After a gap of three years Michelle Shocked, folk hero with proto punk and pop leaning, is back in Dublin. Like many before her, she has downgraded to an acoustic performance but this is still a fine evening, split into four distinct parts.The Jim Chayka Trio opened the show, followed by Michelle and her acoustic…

An engaging if slightly lightweight book telling the detailed story of the early shaping of PE from the days of Spectrum and underground college radio – to the superstar status of the late ’80s and beyond. Written by a fan for fans it occasionally overlooks or assumes knowledge of some essential facts and is at…

The charismatic rockabilly hero (sometimes complete with a creepy pencil moustache) Dan Sartain returns with his dark take on life. Produced by Liam Watson, this is Dan’s fourth album. A cross between the more sombre aspects of The Cure and The Stray Cats, Lives continues where Join Dan Sartain… left off with short snappy two

The Chic organisation’s main anchor man, Nile Rodgers, loves playing live. He may shine in the studio writing or producing hits for David Bowie, Sister Sledge and Diana Ross amongst many others, but he still thrives on the adulation of this Dublin crowd. Out shaking hands before the set, he is in buoyant mood. His…

The curious setting of Smithfield’s Space54, a community, workshop and exhibition centre, was given over for the night to a BYOB party, appropriate given the party atmosphere of much of Dan Sartain’s music. A small crowd gathered for this evening’s gig, some of whom knew nothing of him, others devotedly aware of his back catalogue.…

Their’s are iconic songs that have gone on to be covered by a whole host of artists – from Tina Turner (-Proud Mary’ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfyEpmQM7bw) to Nirvana (-Bad Moon Rising’). Indeed, Creedence were pivotal in shaping the music of future generations across many genres: -Up Around The Bend’was to go on to be a hit single…

Having publicly fallen out with lead singers of Guns -n’ Roses and Velvet Revolver (and having worked his way through two singers for his own Snakepit), Slash has had a remarkable problem keeping frontmen under control. So perhaps a solo album was a predictable move. But he has done well in ensuring this is not…

What can you say about an album that has been consistently voted one of the best of the ’70s and indeed of all time? The album itself speaks volumes but with the hefty price tag for this new edition is it worth the outlay? Exile… is indisputably one of the greatest albums ever issued and

Saul Hudson aka Slash is telling his story – the first of Guns ‘n’ Roses to do so. As he himself concedes this is not at the end of a career, but closure on the end of an era and an important part of his life. Whilst there is a -never say never’ ethos in…

Like troubled diva Whitney Houston, the Oxford Quartet Stornoway were not to be confined by this week’s volcanic dust clouds (or was that the Celtic trophy cabinet being cleaned?). They came to Dublin to a warm, receptive crowd (including a number of their proud family members). With not even an album release to their name…

Occasionally, talentless people become successful in every walk of life. However, once in a while an exceptionally talented musician achieves merited success. John Butler falls firmly into the second category. Gracious, humble and hugely skilled (and “sex on legs” according to State’s companion tonight), he’s a great songwriter and entertainer to boot.
Storming onto the…

In November last year Pama International achieved the honour of supporting the reformed Specials and garnered a new following with their upbeat brand of reggae pop. They are returning to these shores for Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival in Belfast at the end of April so State recently caught up with the main man and driving…

When Kylie covered Little Eva‘s (or more specifically Goffin and King) -The Loco-motion’ she struck gold and timed it brilliantly (thanks in no small part to the SAW team). The same cannot be said for Craig David. For easy listening business executives looking to impress this will probably be a required purchase, but beyond that…

-Are you ready for some songs of misery?’ declared Rachel Unthank as the band entered the stage at an unusually seated Whelan’s. With their selection of harrowing story lines set to a blend of female vocal harmonies, The Unthanks (as they are now known) are both a part of the new age of folk and…