
Tweet They were from Kilkenny which was a novelty in itself but what set Engine Alley apart was the fact that they appeared from Ireland's loins in 1991. Under grey skies, in the grip of mass unemployment and youth emigration Engine Alley's rosy cheeks and terrific tunes made living here all the more bearable. Their debut album 'A Sonic Holiday' remains one of the best by any Irish band by virtue of the fact that it was fuelled by brilliant tunes and [...]

Highly personal debut album from a band consisting of Kila's bassist and Engine Alley's drummer. Preachers Son's debut is a varied collection of mini rock anthems which makes for an absorbing listen. Preachers Son are Dubliners Brian Hogan (Kíla) and Emmaline Duffy-Fallon (previously of Engine Alley). The debut album 'Love Life & Limb' was released on Oct 15th on Reekus Records. Guest artists on the album include: Gavin Friday, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Kieran Kennedy, Jose Carlos Anselmo Flores Rori Coleman. [...]
A post about how the postal service in Finland is trying to combine ancient & modern methods of delivering the mail

I had been so busy preparing my birthday tribute to David Bowie that it slipped my mind that the Chameleon of Pop used to get his birthday cards on the same day as the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Yesterday marked the 75th anniversary of Elvis Presley's birth in Tupelo, Mississippi. Like Bowie, Elvis was also an actor, although the films he appeared in were merely vehicles for his star status and internationally-recognised persona. And, like Bowie, Elvis was a huge influence on the development of popular music. Of course, his music wasn't as innovative or original as [...]

It was a minor event from about 18 years ago (gulp) when the violin strains of 'The Flowers' seeped from a broken down ghetto blaster. I had been going on about this band from Kilkenny ad nauseum who were going to be the next big thing. As ever most of my words were lost on blank faces but this was finally some evidence that I was beginning to make progress. He was a proper student but his music tastes involved much ultimate raving so when I heard the freshly denuded cassette roll on this particular day I knew I had [...]

On February 27th a fundraising concert in aid of Barretstown. Founded by actor Paul Newman, Barretstown is a specially-designed camp for children with serious illnesses - primarily cancer and serious blood diseases - from Ireland, Britain and throughout Europe, and their families. The camp provides a unique programme of adventure, activities and fun – backed by the medical world - which helps children with serious illness regain their confidence and self-esteem and has become internationally recognised as having a profound and positive impact on their lives. The idea for the gig was to ask bands to [...]

This amazing gig in The Acadamy could quite possibly be the most advertised gig in Ireland ever! The line-up is wonderful and to be honest almost all acts appearing could easily fill the venue by themselves. However this is a covers night for charity where we can expect songs by David Bowie, The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan sung by our best Irish artists and Fun Loving Criminals. In celebration of this gig I have a cover by the headliner Sinéad O'Connor. Sinéad has sung songs by Kurt Cobain, Cole Porter, Lee Perry and of course Prince who penned the [...]

Tomorrow night kicks off a season of Charity Gigs in the Capital. In light of the recession this may well be the best way to see your favourite bands in the future. Lets face it, going to a great gig is much better than signing up to a direct debit for life! Fair play to the bands taking part! Thursday 5th Feb: The Swell Season, Paul Noonan, Carly Sings, Liam Ó Maonlaí and Mark Dignam! Jack L, Munday and The Waterboys have been added to the following gigs for Gaza! [...]

Barretstown House presents: Inspirations fundraiser Barretstown House was founded by the late actor Paul Newman as part of his Hole in the Wall Camps. Barretstown run a programme of adventure and activities for children with Cancer and other life-threatening illnesses from Ireland and rest of Europe. There is horse riding and archery, painting and creative writing, singing, acting, film making and a lot more. After taking part in the programme children go home with more confidence, self-esteem and most importantly the reassurance that happiness is not just for healthy children. Every year [...]
I don't know how it happens exactly, but I guess most people don't become music obsessives overnight. It took over five years for me to truly lose the plot, I think, and it didn't start all that auspiciously. The first time I remember really wanting to buy an album, as opposed to listening to various things [...]
I often wonder how bands who existed before the internet might have fared if they had muscled in on the affections of the blogosphere. The trail of dead bands with potential to burn is long and disturbing. Kilkenny's Engine Alley were one victim of a fickle world but indications are that they are going to give it one last go and perhaps snag a few bloggers along the way to boost their profile.