Actually the new single by Seba Safe (aka Michael D’Alton, top) is not a cover of the Springsteen classic but an original composition.
Released on the Nettwerk label, it has echoes of vintage Bon Iver.
Michael writes:
“This song is about not feeling good enough for anyone and finding the differences between you and others to use as validation to end things.
“The choruses deal with happier times when things felt better to try again. I blame myself for the relationship ending but ultimately know it was never going to work.”
Indefatigable firebrand Cathal Coughlan releases a new single from his 4-song EP Of Co-Aklan on Dimple Discs.
Cathal writes:
“The theme of “Tangerine” is the extent to which an ancient festival of remembrance and comfort such as Samhain has had its worth parlayed right down to little more than a colour code and some Disney visual tropes through the heart-free steamroller that is Capital.
“The last few years, especially since the start of the first wave of the pandemic, have shown that a lot of the cushy assumptions we were encouraged to adopt in regard to prosperity, the purpose of paid work, and the “guarantees” made by the modern capitalist society to the citizen can ring hollow in the face of something as dumb as a killer/maimer virus that won’t just give up when it’s told that the public is getting bored with it.
“At the same time, the trinket-selling business of capitalism goes on, hoping that the same old annual or weekly cycle of consumption will remain alive. This can mean anything from chain coffee shops on streets which used to house only independent businesses, to greeting card shops which somehow have to keep the lights on in times of little cheer.
“And so Hallowe’en inevitably rolls around. Once quite a sombre and spartan matter of children’s treats and games, the whole planet has been pressed to adopt the North American way – house “decorations”, horror movie rentals and of course a dedicated set of greeting cards.
“There’s no time to stop and reflect that 2020, especially, was a time of greater bereavement than usual, much of it concealed by lockdown circumstances. No slack cut by the tat hacks. This by-rote pageantry of the seasonal tat for trademark Hallowe’en serves only to mock this true suffering, and by extension, I’d assert, most genuine human feeling at a time when the course of history is perceptibly altering.”
The video is directed by Marry Waterson, of the legendary Waterson folk dynasty.
People aged 65 years and over are now eligible for their second #COVID19 booster vaccine. Those with a weak immune system aged 12 and over can also get their second booster when it is due. For more information or to book an appointment visit: https://t.co/rF5cH5BhSc#ForUsAllpic.twitter.com/gNWKLMn4mP
Aus My Word, Averaging 50k cases a day, 60 plus deaths per day and all this carnage after reaching 95% Double Vaxxed….And now Morrison is categorically saying that People are dying With and not From Covid. Ask yourself a question, is this a Genuine Pandemic or not… pic.twitter.com/aeeEJmmffb
Some lovely cropmarks at Ballyboher, Co. Wexford, including ring-ditches, enclosures and field systems (Photo Skypix Aerial Works & via NMS historic viewer) pic.twitter.com/fm1nR7S5Z7
I gotta feeling you’re gonna like our music competition: we’re offering you the chance to win 2 tickets to see The Black Eyed Peas and guests in concert in Galway’s Pearse Stadium on June 4th.
From the press blurb:
“Set your sights on the Tribe this June Bank Holiday as pop culture icons Black Eyed Peas perform their first Irish gig in over 11 years. The city will come alive when one of the world’s most exciting, dynamic and successful groups of our generation play to 26,000 fans in Galway’s Pearse Stadium on June 4th 2022 as Galway will be the launch pad for their European tour. Limited tickets available here.
“See lead vocalist will.i.am, and rappers apl.de.ap, Taboo and J.Rey Soul perform the iconic tracks that defined an entire generation. Fans can expect a monster set filled with the ageless classics ‘Pump it’ and ‘Let’s Get It Started’ through to international megahits like ‘I Gotta Feeling’ and ‘Where is the Love’.”
Also on the bill are UK neo-soul singer Gabrielle, local punk-pop heroes The Blizzards and Dea Matrona.
To enter, simply tell us what your favourite memory of Galway is?
The last two years have shown us that there are precious few real rebels left in the entertainment industry.
One of the rare exceptions has come from the unlikeliest of sources: take a bow, Right Said Fred.
Now The Freds have found time in between dropping truth bombs (or ‘medical misinformation’ – the choice is yours!) on Twitter to deliver a heartfelt and soulful new single with an equally arresting video.
Nick says: Never mind the begrudgers and curmudgeons.
.@ElonMusk: “It’s hard to tell what Biden’s doing, to be frank. The real president is whoever controls the teleprompter … The path to power is the path to the teleprompter … If someone were to accidentally lean on the teleprompter, it would be like ‘Anchorman,' ‘UUASDF123'” pic.twitter.com/2qJKbaWXNr
Former Grand Pocket Orchestra frontman Paddy Hanna (top) returns with the second single from his forthcoming album Imagine I’m Hoping, due in Autumn on the Strange Brew imprint.
Paddy writes:
“The song started as an improvised rap about Mike Love from The Beach Boys, and over time it mutated into a cheerful bop about an identity crisis. There isn’t a day where I don’t feel like an imposter, so why not write a catchy tune about it.”
The video was directed and edited by Alex Lynch and Liam Farrell.
Paddy adds:
“I feel the directors and crew captured the fear, anxiety and joyful absurdity of a performer’s life. Perhaps the most concerning part is that despite the video’s peculiarities, it mirrors reality to an almost uncomfortable degree.”
