The Lonely Schizophrenic
The Zodiac Sessions, Bruxelles,
20/01/ 10
Angela Macari O’Looney
The cosy setting of Bruxelles is ideal for the style of music The Lonely Schizophrenic play. It’s also probably the longest standing and most popular gig spot in Dublin, so I was delighted when Anto Kane and his friends told me it was where they were playing their first gig of 2010.
Opening the show was singer/songwriter Cillian Foster, who performed three numbers. I enjoyed this short set, my favourite number being the second one which was jazzy, with catchy chord combinations.
Stephen Branigan, whose set was a little more upbeat, was next. He was joined by a young lady ‘Ciara’ who added harmony and played microkorg. The nicest of Stephen’s set was his last song; This Town having memorable lyrics about going away and a sweet melody line.
A four piece act called Frantic Jack really woke the small crowd up, with a full sound and Gritty, but excellent vocals by Darragh Fitzgerald. Vibrant baselines by Pauric Hurst and excellent guitar by Mark Kelly made their set interesting. Their last number Vancouver was my favourite. This showcased each of the musicians and also the singer to great advantage. A bit of harmony added just the right amount of atmosphere.
It was shaping up to be quite a night and the next act was led by a female vocalist, Sharon Reid on Keyboards. A family act, it included a female bassist Marion, lead guitarist Shane and another backing vocalist Lena Clarke. I noticed that the bassist had a lovely voice when she shared some of the vocals. Their first number All of my field was laid back. This was followed by a number called Ralphie. It has a catchy middle eight where the bassist sings a haunting refrain and it slows down a little. They then returned to the faster beat for the final chorus. Wake up was another lovely number and they finished with a song called Socrates, dedicated to Anto, from The Lonely Schizophrenic. Taking influences from styles such as Fleetwood Mac and The Cardigans, Sharon and her team are a promising act and I will watch out for them again for sure.
Andy Delamere won the audience over with his unusual guitar playing technique and his delightful set. This young man is slight in stature, but is a force to be reckoned with indeed. I liked his first number Passing time Blues, which has a very effective guitar break. He also performed a really dynamic piece called Don’t you with some ultra spectacular guitar hi jinx in it and another called Mischievous. Andy’s rare style involves playing both lead and rhythm all at once. He obviously has had classical training. Such a young artist, he shows lots of potential and was very popular this night.
The Lonely Schizophrenic
Next up, the main act of the evening!
The line-up consisted of Anto Kane (Vocals), Vlad Pavlov (Bass) and Andy Healy (Percussion).
The first number was I miss me Da, a hilarious ditty with a catchy chorus that you can’t but sing along to. It’s upbeat, with a bouncy tempo and by the time they reached the final chorus, all present were joining in with the funny words Rent a Daddy dot com, rent a daddy do, rent a daddy dot com we will love you. The banjo in this acoustic piece is very sweet.
Crab People – Anto and the boys donned masks and balaclavas for this, causing a few giggles from the audience. Andy Delamere was invited onstage to contribute on banjo/acoustic guitar. From their album, this is a crazy rap with a chorus that’s a little like a war tattoo and I absolutely adore how Anto performs a little crab dance in it. Bass is nice here.
For Panda Porn, Sinead Smith came up to the stage. Sinead sings the chorus of this cool song. Anto sings the rap which is the story of how Pandas are made watch porn to help them mate.After what they did, what they made us watch, can anybody blame me for sniffing your crotch
People were literally falling around the place laughing at this funny, but sweet song, with its catchy chord combos and tuneful chorus. You just can’t be narrow minded, nor offended by blue language at a gig with this band!
The Maid from Cabra West – This is a fast ballad, with a story about a fella from Donnybrook falling in love with a maid from Cabra, who went off with a Portuguese chap. He ends up committing murder and is thrown in Mountjoy jail. In the chorus there’s a big ‘Hey’ and the generality sing it with Anto.
The Stalker Song – This sounded like a real song, without too much messing in it. Chords were divine a la Andy; lyrics still a bit hair- raising. It was the nicest song of the set and one I hadn’t heard before.
Living in a box - About ‘Bosco’, (a puppet from a children’s show on R.T.E. TV.) this song is a story of his downfall and how he turned bad. There’s a line in it that got me ;You gotta understand, if you pull of my PJ’s I’m just another hand.
Itchy – A rap containing extremely blue lyrics, based on the subject of S.T.D’s, Anto definitely shocked one or two members of the audience here who weren’t prepared. Andy Healy’s percussion on this little tambourine thing he played with drumsticks was excellent here. The beat is definitely the nice bit in this song and despite the words, it’s a song you have to clap to and at this stage most of the punters were seasoned to Anto’s portrayal of embarrassing scenarios!
Anto saved Rest in Pieces, a song about a cat getting run over by a car till last. From the album, this hits a nerve for me since the cat in it is called Fluffy. My cat Fluffy passed away not to long before my first experience of it. However it is very catchy. I think the melody is very pretty, guitar in it is trickling and lends to the sad story. How this man can keep a straight face telling these stories in song, I will never know. I know you’re up in heaven, it’s a much nicer place and no one’s going to look at you for not having a face. Fluffy you don’t have a face, Fluffy you don’t have a face.
Anto was never going to leave without giving us his Parody Touching me Taters, which is a very short piece about his first sexual experience. He doesn’t leave much to the imagination, but if he did he wouldn’t be Anto Kane, would he?
After this Wayne Brennan singer/songwriter and guitarist extraordinaire treated us to a short set. Andy stayed onstage to join him and it was lovely to hear the two together. Andy Healy on drums also contributed. Wayne did Going on Down, playing his guitar flat on his lap using a sliding technique. He also performed a beautiful flamenco style instrumental and finished with Make you Smile. Andy Delamere did harmony here.
I had to leave after this, but felt privileged to have been a part of such a lovely evening. The Zodiac Sessions is a great way to hear some of our best unsigned Irish acts, in a relaxed setting where they are letting off steam and really enjoying themselves as they perform. Cheers to all for a great night’s entertainment.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Hoarsebox Launch gig 16/01/10
Hoarsebox ‘Work Party’ Single Launch gig
Crawdaddy 16/01/’10
Angela Macari O’Looney
Hoarsebox, who had a truly successful 2009 were celebrating the launch of their new single Work Party. A big fan, I couldn’t miss an opportunity to hear those perfect harmonies, funky baselines and delightful melody lines. They have built up quite a name for themselves with their Pop/ Soul / Tropical sound. Amazing instrumentation and extraordinary four-part harmonies are what give Johnny, Phil, Max and Kieran that edge!
Alternative act Little Green Cars performed the first set. I got there a little late and had missed them, to my disappointment. However, I was just in time to see the stars of the show arrive onstage.
With big piano chords and a cheerful beat, Rosey was the opening song. In this number, Bassist Kieran Walkin shares vocals with lead Vocalist Johnny Holden, who plays some exciting piano throughout. Philip on lead guitar did a great solo.
Add it up was next. Johnny sings the verse in falsetto, while drummer Max Carpio sings harmony. There’s a nice bit where Johnny claps and encourages the audience to clap along too. The mood seemed a bit subdued for a hoarsebox gig, but this lifted things a little and gradually everybody got into full party mode!
No More Tears involves yet more scintillating harmony, lots of do do do’s and a prominent baseline. I particularly enjoyed the part in this number where the guys do some tricky vocal percussion. Its little touches like this that make this band so special and what draws people back for more.
Do it to the letter, one of my favourite songs was next. The now increasing audience began to move closer to the stage.
All I need – This funky song has a cheeky slapping baseline, excellent close harmony and is such a feel good number, with some unusual jazzy discords to wake you up. With one or two lovely guitar breaks, this has a sweet melody.
The Club with its alternating beat was next. There are lots of oohs in the middle eight which is sung. I like this one.
Seahorse, with a jazzy sound was next, followed by the new single introduced by charming lead singer Johnny.
Work Party – Splashes of funky lead guitar, framed by a vital baseline take you into this exciting number. Johnny performs a catchy riff on Keys and it changes to a choppy beat for one or two bars. It resumes the original funky tempo, as Philip on guitar does a sliding riff. In the chorus the lads sing the line I wanna work work work which has a really gorgeous melody to it. The chords are absolute heaven here. They got the crowd involved in this with everybody singing and clapping for the chorus. This number is well named!
They did a delightful song called Nana. Johnny jokes that it’s about his granny and is dedicated to all Grannies. The Piano riff is the nicest bit of this one.
Witch hunt which I find is very different to other Hoarsebox numbers was next. I like the chorus in this; Please don’t burn me at the stake, no don’t throw me in the lake. Chord combos are beautiful here, lead guitar to die for throughout a la Phil Broadbery.
They did a new song Up, with a haunting melody line and wonderful vocals.
Fingermouse – Love the discords, alternating beat, harmony excellent.
HBGB’s – Key change the highlight here, definitely their best older song, this got a really positive reaction from the crowd.
Brave Face – Plucked guitar intro, has a real ‘Police’ style to it, a complex melody line, close harmony and is very catchy.
Inside out is the B side of the double sided new single. This lovely piece begins with big sustained piano chords, lots of resounding ‘NO’s’ are sung in the verse. Guitar does fab riffs and Kieran on bass plays some of the riff along with Phil, which I really found effective. They slow down with no drums as they do this lovely vocal break in a kind of choral style. The rhythm comes back. Love this one!
So much work must go into each of this lovely foursome’s songs, which for me are stunning and just get better and better at every show. They got a huge encore and I was delighted to hear the intro to the new song one more time. They term there music as syncopated harmony and Jazzmatazz.
What a perfect description for sexy, uplifting and colourful songs sung by adorable and hugely talented guys. Johnny explained that they are off to the studio to finish recording their album, which is due for release in Spring 2010. This is being produced by Dennis Herring, who has worked with names such as Modest Mouse, The Hives, Counting Crowes and Elvis Costello. I look forward to that and really wish them lots of luck with it.
Crawdaddy 16/01/’10
Angela Macari O’Looney
Hoarsebox, who had a truly successful 2009 were celebrating the launch of their new single Work Party. A big fan, I couldn’t miss an opportunity to hear those perfect harmonies, funky baselines and delightful melody lines. They have built up quite a name for themselves with their Pop/ Soul / Tropical sound. Amazing instrumentation and extraordinary four-part harmonies are what give Johnny, Phil, Max and Kieran that edge!
Alternative act Little Green Cars performed the first set. I got there a little late and had missed them, to my disappointment. However, I was just in time to see the stars of the show arrive onstage.
With big piano chords and a cheerful beat, Rosey was the opening song. In this number, Bassist Kieran Walkin shares vocals with lead Vocalist Johnny Holden, who plays some exciting piano throughout. Philip on lead guitar did a great solo.
Add it up was next. Johnny sings the verse in falsetto, while drummer Max Carpio sings harmony. There’s a nice bit where Johnny claps and encourages the audience to clap along too. The mood seemed a bit subdued for a hoarsebox gig, but this lifted things a little and gradually everybody got into full party mode!
No More Tears involves yet more scintillating harmony, lots of do do do’s and a prominent baseline. I particularly enjoyed the part in this number where the guys do some tricky vocal percussion. Its little touches like this that make this band so special and what draws people back for more.
Do it to the letter, one of my favourite songs was next. The now increasing audience began to move closer to the stage.
All I need – This funky song has a cheeky slapping baseline, excellent close harmony and is such a feel good number, with some unusual jazzy discords to wake you up. With one or two lovely guitar breaks, this has a sweet melody.
The Club with its alternating beat was next. There are lots of oohs in the middle eight which is sung. I like this one.
Seahorse, with a jazzy sound was next, followed by the new single introduced by charming lead singer Johnny.
Work Party – Splashes of funky lead guitar, framed by a vital baseline take you into this exciting number. Johnny performs a catchy riff on Keys and it changes to a choppy beat for one or two bars. It resumes the original funky tempo, as Philip on guitar does a sliding riff. In the chorus the lads sing the line I wanna work work work which has a really gorgeous melody to it. The chords are absolute heaven here. They got the crowd involved in this with everybody singing and clapping for the chorus. This number is well named!
They did a delightful song called Nana. Johnny jokes that it’s about his granny and is dedicated to all Grannies. The Piano riff is the nicest bit of this one.
Witch hunt which I find is very different to other Hoarsebox numbers was next. I like the chorus in this; Please don’t burn me at the stake, no don’t throw me in the lake. Chord combos are beautiful here, lead guitar to die for throughout a la Phil Broadbery.
They did a new song Up, with a haunting melody line and wonderful vocals.
Fingermouse – Love the discords, alternating beat, harmony excellent.
HBGB’s – Key change the highlight here, definitely their best older song, this got a really positive reaction from the crowd.
Brave Face – Plucked guitar intro, has a real ‘Police’ style to it, a complex melody line, close harmony and is very catchy.
Inside out is the B side of the double sided new single. This lovely piece begins with big sustained piano chords, lots of resounding ‘NO’s’ are sung in the verse. Guitar does fab riffs and Kieran on bass plays some of the riff along with Phil, which I really found effective. They slow down with no drums as they do this lovely vocal break in a kind of choral style. The rhythm comes back. Love this one!
So much work must go into each of this lovely foursome’s songs, which for me are stunning and just get better and better at every show. They got a huge encore and I was delighted to hear the intro to the new song one more time. They term there music as syncopated harmony and Jazzmatazz.
What a perfect description for sexy, uplifting and colourful songs sung by adorable and hugely talented guys. Johnny explained that they are off to the studio to finish recording their album, which is due for release in Spring 2010. This is being produced by Dennis Herring, who has worked with names such as Modest Mouse, The Hives, Counting Crowes and Elvis Costello. I look forward to that and really wish them lots of luck with it.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Blue Syndrome 'Over and Out' album review
Blue Syndrome
Over and Out
Angela Macari O’Looney
One of my best memories from 2009 was the night of the launch gig for this debut album. I’d seen Blue Syndrome for the first time at the launch of their E.P. Kiss the Girl earlier in ’09 and was blown away by their music. There are such a huge variety of acts going around, each with something special to offer. But for me this extremely young quartet of musicians top my list of favourite Irish Rock/ Pop/Acoustic bands.
A blend of Foo Fighters explosiveness, the soulful simplicity of Mark Geary in the slower love songs, combined with touches of other influences such as Paramore, Muse and The Frames, this band have now put their own stamp on the music industry and proved their commitment by creating their own label Awkward Turtle Records.
From busking on Dublin’s Grafton Street, the four young Northsiders have come a long way. Members are; Colm O’Loughlin-Vocals/ Guitar, Thomas Lamude -Drums/Percussion, Stephen O’Loughlin – Guitar/Vocals and Daniel Cummins – Bass/Vocals. They have played many of Dublin’s major venues including Vicar Street, Tripod, The Academy, and The Village and have played support to The Republic of Loose, The Dirty Epics, The Kinetics, and Ham Sandwich.
This collection of songs is a must have for anyone with a love for Melodic Rock, close harmony, powerful chord combos and guitar riffs that you end up singing, they are so catchy!
The opening song New Chapter is short, performed by Colm with only one electric guitar accompanying him. Delightful guitar chords and a candy sweet melody line lend to it, as he sings words that reflect starting out on a new adventure; This is a time to move, this is a time to prove, this is the time to start something new. This is the time to write a new chapter in the story of our lives.
Everything Eventually
This second track wakes you up with a guitar riff intro and bashing drumbeat. Lots of distortion and a big resounding baseline set the scene of this number which has a fabulous melody.
Keep livin’ before you die is the refrain sung behind Colm and the harmony is just so effective throughout. It slows down for a profusion of dramatic lead guitar, to burst back into the last chorus. Definitely one of my favourites!
Over and Out
This song is an anthemic styled piece with a rhythmic intro, the chorus being really memorable. You hear the sound of a helicopter at the beginning and later on, a Mayday call. The baseline in the verse is lovely, with a tricky lead riff played behind Colm’s vocals.
Lots of bashing drums, a big build up of harmonic ‘ohs’ and a speed up in the beat adds atmosphere. One of those numbers where there is so much going on your head is in a spin; the theme song of the album gives all of the members of this act a chance to shine.
Just another Day
You sold me the rest of the world tonight is the opening line of this upbeat number. It’s a real sing-along song, with distortion charged guitars, a catchy melody line and chops and changes to the tempo to add interest.
An elaborate guitar solo is performed, which would do any world class guitarist proud and is the highlight for me.
Tomorrow I’ll be gone
The chords in this track are fabulous!
It begins with an acoustic guitar accompaniment, building up in dynamics to a big sound. It’s a laid back love song with a nice beat, which alternates beautifully within the verse. This is a knack with Blue Syndrome in their song writing style, proving how well thought out each piece is and how much effort goes into creating something unique!
The chorus is hauntingly pretty, with this absolutely magical guitar riff before
The middle eight line You are so beautiful, you are so beautiful now. Also some sweet chord riffs continue throughout the whole song.
Colm has an unbelievable range and is helped by the well placed backing vocals. A short blast of rhythmic guitar finishes this track, yet again one of my favourites on the album.
Kiss the Girl
This is the band’s debut single and has it all. It has become their signature tune, is probably the most popular number at gigs and was written by Colm O’Loughlin and Robert O’Malley.
Beginning with the catchy intro which is sung Wo oh, wo oh, this track involves some complex lead guitar behind the chorus. Also the lads do this really appealing thing whereby Colm sings a line, with the backing vocals singing a different melody, the two blending to perfection.
There’s a sudden stop just before the final chorus, where all the stops are pulled out for a big finale.
Concerned
This track is a bit heavier than their usual style of song. It was written by Colm and the drummer Tom. A distortion laden intro is followed by twin guitars performing a riff. All guitars do a choppy chord riff behind the chorus.
This explosive song is an escape from the lighter pop/rock style of the other tracks. Chord combos in the chorus are gorgeous, as is harmony throughout.
I Try
One of the few softer Blue Syndrome creations, this song has an acoustic intro and demonstrates Colm’s vocals to great advantage, as he pours out his soul. A screaming lead solo takes my breath away midway through, followed by some excellent harmony that frames the remainder of the song well.
Sign is a fast moving, vibrant song, with an alternating beat, a big sound, a catchy riff and a sense of urgency about it.
Colm slides his voice in one of the lines and I like the way the lads sing a counter melody when he’s singing the middle eight Help me now, I think I’m gonna lose control/ help me now I think I’m gonna lose my mind.
As in all of their songs, they make sure that there is loads going on, with everyone putting their all into their part.
Just a Dream
A slow, soulful acoustic piece, this number has a simple melody line. A touch of harmony gradually comes in for the second chorus, increasing the dynamics and eventually, things build up and before you know it, you are listening to an orchestra behind what started out as a really low key track!
To be God
The final track on Over and out, this is a very dramatic affair!
Starting with a quiet piano riff performed by Stuart Gray, it bursts into life and with distortion all over the place, is a fast bashing anthem.
Like a rhapsody, this number changes pace midway through with lots of screaming lead guitar, powerful piano and finally finishes with heavenly ‘Ahs’. Great melody, exciting instrumentals throughout and as in each of this collection of songs, there’s never a dull moment!
To be able to come up with one or two memorable songs is a feat in itself. But young Mr. O’Loughlin manages to continually produce epic pieces of music, just as if he’s pulling them out of a magician’s hat!
With a very simple design on the sleeve; A paper boat with a boy and girl in it, surrounded by water and what looks like a city sinking, this entertaining album is one I know I’ll listen to often. I also hope it will be the first of many for this young, aspiring bunch of musicians, who thank just about everybody in the enclosed booklet (even their pets) and also give an insight into their story.
Over and Out
Angela Macari O’Looney
One of my best memories from 2009 was the night of the launch gig for this debut album. I’d seen Blue Syndrome for the first time at the launch of their E.P. Kiss the Girl earlier in ’09 and was blown away by their music. There are such a huge variety of acts going around, each with something special to offer. But for me this extremely young quartet of musicians top my list of favourite Irish Rock/ Pop/Acoustic bands.
A blend of Foo Fighters explosiveness, the soulful simplicity of Mark Geary in the slower love songs, combined with touches of other influences such as Paramore, Muse and The Frames, this band have now put their own stamp on the music industry and proved their commitment by creating their own label Awkward Turtle Records.
From busking on Dublin’s Grafton Street, the four young Northsiders have come a long way. Members are; Colm O’Loughlin-Vocals/ Guitar, Thomas Lamude -Drums/Percussion, Stephen O’Loughlin – Guitar/Vocals and Daniel Cummins – Bass/Vocals. They have played many of Dublin’s major venues including Vicar Street, Tripod, The Academy, and The Village and have played support to The Republic of Loose, The Dirty Epics, The Kinetics, and Ham Sandwich.
This collection of songs is a must have for anyone with a love for Melodic Rock, close harmony, powerful chord combos and guitar riffs that you end up singing, they are so catchy!
The opening song New Chapter is short, performed by Colm with only one electric guitar accompanying him. Delightful guitar chords and a candy sweet melody line lend to it, as he sings words that reflect starting out on a new adventure; This is a time to move, this is a time to prove, this is the time to start something new. This is the time to write a new chapter in the story of our lives.
Everything Eventually
This second track wakes you up with a guitar riff intro and bashing drumbeat. Lots of distortion and a big resounding baseline set the scene of this number which has a fabulous melody.
Keep livin’ before you die is the refrain sung behind Colm and the harmony is just so effective throughout. It slows down for a profusion of dramatic lead guitar, to burst back into the last chorus. Definitely one of my favourites!
Over and Out
This song is an anthemic styled piece with a rhythmic intro, the chorus being really memorable. You hear the sound of a helicopter at the beginning and later on, a Mayday call. The baseline in the verse is lovely, with a tricky lead riff played behind Colm’s vocals.
Lots of bashing drums, a big build up of harmonic ‘ohs’ and a speed up in the beat adds atmosphere. One of those numbers where there is so much going on your head is in a spin; the theme song of the album gives all of the members of this act a chance to shine.
Just another Day
You sold me the rest of the world tonight is the opening line of this upbeat number. It’s a real sing-along song, with distortion charged guitars, a catchy melody line and chops and changes to the tempo to add interest.
An elaborate guitar solo is performed, which would do any world class guitarist proud and is the highlight for me.
Tomorrow I’ll be gone
The chords in this track are fabulous!
It begins with an acoustic guitar accompaniment, building up in dynamics to a big sound. It’s a laid back love song with a nice beat, which alternates beautifully within the verse. This is a knack with Blue Syndrome in their song writing style, proving how well thought out each piece is and how much effort goes into creating something unique!
The chorus is hauntingly pretty, with this absolutely magical guitar riff before
The middle eight line You are so beautiful, you are so beautiful now. Also some sweet chord riffs continue throughout the whole song.
Colm has an unbelievable range and is helped by the well placed backing vocals. A short blast of rhythmic guitar finishes this track, yet again one of my favourites on the album.
Kiss the Girl
This is the band’s debut single and has it all. It has become their signature tune, is probably the most popular number at gigs and was written by Colm O’Loughlin and Robert O’Malley.
Beginning with the catchy intro which is sung Wo oh, wo oh, this track involves some complex lead guitar behind the chorus. Also the lads do this really appealing thing whereby Colm sings a line, with the backing vocals singing a different melody, the two blending to perfection.
There’s a sudden stop just before the final chorus, where all the stops are pulled out for a big finale.
Concerned
This track is a bit heavier than their usual style of song. It was written by Colm and the drummer Tom. A distortion laden intro is followed by twin guitars performing a riff. All guitars do a choppy chord riff behind the chorus.
This explosive song is an escape from the lighter pop/rock style of the other tracks. Chord combos in the chorus are gorgeous, as is harmony throughout.
I Try
One of the few softer Blue Syndrome creations, this song has an acoustic intro and demonstrates Colm’s vocals to great advantage, as he pours out his soul. A screaming lead solo takes my breath away midway through, followed by some excellent harmony that frames the remainder of the song well.
Sign is a fast moving, vibrant song, with an alternating beat, a big sound, a catchy riff and a sense of urgency about it.
Colm slides his voice in one of the lines and I like the way the lads sing a counter melody when he’s singing the middle eight Help me now, I think I’m gonna lose control/ help me now I think I’m gonna lose my mind.
As in all of their songs, they make sure that there is loads going on, with everyone putting their all into their part.
Just a Dream
A slow, soulful acoustic piece, this number has a simple melody line. A touch of harmony gradually comes in for the second chorus, increasing the dynamics and eventually, things build up and before you know it, you are listening to an orchestra behind what started out as a really low key track!
To be God
The final track on Over and out, this is a very dramatic affair!
Starting with a quiet piano riff performed by Stuart Gray, it bursts into life and with distortion all over the place, is a fast bashing anthem.
Like a rhapsody, this number changes pace midway through with lots of screaming lead guitar, powerful piano and finally finishes with heavenly ‘Ahs’. Great melody, exciting instrumentals throughout and as in each of this collection of songs, there’s never a dull moment!
To be able to come up with one or two memorable songs is a feat in itself. But young Mr. O’Loughlin manages to continually produce epic pieces of music, just as if he’s pulling them out of a magician’s hat!
With a very simple design on the sleeve; A paper boat with a boy and girl in it, surrounded by water and what looks like a city sinking, this entertaining album is one I know I’ll listen to often. I also hope it will be the first of many for this young, aspiring bunch of musicians, who thank just about everybody in the enclosed booklet (even their pets) and also give an insight into their story.
Monday, January 11, 2010
A Book Review by me
Mr. Tayto
The Man in the Red Jacket
A review by Angela Macari O’Looney
As I was doing some last minute shopping in my usual Supermarket, I spotted this book with one of my favourite Irish characters on the front cover. I had seen it promoted a while before this, but on that occasion thought it a little above my budget as I waited to pay for my goods.
However, this time I noticed it was marked down 30% and so I chucked it into my shopping trolley. As it happened I was short of some light reading for work, so I took it from my bookshelf and thought it might be handy for when I was waiting at my terminus. I drive a bus.
From the get go Mr. Tayto takes you through the evolution of the Tayto Crisp, starting with the amusing accidental discovery that his Pa made one evening, when he took a few of his Granny’s thinly chipped potatoes garnished with salt and vinegar, to the pub to go with his pint. From thence, it seems the popularity of the Tayto family discovery grew.
The stocky bejacketed man tells us his hilarious anecdotes about childhood, factory life, politics and romance. Beautifully illustrated, this little book had me laughing out loud. It touched on such topics as the Recession, The Rose of Tralee, and Reality T.V. It seems our friend has something to say on just about every subject and isn’t backwards in coming forwards about his opinions.
Tayto never reveals his true identity and yet you know that for instance the names used in the part about his family tree, are his way of taking the Micko!
You almost feel like you’re sitting beside him pint in hand, hearing his views and funny tales like you’re his closest friend. One favourite section of the book is during the chapter Back to my roots. He says But life was good back then. This was in a time before iPods, Hoverbikes and mobile phones and when a holiday meant getting the bus to the beach and sitting in a cheap caravan for a week, with a pack of cards. We didn’t know the difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ fats and no one ever heard of a disease called obesity. If a kid was fat, you just chase him till he got thin, or better still made him goalie. And spam was something that came in a tin.
This bit makes me reflect on how vastly things have changed in the space of a couple of decades.
In the chapter Deck the halls with bags of Tayto, I like the sentiment; back in the days when Christmas didn’t start in August. and No one forgot to buy batteries, as none of our presents needed them.
I honestly felt that he had taken me by the hand and shown me a vision of my own childhood Christmases, with the smell of a fresh fir tree, dried fruit and alcohol cooking, the sense of excitement in both young and old as the big day drew close and a real feeling that somebody very special was on his way.
In some ways this life story reminds me of the film Forest Gump, with the amazing adventures Tayto gets up to and his claims to fame, such as photos taken with Taoisaigh, Politicians, Celebrity Beauties, even a lovely picture taken of him clad in the Ireland Kit from 1990, when Jack Charlton took our team to Italy for the World Cup.
The Credit Unions were busy helping send Jackie’s army all around the world and paying for Green hands, Hammers and Leprechaun hats.
Also in the chapter Goodbye Celtic Tater, I find his words of wisdom and observations bang on.
For example his take on the worst pain in the bum to all Dublin drivers, the m50. the 50 stands for 50% there!
I burst into fits of laughter when he talked about the arrival of fancy coffee, wedding planners and the recent arrival of Pandemics. You get some great jokes out of Tayto’s Christmas Crackers too; What snack sang the Lady in Red? Crisp de Burgh!and Two Tayto crisps walked into a bar. One was a salted!
Election Campaign 2007, Humble Spud
This is probably the most memorable chapter of this book for me. Tayto mentions comedian Frank Kelly (Father Jack in the comedy series ‘Father Ted’), who is supposed to have helped him with his campaign and who he had lined up for Tainaiste if the Spud won the election. Methinks the funniest man in Ireland may have been involved in the writing of this book too!
If anyone can trace back to this campaign, on each lamppost around the Country, the faces of candidates looked out from posters at us smiling. On each lamppost there also hung a poster depicting a yellow faced potato sporting a red rosette with No 1 on his lapel. I can remember this time myself. You know when you get to the voting station sometimes and think ‘What if I just wrote none of the above at the bottom of my voting slip?’ Well I did consider putting Mr. Tayto, your only man on my slip just for fun. But in the end I didn’t.
Anyway in this part of the book he tells of his adventures which are very funny indeed. He had a run-in with Michael and Jackie Healy Rae down in Co. Kerry. He shows a picture of them giving him a piece of their minds which was in the national Newspapers.
Poor Tayto got himself into a bit of hot water during his tour to get votes. He wasn’t too popular with the other candidates who felt he was making fun out of politics. Maybe he was reminding them that they take themselves too seriously, when the electorate don’t!
Nevertheless he mentions that his campaign was hurt by efforts of sabotage; on a tour of the midlands later in the campaign, the Tayto election bus wouldn’t fit under a bridge in Longford and to this day, I’m not convinced the opposition didn’t have it lowered.
Maybe it didn’t help him that he said what everyone else was thinking; I hadn’t even been given the training the other politicians had, ya know, the knack for answering questions without actually giving an answer!
I n the chapter My take on Dublin he reminds us of a few interesting and amusing traits about Dubliners, one of which is the nicknaming of our monuments. There’s Molly Malone-the Tart with the Cart at the bottom of Grafton Street. The ‘hags with the bags’ by the Ha’Penny Bridge, the ‘Flue with the view’ in Smithfield and the ‘Stick in the sick’(the Spire) and Phil Lynott outside Bruxelles-‘The Ace with the Bass’.
One thing hit a nerve in this chapter though. It was Tayto’s criticism of our Transport System, which I found a hard pill to swallow being a faithful employee of Dublin’s bus service for over twenty five years. He tears the Darts, Luas and Buses to shreds saying that it’s the worst public transport in the world outside of possibly Karachi. OUCH!
I forgive you Mr. Tayto. There is always room for improvement and perhaps constructive criticism is acceptable. After all you did cheer me up between journeys at a time when I was faced with icy road conditions and the onslaught of Big Freeze 2010 in our City.
The Future is Potato shaped
In the final chapter of his book, our hero talks of the endless possibilities for his future, including perhaps bringing out a charity single; All you need are Spuds? Cheese release me?
What was Tayto’s motive behind writing this Biography I wonder?
He says it was to put the ‘record’ straight about himself. But I get the feeling that there was more to it. There is after all a lot of choices out there that there weren’t years ago, even in your bag of crisps. I for instance was munching on a bag of Walkers lites when I opened the first chapter of this book, up at my terminus, (and I’m not just saying this ‘cause he insulted CIE).
Bottom line I have to say that it is definitely a good read if you’re a Dubliner and since I read it I have Tayto LFCs in my cupboard. If that was all he wanted, it worked!
I can finish with an old Irish saying that fits here; There’s more than one way to skin a cat! (or peel a potato)
The Man in the Red Jacket
A review by Angela Macari O’Looney
As I was doing some last minute shopping in my usual Supermarket, I spotted this book with one of my favourite Irish characters on the front cover. I had seen it promoted a while before this, but on that occasion thought it a little above my budget as I waited to pay for my goods.
However, this time I noticed it was marked down 30% and so I chucked it into my shopping trolley. As it happened I was short of some light reading for work, so I took it from my bookshelf and thought it might be handy for when I was waiting at my terminus. I drive a bus.
From the get go Mr. Tayto takes you through the evolution of the Tayto Crisp, starting with the amusing accidental discovery that his Pa made one evening, when he took a few of his Granny’s thinly chipped potatoes garnished with salt and vinegar, to the pub to go with his pint. From thence, it seems the popularity of the Tayto family discovery grew.
The stocky bejacketed man tells us his hilarious anecdotes about childhood, factory life, politics and romance. Beautifully illustrated, this little book had me laughing out loud. It touched on such topics as the Recession, The Rose of Tralee, and Reality T.V. It seems our friend has something to say on just about every subject and isn’t backwards in coming forwards about his opinions.
Tayto never reveals his true identity and yet you know that for instance the names used in the part about his family tree, are his way of taking the Micko!
You almost feel like you’re sitting beside him pint in hand, hearing his views and funny tales like you’re his closest friend. One favourite section of the book is during the chapter Back to my roots. He says But life was good back then. This was in a time before iPods, Hoverbikes and mobile phones and when a holiday meant getting the bus to the beach and sitting in a cheap caravan for a week, with a pack of cards. We didn’t know the difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ fats and no one ever heard of a disease called obesity. If a kid was fat, you just chase him till he got thin, or better still made him goalie. And spam was something that came in a tin.
This bit makes me reflect on how vastly things have changed in the space of a couple of decades.
In the chapter Deck the halls with bags of Tayto, I like the sentiment; back in the days when Christmas didn’t start in August. and No one forgot to buy batteries, as none of our presents needed them.
I honestly felt that he had taken me by the hand and shown me a vision of my own childhood Christmases, with the smell of a fresh fir tree, dried fruit and alcohol cooking, the sense of excitement in both young and old as the big day drew close and a real feeling that somebody very special was on his way.
In some ways this life story reminds me of the film Forest Gump, with the amazing adventures Tayto gets up to and his claims to fame, such as photos taken with Taoisaigh, Politicians, Celebrity Beauties, even a lovely picture taken of him clad in the Ireland Kit from 1990, when Jack Charlton took our team to Italy for the World Cup.
The Credit Unions were busy helping send Jackie’s army all around the world and paying for Green hands, Hammers and Leprechaun hats.
Also in the chapter Goodbye Celtic Tater, I find his words of wisdom and observations bang on.
For example his take on the worst pain in the bum to all Dublin drivers, the m50. the 50 stands for 50% there!
I burst into fits of laughter when he talked about the arrival of fancy coffee, wedding planners and the recent arrival of Pandemics. You get some great jokes out of Tayto’s Christmas Crackers too; What snack sang the Lady in Red? Crisp de Burgh!and Two Tayto crisps walked into a bar. One was a salted!
Election Campaign 2007, Humble Spud
This is probably the most memorable chapter of this book for me. Tayto mentions comedian Frank Kelly (Father Jack in the comedy series ‘Father Ted’), who is supposed to have helped him with his campaign and who he had lined up for Tainaiste if the Spud won the election. Methinks the funniest man in Ireland may have been involved in the writing of this book too!
If anyone can trace back to this campaign, on each lamppost around the Country, the faces of candidates looked out from posters at us smiling. On each lamppost there also hung a poster depicting a yellow faced potato sporting a red rosette with No 1 on his lapel. I can remember this time myself. You know when you get to the voting station sometimes and think ‘What if I just wrote none of the above at the bottom of my voting slip?’ Well I did consider putting Mr. Tayto, your only man on my slip just for fun. But in the end I didn’t.
Anyway in this part of the book he tells of his adventures which are very funny indeed. He had a run-in with Michael and Jackie Healy Rae down in Co. Kerry. He shows a picture of them giving him a piece of their minds which was in the national Newspapers.
Poor Tayto got himself into a bit of hot water during his tour to get votes. He wasn’t too popular with the other candidates who felt he was making fun out of politics. Maybe he was reminding them that they take themselves too seriously, when the electorate don’t!
Nevertheless he mentions that his campaign was hurt by efforts of sabotage; on a tour of the midlands later in the campaign, the Tayto election bus wouldn’t fit under a bridge in Longford and to this day, I’m not convinced the opposition didn’t have it lowered.
Maybe it didn’t help him that he said what everyone else was thinking; I hadn’t even been given the training the other politicians had, ya know, the knack for answering questions without actually giving an answer!
I n the chapter My take on Dublin he reminds us of a few interesting and amusing traits about Dubliners, one of which is the nicknaming of our monuments. There’s Molly Malone-the Tart with the Cart at the bottom of Grafton Street. The ‘hags with the bags’ by the Ha’Penny Bridge, the ‘Flue with the view’ in Smithfield and the ‘Stick in the sick’(the Spire) and Phil Lynott outside Bruxelles-‘The Ace with the Bass’.
One thing hit a nerve in this chapter though. It was Tayto’s criticism of our Transport System, which I found a hard pill to swallow being a faithful employee of Dublin’s bus service for over twenty five years. He tears the Darts, Luas and Buses to shreds saying that it’s the worst public transport in the world outside of possibly Karachi. OUCH!
I forgive you Mr. Tayto. There is always room for improvement and perhaps constructive criticism is acceptable. After all you did cheer me up between journeys at a time when I was faced with icy road conditions and the onslaught of Big Freeze 2010 in our City.
The Future is Potato shaped
In the final chapter of his book, our hero talks of the endless possibilities for his future, including perhaps bringing out a charity single; All you need are Spuds? Cheese release me?
What was Tayto’s motive behind writing this Biography I wonder?
He says it was to put the ‘record’ straight about himself. But I get the feeling that there was more to it. There is after all a lot of choices out there that there weren’t years ago, even in your bag of crisps. I for instance was munching on a bag of Walkers lites when I opened the first chapter of this book, up at my terminus, (and I’m not just saying this ‘cause he insulted CIE).
Bottom line I have to say that it is definitely a good read if you’re a Dubliner and since I read it I have Tayto LFCs in my cupboard. If that was all he wanted, it worked!
I can finish with an old Irish saying that fits here; There’s more than one way to skin a cat! (or peel a potato)
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