Good Man Gone

John Martyn R.I.P.

Top Cat

I dream of being as cool as this
What lady could fail to fall out of her smalls at that?

Brucie Bonus

For You

Costello + Dylan = New 2

Like many people my age who have grown up in Ireland, I can measure the various stages of my life in new U2 releases. Trying to figure out what was going on the first time I heard The Unforgettable Fire, going to see them in Croke park in the 80s, sneaking out the window of my bedroom in my parent's house to go and buy Rattle and Hum when it was released at midnight, hearing a snatch of The Fly in a mate's flat while at college and roaring at everyone to shut up so I could hear what it was. And now, the new single is here and... well my first impression wasn't a great one (I can hear Costello's Pump It Up and Dylan's Subterranean Homesick Blues) although I'm getting to like it more each time I hear it and, no doubt, by the time I'm jumping around Croke Park at the end of summer cocooned in the warm glow of too much stout, it's gonna sound fantastic. Judge for yourselves;

Oasis In Good Idea Shocker!

Let's be honest, Oasis are, at best, okay. Some good tunes and a good singer, although you have to ask why no one has ever taught him how to walk properly. Hats off for this though, in an effort to promote their new snoozy album, they gave the songs to a load of New York's buskers to get them out there before the record's release.

Gator

I'll take no shit from anyone when it comes to the genius of Burt Reynolds but I saw Gator over Christmas and it really is a load of old shite, the theme tune is pretty great though. Take it away, the late, great Jerry Reed

2009

Carty Comes Alive

In Dublin next Tuesday? Then get you arse to the Oak for some rockin'! We're on around 11. Drinks are on you.

The O2 Dublin

This week finally sees the reopening of the old Point Depot down on the docks, now renamed the O2. There's been plenty of hype about how the sound and seats are now perfect, although it couldn't really have got any worse than the old place. We had some great nights there all the same - Bowie, Springsteen, Dylan, Willie Nelson and two of the greatest gigs I've ever seen - The Rolling Stones from about ten feet away and the awesome majesty of Jimmy Page and Robert Plant playing the Zep Catalogue on the night when the Coff and myself appeared to suffer simultaneous heart attacks that resulted in us threatening young lads intent on jumping around with serious violence if we weren't left alone.
I'm heading to the new gaff to see the Kings Of Leon this Friday and I think I'm more looking forward to seeing the new venue than a band that I consider, at best, all right.
Of course, when anything new pops up in Dublin, one man has to get in before everyone else so here is our old friend Bono, with his long suffering mate Dave, at the new venue.

Merry Christmas Baby

Who throws a shoe? I mean, really!

Who can blame the throwee?

The '2 At Christmas

Further evidence that Adam Clayton is the luckiest bastard in the world. Neither plays a note nor gets off his arse, nice.

New Springsteen Single

Class

Guernica

This is hanging in my kitchen. No, not the real one.

Your Funeral, My Trial

"Sonny don't go away". Too late, he's long gone but you can enjoy the fantastic sounds of Sonny Boy Williamson thanks to the Blues Town blog. This is the Chess Years box that's long out of print, the sound quality is fantastic and it's all great but make sure to check out "Fattening Frogs For Snakes", "Keep Your Hand Out Of My Pocket" and "Help Me", there's even a track for Christmas in the form of "Santa Claus". Enjoy

The Greatest Piece Of News Of All Time

In what may be the finest development since beer, it's been announced that the Faces are getting back together with a view to touring. It's in both the NME and the Hot Press.

Ronnie Wood is gonna get in a whole heap of trouble.

The Coff Goes Down The Pub

You may say the quaility is terrible but that's actually the speed at which The Coff dances.

God Bless America

I tried to persuade my daughter that she was watching history unfold on the TV this morning but she was more interested in cartoons and toast. What can you do? Anyway, on such a fantastic day in not only the history of America, but world history, I would like to present this video to you which proves, if further proof was needed, that America is the greatest thing ever. You're unlikley to see this in Russia;

Lay off the pipe boys, lay off the pipe.