Tag: reviews

DÓNAL LUNNY: THE DUKE ELLINGTON OF IRISH MUSIC

Few figures have shaped Irish traditional music as profoundly as Dónal Lunny. Musician, producer, arranger and innovator, Lunny helped redefine the possibilities of Irish folk through his work with Planxty, The Bothy Band, Moving Hearts and countless collaborations. Widely regarded as a transformative force in Irish music, his influence extends far beyond performance, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire new generations of musicians. In many ways, Dónal Lunny stands to Irish music as Duke Ellington did to jazz: a visionary who changed the course of a tradition while remaining deeply rooted in it

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JOHN DOUGLAS: 1963 – 2026

Black-and-white portrait of a person standing beside a textured brick wall, facing the camera with arms crossed. The person has short light-colored hair and is wearing a light T-shirt under an open dark jacket. The background is softly blurred, drawing attention to the subject and the brick wall

The recent passing of John Douglas, a founding member of the band Trashcan Sinatras, has sparked reflection on life, music, and memory. His music served as a profound connection to personal and collective experiences. Douglas's legacy, enriched by his humble nature and artistic contributions, will be deeply missed by fans and loved ones alike.

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PULP: FROM THE FIRST TIME TO THE LAST

In a triumphant return to Dublin’s 3Arena, Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker took fans on a nostalgic journey through the band’s early Irish gigs—culminating in a sharp, hilarious callback to their very first Dublin show in 1993 at The Rock Garden. This piece dives into that chaotic, shoestring early gig, the roots of the city’s live music scene in the '80s and '90s, and the long, winding road Pulp took to stardom. From basement venues to festival stages, dodgy hotels to stolen gear, this is a story of perseverance, wit, and a band that finally claimed its moment—thirty years in the making

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TRASH: YOU AND ME

In this new piece, Colm responds to Ken Sweeney’s piece about Trashcan Sinatras. The two pieces were deliberately written as companions and are best read one after the other. Starting with Ken’s. I’ve spent an awfully long time trying to make Trashcan Sinatras a better known band than they are, and to little effect. From... Continue Reading →

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