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.
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.
Villagers – Nothing Arrived
Continuing our series of underrated Irish music since 1960, reader Brother Barnabas coos over alt.folk heroes Villagers, led by Conor O’Brien.
Nothing Arrived appeared on their second album awayland in 2013. This live performance is from the Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show on Today FM.
Brother says:
“An extraordinary songwriter.”
Nick says: Leave it to Mr. O’Brien.
Mary Coughlan – Family Life
Now this is something special.
National treasure Mary Coughlan conjures a deeply felt cover of The Blue Nile‘s heartbreaking Christmas ballad Family Life from her new album Life Stories.
Mary says:
“The track ‘Family Life’ is deeply personal to me, I think it will resonate with people this Christmas in particular.”
Ain’t that the truth.
And here‘s the original version.
Nick says: Happy Christmas, Mary.
The Subterraneans – Game Show
Continuing our series of underrated Irish music since 1960, reader axelf makes the case for 1980s/’90s act The Subterraneans, who comprised Derek Barter (bass, vocals), Paddy Brady (guitar), Brian Murphy (keyboards) and Colm Coughlan (drums).
Game Show was produced by Pete Holidai (of The Radiators fame) and released by Mother Records in 1991.
Axelf writes:
“I heard this gem on MT USA wayyyy back. It was a staple of the show for many months.”
Nick says: The name of the game.
Bright Falls – The Widows Homes
A house is not a home…
Introducing Bright Falls, the project of singer/songwriter Eddie McCormack (top) from Thurles, County Tipperary.
The video, shot in a dilapidated house by Dominic Coleman and Benjamin Walsh, complements the song’s theme of a broken relationship.
Nick says: Bright here, Bright now.
The Darkling Air – Beholding You
Float on.
Based in Bangor, County Down, Michael Keeney and Rachel McCarthy aka The Darkling Air seduce us with this wonderful new video shot by Rachel at Crawfordsburn Country Park near their home.
The song is taken from their album Ancestor.
Globe Lights, another song from the album, features on the ad for RTÉ One’s The Late Late Toy Show.
Michael says:
“As a kid who grew up in Donegal, I’m only too aware of the significance of the Toy Show to families at Christmas and we’re delighted a song we wrote is part of that excitement this year.”
Nick says: Up Down!
October Fires – In The Gloom
A gloom with a view.
Three cheers for Ciaran Diver‘s atmospheric video to accompany the new single by Kikdare’s October Fires.
Comprising Carol Somers, Lisa Baker, Eoghan O’Neill and Eric Somers, the band’s sound has been described as “Radiohead meets Tori Amos“.
Nick says: A good month.
Pugwash – It’s Nice To Be Nice
Continuing our series of underrated Irish music since 1960, Andy Pipkin leads the applause for Dublin power pop supremos Pugwash, led by the inimitable Thomas Walsh.
This single is from their 2005 album Jollity.
Andy Pipkin writes:
“A sentiment that I was taught from an early age and is still embedded in my DNA… especially in these strange times.”
Nick says: Nice one.
