Wednesday 22 December 2010

Video: Laura Marling - The Needle & The Damage Done.

While many artists have attempted to cover various Neil Young songs over the years and some very badly (I'm looking at you Tori Amos and Duran Duran), it's always quite a treat when someone gets it right. Last month Laura Marling released a version of The Needle And The Damage Done and it's superb.
The track was produced by Jack White who seems to have a great knack for producing quality country rock tracks and the video is also a very nice and clever animation by Redman and Sasufi. Enjoy!

Tuesday 7 December 2010

Video: Gorillaz Feat. Snoop - Welcome To The World Of The Plastic Beach

The mighty Snoop teamed up with Gorillaz earlier this year for the intro song on Plastic Beach, with Welcome To The World Of The Plastic Beach and they have just released the video to it. Snoop is on Plastic Beach and looks quite dapper in this top hat and embellished tail coat but I don't think you could expect anything less.

Sunday 28 November 2010

Live Photos: LCD Soundystem Live In Tripod November 21st 2010

Last Sunday saw LCD Soundsystem take to the stage for a third time over the weekend to ensure it was one of the gigs of the year in Tripod, Dublin. Being a Sunday and a busy gig weekend about town, I almost expected a subdued crowd in Tripod, but wonderfully that was not the case as James Murphy and his band of merry men and woman, slammed out two fantastic hours of non stop party filled tunes. Personal favourites Losing My Edge and Someone Great were outstanding, while Yeah almost had the roof lift off the building. All My Friends finished the nights proceedings and the tingling down my spine told me that we were witnessing something quite special.

Here are some photos I took on the night and if you happened to miss it, do yourself a favour and go see them if they ever come back.

James Murphy
LCD Soundsystem Live At Tripod November 2010

Pat Mahony
LCD Soundsystem Live At Tripod November 2010

Nancy Whang
LCD Soundsystem Live At Tripod November 2010

James Murphy
LCD Soundsystem Live At Tripod November 2010

Dave Scott Stone
LCD Soundsystem Live At Tripod November 2010

You can view more LCD photos HERE.

Wednesday 24 November 2010

Halves - Growing & Glow Featuring Jennifer Evans Live On The View

It Goes, It Goes (Forever & Ever) from Halves is one of my favourite releases of 2010. The intricacy on each track is simply quite stunning and the one track in particular that I have taken to listening to the most from the album is Growing & Glow. Last night they performed a gorgeous version on RTE's The View with Jennifer Evans on vocals. The album version features Metric front woman and Broken Social Scene member Amy Milan but this recording with Jennifer is equally as wonderful.

Tuesday 9 November 2010

Live Photos: Paramore Live @ The O2 November 6th 2010

On Saturday November 6th, Paramore played in Dublin's O2 arena to a heroes welcome. I was lucky enough to have a photo pass on the night ans below are some of the shots I took of Hayley Williams and Co. with Williams sporting a shiny new pink hair do to kick off their European tour.

Hayley Williams
Paramore live @ The O2 Dublin November 2010

Jeremy Davis & Hayley Williams
Hayley Williams and Jeremy Davis from Paramore live @ The O2 Dublin Nov. 6th

Josh Farro
Josh Farro from Paramore live @ The O2 Dublin Nov. 6th

Taylor York
Taylor York from Paramore live @ The O2 Dublin Nov. 6th

Hayley Williams
Paramore live @ The O2 Dublin November 2010

You can view the full Paramore set HERE and a big thanks to Warner Music Ireland for the photo pass.

Monday 8 November 2010

Video: Shit Robot - Take 'Em Up featuring Nancy Whang

Shit Robot has released one of my favourite dance albums of 2010 with From The Cradle To The Grave. A real treat for dance fans this year. Take 'Em Up featuring Nancy Whang of LCD Soundsystem fame on vocals in particular, is an electro disco anthem in it's itself with it's breezy vocal and synth-tastic rhythms. The video has just premiered over at Pitchfork and it was directed by fellow Irish man Eoghan Kidney who has in the past been responsible for some gorgeous video's from Somadrone and Valerie Francis and this is as equally masterful.

Tuesday 19 October 2010

Video: Shobaleader One - Megazine

Squarepusher has joined a band or at least created one with "a bunch of people you may or not have heard of from other bands and projects" called Shobaleader One. In and interview over on the Warp Records site, Tom Jenkins reveals the aim of Shobaleader One "The overall aim is to articulate my music through the medium of a band. I always thought that a band would be a limiting thing. I've got very used to being able to make music by programming or playing without having to explain anything to anyone, and I assumed it would slow everything down if I had to. Actually it has made it quicker because I'm not trying to be four people simultaneously any more".

The first track to get some airing from the their first full length LP d'Demonstrator, is Megazine. A little like Daft Punk if they combined some heavy metal riffs with their electro disco madness - which I like. 
d'Demonstrator is out now on Warp Records.

Thursday 14 October 2010

Video: Local Natives - Wide Eyes

If you haven't already watched the video to Local Natives Wide Eyes then you are in for a treat.
The story revolves around some poor bloke who is stalked by a crazy and in your face shark but finally cracks after one too many encounters with the big fish!
A lighthearted 5 minutes to a sublime and elegantly performed track. Wide Eyes is from Local Natives' 2009 critically acclaimed debut Gorilla Manor.

Wednesday 13 October 2010

Live Photos: Hard Working Class Heroes 2010

Last weekend The Hard Working Class Heroes Festival took place over three days, in 6 venues at night and 16 venues during the day. 
With a champion lineup in place to keep you gloriously running around from venue to venue, it made me very proud to be part of something that showcased some of the incredible talent that's coming out of Ireland right now. Whether you attended as a punter, volunteer, journalist, panelist, photographer etc it doesn't matter, as anyone I spoke to seemed to bask in the enthusiasm of it all. There were timetable clashes galore, but it's a festival after all and I tried to meet a nice balance of new music (I finally managed to see Enemies - a definite highlight) and familiar (The wonderful Halves, energetic Le Galaxie and loud and brilliant Le Faro) and it paid off nicely.

Also at this years festival I was picked to showcase one of my photo's at the HWCH Photography exhibition which runs in The Workmans Club, Dublin until October 30th, so pop on down if you get a chance as there is some fantastic shots on display from 14 other photographers too. 
In between venue hopping and watching bands I managed to take a few shots over the weekend. Some of which you can see below and the full set you can view here.

Congrats to all involved for pulling off such a fantastic weekend!

The Holy Innocents
The Holy Innocents live @ HWCH 2010

The Dirty 9s
The Dirty 9s live @ HWCH 2010

The Evening Watch
The Evening Watch live @ HWCH 2010

Enemies
Enemies live @ HWCH 2010

Halves
Halves live @ HWCH 2010

Le Galaxie
Le Galaxie live @ HWCH 2010

The Cast Of Cheers
The Cast Of Cheers live @ HWCH 2010

Friday 8 October 2010

Babe, Terror - 'Havai' (Memory Tapes Rework)

You might have guessed by now that I am a Memory Tapes fan since I post a lot of his remixes and reworks on this blog. So here is another, a wonderful rework of Babe, Terror's Havai and it's nothing short of stellar. Babe, Terror uses his voice and lo-fi recording equipment to make music, making it a fantastic template for the mesmerising stylings created by Memory Tapes. The accompanying video was shot with an intangible and vintage feel which I suppose reflects the rework itself. It's a good one for a Friday!

The 'Havai'/Epicentro EP is out on Monday on Phantasy Sound with the original track and re-workings from Memory Tapes and Duke Dumont.


Tuesday 5 October 2010

Listen To Spies - Liars Call Me King EP With Free Download

Spies first came to my attention last year when a friend recommended them to play a gig I was putting on in The Twisted Pepper. They were then called Lumiere and I instantly loved their post punk tones, dipped in contorted Indie murmurs that were reminiscent of Joy Division and Interpol.
So it is a year later and they are just about to release their first proper EP Liars Call Me King on 7"and free digital download via their Bandcamp Page. This three track EP has seen Spies flourish confidently as a band and develop into something quite exciting. Liars Call Me King, Falter and Fill The Silence make up this fantastic 3 track EP and you can avail of them digitally for free by heading to their Bandcamp Page.

If you like what you hear, you will be able to grab your copy of the 7" from October 27th in Ireland in Tower Records and any other decent record shops.


<a href="http://spies.bandcamp.com/album/liars-call-me-king">Liars Call Me King by SPIES</a>

Friday 24 September 2010

Video: Crystal Fighters - Follow

I am addicted to the brand new single from Crystal Fighters called Follow. It's definitely one of those songs that keeps building in pace until you are practically dancing around the room like a lunatic. The video is a multicoloured event and was directed by Ian Pons Jewell.
Follow is the song to start your weekend to - so watch, listen and dance and it's out in Ireland today and the UK on Monday September 27th.

Wednesday 22 September 2010

Video: Abe Vigoda - Throwing Shade

To coincide with the release of their third studio album CrushAbe Vigoda have dropped the video to album track Throwing Shade upon us. The song and album itself sees a departure of the tropical punk stylings of 2008's release Skeleton, inviting in a more danceable sound. Crush can take the nu wave route at times and Throwing Shade is a fine example of that, but the album as a whole is still stamped with the clamorous guitars and fast paced rhythm Abe Vigoda are famous for, just this time alongside more synths and sequencers. 
Throwing Shade was directed by Vice Cooler and Crush is out now on Bella Union

Monday 20 September 2010

Video: Ok Go - White Knuckles

OK Go are definitely renowned for their pretty stunning video's and their video to the seriously funky White Knuckles is no exception. In fact it's quite fantastic and for dog lovers it surely gets a ten out of ten. This is the best 3.36 mins you will spend today as it shall certainly make you smile (unless you hate dogs).
White Knuckles is taken from Of the Blue Colour of the Sky.

Wednesday 15 September 2010

Clare Maguire - Ain't Nobody: Memory Tapes Remix


Clare Maguire is probably going to be championed as 2011's Florence, Adele or Ellie Goulding as it seems someone needs to fit into these hype machine shoes each year. Vocally though Clare has an old school bluesy folk style, similarly sounding to Sandy Denny or Maddy Prior. Her music however, is not of that ilk and Ms Maguire is more pop than 70's blues folk.
Memory Tapes has just finished remixing a stunning version of Ain't Nobody from the Birmingham lass and he wants us all to hear it. We end up floating in the dreamy, almost ghostly electronica that is typical of Memory Tapes in this remix, giving it a hypnotic and gentle build throughout the track.
Have a listen for yourself and if you like, head HERE to get yourself a copy.

Friday 10 September 2010

Live Photos: The Electric Picnic 2010

Last weekend I was fortunate to acquire a photo pass for The Electric Picnic. It was a busy weekend of snapping but I thoroughly enjoyed it all and below is some of the shots I took.
Some are featured over at Nialler9.com

You can view the full set HERE.

Laura Marling
Laura Marling live @ The Electric Picnic 2010


Foals
Foals live @ The Electric Picnic 2010

And So I Watch you From Afar
And So I Watch You From Afar live @ Electric Picnic 2010

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble Live @ Electric Picnic 2010

Two Door Cinema Club
Two Door Cinema Club live @ The Electric Picnic 2010

Two Door Cinema Club
Two Door Cinema Club live @ The Electric Picnic 2010

Friendly Fires
Friendly Fires live @ The Electric Picnic 2010

Friendly Fires
Friendly Fires live @ The Electric Picnic 2010

The National
The National live @ The Electric Picnic 2010

The National
The National live @ The Electric Picnic 2010

Thanks to POD and LHP for the pass.

Tuesday 7 September 2010

Video: Belle & Sebastian - Write About Love

A lovely new video from my favourite Scottish band Belle & Sebastian called Write About Love. I would advise making a cuppa and sitting back to watch, as this is a nice 29 minute catch up with the band with a humorous twist!


Wednesday 1 September 2010

Live Photo's: Twin Atlantic live @ The O2 (Supporting Blink 182)

Scottish rockers Twin Atlantic played a blistering set in The O2 Dublin in support of headliner's Blink 182. They played to a packed and eager Blink audience for about 45 minutes and it's safe to say they won them over by the time they finished with fan favourite, A Guidance From Colour. I was there to enjoy and take photo's and here are some below.

You can view the full set HERE.

Sam Mctrusty from Twin Atlantic

Twin Atlantic live @ The O2, Dublin. 31st of August 2010 (Supporting Blink 182)

Ross McNae from Twin Atlantic
Twin Atlantic live @ The O2, Dublin. 31st of August 2010 (Supporting Blink 182)

Craig Ernest Kneale from Twin Atlantic
Twin Atlantic live @ The O2, Dublin. 31st of August 2010 (Supporting Blink 182)

Barry McKenna from Twin Atlantic
Twin Atlantic live @ The O2, Dublin. 31st of August 2010 (Supporting Blink 182)

Sam Mctrusty from Twin Atlantic
Twin Atlantic live @ The O2, Dublin. 31st of August 2010 (Supporting Blink 182)


Monday 16 August 2010

Listen To The Late Of The Pier Remix EP - Remixes from Soulwax and Simon Bookish.

After releasing their double A side single earlier this year with Best In Class and Blueberry, Late Of The Pier are set to release a remix EP of both tracks on Phantasy Sound on August 23rd.
Best In Class gets a filthy make over from none other than the kings of the remix Soulwax. In true style the Dewaele brothers take the track to the next level, leaving a trail of sonic destruction in their path.
Simon Bookish gives an already trippy Blueberry a supernatural edge,
as if Kraftwerk loving aliens invaded the studio while everyone was out on a tea break and added some of their signature, electronic melodies to the mix.

You can listen to snippets of each remix below and head over to Phantasy Sound to pre-order your copy of the EP.



Friday 6 August 2010

Listen to Dam Mantle's Purple Arrow EP now!

I stumbled across Dam Mantle at Field Day last weekend on the XOYO/Lock Tavern Stage and instead of queuing for a pint which was my initial plan, I danced, because I couldn't quite help become absorbed by the gorgeous hypnotic glitches, throbbing dubstep bass lines and overall intergalactic feel of the set.

Dam Mantle is Scottish producer Tom Marshallsay who has remixed for Gold Panda and more recently Kele Okereke and while he does a damn fine job of remixing for others, his own work is really where the magic happens. His influences of post rock and folk are subtly incorporated into his Kaleidoscopic electronica and the result is a party for the listener. Like other new kids on the block Boxcutter and Rustie, Dam Mantle is bringing fresh ideas to the electronic world and it's exciting.

His brand new EP Purple Arrow is released on September 13th and one you shall want to own.
You can have a listen in advance now though. Pre-order your copy here.

Purple Arrow EP by Dam Mantle

Thursday 5 August 2010

Free MP3: Brand New Cut Copy track Where I'm Going


It's always nice to get free stuff and Cut Copy want you to have a free MP3 of a brand new track of theirs called Where I'm Going. It's a taster from their third studio album due out early next year and it is mixed by Ben Allen, who has previously worked with MIA and Animal Collective.

Where I'm Going has a vintage air to it, as if the band were fresh out of the 1960's and were fused with Panda Bear's psychedelic soundscapes and Midnight Juggernauts' beat-master. But listen to it for yourselves or go here to get your free copy or have a listen below.


Thursday 22 July 2010

Must See Field Day Artist: Beth Jeans Houghton

The first act I am thrilled to be catching at Field Day in London's Victoria Park next week is Beth Jeans Houghton. Her brand of kooky and serene folk is one that has been done in some context before but few can pull it off so well.
Her comparisons to Laura Marling are undoubtedly obvious, but her vocal is has a slightly more fragile air that would remind me more of Hope Sandoval and even François Hardy at times.
Beth who is only 19, hails from Newcastle and has graced stages in support to some fantastic artists including Tinariwen, Bon Iver, Mumford & Sons and St. Vincent. She released a 5 track EP last year called Hot Toast Vol. 1 and if this is anything to go by then her debut album should be quite superb.



I Will Return
is the opening track on her EP and it's pretty blinding and you can view the video below.



Field Day Festival takes place in Victoria Park, London on July 31st. See www.fielddayfestivals.com for more details

Thursday 15 July 2010

Listen to the brand new Belle an Sebastian song "I Didn't See It Coming" NOW!

My favourite Scottish band Belle and Sebastian debuted a brand new song at a gig in Helsinki earlier this week. Taken from their first studio album in 5 whole years I Didn't See It Coming is a radiant indie pop song that will have you humming or singing along after one play (that's what happened to this listener anyway).
One can only hope that the rest of their new material is as compelling but it's Belle and Sebastian and in my opinion they have never made a bad album.

Have a listen below.


Monday 12 July 2010

Video: !!! - AM/FM and free download.

The innovative !!! (Chk Chk Chk) return with a taster from album number 4 with AM/FM, a track which you can acquire free over at chkchkchk.net. The video was directed by Black Dice and is taken from the album Strange Weather, isn't it? released on August 20th 2010 on Warp Records.

The dance punk kings are back with a bang as AM/FM is also available as a cool, ultra clear 12" single, you need to be quick however as the 12" is limited to 800 copies worldwide. Head over to the bands site if you fancy owning a copy.


Friday 9 July 2010

Live Photo's: The Urges, The Doo Wrongs & The Vagabonds live @ The Retro Revival Club

It was a busy week on the photo front and Saturday last I snapped three excellent bands at The Retro Revival Club in Sweeney's on Dame Street, Dublin.

The Doo Wrongs & The Vagabonds played support to The Urges, whose organic psychedelic garage rock distinguishes them as a must see band and the best part about it all is they are local. Steve Van Zandt signed The Urges to his Wicked Cool label two years ago and re-released their debut Psych Ward, an album of sharp rock n roll and cool garage rock. The Urges are off on tour elsewhere these days but be sure to check them out when they hit a town near you.

In the meantime you can see some shots I took of them live and the full set HERE.

The Doo Wrongs
The Doo Wrongs live @ The Retro Revival Club July 2010

The Vagabonds
The Vagabonds live @ Retro Revival Club July 2010

The Urges
The Urges headline The Retro Revival Club July 2010


The Urges
The Urges headline The Retro Revival Club July 2010

Wednesday 7 July 2010

Live Photo's: Snoop Dogg live @ The Olympia Theatre July 6th 2010

Last night Hip Hop legend Snoop Dogg took to the stage in Dublin's Olympia Theatre to a champion crowd. Playing for just under two hours, Snoop oozed charm and charisma and proved a real hit with females of the audience, with half of his set dedicated to "the ladies".

Gin and Juice, What's My name, Sign and Drop It Like It's Hot provoked a vigorous response, while Gangsta Love from his current release Malice In Wonderland affirmed Snoop's ability to still deliver the goods.
Below are some shots from the gig and you can view the full set HERE. Enjoy!


Snoop Dogg Live @ The Olympia Theatre Dublin

Snoop Dogg Live @ The Olympia Theatre July 6th 2010

Snoop Dogg Live @ The Olympia Theatre July 6th 2010

Snoop Dogg Live @ The Olympia Theatre July 6th 2010

Snoop Dogg Live @ The Olympia Theatre July 6th 2010

Tuesday 22 June 2010

In the remix: Hot Chip, Boys Noize, Yeasayer & Crookers all remix N.E.R.D's Hot N Fun

I found this remix post originally over at the 514 Blog and thought it was definitely worthy of re-posting. The latest single from N.E.R.D, Hot N Fun, features Ms Nelly Furtado and is taken from their forthcoming album Nothing due out in September.
What I love about this though is the random selection of remixes for Hot N Fun. You get the signature funky house beats from Hot Chip, the thumping synths from Boys Noize, the peculiar chopped up version from Yeasayer and the proper funky electro injection from Crookers.

All worth a listen below though my favs are Hot Chip & Boys Noize.

Yeasayer Remix


Crookers Remix


Hot Chip Remix


Boys Noize Remix

Monday 21 June 2010

Video: The Japanese Popstars - Destroy


The Japanese Popstars have been making waves on the dance circuit for about four years now and these Derry boys certainly know how to bring the noise. Having already remixed for the big guns in pop including Beyonce, Groove Armada, Depeche Mode and more recently Gorillaz, The Japanese Popstars are already the new remix favourites.

So now it's their turn to dish out their own tunes and the sublime Destroy is their first official single since signing to Virgin/EMI. The legendary Jon Spencer is on vocal duties for this one and also stars in the wicked video. Destroy is a dark but addictive track and a fantastic introduction to The Japanese Popstars.


The Japanese Popstars - Destroy

Destroy is out on Digital download and 12" in Ireland on July 2nd 2010.

Sunday 20 June 2010

Sunday remixes: Yeasayer - ONE (Clancy & Build remix) and Crystal Castles - Suffocation (Memory Tapes remix).


Okay a here are a couple of remixes for you before I hit the sunshine for the afternoon.
So first up I have a remix of Yeasayer's O.N.E from London based DJ & music producer Rich Clancy. This is the second remix he has thrown my way in the past couple of months and you can check out his excellent remix of Delphic's Halcyon HERE.

While His Delphic remix was an electro stomper, Clancymusic's Yeasayer remix definitely oozes a summery vibe. The happy synths compliment Anand Wilder's airy vocal while making it nice and suitable for any club set. Check it out HERE.


Memory Tapes regularly posts remixes over on his blog www.weirdtapes.blogspot.com and I love what he has done with the Crystal Castles track Suffocation. Far from keeping it clubby and beat invaded, Memory Tapes gives Suffocation a real ethereal feel, dulling down the static that usually accompanies a C.C track.
You can acquire your free download of Suffocation over on the his blog and also be sure to check out the equally great remix of Boy 8-Bit's Cricket Scores too.