The music year is gaining momentum as a series of singles, EP’s and albums have been released and spring gigging season nears, even the Summer festivals are releasing their early line-ups trying to capture the minds of music fans looking for something to distract them from the January blues – there’s nothing like February to do away with them.
Soon the choice-dilemma of finite funds and infinite options will begin to occupy our minds. Presently there’s still the chance to stay in without missing out on a potential gig of the year, but not for long.
Here I look at upcoming gigs, new EP’s and albums that have my grabbed my attention, I’ve also included a playlist made for friends departing to the slopes of Sol in Austria.
Andrew Ashong’s gem “Flowers” won song of the year at Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide awards in 2013. Last Monday he released his new eponymous EP. The British Ghanaian will bring his sumptuous funk to the Sugar Club on the last day of February, it’s not one to miss as the €12.50 asking price will have doubled the next time he gigs these shores.
Abstract, the agency responsible for Pygmalion’s stellar booking policy, are taking over the aristocratic surrounds of the Powerscourt Centre once again over Paddy’s weekend. Their New Year’s Eve gig, pictured above, managed to deliver on the impossible hype that comes with that night. Leftfield tore it up on the decks in front of a pulsating crowd: a rave in the usually uber civilised shopping centre was surreal.
Hot Since 82 will top the bill for the next installment on Sunday March 16th, here is a great mix that I’ve been listening to get you in mood for this one.
Playlist
The genesis of this 20 track, 2 hour jaunt was mainly jealously as friends requested some tunes for their trip to the slopes of Sol in Austria this week. However, I shelved any negativity as the code orange storm warning in Dublin blew in torrents of rain and instead choose to fight back with the sunniest disco numbers interspersed with some sultry house jams that have occupied a lot of my listening over the last 12 months.
Singles
A new single has been released by Elbow called “New York Morning” – 2014 will see the release of their 6th studio album. On this single the trademark Guy Garvey vocals deliver another distinctly soaring Elbow track.
Remember those pumped up kicks? The catchy 2012 number with the subtle yet harrowing lyrics brought an American curse into the pop culture spotlight, Foster The People, responsible for that hit, are back with this new track.
Albums
Three records have been on repeat over the last two weeks, two of them are brand new. Check them out.
Festivals
Primavera has a lot going for it as the foreign festival of choice. Firstly it’s on the beach in Barcelona and then you’ve got the lineup. It’d actually be economical if you consider the summer gigs you could tick off in one week. Take a look and take a week in May.
Weekly Music Choice 