https://www.cluas.com/indie-music RSS feeds for CLUAS Irish Indie Music 60 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4282/Key-Notes-Final-Blog#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4282 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4282&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4282/Key-Notes-Final-Blog As you've probably guessed from the blog title and, indeed, the summary, this will be the final ever edition of Key Notes.  It might not be a huge surprise to those of you who follow this blog on a regular basis as the silence emanating from Key Note Towers over the past few weeks has been deafening.  Unfortunately, I totally underestimated how much time and effort a Masters would require and, while it would have been an easy decision to hold on to this blog and only update it once or twice per month, I think you, the Key Notes reader, deserves better.  This blog set out to entertain and inform in equal measure and on a regular basis.  I hope that I have achieved that over the past two and a half years.  However, now that I can no longer provide you with a regular update, I feel the time is right to step aside and pave the way for a fresh voice from the CLUAS stable to provide you with their take on Ireland's indie music scene.  I can't reveal who that person is just now, but I hope that regular readers of Key Notes will support his replacement. Before I go, I would like to thank Eoghan, who provided me with this excellent opportunity.  Sir, your guidance was one of the main reasons I took the plunge and decided to do my journalism Masters.  I would also like the thank my fellow CLUAS writers, especially those of you who took gig passes on short notice and were willing and able to publish reviews within 24 hours.  Unfortunately, my decision to step back from the site means that I will no longer be in charge of the distribution of gig passes but I'm sure Eoghan will direct you in the right direction soon. I would also like to thank all the promoters, bands, managers and fans who I've had the pleasure of being in contact with over the past few years and who have pointed me in the direction of some excellent new Irish music.  I would especially like to thank (and wish them the best of luck in the future) all those involved with C O D E S, Dark Room Notes, Escape Act and the sadly departed Future Kings of Spain. I'd better thank Mrs. Key Notes too.  Although, like Eoghan, it is partly Amy's fault that I can't continue with Key Notes as I doubt I'd be doing this Masters if it wasn't for her support.  Finally, I would like to you, the Key Notes reader, especially those of you on the Key Notes' mailing list.  I hope I have succeeded in my goal of entertaining and informing you over the past few years and that you appreciate difficult it was to come up with a new email title every time! This won't be the last you hear from me on CLUAS.  I still hope to provide gig and album reviews as and when I can and I stand 100% behind this site and what it aims to achieve. It's been emotional people. C O D E S: This is Goodbye More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4282 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4283/Key-Notes-Marathon-Adventure#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4283 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4283&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4283/Key-Notes-Marathon-Adventure Yesterday, Monday 26 October 2009, this blog ran (and completed) its very first Marathon. It was a day of extreme highs and lows and one that I'll probably never forget.  I know for sure that my right knee won't let me forget anytime soon. As I reached the start line at 8.30, the air was heavy with the smell of fear and deep heat.  Nervous pleasantries were exchanged between competitors amidst final stretches and photographs.  Everyone wanted to know what time everyone else wanted to achieve.  If I could do it in less that 4 hours, 30 minutes, I'd be very happy.  If I could somehow find the adrenalin to do it in less than four then I'd be ecstatic!  As the 9.00 start time approached, my emotions began to get the better of me, not because of the 26 miles, 385 yards ahead of me, but because of the hundreds of miles I'd put in beforehand and, of course, the very reason I was doing this in the first place, in memory of my Father-in-law, Alan Smyth.   However, once the starting gun went all nerves quickly disappeared and I settled in to a nice pace of 9.30-9.45 minute miles for the first 5 miles.  It was hard not to think about the difference between the first time I attempted 5 miles, when I was sure I'd have to call some sort of cardiac ambulance, and today.  Indeed, miles 4-8, through the Phoenix Park, are perhaps the most fun I've ever had with my clothes on.  The colours of the trees, the enthusiastic crowds, the fact that I was, without very much effort, on course for possibly a 4 hour marathon added a spring to my step that made me feel like the greatest distance runner in the world.   That being said, as good as I felt exiting the Chapelizod Gate, I realised that I wasn't sweating very much and so I took some time to load up on water and energy drinks at the next water station.  Mile 8 to 9, which included the impossibly steep St. Laurence Road, was by far the toughest of the race so far but as I made my way through miles 9-13 I seemed to get a second wind.  I was now running a pretty good pace and still had the 4 hour pace balloons in sight. However, as I crossed the half way mark in 2 hours, 1 minute and 14 seconds, and began to dream of upping the pace and overtaking the pacemakers between miles 13-18 (and before I hit the dreaded wall), I heard what can only be described as a loud snap in my head and almost immediately came to a shuddering halt given the pain that was now emanating from my right knee. I couldn't believe it.  This was the same knee I suffered a grade 2 ACL tear in during training (causing me to miss 8 weeks in total) but which hadn't caused me any real trouble for over 6 weeks.   I made my way as quickly as I could to the nearest first aid area where I was strongly advised to call it a day.  That was NEVER going to happen, not after coming this far.  The first aid guys applied as much deep freeze as they could before advising me one more time to consider leaving the race.  Stubbornly, I still refused, saying that I'd give it another couple of miles and see where it took me.  All in all, I spent over 21 minutes getting treatment and stretching and so any hope of a sub four hour marathon were well any truly gone. Indeed, after about a mile of very light jogging I relalised that time was no longer an issue.  It was now all about ignoring the pain in my right knee (akin to replacing your knee joint with a testicle and running on it for 12 or so miles), and just finishing the race.  To be honest, I wasn't sure I could but as mile after mile passed by I could sense the finish line and that, plus a brilliantly supportive crowd, kept me going, even through miles 18-24 when I seemed to spend most of the time trying not to cry, both from the pain and the feeling that I'd let myself and others down because of this injury. Somehow, and from somewhere, I picked up the courage to run, as fast as I could, the last 2 miles, 285 yards in the hope of finishing in less than 5 & a half hours.  Seeing Mrs Key Notes, her mum and my own Mum and Dad, as I struggled through the last mile, gave me a huge emotional and physical boost and as I crossed the line I was so overcome with the emotion of the whole experience that I almost, almost, forgot about the pain for a moment.  Officially, my time was 5.46.14 but, as I took 21 minutes out for treatment, I'm giving myself an unofficial time of 5.25.14.   Not that it matters, of course, I finished a marathon, essentially on one leg, and that, as everyone has since told me, is all that really matters.  That and getting to the doctor today! Should you wish to sponsor me, there is still time so please check out my MyCharity Page.More ... Steven O'Rourke Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4283 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4284/Festival-Guide-Hard-Working-Class-Heroes-2009#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4284 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4284&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4284/Festival-Guide-Hard-Working-Class-Heroes-2009 And so Dublin's most hectic, fun-filled, music weekend is finally upon us!  The full schedule for Hard Working Class Heroes 2009, details of which you can find below or on the HWCH website, has been announced.   There are obviously a lot of great bands that one could see over the weekend but Key Notes will more than likely be found at the following: Friday Midatlantic - The Button Factory - 7.15-7.45 Theme Tune Boy - 4 Dame Lane - 8.15-8.45 Subplots - Andrew's Lane - 8.50-9.20 Here Come The Landed Gentry - Academy 2 - 9.30-10.00 The Ambience Affair - Andrew's Lane - 10.10-10.40 Villagers - Andrew's Lane - 11.00-12.00 Saturday Oliver Cole - The Button Factory - 7.10-7.40 Escape Act - 4 Dame Lane - 8.00-8.30 Cities - Twisted Pepper - 8.55-9.25 Holy Roman Army - Twisted Pepper - 9.35-10.05 Fionn Regan - Button Factory - 10.00-11.00 Sunday Pearse McLoughlin - The Button Factory - 7.30-8.00 Biggles Flies Again - Academy 2 - 8.10-8.40 Robotnik - Andrew's Lane - 9.00-9.30 Tidal District - Academy 2 - 9.30-10.00 The Angel Pier - Button Factory - 10.15-11.00 202's - Andrew's Lane - 11.05-11.35 Super Extra Bonus Party - Andrew's Lane - 11.50 - 12.30 Full Hard Working Class Heroes 2009 Line-up: FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER ________________________________ ANDREWS LANE  7.30 - 8.00 - MIRACLE BELL 8.10 - 8.40 - WE CUT CORNERS 8.50 - 9.20 - SUBPLOTS 9.30 - 10.00 - THE DEAD FLAGS 10.10 - 10.40 - THE AMBIENCE AFFAIR 11.00 - 12.00 - VILLAGERS (12:00 - 2.00AM HWCH CLUB) IRATE SOUND SYSTEM & CHEWY BUTTON FACTORY  7.15 - 7.45 - MIDATLANTIC 8.00 - 8.30 - ALRIGHT CHIEF 8.40 - 9.10 - THE BROTHERS MOVEMENT 9.20 - 9.50 - A PLASTIC ROSE 10.00 - 10.35 - DARK ROOM NOTES THE ACADEMY 2  7.30 - 8.00 - I ♥ THE MONSTER HERO 8.10 - 8.40 - NO LADY 8.50 - 9.20 - DEAF ANIMAL ORCHESTRA 9.30 - 10.00 - HERE COMES THE LANDED GENTRY  10.10 - 10.40 - NOT SQUARES 10.55 - 11.30 - HERITAGE CENTRE TWISTED PEPPER  7.45 - 8.15 - ALBERT PENGUIN 8.30 - 9.00 - CITY OF ANGELS 9.15 - 9.45 - BITCHES WITH WOLVES 10-00 - 10.30 - SERGEANT MEGAPHONE 10.45 - 11.15 - TALULAH DOES THE HULA 11.30 - 12.00 - NEOSUPERVITAL 4 DAME LANE  7.30 - 8.00 - LADYDOLL 8.15 - 8.45 - THEME TUNE BOY 9.00 - 9.30 - BLACK ROBOTS 9.45 - 10.15 - ZEALOTS 10.30 - 11.00 - IDENTITY PARADE THINK TANK 7.30 - 8.00 - GIRAFFES 8.15 - 8.45 - IAN WHITTY & THE EXCHANGE 900 - 9.30 - HEATHERS 9.45 - 10.15 - THE STAR DEPARTMENT 10.25 - 11.00 - MORE TINY GIANTS   SATURDAY 17TH OCTOBER _______________________________ ANDREWS LANE 7.45-8.15 – HIRED HANDS 8.30 - 9.00 - O EMPEROR 9.10 - 9.40 - ALI & THE DTS 9.50 - 10.20 - GRAN CASINO 10.30 - 11.00 - SWEET JANE 11.15 - 12.00 - ADEBISI SHANK (12:00 - 2.00AM HWCH CLUB) STEVE REDDY & DJ TUKI  BUTTON FACTORY 7.10 - 7.40 - OLLIE COLE 7.50 - 8.20 - LAND LOVERS 8.30 - 9.00 - BRIANA CORRIGAN 9.10 - 9.40 - DEAF JOE 10.00 - 11.00 - FIONN REGAN THE ACADEMY 2 7.30 - 8.00 - FINGERSMITH 8.15 - 8.45 - KILL KRINKLE CLUB 9.00 - 9.30 - CUTAWAYS 9.45 - 10.15 - DISTRACTORS 10.30 - 11.00 - CHEAP FREAKS TWISTED PEPPER  (ON THE RECORD AT HWCH) 7.30 - 8.00 - KYON 8.15 - 8.45 - YES CADETS 8.55 - 9.25 - C!TIES 9.35 - 10.05 - THE HOLY ROMAN ARMY 10.15 - 10.45 - VALERIE FRANCIS 10.45 - 12.15 - DJ SETS FROM: UNA ROCKS, NIALLER9 12.30 - 01.00 - THE SPOOK OF THE 13TH LOCK 01.15 - 01.45 - THE DYING SECONDS 02.00 - 02.45 - HUNTER GATHERER 4 DAME LANE 8.00 - 8.30 - ESCAPE ACT 8.45 - 9.15 - P.DOG 9.30 - 10.00 - BLOOD BOTTLER 10.15 - 10.45 - COLLIE THINK TANK 7.30 - 8.00 - RORY GRUBB 8.15 - 8.45 - MAIL ORDER MESSIAHS 9.00 - 9.30 - GOATBOY 9.45 - 10.15 - THE POORMOUTH 10.30 - 11.00 - LIZ IS EVIL    SUNDAY 18TH OCTOBER ________________________________ ANDREWS LANE 8.15 - 8.45 - DISCONNECT 4 9.00 - 9.30 - ROBOTNIK 9.45 - 10.15 - ONLY FUMES & CORPSES 10.25 - 10.55 - FUNERAL SUITS  11.05 - 11.35 - 202S 11.50 - 12.30 - SUPER EXTRA BONUS PARTY  BUTTON FACTORY 7.30 - 8.00 - PEARSE MCGLOUGHLIN 8.10 - 8.40 - ULTAN CONLON 8.50 - 9.20 - FIONA MELADY 9.30 - 10.00 - THE BRAD PITT LIGHT ORCHESTRA 10.15 - 11.00 - THE ANGEL PIER THE ACADEMY 2 7.30 - 8.00 - ARMOURED BEAR 8.10 - 8.40 - BIGGLES FLYS AGAIN 8.50 - 9.20 - AUTUMN OWLS 9.30 - 10.00 - TIDAL DISTRICT 10.10 - 10.40 - VERONA RIOTS TWISTED PEPPER 7.30 - 8.00 - GO PANDA GO 8.10 - 8.40 - HASSLE MERCHANTS 8.50 - 9.20 - JOGGING 9.30 - 10.00 - TINY MAGNETIC PETS 10.10 - 10.40 - SOUNDS OF SYSTEM BREAKDOWN 10.55 - 11.30 - HAM SANDWICH 4 DAME LANE 7.30 - 8.00 - PRIMO 8.15 - 8.45 - VOX POPULI 9.00 - 9.30 - CARPOOL CONVERSATION 9.45 - 10.15 - REMMA 10.30 - 11.00 - AIRSTRIP ONE 11.15 - 11.45 - KILLER CHLOE THINK TANK 8.10 - 8.40 - THE VALS 8.50 - 9.20 - PLANET PARADE 9.30 - 10.00 - EXIT THE STREET 10.10 - 10.40 - POCKET PROMISE   So who will you being going to see? More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4284 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4285/Dark-Room-Notes-Sign-with-BBE#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4285 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4285&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4285/Dark-Room-Notes-Sign-with-BBE Couldn't happen to a nicer bunch of lads if you ask Key Notes.  Long time favourites of this particular blog, Dark Room Notes, announced on their MySpace this morning that they had just inked a deal with Berlin/London based BBE. According to the band: We Love You Dark Matter will (now) receive a worldwise release in 2010. It seems an initial single release in January 2010 will feature remixes from other artists on the BBE roster such as Dimitri from Paris and John Morales.  Next year will also see the band tour the UK, Europe, the US and Japan in support of the record. Dark Room Notes will be playing The Button Factory on Friday, October 16 at 10pm as part of the 2009 Hard Working Class Heroes Festival.  More details on the rest of the line up for HWCH 2009 later this week. Dark Room Notes:  Let's Light Fires More ... Steven O'Rourke Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4285 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4286/Hard-Working-Class-Heroes-09-Industry-Guide#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4286 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4286&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4286/Hard-Working-Class-Heroes-09-Industry-Guide One of Hard Working Class Heroes' unique selling points (along with not having to buy a tent!) is the involvement of the industry in the event.  This year, Culture Ireland and IMRO have teamed up with HWCH to facilitate the presence of key speakers over the course of the weekend. Mentor Speed Sessions Mentor Speed Sessions, where Irish and International industry and media professionals will be available for one-on-one questioning to help you navigate the potential pitfalls in the music industry, will take place between 10.30 and 13.00 in The Button Factory on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18.  These sessions must be signed up for in advance on the HWCH website and are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Industry Panels A number of discussions will take place over the course of the HWCH weekend, chaired by Jim Carroll and featuring the following topics: Media: Why The First, Last & Middle Words are Online The Button Factory, 14.00, Saturday October 17. What will it mean to bands to have more and more music journalism move online? Music Placement: TV on the Radio The Button Factory, 15.30, Saturday October 17. A look at what music placement means to bands and how to go about it. Labels: Meet Your new Best Friend The Button Factory, 14.00, Sunday October 18. A number of label types argue why they are still relevant as we approach the end of the Noughties. Touring: The Music Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy The Button Factory, 15.30, Sunday October 18. A chance to learn how to move from playing your home town, to somebody else's home town. These industry panels are free to those in possession of a valid weekend or one day ticket.  Tickets are still available for HWCH 2009 from usual outlets.  Keep an eye on Key Notes next week as he will bring you the full line-up for the event, as well as listing which bands he thinks you should be checking out.More ... Steven O'Rourke Fri, 09 Oct 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4286 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4287/Key-Notes-Random-Notes#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4287 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4287&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4287/Key-Notes-Random-Notes Key Notes Returns To College Key Notes has had an interesting couple of weeks.  For a start, I'm now a full time student again.  I started my Masters in Journalism last week and, so far, it's pretty much everything I was hoping it would be.  Shorthand is tough, especially for someone who doesn't write in a cursive script to start with, but aside from that, Key Notes is sure he's made the right decision career/life wise. Marathon Preparations Those of you who follow this blog will know that I am currently training for the Adidas Dublin City Marathon on October 26.  In preparation for this I recently ran the Adidas Dublin Half Marathon with my mother (aw bless).  While my time was nothing to write home about, she managed to finish 111 out of over 1,000 in her category and raise lots of funds for charity at the same time so kudos where it is due.  I will be blogging about my marathon exploits closer to the date, and looking for sponsorship, so watch out. Hot Press Music Show Key Notes attended this weekend's Hot Press Music Show in the RDS (thanks Greeny!) and was pleased to see the amount of young people there.  When I was growing up in Kildare, music shops were at a premium and access to musical instruments and teachers usually came through school.  With an event like the Music Show, kids of all ages can fall in love with real instruments (as opposed to Guitar Hero, which, while having some entertainment value, has the potential to kill music).  The Music Show also exposes kids of all ages to some of the topics currently being debated in the world of music.  Illegal downloading was, once again, the hot potato, but there was also a particularly interesting debate on songwriting as a business, a subject that gets Key Notes wound up in all sorts of ways.  In my world, music should be considered art, not a business.  Why is that such a lofty ideal? Two Bands Key Notes Would Recommend At the Music Show, Key Notes heard two bands whose music he hadn't really paid much attention to before.  The first band, OnOff, won a competition to open the gig section of the event.  I saw this band once before and, quite frankly, didn't think very much.  However, they are now one member lighter and sound a great deal better for it.  There is an edge to this band that a lot of established bands would kill for.  Their music (balls out rock) might not be to everyone's taste but, if they could tone down on the swagger just a little, they is a great deal of potential. The second band, and one that Key Notes is now very excited by, is Bipolar Empire.  One reason why this band caught my attention is that it would be difficult to pin a specific sound or genre on this band.  It was at times melodic, rock, soul and even blues and all played around songs of a very high standard.  Even more impressive was their vocalist, whose range was amazing considering it was only lunchtime.  Well worth checking out. Villagers Sign To Domino Congratulations to Villagers who have recently signed to Domino (Franz Ferdinand, Arctic Monkeys, The Kills).  Couldn't happen to a better band.  Make sure you check them out at Hard Working Class Heroes 2009 (more on this later in the week).  For now though, any excuse to play this: Villagers: The Meaning of the Ritual More ... Steven O'Rourke Tue, 06 Oct 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4287 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4288/The-Kings-Are-Dead-Long-Live-the-Kings#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4288 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4288&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4288/The-Kings-Are-Dead-Long-Live-the-Kings 'We weren't Spanish. We just liked crowns!' That's the message greeting visitors to the Future Kings of Spain Myspace page this morning.  In fairness, I've heard rumours of the band's demise for more than a month now but, to see it become official, makes Key Notes feel very sad.  For years they were, by a long way, my favourite Irish band and, while my musical tastes have changed over the years, they remained a band whose records would always be on my mp3 player and whose gigs I would always keep an eye out for. I still have very fond memories of my first time seeing the Kings.  They were supporting Biffy Clyro in the Temple Bar Music Centre and, aside from my future wife and brother-in-law, the only other people there were members of Snow Patrol and JJ72.  It was one of those nights where you know you're witnessing something special and you just wish that there were more people there to see it too.  That night, the Kings blew Biffy off the stage and I was hooked. They were also some of the nicest blokes you could meet in music.  Key Notes interviewed lead singer Joey Wilson and drummer Bryan McMahon in advance of reviewing their sophomore album, Nervousystem.  What was supposed to be a 20 minute interview turned in to a two hour discussion about everything including table tennis, diabetic chocolate and fictional TV detectives and continued into the night when this blog and Joe O'Shea (of Seoige & O'Shea) ended up discussing the appearance of sea monkeys on his wikipedia page.  It was, to quote the youth of today, random.  As far as interview material went, most of it was unusable and would result in this site being sued for several million Euro, but it did give me a much better insight into what the album was really all about and helped to colour (though, of course, not influence) my review. It's always sad when your favourite bands call it a day but, I suppose, you always have their music to remember them by.  The Future Kings of Spain leave behind two great albums and a fantastic EP, Les Debemos.  My favourite Kings' song will always be Meanest Sound but the best thing they ever wrote was surely Syndicate which also had a pretty cool video. Future Kings of Spain: Syndicate The Kings are Dead, Long Live The Kings. Adios.More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 24 Sep 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4288 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4289/VillagersFionn-Regan-to-Headline-Hard-Working-Class-2009#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4289 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4289&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4289/VillagersFionn-Regan-to-Headline-Hard-Working-Class-2009 The Friday and Saturday night headliners for Hard Working Class Heroes 2009 have been announced.  Conor O'Brien and his Villagers will headline Andrew's Lane Theatre on Friday October 16 while Fionn Regan will conclude proceedings on Saturday October 17 in The Button Factory. Those of you who haven't managed to get your hands on Villagers' stunning Hollow Kind EP are really missing out.  O'Brien, formerly of The Immediate, is a songwriter of extraordinary talent, capable of inducing the entire spectrum of emotions in his listeners.  His appearance at this years HWCH will coincide with the launch of Villagers' new single, On a Sunlit Stage.  If the man can sound this good in a bathroom, you should hear him live, with a full band! Villagers: On a Sunlit Stage Also announced for this year's HWCH is former Mercury nominee, Fionn Regan.  There will be those amongst Key Notes' readers who will be wondering what Regan has been up to since the release of 2007's critically acclaimed The End of History.  Well, the good news is that the follow up, The Shadow of an Empire, is due for release in 2010, through Universal. Fionn Regan: Be Good or Be Gone As mentioned already, Hard Working Class Heroes 2009 takes place over the course of October 16,17 & 18.  Featuring 99 Irish bands, tickets are available from Tickets.ie and usual outlets for €40 (weekend) or €18.50 (daily).  Key Notes will be running a feature on the bands he is looking forward to seeing, closer to the event so keep and eye out for that.More ... Steven O'Rourke Mon, 21 Sep 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4289 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4290/Key-Notes-Joins-The-27-Club#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4290 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4290&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4290/Key-Notes-Joins-The-27-Club It will probably come as no surprise, but I don't remember much about my birth.  I know I was a reluctant child; if my Mam is to be believed she was in labour longer than Pat Rabbitte.  I do remember most of my birthdays though, even the one that everyone else forgot. Unfortunately, John Hughes didn't make a movie about me (probably because I wasn't a 16 year old American girl).  My most memorable birthday was probably my 21st, which I spent in hospital waiting for an operation to remove metal pins from my arm.  That was fun! That's enough about me though, this blog is supposed to be about the statistical anomaly that has seen so many influential musicians who happen to die at my new age.  The 27 Club or the Forever 27 Club contains the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Brian Jones, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin and Kurt Cobain.  Even Charles Cross, who has written two excellent biographies on Hendrix and Kurt Cobain, has stated that 'The number of musicians who died at 27 is truly remarkable by any standard. [Although] humans die regularly at all ages, there is a statistical spike for musicians who die at 27.'  As many as 37 notable musicians have died at that age. Cobain's entry to the 27 club had, perhaps, the most influence on me growing up and was, indeed, the first I heard of the 27 club.  There is a huge volume of text available on Cobain's death with many saying he timed his suicide so he good join the club.  Cobain of course was a student of rock history and this, it seems, is the main reason why many bloggers claim he killed himself.  What most don't tell you is that more than 30,000 Americans took their own lives in 1994, the year Cobain died, so it's not entirely surprising that someone, who had as many problems as Cobain did, joined them. One aspect of the 27 club that, perhaps, has the greatest appeal (and you'd be surprised by the amount of people who actually want to join this club!) is that it is difficult to imagine any of its more prominent members reaching old age.  The idea of a 50 year old Jim Morrison fronting a Door's reunion tour doesn't sit comfortably.  Likewise, it is difficult to picture Jimi Hendrix or Brian Jones as old men.  On the other hand, how great would it be to hear that a new Nirvana album was coming out at the end of 2009? Either way, we'll never know. Thankfully, Key Notes doesn't have either an outstanding body of work behind him or a face that might adorn a thousand t-shirts surrounding the central bank so he doesn't have to worry about joining the 27 club, even if he wanted to.  Really, this blog was just an excuse to let everyone know it was my birthday and to play this video: Nirvana: Heart Shaped Box Now I just have to reach Jesus' age to have an excuse to play that video again!More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4290 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4291/Speech-Debelle-Wins-The-Mercury-Prize#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4291 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4291&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4291/Speech-Debelle-Wins-The-Mercury-Prize Speech Debelle has just been announced as the winner of the 2009 Mercury Prize.  Unfortunately, this means that Ireland's Lisa Hannigan didn't win, keeping Ireland's 100% record of not winning the competition in tact.  Hopefully it didn't lose because, as one of the guests interviewed by Lauren Laverne on tonight's show stated, it was 'too sweet' and 'just nice to listen to when making a vegetable curry' and not suitable for winning the Mercury Prize.  What a terrible indictment of a record and one that is, in this blogs' opinion, totally undeserved.  Sea Sew is, in places, perhaps a little twee, but it is beautiful in parts and contains some very interesting arrangements.  It was, in short, very deserving of its nomination. Key Notes would like to congratulate Speech Debelle on winning this year's prize.  To be honest though, I have managed to listen to approx. 75% of this year's albums, and Speech Therapy was one of two records I thought didn't deserve to win (the other being Glasvegas) but might.  For me, it's very much hip hop for people who aren't really that keen on hip hop but who like having a diverse record collection.  For those of you not familiar with the record, Speech Therapy has quite a jazz tinge to it, relying less on artificial production and more on a natural LoFi feel. Key Notes' own personal favourite was Bat For Lashes' Two Suns and, while it is sad to see this record overlooked, that's the way these competitions work.  People have different opinons than I do.  This is probably a good thing most of the time! To be honest, there are no real losers when it comes to the Mercury Prize (most bands see a massive increase in sales) but some acts win more than others.  This year's winningest (it's a word!) winner was Speech Debelle and so here's a video to celebrate: Speech Debelle: The Key More ... Steven O'Rourke Tue, 08 Sep 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4291 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4292/Hard-Working-Class-Heroes-Line-Up-Announced#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4292 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4292&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4292/Hard-Working-Class-Heroes-Line-Up-Announced As followers of Key Notes will know, Hard Working Class Heroes (HWCH) returns for the seventh consecutive year in October (Friday October 16 to Sunday October 18 2009).  Taking place, once more, in Dublin's Temple Bar, HWCH is a great opportunity for bands and music fans alike to experience festival-like conditions without any fear of someone setting fire to your tent. Yesterday, the first 99 Irish bands were announced and, well, it's a pretty impressive list.  Stand-out acts for me are The Ambience Affair, Dark Room Notes and R.S.A.G.  That being said, there are a huge number of acts on the list that I've heard a great deal about but have yet to see live and that, if previous years are anything to go by, will provide the greatest enjoyment. Ticket prices for Hard Working Class Heroes 2009 remain the same as last year, costing €40 (that's 49 cent per band!- Recessiontastic) for a weekend pass while nightly tickets are €18.50.  Tickets are available from Tickets.ie. The 99 Irish bands announced yesterday were as follows: 202s A Plastic Rose Adebisi Shank Airstrip One Albert Penguin Ali & the DTs Alright Chief Armoured Bear Autumn Owls Biggles Flys Again Black Robots Blood Bottler Briana Corrigan Carpool Conversation C!ties Cheap Freaks City of Angels Collie Cutaways Dark Room Notes Deaf Animal Orchestra Deaf Joe Disconnect 4 Distractors Doug Sheridan Escape Act Exit the Street Fingersmith Fiona Melady Funeral Suits Giraffes Go Panda Go Goatboy Gran Casino Ham Sandwich Hassle Merchants Heathers Heritage Centre Here Comes The Landed Gentry Hired Hands Hunter-Gatherer I Love Monster Hero Ian Whitty And The Exchange Identity Parade Jogging Killer Chloe Kill Krinkle Club Kowalski Kyon Ladydoll Land Lovers Liz Is Evil Mail Order Messiahs Midatlantic Miracle Bell More Tiny Giants Neosupervital NoLady Not Squares O Emperor Oliver Cole Only Fumes & Corpses P-Dog Pearse McGloughlin Planet Parade Pocket Promise Primo Remma Robotnik Rory Grubb RSAG Sergeant Megaphone Sounds of System Breakdown Subplots Super Extra Bonus Party Sweet Jane Talulah Does The Hula The Ambience Affair The Angel Pier The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra The Brothers Movement The Dead Flags The Dying Seconds The Holy Roman Army The Kinetiks The Poormouth The Spook of the Thirteenth Lock The Star Department The Vals Theme Tune Boy Tidal District Tiny Magnetic Pets Ultan Conlon Valerie Francis Verona Riots Vox Populi We Cut Corners Yes Cadets Zealots So, who are you looking forward to seeing?More ... Steven O'Rourke Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4292 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4293/Why-We-Must-Save-The-Album#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4293 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4293&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4293/Why-We-Must-Save-The-Album The way people listen to music has changed, with the advent of the download the emphasis has reverted to single tracks. It hasn't helped that most people have forgotten how to make a decent album. I'm constantly disappointed with records I buy. - Tim Wheeler - Ash None of us want to go into that creative hoo-ha of a long-play record again - Thom Yorke - Radiohead I think a lot. It comes with the territory when you spend the majority of your days with just a dog with a personality disorder for company.  Recently I've been thinking a lot about the album as a format and, inspired by Aidan's thread on the subject earlier this week, I decided it was about time I blogged about it.  To understand why I feel the way I do about the album it is important to understand that I see music the same way I see art or literature and it is my contention that the realisation of an idea - as opposed to greed or, worse still, a hunger for fame - should be the main driving force behind the creation of art. It is for this reason that I would hate to see the death of the album as a format.  Singles might well be the lifeblood of music, but long players are its soul.  Maybe it's just me but you build relationships with an album in a way you can't with singles.  To put it in very earthy terms, singles might well be worth a quickie every now and then on her mates couch but something in the back of your mind tells you that an album is probably worth getting to know a little better first.  As I write this blog I'm listening to one of my favourite ever albums, Elliot Smith's eponymous sophomore album.  It took me many listens to fall in love with this record, it certainly wasn't love at first listen, but there were enough individual songs on it that I liked to keep me coming back for more and now there isn't a song on it I don't like or, more importantly, feel the album would be better off without.  Elliott Smith is just one of many albums that I feel this way about. It's not just about the music of course.  I love the feeling of buying a new album.  I love getting it home and struggling to take it out of its plastic packaging.  I love trying to peel off the price sticker without leaving any residue on the case.  I love checking out the artwork and reading the lyrics.  I love studying the sleeve notes and discovering that someone I know 'in real life' was involved in someway or was thanked by the band.  I love reorganising my entire CD/Record collection to some new filing system I've thought of in the pub (alpha-geographical is still my favourite).  I love the whole multi-sensory experience you get from owning an album on CD or Vinyl Record.  Compare that to 'right click, play'.  It's just not the same. Of course, not every album makes me feel this way, but that's a matter of taste isn't it? I'm absolutely sure that there isn't an album on the market today that someone, somewhere, doesn't feel the same way as I do about Elliott Smith, Clouds Taste Metallic or Deserter's Songs.  I know I'm being terribly idealistic, but shouldn't great music, like all great art, be idealistic.  Is it too much to ask for bands to put more emphasis on making music than making profit?  Don't kill the album for the sake of keeping Steve Jobs in black polo necks.  There is a place for singles, there always has been and there always will be.  The prominence of downloads has altered our perspective but, as blogs haven't killed novels or Banksy hasn't stopped people attending art galleries, their place should be alongside the physical album, not instead of it.More ... Steven O'Rourke Fri, 14 Aug 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4293 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4294/2009-Festival-Guide-Cois-Fharraige#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4294 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4294&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4294/2009-Festival-Guide-Cois-Fharraige Cois Fharraige, Ireland's number one music and water sports festival, returns to Kilkee, Co. Clare this September.  The 3 day event will take place between Friday September 11 and Sunday September 13. Previous incarnations of the festival has seen performances from the likes of Seasick Steve, Supergrass, Travis and The Futureheads.  So far only a few acts for the 2009 edition have been announced but include the likes of Noah & The Whale, Doves, The Hold Steady and The Zutons. Tickets went on sale this morning (Tuesday August 11) from the usual outlets and are available at an early bird price of 89euro (inc. booking fee) until September 1.  After that, the price becomes 99euro (also inc. booking fee). Unlike other festivals, there is no on-site camping available but punters can check out the Discover Ireland website to see what accommodation is available in the surrounding areas.  Doves: Kingdom of Rust More ... Steven O'Rourke Tue, 11 Aug 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4294 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4295/A-Tribute-to-John-Hughes#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4295 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4295&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4295/A-Tribute-to-John-Hughes An excerpt from the Kevin Smith movie, Dogma: Bethany:  What exactly brought you to Illinois? Jay:  Some fuck called John Hughes. Bethany:  Sixteen Candles John Hughes? Jay: You know that guy, too? See, all these movies take place in a small town called Shermer, in Illinois, where all the honies are top-shelf, but all the dudes are whiny pussies - except for Judd Nelson, he was fuckin' harsh - but best of all, there was no one dealin', man; then, it hits me: we could live like phat rats if we were the blunt connection in Shermer, Illinois. So we collected some money we were owed, and we caught a bus. You know what the fuck we found out when we got there? There is no Shermer in Illinois. Movies are fuckin' bullshit. Outside of my family and friends, there are few people whose death would stop me in my tracks and make me reflect upon their life and work.  John Hughes was one such person though.  It was with a mixture of shock and sadness that I heard of his passing this morning.  You see, as a child of the eighties, Key Notes grew up with movies like Breakfast Club, Weird Science and Ferris Bueller's Day Off.  Of course, this blog was a bit too young to see them first time around but, as a teenager in the early '90's the movies seemed to fit perfectly with my own teenage angst. Hughes was great at writing outsiders and showing, ultimately, that they're not so different from the rest of us.  There was a Ferris Bueller, Wyatt Donnelly or Samantha Baker in all of us during our teenage years.  It's not often as a teenager that you feel that someone 'gets' you, but when watching a Hughes movie you really felt like he did.  Such a pity then that he moved away from teen movies so as not to be considered a one trick pony.  Pop songs always played a huge part in a John Hughes movie. Sixteen Candles had Paul Young's Love of the Common People and True by Spandau Ballet, Ferris Bueller had Twist & Shout and an instrumental cover of The Smiths' Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want and The Breakfast Club had, of course, Simple Minds' Don't You. However, my own personal favourite was Tesla Girls by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark from Weird Science and that's the song I'm going to finish this blog off with today.  Life moves pretty fast.  If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it - Ferris Bueller.  I, for one, will be having a John Hughes marathon this weekend.More ... Steven O'Rourke Fri, 07 Aug 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4295 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4296/Irish-Indie-Gig-Goers-Scenesters#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4296 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4296&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4296/Irish-Indie-Gig-Goers-Scenesters This is supposed to be a series of blogs that look at the individuals who populate Irish indie gigs and yet, in this particular entry, Key Notes will be profiling the type of person who would never be seen alone. Introduction: scenesters are far too cool for capital letters.  The time you and I waste searching for the shift key (or, worse still, caps lock) is time they can spend getting their fringe just right.  Indeed, such is their dedication to this, they only purchase products beginning with lower case letters, such as iPhones, iPods and, well, you get the idea.  It is one of nature's great mysteries that scenesters are very self-aware and yet, almost always unaware of their status as scenesters.  As such, they are amongst the most deluded of the Irish indie gig goers. How to spot one: For a start, you won't spot just one as scenesters are the cattle of the Irish indie scene, roaming, as they do, in herds.  The male of the species tend to speak at a higher pitch than the average Irish male.  This may have something to do with the fact he appears to be wearing his 15 year old sister's jeans.  Beneath these ill-fitting jeans you're likely to find pointy shoes or white canvas trainers, depending on the scenesters mood before he left home.  The torso tends to be covered with an equally tight fitting t-shirt adorned with the logo of a band the scenester may never have actually listened to.   The very worst scenester ends up looking like a Jonas Brother! The female of the species loves Urban Outfitters, indeed, in a survey carried out by this blog recently, 82% of female scenesters listed Urban Outfitters as their favourite shop.  The remaining 18% pretended I didn't exist.  The female scenester will, therefore, often be seen without a drink in hand, having spent 85 euro on leggings that look exactly like those her older sister threw away before the start of Italia '90.  Female scenesters often bald quicker than non-scenesters due, in part, to their penchant for wearing hats indoors. Behavioural Characteristics: scenesters will spend 90% of every gig talking amongst themselves, about themselves.  They will spend the remaining 10% attempting to cheer and 'whoop' louder than anyone else at the end of songs while shouting for the band to play the one song they know from that album the NME said was the best thing since last week's album of the week. It should also be noted that almost every scenester appears to be in a band though, strangely, you won't have heard of them as they've never actually played a gig or recorded any material.  They do have a 'really cool' name though, probably beginning with 'the.' What they are likely to say: 'What was that support band wearing; it should have been my band up there.' What you are likely to say: 'Look love, they have a set-list that they're going to stick to, no matter how much you shout.'More ... Steven O'Rourke Tue, 04 Aug 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4296 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4297/Summer-Festival-Guide-Castlepalooza#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4297 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4297&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4297/Summer-Festival-Guide-Castlepalooza Normal 0 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} Having been nominated for 'Best European Festival' in the UK Festival Awards 2008; Castlepalooza is back and will take place over the course of the August Bank Holiday Weekend (Saturday August 1 & Sunday August 2) in the gorgeous surroundings of Charleville Castle, Tullamore. The line up is as follows: Were it not for a stupid knee injury picked up while training for the Marathon (Grade II MCL and Medial Meniscus tear, if you're asking) Key Notes would be going himself.  However, this blog would still recommend that those of you going do your very best to check out the following 5 bands; Dark Room Notes, Le Galaxie, Rarely Seen Above Ground, Angel Pier and The Ambience Affair. Of course, as with all the best boutique festivals, there is much more than just music going on at Castlepalooza.  Normal 0 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} This year the festival will also include lots of other entertainment, from the live Rocky Horror Picture show to Crafternoon Tea and dance workshops to the infamous Party Bus.  Castlepalooza also has hot showers and flushing loos which differentiates it from most festivals Key Notes has ever attended. A limited number of tickets are still available from the Castlepalooza website and from usual outlets.  Also, be sure to check out Anna Murray's reviews of Castlepalooza 2009 over the weekend. More ... Steven O'Rourke Wed, 29 Jul 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4297 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4298/KNS-Vol-10--Charm-Offensive#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4298 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4298&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4298/KNS-Vol-10--Charm-Offensive In this, the 10th edition of Key Note Speaker, Key Notes' speaks to Anna, Pearse, and Jamie of Charm Offensive, the Kildare based band who take their influences from many bands but who manage to sound distinctly unlike anyone else (including themselves).  Charm Offensive play Upstairs in Whelan's today (July 22) at 8pm.  Declaration of interest: The Anna involved is Anna Murray of CLUAS fame, proving what a multi-talented writing team we've assembled here! Favourite Songs from the Past Year Anna Is it too late to count Portishead’s Threads? Also, Grand Pocket Orchestra’s Little Messy Pearse  Dog Days by Florence and the Machine and 22 by Lily Allen Jamie  Call It A Ritual, Wolf Parade but I’m not actually sure it was in the last year Favourite Song Ever Anna  No idea. I tend to remember albums not songs Pearse Glosoli by Sigur Ros is up there, with some Radiohead, maybe Reckoner, and a lot of Blondie Jamie  Everything In It’s Right Place - Radiohead, He Poos Clouds - Final Fantasy, I Want You [She’s So Heavy] - The Beatles but it’ll change by next week Favourite Charm Offensive Song Anna  Sugar Rush, it's very moody, and wild, but very controlled. It's top Pearse Futureproof. We haven’t played it live yet, but it should be satisfyingly loud Jamie  July’s Child. The most complete thing I think we’ve done Favourite New Band/Artist Anna Sounds of System Breakdown, The Stoney Brokes, Grand Pocket Orchestra Pearse I'm loving Florence right now. Are Nirvana new? Jamie  Wolf Parade but, again, not really new Favourite Band/Artist Ever Anna  Tujiko Noriko or Final Fantasy Pearse & Jamie Radiohead Favourite Gig This Year Anna & Jamie  Final Fantasy in Whelan's Pearse Lilly Allen at wherever it was Favourite Gig Ever Anna  Final Fantasy in Whelan's, but two years ago Pearse Definitely Arcade Fire on Oct 23rd last year. Blew my socks off Jamie  Radiohead in wherever they played in Dublin in 2003 Favourite Charm Offensive Gig Ever Anna  Today's! Pearse Definitely today's! Best gig ever! Jamie  We had a very nice gig at Eamonn Doran's last year, it was the first time we'd played live for a while, so it was great to get back on stage Favourite Venue Anna  I’d love to do a silent gig in Crawdaddy – everything through headphones Pearse Well it's always been my dream to play on the roof of the tennis club in Castlebar, maybe some day I can make that happen Jamie  Vicar Street Favourite Piece of Musical/Recording Equipment Anna  Macbook, with Logic Pro, Cubase, Soundforge, Soundhack… Pearse My lovely pedal, a Boss GT8 Jamie  A Korg, but only because I’ve never used one and can’t afford one Download or CD/Cassette/Record Anna, Pearse & Jamie  CD Favourite TV Show at the Moment Anna  Bones! And Green Wing Pearse Pushing Daises Jamie  Rome Favourite Movie Anna  The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou Pearse Pan's Labyrinth Jamie  Back To The Future I & II Favourite Book Anna & Jamie  Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell Pearse  The His Dark Materials trilogy   Most Listened to Radio Show Anna, Pearse & Jamie  Um....Radio? What's in Store for Charm Offensive Next Pearse  Well we're playing Upstairs at Whelan's this Wednesday at 8pm, with the talented Defex Anna Some recording, which should be on our MySpace soon Jamie  Wembley, drug shame, triumphant comebackMore ... Steven O'Rourke Wed, 22 Jul 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4298 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4299/Key-Notes-Runs-The-Marathon#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4299 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4299&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4299/Key-Notes-Runs-The-Marathon On April 8 2008, not only did I lose my father-in-law to cancer but I also lost one of my best friends.  Alan Smyth was in the prime of his life when he first got sick and during his illness often joked that he would be 'the healthiest man in the graveyard.'  The dignity with which he fought his cancer and the strength and sense of humour he showed even when he knew it was a fight he could not win shows just what type of person he was.  During Alan's illness I saw first hand how tragically under funded cancer care is in Ireland.  The Irish Cancer Society is dedicated to changing this and so I swore when Alan died that I would do my bit to try and raise funds for them.  Therefore, on October 26 I will be running the Lifestyle Sports/Adidas Dublin City Marathon to raise funds for The Irish Cancer Society.  In the build up to the Marathon I will be running the Adidas Race Series, starting tomorrow (Saturday July 18) with the Irish Runner 5 Mile Challenge in The Phoenix Park.  This race series will also include The Frank Duffy 10 Mile Challenge (August 15) and The Dublin City Half Marathon (September 26). Now, this is where you come in!  I have set up a charity page called Steve's Year of Running Dangerously.  Initially, I had hoped to raise 500 euro for the Irish Cancer Society but as I have already raised that amount I have raised my fundraising total to 750 euro.  Should I exceed that amount I will raise the amount to 1,000 euro and so on.  Ideally, I will raise as much money as possible.  Any donation, no matter how big or small, will be equally appreciated by me and, more importantly, by The Irish Cancer Society.  It will also be possible to sponsor me for up to one month after the Marathon is finished (for the cynical amongst you who don't believe I can complete it!) so, as Alan would say, let there be no panic. I can't think of a better way to finish this blog than with a song that always reminds me of Alan and one that I will definitely be listening to as I make my way around The Phoenix Park tomorrow for the first of the Adidas Races Series. Prefab Sprout: Cars & Girls More ... Steven O'Rourke Fri, 17 Jul 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4299 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4300/Oxegen-2009-The-Good-The-Bad-The-Ugg-Boots#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4300 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4300&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4300/Oxegen-2009-The-Good-The-Bad-The-Ugg-Boots The Good Magnetic North The type of Northern Irish music that usually makes headlines around the 12th of July is not the sort we would typically report on here at CLUAS.  However, over the course of last weekend's Oxegen festival there were four Northern acts that stood head and shoulders above most of their Southern peers.  While both Duke Special and Iain Archer reaffirmed their undoubted talent, General Fiasco and, especially, And So I Watch You From Afar blasted their way on to my musical radar.  Seeing General Fiasco was a happy accident but, after their performance at the launch of Hard Working Class Heroes, And So I Watch Your From Afar were a band I was never going to miss. Both were beyond brilliant and (with a little help from my Belfast born friend) I will be paying much more attention to the Northern Irish indie scene in future. Stage Managed I know from experience that musicians are not the most punctual of people.  Indeed, I can count on one hand the amount of times a band/musician has turned up for an interview on time.  However, over the course of Oxegen 2009 almost every single performance started on time. There were one or two notable exceptions (there always is) but kudos must go to the Stage Managers for harassing the bands into punctuality.  It certainly made my job as a reviewer much easier. The Gig's The Thing Say what you want about the quality of their music but there are certain bands that sound 100 times better in the live arena than they do on record.  In this case I'm thinking specifically of Republic of Loose.  I've never been convinced about their songs and yet, every time I see them live I find myself singing/dancing along.  They are the great showmen (and women) of the Irish indie scene and, indeed, only Roisin Murphy's stage show comes anywhere close to matching The Loose in terms of entertainment value.  I wish someone would upload their cover of Wanna Be Startin' Somthin' to YouTube soon though! Ride On I've reviewed Oxegen for CLUAS for the past two years and generally make use of the VIP parking that us 'media types' (snigger) get to avail of.  However, given the weather conditions on Saturday I decided to make use of the free 'Park 'n' Ride' facilities at Goff's on the Sunday of Oxegen 2009.  Should I get to review it again for CLUAS next year this is the only way I'll be travelling.  It's quick, it's free and it's much more convenient than trying to make your way out of a muddy field in the middle of Naas.  Why anyone would drive when this facility is available is beyond me. The Bad Rain, Rain, Go Away Of course, there is nothing that MCD can do about the weather but it's such a shame that Oxegen always seems to take place in the rain.  It would be a much nicer festival if it took place during the summer! Muddy Waters Whilst MCD can't control the weather; they could certainly expect it and have planned slightly better for it.  The conditions on Sunday, in the IMRO tent especially, were little short of shocking.  This tent is located at the bottom of two slopes and so suffers more than most of the tents in bad weather.  However, it's nothing that some of the sawdust that was laid out on the entrances to the festival site could have fixed.  As funny as it was seeing people lose their wellies in mud, it felt as if it could be easily stopped. This Must Be, Pop As bizarre as it is that I've used an N'Sync lyric in the heading, it's even more unusual how, erm, popular, pop music was at this year's Oxegen.  Lady Gaga, The Blizzards, The Script, Katy Perry; all pop, all popular.  As Jim Carroll pointed out in his blog on Oxegen, perhaps this is the direction the festival is going.  It's certainly what the kids seem to want from their music festival experience.  While I can see the attraction for MCD in doing this, I wouldn't like to see Oxegen lose all its indie bands. The Ugg Boots (VIP) Very Important (I Get) Pissed There is nothing more frustrating, when you're covered in mud and soaked through by rain, than wandering back to the media area to find people in the VIP bar looking spotlessly clean and bone dry, doing their best to be noticed by anyone with a media pass and a camera.  It's a music festival, get out and see some bands!  You probably didn't pay for your tickets so at least support the bands by standing out in the rain for a few minutes.More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 16 Jul 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4300 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4301/Follow-CLUAS-At-Oxegen-2009#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4301 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4301&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4301/Follow-CLUAS-At-Oxegen-2009 Last year, CLUAS was the first publication in the world to provide reviews of Oxegen, Electric Picnic, Cois Fharraige and Hard Working Class Heroes.  Some publications would sit back and think 'job well done.'  Not here on CLUAS however, as this year we aim to bring you the most up-to-date and in-depth coverage of Oxegen 2009. As with last year, CLUAS will be publishing a review of each day of Oxegen 2009 within 12 hours of the day ending, i.e. a review of Friday will be up by Noon on Saturday.  These reviews will continue to be interactive so, if you were there, feel free to let us know what you think.  Key Notes will also be providing CLUAS readers with an Oxegen overview which will go live on July 15. For those of you who can't wait for a whole 12 hours, well, for the first time ever, CLUAS will be providing live reviews via Twitter.  Now, obviously these reviews are limited to 140 characters but their aim is to provide you with a flavour of the music before the full review.  Key Notes will also be using Twitter to provide you with backstage gossip, line-up changes and weather updates.  To follow Key Notes visit his Twitter page: cluaskeynotes This year will also see the publication of a number of festival diaries.  These will give you a complete feel of the festival from the point of view of a band, a fan and from someone who spends their weekend working while you play.  Key Notes can't tell you who the band are just yet, but they've recently been in the news for all the right reasons and this blog will have more details on the working diary over the course of the weekend.  The fan diary, well, the fan diary could be written by you.  If you are going to Oxegen, please feel free email keynotesatcluasdotcom and Key Notes will provide you with details of what is required.  This is your chance to be involved in CLUAS' most in-depth coverage of a music festival ever.  So, now you know where to find the definitive Oxegen coverage, Key Notes hopes too see you checking it out over the course of the weekend.  For those of you travelling to Punchestown, feel free to say hello.  Key Notes will be the one listening to the music.More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4301 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4302/KNS-Vol-9-The-Angel-Pier#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4302 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4302&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4302/KNS-Vol-9-The-Angel-Pier Three parts Irish, one part Canadian, The Angel Pier kicked off 2009 with a storming show to a packed Whelan's showcasing songs from their debut album which will be released later this year.  In this edition of Key Note Speaker, Mark Colbert, drummer with The Angel Pier, takes time out from promoting the band's new single, Align The Seas. Favourite Songs from the Past Year Halfway Home - TV on The Radio Favourite Song Ever This changes daily. Favourite Angel Pier Song Align the Seas, which happens to be coming out as a single in the very near future (July 24)! Favourite New Band/Artist Grizzly Bear (although, strictly speaking, they're not a new band but they are a new discovery for me). Favourite Band/Artist Ever My Bloody Valentine.  For me they changed the way I listen to and approach music. Favourite Gig This Year It wasn't this year but my favourite gig of the last 12 months would be Yeasayer in Whelan's. Favourite Gig Ever Radiohead at The Olympia circa Hail to the Thief.  Either that or early Damien Dempsey gigs at Whelan's. There were many! You really felt like you were part of something special, he was on fire and it was the only way you could hear his songs in those days. He had nothing released. Favourite Angel Pier Gig Ever Probably the second last Whelan's gig we did. It was the heaviest rain the country had seen in decades, roads were flooded and, yet, we still filled the place.  We worked hard that night to give the people something to justify their persistence against the crazy weather! Favourite Venue Brixton Academy, which is now, sadly, closed. It's the perfect sized venue to see a band with a big sound but still feels intimate. It's also a beautiful building, may it rest in peace! Favourite Piece of Musical/Recording Equipment A voice in a stairwell. Download/CD/Cassette/Vinyl Vinyl. Favourite TV Show at the Moment I don't really watch TV at the moment. Best Movie Ever Seen The Omen Favourite Book Ever Read Dear Boy - A biography of Keith Moon. Most Listened to Radio Show Paul McCloone/Donal Dineen on Today FM. You can feel their passion for good music, something lacking in many radio stations these days. What's in Store for The Angel Pier Next We're looking forward to playing the IMRO New Sounds Stage at Oxegen on Saturday July 11 at 8.25PM. There are a number of tickets still available for Oxegen '09 from here and usual outlets nationwide.More ... Steven O'Rourke Tue, 07 Jul 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4302 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4303/HWCH-09-Call-For-Bands#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4303 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4303&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4303/HWCH-09-Call-For-Bands This blog is by no means old.  However, when Key Notes realised that Hard Working Class Heroes (HWCH) would be seven this year, it stopped him in his tracks.  What a different place the world was in 2003.  That being said, the more things change, the more they remain the same and HWCH continues its raison d'être: an Irish Festival for Irish Bands.  With this in mind, HWCH launched its call for bands on Wednesday evening.  Despite the heat (and boy, was it hot) a large number of familiar faces gathered in Freebird Records (Secret Book & Record Store and nirvana for music nerds like Key Notes who also have an unhealthy fetish for second hand books).  The event was launched by Angela Dorgan of First Music Contact, the people behind HWCH, who called on Irish bands to register with the Breaking Tunes website to secure a slot at the event.  Registration is completely free and who gets in will be decided by an industry panel made up of writers (though not Key Notes, so no bribes!), A&R folks and domestic and international festival programmers. It should be noted that the closing date for applications is July 30 so get in quick. Music photographers are also being called to submit their work for consideration for the Photographers Exhibition.  Those interested should log on to the HWCH website for more details. As for the launch, this blog was impressed by the performances of all three acts.  Biggles Flys Again (Freebird Records), The Ambience Affair (Road Records) and And So I Watch You From Afar (Tower Records) are a great barometer for the current state of Irish indie music.  Key Notes particularly enjoyed the performance of The Ambience Affair (and not just because of the chips!) but was also sorry he couldn't stick around for more of And So I Watch You From Afar (at that stage, Key Notes was suffering heatstroke!).  Hopefully there will be many great performances over the course of the HWCH weekend (October 16-18).  Ticket prices remain the same (40 euro weekend pass, or 18.50 euro per day).  CLUAS regulars will know that Key Notes, Ian Wright and Anna Murray provided the most in-depth coverage of HWCH '08 and, if this blog can help it, CLUAS will once again be the place to go to read reviews of your favourite bands playing HWCH.More ... Steven O'Rourke Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4303 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4304/Win-Mark-Kozelek-Tickets#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4304 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4304&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4304/Win-Mark-Kozelek-Tickets The law of diminishing returns states that, despite the continued application of effort/skill towards a particular project, there will undoubtedly be a decline in effectiveness.  Somebody should tell Mark Kozelek, a man who has managed to combine productivity and critical acclaim so easily that it would be easy to hate the guy out of sheer jealousy.  Thankfully, it's impossible not to like someone who can release an album of AC/DC covers! Over the course of his career, Kozelek has produced no less than 13 studio albums; six with Red House Painters, three with Sun Kil Moon and four under his own name.  On top of this Kozelek has released numerous live albums including, earlier this year, Lost Verses. It is this rich musical tapestry that Kozelek will bring to Andrew's Lane Theatre on July 23 with tickets available for €20 from WAV Box-Office, City Discs, Plug'D Records, Cork, Tickets.ie and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. However, thanks to Word of Mouth, Key Notes has a double pass to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, just email your name to keynotesatcluasdotcom with 'Lost Verses' in the subject line.  As usual, the winner will be drawn at random and Key Notes' decision is final.  This competition will run until July 30. Red House Painters: Down Through More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4304 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4305/Oxegen-Survival-Guide#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4305 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4305&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4305/Oxegen-Survival-Guide Key Notes found it very difficult to resist the temptation to call this feature: How To Be A Happy Camper.  However, the tips included here are not just for those planning to camp, but for everyone making their way to Punchestown for Oxegen 2009 (July 9 - 12). 1. Don't Forget Your Ticket It may seem like the most obvious thing in the world but Key Notes has seen many people arrive at a gig/festival without their ticket over the years.  This blog lives just a couple of miles from Punchestown, but imagine you travelled all the way from Cork or Belfast with all your gear but without your ticket.  Wouldn't be a very nice feeling now would it? Before you leave your house, double and triple check your ticket. 2. Remember You're in Ireland It might be July, but all weather conditions, from heat wave to monsoon, are possible, and can be experienced over the course of a single day.  With this in mind, bring everything from sun cream to wellies.  Should you forget your wellies, this years Oxegen will have a Schuh Welly Exchange where you hand over your muddy, impractical shoes in exchange for a brand new pair of wellies and all of the discarded shoes are collected by the European Recycling Company before getting shipped to the Third World where they are cleaned up and sold on, stimulating the local economy. 3. Keeping Clean is Easy Now, this is a direct message to you, the GAA jersey wearing, Tayto eating bloke who stays in  the same clothes all weekend.  You might be proud of your county, that's fair enough, but if you insist on not changing and not showering (despite brand new showers being provided this year) then baby wipes, alcohol rubbing gels and deodorants are a very easy and cheap way to stay clean.  Who, knows, if you stay clean you might just get to benefit from the next tip. 4. Stay Safe! Lets face it, festivals are peculiar places and the heady mix of alcohol, high spirits and music can result in all sorts of strange couplings.  Should you be lucky enough to, eh, get lucky, then really, use a condom.  This blog is sure that none of you want to wake up in a couple of months with an unexplained itch or, indeed, having to ask if 'festival goer' is allowed in the Father's Occupation section on the birth cert.  Festivals are also very big places and losing your friends is easy so make sure you arrange a meeting point should this happen and/or ensure that your phone is fully charged.  A torch is also a good idea as you'll often be making your way back to your tent while it is dark. 5. Have Fun! Life is pretty mundane most of the time and festivals offer you an opportunity to really let your hair down.  Oxegen, as Europe's favourite festival as voted for by festival goers, is no different.  Aside from the music there are silent discos, funfairs and, for the first time this year, a paintball alley.  They say that, in order to be considered a good driver, your behaviour should not affect the behaviour of other road users.  The same is true for festivals.  Don't act like an arsehole and it's likely that you'll get through the weekend without anyone thinking of you as such. There are still a limited number of tickets available for Oxegen 2009 from here.  You can also get further festival tips on Oxegen.ie.More ... Steven O'Rourke Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4305 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4306/Summer-Festival-Guide-Oxegen#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4306 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4306&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4306/Summer-Festival-Guide-Oxegen Key Notes will admit he has a soft spot for Oxegen, and not just because it takes place 20 minutes from his house.  Last year, not only did this blog have the honour of being the first person served a beer in the festival site but, more importantly, ensured that CLUAS was the first publication in the world to review Oxegen.  He's looking forward to the 2009 edition which will see Oxegen remain a four day event.  Punters who decide to stay on Thursday night will once again enjoy the likes of The Stone Roses Experience and AC/DC cover band, Hells Bells on the Thursday Night Live Stage as well as the return of the Headphone Disco and Campsite Funfair. Friday July 10 Friday night on the Main Stage is really about one band and one band only.  Blur make their long awaited return to the live scene and lots of people like Key Notes, who grew up with Blur versus Oasis, will get very excited.  Snow Patrol are also playing the Main Stage while Oxegen Stage 2 features the likes of Therapy?, Duke Special and Keane. 2 Many DJs, Mogwai (both Heineken Green Spheres) and Ladyhawke (Red Bull Music Academy) are amongst the other highlights. Irish interest on Friday revolves around Republic of Loose, Fight Like Apes and God Is An Astronaut, all of whom are playing Heineken Green Spheres. Key Notes One to Watch: David Holmes (Red Bull Music Academy) Saturday July 11 This blog's opinion on Kings of Leon is public knowledge but the Irish Public have voted and the band return to Oxegen to headline the Main Stage on Saturday night.  Of Far more interest to Key Notes will be the Main Stage performances of Elbow and Squeeze.  Oxegen Stage 2 is where the real action is on Saturday with the likes of Nick Cave, Doves, Eagles of Death Metal and The Gaslight Anthem all forming part of an eclectic line-up. If none of those bands are for you then you could always check out Pete(r) Doherty and Regina Spektor (all Heineken Green Spheres) or Crystal Castles (Red Bull Music Academy).  Irish interest comes in the shape of The Blizzards (Main Stage), Director, C O D E S and And So I Watched You From Afar (all IMRO New Sounds Stage) Key Notes One to Watch: Pet Shop Boys (Heineken Green Spheres) Sunday July 12 The Main Stage plays host to The Killers on Sunday night where the audience can also see performances from The Specials and Ocean Colour Scene.  Elsewhere, Nine Inch Nails (in what could be the bands final Irish performance) and Jane's Addiction are sure to draw a big crowd to Oxegen Stage 2 as will Manic Street Preachers and That Petrol Emotion who both play Heineken Green Spheres. Those of you who feel like dancing can check out Felix Da Housecat and MSTRKRFT in the Oxegen Dance Arena. The IMRO New Sounds Stage has some of the brightest and best in Irish music performing on Sunday.  Headlined by the brilliant Villagers, the stage also plays host of Concerto for Constantine (who put in one of the performances of the weekend last year), Wintersleep and Dark Room Notes. Key Notes One to Watch: Villagers (IMRO New Sounds Stage) For those of you who want to wake up hungover, tired and dirty on Monday morning, but having enjoyed a great weekend of music, tofu burgers and lobster sun tans, a limited number of weekend tickets are still available for Oxegen from the usual outlets.More ... Steven O'Rourke Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4306 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4307/CLUAS-Top-50-Irish-Albums-The-Key-Notes-Verdict#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4307 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4307&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4307/CLUAS-Top-50-Irish-Albums-The-Key-Notes-Verdict As Steve McCroskey in one of Key Notes favourite movies, Airplane, Lloyd Bridges famously picks the wrong week to quit drinking/smoking/sniffing glue/amphetamines. This blog, however, seems to have picked the wrong fortnight to go on holidays. CLUAS has been quite the attention whore of late, grabbing almost as many headlines as celebrity marriage breakdowns, minus the fake tan and even faker breasts. The reason for all the attention was, of course, the publication of the CLUAS top 50 Irish albums of the last decade. The thing about a list like this is that even if it was a list of the top 500 Irish albums of the last decade, you’d still have people; you know the type, indier-than-thou, who’d be asking why such and such a band/artist didn’t make it in. That’s understandable for two reasons; firstly, music is such a subjective topic (as this blog has written about many times before) and also because the Irish music scene is so bloody small that a lot of the ‘independent’ comment is from family/friends/members of bands who either didn’t make the cut or didn’t appear as high as they would like. As music is so subjective it would be impossible to please everyone. Indeed, Key Notes’ own top 10 (which you can find at the bottom of this blog) is very different to the collective CLUAS top 10. However, democracy rules around these parts and Key Notes can find no fault with the system Eoghan put in place for the poll and this blog is pretty confident that 35 writers represent a fair cross section of the Irish listening public. Regarding the incestuous nature of the Irish music scene, well there is very little you can do to combat that. The anonymity of the internet (when CLUAS launched that word still required a capital letter [/flashback]) means that it can be impossible to know how independent some of the comments on lists such as this might be. Personally, Key Notes has lots of friends involved in making music (some of which he likes, some of which he doesn’t) but can honestly state that he would never let that get in the way of his appraisal of the quality of a band/album, and not just because he has to put his name to everything he writes. However, that’s enough comment on the comment the CLUAS top 50 list received. What does Key Notes think of the list itself? Well, as already stated, his top 10 would look quite different. Upon reflection, it’s perhaps not surprising that the top 3 were such ‘safe’ albums. A great deal of all music produced represents a current scene or trend and tend to burn brightly for a short time before fading into obscurity whereas the tried and tested formula of four blokes with guitars seems to be eternally popular. Kudos to Eoghan for all the work put into the poll (when you have people like Key Notes who struggled to put their list into any sort of order then you have to have lots of patience!) and, while Key Notes might not agree with the final order, he was never going to.  Music is too subjective for that and this site would be very boring if we all had the same opinions! Key Notes' Top 10 Irish Albums Of The Past Decade: 1. Future Kings of Spain - Future Kings of Spain 2. Damien Rice - O 3. Roisin Murphy - Overpowered 4. Alphastates - Made from Sand 5. JJ72 - JJ72 6. Turn - Forward 7. The Dudley Corporation - In Love With The Dudley Corporation 8. Snow Patrol - When It's All Over We Still Have To Clear Up 9. Bell X1 - Music in Mouth 10. Iain Archer - Flood The TanksMore ... Steven O'Rourke Mon, 15 Jun 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4307 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4308/Win-Holly-Golightly-Tickets#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4308 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4308&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4308/Win-Holly-Golightly-Tickets Key Notes realises he's been a little quiet of late.  There are lots of exciting goings on at Key Note Towers, more of which you'll read about in the coming weeks.  However, to make up for the recent radio silence this blog has a double pass to give away to Holly Golightly & The Brokeoffs this Thursday, May 28. Flirting with music for the first time in 1991 as a founder member of all girl garage band Thee Headcoatees, Holly Golightly's career really took off with the release of her debut record The Good Things in 1995.  Blending blues and folk rock, Golightly has released 13 solo albums over a wide variety of formats and labels, one of the most successful of which was Truly She Is None Other, which was written in partnership with Billy Childish.  Described as 'a scruffed up British version of Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood, the albums lead track Tell Me Now So I Know was chosen to soundtrack the Jim Jarmusch movie Broken Flowers. In 2006, following 11 years of tourning and recording with the support of a full band, Holly Golightly teamed up with one man drums/guitar/double bass ensemble Lawyer Dave to form Holly Golightly & The Brokeoffs.  Their second album as a duo, Dirt Don't Hurt, was released in October 2008 to critical acclaim. On Thursday night, May 28, Holly Golightly & The Brokeoffs bring their blend of folksy blues to Andrew's Lane Theatre.  Tickets are available for €15 from the WAV ticket office, Road Records, City Discs, Sound Cellar or the usual outlets.  However, thanks to Forever Presents, Key Notes has a double pass to give away.  To win, just email keynotes[@]cluas[.]com with 'Breakfast At Tiffany's' in the subject line before noon on Wednesday.  A winner will be chosen at random and, as usual, Key Notes' decision is final. Holly Golightly & The Brokeoffs:  Jesus Don't Love Me  More ... Steven O'Rourke Mon, 25 May 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4308 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4309/NYU-TischHot-Press-Celebrate-100th-Music-Video#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4309 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4309&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4309/NYU-TischHot-Press-Celebrate-100th-Music-Video Making a music video is generally an expensive undertaking and, even if bands go for the cheap and cheerful option, having the skill and imagination to make it look professional can prove just as difficult getting finance.  Over the past 6 years, however, acts such as The Frames, Duke Special, Fight Like Apes, C O D E S, The Mighty Stef and Future Kings of Spain have all had the opportunity to work with student filmmakers thanks to a special collaboration between the Tisch School of Arts at NYU and Hot Press. This year saw the program celebrate its 100th video and, as you can see from the above photograph, Key Notes attended a special screening to mark the event on Wednesday May 6.  On the night the Tisch filmmakers premiered videos (in various states of completion) from The Laundry Shop, The Dirty 9's, One Day International and Moth Complex.  [Declaration of interest: Steve O'Rourke, author of Key Notes, is friends with Aoife O'Leary of Moth Complex and earlier this year was involved in helping and promoting the band.] Unfortunately, none of this years crop of videos are available yet but this blog's favourite on the night was One Day International's video for Little Death which had an Eighties kids TV program feel to it, very camp but it worked very well.  Of the other videos, The Laundry Shop's The Daily Special and Learned my Lesson by Moth Complex were still very much works in progress.  The video for Lucy Opus (The Dirty 9's) was perhaps the most 'classical' video of the evening, following, as it did, the sure fire format of movie scene, band scene, movie scene, band scene, movie scene, fade; cracking song though. Key Notes' favourite video of the Tisch/Hot Press venture remains Syndicate by the Future Kings of Spain and this blog doesn't need much of an excuse to play it again: Key Notes will, of course, post another blog when this year's batch of Tisch/Hot Press videos go live. Photo Credit: Hot PressMore ... Steven O'Rourke Tue, 12 May 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4309 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4310/Win-Casio-Kids-Tickets#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4310 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4310&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4310/Win-Casio-Kids-Tickets Since their incorporation in 2005, Casio Kids have become reknowned for their epic live performances combining old analogue and trashy keyboards, pop melodies and shadow puppet theatre.  Musicially, the band claim to draw inspiration from artists as diverse as Paul Simon and New Order. Having spent the first part of the year supporting Of Montreal on their European tour (on top of Eurosonic and SXSW apperances), Tuesday May 26 sees the Norwegian electro-troupe outfit make their Irish debut in Academy 2.  Tickets are on sale now from the usual outlets for €15 but, thanks to MCD, Key Notes has a double pass to give away.   To win, all you have to do is email keynotes[at]cluas[dot]com (removing the [at] and [dot] and replacing them with @ and .) with 'Casio Kids' in the subject line.  The competition is open until Friday May 15 when a winner will be drawn at random.  As always, Key Notes decision is final. Casio Kids: Grønt Lys i Alle Ledd  More ... Steven O'Rourke Fri, 08 May 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4310 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4311/Key-Notes-Set-List-Special#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4311 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4311&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4311/Key-Notes-Set-List-Special As mentioned in his review of Oliver Cole in Radio City on Saturday night, Key Notes found himself in the unusual, not to mention uncomfortable, position of being right in front of the stage.  The only benefit of this was that, at the end of the night, he was able to get his hands on 3 of the bands set list's. These 3 set documents show that there are many different ways to write a set list, and some are, eh, more interesting than others.  First up, we have The Ghandis set this.  This is your typical 'back of a fag packet' set list and show's that a band can change their mind a number of times before deciding on their songs:  Next we have the Alphastates set list.  This is handwritten on a sheet of A4 paper and seems perfectly normal until we get to the last song Milky Tits (which was actually an excellent rendition of Angel Kiss, dedicated to lead singer Catherine Dowling's unborn child):  Finally, we come to Mr. Oliver Cole's list.  It was only because Cole mentioned during his set that he had given all their songs joke names that Key Notes even bothered to pick up any of the set lists.  This blog is not sure if there needs to be some sort of parental advisory with this particular entry but, here we go, Oliver Cole's 'sex list':  More ... Steven O'Rourke Mon, 27 Apr 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4311 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4312/Castle-Palooza-2009#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4312 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4312&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4312/Castle-Palooza-2009 Ireland's most intimate boutique music and arts festival, Castle Palooza, was launched yesterday and the event, now in its fourth year, promises to be the best yet.  The line-up so far is a who's who of top class Irish indie acts: David Kitt R.S.A.G. Dark Room Notes Ambience Affair Le Galaxie Channel One Dave Peyton Nell Bryden The Lost Brothers Noise Control Patrick Kelleher Robotnik Project Jenny Project Jan The Followers Of Otis   Key Notes is particularly excited about the presence of Dark Room Notes, Le Galaxie (formerly 66e), Robotnik and the man currently hawking his excellent Nightsaver album, David Kitt.  This blog is also looking forward to seeing R.S.A.G and Channel One for the first time, having been told many times by his fellow bloggers that he really must see them live. More acts are to be announced before the event, taking place on August 1 & 2 (the Bank Holiday weekend), in the grounds of Charleville Castle, Tullamore.  There will also be a number of non-music events taking place over the course of the weekend including a live Rocky Horror Picture Show and ceilí though, unfortunately, not at the same time!  Tickets are available from a recession-busting €89 for a weekend camping and include a 'Treat Yourself' package for couples for €299 which includes 2-day camping tickets, a pitched tent on arrival, a double sleeping bag, pillows and mats, a bottle of champagne and breakfast in bed on the Sunday morning, complete with newspaper.  This is not your typical festival!  All tickets available from here the usual outlets.More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 23 Apr 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4312 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4313/Top-Ten-Irish-Albums-O#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4313 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4313&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4313/Top-Ten-Irish-Albums-O Key Notes Top Ten Irish Albums: 7 Damien Rice - O This blog entry could get Key Notes in a great deal of trouble.  You see, while the good people of CLUAS respect all musical tastes, there is something about Damien Rice that splits the CLUAS writers firmly into two camps.  Those that don't like him and those that really don't like him.  Key Notes is being facetious, of course, but it is fair to say that this blog is in the minority on this site when it comes to Rice.  However, wouldn't it be a very boring site if every single one of us had the same opinion? From what I can gather, between the expletives, it is Rice's image as the head troubadour of the Irish singer-songwriter set that seems to grate with most people.  While it's true that this blog was going through a bit of singer-songer phase when he bought O, it was during his time with Juniper that Key Notes first became aware of his fellow Kildareman.  Juniper were one of those bands, like Ten Speed Racer, that always seemed less than the sum of their parts and Bell X1's status as one of Ireland's most popular bands (bra detectors that they may be) and the phenomenal success of Rice beyond these shores would seem to verify that. However, strip away Rice's image as a messiah amongst certains sections of the Irish music scene and the fact that every (formerly - they're all broke trying to pay for their second home now) middle class family in Ireland own a copy of O (along with White Ladder and whatever that Dido one was) and you're left with O, an album that embraces its obvious flaws and is all the better for it.  It is far from technically perfect, but it has something much more important, magic.  O touches a part of the conscience that you spend most of your time trying to hide (the part that makes you cry at the end of Big Fish or watching a documentary on Hillsborough).  Musically, there is very little difference between Rice and most folksy singer-songwriters.  What's different about O is that Rice's songwriting is so raw, so emotional that, like Leonard Cohen, you can forgive the flaws because you feel empathy for the characters in his songs.  It helps, of course, to have the vocal talents of Lisa Hannigan and the heart-tugging cello of Vyvienne Long on your side, but more than that Rice has a way with words that escapes most of his contemporaries.  Any songwriter that can turn a song about masturbation (Aime) into a love song is doing something right.  O is one of those albums that touches greatness without having any stand out tracks, instead it is the sum of their parts, the collective consciousness of the 12 disparate characters that make up the album that draws you in.  It doesn't matter that Rice followed up O with the lacklustre 9, an album that seems worse now than when this blog reviewed it for his first CLUAS piece.  O is, like Astral Weeks, an album that divides opinon.  Some people can't see beyond the musical sparseness of either and yet their are others, like Key Notes, that believes that sometimes, just sometimes, the music plays second fiddle to the story of the album, indeed, the story of O. Damien Rice - Cold Water More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 16 Apr 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4313 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4314/Groom-A-Genius-At-Work#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4314 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4314&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4314/Groom-A-Genius-At-Work In this line of work (and Key Notes uses the term work very loosely!), one of the easiest things to do is box bands off; compare them with like sounding bands, to help readers decide if they would like the band or not.  Indeed, many bands wear their influences so proudly that it almost seems as if they wish to turn their particular little box into a coffin.  Sometimes though, you encounter bands that operate, if not quite in a vacum, then at least at a level far above that achieveable by your run of the mill indie band. Sometimes, these bands can be so good and so unique, that they completely escape your attention until their discovery only comes about by happy coincidence or, as is the case with Groom, the band taking the initiative and making this blog aware of its existence. Groom have been on the Irish scene since 2004 and yet this blog first became aware of the band when contacted by Mike Stevens, Groom's driving force, about the release of the bands new mini-album, At The Natural History Museum.  It took about 30 seconds to realise that Groom were a very rare band indeed, further compounding Key Notes regret that he'd not been aware of them sooner. At The Natural History Mueseum is, essentially, a mini-album about death and the transience of existence, seen through the eyes of a number of disperate characters.  The only thing they have in common is that they are all brought to life by the genius that is Mike Stevens through lyrics such as: Hold me close to your chest so I know your beating heart is true/And when zombies rip at my flesh, I'll turn to you (Mythical Creatures) or indeed, Ski never came back from the '80's/Disappeared, never to return/He was last seen out with his Honda 50 helmet/And his leather jacket with "Burn, Bay, Burn!" (Worst of Places, Worst of Times).  Stevens' vocal stylings and, indeed, lyrics, are best described as the result of Neil Young and Kate Bush's lovechild snorting the ashes of Elliott Smith.  In other words, it's pretty good. It's not often this blog tells people to go out and spend money, especially on budget day, but At The Natural History Museum will be released on (US indie label) Tight Ship on April 24th and this blog thinks that your music collection will thank you for buying it.  Groom will be launching the album with a gig in Whelan's the same night, with support from Neosupervital. More ... Steven O'Rourke Tue, 07 Apr 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4314 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4315/Win-Tickets-for-Matt-Elliott-The-Third-Eye-Foundation#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4315 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4315&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4315/Win-Tickets-for-Matt-Elliott-The-Third-Eye-Foundation Some of you may know Matt Elliott more by his pseudonym, The Third Eye Foundation, than the one that appears on his passport.  It was under this moniker that the Bristol native became a pioneer of the 'drill 'n' bass' approach to electronica.  It was this bleak and brutal approach to electronica, combined with Elliott's ability to transcend genres that won him many admirers in the world of music, resulting in Elliott producing remixes for the likes of Mogwai and Thurston Moore amongst others. Now living in France, Elliott specialises in releasing albums variously described as folk and vaudeville.  The most recent release, 2008's Howling Songs, drew comparisons with no less than Tom Waits, Nick Cave and Leonard Cohen.  Now, in association with Forever Presents, Key Notes is offering two people the chance to win double passes to see Elliott in action, Upstairs in Whelan's on Thursday, April 9. To be in with a chance of winning, just send an email with Matt Elliott Competition in the subject bar to keynotes[at]cluas[dot]com.  The competition will close at midnight on Monday April 6.  Winners will be chosen at random and, as always, Key Notes' decision is final. Matt Elliott: The Kursk More ... Steven O'Rourke Mon, 30 Mar 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4315 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4316/Win-Tickets-for-A-Place-To-Bury-Strangers#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4316 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4316&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4316/Win-Tickets-for-A-Place-To-Bury-Strangers Having just signed a deal with Mute Records (Depeche Mode, Goldfrapp), Brooklyn band A Place to Bury Strangers are bringing their wall of sound to Whelan's on March 31.  Best described as ear-bleedingly loud and beautifully bleak, A Place To Bury Strangers have been called 'the loudest band in New York.'  Quite a compliment and Key Notes is giving you a chance to find out for yourself.  Thanks to Forever Presents, Key Notes has two double passes to give away.  To win this prize, all you have to do is email keynotes[at]cluas[dot]com with A Place To Bury Strangers in the subject line.  Two winners will then be chosen at random.  As usual with these competitions, Key Notes' decision is final.  All entries must be received by Midnight on Sunday, March 29. A Place To Bury Strangers:  To Fix The Gash In Your Head More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 26 Mar 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4316 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4317/Road-Records-Audio-Interview#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4317 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4317&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4317/Road-Records-Audio-Interview It's a journey that Key Notes doesn't make to often these days and that, as you'll come to hear, is part of the problem.  It used to be that Key Notes would instinctively make his way to Road Records every time he went into town.  These days, when Key Notes gets so many CD's for free (to review etc) it's a trip he takes less than 10 times a year.  Road Records was never like Championship Vinyl in Nick Hornby's High Fidelity.  It was always welcoming, even for music nerds like this blog who once asked Julie (who, along with Dave Kennedy, has owned and operated Road for the past 11 years) if she would be able to provide him with 10 albums by bands from Westmeath.  Put it this way, if Key Notes was working in a record shop and somebody asked him that he wouldn't have been as helpful and friendly as Julie was on that occasion.  The point that Key Notes is trying to make is that it is Julie and Dave's love for what they do that has led to Road becoming one of the most iconic names in Irish indie music and it is this iconic status that led to the great shock many Irish indie music fans felt when news broke in January of this year that Road may soon have to close its doors. In the first part of the following interview, Key Notes talks to Dave about the reasons behind Roads potential closure, many of which show that age and demographics are playing a critical part in Irish indie music.  In the second part, we examine the future of not just Road, but all Irish indie records stores and talk about the efforts being made to save Road Records including One for the Road, a benefit gig featuring Choice winner Jape as well as The Jimmy Cake, Si Schroeder, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Adrian Crowley, The Large Corporation (a.k.a. The Dudley Corporation vs. Large Mound) and the Road DJs.  Tickets for this gig, taking place in Andrew's Lane Theatre on March 14, are priced at 20 europes and are available from Road and WAV Ticket Office. Interview Part 1 - Reasons for Road's Potential Closure (MP3, 9 MB) Interview Part 2 - Future of Road & Irish Indie Record Stores (MP3, 9 MB)  More ... Steven O'Rourke Tue, 10 Mar 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4317 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4318/OXEGEN-2009-Launches#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4318 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4318&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4318/OXEGEN-2009-Launches Key Notes is starting to enjoy The Recession.  He knows that may sound strange, particularly to Mrs. Key Notes, but if he had a full time job right now he wouldn't be able to attend press launches in the middle of the day featuring the good, the bad and the 'who are they?' of the Irish indie music scene, would he? This blog and OXEGEN have history of course, Key Notes was the first writer to review OXEGEN 2008 and his (pardon him as he lets his ego run wild) world exclusive reviews drew a great deal of traffic (not to mention complaints from people who don't understand how music reviewing works!) to CLUAS.com.  This year though, he wasn't sure if OXEGEN would be worth attending; sure there were certain bands like Blur, Nick Cave, The Mars Volta and Manic Street Preachers that caught his eye but others like Kings of Leon and Snow Patrol produced a reaction that could best be described as 'meh'.  Today though, all that changed with the announcment of bands such as Eagles of Death Metal, God is an Astronaut (Key Notes knows one particular CLUAS writer who will be very happy with that), Pet Shop Boys, Doves, Nine Inch Nails, and Jane's Addiction. The line ups announced so far for each day are: Friday, July 10:  Blur, Snow Patrol, The Script, Keane, Lily Allen, James, Pendulum, Ladyhawke, Fight Like Apes, Swedish House Mafia, Crookers, Eagles of Death Metal, Dreadzone, God is an Astronaut, Tom Middleton, Aeroplane. Saturday, July 11:  Kings of Leon, Bloc Party, Elbow, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, TV on the Radio, Pete Doherty, The Mars Volta, The Game, Squeeze, Hockey, Tiga, Digitalism, Pet Shop Boys, Doves, The Saturdays, Gary Go. Sunday, July 12:  The Killers, Razorlight, The Specials, Lady Gaga, The Ting Tings, Katy Perry, Manic Street Preachers, Paolo Nutini, Florence and the Machine White Lies, Jason Mraz, Foals, Friendly Fires, of Montreal, Miss Kittin and The Hacker, Nine Inch Nails, Jane’s Addiction, Glasvegas, Hudson Mohawke Tickets for this years OXEGEN go on sale at 8am on Friday, March 6 and are on sale at the same price (224 europes inc. booking fee for a 3 day camping pass) as last year.  This is something Justin Green of MCD was particularly proud of, as he spoke briefly at the launch, saying that MCD realised the situation most people were in and were doing their small part to help.  In addition, those people who purchased early bird tickets are to be rewarded with 20 europes cash back and MCD have also developed a Ticket Deposit Scheme, details of which can be found on the festival's website.  Jane's Addiction: Jane Says Great when you're 8!More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 05 Mar 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4318 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4319/I-Prefer-Their-Earlier-Stuff-Vol-1-Kings-of-Leon#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4319 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4319&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4319/I-Prefer-Their-Earlier-Stuff-Vol-1-Kings-of-Leon It's happened to the best of us.  You see a friend and you can't wait to tell them about this new band you've just started listening to.  You wax lyrical for what seems like an age only for your friend to shake his/her head and say:  Yeah, they're okay but....I prefer their earlier stuff.  Key Notes has been on both ends of this conversation and while there are times when this particular blogger has said it just to annoy the person on the other end, more often than not it turns out to be true. Now, before you start, I'm not picking on Kings of Leon because they are an easy target.  There are quite a few Irish bands that will feature in this series.  No, I'm picking on Kings of Leon because they are the most high-profile example of a once exciting band now specialising in generic blandness.  Youth & Young Manhood (and the Holy Roller Novocaine EP upon which it was based) and Aha Shake Heartbreak were, and still are, amongst this blogs favourite ever records.  Their blend of baptist-tinged-garage rock is well showcased on tracks like Molly Chambers, The Bucket and Taper Jean Girl.  It was music that made you sit up and pay attention.  Coupled with the fact that they sported some of the best beards this side of Jesus and Santa Claus, Kings of Leon looked as good as they sounded. However, as much as Key Notes loved Aha Shake Heartbreak (So much so that this blog also bought a copy for Old Man Key Notes) it contains the song that, in this blogs mind, set Kings of Leon on their path to banality.  Milk is nothing more than an acoustic dirge that would never have been recorded were it not showcasing Caleb Followill's distinctive vocals.  Key Notes is a big fan of these vocals, but there was so much more to Kings of Leon.  Now though, almost everything Kings of Leon produce centres around Caleb's Southern drawl.  Having lots of free time on his hands these days, this blog used some software that it owns to strip all four Kings of Leon albums of their main vocals.  The first two still sounded good but Because of the Times and Only by the Night, without vocals, come across like Liverpool without Gerrard; they just don't offer anything worthwhile. In promoting Only by the Night the Kings of Leon spoke of being influenced by Crystal Castles, Radiohead and My Morning Jacket but that's not evident when you listen to the record.  Indeed it's difficult to believe that Only by the Night was written with anything other than commercial success in mind.  There's nothing wrong with that and I'm sure the Followill's are very happy with their lot in life.  However, the only way real way to achieve that type of success is by producing bland, inoffensive music.  In that they have succeeded and, if the reception they got at Oxegen last year was anything to go by, the general public wouldn't have it any other way.  Key Notes though, well, he really does prefer their early stuff.  Speaking of which: Kings of Leon:  Molly Chambers    Key Notes also preferred when they had beards and would allow you to embed their official videos!More ... Steven O'Rourke Wed, 25 Feb 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4319 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4320/Barretstown-Fundraising-Gig#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4320 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4320&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4320/Barretstown-Fundraising-Gig For those of you who don't know, Barretstown was founded in 1994 by the late, great, Paul Newman.  It was to be the first of his European Hole in the Wall Camps; established to provide seriously ill children with recreational and therapeutic camping experiences.  The camp has grown from serving 124 children in a marquee in 1994 to over 12,000 children and their families from 23 European countries  and is now equiped with excellent medical facilities. Every child (and their family) visits Barretstown free of charge (including any travel/food costs).  In order to do this Barretstown must raise over €4.5 million every year, with 96% of this coming from donations from companies and private individuals.  Now, obviously we are in a 'Credit Crunch' (queue the spectre of George Lee behind your shoulder) and the first thing that people stop doing is donating to charity and those like Barretstown, with such a lack of government support, are the first to suffer.  Key Notes has seen first hand what a positive effect Barretstown can have on the life of a child diagnosed with a life-threatening disease and has always been a supporter of the venture. Now, you too can help them. On the 27th of February The Academy will host Inspirations - Gig of the Year.  Acts already confirmed for the event include Republic of Loose, Ham Sandwich, Sinead O'Connor, Engine Alley, The Blizzards, The Kinetics, Fun Lovin' Criminals, Shane MacGowan and The Walls with more to be announced soon.  All the bands will be performing songs that have inspired them and influenced their music.  Tickets are available from usual outlets for a very reasonable (considering the amount of acts) €28.  So go on, get down to The Academy on February 27; you get to have a good night out and do something worthwhile at the same time!  What more could you ask for? Ham Sandwich: Running Up That Hill (Kate Bush cover) More ... Steven O'Rourke Wed, 18 Feb 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4320 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4321/Meteor-Award-Nominations#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4321 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4321&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4321/Meteor-Award-Nominations According to a number of sources, including Drop-D and On The Record, the Meteor Music Award nominations were leaked online yesterday.  Though they will be officially announced today (28th) it would appear that the people behind the Meteors haven't figured out that the secret to a good awards show is variety. This is Key Notes second draft of this particular blog.  The first draft was your typical 'how come my favourite band wasn't chosen' blog.  However, while writing that, Key Notes had something of a 'Road to Damascus' moment.  Not that I'm suddenly a God botherer or anything of the sort, but this blog now realises what 'normal' people have be trying to tell him for ages; music awards don't really mean all that much.  Of course, Aslan winning best band at last years Meteors should have been enough for Key Notes to lose all faith with music awards but no, it was something else entirely. Looking through the nominees for this years Meteors there is a distinct feeling of 'Meh.'  There is far too much overlap for an award night that only has 8 categories.  For example, The Blizzards and The Script are nominated for both Best Irish Pop Act and Best Band.  Indeed, it seems that The Script are nominated in every category except best regional DJ and that's probably because not even Zach in the Meteor Music Marketing Department could convince his bosses that LA could be considered a region.  Now, obviously Key Notes is being facetious but it's difficult not to be.  Perhaps it's a sign that we just don't have the quality and diversity of music in Ireland that those of us who write about it, talk about it, live it and breathe it think we have.  Or could it be that, shock/horror, the peope that run these awards (other than the Choice) don't actually do the dirty work and go to gigs on cold, wet Monday nights where the only other audience members are the support band and the barman.  Indeed it's difficult to see anyone from Meteor thumbing their way through the tiny (but important) Irish Independent Music Section in Tower when they've got all those Kings of Leon records to get to.  As an aside, Kings of Leon are set to headline OXEGEN again!!! Are they the new Red Hot Chili Peppers for the GAA-jersey-wearing-Tayto-munching-not-there-for-the-music-but-for-the-craic/crack festival goer? Now, this isn't a 'Key Notes is indier-than-thou' blog.  Those sort of blogs I'll leave to the Skins-watching-skinny jeans brigade.  No, this is just one man finally realising that music awards mean nothing when there is so much great music produced that goes unrewarded.  It's only taken 26 years, but hey, better late than never. For those of you who care/are interested here is the list of nominees: Best National DJ Tony Fenton - TodayFM Dan Hegarty - 2Fm Alison Curtis -Today Fm Dave Fanning - RTE Radio 1 Ray Foley - TodayFM Rick O’Shea - 2FM Best Regional DJ Dermot, Dave & Siobhan - Dublin’s98 Keith Cunningham - RedFM Leigh Doyle - Beat 102.103 The Zoo Crew - Spin South West Mark Noble - FM104 Jon Richards - Galway Bay FM Best Irish Band The Blizzards Republic of Loose Fight Like Apes The Script Snow Patrol Best Irish Male Mick Flannery Damien Dempsey Duke Special David Holmes Jape Best Irish Female Enya Lisa Hannigan Gemma Hayes Imelda May Tara Blaise Camille O’Sullivan Best Irish Pop Act Boyzone The Blizzards The Coronas The Script Westlife Best Irish Album Fight Like Apes - Fight Like Apes & The Mystery of The Golden Medallion Snow Patrol  - A Hundred Million Suns Lisa Hannigan  - Sea Sew Messiah J & The Expert  - From The Word Go The Script  - The Script Best Irish Live Performance The Coronas The Blizzards The Swell Season Fight Like Apes Republic of Loose More ... Steven O'Rourke Wed, 28 Jan 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4321 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4322/Key-Notes-Returns#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4322 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4322&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4322/Key-Notes-Returns Fear not, Key Notes hasn't gone the way of Zavvi or Lehman Brothers.  No, instead it was writing of a different variety, a hole in his leg and an addiction to appreciation of online poker that has distracted him.  The 'new' Point Christmas and New Year proved a quiet time gig wise but Key Notes did get his first 'audience member' look at the O2.  First off, it's a cracking venue and though he was there to see a comedy act it was clear that the set up is such that there really isn't a bad seat in the house.  Sound wise it also proved top notch.  Indeed Key Notes only complaint about the whole set up is that he had to choose between parking in Fleet Street and walking for 30 minutes or paying 15 recession Europe's to park near the venue only to get stuck in traffic before and after the event.  That and the branding...those blue lights will give you a headache. Choice Music Prize Nominations It's that time of year when the Choice Music Prize judges announce their shortlist and blogs around the country react with fury as to why their favourite band artist hasn't been selected.  Key Notes is no different and is surprised that neither Ham Sandwich nor The Dudley Corporation managed to make the cut.  However, it seems that most of the criticism this year comes from the selection of The Script, purveyors of heavily produced 'OC soundtrack' music that, while it might make teenage girls (and Key Notes' friend Jo) weak at the knees, has no place on a list that contains the beauty of Lisa Hannigan's Sea Sew and the genius of David Holmes' The Holy Pictures. The shortlist in full is: Fight Like Apes - Fight Like Apes and the Mystery of the Golden Medallion (Model Citizen) Mick Flannery - White Lies (EMI) Halfset - Another Way of Being There (Casino Gravity Records) Lisa Hannigan - Sea Sew (Own label) David Holmes - The Holy Pictures (Canderblinks) Jape - Ritual (Co-Op) Messiah J & The Expert - From The Word Go (Inaudible) Oppenheimer Take The Whole Mid-Range And Boost It (Fantastic Plastic) R.S.A.G. - Organic Sampler (Psychonavigation) The Script - The Script (Sony Music) Key Notes thinks that The Script will be early favourites with the redtops and Fight Like Apes with the public but that it will end up like last year and they'll draw a name out of a hat when the panel can't choose between the two best albums on the list (Disclaimer: this probably didn't happen last year and the best album won...probably).  Of this list, Key Notes wouldn't mind if Lisa Hannigan, David Holmes or Jape walked away with the prize A Sorry State of Affairs It comes as no surprise (indeed Key Notes was told before Christmas that it was 'probably' going to happen as advertising income was 'below expectations') but the end of State magazine as a printed publication brings to an end an interesting period in Irish music journalism.  It's appearance certainly made Hot Press up their efforts but its demise is a reflection of both global economic conditions and an inertia amongst advertisors who, when faced with a choice between something new and risky and something established and safe will always choose the safe option.  Key Notes for one, would like to wish State best of luck in its online only guise but if you're looking for a website that offers the best in reviews, blogs, discussion and news then CLUAS in 2009 is the only site you'll need.More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 15 Jan 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4322 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4323/Top-10-Irish-Albums-Made-From-Sand#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4323 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4323&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4323/Top-10-Irish-Albums-Made-From-Sand Key Notes Top Ten Irish Albums: 8 Alphastates - Made From Sand Don't you think that it's all rather strange?  So sings Catherine Dowling on Made From Sand's opening track, 'Round Here.  She's wrong though, there's nothing strange about appreciating the quality of this album. Key Notes first encountered Alphastates in the old Temple Bar Music Centre at Hard Working Class 2004.  Those of you familiar with the old venue will remember that the stage/gig area was separated from the bar area by two very heavy doors and so moving a round of drinks from one section to the other meant relying on either the kindness of strangers or the growth of an extra limb.  Walking through the double doors that night Dowling's vocals stopped this blog in it's tracks.  Subsequently, Key Notes has seen Dowling's vocals described as everything from 'honeydripping' to 'breathy' but that night, this blog could only use one word, sultry. As it turns out, that was description was reinforced upon purchasing Made From Sand.  This album oozes sexuality to the extent that it should come with an 18 rating.  Much like this particular blog in fact as Key Notes can best describe Made From Sand as the musical equivalent to spending a stormy winter evening in the company of a beautiful woman, in front of an open fire, with a nice bottle of red wine left to breathe on the coffee table and clothes being an optional extra.  Thanks largely to the production genius of Karl Odlum, Made From Sand achieves this sound by crowning a multi-layered musical landscape with Dowling's captivating vocals. As is usually the case with great albums, it's difficult to pick a favourite song on Made From Sand.  Kiss Me is probably the standout track, though not by much.  Dripping with sexual tension, this song is tailor made for a movie soundtrack.  Well, as long as the story of that movie involves a boy who says he loves a girl but doesn't really do anything about it until, alas, it might be too late.  You know, pretty much the story of about 100 movies per year.  Sometimes and Indian Sky are also worth mentioning as being possibly the only songs on the album where Dowling's voice is not the focal point and yet neither song appears out of place.  Speaking of special mentions, CLUAS' own Andy Knightley is mentioned in the sleeve notes (yes, Key Notes always reads the sleeve notes). It's four years since the release of Made From Sand and Alphastates have, unfortunately, failed to deliver an LP since.  New album Human Nature is due out in February 2009 and, if the lead single of the same name is anything to go by, it will see the band moving in a new direction.  Key Notes' will reserve judgement until he hears the entire album but, whatever direction Alphastates decide to take, they have already delivered one of Irish music's most unique albums and the world is a better place for it.  Alphastates - Kiss Me More ... Steven O'Rourke Fri, 05 Dec 2008 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4323 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4324/Top-10-Irish-Albums-The-Clock-Comes-Down-The-Stairs#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4324 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4324&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4324/Top-10-Irish-Albums-The-Clock-Comes-Down-The-Stairs Key Notes Top Ten Irish Albums: 9 Microdisney - The Clock Comes Down The Stairs While Microdisney's We Hate You South African Bastards! is probably the greatest title of any Irish album, there is no denying that The Clock Comes Down The Stairs is the greatest section of Cathal Coughlan and Sean O'Hagan's combined discography.  Released in 1985 the album went on to be voted the best album of the decade by The Sunday Tribune newspaper in 1989. Now, given the fact that Key Notes was 3 when the record was recorded it's fair to say this blog didn't purchase it upon its release.  Indeed, don't tell anyone but Key Notes' first version of this LP was a tape of a tape (in the days when taping music was going to kill the industry; sound familiar?).  This blog has since got his hands on a vinyl version by chance.  Key Notes was actually 'googling' something completely different (a piece of art if you must know) and was asked 'Did you mean The Clock Comes Down The Stairs?'  He didn't as it happens, but the name evoked images of evenings spent recording and listening to mix-tapes.  A copy of the LP would soon be winging its way to Key Note Towers. What this blog loves about this LP is its sense of humour.  Tracks such as Genius and Horse Overboard drip with sarcasm.  Other stand-out tracks include Goodbye - It's 1987, Birthday Girl and A Friend With A Big Mouth.  It's hard to pick a favourite track from this album but, if a gun was placed to Key Notes' head, he'd have to pick Genius:  'You're a genius, you're a giant, you're a prince, you are the Pope, the things you feel are just a joke, so burn, burn, burn.'  Listen to it just once and then try get it out of your head for the rest of the day.  It's, well, genius. The Clock Comes Down The Stairs was perfect Celtic Tiger music even though it was written well before this countires boom years.  This was music for disaffected outsiders in a land full of pretention.  Fair enough, it was written in 1980's London but the sentiments expressed on the LP applied just as much to Ireland in the 90's and the Naughties. Microdisney - Birthday Girl More ... Steven O'Rourke Mon, 17 Nov 2008 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4324 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4325/Top-Ten-Irish-Albums-Overpowered#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4325 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4325&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4325/Top-Ten-Irish-Albums-Overpowered Key Notes has been somewhat depressed lately.  It could be any number of things; post holiday blues, the prospect of becoming a 'long-term unemployed' statistic or, most likely, because this blog has been reading far too much Kafka.  Existentialism is not healthy in that dosage.   Whatever the reason, Key Notes has always taken comfort in music and it's been no different recently.  To cheer himself up, this blog has started switching from his dated (no pun intended) chrono-biographical album filing system to a less manageable but more rewarding geographical filing system.  Key Notes realised two things when doing this.  Firstly, he clearly has far too much time on his hands and secondly, Irish artists take up a huge part of his record collection.  Therefore, it's about time he started talking about his favourite Irish albums. One thing this blog would like to make clear before he starts this series is that this is his personal opinion and so Key Notes doesn't want to read any comments telling him he's wrong.  Right, now that we've got that out of the way lets start. Key Notes Top Ten Irish Albums: 10 Róisín Murphy - Overpowered This is the most recent and, to Key Notes' friends at least, most surprising entry on the list.  Released a little over a year ago to much critical acclaim, Overpowered, as is often the case with albums that do, failed to trouble the chart compilers, reaching only 51 in the Irish charts.  This is nothing new to Murphy whose 2005 solo debut, Ruby Blue, confounded even her own record company who, rather harshly, considered it a flop. In 2006 she parted company with Echo Records and signed for EMI.  It's surprising that a company as historically cagey as EMI took a risk on someone as eccentric as Murphy but with Overpowered she has rewarded their support ten-fold.  Fair enough, it didn't sell that many records over here (about 40,000 in Britain) but upon its release in the US, penciled in for later this year or early 2009, Key Notes is sure Murphy's blend of arthouse disco will find a willing audience.  Indeed, her double A-Side single of Movie Star and her version of the Brian Ferry song, Slave to Love, recently went to #3 in the Billboard Singles Chart. Ironically, Movie Star is this blogs least favourite song on the album, sounding more like the work of Alison Goldfrapp than Arklow's most famous daughter.  Indeed, despite all the great work put into this album by the likes of Groove Armada it is Murphy's own personality and extraordinary voice that makes it one of Key Notes favourite Irish records. At times gleeful (Footprints), at times chilling (Dear Miami), it is always entertaining, no more so than on Overpowered and on this blogs favourite song, You Know Me Better.  Overpowered is the kind of album that Ray of Light era Madonna and Homogenic era Bjork would make if they invented a time machine and collaborated in the cloak room of some 70's roller-disco.  That Murphy can sound that unique is a testement to her and Overpowered's genius. I'll leave you with the brilliant Observer Music Monthly's description of Overpowered as being full of 'bubbling, sensual, and soulful glitterball gems (that) effortlessly tap into the perennial glory of feeling lost and lonely at the disco at the end of the world.'  That it is only 10th on this blogs list shows the quality of albums to come. Róisín Murphy - You Know Me Better More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4325 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4326/Free-Escape-Act-Download#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4326 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4326&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4326/Free-Escape-Act-Download Remember when Key Notes told you about Escape Act's innovative release strategy for their album?  Well, for those of you that don't, the Belfast band have taken to releasing all the tracks from their debut album, Loosely Based on Fiction, through some of Ireland's top music blogs. The last track, Jupiter Storms, for example, was released through I Heart AU. Key Notes was honoured to be asked to be part of this new and exciting approach to releasing music and today brings you the latest track for release, Laid Open.  It's a wonderful slice of indie pop which examines city life through the eyes of three Belfast boys.    Download Laid Open now. To check out the four songs already released, please see here.  More ... Steven O'Rourke Sat, 25 Oct 2008 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4326 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4327/Indiecater-Revive-Forgotten-Classics#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4327 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4327&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4327/Indiecater-Revive-Forgotten-Classics As you may or may not know indiecater is an offshoot of the mp3hugger blog and, while they initially concentrated on releasing compilations, the focus has recently switched to bringing the past back to life, starting with Red Star Belgrade's debut, Where the Sun Doesn't Shine. Now though, the guys have moved closer to home by focusing on Sunbear's self-titled debut LP.  The album remains an prime example of a young band pulling out all the stops to dramatise what was buzzing around their heads.  Alas, fame and fortune were not to be and Sunbear soon faded from the limelight.  Their demise did spark the formation of the excellent Ruby Tailights though, so it's not all bad.  As only 1,000 copies of Sunbear were released in 2004, not many people got to hear it.  Now though, indiecater has made Sunbear available for download for a recessionary-proof price of €3.50 (no 1% or 2% levies or means tests required here!). You can download it here. Oh, and though Kevin over at mp3hugger was playing his cards very close to his chest, rumour has it that a number of forgotten Irish records will see the light of day again before Christmas.  Key Notes is very excited at this prospect. Sunbear:  Notebook More ... Steven O'Rourke Wed, 22 Oct 2008 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4327 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4328/Rocktober-pt-2-Foreign-Bands#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4328 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4328&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4328/Rocktober-pt-2-Foreign-Bands There's a recession on you say?  Really? You wouldn't have known it with the calibre of international acts visiting Ireland in Rocktober 2008.  Everything from 80's synth pop to hill-billy rock is catered for and it all gets underway with potentially the greatest single gig Ireland will experience this year. The headliners might be Los Campesinos! but you can bet your last recession euro that a significant portion of the crowd will be equally attracted by 'lo-fi Ohio fuzzmisters' (to quote GOTF) Times New Viking and LA's finest punk two piece, No Age.  Los Campesinos! are, of course, the Welsh seven-piece who formed in Cardiff University in 2006 and released Hold on now, Youngster... to great acclaim in February of this year.  Not a band for resting on their laurels, this tour is timed to coincide with the release of their sophomore effort, We are Beautiful, We are Doomed, on October 27.  Yes, that's two albums in 33 weeks!  The gig, which is part of the Drowned in Sound Shred Yr Face Tour takes place in Whelan's on Friday October 17. Los Campesinos!:  You! Me! Dancing! One of the greatest peformances Key Notes has witnessed this year was from Holy Fuck at Oxegen.  Canada's finest export play The Academy on Monday October 20.  For those of you who don't know anything about Holy Fuck, they've been described as 'creating the equivalent of modern electronic music without actually using the techniques—looping, splicing, programming and the like—of that music.'  It's jaw-dropping stuff to see them live and Key Notes cannot recommend a better way to spend a wet Monday evening in October.  In fact, Key Notes can't think of better way to spend any evening in any month than watching a band at the very top of their game and whose talents can only spark one reaction: Holy Fuck! Holy Fuck:  Milkshake Described as one man blues phenomenon, Seasick Steve will now play The National Stadium on Wednesday October 29.  This gig was originally to take place in the grounds of the Irish Museum of Modern Art but the indoor venue will better suit the California native's unique blend of bluesy hill-billy rock.  The one-stringed guitar hero is in town to support his appropriately titled new album, I Started Out With Nothin And I Still Got Most Of It Left.  Tickets remain available for this gig for €10 less than they were orginally priced.  However, it should be noted that Amy Lavere has replaced My Morning Jacket as support for this gig.  My Morning Jacket will instead play a headline show in Tripod on the same night. Seasick Steve:  Dog House Boogie Also visiting these shores this month are Cyndi Lauper (Savoy Cork, 17 October), Human League (Tripod, 26 October) and Noah & The Whale (Whelan's, 28 October). If there's anyone Key Notes has missed, and there's bound to be, please feel free to plug them in the comments below. More ... Steven O'Rourke Tue, 14 Oct 2008 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4328 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4329/Rocktober-pt-I-Irish-Bands#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4329 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4329&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4329/Rocktober-pt-I-Irish-Bands Firstly, Key Notes would like to extend it's apologies.  Rocktober.  It's an awful title for a blog about music in October.  Awful because it is so obvious.  Perhaps something along the lines of Octoberfestivities may have been more original but as most of Key Notes' free time is spent looking for a job these days, you'll have to make do with Rocktober. Lots of things happening with Irish bands this month. C O D E S (or possibly CODES/Codes???) launch their excellent new single Guided By Ghosts in The Button Factory this Friday, October 10 with doors opening at 8.30.  If you haven't yet, check this band out and see if you agree with the (it must be said, eloquent) quote on their Myspace, which states that C O D E S create grandiose sonic landscapes painted in painstakingly minute detail.  Ok, ok, so it was a quote from this blog but it is really true.  You heard it hear first; this band is destined for greatness. C O D E S:  This is Goodbye Another band whom Key Notes cannot recommend highly enough is The Dudley Corporation; whose long awaited (four years lads, come on!) third album, Year of the Husband, just gets better with every listen.  As an aside, oh how Key Notes laughed when it heard the name of the new album.  You see, earlier this year this blog attended a friend's (Puddin'!) wedding that was also attended by Joss Corporation.  It becomes very difficult to review a band when one of its members has seen you (try to) dance!  Anyway, A mini-tour of Ireland kicks off on 16 October in Whelan's and takes in dates in Mullingar, Kilkenny and...well, that's it really.  Well worth checking out though if you're within a 400 mile radius of any of the venues.  The Dudley Corporation:  What a Human Does Le Galaxie will debut new single, You Feel The Fire!, on 31 October 2008 in Crawdaddy.  Key Notes understands that this is to be a late performance, in keeping with the fact it's Halloween and that fancy dress, especially those choosing to dress as indie music gig-goers, is actively encouraged.  Wear a scarf though, it'll be cold.  For those of you that don't know, Le Galaxie are, of course, the remaining members of the much loved, much missed, 66E.  Big boots to fill, but Key Notes is confident they can do it. Le Galaxie:  We Bleed the Blood of Androids Also playing this month and more than worthy of a mention are Jape (The Button Factory, 9 October), The Flaws (Dolan's, Limerick, 11 October) and Crayonsmith (Whelan's, October 31)  If Key Notes has left anyone out (probably lots) feel free to plug them in the comments below.More ... Steven O'Rourke Wed, 08 Oct 2008 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4329 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4330/An-Innovative-Escape-Act-Releasing-Music-Through-Blogs#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4330 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4330&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4330/An-Innovative-Escape-Act-Releasing-Music-Through-Blogs On Monday November 10 2008, Belfast trio Escape Act will release their debut album Loosely Based on Fiction.  So what you say; bands release records all the time.  Ah yes, but following on from Oasis' free sheet music giveaway, Escape Act will release each and every song from the album online via a series of blogs.  The first track, Kings have Fallen was released on MP3Hugger on September 27 and the next track will be released on BoxSetGo this weekend. After that tracks will be released weekly with directions as to where to get your next fix been given on the band's website www.escapeact.com.  Apropos of nothing it may be worth your while checking out Key Notes on the weekend of October 25/26. Should you decide you like what you hear then a limited number of CD's will be available to purchase, each with an individually customised booklet. Given how many bands Key Notes hears complaining about the lack of methods of distribution available it is a pleasant surprise to see a band take such an innovative step and this blog certainly wishes them all the best. Escape Act:  God Says More ... Steven O'Rourke Fri, 03 Oct 2008 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4330 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4331/Derrick-Dalton-RIP#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4331 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4331&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4331/Derrick-Dalton-RIP Key Notes was saddened to hear that Derrick Dalton (Mexican Pets, Crumb, Hey Paulette) passed away this week. Key Notes didn't know Derrick personally but this blog was well aware of his support for, and influence on, the Irish music scene through conversations with fellow bloggers, musicians and fans alike.  An illegal cassette version of Mexican Pets' Nobody's Working Title was one of Key Notes favourite records around the mid 90's and for us humble fans it is through his music that Derrick will be remembered. Sincerest sympathies from Key Notes and all at CLUAS to Derrick's wife, family and friends. Crumb: Follow Me Home          Mexican Pets: Stigmata Errata   More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 02 Oct 2008 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4331