Orla Gartland – You’re Not Special, Babe
“If you could see yourself from the outside in…”
Dublin-born, London-based alt.pop star Orla Gartland (top) has already clocked up nearly a quarter of a million views of her latest video.
Directed by Orla and Greta Isaac, the impressive choreography gives off Kate Bush vibes.
The single is from her debut album Woman On The Internet, due later this month.
Nick says: G Special.
Jacqui Sharkey – The Light
There is a light that never goes out.
Donegal-based singer/songwriter Jacqui Sharkey (top) shares her first single since she signed with Peer Music.
The scenic video was shot at the Inishtrahull Light Fanad Lighthouse near Malin Head.
Jacqui writes:
“I am really excited to share this video with everyone. We are blessed to be surrounded by beauty here in Donegal, and the spectacular lighthouse on the Fanad Peninsula seemed like the perfect location for it. ‘The Light’ shone bright for us at the perfect time on a very cloudy day, so I hope that is a good sign!”
Nick says: To the lighthouse.
Ward – ChildsPlay
Summer days drifting away…
Waterford singer, multi-instrumentalist and producer Sean Ward (18) introduces himself as a real talent to watch out for on his new single from his EP, Strawberry Jam, due August 20 on Egg Twelve Records.
The press blurb says:
“The lyrical content addresses the vicious cycle of repeating the same mistakes over and over in a relationship to the point where it becomes comical to both parties involved, where the relationship itself becomes as trivial as child’s play.”
Nick says: Ward stories.
One Morning In August – Time
What better time to belatedly feature One Morning In August than… one morning in August!
The Waterford/Carlow duo of Stephen Byrne (drums) and John Phelan (vocals, guitar and instrumentation) released their eponymous album last year on FIFA Records.
Producer David Ayers also played on and mastered the album.
The video is by John Haggis.
Nick says: August is a wicked month.
Klubber Lang – There, There
Ever wondered what the bastard son of The Fall and the Pixies would sound like?
Wonder no more. Dublin post-punk tyros Klubber Lang – named for Sylvester Stallone’s nemesis in Rocky III – rock the joint with this visceral groove, while today its follow-up, Sleep Well, is released as a single.
The band are: Ciaran McGoldrick (vocals and bass); Ciaran Tallon (guitar, ex-Revelino); Fin O’Leary (drums, ex-Mexican Pets); Ronan McHugh (keyboards, producer).
The video was directed by Rory McDonald.
Nick says: Lang time no see.
A. Smyth – Tempt
A betrayal.
Behold the powerful video for Dublin-based songsmith A. Smyth‘s single, taken from his debut album Last Animals.
Produced and directed by Rioghnach Ni Ghriogair, it stars actors Aaron Monaghan and Clare Monnelly as a couple torn apart by infidelity.
Great work all round.
Nick says: Tempted by the fruit of another.
The results are in.
Last Friday, from a suggestion by Scottser and with a €50 Golden Discs voucher redeemable in any Golden Discs store on offer, I asked you for your favourite live act (and their best-performed banger).
You answered in your dozens.
But there could be only one winner.
Third Place:
Red Right Hand by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Nicorigo writes:
“Without a doubt I have to say Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. Nick the man’s gigs are thrilling, compelling, hallucinated. Nick the man would dazzle his audience from just a stare. You might love or hate his work but you have to give him that, the man is bewitching.
“Here he is (above) performing one of his live staple, Red Right Hand, in Kilmainham Royal Hospital back in 2018, a show, once again, of biblical proportion. (hilarious little digression from 2:05).”
Runner-up:
So Long Marianne by Leonard Cohen.
Penfold writes:
“Had the amazing pleasure of seeing him play at Lissadell House in Sligo. Ben Bulben behind the stage, Lissadell House in the background and the water to the right, it was an amazing setting.
“Took my parents and it was simply a magical experience. What made it more special, if possible, was my grandmother and grand-aunts had worked there as youngsters, and we just had to walk back to an old family house that was at the start of being done up and camped out after.
“Aside from when he met his grandchildren for the first time, I can’t remember tears in my Dad’s eyes other than at this gig.”
Winner:
Samhradh Samhradh by The Gloaming
Paulus writes:
“One of my all time favourites; I’ve seen them a few times live, they practically had a residency in the NCH for a while. It’s hard to imaging a better interpretation, while remaining true to the spirit of the original song.
“Iarla’s voice and diction are perfect for this. Thomas Bartlett’s pose at the piano can be a little theatrical but you can’t say he doesn’t engage with the music. I love every note of it, and of course they can re-create their studio recordings live because there’s no added flummery. This leaves them free to introduce a little improvisation based on a nod and a wink!”
Nick says: Well done, Paulus and thanks all.
Last week: Win Nick’s Golden Voucher
Soda Blonde – Small Talk
Soda so good.
The title track from the new album by irrepressible electro-pop gurus Soda Blonde gets a slick and polished video courtesy of director Adam O’Regan.
The band’s Irish and UK tour kicks off on August 13 at the Wild Roots Festival in Sligo.
Nick says: Faye of light.
The Zen Arcade – High Fidelity
Zen and the art of power pop maintenance.
Featuring three members of erstwhile Cavan band The Strypes, The Zen Arcade return with a new EP whose title track is named after the group’s own popular podcast.
The video was directed by Pete O’Hanlon.
Nick says: Arcade on fire.
