Live: The New Breed Launch Party at Tower Records

Tower Records is often host to a lot of great intimate gigs, many of which cost nothing at all to attend. One such one is this Friday's (rescheduled) launch of the excellent new compilation album The New Breed. Attending and playing the launch party at Tower Records this Friday, from 5 p.m. will be Ham Sandwich, The Minutes, The Ambience Affair, and Dark Room Notes. Each band is due to play three or four songs, so it's sure to be fantastic.

Here's a reminder of the tracklist for The New Breed:
DISC ONE
Two Door Cinema Club I Can Talk
CODES This is Goodbye
Dark Room Notes Love Like Nicotine
Messiah J and The Expert Turn The Magic On
Oliver Cole What will you do?
The Blizzards Fantasy
Fred Running
The Laundry Shop Highs and Lows
Delorentos S.E.C.R.E.T
Ham Sandwich St. Christopher
Republic of Loose Comeback Girl
Mick Flannery Tomorrows Paper
The Chapters Videotapes
The Minutes Ukraine
The Urges The Urges Theme
The Revellions Ain't no Fool
Crayonsmith Lost In The Forest
The Jimmy Cake Jettas Palace
Declan O'Rourke Galileo
Julie Feeney Myth
Jerry Fish & The Mudbug Club Back To Before

DISC TWO
Le Galaxie We Bleed The Blood Of Androids
The Ambience Affair Devil In the Detail
Cathy Davey Moving
Halves Medals
Subplots Poltis
Halfset Work
Stellarsound Ft Paula Flynn Lets Dance
Roisin Murphy Overpowered
Patrick Kelleher Coat To Wear
Vyvienne Long They’re Not Waving
Lisa Hannigan Lille
Rarely Seen Above Ground Stick To Your Line
And So I Watch You From Afar These Riots Are Just the Beginning
BATS Credulous! Credulous!
Adebisi Shank You Me
Heathers Remember When
David Kitt It's Yours
Valerie Francis Slow Dynamo
The Coronas Grace Don’t Wait

Live Review: Choice Music Prize 2009

Last night saw some excellent live performances from many of the nominees for the Choice Music Prize 2009 (don't worry, you are looking at the ceremony held in 2010, it's just for the best Irish album of 2009), but by far the best were Dark Room Notes and And So I Watch You From Afar. Both bands are on their debut albums, so who knows what the future may hold awards-wise.

CODES opened the night strongly, before Julie Feeney toned it down a notch. Feeney had been the darkhorse when nominees were announced, but crept up to become favourite with PaddyPower heading into last night's show. Her outfit last night was definitely note worthy, probably moreso than her performance. (Check it out here.)

Dark Room Notes were next up and impressed many people who may have missed them first time around, or else wrote them off. Their live show is so much better than the album. Duckworth Lewis Method released one of my favourite summer albums of 2009, but with Neil Hannon already having a gong in his possession, it was always a longshot to see them winning. Their live stint last night was fantastically entertaining though.

Valerie Francis was also very impressive. It was a nice, subtle nuanced performance which contrasted well with the all-out rock of CODES and the jangly pop of Duckworth Lewis Method. Her live take on 'Punches' was especially great. It was a real treat to see so many wonderful Irish acts performing a variety of genres. I suggest you grab a ticket for the Choice Music Prize 2010 Award Show as soon as possible next year.

When I saw the nominees, I didn't actually expect The Swell Season would play, but play they did and gave a fine performance. It's just a pity for Glen that his second album with Marketa wasn't a patch on the first. Last night, they were joined on 'Paper Cup' by Leonard Cohen's guitarist, unfortunately not Leonard himself, but it'll do for now.

Adrian Crowley was second last on stage, but would return later to pick up his gong. He's a damn fine performer, and definitely a worthy winner. And So I Watch You From Afar closed the night with a stonking set, infused with marvellous instrumental rock. Some people had definitely written them off before, but I'm sure they converted many last night. If I had to guess, I'd say they were probably in the running but narrowly missed out.

Laura Izibor couldn't make it last night, due to something or other, nor could Bell x1 (touring commitments) but so many other great acts played, it didn't make too much difference. It would've been nice to have them all there though. Maybe next year...

Watch the Duckworth Lewis Method at last night's show:

Live: Swell Season, DLM, ASIWYFA at Vicar Street

Great news comes my way from Jim Carroll and his On the Record blog. He announced this morning that eight out of ten cats acts nominated for this year's Choice Music Award will be performing on the night.

The show takes place in Vicar Street on March 3rd. Tickets are €27, and for that bargain price, you'll get approximately ten minutes each from all of the following:
And So I Watch You From Afar, Codes, Adrian Crowley, Dark Room Notes, The Duckworth Lewis Method, Julie Feeney, Valerie Francis, and The Swell Season.

Bell x1 and Laura Izibor are the two absentees as they're touring elsewhere. But for €27, how can you argue with a lineup like that?

Get your tickets here.

Here's 2007 winners Super Extra Bonus Party performing at that year's event:

(Video courtesy of Nialler9)