The 4 Of Us – She Hits Me
Continuing our series of underrated Irish music since 1960, reader Bertie Blenkinsop has a thing for The 4 Of Us, who are led by brothers Declan and Brendan Murphy from Newry, County Down.
Their debut album Songs For The Tempted in 1989 produced their signature hit Mary but Bertie has plumped for the single She Hits Me from their second album Man Alive (1992).
Nick says: Murphys lure.
The Harvest Ministers – Six O’Clock Is Rosary
Continuing our series of underrated Irish music since 1960, no list would be complete without Dublin stalwarts The Harvest Ministers, led by songwriter Will Merriman and multi-instrumentalist Padraig McCaul as well as a revolving supporting cast.
Six O’Clock Is Rosary is a single that was released by UK indie label Sarah Records in 1992 and was followed by their debut album Little Dark Mansion (1993).
The wonderfully evocative video partially shot on Dollymount Strand was filmed by Tom O’Brien.
A good place to discover this underappreciated band is their career retrospective You Can See Everything From Here.
Nick says: Yes Ministers!
The Would Be’s – I’m Hardly Ever Wrong
Continuing our series of underrated Irish music since 1960, the spotlight turns on The Would Be’s from Kingscourt, County Cavan, helmed by the Finnegan brothers, Mattie, Paul and Eamonn.
I’m Hardly Ever Wrong is their brilliant debut single from 1990 with lead vocals by Julie McDonnell.
Favourites of the late John Peel and Morrissey, they went on to record a few EPs with new singer Eileen Gogan before splitting up.
The original line-up reformed in 2012 and released the album Beautiful Mess in 2013.
Nick says: Finnegans wake.
In Motion – In Daylight
Continuing our series of underrated Irish music since 1960, reader Lovely Hurling bigs up 1990s Dublin shoegazing supremos In Motion, who were led by ace tunesmith Alan Kelly (vocals and guitar), Alan O’Boyle (guitar), Liam Ryan (drums) and John Duff (bass).
Their magnum opus was The Language Of Everyday Life, released on the Dead Elvis label in 1994. Kelly then went on to make two more pure gold masterpieces as The Last Post. Belfast label Bright Star Recordings released Love Lost and Dry Land. The ultimate underrated Irish songwriter?
Lovely Hurling writes:
“This is the epitome of floppy fringed, jangly, shoegazing that was me in the early ’90s. Now the fringe is long gone, there are only rattles instead of jangles and I can’t see my shoes anymore. Their album The Language of Everyday Life is a forgotten gem.”
Nick says: I second that In Motion.
Auto Da Fé – November, November
Continuing our series of underrated Irish music since 1960, reader Lovely Hurling sounds the fanfare for 1980s New Wave acolytes Auto Da Fé, who formed in Holland and were led by former Steeleye Span singer Gay Woods and keyboardist Trevor Knight.
November, November was their debut single released in 1982 and produced by one Phil Lynott.
Lovely Hurling writes:
“Not alone does Gay Woods have one of the sweetest voices ever committed to vinyl, I think they have one of the coolest Irish band names.”
Nick says: Auto Da Fé for the people.
Revelino – Don’t Lead Me Down
Continuing our series of underrated Irish music since 1960, reader Andy Pipkin hails Dublin sharp-shooters Revelino, led by Brendan Tallon, whose debut eponymous 1994 album (top) has been remastered and re-released on vinyl.
Andy says:
“‘Don’t Lead Me Down’ is out this Friday to coincide with the release of the 2nd vinyl pressing of their debut album ‘Revelino’ which sold out within 2 weeks last month and went straight to No 1 in the Irish Indie charts.”
The new video contains footage from the cult Irish gangster flick I Went Down (1997) directed by Paddy Breathnach.
Nick says: Wild mercury Revelino.
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.
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.
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.
Toasted Heretic – Galway Bay
Continuing our series of underrated Irish music since 1960, readers Brother Barnabas and Otis Blue both chose 1980s/’90s Galwegian scenesters Toasted Heretic, led by the one and only Julian Gough (top with spectacles).
Galway Bay can be found on their debut album Songs For Swinging Celibates (1988).
Brother writes:
“Toasted Heretic never made it beyond cult status, even in Ireland. Maybe ahead of their time?”
Nick says: Once upon a time in the Wesht.
