Links: 98 FM Interview

Anyone who was listening to John Barker's Totally Irish on Dublin's 98FM would have heard yours truly talking about O Emperor, I am Not Lefthanded, free music, as well as upcoming gigs. I promised to post links to all the free music (as well as the other stuff I covered), so here it is:

O Emperor - Reverie EP
Review

I Am Not Lefthanded
New Album/Donate



FREE MUSIC...

Cast of Cheers - Chariot - debut album of Bloc Party style rock from the Dublin band, made available for free, were due to play the Best of IMRO Showcase Tour last night, but pulled out due to concerns over the IMRO Licence, as “a show of solidarity in support of blogs, upcoming artists and artist-led labels.”
Download

Holy Roman Army - Desecrations EP - excellent collection of five covers from the Carlow duo. Their version of Bon Iver's 'Skinny Love' is a standout.
Download

Fight Like Apes - Live at Eurosonic - represented Ireland at the 2008 Eurosonic Festival, this year's representatives were And So I Watch You From Afar, Imelda May, Delorentos and Villagers.
Download

Bill Coleman - Black and Red EP, Black and Green EP, Black and Blue EP, but you can also download his older material, like his excellent 2007 album I Tear My Own Walls Down.
Download

Sacred Animals - Sacred Animals EP - Thanks to Peter at 2UIBestow for pointing me in the direction of the wonderful three song EP from up and coming Sacred Animals as well as the fact that Declan de Barra is offering up his past catalogue for free.
Download

Declan de Barra - Song of a Thousand Birds his debut, he's working on a new album, A Fire to Scare the Sun, at the moment. de Barra also represented Ireland at last year's Eurosonic Festival.
Download

List: 50 Best Irish Acts Today - 2010 Edition, 50-41

Last year, Peter at 2UIBestow answered the Irish Times' list of the best Irish Acts around today with his own list. This year, he has followed that up by doing it again. Check out his list of his top 50 here, and then when you're finished, have a look at mine.

50. Ham Sandwich
The Kells band have been going for a few years, but have only started to hit the big time in the last year or so. Debut album Carry the Meek was met with great acclaim in early 2008, and a lot is expected from their follow-up.



49. Groom
Groom emerged from the alt-folk band Settler six years ago, and have gained in ability and following ever since. They take their inspirations from a variety of places, and are a live band definitely worth seeing.



48. Miss Paula Flynn
A new contender on the scene, Paula Flynn released her self-titled debut album just last October. A great lyricist and melody-writer, it is Flynn's voice that really makes her one to watch. One of the best female singers in Ireland right now.



47. Herm
If Paul Clancy were still alive, he definitely would have made this list. Kevin Connolly from Herm worked on his album, and is a fantastic musician in his own right. Their 2009 album Monsters is a great record, although somewhat disparate. However, I expect that all to calm down on the next album. Or maybe not...



46. Laura Izibor
The winner of the 2004 2fm Song Contest, a lot was expected of Izibor when she signed an adult record deal. Still only 22, she has most of her career ahead of her. And if her debut Let The Truth Be Told is anything to go by, it'll be amazing.



45. Declan De Barra
The Waterford singer-songwriter is a former member of Clann Zú, and uses his experiences from living in Australia and Canada to create enchanting music. A fabulous live entertainer too, DeBarra has his finger in many pies, and is one to watch on television as well as radio.



44. The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra
Listed in our Irish Sound of 2010, the Brad Pitt Light Orchestra are one of the best named bands around. Still yet to release their debut album, they're a wonderful live band, and have two gorgeous EPs under theit belts.



43. Damien Rice
The former Juniper frontman came to prominence at the start of the last decade, but took years to record a follow-up to the excellent O. We know he's capable of utter brilliance, but we could be waiting years to hear it.



42. Gemma Hayes
Gemma Hayes is one of the most underrated acts in Ireland today. She writes gorgeous Sheryl Crow-esque songs, and has a wonderful catalogue of albums. A marvellous live entertainer who should be so much bigger worldwide.




41. Henrietta Game
Another feature in the Irish Sound of 2010 poll, Henrietta Game are very new to the scene, but have already garnered much attention. Their set at Electric Picnic last year was one of the highlights of the festival, and there is so much more to come from this Limerick band.

Live: 2UIBestow Christmas Party

Never mind that shoddy work Christmas Party, the real parties are ones with live bands. Luckily enough, the 2UIBestow Christmas Party features three such artists.

There's Alphastates, Junah and Declan De Barra. All worthy of your attention. What's better is the fact that it's free in.

It's on this Friday at 9 p.m. in Boyle's in Slane and is sure to be jampacked. A great night will be had by all.

More info:
http://2uibestow.blogspot.com/2009/12/2uibestow-christmas-party.html