Colin Scallan
Songs for a Sinking World
Angela Macari O’Looney
With such a vast array of competent entertainers going around at the minute, it’s rare to find one particular act that stands out from the crowd. However, as a guest at a recent gig I was captured by this singer songwriter, with seriously noticeable guitar skills and a soothing voice, along with a charming repertoire of songs.
I only heard a sample of his work that evening and decided I wanted to hear more. Colin’s debut album is well named, with its uplifting quality. Each number has a memorable melody and you can feel the devotion to his art in every note.
The cover depicts what is obviously his favourite item in the world – his guitar!
Colin’s influences are many and include some of my own favourite artists; Neil Young, Van Morrison, David Bowie, Little Jimmy Hendricks, Stevie Wonder, Cat Stevens, Paul Brady, Thin Lizzy to name but a few.
I’d begin with my favourite track if I had one. But each track is equally enjoyable.
Wake up
Acoustic intro -This is a cheerful but slow song, which has a delightfully catchy riff throughout. Melody is simple, lyrics are touching and a little hint of harmony lends interest. I notice how he uses lots of emphasis on the bass strings, which gives depth and dynamic here.
Strength in numbers
I admire the arrangement in this number. Beginning with yet another sweet acoustic riff, Colin sings the verse with just guitar accompaniment and percussion. It develops, with backing vocals performing the chorus as an alter melody behind the verse, which is powerful. This song has a beautiful melody line, building up from a simple beginning to a full orchestral sound and has clever lyrics; ‘Every time that you think you’ve got the perfect hand, you come up against more than you planned. You forgot to count strength in numbers!’
The Last Battle
A catchy electric guitar riff intro, with distortion is used in this dramatic number with a funky beat. Fabulous guitar riffs and hooks frame verse and chorus here as in most of his songs. The solo in the middle is exciting, whereby things slow down and then in it comes with screaming notes played with passion. Blasts of powerful distortion filled chords pepper this number beautifully.
Nothing around for Miles
Laid back but choppy, this pretty song has a simple chord combination, but I like it. Backing vocals are gorgeous, with close harmony injected in just the right places and the melody is candy sweet.
There’s a pleasant change of pace for the middle eight which is sung. Throughout this number, Colin’s expertly plucked guitar notes frame each phrase.
Build me a woman
Slinky, with a sexy intro, this song is witty with a likeable resemblance to Van Morrison’s Moondance. The guitar break is outstanding and piano lends jazziness to the proceedings. The second guitar solo is an unexpected treat, with screamingly seductive notes that are delicious. The lyrics are fun to sing along to and will have you repeating them well after hearing them; ‘Gonna make her so she’ll always be mine. She won’t go disappearing at any given time. She can push me when I’m falling behind. She’s gonna be perfect for me.’
This is possibly my favourite track!
Days beneath the Sun
A dramatic anthem style song, this has superb chord combinations, Key changes aplenty and changes of direction that keep your interest. As in all tracks on this album, the melody is delicious. The guitar solo is breathtaking, with an in sync harmony played by a second guitar.
A little love is an acoustic number, with very effective backing vocals and pretty guitar riffs keep it interesting.
The five remaining tracks have that same magical form throughout. Colin’s melody lines are memorable and each one involves a moving blend of instrumentals with lyric.
Half the story - This is a sad love song, with just the guitar at the beginning. It builds up, with instruments being added gradually to the mix.
Remedy is fast, with some fantastic guitar in it. Distortion packed riffs and hooks behind Colin’s vocals are particularly nice.
The piano in Where it started is lovely and although it’s quite a simple number, it’s really quite special, with layers of vocals creating a big crescendo.
Blot on the Landscape is a plucked song that would remind me a little of a Nancy Griffith piece. Colin’s vocals are really brought to the fore here, along with his unique ability to make his guitar sing.
The last track Daisy Chains is a quirky number with a catchy, cheerful melody.
Notation is tricky, with a pretty little riff between the lines which I really like.
Colin Scallan has had lots of success to date with his work, including reaching the finals of the ’08 U.K. Song writing Competition, appearing as a guest guitarist on ‘The Podge and Rodge’ Christmas special and he was also selected for Eircom’s Independent Musician’s Nationwide Promotion ’08.
It was at the Platform 5 Oxygen battle of the bands final that I first encountered his genius and fell in love with the slinky ‘Build me a woman’ and the power of his live performance had a big effect on me.
Recorded in PAC3 Recording studios, Detroit, Michigan, finished off in his home studio in Ireland, this amazing album was conceived, designed, recorded and produced by none other than himself, with only the minimum of help. It defines his enthusiasm for experimentation and putting a bit more oomph into the singer/songwriter image.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
The Kinetiks new album review
The Kinetiks
Aye Aye Aye
Angela Macari O’Looney
This band excites and delights with fantastic melody lines, explosive beats and fire packed guitars always at the ready. The Kinetiks seem to go from strength to strength and have come quite a long way, for such a young bunch of lads.
They are a force to be reckoned with and have carved their initials well and truly, in the list of Ireland’s finest bands. Their sweet pop/ Indie/Rock style reaches out to all age groups and anyone with a musical ear.
Released in March ’09, this album is a firm favourite of mine and has six tracks; four brand new numbers and two bonus tracks.
Lead singer Gaz Harding composed all songs and is a suitably arrogant frontman as he belts out each with passion and spark!
He is also an accomplished guitarist. With fluent baselines provided by Jim McGuire, lead riffs and hooks to make your hair stand on end a la Sean Brennan and not forgetting thundering rhythm on drums – Paul Donohue, there just seems to be no stopping this runaway train!
Light bulb
The most popular number on this album, this is catchy and begins with a delicious guitar intro. Gaz wastes no time bursting straight into the chorus. Lots of riffs and hooks seamlessly bind together accompanying Gaz’s vocals, with drums and bass adding to the full, cheerful sound.
There’s a big stop!
Then momentum resumes as you are taken through the verse. Lots of changes of direction with the melody command your attention here. Lyrics are witty as this little masterpiece, with everything gelling together just right, has a no nonsense full stop ending which I like.
Aye Aye Aye
The title track, this has an exotic and mysterious melody. Guitars are sexy in the chorus, with one particular sliding bass note which is sooo dramatic!
There’s a slow down for the middle eight and Gaz’s vocals are given a chance to really shine, despite the fact it’s a short piece.
Beat is choppy and almost flamenco in style, with riffs to mesmerise throughout.
Decisions
The intro is the nicest part of this number by far. The divine riff is continued here and there throughout the song and there’s an echoic thing going on that I adore.
Harding really has a knack of creating short numbers with bite like this one. Drums and percussion are choppy, with changes of pace and distortion charged guitars all over the place.
Jim McGuire is one bassist that never remains in the background and here he provides vital baselines and I don’t think I’ve heard a number with so much energy going on in it from start to finish. All guitars are equally impressive here, whereby they do an in synch riff in the last verse that is dramatic and show stopping!
Did I (or did you)?
‘It happened so long ago’ are the words that begin the story told in the verse, where Gaz sings in falsetto with slow acoustic strumming behind.
Then in true Kinetiks style things change and you are treated to a riff on lead guitar that is magical. Chord combinations memorable, baseline lends depth and hammering guitars for the chorus create such drama!
I personally think the chorus in this song is the nicest and most memorable of any Kinetiks song. When I first heard this album I found myself singing this over and over again. There’s a particularly special guitar riff just before the final chorus. Backing vocals complete the picture with lots of ‘ahs’ and a pullback of instruments for the last couple of lines and just a dramatic drumbeat. Gorgeous!
Bite Bullet
This was the title track of an earlier E.P. and goes straight into vocals, with Gaz’s distinctive voice singing the first line; ‘She says I’ve got a nerve, but loads of style’.
The lyrics of this song are witty, sarcastic and always put a smile on my face. With a thumping beat, a solo to die for with screaming notes and bending riffs that are expertly infused in the right spots, this is one of those numbers where you have to watch your speedometer if you are driving!
Shuffle your feet
If my memory serves me correct, this would be one of this band’s first creations.
It starts with a catchy riff. The chord combos are excellent and the dramatic change for the chorus is the sweetest part of this song for me. It’s young, plucky and there is a sweet key change further on for the middle eight.
There are lots of complex chops and changes throughout, but it works and it is so melodic and catchy it makes the hairs stand on the back of my neck.
This album was recorded at the famous Grouse Lodge Studios and mastered by Fergal Davis at Suite Studios. The Kinetiks’ music has been described as giddy and energetic, possessing a Strokes-esque flavour. They boast performances at Oxygen, Indie Pendance and Le Cheile festivals and have also appeared at both Trinity and U.C.D. balls. Can it get any better than this?
I truly hope that whatever inspires such memorable and enjoyable songs never dries up. In a world where doom and gloom loom wherever we turn, young musicians and songwriters like Gaz Harding and his crew hit the right nerve for me.
Aye Aye Aye
Angela Macari O’Looney
This band excites and delights with fantastic melody lines, explosive beats and fire packed guitars always at the ready. The Kinetiks seem to go from strength to strength and have come quite a long way, for such a young bunch of lads.
They are a force to be reckoned with and have carved their initials well and truly, in the list of Ireland’s finest bands. Their sweet pop/ Indie/Rock style reaches out to all age groups and anyone with a musical ear.
Released in March ’09, this album is a firm favourite of mine and has six tracks; four brand new numbers and two bonus tracks.
Lead singer Gaz Harding composed all songs and is a suitably arrogant frontman as he belts out each with passion and spark!
He is also an accomplished guitarist. With fluent baselines provided by Jim McGuire, lead riffs and hooks to make your hair stand on end a la Sean Brennan and not forgetting thundering rhythm on drums – Paul Donohue, there just seems to be no stopping this runaway train!
Light bulb
The most popular number on this album, this is catchy and begins with a delicious guitar intro. Gaz wastes no time bursting straight into the chorus. Lots of riffs and hooks seamlessly bind together accompanying Gaz’s vocals, with drums and bass adding to the full, cheerful sound.
There’s a big stop!
Then momentum resumes as you are taken through the verse. Lots of changes of direction with the melody command your attention here. Lyrics are witty as this little masterpiece, with everything gelling together just right, has a no nonsense full stop ending which I like.
Aye Aye Aye
The title track, this has an exotic and mysterious melody. Guitars are sexy in the chorus, with one particular sliding bass note which is sooo dramatic!
There’s a slow down for the middle eight and Gaz’s vocals are given a chance to really shine, despite the fact it’s a short piece.
Beat is choppy and almost flamenco in style, with riffs to mesmerise throughout.
Decisions
The intro is the nicest part of this number by far. The divine riff is continued here and there throughout the song and there’s an echoic thing going on that I adore.
Harding really has a knack of creating short numbers with bite like this one. Drums and percussion are choppy, with changes of pace and distortion charged guitars all over the place.
Jim McGuire is one bassist that never remains in the background and here he provides vital baselines and I don’t think I’ve heard a number with so much energy going on in it from start to finish. All guitars are equally impressive here, whereby they do an in synch riff in the last verse that is dramatic and show stopping!
Did I (or did you)?
‘It happened so long ago’ are the words that begin the story told in the verse, where Gaz sings in falsetto with slow acoustic strumming behind.
Then in true Kinetiks style things change and you are treated to a riff on lead guitar that is magical. Chord combinations memorable, baseline lends depth and hammering guitars for the chorus create such drama!
I personally think the chorus in this song is the nicest and most memorable of any Kinetiks song. When I first heard this album I found myself singing this over and over again. There’s a particularly special guitar riff just before the final chorus. Backing vocals complete the picture with lots of ‘ahs’ and a pullback of instruments for the last couple of lines and just a dramatic drumbeat. Gorgeous!
Bite Bullet
This was the title track of an earlier E.P. and goes straight into vocals, with Gaz’s distinctive voice singing the first line; ‘She says I’ve got a nerve, but loads of style’.
The lyrics of this song are witty, sarcastic and always put a smile on my face. With a thumping beat, a solo to die for with screaming notes and bending riffs that are expertly infused in the right spots, this is one of those numbers where you have to watch your speedometer if you are driving!
Shuffle your feet
If my memory serves me correct, this would be one of this band’s first creations.
It starts with a catchy riff. The chord combos are excellent and the dramatic change for the chorus is the sweetest part of this song for me. It’s young, plucky and there is a sweet key change further on for the middle eight.
There are lots of complex chops and changes throughout, but it works and it is so melodic and catchy it makes the hairs stand on the back of my neck.
This album was recorded at the famous Grouse Lodge Studios and mastered by Fergal Davis at Suite Studios. The Kinetiks’ music has been described as giddy and energetic, possessing a Strokes-esque flavour. They boast performances at Oxygen, Indie Pendance and Le Cheile festivals and have also appeared at both Trinity and U.C.D. balls. Can it get any better than this?
I truly hope that whatever inspires such memorable and enjoyable songs never dries up. In a world where doom and gloom loom wherever we turn, young musicians and songwriters like Gaz Harding and his crew hit the right nerve for me.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Oxygen battle of the bands final
The J- Walkers,Seven Days, The Resistance, Colin Scallon, Box Social, I-Pheonix
The Dewdrop Inn
Platform 5 Battle of the bands for Oxygen
19/06/09
The Dew Drop Inn, Kill is a really pleasant gig venue with friendly staff. This was my first visit there for the Battle of the bands final, to play at Oxygen; A dream opportunity for any Irish band!
Three judges, six bands and it was looking like it would be a fun night. A sense of excitement was about when I met the guys from the band I was here to see, The J-Walkers. I was on a panel of judges, when this new and gifted band won at a similar contest a few months ago. But in most of the contests where I was just a spectator in the past, I’ve found you may expect the unexpected and with the standard so high, it’s anybody’s race. However, I was delighted to notice a few familiar faces among the other participants, plus a cheerful audience.
The first band was called Seven Days. Ciaran Black, the MC helped build up an atmosphere of celebration as he introduced the show and each act was given a huge reception of approval. He reminded us that each band tonight had won four previous heats to get this far, which is a huge accomplishment.
Seven Days started with a song which had lovely harmony, a funky beat and with a gorgeous and charismatic front man, they looked to be a very polished and well prepared act.
The singer Ian White plays acoustic and the bassist, Darren Sweeney does exceptionally noticeable slap style funky notes. I liked the way that they got the audience involved too.
They did a number called Temptation, with a thumping rhythmic intro and fantastic lead. Slinky and seductive, this song had a nice build up to the chorus. They have a sound similar to The Police and other influences include Foy Vance, Dave Matthews band and James Taylor.
They finished with Harder to Breath.
Keyboards are played by the singer in this moody song. A lovely lead solo held my interest. The guitarist Nicky Brennan plays a semi solid and does it justice.
Before they finished their set, the singer introduced each band member and I liked the way that with each introduction, they each played a little solo. What a nice start to the night!
The Resistance
This act consisted of an acoustic guitar, lead, rhythm, sampling and an Electric Double Bass. Interesting!
Members are Rob McDowell, David and Eanan Patterson, Rob Allen and Diarmuid Breathnach. They combine their many instruments with well performed lyrics and melodies, using catchy harmony throughout.
To have and to hold was the first number which had a nice little riff throughout. The violin is plucked in this and the presence of such an array of strings added to the full, vibrant sound.
These are an original act and continued with The Water. Lots of bass here, a sliding riff on lead and the chorus memorable and sweet. This lively piece comes to a big crescendo and got a great response from the crowd.
In Time was their final song. It has a trickling intro and a quiet verse building up to a choppy chorus. Harmony close, this number ebbs and flows with it slowing down and picking up again. It wasn’t going to be easy to pick a winner if the rest of the bands were this good.
The J- Walkers
From Castledermott Co. Kildare they are a blues/acoustic/jazz act. Front man Steven Cassells – Guitar/Vox, Clifford Deane – Drums, Bernard Kavanagh on Bass and Steven O’Connor on lead guitar took their places onstage.
Lead singer and guitarist Steven Cassells has trodden the boards around Carlow and Kilkenny and in many prominent venues. They are together only a short while. But they have a catchy sound and are a truly likeable bunch of lads. Influences include Damien Dempsey, The Frames, Jack Johnson and many others.
They began their set with Waiting Here.
This has a trickling intro, building up to big resounding chords. The verse is quite laid back. Lots of chops and changes keep your interest. This number is jazzy, with a delicious lead solo too. It also has a nice melody line and sweet chord combinations.
The Courage to Struggle on involved backing vocals sung by Bernard on bass. The lead guitarist Steven O’Connor shines here too. This has a sweet melody and lovely ascending notation in the chorus. You just lose yourself in this band’s music and you can feel how much they enjoy entertaining.
So Damn Easy
This is a song I particularly enjoyed. A cheeky flanger laden intro takes you into the verse. It has a foot stomping beat and Steven Cassells sings the catchy chorus; So I go, so I go go go getting the audience to join in. Choppy, cheerful and simply gorgeous, this was the last of the J-Walkers set.
Box Social were a very young band and seemed to have a rent-a-mob with them. Distortion packed chords and a choppy beat in the first number This is what you wanted made it quite enjoyable. The vocalist Daire has a superb voice and despite the screams from the groupies up front, this song was excellently performed, although I found it a tad repetitive.
Time, song number two from this interesting bunch of guys had an anthemic feel to it. It reminded me of a band I’ve reviewed in the past; ‘Suddyn’, who are now treading the boards over in the U.S.A.
Lovely guitar, Daire performing on synth and the explosive chorus seemed to lift the roof.
Lingerie was jettisoned onto the stage during the final song Mixtape as the young ladies up front were enjoying this act. It was hard not to be impressed by such young lads, with such potential and oozing talent.
Colin Scallon
This singer songwriter was a nice easy-to-listen-to act. His first song was from his new album ‘Songs for a Sinking World’. It’s called Daisy Chains and his bassist was able to frame the number nicely, adding depth along with barely there backing vocals.
This was a refreshing contrast to the earlier acts which were all bands. He did a number which I liked called The last Battle. It had wonderful chord riffs in the intro and although there was only Colin and his bassist, I found his music soothing and his sound full.
He finished up with Build me a woman. This had a strut style tempo and a catchy riff behind the verse, with an air of mystery to it. He played the most amazing solo in this sexy song with a taste of Van Morrison moodiness. His other influences include many of my own favourites such as David Bowie, Elvis Costello and Tom Waits
Colin’s performance was exceptional and his guitar prowess very evident.
I –Pheonix
This band who I’ve reviewed before took to the stage and from the get go were explosive and alive. Taking their influences from Queens of the Stone age, Interpol and Future Kings of Spain, I-Pheonix are exciting and performed Lights which involved magical baselines and thumping rhythm along with lead singer Conor Wilkins’s fabulous guitar riffs. It has a dramatic and memorable chorus. They also did Amnesia and Polaris. Like every other act this night, these guys put every ounce of energy and effort into each number.
After a short interval, Ciaran Black announced the winners of the Battle of the Bands for Oxygen. First prize went to Seven Days and second went to Box Social.
The battle had been fought and won. Any one of the six were worthy of this prize and it must have given judges Charlotte Flood(Phantom fm), Niall Morris(Platform 4) and Paul Downing a real headache trying to select a best.
As I left The Dewdrop Inn, my own voice was worn out from shouting for the J-Walkers. There was a moment of disappointment for certain when the winners were announced and Steven and the lads weren’t among them. But despite this, I was uplifted by the sense of camaraderie among all of the contestants. The solidarity and grace of these fine musicians, all of whom are sure to reach success is heartening indeed.
Angela Macari O’Looney
The Dewdrop Inn
Platform 5 Battle of the bands for Oxygen
19/06/09
The Dew Drop Inn, Kill is a really pleasant gig venue with friendly staff. This was my first visit there for the Battle of the bands final, to play at Oxygen; A dream opportunity for any Irish band!
Three judges, six bands and it was looking like it would be a fun night. A sense of excitement was about when I met the guys from the band I was here to see, The J-Walkers. I was on a panel of judges, when this new and gifted band won at a similar contest a few months ago. But in most of the contests where I was just a spectator in the past, I’ve found you may expect the unexpected and with the standard so high, it’s anybody’s race. However, I was delighted to notice a few familiar faces among the other participants, plus a cheerful audience.
The first band was called Seven Days. Ciaran Black, the MC helped build up an atmosphere of celebration as he introduced the show and each act was given a huge reception of approval. He reminded us that each band tonight had won four previous heats to get this far, which is a huge accomplishment.
Seven Days started with a song which had lovely harmony, a funky beat and with a gorgeous and charismatic front man, they looked to be a very polished and well prepared act.
The singer Ian White plays acoustic and the bassist, Darren Sweeney does exceptionally noticeable slap style funky notes. I liked the way that they got the audience involved too.
They did a number called Temptation, with a thumping rhythmic intro and fantastic lead. Slinky and seductive, this song had a nice build up to the chorus. They have a sound similar to The Police and other influences include Foy Vance, Dave Matthews band and James Taylor.
They finished with Harder to Breath.
Keyboards are played by the singer in this moody song. A lovely lead solo held my interest. The guitarist Nicky Brennan plays a semi solid and does it justice.
Before they finished their set, the singer introduced each band member and I liked the way that with each introduction, they each played a little solo. What a nice start to the night!
The Resistance
This act consisted of an acoustic guitar, lead, rhythm, sampling and an Electric Double Bass. Interesting!
Members are Rob McDowell, David and Eanan Patterson, Rob Allen and Diarmuid Breathnach. They combine their many instruments with well performed lyrics and melodies, using catchy harmony throughout.
To have and to hold was the first number which had a nice little riff throughout. The violin is plucked in this and the presence of such an array of strings added to the full, vibrant sound.
These are an original act and continued with The Water. Lots of bass here, a sliding riff on lead and the chorus memorable and sweet. This lively piece comes to a big crescendo and got a great response from the crowd.
In Time was their final song. It has a trickling intro and a quiet verse building up to a choppy chorus. Harmony close, this number ebbs and flows with it slowing down and picking up again. It wasn’t going to be easy to pick a winner if the rest of the bands were this good.
The J- Walkers
From Castledermott Co. Kildare they are a blues/acoustic/jazz act. Front man Steven Cassells – Guitar/Vox, Clifford Deane – Drums, Bernard Kavanagh on Bass and Steven O’Connor on lead guitar took their places onstage.
Lead singer and guitarist Steven Cassells has trodden the boards around Carlow and Kilkenny and in many prominent venues. They are together only a short while. But they have a catchy sound and are a truly likeable bunch of lads. Influences include Damien Dempsey, The Frames, Jack Johnson and many others.
They began their set with Waiting Here.
This has a trickling intro, building up to big resounding chords. The verse is quite laid back. Lots of chops and changes keep your interest. This number is jazzy, with a delicious lead solo too. It also has a nice melody line and sweet chord combinations.
The Courage to Struggle on involved backing vocals sung by Bernard on bass. The lead guitarist Steven O’Connor shines here too. This has a sweet melody and lovely ascending notation in the chorus. You just lose yourself in this band’s music and you can feel how much they enjoy entertaining.
So Damn Easy
This is a song I particularly enjoyed. A cheeky flanger laden intro takes you into the verse. It has a foot stomping beat and Steven Cassells sings the catchy chorus; So I go, so I go go go getting the audience to join in. Choppy, cheerful and simply gorgeous, this was the last of the J-Walkers set.
Box Social were a very young band and seemed to have a rent-a-mob with them. Distortion packed chords and a choppy beat in the first number This is what you wanted made it quite enjoyable. The vocalist Daire has a superb voice and despite the screams from the groupies up front, this song was excellently performed, although I found it a tad repetitive.
Time, song number two from this interesting bunch of guys had an anthemic feel to it. It reminded me of a band I’ve reviewed in the past; ‘Suddyn’, who are now treading the boards over in the U.S.A.
Lovely guitar, Daire performing on synth and the explosive chorus seemed to lift the roof.
Lingerie was jettisoned onto the stage during the final song Mixtape as the young ladies up front were enjoying this act. It was hard not to be impressed by such young lads, with such potential and oozing talent.
Colin Scallon
This singer songwriter was a nice easy-to-listen-to act. His first song was from his new album ‘Songs for a Sinking World’. It’s called Daisy Chains and his bassist was able to frame the number nicely, adding depth along with barely there backing vocals.
This was a refreshing contrast to the earlier acts which were all bands. He did a number which I liked called The last Battle. It had wonderful chord riffs in the intro and although there was only Colin and his bassist, I found his music soothing and his sound full.
He finished up with Build me a woman. This had a strut style tempo and a catchy riff behind the verse, with an air of mystery to it. He played the most amazing solo in this sexy song with a taste of Van Morrison moodiness. His other influences include many of my own favourites such as David Bowie, Elvis Costello and Tom Waits
Colin’s performance was exceptional and his guitar prowess very evident.
I –Pheonix
This band who I’ve reviewed before took to the stage and from the get go were explosive and alive. Taking their influences from Queens of the Stone age, Interpol and Future Kings of Spain, I-Pheonix are exciting and performed Lights which involved magical baselines and thumping rhythm along with lead singer Conor Wilkins’s fabulous guitar riffs. It has a dramatic and memorable chorus. They also did Amnesia and Polaris. Like every other act this night, these guys put every ounce of energy and effort into each number.
After a short interval, Ciaran Black announced the winners of the Battle of the Bands for Oxygen. First prize went to Seven Days and second went to Box Social.
The battle had been fought and won. Any one of the six were worthy of this prize and it must have given judges Charlotte Flood(Phantom fm), Niall Morris(Platform 4) and Paul Downing a real headache trying to select a best.
As I left The Dewdrop Inn, my own voice was worn out from shouting for the J-Walkers. There was a moment of disappointment for certain when the winners were announced and Steven and the lads weren’t among them. But despite this, I was uplifted by the sense of camaraderie among all of the contestants. The solidarity and grace of these fine musicians, all of whom are sure to reach success is heartening indeed.
Angela Macari O’Looney
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
A Tribute to The King of Pop
My Tribute to
The King of Pop
By Angela Macari O’Looney
For a few hours today the world stood still, to honour the memory of a legend of our time; the late Michael Jackson, R.I.P.
Jackson was a performer whose music seemed to never date. He was a child pop idol when I was just a kid myself. I remember listening to the forty five record of ‘Ben’ and learning it word for word.
When he developed his own sound, emerging from being the front man of his family singing act ‘The Jackson Five’, he took the world by storm yet again. This time it was my niece who was forever showing off her moonwalk. Michael’s charm cast its spell right accross generations and cultures.
Coming from a musical background myself, I always felt an affinity with him, since he was from a large family, with a musician Dad like mine. I always had stars in my eyes and even sang in a sister act for a few years. Although our efforts were a tad more humble and we never hit the big time like the Jacksons, in our own way we achieved an ambition by doing the odd gig and a few variety shows.
Thus, I feel that I grew up alongside the late King of Pop. I saw him twice in concert and will remember both events forever. Awesome!
I was away on holiday when I and my husband saw a newsflash on TV in a bar. We had been watching videos at an American style restaurant only minutes beforehand and I had been enjoying the fabulous ‘All I wanna say’ video. Little did I know I was in for a shock.
To me it was like hearing that a close relative had died. We considered the possibility that perhaps there was some mistake. So back at our apartment we switched on the TV. to discover it was no mistake. The great man was really gone!
Far away from home and on holiday, we mourned a little. But we also got on with the remainder of our break. We got back late on Sunday and although there were other things I should have been doing this evening, I watched the whole lovely memorial service on T.V.
How great to know that so many people high up in showbiz, shared the admiration of MJ’s many fans. However eccentric he may have been, there is no debating his gift for showmanship, song writing and creativity.
I couldn’t be in L.A. even if I had been lucky enough to get a pass, but in my own way I treated this sad day as a time for reflection and appreciation of how precious each moment we have with our loved ones is.
I lit a candle in a church for the repose of his soul and a second for my own sister, who passed away almost two years ago at the same age as Michael. As I lit the second one, another beside it snuffed itself out leaving a taper of smoke. It was like a poignant little omen or something.
When the broadcast from L.A. finished, I picked up my out of tune guitar and strummed a song I often sing. It’s the B side of the single ‘Farewell my summer love’ and it’s called ‘Music and Me’.
I know I’ll always think of Michael Jackson as a kind of old friend and anytime I hear his music or play a song or two on my guitar, will remember him. A beautiful line from the song ‘Music and Me’ sums up the maestro for me; there have been others, but never two lovers like music and me.
R.I.P. Michael.
The King of Pop
By Angela Macari O’Looney
For a few hours today the world stood still, to honour the memory of a legend of our time; the late Michael Jackson, R.I.P.
Jackson was a performer whose music seemed to never date. He was a child pop idol when I was just a kid myself. I remember listening to the forty five record of ‘Ben’ and learning it word for word.
When he developed his own sound, emerging from being the front man of his family singing act ‘The Jackson Five’, he took the world by storm yet again. This time it was my niece who was forever showing off her moonwalk. Michael’s charm cast its spell right accross generations and cultures.
Coming from a musical background myself, I always felt an affinity with him, since he was from a large family, with a musician Dad like mine. I always had stars in my eyes and even sang in a sister act for a few years. Although our efforts were a tad more humble and we never hit the big time like the Jacksons, in our own way we achieved an ambition by doing the odd gig and a few variety shows.
Thus, I feel that I grew up alongside the late King of Pop. I saw him twice in concert and will remember both events forever. Awesome!
I was away on holiday when I and my husband saw a newsflash on TV in a bar. We had been watching videos at an American style restaurant only minutes beforehand and I had been enjoying the fabulous ‘All I wanna say’ video. Little did I know I was in for a shock.
To me it was like hearing that a close relative had died. We considered the possibility that perhaps there was some mistake. So back at our apartment we switched on the TV. to discover it was no mistake. The great man was really gone!
Far away from home and on holiday, we mourned a little. But we also got on with the remainder of our break. We got back late on Sunday and although there were other things I should have been doing this evening, I watched the whole lovely memorial service on T.V.
How great to know that so many people high up in showbiz, shared the admiration of MJ’s many fans. However eccentric he may have been, there is no debating his gift for showmanship, song writing and creativity.
I couldn’t be in L.A. even if I had been lucky enough to get a pass, but in my own way I treated this sad day as a time for reflection and appreciation of how precious each moment we have with our loved ones is.
I lit a candle in a church for the repose of his soul and a second for my own sister, who passed away almost two years ago at the same age as Michael. As I lit the second one, another beside it snuffed itself out leaving a taper of smoke. It was like a poignant little omen or something.
When the broadcast from L.A. finished, I picked up my out of tune guitar and strummed a song I often sing. It’s the B side of the single ‘Farewell my summer love’ and it’s called ‘Music and Me’.
I know I’ll always think of Michael Jackson as a kind of old friend and anytime I hear his music or play a song or two on my guitar, will remember him. A beautiful line from the song ‘Music and Me’ sums up the maestro for me; there have been others, but never two lovers like music and me.
R.I.P. Michael.
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