Stephen picks five for the weekend in Stradbally…
1. Cranes
The original dreampop. Let it be said, Cranes vocalist Alison Shaw has one of the most unique voices in indie. Nonetheless, that didn’t stop me from falling head over heels in love with their 2008 self titled album. Although my first introduction and a softer approach from the band, it’s still an incredible album that stands head and shoulders above the rest of their goth-influenced back catalogue.
2. Jonathan Wilson
If you feel like slowing the pace down at any point over the weekend, try and catch the alt country vibes of Jonathan Wilson. His recent Tom Petty support in Cork was rightly praised and if you happen to have any Buffalo Springfield in your collection then I’m sure Jonathan would appreciate a space next to it.
3. Van Dyke Parks
The man who took Brian Wilson’s Smile album collaboration to the next level. What more can you say really? (You can say, get your asses to this gig – Ed.)
4. Metronomy
I loved Nights out but didn’t take to English Riviera too well. What started with an endless influx of great riffs and hooks was quickly deflated into commercial safeness. Either way, these boys n girls deliver one hell of an energetic performance live (complete with wrap around light bulbs for good measure).
5. Grandaddy
Under the western freeway combined slacker country with lo-fi guitar fuzz in one of my favourite 90′s debuts. Through ups and downs with drugs and alcohol, they remained consistent before splitting in 2006. I was lucky to catch them in the Temple Bar Music Centre in 2000 touring The sophtware slump. To this day, it remains to be one of my favourite performances on Irish soil. Familiar with them or not, take thirty or so minutes to have a waddle. You won’t regret it.
