REVIEW - DRUNKEN DOGS "Marbhmisgeach"

Drunken Dogs "Marbhmisgeach"
Release date: 21 November 2011
Running time: 39:45, 16 tracks

“Now,here’s a little piece of wisdom I found at the bottom of the barrel: laws raised by stupid men were only made for stupid fucking people. Let the fuckers miss the dew, there shall be plenty left for us bastards” Drunken Dogs - The Blackberries of Thradaïna.

It seems that nowadays, apart from wines,  Celtic punk has different “Appellations d’Origine Controllées”. And one of the main AOC is Quebec. Just name a band from “La Belle Province”: Corrigan Fest? Amazing. Farler’s Fury? Fantastic. Bodh’aktan? Excellent. Our Band of December, Drunken Dogs? Awesome.

The 6 dogs play their own Pogues-inspired drinking songs based on  flute and tin whistle (Osrich), guitar and mandolin (Gary), accordion (Murdoch), mandolin (Pat), bass (Carl) and drums (Ben). Imagine what would have happened if Geoff Kelly fom Spirit of the West had met Greenland Whalefishers and after drinking some bottles of Jameson they had gone  to the studio to record a session together.  Got it?

Yes, “Marbhmisgeach” is full of songs about booze. Osrich and Gary have been able to write the best Pogues-infused album since The Dolomites released “(Lovely Day for a) Hogshead of Whiskey" back in 2000. I guess that Shane would be proud of anthems like “Drunken Dogs”, “Marbhmisgeach” and “Blackberries of Thradaïna” . Or even “Rising Brighter”, which is more Nips than Pogues. “Rodgers Hill” follows the path that Spirit of the West refused to follow after their  “Tripping Up the Stairs” album. And the traditional number “We’r No Awa Tae Bide Awa” is the evidence that kick-ass Scottish folk punk can be played without bagpipes.

However, all those songs are not enough to reach no. 5 at the list of the Best  Celtic punk/rock albums for 2012. You're right, there are more interesting tracks on the album: “Al-Azif” (a klezmer tune), “Wee Tale of None Conformity” (a pirate song), “North River Reel”  (instrumental), “Merry Ploughboy” (an Irish rebel song) and “Hell’s Ditch” (a Pogues cover).

The album, that has been produced by  bassist Carl, has been released in a jewel case with transparent CD tray. It has a 20 page booklet with artwork by Osrich and if I were you I would buy the CD instead of a digital copy. Ah, and there is a hidden track too.

So grab a pint of Guinness and enjoy Drunken Dogs “Marbhmisgeach”!

Tracklist:

01. Drunken dogs
02. Back where it All Started
03. Mo Bbotul
04. Soft Birth of Summer
05. Rodger's Hill
06. Rising Brighter
07. Wee Tale of None Conformity
08. Dark Ocean
09. We'r No Awa Tae Bide Awa
10. Merry Ploughboy
11. North River Reel
12. Blackberries of Thradaïna
13. Duir an'Coven
14. Hell's ditch
15. Al'azif
16. Marbhmisgeach


http://www.facebook.com/pages/drunken-dogs/106443836056672
http://www.reverbnation.com/drunkendogs
https://soundcloud.com/drunken-dogs
http://es.myspace.com/thedrunkendogs

Click to buy:

http://www.ifmerch.com/en/products/thedrunkendogs-cd-marbhmisgeach

Review by Kinksmarkham

VIDEO - LOCH NESZ "Never Say Goodbye"

Latest news about the Hungarian band Loch Nesz:

The band has just begun to record their debut album, and they have posted one of the new songs at YouTube. In fact it's their first number to feature the Great Highland Bagpipes.

Moreover, they are working at a different studio and they feel that the audio quality has improved. Enjoy!

LochNesz - Never Say Goodbye Offical

FREE DOWNLOAD - GARLIC KINGS "Yo-Ho-Ho Motherf*ckers!"EP (2012)

The Russian lads Garlic Kings have just released a new EP.

DOWNLOAD:

http://thegarlickings.ru/garlic_kings_2012.zip

FREE DOWNLOAD - DAVE HUGHES "Xmas EP"

Dave Hugues, a songwriter from Scotland, is sharing a Christmas EP at Bandcamp.

Tracklist:

1.Maids when you're young (trad) 03:38  
2.White Winos (Loudon Wainwright III) 02:41
3.World turned upside down (Rosselson/Gaughan) 02:28
4.The ghost of Tom Joad (Springsteen) 04:03
5.Fairy tale of New York (The Pogues) 04:19

www.davehughesmusic.co.uk
www.facebook.com/davehughesmusic
www.twitter.com/davehughesrfpb
 
DOWNLOAD:

http://davehughes.bandcamp.com/album/christmas-ep-2

ROIO - PEATBOG FAERIES "Live 2012"

http://www.peatbogfaeries.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Peatbog-Faeries/230255027000169
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/peatbog-faeries-mn0000038536
https://es.twitter.com/PeatbogFaeries 
(From Wikipedia)

Peatbog Faeries are a largely instrumental Celtic fusion band. Formed in 1991, they are based in Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye, Scotland.

Their music embodies many styles and influences, including folk, electronica, rock and jazz, - but their main influence is traditional celtic music. The band's unique sound is created through a mix of programmed effects and traditional celtic arrangements, played on bagpipes, fiddles, and whistles.

The band have twice won "Live Band of the Year" at the Scottish Traditional Music Awards and were nominated for "Live Band of the Year" at the BBC Radio 2 folk awards.

History

Peatbog Faeries formed in 1991. They recorded and released their debut album Mellowosity in 1996 on Greentrax Recordings. Two years later they signed to a New York label and recorded their second album, Faerie Stories. Due to problems at the record company the CD was not released for a further two years. The album featured a more experimental blend of club/dance music and funk combined with celtic music, receiving positive reviews from those who noticed it.

For their third album the band set up their own label, Peatbog Records. On the label, they released Welcome to Dun Vegas in 2003. The album introduced a small amount of vocals. In 2005, they released Croftwork, which saw the first appearance of brass instruments on an album. These have been a regular feature of the band's albums and live performances ever since.

The band toured in 2008, recording a serious of gigs and subsequently released their first live album, Live, made up of two of these performances.

The band's seventh studio album, Dust, was released in August 2011.

Peatbog Faeries are currently working on an eighth album.

Music

The band's genre is celtic fusion, and like the genre, the band are often seen as very experimental musicians. Their debut album, Mellowosity, is often seen as a quieter, more alternative rock album with the usual celtic vibes. It is believed that Pink Floyd were a cited influence. By much surprise, the band's 2001 Faerie Stories offered a completely different style of celtic fusion. Trance music became the main theme of the album, as well as electronic dance music and even reggae at times.

The band's third album, Welcome to Dun Vegas, was a lot less celtic at times, with bagpipes absent in a few of the songs, and the overall genre was alternative rock, returning to that of Mellowosity. The opening track ("Wacko King Hako"), however, seems to be a mix of both alternative rock and dance music, both of whom the band previously used. The band used a brand new type of celtic fusion for Croftwork. The new vibe matched reggae, electronic dance music, alternative rock, but most importantly brass roots, with saxophones appearing in many of its songs. What Men Deserve to Lose appeared to be quite similar to Croftwork, with the brass roots returning, but with more alternative rock audible towards the end of the album.

Previews of Dust have hinted that it is more ambient than previous work, but with the original roots returning.

Notes

It is a possibility that limited copies of Faerie Stories were released in 2000, evidenced by the copyright on the album.

Welcome to Dun Vegas is also known as More Faerie Stories, as the opening page of the booklet titles the album as such. It references the band's previous album.

Live and Dust were re-released in digipaks. All previous albums were released in jewel cases, normally with black CD trays, with the exception of What Men Deserved to Lose which featured a transparent CD tray instead.

Peatbog Records re-released Faerie Stories in a digipak in 2008, with subtle differences in track lengths and cover artwork.

The cover to Welcome to Dun Vegas was featured on a T-shirt sold on the band's online shop.

Their only songs to contain vocals are four songs on Welcome to Dunvegas (twice in distorted manner) and believed chanting in "Sudden Dilemma". 

Numerous vocals also feature on Dust.

As evidenced by between song banter in their Live album, the band choose the songs they perform live just before they perform, rather than write a pre-planned setlist.

Peatbog Faeries appear on numerous compilation albums, including 1998's Heart of Scotland and 2005's Celtic Crossroads. 2010's Beginner's Guide to Celtic featured "The Folk Police", whilst the "Beginner's Guide to Scotland" featured "Teuchstar".

Current line-up

Peter Morrison - pipes & whistles

Peter Tickell - fiddle

Tom Salter - guitar

Graeme Stafford - keyboards

Innes Hutton - bass and percussion

Stu Haikney - drums

Discography

Mellowosity (1996)

Faerie Stories (2001)

Welcome to Dun Vegas (2003)

Croftwork (2005)

What Men Deserve to Lose (2007)

Live (2009)

Dust (2011)

DOWNLOAD:

http://www.mediafire.com/?tv5ic2b889o3ufl

REVIEW - MY THREE KILTS "Eleven" (2012)

 

My Three Kilts "Eleven" Self-released
Release date: 2012
Running time: 30:31, 11 tracks

My Three Kilts, a.k.a. M3K, is a four piece band hailing from Elroy, NC. Robert Eaton (vocals, guitar), Shane Anderson (Vocals, guitar, banjo, mandolin), Scott Ervin (vocals, bass) and Andy Pacheco (drums) play a sort of a pub music with a punk twist. “Eleven” is their debut album, eleven tracks on which the band follows a similar approach to that of The Stubby Shillelaghs, but backed by a rocking rhythm section.

The album is quite enjoyable, sometimes a little bit rough at the edges, but I guess that it’s exactly what we want from a live band, don’t we? My fave tracks are obviously those on which the punk elements are stronger. For instance, “Captain Sully” with an energy à la Dropkick Murphys, or “Jamesy”, a catchy song with the spirit of Blood or Whiskey debut album. Other highlights on the album are the sing-a-long  “Maggie’s Ass”, “Hooley in Elroy” or the Scottish number “The Braes of Killiecrankie”.

"Eleven" can be purchased from CDbaby and you can also listen to the songs at Spotify.


Tracklist:

1. Nancy Whiskey 2:1
2. Jamesy 2:04
3. Cooter Brown 2:54
4. Dublin O'Shea 2:43
5. Cap'n Sully and the Seaunts (Haht Fahts) 1:45
6. Pub Romance 3:44
7. Hooley in Elroy 3:33
8. The County     2:49
9. Maggie's Ass 2:28
10. Black Velvet Band 3:18
11. The Braes of Killiecrankie 2:54

http://mythreekilts.com
http://www.reverbnation.com/mythreekilts
http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Three-Kilts/47529535912
http://www.myspace.com/my3kilts
https://twitter.com/mythreekilts

Click to buy:

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mythreekilts


Review by Kinksmarkham

 

 

FREE DOWNLOAD - MATTE NA' MARRA "Fechando o cerco" (2012)

Matte Na' Marra, a band from Curitiba. A blend of Celtic punk and music from their area.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Matte-NaMarra/119850931429876

Yuri "Sham Rock" Traple - vocals
Sono WtFF - bagpipes
Sapeca "Beer Grand Master" - guitar
Don Gabriolo Miranda - Bass
Tico Lends - classic folk guitar
Monstro "don Portella" - mandolin
Pexe "Hammer Hands" - drums
Whah Bap Duba - tin whistle and violin

DOWNLOAD:

http://www.4shared.com/rar/pggQ-vGV/mattenamarra-fechando-o-cerco.html

SAMPLER - MORE STUFF FROM INDONESIA

A new sampler featuring Indonesian music by popular demand. Some tracks can be found on previous samplers and free downloads, but there are also new songs. Enjoy!

1) FORGOTTEN GENERATION (Bandung, Indonesia)

http://www.reverbnation.com/forgottengenerationofficial
http://www.facebook.com/forgottengenerationbdg
http://www.myspace.com/forgottengenerationbdg
https://twitter.com/#!/FG_Official

Line-up:

Sobrundogs - Vocals
Sakti - Guitar
Bubu - Guitar
Uwho - Drums
Opik - Mandolin
Adith - Bass
Feri - Violin

Discography:

"Continues the Fight" (6 track EP, 2011)
"Forgotten Generation" (14 tracks, 2012)

2) REBELLION ROSE (Yogyakarta, Indonesia)

http://www.reverbnation.com/rebellionroseyk
http://www.facebook.com/pages/REBELLION-ROSE-oldskullpunxrock/229975485728
https://twitter.com/RebellionRose

Line-up:

Sinner - Vocals and Guitar
Roman - Lead Guitar and backing vocals
Kmx - Bass and backing vocals
King - Drums and backing vocals

Discography:

"For All Allie, Comrades and Ennemies" (2011)

3) TENHOLES (Dki Jakarta, Indonesia)

http://www.reverbnation.com/tenholes
http://www.facebook.com/tenholes2004
http://www.myspace.com/tenholes1979
https://twitter.com/tenXholes

Line-up:

Reza Bones - Vocals
BotaKa Rokes n Roll - Guitar, vocals
Jury 3rd slo - Mandolin
Ukin Bstrd ! - Drums
Cepy - Guitar

Discography:

"This is Fun, This is oi!" (2007)

4) CHARLIE'S RUM AND THE CHAPLIN (Manukan, Surabaya, Indonesia)

http://www.reverbnation.com/charliesrumandthechaplin
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Charlies-Rum-And-The-Chaplin/191651920961436?ref=ts&sk=info
https://soundcloud.com/charliesrumandthechaplin/charlies-rum-and-the-chaplin-1
http://www.myspace.com/590407282
https://twitter.com/CharliesRum_SBY


Andri Pramana - Vocals, acoustic guitar
Reza Kancut - Drums
Igha - Banjo
Bhoncel - Accordion, tin whistle
Shofa - Bass
Virman - Guitar

5) DIRTY GLASS (Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, Indonesia)

http://www.reverbnation.com/dirtyglass
http://www.facebook.com/pages/THE-DIRTY-GLASS/108989605820277
http://www.myspace.com/the.dirty.glass
https://twitter.com/dirtyglassyk

Line-up:

Miko - Lead vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Ganang- Vocals, Violin
Ryan Frederiksen - Vocals, Mandolin
Brata - Vocals, Guitar
Emil - Bass
Asu Spade - Tin Whistle, Harmonica
Ardian - Drums

Discography:

Digital singles (2011 and 2012)

6) GERAP GURITA (Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
http://www.reverbnation.com/gerapgurita
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gerap-Gurita/44838424134
http://gerapgurita.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gerapgurita

Line-up:

Dandun - Bass
Agung - Drums
Anom - Lead vocals, mandolin
A-inx - Accordion, vocals
Graha - Acoustic guitar, vocals
Keke - Vocals, saxophone
Indra - Tin whistle
Dian - Fiddle

Discography:

"Bersama Kawan" (6 track EP, 2007)
"Piliohan" (13 tracks, 2011)
"Atas Nama" (6 track EP, 2012)


7) THE WORKING CLASS SYMPHONY (surakarta, Indonesia)

http://www.reverbnation.com/theworkingclasssymphony
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Working-Class-Symphony/332962940064353
https://twitter.com/TWCS_Official

Line-Up:

Zoel Chaos - Vocals, acoustic guitar
Arker Rock - Guitars, vocals
We Work - Bass
Ucup aka Djumirin - Mandolin, vocals
Agus Phillips - Violin
Kncung Rock - Drums

Discography:

"Satu Jiwa" (7 tracks, 2012)

DOWNLOAD:

http://www.mediafire.com/?k1l1229nynws93v

VIDEOS - DRUNKEN DOGS

Drunken Dogs live. Enjoy!

Drunken Dogs - A Wee Tale of None Conformity




Drunken Dogs - Dark Oceans




Drunken Dogs - Al'Azif




Drunken Dogs - Drunken Dogs




Drunken Dogs - Hell's Ditch

FREE DOWNLOAD - HARRY GUMP "Molly's Pub" EP (2012)

Harry Gump - Molly's Pub EP

(c) 2012 Rockenburg Records - www.rockenburg.de - mail@rockenburg.de

Tracklist

01 By My Side
02 Molly's Pub
03 Take To The Street
04 Won't Slow Down
05 Mickey The Barfighter

Recorded and mixed by Harry and Seby
Cover artwork by Harry

Harry - vocals, guitar, keys, harp
Seby - add. guitars, backing vocals
Pia - backing vocals
Tom - cajon (#02)

http://harrygump.wordpress.com
http://www.facebook.com/harrygump77
http://www.facebook.com/rockenburg
http://www.youtube.com/rockenburg
http://www.soundcloud.com/rockenburg

booking: mail@rockenburg.de

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Namensnennung-NichtKommerziell-KeineBearbeitung 3.0 Unported License.
To view a copy of this license, visit
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/
or send a letter to Creative Commons, 444 Castro Street, Suite 900, Mountain View, California, 94041, USA.

DOWNLOAD:

http://downloads.rockenburg.de/Mollys_Pub_EP.zip

VIDEO - BLACK TARTAN CLAN "Don't Walk Alone"

The Black Tartan Clan - Don't Walk alone - Official video

FREE DOWNLOAD TILL 31-12-2012 - BLACK TARTAN CLAN

Black Tartan Clan's Christmas present: Free download till 31/12/2012 : "Finally Free" (new CD version)!!
Vocals by Christina MacLeod.

Close your eyes and enjoy the Highlands!! :)

DOWNLOAD:

 https://soundcloud.com/theblacktartanclan/the-black-tartan-clan-finaly

 

 

REVIEW - THE LANGER'S BALL "Christmas single" (2012)

The Langer's Ball "Auld Lang Syne/A Christmas Lullaby"
Release date: 1st December 2012
Running time: 6:40, 2 tracks

After having issued one of the best albums of the year, The Langer’s Ball have decided to release a 2 track single for the Holiday Season. The two songs on this Christmas  single are “Auld Lang Syne” and “Christmas Lullaby”.

Both tracks are really awesome. The Scottish song can rival with The Real McKenzies’ rendition and Shane’s classic Christmas song gets a stunning ska treatment. The rhythm section shines out on both tracks. Michael and Hannah, the original duo, have found the best band mates for their musical voyage!

The single is available at CDbaby, so you can go there, purchase the mp3s and sing-along the whole day.
 

Tracklist:

1 - Auld Lang Syne 3:23
2 - A Christmas Lullaby 3:17

http://thelangersball.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Langers-Ball/78209741933
http://www.reverbnation.com/thelangersball
http://www.jango.com/music/The+Langer+s+Ball?l=0


Click to buy:

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thelangersball5 (track 1)
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thelangersball4 (track 2)


Review by Kinksmarkham

GARY MILLER / WHISKY PRIESTS NEWS AN FREE DOWNLOADS

(Info from Gary Miller's Mailing list)

 “Hello” - particularly to those of you who haven’t heard from me for sometime. This is my first newsletter for some considerable time. It’s been a funny old year for me with major health issues and various personal matters taking up my time, which has held back the progress of my musical career and led to a dearth of important news for me to impart. I also thought I had ‘lost’ a large part of my email address files but these have now been retrieved. Anyway, I digress! Things are finally moving on apace again and I have lots of news. To compensate for my recent lack of correspondence, I am offering everyone on my email list the opportunity to exclusively access two FREE downloads of recently recorded tracks – just click on the link and then click the download button (the downward facing arrow icon).

The first of these, ‘Last Christmas at Lennel House’ which I recently wrote and recorded for a Charity Christmas CD, is of particular relevence at this time of year and is based on my own personal experiences at Lennel House Care Home near Coldstream in the Scottish Borders. A review of the album had this to say about my song: "We defy your jaw not to drop at the dark brilliance of 'Christmas at Lennel House' written and performed by song-poet Gary Miller (yes, the Gary Miller of The Whisky Priests). Miller's bouncing tune belies the wickedly sharp lyrics that manifest the Ghost of Christmas Future. It's unarguably the most brutally honest Christmas song you'll ever hear." (

Anyone wishing to obtain a hard CD copy of the full album can order it from: 

www.teaandcoffeehampers.co.uk/index.php/shop-online/christmas-hampers/bridge-and-bauble-charity-christmas-album-detail


The second is ‘Catch Me If I Fall’, a song by US band The Bloody Irish Boys for which I contributed the lead vocals. Anyone wishing to obtain a hard copy of the full album can order direct from The Bloody irish Boys at: 

www.thebloodyirishboys.com

TWO FREE DOWNLOADS:

LAST CHRISTMAS AT LENNEL HOUSE:

https://soundcloud.com/gary-miller-songs/last-christmas-at-lennel-house/s-KJmUK

CATCH ME IF I FALL:

https://soundcloud.com/gary-miller-songs/catch-me-if-i-fall/s-9uqGr

CD SALE:

Prices have been slashed on my CD back catalogue with all remaining Whisky Priests & other CDs reduced to £5 each (including worldwide p&p) and my solo ‘Reflections on War’ CD to £8. There is also a special offer 6 CD bundle of WP CDs for £20! All CDs can be ordered from my official website shop at: 

http://www.garymillersongs.com/shop.php

or the 2 new Bandcamp Pages, which also have the first official downloads of my back catalogue (see below).

THE WHISKY PRIESTS ON BANDCAMP:

The Whisky Priests Bandcamp Page is now online at: 

http://whiskypriests.bandcamp.com

This exciting new website contains a definitive Whisky Priests Discography, together with a full range of available Whisky Priests CDs, as well as the complete Whippet Records back catalogue of Whisky Priests albums and/or individual track downloads at very competitive prices, including the new for 2012 Full Circle EP (see below), available in digital, CD, T-shirt and CD + T-shirt bundle formats.

This website is a work in progress and I plan to expand and develop it further over time.

GARY MILLER ON BANDCAMP:

The Gary Miller Bandcamp Page is now online at 

http://garymiller.bandcamp.com

Similar to The Whisky Priests Bandcamp Page (see above), this contains CDs and Downloads of all my non-Whisky Priests related material.

NEW FOR DEC 2012 / JAN 2013! - THE WHISKY PRIESTS 'FULL CIRCLE’ EP:

'Full Circle', the last ever studio recording by The Whisky Priests (made in September 1999), is now finally officially available on Whippet Records as part of a limited edition 5-track EP, exclusively via the Gary Miller official website shop at:

http://www.garymillersongs.com/shop.php

and The Whisky Priests Bandcamp Page at:

http://.whiskypriests.bandcampcom/full-circle-ep

The Whisky Priests Full Circle EP is available in digital (£2), CD (£4), T-shirt (£8) and CD + T-shirt bundle (£10) formats - all prices include p&p worldwide.

Full Circle was previously released on the Various Artists compilation 'A Full Head of Steam' (on Northern Sky Records in 2000).

The EP also includes the rare remix version of 'Alice In Wonderland' (previously released on the Various Artists compilation album 'Seka ["Sister"]' (on Twah! Records in 1998), plus 3 previously unreleased tracks from a live acoustic radio session recorded at Radio Sieben in Ravensburg on 31st October 1998.

Full Circle is taken from the forthcoming 'Best of' The Whisky Priests, due for release in 2013 on Whippet Records.

THE WHISKY PRIESTS – ‘BEST OF’ FOR 2013:

YOUR CHANCE TO GET INVOLVED IN SELECTING THE TRACK LISTING!:

Glenn and me are starting to compile a limited edition Whisky Priests 'Best of' / 'Anthology' CD for 2013. Some of the tracks are a given, e.g. 'Dol-Li-A' ('cos of its popularity, even though we both hate it LOL!) 'Full Circle' (last band recording / first time on an official Whisky Priests CD / one of our best ever tracks IMHO, etc). We have a pretty good idea of which tracks might make the final cut but we are also taking suggestions - please get in touch with any of your own personal choices and claim personal ownership of the track listing!

'MAD MARTINS'

My 1st of 2 new albums due in 2013:

I am looking forward to entering the recording studio in January 2013 to record the first of what I hope will be two new Gary Miller albums for 2013.

This first of these two albums is 'Mad Martins' - a series of songs I began writing 10 years ago about the "infamous" Martin Brothers of Tynedale for a project originally conceived by my friend and regular collaborator Keith Armstrong.

The album is being recorded by my very good friend and regular recent collaborator Iain Petrie.

As well as a good selection of songs of mine (about 20), the album is also planned to include include a series of poems by Keith, and perhaps some other bits and pieces still to be confirmed! It may even become a double album! Special launch events for the album to be announced soon…

I have been carrying many of these songs in my head for the last 10 years so it will be great to finally "get them out there" and "lay them to rest" before I commence on my next album 'proper' of all new songs for autumn 2013.

I will be announcing further information about Pledge / Crowd Funding opportunities for these projects soon...

‘A RICH SEAM’ - MARIE LITTLE VERSION 2012

This year, acclaimed folksinger Marie Little recorded a fantastic version of my song ‘A Rich Seam’ for her wonderful album ‘Hot Flushes To Bus Passes’. The full album is a real treat and can be ordered direct from Marie’s website at:

www.marielittle.net

ON TOUR - 2013:

After a long delay, I will finally be ‘hitting the road’ again in 2013 with solo and band gigs to promote my 2 new albums, plus The Whisky Priests ‘Best of’ (let the rumours of a Whisky Priests reunion to promote the album start here!). Further news to follow soon…

Don’t forget the 2 FREE downloads at:

LAST CHRISTMAS AT LENNEL HOUSE: 

https://soundcloud.com/gary-miller-songs/last-christmas-at-lennel-house/s-KJmUK

CATCH ME IF I FALL: 

https://soundcloud.com/gary-miller-songs/catch-me-if-i-fall/s-9uqGr

Finally, if you think you may have recieved this email in error and/or you no longer wish to receive further emails from me, then I apologise profusely. You can unsubscribe by following the link below - I won't be offended - honest!

I hope to see you in 2013!

In the meantime,

HAVE A GREAT CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR!

Best wishes,

Gary

FREE DOWNLOADS - FIRKIN "Live EP"

(From the band's mailing list)


Dear Friends,
In January a new Firkin EP is to be released, which is the forerunner of a live LP album. The four-song EP will be available only online on iTunes, and the LP is to come out in May.

However, our newsletter subscriber friends may download the EP now from the following links.

By this EP we would like to wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Thank you for your amazing energy, love, trust and friendship that you provided us in 2012.

FIRKIN – LIVE (EP)

1. INTRO
2. WILD ROVER
3. DRUNKEN SAILOR SONG
4. DRUNKEN LULLABIES

Download in mp3: 

https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0BwXLz7RvhfY2MFhYbkk5QU1MQ00/edit

The cover art of the EP is available:

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B9BqrlmFoDOAWFU2LUpCYUtvS2c

Merry Christmas! :)

Cheers,
Firkin

www.firkinband.com
www.facebook.com/firkinband

THE BEST OF CELTIC PUNK AND CELTIC ROCK ALBUMS 2012

Perhaps they are not the best albums, but, IMHO, they are the most enjoyable CDs.

I have only taken into account the albums that I have got: promo copies to be reviewed and/or free downloads. (OK, I have broken this rule once!).

Two of CDs on the list have not been reviewed yet, but a write-up will be posted soon (Drunken Dogs and Sibin).

As usual, it has been very difficult to choose the most enjoyable albums.

I have followed different guidelines to get a good list. So several interesting albums have not made the list, even if they would deserve it.

Besides, I have recently got some albums that will reviewed in January. Unfortunately I have not listened to them yet and they have not been rated.

1 SMZB "Sin Harmony"

2 The Stanfields "Death and Taxes"
3 Happy Ol' McWeasel "No Offence"
4 Bodhaktan "Au Diable les Remords"
5 Drunken Dogs "Marbhmisgeach"
6 Drink Hunters    "With My Crew"
7 The Roughneck Riot "This is Our Day"
8 Pipes and Pints "Found & Lost"
9 Kilmaine Saints "Drunken Redemption"

10 Hoist the Colors "Miles To Go Before Sleep"
11 The Langer's Ball "The Devil or the Barrel"
12 Curlies "Dobry Den, Tesi Me"
13 The Mahones "Angel & Devils"
14 The Killigans "Another Round for the Strong of Heart"
15 Pint of Guinness s/t
16 Dirty Artichokes "My Empire of Dirt"
17 Sibin "Industrial Life"

18 Punkabillys    s/t
19 Stramash "The Uprising"
20 The Waxies "Wasted Saints"
21 Callanach "Walk On Up"
22 The Porters "Rum Bum and Violina"
23 O'Tasty "A Proper Introduction"
24 The O'Reillys and the Paddyhats "Songs of Narrow Streets"
25 The Scally Cap Brats    "Let Us Drink For We Must Die"

SAMPLER - MORE EUROPEAN BANDS

Six bands from Europe. Nobody Knows will be reviewed in January 2013. Stay tuned!

1) HAPPY OL'McWEASEL (Maribor, Slovenia)

http://www.happyolmcweasel.com
http://www.myspace.com/happyoldmcweasel
https://twitter.com/happyolmcweasel
http://www.reverbnation.com/happyolmcweasel
https://www.facebook.com/happyolmcweasel
https://soundcloud.com/happy-ol-mcweasel/no-offence

Line-up:

Gregor Jancic - Vocals
Primož Zajšek - Accordion
Martin Bezjak - Viola
Tine Trapecar - Acoustic guitar, banjo
Aleš Pišotek - Electric guitar
Bine Zorko - Bass
Aleš Voglar - Drums

Discography:

"Irish Rover" (1 track digital single, 2009)
"Hairy Grizzly" (1 track digital single, 2010)
"No Offence (10 tracks, 2012)

2) CAPTAIN BASTARD AND THE SCALLYWAGS (Canterbury, UK)

https://www.facebook.com/captainbastardandthescallywags
http://captainbastardandthescallywagsuk.bandcamp.com
http://www.myspace.com/CaptainBandtheScallywags
https://soundcloud.com/capn-b-and-the-scallywags
http://www.lastfm.es/music/Captain+Bastard+and+the+Scallywags

Line-up:

Ben - Accordion
Kenny - Bass
Jimmy Jimlad - Drums
Jordan - Mandolin, backing Vocals
Kayla - Pennywhistle
Keech - Lead vocals
Lucas - Electric guitar, random Shouts
Tom - Acoustic guitar, backing Vocals

Discography:

"The Racing Legend" (4 tracks, 2011)
"Fish Supper" (4 tracks, 2012)

3) KALEVALA HMS (Parma, Italy)

http://www.kalevalahms.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kalevala-hms/141388365908954
http://www.myspace.com/kalevalafolkmetal
http://www.lastfm.es/music/Kalevala+hms

Line-up:

Daniele Zoncheddu - Guitar, choir
Simone Casula - Vox
Emiliano Occhi - Bass
Dario Caradente - Flute, whistle
Arjuna Iacci - Accordion, mandolin, percussion
Tommy Celletti - Drums

Discography:

"Fall" (4 track demo, 1998)
"World End Inn" (7 tracks, 2003)
"Quinze Marins" (10 tracks, live unplugged, 2004)
"Rigamarole" (4 track promo EP, 2008)
"Quinze Marins Remastered" (15 tracks, live unplugged, 2008)
"Muschiere benefico invernale"(17 tracks, live, 2009)
"Musicanti di Brema" (12 tracks, 2011)
"There and Back Again" (12 tracks, 2012)

4) STREETWINGS (Madrid, Spain)

http://streetwings.eu
http://es.myspace.com/streetwings
https://twitter.com/StreetWingsBand
http://www.unaplauso.com/streetwings_av374e26.html
https://www.facebook.com/StreetWingsBand

Line-up:

Juan Luis Alonso - Kantele, pipes, flutes, bodhán
David Castro - Electric guitar
Jitka Kubesová - Fiddle, backing vocals
Manuel Larcher - Bass
Vicente Hervás - Drums

Discography:

"StreetWings" (5 track EP, 2011)
"Synchronized" (12 tracks, 2012)

5) SHEELANAGIG (Bristol, UK)

http://www.sheelanagig.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/sheelanagigmusic
http://sheelanagig.bandcamp.com
https://twitter.com/sheelanagig

Line-up:

Aaron - Violin, vocals
Adrian - Flute, tabla, banjo, vocals
Kit - Guitar, vocals
Dorian - Double bass, vocals
John - Drums, percussions, vocals

Discography:

"Uncle Lung" (11 tracks, 2006)
"Baba Yaga's Ball" (10 tracks, 2007)
"Freak Fools and Ghouls - Live!" (10 tracks, 2008)
"Cirque Insomnia" (9 tracks, 2012)

6) NOBODY KNOWS (Tangermünde, Germany)

http://nobodyknows.de
http://www.myspace.com/nobodyknowsstendal
https://www.facebook.com/nobodyknows.de
https://twitter.com/NobodyKnowsSDL

Line-up:

Max Heckel - Guitar, fiddle, banjo, lead vocals
Maximilian Heinrichs - Piano, organ, synthesizer, doubble bass, vocals
Thor Klein - Double bass, vocals
Ronny Heckel - Guitar, mandolin, harmonica, vocals
Aron Thalis - Drums
Georg Marth - Fiddle, guitar, vocals

Discography:

"Lyrik im Anzug" (12 + 7 tracks, 2012)
"folking Around" (17 tracks, 2011)
"We Folk You" (15 tracks, 2009)
"Freistunde" (11 tracks, 2008)
"Im Anzug" (8 tracks, 2007)
"Neue Wege" (16 tracks, 2006)
"Meet the Irish" (15 tracks, 2004)
"The Dancing Tree" (11 tracks, 2003)

DOWNLOAD:

http://www.mediafire.com/?90xawi97woh7o5b

REVIEW - THE O'REILLYS AND THE PADDYHATS "Sound of Narrow Streets" (2012)

The O'Reillys & The Paddyhats "Sound of Narrow Streets" Self-released
Release date: September 2012
Running time: 37:56, 11 tracks

Remark: This is not a split album. The O’Reillys and The Paddyhats are ONE band, not two bands. There is a short tale on the booklet explaining how an acoustic band from Dublin and a punk band from NYC met and then The O’Reillys and The Paddyhats was born.

In fact, the current six piece band comes from a Celtic duo called The O’Reilly Brothers: Dwight O’Reilly (vocals, banjo, accordion and acoustic guitar) and Sean O’Reilly (vocals, acoustic guitar and whistles). This outfit had a similar evolution to that of The Langer’s Ball and fiddle, electric guitar, bass and drums were added to the band. Then, they decided to change the name.

“Sound of Narrow Streets” consists of 10 self-penned songs with a live atmosphere. There are no traditional covers, but all the lyrics deal with Irish themes. Probably the best track is “The Shamrock Thief”, a fantastic number on which accordion and fiddle shine. The self-titled track is also a highlight, another catchy track with accordion and fiddle. “Jolly Rogers Crew” is a pirate number featuring banjo and electric arrangements, and a “tribute” to Flogging Molly. “Draught in the Pub” and “Life of a Working Man” are other interesting tracks featuring banjo and fiddle.

Regarding the tracklist order, IMHO “Paddyhats” should be the opening track and “Killorglin Town”, the slowest number on the album, should be the last track. I feel that then the album “flow” would be improved.

It’s not easy to find a place in the German Celtic punk scene, since it's full of bands with a strong identity, like Mr. Irish Bastard, Fiddler’s Green, The Porters or Auld Corn Brigade. Anyway, The O’Reillys and The Paddyhats are sharing their space with bands such as In Search of A Rose and The Ceili Family. If they are able to improve some arrangements and create a distinctive own sound, the rewards will arrive soon.


Tracklist:

01 - Intro
02 - Bloody “Marrion Row”
03 - Prison Cell
04 - No Money for the Pub
05 - The Shamrock Thief
06 - Draught in the Pub
07 - Jolly Roger’s Crew
08 - Life of a Working Man
09 - Killorglin
10 - Good Old Times
11 - Paddyhats

http://paddyhats.com
http://www.facebook.com/theoreillysandthepaddyhats
http://www.myspace.com/oreillysandthepaddyhats
https://soundcloud.com/theoreillysandthepaddyhat
http://www.myspace.com/theoreillysbros

Contact the band to purchase the CD:

reillys2ireland@googlemail.com

Review by Kinksmarkham

THE ROUGHNECK RIOT - VIDEO "This is Our Day"

The Roughneck Riot "Waiting To Die" taken from the album "This Is Our Day"

The Roughneck Riot "Waiting To Die"

REVIEW - HANDSOME YOUNG STRANGERS "Thunderbolt" (2012)

Handsome Young Strangers "Thunderbolt EP" Troubadour Music
Release date: November 2012
Running time: 14:38, 4 tracks

Aussie bush-core heroes Handsome Young Strangers are back with a kick-ass 4 track EP.  Which is the best adjective to describe them? Versatile? Ecclectic? Let’s say 100% pure music from Down Under.

The song “Thunderbolt” was recorded in 2011 and included in their brilliant album “Here Comes the Thunder Lads!", but the rest of the tracks from this EP has been recorded in 2012 at Sound Level Studios (tracks 2 and 3) and live at The Vanguard, Newton (track 4).

I cannot say too much about “Thunderbolt”, because every single fan has already watched the video to this song on YouTube. I will only say that I love the AC/DC elements on the song, a top-notch number.

 “Wild Rover Again” is a classic Roaring Jack song that is covered by Handsome Young Strangers featuring original Roaring Jack member Steph Miller on mandolin: “A loaf of bread, a flask of wine an’a bad case o’the Willie Wimp –oot. There is nae any tune at the end o’this but if there wiz it would be called Comin’ through the Fly” (taken from Roaring Jack “The Complete Works” liner notes). Excellent rendition with a Planxty goes Celtic punk sound!

Track number 3 is the usual traditional bush number on HYS recordings and it gets the HYS treatment. If you like The Rumjacks and Jack Flash, you’ll love this too. A true bush-core number.

Finally, another traditional song, “Bound for South Australia”. A risky cover, but HYS had previously shown that their music is never predictable.

If you are thinking that Aussie bands CDs are too expensive because of the shipping costs, you’re wrong! The EP is available at CDbaby in both versions, CD and mp3, where you can also buy their debut album. Go ahead,  buy it before the stock runs out!

Tracklist:

1 - Thunderbolt (Dickinson/HYS) 4:21
2 - Wild Rover Again (Alistair Hulett/Roaring Jack) 2:57
3 - Jog Along Till Shearing (Traditional/HYS) 3:14
4 - Bound for South Australia (Traditional/HYS) 4:07


http://www.reverbnation.com/handsomeyoungstrangers
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Handsome-Young-Strangers/106393595011
http://www.myspace.com/thehandsomeyoungstrangers

Click to buy the CD:

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/handsomeyoungstrangers2

http://redeye.com.au/answer.asp?reion=USA&atype=both&artist=handsome+young+strangers&code=&search=search

Review by Kinksmarkham

BEST OF 2012 - EPs

The "Best EPs of 2012" or, maybe, "The most interesting EPs IMHO".

The "Best albums of 2012" will be posted in the following days.

Regarding the EPs, I must say that 2012 has been an amazing year, better than the previous years. The present and the future of Celtic Punk can be found on this list. If your band is not on the Top 10, don't be unhappy. The quality was so high that it has been extremely difficult to rate all the recordings. Any Celtic punk fan should get ALL of the EPs on this list.

DISCLAIMER:

I have only taken into account the EPs/demos that I have got (promo copies to be reviewed and/or free downloads)

I guess that other interesting EPs have been released in 2012 or at the end of 2011. Unfortunately, I have not been able to evaluate them, since no promo copy was submitted :-(

1 Black Tartan Clan "Standing Strong"
2 Celkilt "Hey! What's Under Your Kilt!"
3 Chanter's Alley "Broken"
4 Bastards on Parade "Shallow Waters"
5 Lexington Field "Poor Troubled Life"
6 The Rijsel Irish BoyZ    "s/t"
7 Delilah's Revenge "s/t"
8 To The Last Drop "s/t"
9 Drunken Fairy Tales "You Will Never Drink Alone"
10 Belly Bluster "La Ciurma"
11 Nevermind Nessie "s/t"
12 3 Sheets t'Wind "Break from Tradition"
13 Handsome Young Strangers "Thunderbolt"
14 The Beer Barons "s/t"
15 Finnegan's Hell "s/t"
16 Circle J "Diggers"
17 Loch Nesz "The Monster's Close"
18 Les Tricards    "Ma Revolution"
19 Auld Corn Brigade "Our Flag"
20 Gerap Gurita    "Atas Nama"
21 Tom Fooligans "Five Rounds"
22 The Working Class Symphony "Satu Jiwa"
23 The Detonators "R'n'R Keeps Me Alive"
24 Strawdaze "Senza Rotta"

ROIO - TRI YANN "Fête du blé 2012"

(Info from Wikipedia)

Tri Yann is a French band from Nantes (Breton: Naoned), who play folk rock music drawing on traditional Breton folk ballads.

The band was founded in 1970 by Jean Chocun, Jean-Paul Corbineau and Jean-Louis Jossic – all of whom remain members – hence the suggested name of Tri Yann an Naoned (Breton for "Three Johns of Nantes"), Jean and Yann being respectively the French and Breton versions of the name John.

As the best known "Celtic" band in France, Tri Yann are one of the longest-standing Breton music groups surviving from the folk rock revival of the 1970s (following the revival of the bagadoù and Alan Stivell's work). The group are famous for the outlandish costumes worn on stage.

Among their best-known songs are La jument de Michao (including the chorus "J'entends le loup, le renard et la belette" i.e. "I hear the wolf, the fox and the weasel") or Dans les prisons de Nantes ("In the prisons of Nantes"). Live performances usually include the Breton national anthem Bro Gozh Ma Zadou ("The Land of My Fathers") which is also the Welsh National Anthem and the Cornish National Anthem (Bro Goth Agan Tasow).

Tri Yann sang the role of Uther Pendragon in Alan Simon's rock opera Excalibur.

Members

Founding members

Jean-Louis Jossic (vocals, bombarde)
Jean Chocun (vocals, mandolin, guitar)
Jean-Paul Corbineau (vocals, acoustic guitar)

Other present members

Gérard Goron (vocals, drums) 1977-
Jean-Luc Chevalier (electric guitar, bass guitar) 1988-
Konan Mevel (bagpipes, flutes) 1999-
Fred Bourgeois (vocals, keyboards) 1999-
Christophe Peloil (vocals, violin) 1999-

Former members

Bernard Baudriller (bass guitar) 1971-1985
Jérôme Gasmi (drums) 1976-1977
Christophe Le Helley (flute, medieval instruments, keyboard)1992-1998
Christian Vignoles (guitars) 1979-1988
Bruno Sabathé (keyboard)1985-1992
Louis-Marie Séveno (violin, bass guitar) 1986-1999
Mylène Coue (vocals) 1978
Bleunwenn Mevel (vocals) 2000-2001

Discography

1972: Tri Yann an Naoned
1973: Dix ans, Dix filles
1974: Suite Gallaise
1976: La Découverte ou l'Ignorance
1978: Urba
1981: An Héol a zo Glaz / Le Soleil est Vert
1983: Café du Bon Coin
1985: Anniverscène (Live)
1986: Master Série (Compilation)
1988: Le Vaisseau de Pierre
1990: Belle et Rebelle
1993: Inventaire 70/93 (Compilation)
1995: Inventaire Vol.2 (Compilation)
1995: Portraits
1996: Tri Yann en Concert (Live)
1997: La Veillée du 3ième Millénaire (Interview)
1998: Trilogie (3CD Compilation)
1998: La Tradition Symphonique (Live with the Orchestre National des Pays de la Loire)
1999: L'Essentiel en Concert (Live compilation)
2001: Le Pélégrin
2001: 30 ans au Zénith (Live CD & DVD)
2003: Marines
2004: La Tradition Symphonique 2 (Live with the Orchestre National des Pays de la Loire)
2004: Les Racines du Futur (CD & DVD Compilation)
2006: Talents (Compilation)
2006: Gold (2CD Compilation)
2007: Abysses
2011: Rummadoù (Générations)
2012: Le concert des 40 ans (Live CD & DVD)

http://edoll.free.fr/
http://www.lastfm.es/music/Tri+Yann


DOWNLOAD:

http://www.mediafire.com/?jxbnb75ewdd29tb

ROIO - FLATFOOT 56 "Live 2012"

This Recording Of Independent Origin was taped last Summer at the Erin Feis in Peoria (Illinois). It's an audience recording and the sound quality is quite good.

Flatfoot 56 live. Enjoy!

DOWNLOAD:

http://www.mediafire.com/?by5gk8j1smo131t

REVIEW - THE KILLIGANS "Another Round for the Strong of Heart" (2012)

The Killigans "Another Round for the Strong of Heart" Speed A-6000
Release date: October 26, 2012
Running time: 34:48, 10 tracks

“Do I belong to some ancient race/I like to walk on ancient places/These are things that I can understand/I don’t belong in your mother ways/Don’t care about the things you say/Your policies have failed the test of time/’cause you sold them down the river-o” (Levellers “Sell Out”)

Why have I chosen those lyrics by the Levellers if I’m writing about The Killigans? First of all, I have always found some similarity between Mark Chadwick’s vocals and Brad Hoffman’s vocals. Secondly, I feel that the best songs on “Another Round for the Strong of Heart” have this sort of a melancholy. Then, are The Killigans mellowing? Yes (lyrically) and no (sound).

The sound of my fave songs has the usual Killigans stamp: great vocals backed by superb mandolin and accordion. IMHO the best track on the album is clearly “Empty Streets”, both musically and lyrically. The second best would be the track that closes the album, “Take Me Back”. I love particularly those keyboards and that “Bonzo Goes to Bitburg” inspired passage. “Hey Sergio!” is another catchy number and “From the Underground” is a perfect So Cal punk song.

A quieter mood can be found on “Salt of the Earth” (The most Levelleresque song on the album) and the short instrumental “Ghosts of our Fathers”.

A new album by The Killigans is always excellent news. When one listens carefully to the album, the influence of The Killigans on new bands like Hoist the Colors becomes obvious. However, “Another Round for the Strong of Heart” is not their best album to date. A good album,  but not an essential one. Anyway, an album that is worth buying.

Tracklist:

01. Hit the Deck 3:53
02. Empty Streets 4:15
03. Devil and the Deep Blue Sea 3:46
04. Salt of the Earth 3:51
05. Hey Sergio 3:41
06. Ghosts of Our Fathers 1:13
07. The Throes of Misery 3:06
08. The Bottoms 3:16
09. From the Underground 3:41
10. Take Me Back 4:03

http://thekilligans.com
http://www.facebook.com/thekilligans
https://twitter.com/thekilligans

Click to buy:

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thekilligans
http://www.interpunk.com/item.cfm?Item=207443&

Review by Kinksmarkham