News : Choice Prize Noms Announced
The word is out - the Choice Music Prize nominations have been revealed:
Fight Like Apes “Fight Like Apes and the Mystery of the Golden Medallion” (Model Citizen)
Mick Flannery “White Lies” (EMI)
Halfset “Another Way of Being There” (Casino Gravity Records)
Lisa Hannigan “Sea Sew” (Own label)
David Holmes “The Holy Pictures” (Canderblinks)
Jape “Ritual” (Co-Op)
Messiah J & The Expert “From The Word Go” (Inaudible)
Oppenheimer “Take The Whole Mid-Range And Boost It” (Fantastic Plastic)
R.S.A.G. “Organic Sampler” (Psychonavigation)
The Script “The Script” (Sony Music)
Good to see Halfset, Oppenheimer and R.S.A.G. make the grade - we all knew FLApes and Jape would get the nod - but really…it’s the most godawfully boring list, ever. Zzzzzzz.
What do you think? Who were your tips? Any un/outstanding albums for you there? No doubt the real debate will be raging over on Jim Carroll’s blog. Go there, then come back here…
*Edit* rather than just slag the list off, I should elaborate on why I find it uninspiring.
[rant]As I’ve mentioned on JC’s blog, these nominations pale in comparison to last year’s contenders. Where are the exciting outsiders along the lines of Dry County and SEBP in 2008? Of albums to break boundaries, what of The Vinny Club who succeeded in creating an album full of bounding tunes from samples and pure zany imagination.
Crayonsmith and Chequerboard have been overlooked YET AGAIN, despite jaw-dropping creations. Was there no skip, hop or jump at the sound of Sunken Foal’s magnificent Fallen Arches?
What about Land Lovers‘ truly fabulous, catchy, original songs of love and heartbreak? Of all Northern Ireland has to offer in its strongest age, is David Holmes deserving? I think not.
Fight Like Apes are darlings but is the lack of guitar really enough to warrant their listing above the utterly superb Spook of the Thirteenth Lock, who twisted traditional Irish instrumental music like a swathe of bubble-wrap? Where are the dance records, the hard rock, the ambitious and daring? Where are those who pooh-pooh the safe, the commercial, easy-listening, easy-sell?
Where is So Cow? Where is Michael Knight? Where are God Is An Astronaut?
WHERE ARE ADEBISI SHANK? WHERE’S MY FUCKING GUN?
[/rant]
The bloody music industry in this country. Just when I began to have hope, they dash my dreams again.
Everyone will be aghast that their particular fave is not on the list, whether it’s Crayonsmith or Adebisi Shank or the Jimmy Cake or the Spook or whomever. I think the real problem is the overall theme of the thing, and maybe people’s perceptions of what it is - it seems to be that it’s a list of industry tips, playas or successes, with little or nothing that hasn’t already been ‘pushed’. And grand so. People like us shouldn’t really heed this kind of thing anyway.
The prize money comes from IRMA. I mean, what else can you expect?
Couldn’t agree more, really. Very surprised at the omission of Adebisi Shank. I’m not sure the list is entirely in the spirit of previous years.
That is a well-made point and I tip my hat to you.
I think people (geeky bloggers like me) are annoyed about that list because they want to see Adebisi and the like get the cash coz they probably could really do with it. The Script made enough green when they SOLD THEIR FUCKING SOULS TO LUCIFER. Ahem.
check it oot nay, i HTMLd the shit outta that comment! yeeeeah, go team adammmmmm!
I think the CMA’s have had their run, now they’ve turned into the Meteors or something equally as shite. Probably put the script in there just to make sure Vicar St. fills on the night……
Anon: everyone will indeed be outraged (yours truly most certainly included) because for the last few years we’ve come to know the Choice as an antidote to the grossly commercial culture poisoning Ireland’s musical structure. It was a respected prize awarded to musicians by respected figureheads of the industry, recognising determination, originality, effort and innovation. The whole point was that people like us COULD heed this, could look to it as a reward, in the face of dross like the Meteors.
Ru, I wholeheartedly agree. It’s certainly the most safely-played list I’ve seen and I’m shocked at its blandness.
Adam: I’m proud of you honey
But yeh, AS, along with scores of others, slog their guts out to record their version of sound and in doing so, drive themselves into the ground by touring relentlessly to support their records and audiences and further the world’s perception of original Irish music. I mean, even if Adebisi were too hardcore for the judges’ delicate tastes, couldn’t The Spook have seen some return for daring to reinvent the bodhran?
Chuck, the votes are cast in a democratic manner purely on merit. Which is why it’s so fucking astounding to see the The Shit there.
I think the CMA’s have had their run, now they’ve turned into the Meteors or something equally as shite.
Can’t wait to see RSAG, MJEX, Halfset and Oppenheimer on the Meteor list so
Great post Nay, some glaring ommissions from the nominations.
It was a great year for Irish music; hence the difficulty in coming up with a shortlist of 10 - but it’s still a rather by-the-numbers list they’ve come up with that lacks any of the more innovative, exciting ones like sunken foal or adebisi shank.
I guess that’s down to the democratic nature of having a panel of judges - when you’re dealing with averages; anything unusual can easily get filtered out.
“I think the CMA’s have had their run, now they’ve turned into the Meteors or something equally as shite.”
You’ve got a point alright but they’re not anywhere near that bad yet. Bit disheartening that they’re playing it safe though - even a nomination would do wonders to raise the profile of some of the acts you’ve mentioned.
No Adebisi Shank? Absolutely shocking stuff! Possibly one of the Irish albums of last year. OK I know it’s a bit loud and crazy but it’s seriously some of the best guitar guitar playing I have heard in years and they have an insanely unique sound!
My money is on Halfset!!
I don’t expect Flapes, Jape or the Script to win going on previous years.
Oppenheimer is a nice surprise addition but not really fitting in with the other nominations for some reason there.. Love that album mind.
I will 100% be attending this!
“Can’t wait to see RSAG, MJEX, Halfset and Oppenheimer on the Meteor list so”
what I mean is, the CMA’s in the past has ben a beacon for Irish bands. It’s great recognition and for most bands 10K would be a blessing and would fund an album. I know a lot of bands that would have killed their Granny to win the CMA’s. It’s not like many hard working bands have the meteors in their sights though as it’s just unattainable unless every 15 year old girl in the country is buying your album, in which you would have a major label behind you and would wipe your arse with 10K. What the fuck do the script need 10K for? This is what is killing the Irish music scene……or lack there of at this stage.
my 2c.
on a side note, It’s just incredible that AS did not make that list.
rant over.
I have to say I’m quite shock by just how visceral your response is. The list isn’t perfect, but I couldn’t honestly question the quality of the music.
I mean, I spent the better part of an hour trying to word my blog post so I wouldn’t come across as unnecessarily critical, but I was even surprised by the amount of indie-electronic music on offer (7 from 10, by my count) and I’m disappointed that the selection is so narrow, but I’m not sure the albums you’ve suggested are any more varied.
Granted I can’t comment on some of them as I haven’t been exposed, but God Is An Astronaut? Hell, they’re about as derivative a band as you’re likely to hear on the post-rock circuit. The fact that they’re playing unusual music doesn’t mean they’re doing any particularly new or interesting.
p.s. Chuck D, the 10k only goes to the band that win.
Dave, don’t be daft, God is an Astronaut are very succesful, and I for one am proud they are Irish, they represent our great music scene abroad and have a huge following, I think I detect you have a personal issue with them, very transparent actually.
Hate Fight Like Apes!! They shouldnt win it!! That David Holmes album isnt bad….My money is on Jape or Halfset tho!!
Would love to seee Vinny Club or Adebisi Shank there!! Two of the more interesting and original acts in the country right now, why arent groups like this given more attention rather than shite like THE SCRIPT and FIGHT LIKE APES!!!!!??!?!! I must puke. Think the problem with AS and VC albums is the running time tho….to be considered for a Choice nomination the album has to be at least a certain length….which is prob why they werent! A VERY FLAWED CONSIDERATION IF YA ASK ME!! QUALITY NOT QUANTITY!!!
The ‘music’ industry in this country pisses me the fuck off!!!! GRRRRR
Rachel- I didn’t say they weren’t successful. I said they play to post-rock cliches, which is fine, but it’s not innovative or refreshing.
Dave you are entitled to your oppinion, but if that was the general consensus they wouldn’t be doing as well as they are, they should have been nominated.
FLAPES definitely deserve a nomination. Hate them or not. They are 100% the hardest working band in Dublin in how many years! Fair play to them. Onwards and upwards! I have gone off them slightly but still clinging onto their EPs to sell on ebay when they really hit the big in the UK this year! haha.
Michael - I would LOVE to see them on the Meteors list. Hangos won last year so it’s not beyond the realm of possibility but I’d say we can expect to see certain aggressive primates get a look-in.
Flynno - I wish it was a better post in which I could eloquently voice my concern at the oversight and lack of depth within the choices. And you’re right, the judges do seem to have filtered out the obscure/unusual contenders in favour of safer choices.
Chuck - good point about the money, even though it’s not about the money. Bands already have to cough up thousands to fund their albums and Adebisi were very lucky to receive funding from Wexford Arts Council. Perhaps the money -if they’d been nommed and won- could go to a second release…or paying off the first. I don’t have a clue about the financial situation but can only say the glaring omission of their truly fabulous album from the list just goes to show exactly what obstacles unconventional musicians face in spreading word of their music to a wider audience.
Colin, I like Oppenheimer and it was great to see them achieve such success at home and abroad last year. Rocky and Shaun do so much for the bands in their community and consistently support their local scene, especially via Rocky’s Start Together Studio in the Oh Yeah! Centre. Take The Whole Mid Range and Boost It is something of a shock admission on the list to me, incongrous amongst the other nominees because, well, it’s not an obvious choice.
FLApes work hard, sure. But if the album’s gone iffy for you after a few months, does it deserve to be ranked as highly as it is?
Dave - visceral, not really. A bit stupefied and baffled, certainly but I don’t bear any vitriol towards the selection, I just think it’s quite boring and unoriginal, flying in distinct contrast to the adventurous choices of previous years. I’m fed up of ssitting on the fence on industry-related topics because I don’t have the same knowlege of my peers but in this instance I can at least trust my own opinion and say what I think. It’s just an opinion.
And GIAA have done SO MUCH for Irish music. Aside from the scintillating, consistent brilliance of their releases, thanks to them, post-rock fans are aware of a current here. And via their efforts, word has spread of other post-rock bands such as The Jimmy Cake, The Redneck Manifesto and Tracer AMC, to name a few. There are of course many more.
Stu - The running time criteria is 33.3 minutes or more than 6 songs. They were wholly qualified, the judges simply didn’t think them good enough.
Alright, to everyone who (like me) loves Adebisi Shank:
FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE CHOICE MUSIC PRIZE, AN ALBUM MUST CONTAIN SIX OR MORE TRACKS AND BE OVER 33 1/3 MINUTES IN LENGTH (33 MINS, 20 SECONDS).
Adebisi and Vinny Club’s albums are too short, under the rules. Someone pointed out the length thing on Thumped earlier, just noticed it a short while ago.
Though I do remember Jim saying that the Shank were perfectly entitled to be in there, just they didn’t get enough votes from the team. Wrong?
I hope that helps everyone to sleep a little better tonight. See y’all down the front when Adebisi support TTNG.
Yevyeh - as I said to Stu, they were eligible.
Seeya there, minus camera. After all of this, I’m gonna enjoy every fucking minute of that gig. Who needs poxy Vicar Street, anyway?
The album is under 25 minutes long, sadly that isn’t over 33 1/3 minutes, no matter how great it is.
I prefer Whelan’s to Vicar Street, so long as neither of them are packed.
But it’s more than 6 songs. So therefore eligible?
I wish I was more awake to see it said “and / or” and not “and” as I thought. Been up since 8am this morning cramming for an exam, and me eyes are tired. You win this round, Nay!
I’m hearing ya, the kids had me up at godawful o’clock. I still have laundry and lunches to do. mBleh.
And I meant to say…get off the fucking internet
To Be Continued….
Dave- yeah, Jim Carroll himself confirmed its eligibility earlier on. It just didn’t have enough fans, which is disappointing since Nialler was on the panel and I know he’s a longtime fan.
Nay- GIAA have been very successful in getting Irish post-rock recognised, but they’re also recognised as being extremely derivative. I’d love to see more attention paid to the genre, but I’d prefer to see it done through the truly forward-thinking acts like Halves and Rednecks.
But I basically just brought it up as a counterpoint to your point about it being a safe list.
Oh, I’ll get off… as soon as I can play “A Conspiracy and a Devil” by Marmaduke Duke.
3am, here I come. Or as the Duke say, ‘I’m already gone…’
Jaypers but you need diffrentiating aliases. Dave 1, you are now Dave 1. Dave 2…
D1: I getcha about GIAA, fair enough. There weren’t really many PR releases in the last year though, although Spook fell into that category for me. If Halves don’t make next year’s list I’m giving up and moving to Japan.
D2: “I’ve left so many false alarms, fooled no one but me”…quite apt tonight
I work in binary only.
Yes, very. Especially when my comment on Jim’s blog is cleared and someone points out I’m wrong. [puts on shame face and prepared for public flogging] But I like that you like the Duke. Or else you just googled the lyrics. But I hope it’s the former.
@ Dave 1 - Luckily Adebisi are getting widespread attention, if their gigs weren’t filled to the brim with dedicated fans, it would really be the end of the world.
As for GIAA, I really like them, but do they deserve to win an award for this album in particular? Is it any more or less amazing than any of their past releases? Those guys are getting their attention too, apparently they’re huge in Russia of all places.
Perhaps this was said on drop-D or Jim’s blog or even here (my eyes are too tired to consider reading all the posts again) but..
“The Choice Music Prize was established to highlight those albums which
deserve some extra time in the spotlight and, ultimately, to select the
album which best sums up the year in Irish music.”
Aside from the fact that none of those albums really sum up the year in music (unless you close one ear and only half listen out of the other), do some of those albums deserve EXTRA time in the spotlight? There’s one in particular I’m talking about…
Dave 0 it is.
And Jim’s blog? They’re pussycats
That’s just it though. TITAOABCAS was the album of 2008. I played Vinny’s more though, cos the kids liked it better. But yeh.
Tomorrow…
Honestly, I was pretty surprised by some on the list. Obviously, The Script was a poor choice IMO…
But, the rules are there, they are very broad, and if anyone listens to the radio, our DJs are playing this type of music every hour, and our newspapers are featuring this type of music every day. These are the people who are nominating the acts and therefore , to me, it’s not really a surprise at all when I look at it that way.
The voting panel includes Ian Dempsey, The Daily Star, Cork Campus Radio, The clare People…I mean, these guys probably haven’t even heard of Adebisi Shank, The Spook, and all the other amazing albums that were overlooked.
I do, however, remember a whole load of hoo haa from various corners when SEBP won last year, so, to me, there’s no pleasing some people!
I can defo see why you would feel that way Nay, as I saw the CMP as being the Indie Foil to the over commercial Meteors and as a musician, it’s the one to aim for. But until the rules are changed, to favour Indie music more, anyone can be nominated and anyone can win.
“…But until the rules are changed, to favour Indie music more, anyone can be nominated and anyone can win…”
Awful, awful idea Rob.
To be honest, I am not a fan of the Script and I am bewildered somewhat at their inclusion, but to disregard them because of their past musical styles and their current status would be grossly irresponsible and would, if anything, damage the credibility of the Choice Music Awards to the point of no return.
…and where do you stop?
Do you discount various obscure genres because because it’s not in the public eye? Do you discount bands because they attain a certain level of success prior to the awards?
Who sets the bar for that? You?
Once again I am not a fan of the Script purely because I am not a fan of their output, but to discredit them for any other reason would ridicule both the awards and the Irish music industry as a whole.
The Script should have been discounted because they bring nothing to the table. The album is a collection of average songs produced very expensively. Judges who voted for the Script voted with their tapping toes instead of with their brains which means either they are not the experts they are presented as or they dont quite understand their responsibilities.
“…Judges who voted for the Script voted with their tapping toes instead of with their brains which means either they are not the experts they are presented as or they dont quite understand their responsibilities…”
Oh Christ…
Once again, i’m not a Script fan by any stretch of the imagination, but surely if a person is “toe-tapping”, then surely a connection of some level has been made with the listener.
If this is going to turn into one of these discussions where only “credible” artists are considered, then you can keep your Irish Music Industry because it will not be worth shit to anyone else.
“If this is going to turn into one of these discussions where only “credible” artists are considered, then you can keep your Irish Music Industry because it will not be worth shit to anyone else.”
This has absolutely nothing to do with credibility. If an album stands up then it stands up irrespective of genre but it has to offer something unique. The judges are not their to just reflect their own personal tastes, they are there to consider each album in the greater context in which it was released and decide whether it innovates or if it merely joins the racks of hordes of other albums that offer the exact same experience. If the judges merely reflect their own taste then all you have is the album that ten completely random people to like which could be any album at any time by absolutely anybody which is what The Script album is. There’s no snobbery at work in saying that’s a decidely average record - it just is. That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with buying & enjoying it but to reward it for innovation is just nonesense and an insult to innovation. And defending it’s inclusion merely because people are attacking it is sort of pointless too. I’d love to see an amazing pop record in the running but Ireland just doesnt have that tradition. I’d also love to see a serious trad record in there too but the panel just aint that sort of panel which is a serious shame and another matter entirely.
True, but it would seem that you’re is inferring that an album should be judged purely upon the idea of innovation as a gold standard as opposed to more “simply” structured material.
As I’ve said on many occasions here, I’m not a fan of the Script, but I believe absolutely that an album must be judged on the merits of both head and heart. Should one of those parts be discarded then the shape of music in this country (and any other) would surely be damaged.
Whether or not the Script need the extra attention or the money (which they very well might) is irrelevant here.
Another point that many people here - and on Jim’s blog - have missed out on is, is the fact that the Script’s album has sold very well to its target audience.
If you were to consider relative numbers of fans of pop/rock to the rather smaller number of listeners that many avart-garde genre’s get, then percentage sales generally even out across the board. One must consider the Script got nominated, because - possibly - people might actually… like and appreciate their output…
“Back into the flood again, same old trip it was baaaaack then…”
Oki so, obviously you’ll all realise that this is a subject dear to my heart so allow me to explain my thoughts. Might be a bit long but sure, you know I waffle at length :
Dave 0: I do think Adebisi’s album highlighted a particular current of Irish music in Ireland last year. To me and many others, it was the one we’d been waiting for. It personified the DIY ethos that’s been building steadily here for many years. AS are my favourites because they use their instruments and insight to create energetic music based on wholesome, simple streams of sound that collide in a gigantic, burning cascade of sound unlike anything else touted by other musicians in this country.
Where rock once harked back to the glory of Thin Lizzy, Rory ‘The Man’ Gallagher, U2 and later, My Bloody Valentine, when associated with bands in recent years, the term brought to mind unoriginal crap (MY OWN OPINION, all right, I’m not a fucking encyclopedia and while I do appreciate some of this stuff - Cathy Davey and Gemma Hayes are stellar talents) this is how Wiki classifies Irish Rock in the Noughties:
“In the current decade the music scene remains strong in Ireland. Singer/songwriter Damien Rice has achieved a great deal of success and critical acclaim internationally as has his cousin Stevie Mann with Belfast based band 9Lies. Groups such as Snow Patrol and The Thrills have also had significant international success. This decade has also produced a number of acclaimed solo singer/songwriters such as Paddy Casey, Duke Special, Damien Dempsey, Declan O’Rourke, Chris Singleton, Cathy Davey, Gemma Hayes, Mundy and Simple Kid.” Strong? Sure, because these styles are tried-and-tested and supported by a prudent, lazy media industry who find it easier to cover the same old, same old.
Then along come Adebisi Shank. Heathers. The Jimmy Cake. GiveAManAKick. Crayonsmith. The Spook of the Thirteenth Lock - you know there are more. They dared to be different whilst retaining a superb standard of quality, they inspired, revitalised, rejuvenated and reinvented the climate of music in this country and all of a sudden, we’re a green country again because we’re vibrant and alive. Making new sounds, drawing from a wealth of heritage but not relying upon it, not sticking to a tried and tested, safe formula of what’s been done before, this is the music that deserves more time in the spotlight, needs to be pushed out to the world as aural ambassadors of who we are now. The whole fucking world still thinks of us as a dishwater nation of singersongwriters. The Choice Prize is a step towards educating the global masses but if they’re not prepared to highlight such developments, how the hell can we expect the world to know who we really are?
Rob: there should not be rules when judging an entire year of national releases. Everyone should be nominated and anyone should have a chance of winning but definitely on the merit of their album and what it brings to our culture as a whole. The only rule should be to give EVERYTHING a chance…show me where in that list effort has been made to include the excellent, lesser-known records?
(taste knows no boundaries and there’s no reason to discount judges based on location or occupation - the Clare People recognised a mental speedcore band called Drugzilla as Clare People of the Year in December) your point about DJs etc not being aware of less commercial music just strengthens my point that the media is quite lazy. Shouldn’t there be an aesthetic of supporting music based on quality, rather than its factor as safe and good for ratings? And if those judges do not adhere to such ideals, why have they been selected? If a DJ plays The Script, Dirty Epics, The Kinetiks and Fight Like Apes, that’s well and good for the station but as the most esteemed annual recognition of Irish music, shouldn’t the judges be of a similar calibre and capable of discerning the utmost quality released in the year? I’m not saying all the judges are pants but there are obviously some really fucking skewered minds at work this year if an unoriginal pile like The Script has been voted in over such innovative work by The Spook or Vinny.
And racism aside
Mork - I couldn’t agree more. They do nothing for our culture. As I elaborate to Leigh:
Leigh : I don’t see where Rob discounted The Script based on previous styles.
They are banal, unoriginal tosh, deliberately produced to appeal to basic demands of a mainstream audience which supports similar shit like Westlife and so on. Should we fall into ecstasy because they put us on the map again? It’s embarrassing that the world’s most up-to-date representation of Irish music revolves around three boring fuckers. Because our media support this crap, we can’t be surprised that the world hasn’t got a clue what’s really going on here. How about sending out a message that to be nominated for the CMP, you have to make BRILLIANT pop songs? Like Land Lovers do, like Story of Hair do, like AS, The Jimmy Cake and The Spook of the 13th Lock make great rock songs? I am simply staggered and cannot comprehend which criteria allowed the inclusion of The Script’s album as a flagship Irish record of 2008.
My brain is fucking melting yo…
“As I’ve said on many occasions here, I’m not a fan of the Script, but I believe absolutely that an album must be judged on the merits of both head and heart”
That’s what I said in my last post. And structure in itself can be innovative as can delivery or energy or whatever. Innovation is not merely about appearing avant garde - that would be ridiculous - it can be subtle and can appear across any genre -as long as it advances the musical discourse somehow - which is why you get a panel of experts to notice and bring such things to public attention. And if you want to go down the road of equating sales with anything other than sales then you might as well go the whole hog and give the cash to the best seller of the year whomever that might be. White edgy soul with no soul and no edge and lyrics that sound like they were written by a puppy dog in a biker jacket should not qualify for consideration for an award that is supposed reward creativity.
See the problem lies in how people define the criteria for selection and an album’s worth.
Now, most of we bloggers are of the indie/alternative persuasion. I’m certianly no fan of The Script - it’s polished M-O-R stuff in my opinion - but the fact is that they are a successful Irish act and their album is liked by people - including the judges evidentally.
Judging an album solely on it’s innovation is a dangerous game as innovation and experimentation do not always equal quality. I was disappointed that SEBP won last year as bar a couple of tunes I didn’t think their album held up against some of the other nominees.
For what it’s worth I didn’t think The Script deserved a nod, but I don’t think they’ll win
“…And if you want to go down the road of equating sales with anything other than sales then you might as well go the whole hog and give the cash to the best seller of the year whomever that might be…”
Good God Mork,
Relative sales…. a bit more attention next time
I totally agree that the image of our country always seems to be one that follows others rather than leads. I think that’s imbedded in many people’s minds already, and yeah, it’s showing in some of the music our country has produced (as the saying goes, even though clearly our country doesn’t seem to support half of the bands who are doing things out of the ordinary). And maybe my previous statement about being reasonably pleased with the choices on the list is out of another habit we have - putting up with what we consider substandard because our expectations were so low, that what we got is better than we thought we’d get. Even with this in mind, I’m happy to see some good choices in there. Seeing as this award is the only credible one in the country (that I’m aware of), I cannot expect it to be without some more mainstream choices. I want a band to win who will have the same attitude as Biffy - to be daring enough to be ten peoples’ favourite band rather than a hundred people’s tenth favourite.
As I said on Jim’s blog, there’s a lack of infrastructure / subsidies offered to original bands who are doing something unique. The Shank were lucky to be able to get a grand from the Wexford Arts Council, but most of the Dublin grants go to jazz (and some great jazz too - Trihornophone come to mind). Where are the grants for the bands who could attain even half the status of the best bands on the CMP list if they had the support of the country? For Christ’s sake, Death From Above 1979 got a grant from the Canada Music Fund. They would hardly be the most mainstream of choices, but by God if they weren’t amazing and an inspiration to so many bands that followed them. Seeing as about 1 in every 3 people are in a band here (perhaps thats a conservative estimate…), if even a tenth of those bands were inventive and felt they could survive, this country would be in a better state musically. Many acts have to go elsewhere just to get notice - mike got spiked have spent most of the last 2 years touring America, and Simon and the Ghost are moving to Canada in the summer to release their album there because they don’t think there’s any hope for them here. Why do they have to go? Musically this country seems to be in better shape now than it has been since the days of Rory Gallagher, Thin Lizzy and early U2, but there has to be support for these acts and others like them if this country is going to be the same standard as Britain or America, and with the bands we have now we could be.
Dave,
The chances of that fund becoming more widespread or of something being put together to push bands forward is negligible now for fairly obvious economic reasons.
Even if the return was amazing, no government is going to want to be seen to spending on what so many in the country consider irrelevant.
“Good God Mork,
Relative sales…. a bit more attention next time”
Mind your tone. My point is that sales should not even be mentioned. They are not relevant in deciding the worth of a record.
My point was that when examining the relative fan base of different genre’s the relative sales, then actual numbers don’t come into it that much as the percentages are often the same.
This is an important feature, as it shows a youthful fanbase that are passionate enough to actually go out and buy their album. I find it amusing that you bother to mention my tone when so many here have openly insulted the intelligence of the fanbase of the Script (et al).
As I’ve said (too many times now) I’m not a fan of the Script - I find them quite boring and derivative; but then again, I have the same feelings about Adebisi Shank and God is an Astronaut.
Mort:
You wrote earlier on that judges should judge with their brain and not their toes (as it were), but that would do a disservice to an awful lot of artists and as I said earlier I can’t help but feel that you are knocking a bunch of people because of the musical company they keep.
“My point was that when examining the relative fan base of different genre’s the relative sales, then actual numbers don’t come into it that much as the percentages are often the same.”
No offence but I have absolutely no idea what this means. I cant make head nor tail of the syntax
“This is an important feature, as it shows a youthful fanbase that are passionate enough to actually go out and buy their album”
I dont think we’re talking about the same thing at all.
you know what..
i don’t think so either
Joe - Being liked does not make an album eligible. The mainstream has shit taste in music, as the Meteors show, and that’s what the CMP supposedly aimed to counter. It’s a prize awarded to records that deserve respect and acknowlegement for bringing something special to the Irish culture, not because it’s liked. If it was simply based on appeal we could expect to see The Script alongside your namesake Dolan, Mary Black, Enya, Paul Brady, Westlife, lalala. So no, they don’t deserve a nod, they don’t need further promotion, they don’t need the money and so a space that another artist DID need has been heedlessly thrown away.
Dave 0 - I think we’re following because international music has been given priority over home-grown bands. It’s been easier for those who handle cultural developments to check the scenes and trends abroad, find whats working for New York, Toronto, Tokyo and London, and then find something here that can be repackaged to fit in with a general consensus of cool. I’ve noticed in recent years we seem to have a huge potato on our shoulders in relation to Cool, if you’re not cool, get the fuck outta the way. And therefore music which isn’t fitting into that chilly climate must be pure shoyt, royt, because those lynchpins are the be-all and end-all of musical knowlege and if it ain’t on their radar, it ain’t worth bothering with.
Your point about putting up with things, or not expecting more, is pretty much bang on for me. At first I was glad to just see any Irish music getting a bit of respect but now the pennies have dropped and I see good music still takes a backseat to that which is safe. And because so much safe stuff’s being pushed all the time, our music fans are jaded because they don’t realise there’s actually a lot of better stuff on offer, and don’t know where to find it.
But I don’t wanna see this thread turn into a money spinner: at the time of our golden era - bah, I hate saying that but I see it as golden because it was the time when irish people listened to Irish music that made them proud to be Irish - there was NO money here. In fact, it was in the midst of recession, exactly the same situation we’re in now. No one had money to spare or spend on imported luxuries and as a result we turned an introspective eye on the state of affairs in the country and found a rather nice surprise waiting. Good, original new music built on foundations of creativity and hard work, powered by determination to surpass the traditional boundaries. If you switch the dancehall showbands of old for overhyped, vacuous imports doing the rounds now, and juxtapose the early Irish rockers for our contemporary artists who plug away for little reward, well, I see a lot of similarities in climate. It’s like we’re full circle back to the proven methods that sell and freeze out creativity because…well because deep down we’re still the rigid Catholic nation that feels unsettled by things we don’t wholly understand.
As for now, IT’S NOT ABOUT MONEY. It’s about faith and recognition. Bands don’t need money, they’re happy to work hard to support themselves and push their effort out into the spectrum. What they need in order to continue this is recognition from respected pinnacles propping up industry. They need support, consideration, faith and respect, they need to be heard and judged on merit not in comparison to what’s already worked before. Instead of another Kooks rip-off, we need to instill bands with the confidence to go out into the world and knock the generic and the bland out of the spotlight but how can that happen if their talents aren’t even illuminated here at home? The industry is like a parent - their role is to nurture and encourage intelligence and individuality in order for the ‘children’ to gain enough confidence to let go of the hand at the gates and venture into the schoolyard, ready to play and learn. So that the younger children yet to be see there’s nothing to be afraid of.
Mork - you’re great. Can I be Mindy?
Mork, Leigh is saying that it’s not absolute sales that are important in gauging a band’s popularity, but how prevalent they are in their own particular demo. For instance, Circle Takes A Square may only sell a few thousand records, but in terms of their standing within the post-hardcore genre they are extremely popular, whereas the likes of The View and other such muck might sell more records but are still minor acts relative to their own genre.
And I still don’t have a problem with the Script being on the list. It’s derivative in style, but it’s extremely well-composed and smartly-produced, which are both virtues I can really appreciate.
Awards are utterly irrelevant, without exception.
I don’t see why everyone is getting so worked up over it, is it the prize money? The supposed exposure?
If it is the latter I’m very skeptical as to the difference these awards would make.
If a band was filling venues before getting an award, they still will after.
However if they weren’t beforehand then they probably wont afterwards either, or if there is a difference made it would be temporary.
Dave,
I’ve a job going as my spokesman if you fancy it
Jaypurs. What are you all going to do when U2 are nominated (not a possibilty, an inevitability) next year? Will there be as big an outcry? Is it OK for them to be nominated and not The Script, because they’re the biggest band in the world? Is it OK for them to be nominated because they’ve been around for so long, or because they’re a rock band?
Let’s draw parallels between U2 and The Script.
a) Both signed to a major
b) Both hugely successful in Ireland and the UK (obviously further afield for U2, and inevitably The Script, too)
c) Both sound nothing like ‘Irish’ music is supposed to sound like (banjos and fiddles?). ‘Americanised’, you might say.
Yet U2 will get a free pass while The Script are demonised for one reason only, let’s face it: because they’re a pop band, and POP is a dirty word amongst you elitist snobs who like their bands without lyrics, and with plenty of angular guitars. Oh, and don’t forget, on an indie.
‘Missing the point’, doesn’t quite cover it.
say what you will about quantity vs quality re: adebisi, but the fact is, only half of those 23 minutes are any good. there are some belters there, to be fair, but having filler on what is essentially an EP is really bad form, especially when more consistent similar albums are available elsewhere in the huge pool of bands operating in addy shanks genre. admit it like, live is where they shine, and they dont really transfer over to record quite as well. best live band in the country - almost definitely…are there awards for that though? i dunno
[below is not directed at AS, just a generalisation]
fair enough, supporting irish bands is cool and all, but heaping praise on irish bands simply because they bring something new to the irish scene is redundant imho. for irish bands to get anywhere really, they need to be judged on the same criteria as international bands are. the backslapping that goes on between irish bands is ridiculous, most gigs these days are just full up of members of other similar bands etc. being friendly and sound and local are nice qualities to have and all but there’s gotta be something more to a local band. support irish bands based on quality, not nationality and those bands will be the ‘credible’ ones worthy of winning this ‘credible’ award in the future.
GIAA were adressed above, a highly derivative band. i dont care if they’re irish, and not particularly proud of their success. they are aping international acts and watering down those formulas for irish audiences if you ask me. the only reason they are succesful, i think, is because they operate in such a highly derivative cliched genre that unfortunately hasnt moved forward in quite a while and is paste it’s heyday for sure. come on like, there are/have been a million other better bands peddling this kinda sound around the world.
personally, i’ve only heard one amazing rish underground album (only one springs to mind at the moment anyway) that has been truly original and inventive in not imitating whatever else was prevailing in the country at the time, (incidentally, its only 31 minutes long, and has 9 songs, so it just about wouldnt fit). this one album eschewed recognisable influences & is tough to pigeonhole. its hard to identify this album as an irish album too… but then again this album, that had been 3 years in the making sank without a trace, and the band broke up soon after, so what the fuck do i know?
*sorry for causing offence here, ill never post drunkenly on the internet again, i swear!… though i thought i remained suprisingly coherent over the course of the hour it took me to get this off my chest :)*
Dave - Since when is it the ProTools Prize? It’s about quality, originality and deserving more recognition and time in the spotlight.
Andy - the bands don’t make albums for awards but it doesn’t mean they don’t deserve them.
Spider - you are of course entitled to your own opinion but will you ever get real? I don’t think I’ve ever welcomed a newcomer to my blog with such a fuming comment but honestly, U2 as inevitable contenders for next year’s Prize? For a start, there’s no way of guessing who’ll be choosing in 2010.
I think it’s highly unlikely but even, even IF they find life on Mars, Sarah Palin goes Britney, Jape gets to number one and U2 make the list, they’d never win it. Feel free to come back next year with a nice vinaigrette and watch me eat my words,
Anon - HALF the 23 minutes any good? Only shine as a live band? Derivative? By Gaw, only for your addition of the get-out clause of being drunk do I forgive you. That album is brilliant from start to blistering finish, IMHO. I don’t know who you mean by equally worthy candidates in AS’ genre but I didn’t hear of a better album last year - and please, please, please do feel free to recommend.
Heaping praise on Irish bands because they bring something new to the Irish scene is redundant - man, you really were drunk! Of course they deserve praise for this - on one hand you’re dismissing derivative bands and the next, slating the original! Which is it?
Gigs are full of people in bands because a) a huge number of music lovers in this country make music themselves, b) they are supporting the people who come to their gigs,
The Irish thing rides high here because this is an Irish music blog first and foremost. There’s no better criteria to judge bands than their immediate climate, We all listen to so many international bands that each Irish act is automaticaly compared to those we already know and like. They in turn have to measure up to each other in terms of quality, creativity and deliverance in order to progress through the ranks of music structure here in order to prosper and move on to bigger and better things. So yeah, I bloody will compare Floyd Soul and the Wolf to BATS and say “eh, you’re not doing much for me, although you both scream lyrics, aesthetically the one making better music - original vocals, arrangement, delivery- is the one I’ll see on my night off and spend my squids on.” It’s really rather simple.
As for GIAA “derivative” point, fair enough as I said to Dave, but what the bloody hell are Mick Flannery, Lisa Hannigan, Oppenheimer, MJEX and The Script if not derivative of dozens of artists we’ve already heard before? How many singer songwriters were mentioned in that wiki excerpt? Fecking loads, so it looks as though derivative is not a negative characteristic for Choice Prize contenders. I’d rather see The Spook nodded in place of any of those others as I think their album fused such an eclectic blend of trad, rock, instrumental and their own twists so well and yes, because they brought something new and fresh to Irish music!
And I think you’re talking about Waiting Room. Great record but if there’s no band around to push it, it’s only rational to see it sink.
[...] and your time. Pick up the records nominated for this year’s Choice Music Prize or those that didn’t make the grade. Educate your family. Be generous to your friends. Or buy something new - JulieDave have great [...]
I know bands don’t make albums for awards, my comment was directed at the people (not the bands) getting so worked up over something so utterly meaningless that will be forgotten the week after.
Go to gigs. Buy EP’s and albums. Basically, support your bands in any way you can, fuck awards.
Spider- missing the point indeed, only you’re the guilty one. We were having a lovely discussion until you crashed through the ceiling.
Nay- it’s about quality, sure, but since when is it about innovation? From what I’ve seen, they’ve got an open remit, so foot-tapping and derivative is just as welcome as innovative and refreshing. Perhaps we should only reward boundless innovation, but I’m sure a condition like that would exclude tonnes of albums both of us love.
As for MJEX being derivative, I can’t say I agree. Three months later and I’m still discovering new secrets in it.
Rob Cumiskey: “The voting panel includes Ian Dempsey, The Daily Star, Cork Campus Radio, The clare People…I mean, these guys probably haven’t even heard of Adebisi Shank, The Spook, and all the other amazing albums that were overlooked.”
Dude, that’s so wrong! Just because the Clare People for example is a regional paper does NOT mean that the writer doesn’t have a clue about music! You do realise not all music journalists start off working for the Irish Times, yeah? That’s why it’s called a career ladder. Also it may have escaped your notice but it’s not just Dubliners who have access to record shops/the internet/music mags/gigs etc.
For god’s sake man.
And I worked at Campus Radio for five years and can assure you the people working there DO know their stuff about music - have you even bothered to listen to it? There are so many quality shows on it and really passionate people working there.
As for Ian Dempsey and the Daily Star dude, sure, Ian’s taste is quite mainstream but how do we know he hasn’t heard those bands? Or the daily star journo?
This sort of ‘feck the culchies’ mentality really gets my hackles up.
*ahem* sorry for hijacking the post Nay but i felt that really had to be said!
Andy - I can’t speak for anyone else but that’s exactly what I’ve been doing for a long time now. I was sent an AS CD in the post from their label, I was given two at the launch party and gave them away to friends, and still went out and bought a hard copy to keep myself. Now, I’m probably opening up for all manner of derision by admitting to this but feck off, anyone.
Dave - That’s fair enough if you’re finding new sounds from the album months down the line. I listen to a fair bit of hip hop and I do appreciate what MJEX are gunning for, and I’m happy to see them included for the second time, but why is that cool for them to remodel previously applied hip hop stylings, and yet not for GIAA with post rock?
Aoife, by all means, jump right in! You made excellent points. There’s absolutely no basis to dismiss judges on their occupational region. Hell, as I said, Adebisi Shank scored funding from Wexford Arts Council and yet continue to be ignored by supposedly enlightened media who vote for The Script….
Well GIAA work with a formula and MJEX are constantly innovating. I mean lots of the music I listen to is derivative, so I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, just that I don’t think the Script should be held to one standard and GIAA another simply because their music is more palatable.
But isn’t that exactly what’s happened in the CMP?
Exactly! There were no solid criteria so people made their own. And that’s probably the best way to do it, I dunno.
Much as I would have loved to see a broader selection, a more diverse array, greater emphasis on originality and creativity…I can’t argue with that.
Have a good weekend people, if you’re just leaving work!
Yeah seen that eligibility thing alright!! Well thats just bollox that AS or VC werent considered!! Although not surprised when Ian ‘fucking’ Dempsey is a judge!?!?!? What the fuck!!!?
Also regarding FLApes?!?!? Im not questioning that theyre hard working but thats beside the point, my da is hard working but I dont see him nominated?!? Anyone that thinks their music is good is clearly aurally challenged!! John Meagher said the same thing in the indo today and he couldnt be more right as far as im concerned!! Just shows that ya dont need to be able to play music once ya have loads of media and blogger mates……that gives proper musicians so much hope in the poxy fucking incestual country!!!
“Heaping praise on Irish bands because they bring something new to the Irish scene is redundant - man, you really were drunk! Of course they deserve praise for this - on one hand you’re dismissing derivative bands and the next, slating the original! Which is it?”
im not slating original bands here at all. i stand by what i said, perhaps i should have articulated it better though. essentially what i meant was, originality, and being unique compared to other irish bands are two different things. standing out from irish bands doesnt necessarily mean you’re doing something totally new. you could easily be copying a style that no other irish band has yet thought to copy y’know? sure its better than following the prevailant trends in your town or scene, but to call it original is still not entirely accurate. bringing something truly new, like the spook lads referenced below, of course, is totally admirable,commendable etc but its rare and hard as fuck to do. as you say —
“I’d rather see The Spook nodded in place of any of those others ”
seconded and backed hard. fantastic record. deserved to win, let alone get nominated, because its unparalled and peerless at the moment.
“And I think you’re talking about Waiting Room. Great record but if there’s no band around to push it, it’s only rational to see it sink.”
nope, wasnt referring to waiting room, ive only got their OOAL record ‘catering for headphones’. because of the stipulation that the band broke up soon after i assume you’re referring to their newest record? battle lines….? havent heard it, cant comment on it. and wow, the record im talking about must really have sunk without a trace entirely, almost no google results on it whatsoever. ‘the cultural coupon’ by ‘2wenty 2wo’ is the record in question
*for the record i like all the bands referenced thus far (bar maybe GIAA) - AS, waiting room, oppenheimer,jape, Bats etc… they are great bands like, who put on good shows, but if this award is supposed to be a big deal, they’re not worthy.. but of course it isnt a big deal, so i dont really care who gets it, ill carry on listening to what i like regardless. this award isnt gonna make me run out and buy any record, regardless of how original or ‘original’ it is.
anyway, im rambling again, gluck
Stu - Ah I’d say with a fair degree of certainity they were considered, they just didn’t make the grade. As in, they probably came on 2 or even 3 judges’ lists but simply lost out on points in the face of more popular choices from the remainder.
Anon - I understand now exactly what you mean about original vs unique and concur. For example The Kinetiks stand out to more people in the grand scene of things even though say, Hooray for Humans are a better band. So it was I who should have been clearer in my definitions, but it kinda feels like I just learned something, so thanks.
Absolutely right that the Spook of the Thirteenth Lock have made the biggest contribution to Irish music and others simply made good albums without the commendable virtue of true individuality.
The prize should be a big deal though, it’s generated enough controversy and publicity on this scale to reveal Irish people do want to see good music recognised. We don’t buy albums so that bands win stuff, but we do hope our opinions count for something and should be represented as equal to those who like The Script. It seems we’re stuck in a circle of wanting our music to prosper and grow but that doesn’t happen because no one’s prepared to give it a chance.
So here we are in the aftermath of my indignation and I try to see the whole selection process with a cold eye: the last few days have made me question the omission of various albums. If the Prize shortlist and winner are markers of taste amongst powerful figures in music media, the same who neglect to include albums I and others love very much - well, who has the bad taste? Are The Script and Mick Flannery really better musicians than Adebisi Shank and Spook 13 or has the prize shifted direction in its distinguishing criteria? Does it now aim to involve mainstream tastes rather than highlight individual merit, or are the judges involved not actually very diverse or appreciative of the intricate musical developments in new Irish music? Are some albums just so obviously excellent to us on the fringes that we take it for granted everyone in the land should be listening to Story of Hair and So Cow? I can hear Heathers in every teenager’s bedroom but the reality is, it’s The Script. The fucking Script. Adebisi Shank and The Spook of the Thirteenth Lock deserved a place in the official meritorious album round up of the year but didn’t make it as responsible judges pitted their votes into different choices. If I and others think The Script are crap and demeaning to Irish music, and filling places worthy of better bands, is that the media’s fault as the CMP panel has deftly proved who’s pushing this stuff to the masses?
Y’know, the key rub in all of this is we are a tiny fishbowl of music industry, so densely condensed that the actual influence of the Choice Music Prize doesn’t stem very far and its value lies in the high demands of musicians, music lovers and media. It’s a landmark of independent music but simply here in Ireland amongst people who appreciate it. I’d say there aren’t many Script fans aware of the Prize’s existence before now and there are Script fans all over the world, in bigger cities and offices than ours. Could it be that so far none of the winners have gone on to any miraculous difference in their career thus not expanding the Prize’s importance? SEBP’s win last year only emanated through the existing underground electro-rock fanbase and if Adebisi had won, how far would it carry them/they carry it? By involving more prolific contenders whose supporters might listen out for their successors this time next year from bases in London and LA, presents an opportunity to open the door for the Prize’s reputation to spread further afield and bring newly-touted bands to a wider range of ears…helping guys like Jape who deserve to be number 1 get a step closer to achieving that.
In the long run that could prove a positive reward for unconventional bands, if widening their audience is their aim. That list is actually broad enough to attract a range of consumers who bought and do buy music. Just by alerting the masses who like boybands, juxtaposing that with decent artists like Jape and RSAG and continuing to choose people who are actually in touch with a wide-ranging awareness of albums, perhaps there’s hope for those M.O.R. consumers to cop on to realise there’s much more to our culture than the obvious sales, more independent, innovative music being made at home and so get to work loosening the firm barriers between mainstream and independent song.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m still outraged at the omissions but the fact is the selection is at the discretion of the judges; If they didn’t realise the importance of Adebisi and Spook 13, maybe they do know. Maybe they’ll end up writing or talking about them more. And maybe next year more astute choices will be made, and maybe justice will be done.
I feel a bit guilty about bandying “hard working” around so much…technically any band trying to make a success of music faces hard work. But as Stu said, everyone knows hard work. When I say what about “decent, hard working bands who are more deserving” I mean those whose styles are shunned for conventional sound but still continue to plug away at gigs and releases, who work by day, gig by night, drive miles around the country from venue to the next, meeting new people and old faithfuls, to support their own costs and triumph independently in the face of opposition. That’s hard to do when your country doesn’t believe in you and chooses a pile of shit to listen to instead.
Yeah i totally agree with your last point there nay!! I think all Irish bands are doing something they believe in and so hard work just comes naturally!! I just think that if media are judging these things based on sales/airplay, ‘trendyness’ and their friendship with said acts then this country is in a sorry state musically…and the good stuff will never rise to the top!
I would like to think im completely off the mark but sadly, i dont think i am!
Well that was a well spent half hour. Reading these posts reminds me of why I left pitiful Ireland in the first place. Cynicism, jealousy and selfishness are blatantly ripe in you so called ‘fans’ of the Irish music scene.
How many of you actually took the time to listen to all the albums start to finish and maybe even look into the background of each individual artist?
You criticise based on a snap judgement and make ridiculous comments alluding to the assumption that none of these artists need the money or the recognition this award will bring.
My personal choice after listening to all the albums is White Lies by Mick Flannery. The guy still works on a building site every week in order to get by and at 25 the guy shows a maturity in his music & lyrics that is incomparable.
Feel free to tear me to shreds because your favourite local singer who you had a pint with once in the pub down the road didn’t make the selection. I appreciate that you and everyone you know think they are amazing but, fortunately, those that know music made the right choice.
Enjoy your cynicism, revel in making a stand for your favourite band that is what being a true fan is about but do not however demean those that are being given a head start.
Hang on Freak, YOU criticise based on YOUR own snap judgement of these readers, or myself, I’m not entirely clear on who your disgust was aimed at but pot, kettle, re-read your comment and the cynicism jumps out,
When did anyone dismiss Mick Flannery? The overriding feeling is contempt for The Script. When did anyone display selfishness, jealousy or cynicism? Just because some people disagree with the final tally of 2008’s musical quality, it makes us cynical? I’ll tear you to shreds for one thing only - where do you get off attacking people for voicing their own opinion?
Pehaps they HAVE listened to all the albums. I know I’ve heard 90%. And I know where the list is failing to reflect the Irish music climate. So, what about you? I don’t think you’ve even heard of the names ventured by readers here, because regardless of personal taste, no decent Irish music lover can hand-on-heart say Spook of the 13th Lock or The Jimmy Club didn’t deserve to be on that list.
Mick Flannery? By gosh, you ARE out of touch -Sure he’s a lovely guy and makes sweet guitar songs but he’s not doing anything to set himself apart from dozens of others with similar dreams. It’s funny to hear you play the stonemason card when the man signed a major deal with EMI - and you still think he needs a headstart? As for The Script - number ones all the over the shop. What headstart do they need?
For every Mick Flannery there are stil thousands more Irish people working away at grinding day jobs and going out to make music, largely ignored because those responsible for cultural representation display all the emotion and depth of a teaspoon.
I’ll tell you who needs a headstart. An instrumental band who blended the finest quality traditions of Irish rock with their own contemporary vision. The solo singer who’s not afraid to sing of incongruity of the mind. the pop band whose Cheap Rate LP is chock-full of bright, dreamy, commanding songs unlike any other on the market. A math rock band who carved up 2008’s preconceptions of live performance, of album quality, of ethic and genuinity - though Adebisi Shank don’t give a flying fuck whether or not they win, those of us who buy albums and read papers want them to win.
We want someone to win who will go out into the world and surprise, enthrall, compel. Considering the bottleneck situation of brilliant musicians who should be heard but never are, because the way out’s so jammed with trite, it would be a breath of fresh air to see the Irish music media make a few daring choices. Where’s the pride? Is it The Script? I can’t speak for anyone else but they don’t make me feel anything at all…that’s how devoid and bland their album is.