vice versa…Love it.

Thanks all.

Golden Discs

Last week: Win Nick’s Voucher

Lankum – Hunting The Wren

How do you like your trad?

If it’s dark, moody and brooding then you’re going to love this new live video by Lankum which was shot by Peadar Gill at their recent sell out show in Dublin’s Vicar Street.

Joining the band on stage are Adrian Crowley, Alex Borwick and John Dermody.

The song appears The Livelong Day which has been nominated for the Choice Music Prize.

Nick says: Winging it.

Lankum

Kodaline – Wherever You Are

Just ‘dropped’.

Director Riley Blakeway’s interpretation of Kodaline frontman Steve Garrigan’s lyrics focuses on a young couple (played by Teresa Oman and Nick Mahady ) in a blossoming relationship.

However…

‘…they’d always planned a trip to Morocco together, but his tragic death meant that it was an ambition that they couldn’t fulfill. She later decides to complete the journey alone. It’s a bittersweet experience: it’s the trip of a lifetime and a fitting way to say goodbye, but his absence is heartbreaking.’

Nick says: Mmf.

Kodaline

Tracy Bruen – Dream Away

Listen up, folks.

Galway singer/songwriter Tracy Bruen (top) has written an uplifting ode to the new Ireland.

She says:

“Dream Away is an anthem for love. Inspired by the feminist marches and protests for the rights of minorities across the island of Ireland, the song speaks to all in our society who have been marginalised and oppressed by a system which has left them in the cold.

“The song is a call for inclusion, solidarity and love. It appeals to the power of people to heal through kindness and effect change for all together.”

The video was shot by AMW Visual, on location in Galway and features many well known Galweigans, members of Tracy’s own family, her bandmates and closest friends.

Nick says: Sweet dream.

Tracy Bruen