Fleet Foxes @ Vicar Street

Sensation of the year according to the music critics. For me it took a while to appreciate the album, but gosh are they good at singing multi harmony indie-folk. Think Crosby Stills Nash & Young. Heavenly

Jenny Lewis @ Button Factory

mmmmm, Jenny, a bit country, but sooooo nice

dEUS @ Tripod

Super fast, noisy hard and full of energy. dEUS played a fantastic mix of new and old songs. AWESOME!

The Guggenheim Grotto - Whelans

Happy the man is the latest record by these Irish lads. Compared to the debut album they have gone for a more uptempo radio friendly pop songs. Less depth, more commercial potential.

Lisa Hannigan - Tower records

This was the fantastic cd presentation of Lisa Hannigans' debut album Sea sew. Cozy and intimate happy hippy songs.

Vyvienne Long - 31-05-2008

How can anyone resist thee gorgeous girls in white dresses playing the strings......Vyvienne Long played with her full band in the Radio City venue a sweet set of self written songs. Though they are a bit childish playful easy to listen to songs they won't bore you. There is only one thing missing, and that is a real hit song that will stand out.

The National - 13-05-2008

The fame of the New York band The National has rising to a crazy hight here in Dublin, selling out the Olympia for three nights is ridiculous for such a relative obscure band. I can't argue with the fact that their music is close to brilliant, but their baritone singer, the dark strange lyrics and the wacky violin explosions will definitely prevent them from reaching the top of any hit list. Luckily, good music will find their audience, even if it takes years and years of hard work. Well done guys!! (ow, and for those people who love to listen to drums, buy their record The Boxer, such a drummers delight)

Elbow - 21-4-2008

Seeing Elbow is quite an experience, as the sold out Vicar street noticed on this april evening. Elbow is touring with their new record The Seldom Seen Kid and that involves a very rich instrumentation, form additional drums to horns et al. Even re-announcing a song that they already played can not screw up a concert like this.

Ruby Sessions - 16-04-2008

After neglecting the Ruby Sessions for almost 5 months I went back for a great evening with my friend Bill Coleman (above) and the very talented Gary Dunne. Be prepared to hear more from this guy! 

Thomas Kitt - 02-08-2008 + 04-01-2008

Oops, I have been slagging off this blog and have not regularly kept updating it. Eventhough I have cut on my concert visits (living alone in D4 now...) I still visit a more select amount of gigs. 

On feb the 2nd Thomas Kitt officially released his album Kitt Happens in Whelans. Filled with family, friends and fans he showcased most of the songs on the album and some great cover songs. 

As part of an evening organized by the Austrian embassy (showcasing an austrian band together with some irish locals) mr Thomas Kit played to a handful of enthusiasts. I brought some friends and we loved the lightlessness of the lyrics. Thomas is not your average whiny singer-songwriters. His lyrics are filled with irony and humor. Who has had tea with the devil before?

Stephen Fretwell, Sugar Club

UK singer songwriter Stephen Fretwell played his postponed gig in a packed Sugar Club. Many songs from his first record passed which pleased me as that record is a lot more interesting that the follow up to it. Also support act Dawn Kinnard turned out to be a little unpolished gem.

Jose Gonzales - Vancouver 2007

I stumbled upon this great gig during a short visit to Vancouver. Jose Gonzales is always heavenly to listen to, especially when he bring a female vocalist and a percussionist with him.

The Swell Season, San Francisco

Glen Hansard sings his heart out with the Swell Season gig in San Francisco. Two nights they sold out the Regency. Marketa and Glen, supported by two more members of the frames and a cello player. The most popular songs of the Swell Season record and the Once sountrack fass by side by side with some covers and Frames songs.

Interpol - Civic Auditorium San francisco