Kilkenny's Jeremy Hickey (aka Rarely Seen Above Ground, or R.S.A.G. for short) is back with a new album, Be It Right or Wrong (expect a review of it on here by Friday). He's also back with a nationwide tour in support of the album.
The tour is kicking off tonight at Dolan's in Limerick, and visits some of Ireland's finest music venues. The Kilo will provide support at all the shows, with the excellent 202s also on the bill for the Academy. Tickets for the Academy show are €13.50, so it's not an expensive night out. Well worth it.
Tour dates (all June):
Wed 16th – Dolan’s, Limerick w/guests The Kilo
Thu 17th – Cyprus Ave, Cork w/guests The Kilo
Fri 18th – Roisin Dubh, Galway w/guests The Kilo
Thu 24th – The Academy, Dublin w/guests 202s and The Kilo
Sat 26th – Spirit Store, Dundalk w/guests The Kilo
Watch 'Stick to Your Line':
Showing posts with label RSAG. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RSAG. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Album News: RSAG - Be It Right or Wrong
Kilkenny's Jeremy Hickey is back with a new album. The follow-up to R.S.A.G.'s excellent 2008 record Organic Sampler is due June 11th. Rarely Seen Above Ground's second album will be called Be It Right or Wrong and is sure to be every bit as good as the Choice-nominated debut. Wonderful Irish music website State.ie has a stream of the first single 'The Roamer' which was given its first play by On the Record's Jim Carroll last night.
Tracklist:
1. BE IT RIGHT OR WRONG
2. BEFORE THEY MAKE YOU RUN
3. THE MESS WERE IN
4. THE ROAMER 5 MOVEMENT
6. THE BITTER SWING
7. HOTWIRE THE HEART
8. MERCY PLEA
9. HANGING ON A LIE
10. MAKE
11. ROOTS
12. TIME ON TRIAL
Upcoming dates:
Wed 16 June – Cyprus Avenue, Cork
Thu 17 June – Dolan’s, Limerick
Fri 18 June – Roisin Dubh, Galway
Thu 24 June – The Academy, Dublin
Sat 26 June – Spirit Store, Dundalk
Stream:
RSAG - 'The Roamer'
Sunday, April 11, 2010
List: 50 Best Irish Acts Today - 20-11
Part Four of my countdown of the Best 50 Irish Acts today. The only requirement for entry is that the artist must have played live or released something in the past twelve months.
20. And So I Watch You From Afar
ASIWYFA are not for everyone. They released a double-album of instrumental tunes last year which divided opinion. Some people loved it and some people hated it. I was nearer the first camp. They released their Letters EP earlier this year, and I must say that it's an improvement on the album. I'm always a fan of prolific artists (are you listening Damien Rice?)
19. Villagers
Conor O'Brien's the Immediate are the most missed 00s Irish band. Their album In Towers and Clouds is a masterpiece of Irish rock. Thus a lot is expected from his follow-up project, Villagers. 2009's Hollow Kind EP was a fantastic introduction, and with the imminent release of their debut album, 2010 may be O'Brien's year.
18. CODES
This bunch of Dublin youngsters smashed onto the scene with their debut album Trees Dream in Algebra, and the fantastic single 'This is Goodbye'. They're signed to a major label, so major things should be expected from one of the shining lights in young Irish rock.
17. 202s
Less electronic than CODES, 202s are a wonderful new Irish rock band. Their self-titled debut was one of my most listened to records of 2009, with a wonderful bunch of instantly memorable songs. Their live act is pretty solid too. It'll be exciting to see what they do next.
16. R.S.A.G.
Kilkenny one-man-band Jeremy Hickey was an extremely worth candidate for last year's Choice Music Prize with his gorgeous Organic Sampler (p.s. the bonus disc is just as good). Although he hasn't released a follow-up yet, he's been trying out some new stuff live, and his experimentation is bound to produce some alchemic goodness.
15. Ultan Conlon
Ultan Conlon has been on the scene for many years, releasing his debut EP in 2002, going on to form the underrated UltanJohn, and even playing with legendary guitarist John Marytn. His single 'The Universe Tune' was released earlier this year, and should have gotten much more attention. He's still vastly underrated, but if he continues making music this good, the limelight can't be far away.
14. Jape
Richie Egan seems to be reporting about new endeavours and live shows every day on twitter. The winner of last year's Choice Music Prize, he can now easily move on from all those Jack White references. A lot is expected from the follow-up to Ritual, but if his entire catalogue is anything to go by, it's sure to be brilliant.
13. The Cast of Cheers
One of the golden children of the class of 2010, this Dublin four-piece released their debut album Chariot for free to the public. A brave move, but it has paid off, as many people (including myself) have waxed lyrically about their excellent 33 minute rock sucker punch.
12. David Geraghty
It wouldn't be fair to lump David Geraghty in alongside the main Bell x1 category, as he's a wonderful solo act in his own right. Bell x1 is mostly Paul Noonan's vehicle, but we always knew that Geraghty's guitarwork was one of the band's best features. His second album Victory Dance improved greatly on his debut Kill Your Darlings, and was my favourite Irish album of 2009. There's a lot more to come from him on his own terms.
11. Heathers
I first saw Dublin sister-act Heathers on TG4's Pop4 a few years ago, and was enchanted by their Gaelic take on Tegan & Sara pop. Their single 'Remember When', taken from 2008's Here Not There is currently being used by Discover Ireland on their television and cinema adverts and is everywhere at the moment. 2009 was not a lean year for them though, they're not just recycling old tunes, as they gave a wonderful guest spot on Ireland's own Gorillaz, Super Extra Bonus Party's 'Comets'. A fantastic tune.
20. And So I Watch You From Afar
ASIWYFA are not for everyone. They released a double-album of instrumental tunes last year which divided opinion. Some people loved it and some people hated it. I was nearer the first camp. They released their Letters EP earlier this year, and I must say that it's an improvement on the album. I'm always a fan of prolific artists (are you listening Damien Rice?)
19. Villagers
Conor O'Brien's the Immediate are the most missed 00s Irish band. Their album In Towers and Clouds is a masterpiece of Irish rock. Thus a lot is expected from his follow-up project, Villagers. 2009's Hollow Kind EP was a fantastic introduction, and with the imminent release of their debut album, 2010 may be O'Brien's year.
18. CODES
This bunch of Dublin youngsters smashed onto the scene with their debut album Trees Dream in Algebra, and the fantastic single 'This is Goodbye'. They're signed to a major label, so major things should be expected from one of the shining lights in young Irish rock.
17. 202s
Less electronic than CODES, 202s are a wonderful new Irish rock band. Their self-titled debut was one of my most listened to records of 2009, with a wonderful bunch of instantly memorable songs. Their live act is pretty solid too. It'll be exciting to see what they do next.
16. R.S.A.G.
Kilkenny one-man-band Jeremy Hickey was an extremely worth candidate for last year's Choice Music Prize with his gorgeous Organic Sampler (p.s. the bonus disc is just as good). Although he hasn't released a follow-up yet, he's been trying out some new stuff live, and his experimentation is bound to produce some alchemic goodness.
15. Ultan Conlon
Ultan Conlon has been on the scene for many years, releasing his debut EP in 2002, going on to form the underrated UltanJohn, and even playing with legendary guitarist John Marytn. His single 'The Universe Tune' was released earlier this year, and should have gotten much more attention. He's still vastly underrated, but if he continues making music this good, the limelight can't be far away.
14. Jape
Richie Egan seems to be reporting about new endeavours and live shows every day on twitter. The winner of last year's Choice Music Prize, he can now easily move on from all those Jack White references. A lot is expected from the follow-up to Ritual, but if his entire catalogue is anything to go by, it's sure to be brilliant.
13. The Cast of Cheers
One of the golden children of the class of 2010, this Dublin four-piece released their debut album Chariot for free to the public. A brave move, but it has paid off, as many people (including myself) have waxed lyrically about their excellent 33 minute rock sucker punch.
12. David Geraghty
It wouldn't be fair to lump David Geraghty in alongside the main Bell x1 category, as he's a wonderful solo act in his own right. Bell x1 is mostly Paul Noonan's vehicle, but we always knew that Geraghty's guitarwork was one of the band's best features. His second album Victory Dance improved greatly on his debut Kill Your Darlings, and was my favourite Irish album of 2009. There's a lot more to come from him on his own terms.
11. Heathers
I first saw Dublin sister-act Heathers on TG4's Pop4 a few years ago, and was enchanted by their Gaelic take on Tegan & Sara pop. Their single 'Remember When', taken from 2008's Here Not There is currently being used by Discover Ireland on their television and cinema adverts and is everywhere at the moment. 2009 was not a lean year for them though, they're not just recycling old tunes, as they gave a wonderful guest spot on Ireland's own Gorillaz, Super Extra Bonus Party's 'Comets'. A fantastic tune.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Album Review: An Taobh Tuathail Vol III
An Taobh Tuathail is an RTE Radio na Gaeilge (RnaG) show, which is presented by Cian Ó Cíobháin, and is on Monday-Friday from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. This is the third volume of their compilation series of albums, featuring the best music from the show.
RnaG wouldn't be a station I'd usually listen to, but their nightshift programming is excellent. They combine brilliant instrumentals with wonderful soft vocal-led tunes. This sort of variety is what makes the latest CD release worth owning.
Opening song 'Frozen Grass' from Loner Deluxe, is a sleepy instrumental song, easing the listener into the record. Vocals kick in on the second, 'Nightswimming' by Roshi featuring Pars Radio. I had not heard of Roshi before this release, but her vocals here are splendid. Think of a less twee Lisa Hannigan. Essie Jain's 'Haze' is a piano-led tune, which is beautifully sombre, but also marvellously inspiring.
There are local and international acts on the compilation, with appearances from Kilkenny's own R.S.A.G., as well as Animal Collective's 'Loch Raven'. 'Dwelling on the Past' is taken from R.S.A.G.'s splendid Organic Sampler, and fans of Animal Collective will know 'Loch Raven' from Feels.
Jacaszek's 'Walc' is probably the most out-there tune on here, with a brilliant syncopated beat, as well as glimpses of haunting vocals, which never quite appear. There are many highlights on this album, 'Able' by Them Use Them is a standout, as well as closer 'The Highway' from Peter and the Wolf.
If you've picked up this album and are wondering whether it's worth getting, it probably is. If you're a fan of any of the artists involved, you'll like it. Anyone who turned on Merriweather Post Pavilion on a regular basis will love this, and it'll probably turn you on to more great acts of a similar vein.
And I hope you'll be tuning in every night from now on too. 92-94FM, 102.6 FM, Sky channel 0166 and NTL channel 905.
More info:
http://www.rte.ie/rnag/antaobhtuathail.html
http://www.psychonavigation.com/antaobhtuathail3html
http://www.myspace.com/antaobhtuathail
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Live Review: Choice Music Prize 2009, Vicar Street Dublin, 4 March 2009
The official Choice Website hasn't been updated yet, but by now you should all know that Jape and Richie Egan took home the ten grand prize. Hopefully it'll put him back into the album charts too.
Last night's show was an extravaganza of music. Four of the ten acts did not perform due to other commitments (not sure why soundtrack maestro David Holmes didn't play, he was in attendance. I'm sure it was him I spotted!), but the six who did play showed while Ireland's music scene is so great in 2009.
Eventual winner Jape opened proceedings with 'Christopher and Anthony', the song with the truly infectious chorus that just won't leave your head. 'Graveyard' works so well in a live setting, and shows that he was a worthy winner of the award. Let's just hope he spends the money on musical equipment and nothing culinary!
Messiah J and the Expert were next up and came on early. Now I'm not usually a lover of hip-hop, but I must say I was really impressed by their performance. What makes them special for an Irish act is that they don't sound like a bunch of Irish yokels trying to rap, they actually sound like accomplished rappers. A real hip-hop group, which will no doubt be an inspiration for kids in the future. They've opened Ireland up to hip-hop.
One of the real highlights for me was the first chance to see Mick Flannery live. I wondered how his stripped back material would work in a live setting, and it was much better than I could have imagined. 'Wait Here' was so much darker live, and shows what a great storyteller Mick is. 'Tomorrow's Paper' was probably my favourite song of the evening. It was a stark contrast to 'Wait Here', and really makes me want to see him perform a full set.
I missed the start of Halfset due to bathroom commitments (if Oppenheimer can have commitments, why can't I be allowed to pee?). Their live set reminded me of the Postal Service, who I really adore. They're a proper band which I liked, none of this press play on the laptop nonsense that you get from some of those dancier artists.
R.S.A.G. was different to what I expected. Forget the new Bell x1 record, Jeremy Hickey is the man who really embodies Talking Heads. Well a Talking Heads with a lot more drumming. It was a great spectacle of a show, the full-on sights and sounds things you don't expect from a smaller less accomplished artist. He should be massive.
The night ended with a set from Fight Like Apes. As usual, it was a great set from one of Ireland's best young bands. I'm really excited to hear some new material from them and see where they go next, because at the moment it looks like they're really starting to take off. Thus it was great to see them in a venue like this before they move on to the Olympia and maybe even the O2.
It didn't take long for the winner to be announced, none of the dramatic pregnant pausing after "The winner is". Not begrudging Jape for winning (because the album is excellent), but it is a clever choice from the judges after the alienation some people felt with Super Extra Bonus Party last year. They were dead right.
And the winner is:
Last night's show was an extravaganza of music. Four of the ten acts did not perform due to other commitments (not sure why soundtrack maestro David Holmes didn't play, he was in attendance. I'm sure it was him I spotted!), but the six who did play showed while Ireland's music scene is so great in 2009.
Eventual winner Jape opened proceedings with 'Christopher and Anthony', the song with the truly infectious chorus that just won't leave your head. 'Graveyard' works so well in a live setting, and shows that he was a worthy winner of the award. Let's just hope he spends the money on musical equipment and nothing culinary!
Messiah J and the Expert were next up and came on early. Now I'm not usually a lover of hip-hop, but I must say I was really impressed by their performance. What makes them special for an Irish act is that they don't sound like a bunch of Irish yokels trying to rap, they actually sound like accomplished rappers. A real hip-hop group, which will no doubt be an inspiration for kids in the future. They've opened Ireland up to hip-hop.
One of the real highlights for me was the first chance to see Mick Flannery live. I wondered how his stripped back material would work in a live setting, and it was much better than I could have imagined. 'Wait Here' was so much darker live, and shows what a great storyteller Mick is. 'Tomorrow's Paper' was probably my favourite song of the evening. It was a stark contrast to 'Wait Here', and really makes me want to see him perform a full set.
I missed the start of Halfset due to bathroom commitments (if Oppenheimer can have commitments, why can't I be allowed to pee?). Their live set reminded me of the Postal Service, who I really adore. They're a proper band which I liked, none of this press play on the laptop nonsense that you get from some of those dancier artists.
R.S.A.G. was different to what I expected. Forget the new Bell x1 record, Jeremy Hickey is the man who really embodies Talking Heads. Well a Talking Heads with a lot more drumming. It was a great spectacle of a show, the full-on sights and sounds things you don't expect from a smaller less accomplished artist. He should be massive.
The night ended with a set from Fight Like Apes. As usual, it was a great set from one of Ireland's best young bands. I'm really excited to hear some new material from them and see where they go next, because at the moment it looks like they're really starting to take off. Thus it was great to see them in a venue like this before they move on to the Olympia and maybe even the O2.
It didn't take long for the winner to be announced, none of the dramatic pregnant pausing after "The winner is". Not begrudging Jape for winning (because the album is excellent), but it is a clever choice from the judges after the alienation some people felt with Super Extra Bonus Party last year. They were dead right.
And the winner is:
Setlist: Choice Music Prize 2009, Vicar Street, Dublin, 4 March 2009
MC for the night was Allison Curtis, Jim Carroll and someone whose name I've forgotten in the haze presented the award. Our own Hugh Jackman!
Setlists for all the acts (I'm not sure of the Halfset songs, so could someone please leave a comment or email them in please?)
Jape
Christopher and Anthony
Graveyard
Strike Me Down
Messiah J and the Expert
Megaphone Man
Turn the Magic On
Jean is Planning an Escape
Mick Flannery
Safety Rope
Wait Here
Tomorrow's Paper
Halfset
?
Another Way of Being There
Salmon
R.S.A.G.
Stick to Your Line
Talk Back Crawl Back
Moon Movin' the Oceans
Fight Like Apes
Jake Summers
I'm Beginning to Think You Prefer Beverley Hills 90210 to Me
Battlestations
I'll try and get some videos as soon as they're uploaded.
Setlists for all the acts (I'm not sure of the Halfset songs, so could someone please leave a comment or email them in please?)
Jape
Christopher and Anthony
Graveyard
Strike Me Down
Messiah J and the Expert
Megaphone Man
Turn the Magic On
Jean is Planning an Escape
Mick Flannery
Safety Rope
Wait Here
Tomorrow's Paper
Halfset
?
Another Way of Being There
Salmon
R.S.A.G.
Stick to Your Line
Talk Back Crawl Back
Moon Movin' the Oceans
Fight Like Apes
Jake Summers
I'm Beginning to Think You Prefer Beverley Hills 90210 to Me
Battlestations
I'll try and get some videos as soon as they're uploaded.
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