Gigs for 2023

Out: I ain't quite where I think I am.

Four gigs the past week with the end result been there are now 3 acts i won't be bothering with again. I had Protomartyr, Kristin Hersh, Squid and Sweeping Promises, with SP the clear winner. They were also the only act i hadn't seen before so i'm sure that was a contributing factor.

Protomartyr left me cold when i saw them years back in the Workmans so i skipped subsequent tours. Decided to give them another go but alas the same result ensued. Good band but just not for me. My mate is a fan and he thought they were very good.

Kristin Hersh was grand but at the end of the day it's hard to get excited by an acoustic set (unless it's Julian Cope or Hamell on Trial up on that stage). If she returned with a band, whether under her name, Throwing Muses or 50 Foot Wave i'd be there like a shot.

Squid bored me for the most part. One of my gig buddys called them and their ilk 'student project bands' and i know what he meant. All great musicians sure but just too cerebral and clever. Where's the heart and soul? I had the same feeling at their Button Factory gig last year. It's music that's hard to love.

Sweeping Promises were decent. A nerdy 3-piece (live they have a drummer but on record it's just a duo) with scratchy, tinny guitar and a female vocalist/bassist. 50 minute set which ended at 10.10, so i managed to get home early! Would certainly go and see them again. Support came from Search Results. Also a nerdy 3 piece, going for an old school indie vibe with occassional forays into Pavement territory. A bit twee for me perhaps but i think some here might like them. Good drummer.

Next up is the Jim Jones Allstars with Thee UFO on support duty on Halloween night. Pretty sure that will provide the heart, soul, passion and rocknroll excitement i require! 😁

Really? They've always got a good response anytime i've seen them. Last one was the album launch in Whelans in March of this year with Percolator supporting. That was a good gig.

Jim Jones All Stars superb in Whelans tonight. High energy maximum rock n roll. This is what i want from a gig. Music from the gut slugging you in the gut. A poor reflection on Irish gig goers that the gig got moved from the main room to upstairs. No bother to the 8-piece band, they just went ahead and delivered the goods. A mixture of original material from his various acts (wonderful to hear Thee Hypnotics 'Shakedown') and cover versions taking in the Velvet Underground, Jimmy Castor Bunch (the superb Troglodyte, a highlight on the new album) and Little Richard amongst others.

Yet another act that should be a festival staple. I can't believe that most people wouldn't be entertained by them. At the very least they should be gracing the Salty Dog or Fishtown. It's certainly the kind of music that i expect to be on those stages.

Here's the album: https://jimjonesallstars.bandcamp.com/album/aint-no-peril

Bank Holiday gigs

Brandee Younger in the Triskel last Friday. Saw her last year solo, this time harp, bass and drums trio with a much fuller sound. Apart from her own material, she played some stuff from Alice Coltrane and Marvin Gaye. Great gig.

Sultan Stevenson in the Triskel Saturday. Up and coming London based pianist with his trio, joined by Denys Baptiste on sax. Has his first album out and definitely worth a listen.

The Magnapinna at the Siege of Limerick metalfest on Sunday. A mixed bag of bands there, but this was a bit different, think Talking Heads / Zappa with louder guitars, or maybe Primus without the cartoon vocals.

Would have been at that, but can't be leaving the pet alone with the fireworks, probably kept a few away that night.

Sounds class.

Guns N Roses at the Hollywood Bowl last night, they played The General during the set.

Went to see the Saw Doctors in Belfast last night. Been going to their gigs since 1991 and they just get better every time.

More for a 2024 gig but has anyone sat in the upper tiers in Croker before? Are the seats ok? Picked up a pair in Block 733 for Bruce this morning.