Jim Carrolon music
It has probably not escaped your attention that there's a big music and arts bash on in Co Laois this weekend. Here's On The Record's rough guide to the 10 musical acts you really should see at the Electric Picnic.
1. Grace Jones:C'mon, how often do you get the chance to see the star of Conan the Destroyerin a field in Ireland? Pulling up the bumper with the most style ever seen at the Picnic.
2. FoalsThe album is called Antidotesand it's a riot of nimble, angular, spiky post-everything pop. By all accounts, one of the highlights at last weekend's Reading festival.
3. Silver ApplesThe only band at the fest who took their name from WB Yeats's The Song of the Wandering Aengus, they're the cult Sixties oddballs behind a string of wobbly psychedelic avant-garde tunes like Program.
4. WilcoThe Chicago band have consistently proven to be one of the strongest and most enthralling live acts around.
5. DiploThe Mad Decent DJ and producer behind the Santogold "Top Ranking" mix-tape rocks Bodytonic's main stage on Sunday.
6. Dan DeaconThe Baltimore resident's Future Days fest appearance in June was a splendid mix of hugely idiosyncratic electro high jinks and playground tomfoolery.
7. My Bloody ValentineCaution: loud buggers at work. Kevin Shields and friends close the weekend in the Electric Arena. Ear-plugs and early arrival recommended.
8. The GossipBecause you know that Standing In The Way Of Controlwill beat absolutely anything else on the main stage on Sunday (yeah, we're talking about you, Johnny Rotten).
9. Dengue FeverAnyone for some sultry Cambodian rock and pop? Yes? In that case, make an orderly queue by the World Music Stage on Sunday.
10. Lisa HanniganExpect a very full tent when the Ticket cover star makes her appearance on the Crawdaddy stage on Saturday evening. We think her Sea Sew album is set to be one of the releases of the year.
At this weekend's Electric Picnic, there will be a special event in the Leviathan Marquee featuring readings by authors who have contributed to The Irish Times/Amnesty series of short stories. Each event will be followed by a panel discussion chaired by Irish TimesFeatures Editor, Hugh Linehan
SATURDAY4pm-5.30pm Hugo Hamilton, Ann Marie Hourihane, Kevin Barry and Roddy Doyle
SUNDAY4.30pm-6pm Claire Keegan, Anne Enright, Mark O'Halloran and Glenn Patterson
A Tower of strength for a decade-and-a-half
Anyone for a good news story from the music retail sector? While the Tower Records brand may have disappeared from US streets in the last few years, the Dublin store trading under that name celebrates 15 years of business in the city in September.
The Wicklow Street shop will be marking its landmark birthday with a host of local talent performing in-stores during the month.
The birthday series kicks off on September 13 with The Blizzards, Jenny Evans, Carly Sings and Lisa Hannigan.
Others appearing during the month are Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin (16), Pugwash (17), Chequerboard and Rollers/Sparkers (23), The Coronas (24), Cowboy X and Ham Sandwich (25) and We Should Be Dead (26).
Clearly not a foggy notion
With promoters finding it difficult to shift tickets for more and more shows, expect the "unforseen circumstances" excuse to make a lot of appearances in the coming months to explain away why shows are cancelled Maybe the answer to punter apathy is more recession-busting gigs? Dublin indie promoters Foggy Notions think so and they've put together a fine new music four-pack for next month.
The bash features Baltimore's Ponytail (who have just released their new album Ice Cream Spiritual), rising Kilkenny electronica act R.S.A.G., Dublin's Vinny Club and London's Gentle Friendly.
Tickets for the show, at Whelan's in Dublin on September 10th, are €14.
