Favourite Irish albums of the CLUAS writers
Dromed's top 5 Irish albums of all time...
Act: Thin
Lizzy
Album: 'Live and Dangerous' (1978)
The opening riff of Jailbreak on this album is the perfect introduction
to a brilliant no holds barred rock record. 'Rosalie', 'The Rocker' and 'Don't
believe a Word' showcase just how tight knit the band were, with Gorham and
Robertson complimenting each other while Lynott and Downey keep a thumping
rhythm going throughout. Phil's voice sounding especially seductive as he
laments: ?Don't believe a word/ For words are only spoken/ Your heart is like a
promise/ Made to be broken.? 'The Boys are Back in Town' is a much loved classic
piece of Irish punk rock, while on 'Dancing in the Moonlight' we really get to
hear Phil's punchy bass as well as his talent for story telling through songwriting: ?Now I won't get out until Sunday/ I'll have to say I stayed with
friends/ But it's a habit worth forming/ If it means to justify the end.? But
the highlight for me is always "Still in love with you". Heartfelt and
beautifully sung, this is my favourite Irish song of all time. Lynott's painful
baring of his soul matched with that wailing guitar solo is a courageous display
of emotion and honesty from one of Ireland's best loved sons. 'Live and
Dangerous' brilliantly captures the atmosphere of the raucous Thin Lizzy and is
a shining example of what a fantastic live band they were.
Act: Revelino
Album: 'Revelino' (1996)
What a beautiful little gem of a record this is, full of intricate
melodies and well-crafted songs. 'That's What Emily Says' is full of Beach
Boys-type harmonies and infectiously bright guitar riffs. Tallon's voice sounds
like an Irish Lee Mayers on 'Don't lead me down' and 'She's got the face' and on
the strength of this album, it seemed like Revelino might take over from where
the La's left off. 'Happiness is mine' is without doubt the highlight of the
record. A brilliantly catchy chorus sung over a soaring melody ?Happiness is
mine/I'll show you what it's like/sometime?. Revelino had the goods to be huge,
but never seemed to get further then some appearances on No Disco and playing
Feile and subsequent material never really managed to match the brilliant
subtlety of their debut.
Act: The
Undertones
Album: 'The Undertones' (1979)
The Undertones seemed to fall somewhere between The Ramones and 70s Glam
rock, carving a niche for themselves in punk/pop history with some irresistibly
catchy tunes. There's something naively optimistic and exuberant about almost
every song here. The brilliantly anthemic 'Male Model', 'Here comes the Summer'
and 'Jimmy Jimmy are energetic lessons in what makes a perfect pop song. The
lyrics are simple but clever, innocent yet perceptive, completely unpretentious
and proud of their working class roots and anti-fashion stance. The
testosterone-drenched 'Teenage kicks' is instantly recognisable for its opening
riff and snarling hooks. The fact that it still gets played every weekend in
clubs and gets 18 years olds up on the dance floor is a testament to that.
Sham69 and Stiff Little Fingers don't even come close to Derry's finest ever
export.
Act: The
Blades
Album: 'Last Man In Europe' (1985)
Formed in 1977 in Ringsend, Dublin, The Blades were at the cutting edge
of Dublin's punk scene, famous for playing a residency with U2 at the Baggot
Inn. The Last Man in Europe (1985) album is awash with Stax influences and
Dexy's-tinged soulful undertones on 'That's Not Love' and 'Got Soul'. Paul
Cleary's much underrated vocals shine through on 'Downmarket', which was
released as a single in 1984. Recorded with John Porter, the Smiths' producer,
the album is a piece of perfect guitar pop, and 'Downmarket' the perfectly
crafted pop song. The Blades are deservedly credited for influencing many
New-Wave/Mod/Punk bands, particularly from Ireland, but they sadly never reached
the heights they were destined for. A crying shame.
Act: Therapy?
Album: 'Nurse' (1992)
A
psychotic, neurotic and eclectic full-on punk rock album. I got into Therapy?
after hearing the thrash of it's most prominent single 'Teethgrinder'.
It was a perfect teenage angst song capturing the swagger of youth. Andy Cairns'
vicious lyrics: ?Think to win and I'm up on it / I can't lose, I've got nothing
to/ Try me now, I'll try anything/ This is me, this is what I feel? say it all.
Similar sentiments run through the album, such as 'Neck Freak's nasty little
gem?? I hate it when she makes me feel?. The influence of The Stooges, Dead
Kennedy's, Black Sabbath, Sonic Youth and Nirvana on these angry young men can
be heard all over this record. The much rated Troublegum album is nowhere near
as dark as this little monster!
- Check out the final Top 50 Irish Albums of All Time as voted by CLUAS.com readers
- Discuss this selection of best Irish albums of all time on the CLUAS Discussion Board.
- Check out the top 5 Irish albums of all time chosen by these other CLUAS writers:
Allen Conlan
Anthony Morrissey
Brano
Brian Farrelly
Brian Kelly
Celine O'Malley
Chris Ford
Ciaran Wrenn
Cormac Looney
Donal Griffin
Dromed
Gav Reilly
Hugh Tynan
Jimmy Murphy
Jules Jackson
Ollie O'Leary
Stephen McNulty
