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

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.

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.

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 Vagabonds


The Urges


The Urges

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