Author Archives: Nick Kelly

For your consideration.

‘Through Her Eyes’.

A History of Ireland in 21 women.

Author Clodagh Finn writes:

I’ve been time-travelling, looking for forgotten women in Irish history.

Starting in the Stone Age, I found a far more rich and varied history of women than you might ever imagine from reading conventional history.

There were thinkers, toilers, soldiers, sailors – to misquote the old rhyme – and many more besides; powerbrokers, adventurers, artists and magicians.

Some favourites – St Dahalin, an early Irish miracle-worker and saint; Roesia de Verdun, a 12th-century noblewoman and the only woman ever to build a castle in Ireland; Lady Ranelagh, chemist Robert Boyle’s brilliant older sister; Cork-born Clotilde Graves, one of the first female journalists on Fleet Street.

The launch at 6pm in Hodges Figgis, Dawson Street, Dublin 2 on October 16. Everyone welcome. There will be wine…

Name those cover girls (top), anyone?

Pre-order here (Eason) and here (Dubray).

 

Thomas Walsh (top) has long been recognised as one of Ireland’s finest songwriters.

As the lead singer with power-pop maestros Pugwash and Neil Hannon‘s foil in The Duckworth Lewis Method, Thomas has written some of the best tunes this side of XTC and ELO.

Now our local music community have rallied round their friend, who is unwell, in his time of need by recording a tribute album in his honour titled This Could Be Good.

A wonderful gesture, we hope the album finds a home far and wide.

This Could Be Good – A Tribute To The Music of Thomas Walsh, by Various Artists

Ore – Crash

“Who caused the crash, baby?”

That’s the chorus of the debut single by Ore aka Emmett O’Reilly.

It’s a deceptively jaunty pop confection but scratch the surface and there’s a deadly serious political blue pill underneath its Wonkalicious sugar coating.

The answer to the question is hinted at in the video, which was edited by Emmett.

The Dublin-based musician – who worked for Hot Press magazine – was once the singer of a New Romantic group in the 1980s called Montage and is currently assembling a tribute band to David Bowie called Earthlings. Watch this space (oddity).

Nick says: The men who sold the world better watch out.

*snigger*

Free October 19?

Via The Stables

Join Creation Records founder Alan McGee as he discusses his career with journalist Ronan Casey, the music industry and his relationship with bands such as Oasis, My Bloody Valentine, Primal Scream, The Jesus and Mary Chain and The Libertines.

Guests on the night doing special acoustic sets are Midlands band Cronin, Matt McManamon (Dead 60’s, The Specials) and Creation Records DJ spinning the best of Alan’s career till the small hours….

Alan McGee, The Stables, Mullingar (Eventbrite)

Rumours has it.

As does Tango In The Night. And Tusk.

Yes the music of Fleetwood Mac is beloved by millions. So what better way to spend a Sunday night than seeing the first-class tribute to Lindsey, Stevie, Christine, John and Mick that is Mack Fleetwood?

Mack play Whelan’s of Wexford Street, Dublin, on Sunday September 7 and I have TWO free tickets to give away.

Simply tell me below what your favourite Fleetwood Mac song is and why.

Lines MUST close at 5.45pm EXTENDED until Midnight!

Nick says: Good luck!

Mack Fleetwood at Whelan’s (Whelan’s)

Tired of rain-soaked outdoor festivals/GAA matches and prefer the great indoors?

Then we have just the tonic for you.

Irish ska/punk trio The Dubtones play the Alternative Sunday Social Club in The Wild Duck, Dublin 2, at 5pm – following the All-Ireland Football Final – this Sunday with support from The Lechers.

Here they are (above) in a practice session kicking out the jams with extreme prejudice.

Nick says: Jive in a row!

The Dubtones

Name all those jammers, anyone?

Update:

Update:

Thanks Paul R

Jane Willow – The Fool

Going Dutch?

Jane is a neo-folk singer from Holland who is based in Dublin.

The video for her recent single is set in and around Dublin 4 and is a memorable portrait of suburbia.

Having supported the likes of The Unthanks this summer, Jane headlines her own show with her band in Whelan’s of Wexford St on September 27 where she will launch her next single Rise Above It All.

Nick says: Brilliant Orange.

Jane Willow