Tag: blog

August 6th: MICK FLANNERY & SUSAN O’ NEILL Live Album, CAOILIAN & TESSA In-store this Friday, FTIL In-store Signing this Saturday, GAZA Fundraiser, and lotsa releases

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Hi all!  Ray is away again this week on a well deserved break so its the two of us again. Lots to announce so Ill keep this part short. Have a good read below! 

 

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First up is an instore thats very close. This Friday in fact. Its the one and only Caoilian Sherlock with the amazing Tessa Rose Jackson! 

  

People. They released a (sad) duet a little while ago and its as earwormy as it get. One of the songs you wake up with in your head and go to bed still humming it. 

 

Kicks off at 6pm this Friday the 8th and its free entry

 

Heres the track “Sad Duet”: https://youtu.be/-iqJKZ5Zvyw?si=-SDB5XtRXYQsmTQh

 

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Releases for the 8th of August include…

Next bit to announce is is a nice one. For fans of For Those I Love, he’ll be here on Saturday the 9th at 2PM. To get entry to this one ye’ll have to pick one of the options here on our website. He’ll be signing records and having a chat so will be a nice afternoon in the shop!

Releases for the 15th of August are

 

Ray left a note before he left for Kerry. Heres what he said: 

Hi folks

Im writing this little piece on Sunday afternoon for the lads to put in the newsletter weds coming before i head off for a few days in Kerry. This is not a political piece, its simply a humanitarian piece. I have never mentioned this on these pages before but its to the forefront of my mind most days…Gaza.

Im sure a lot of you like me are just completely horrified and numbed by what is going on

there. It really is hard to fathom in a modern society. A man made famine. Not too dissimilar

to what happened in our own country 170 years ago. How is this allowed to happen? Im sure you feel rather helpless about it as I do.

My dear friend Mick (Monk) who is with us most Fridays of the year (some of you know him as

sandals!) and his daughter Jess have over the last few months been supporting families directly in Gaza. Jess got in contact via the internet months back now and has built relationships with numerous families over in Gaza. Some of these families have tragic rips in their family units now. 

We here have supported Mick and Jess’s project a few times over the last few

months, ah sure its getting really critical there now. We are putting it up on the newsletter if

folks want to donate 10 or 20 euro or whatever they can. Don’t buy a record next week or

whatever it takes. A donation would be brilliant… 

I can vouch for Mick and Jess 100 million percent, your donation will make a difference to some families over in Gaza. 

Here is Jess with a few words and the link to donate…xx

“Hi all, my name is Jess, and many of you know my Dad Mick Monk, a regular in Music Zone. I just want to take a moment to tell you about the work I am doing to get food and clean water directly to displaced families in Gaza.

Many of you will be aware that Gaza is facing a man-made famine. Scarcity means the price of basics is astronomical. Flour costs up to $50 per kilo, and a family needs $100+ a day to survive. There is also a severe cash scarcity. Every cash withdrawal is charged up to 52% in commission. People simply can’t afford basics, and are drinking salt water to appease hunger.

The aid that gets in is minimal and immediately looted by armed gangs working with the occupation and sold back to people at unaffordable prices. Those who can’t afford food are forced to go to distribution sites where massacres take place every day.

Standard organizations can’t distribute supplies, so grassroots aid is critical. I am in touch with friends and contacts there daily and I work with my contacts and others supporting families to supply basic needs and send messages of support. Any donations make a huge difference and bring hope”

Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=ZRD8SDJGP59W8&no_recurring=0&item_name=Donate+to+help+Displaced+Families+in+Gaza+&currency_code=USD

Email: jmonkjem@gmail.com

Back to Ray here now. Can I ask ye as well as donating could ye share around on yer social

media stuffs as well please. (Cheeky monkey i know) whats 20 quid?Please please xx

Adam here again. Great cause folks so please give what you can and a little of what you cant. The fact its gone on so long is our greatest failure as a planet… 

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Onto the week of the 22nd of August 

Oasis – Complete Studio Album Collection / Box Set 8CD

Electronic – Raise The Pressure & Twisted Tenderness Reissues (2LP Black Vinyl)

The Who – Live at the Oval 1971 (CD/2 LP)

With 35,000 in attendance, on September 18, 1971 The Who headlined Goodbye Summer: A Rock Concert in aid of Famine Relief for the People of Bangladesh at The Oval cricket ground in Kennington, south London. Newly mixed from the original 8-track analog multi-track tapes, this concert shows The Who continuing their dominance as the top live rock band of the era. The outstanding performance culminates in Pete Townshend and Keith Moon destroying their equipment in a grand finale.

Miles Davis – Miles ’55: The Prestige Recordings (2CD/3LP)

  • Chris Stapleton – Traveller (10 Year Anniversary) (Coloured LP/Indies Coloured LP)

The Smashing Pumpkins – Machina/The Machines Of God 25th Anniversary (CD/2LP)

CD – 25th anniversary edition. Newly remastered CD reissue of this Pumpkins’ classic. Includes “The Everlasting Gaze,” “Stand Inside Your Love” and “Try, Try, Try.”

2LP – 25th anniversary edition. Newly remastered 180g vinyl reissue of this Pumpkins’ classic. Includes “The Everlasting Gaze,” “Stand Inside Your Love” and “Try, Try, Try.”

 

Then from Integral on the 29th we have:

Thats all from me folks so Ill hand ye over to Shane. Hope to see ye at Caoilian & Tessa! 

Thanks, Adam!
Hi all, hope ye’re all ok as can be.

Well said about Gaza above by Ray and Adam, and a massive well done to Mick and his Daughter, Jess, for their efforts. I hope people will support.
It’s tragic and horrific what is happening there every day, and to voice support for Palestine is absolutely not anti-semetic. People have enormous sympathy for the genocide that happened to the Jewish people in World War 2. But now there is a genocide happening to the Palestinian people, it is seperate to what happened in the 40s.
Torture is happening on a mass scale to a people who can’t really defend themselves so that’s why people want to help.
I know that probably goes without saying but we’ll say it anyway.
It feels like we’re powerless most of the time, but things like this can certainly help.

On the releases for síos an bothair, there’s a really exciting Irish one this week to mention:
MICK FLANNERY & SUSAN O’ NEILL – In the Game (Live 2021-2025)

It’s coming out on October 17th on CD or Vinyl! In my opinion, in the top 3 Irish albums of the last decade. We played the hell out of it in-store around release time. Brilliant hooks and lyrics. And their voices really compliment each other on it. To hear it live here with crowd reactions/interactions will be very cool.
Here’s a bit more info on it:
“July 28In late February 2020, Mick Flannery and Susan O’Neill took to the stage of The Late Late Show in Ireland fora striking performance of their standout song, “Baby Talk” released the following week. What began as a one-off collaboration quickly sparked a creative connection between the two artists, one that would evolve into something much greater.

Soon after, Mick and Susan began writing and recording together, ultimately crafting a full album of original material. The result was In the Game, released in September 2021 to widespread acclaim. The record debuted atNo. 1 on the Irish Independent Albums Chart, remained in or near the Top 20 for several weeks, and went on to become the biggest-selling album in Ireland by a non-major label that year.

They tookIn the Game on the road throughout 2022, touring extensively across Europe and North America.Their live shows captivated audiences, with the album’s songs forming the backbone of a moving, timelessnarrative—about musicianship, love, struggle, and life onand off the stage. Over time, In the Game has becomea cherished album, continuing to resonate with listeners both in Ireland and abroad.

Now, five years on from that first performance, a live record captured across a series of shows from 2021 to2025—will be released this October, accompanied by a nationwide Irish tour and select UK dates.”

Here’s that Late Late Show performance: https://youtu.be/i5htWVUruxM?si=9nVm572b6dQW1wLz

Will be a great one to get. And it’s very reasonable too.

Here’s everything else (sorry if we missed bits this week, Ray usually sends us more stuff when he’s here):

Last but not least, there’s a brand new album from JEFF TWEEDY of Wilco, and it’s massive! It’s called ‘Twilight Override‘. out September 26th on 3 CD or 3 LP.
Here’s a bit more infor about it:
“Arriving five years after 2020’s “surreal and acutely felt” (New York Times) pandemic-era reflection, Love Is The King, Twilight Override is an intentional, sprawling three disc album, a testament to creativity in the face of overwhelming darkness. Recorded and self-produced by Tweedy at his Chicago studio, The Loft, with engineering and mixing from Tom Schick, Twilight Override features Chicago-based friends and family: James Elkington, Sima Cunningham, Macie Stewart, Liam Kazar, and Tweedy’s children Spencer and Sammy.

The three chapters of Twilight Override stand alone, but together, they tell a story of the past, present, and future. Each of today’s singles is picked from one of the discs comprising Twilight Override, offering a peek at the musical and thematic range to come.”
Here’s one of the singles:
https://youtu.be/uqnWfHkCPT8?si=AK7ij715OwucpU2p

Think that’s all from us this week.

Before I go, have a look at the WhazOn website: https://www.whazon.com/
Lots going on worth going to there.

Thanks a mill for listening as always.
Shane, Adam Og, Mia and Ray from hols

July 30th: Last call for CRY BEFORE DAWN, FTIL In-store Signing, new MAC DEMARCO, DAVID GILMOUR Live, LED ZEPPELIN 50th, SLIPKNOT and a FOUR TET Single

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Hi folks

Hope all is well with ye.

Thanks to those of ye in for SODA BLONDE, it was a lovely instore and they were lovely to deal with … .thanks to Ger for his ( free)  photography as usual!!

 

Releases in the siopa for this Friday the 1st August include

 

The Cry before Dawn EP is out this Friday as flagged above….there is a beautiful splattered vinyl version, blk vinyl or cd available.

They are playing on Tuesday night the 5th of August in the Crane lane, we are running it with the lads in the band  and the Crane … .doors are 7pm for the show on the 5th Aug….its to launch the EP here in Cork.

To gain access to the show, all you need to do is buy the splatter or black vinyl or the cd and this will get you into the Cork launch …links here or  on the site or just drop into us Friday or Saturday and we will sort it

Its a really good EP if you were a fan of this band back in the day…a real return to top form

Heres the newest tune from the EP

Peace and Freedom

Spread the word people please!!

Releases then for the 8th of August include…

FOR THOSE I LOVE return with a new album “ carving the stone” on Friday 8th August.

The debut album from “ for those i love” ( the musical project of Dave Balfe) won the Choice Irish album of the year in 2021 or maybe 2022.

So Dave ( FOR THOSE I LOVE) returns with his second record, there is an Irish only pressing on Orange vinyl, and a CD.

FOR THOSE I LOVE will be in the shop on Saturday 9th of August @ 2 pm for a meet and greet and to sign copies of the new album ( no performance this time) for anyone who wants one signed…..if you cant make it and want a signed copy then buy it from the site or let us know and we will get it sorted for you.

Here is the newest tune from the new record….the lad is a modern day Irish poet in fairness to him…. Big Bohs fan i think  but we wont hold that against him…will get a very warm welcome here in the siopa….delighted to have him down … .sorry the new tune is here now…

For Those I Love – Mirror (Visualiser)

 

Its a bank holiday weekend folks … .(winters nearly here as well)….so we are closed Monday the bank holiday.

I hope to be on a week’s hols next week so I may not be here at all or may be in and out a little bit.

Adams’ very dear grandfather is very unwell at the moment.

Main week for this week is releases for the 15th of August so if you like the look of anything then please shout!

( note re the Coldplay LP reissues above….in fairness, a lot of these are very well priced for todays market)

Here is a tune from it….the wonderful Mac is back

Mac DeMarco – Home

MAZZY STAR IS ONLY OPEN TO ACCOUNTS REGISTERED FOR RSD – STOCK IS LIMITED ( cant promise this to anyone)

Got a tip from one of the reps earlier today…Greg Freeman….mean anything people?

It didnt to me either….but rep sent a link to the album which i must say really did grab my attention….MJ Lend vibes definitely going on, Mount Eerie also ( but not as dark)….really really enjoyed it….i dont think Greg is well known ( yet) just 500 subscribers on youtube but this is definitely worth a little bit of attention i think….here is a tune….rep says he has a couple of signed lyric books available to us…only a couple i think….its available on CD, LP and indies LP

Shout if it grabs your attention

Greg Freeman – Curtain (Official Video)

Going to hand ye over to Shane now as he takes ye down the road as usual ( it was a messy one for us all today)

Sound, Ray!
Hello y’all! Hope yere having a good week.
Yeah, Ray, a messy one alright. We’re getting way more jobs to do this year. Pre-orders, listening party links, promo things, chart approval and things like that.
It’s good that there’s a buzz about the shop but it can be a tad more stressful than it used to be.

I’m not going to toe the company line today! I could mention the DAVID GILMOUR new Live release or LED ZEPPELIN – Physical Graffiti 50th Anniversary 3 LP but instead I’m going to talk about one of my favourite bands since my teens.
Yes, SLIPKNOT are bringing out a deluxe 25th Anniversary version of their classic debut album on September 5th!
I remember having to smuggle Slipknot CDs into my house as a 12/13 year old. My parents were horrified by all their swearing and aggressive antics on stage. I insisted though.
I suppose I did turn out a bit off so maybe I should have listened to them.
Also remember buying a few Slipknot albums off Ray in Carrigaline, specifically Vol. 3 on release day off him.
Anyway, their debut is pure class. They had a really unique sound when it came out. Still do really.
There will be a 2 CD or black and red coloured 2 LP available from us. Those will have extra demo tracks, different mixes and bonus track Purity and Eeyore.
I was hoping to pick up the box set of this from their website, but alas it sold out before I could gather the money. Probably better off to be honest as the customs fees etc would have been mad.
So, yeah, class metal album! The intro track and opener (sic) is one of the best album intros ever in my opinion:
https://youtu.be/HHpnqLna0RQ?si=L-OEoUhcgdW4prB9

Here’s the list of everything else for ye:

Before I go, here’s a short vid of the CRY BEFORE DAWN EP getting pressed in Anthem Vinyl:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMkzUhaMh9O/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Slán

Thanks Shane

Sin e for this week folks

Thanks for listening as usual

Ray, Shane, Adam Og and Mia

July 23rd: RIP Ozzy. SODA BLONDE this Saturday in-store! New BLACK KEYS, new LAST DINNER PARTY and totes, WAR OF THE WORLDS Box Set, NIN Soundtrack, TOM PETTY Blu Ray, and doggie trouble.

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Hi folks

Hope all is well enough folks, 

Ozzy has left us….a great character, Sabbath and Oz had a huge influence on so many.

Edmundo ( a regular with us) was in Villa Park just a couple of weeks back to see him….Ozzy managed four songs….im fairly sure he knew the end was very near …recent boxset named “ see you on the other side”…it was like a religious experience i was told ( the gig in Birmingham)

Rest in Peace Ozzy , one of a kind

Black Sabbath ~ War Pigs

Releases for the 25th of July  include…

Well well well, i work from home on Mondays and was back in the shop yesterday morning about 20 minutes id say and who is in,  only “Tipp lad”….we see him about twice a year and he only has money once every couple of years, but i see him 36 hours after the final whistle….uncanny!!

Only messing Tipp lad….as i said to him, it must be the sweetest and one of the greatest All Irelands Tipp has ever won….it is in my living memory anyway….and do you know what, fair feckin play to them , fully deserved, fully fully deserved, its there to be won and they reached out and grabbed it.

This Cork team has given us great days again this year and have to pick themselves up now again … .really tough few days and weeks ahead for these young lads … .but going again is the only answer. That’s sport.

Anyhoo, congrats my Tipp friends, fully deserved and no complaints here, better team by far won the match. I don’t think it gets any sweeter than that one. Well done.

 

Releases in the shop then for Friday August 1 include….

 

Really really cracking instore this Saturday coming at 4 pm when we have SODA BLONDE instore with us.

They have a new EP out “ people pleaser” and they will perform tracks from the EP and sign copies afterwards.

If cant make it in and want a signed copy, just let us know!

Here is another belter from the EP

Soda Blonde – The Saddest Thing (Official Lyric Video)

 

The main week we are plugging in the newsletter is for releases on the 8th of August … .if interested , shout please…

 

Going to hand ye over to Shane now as usual as he takes ye down the road ….

Hi all, hope ye’re doing ok. Thanks, Ray!

Yes, RIP to the legend Ozzy. Sabbath created metal, for me. Tony Iommi’s doomy riffs, distortion and note choices hit different, and coupled with Ozzy’s dark lyrics, it was totally new. Iommi loved horror films of the 60s and he felt the draw would be there if mixed with music too. Ozzy was a brilliant frontman for that. A mad bastard at times. I read Nicki Sixx from Motley Crues book, and they said that Ozzy was the maddest of them all.
Great song choice above, Ray, very much rings true with the state the world is in these days.
I was in a band as a teen and we used to play that and ‘Paranoid’.
Here’s one that reminds me of listening to Kerrang TV growing up, and again poignant. RIP Ozzy, Legend: https://youtu.be/LCCiwPEdEpg?si=lpF3hI-tlNO7xa3g

First one to mention for down the road is the brand new album from The LAST DINNER PARTY – From the Pyre. There will be CD, standard LP or indies Coloured Vinyl of it. And also, we’re getting some tote bags free to anyone who pre-orders the album.

This is their second album I think. There was a buzz around the first one in the siopa. Here’s a new track from it: https://youtu.be/4T5nNmaTPEY?si=fonAoi-fUJinPESm
Bit of a peaky blinders vibe going on there. The album is out on October 17th.

There’s a deluxe reissue of JEFF WAYNE’s – WAR OF THE WORLDS Musical coming out on August 8th. Every second person’s Dad had this.
It’s going to be a Deluxe 16 CD+2 Blu Ray box set with loads of extras.

And another one that caught my eye is the new Soundtrack for the movie TRON: ARES by NINE INCH NAILS. The trailer for it looks good. Daft Punk did the last movie soundtrack. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross are well used to doing soundtracks nowadays.
Here’s a track from it:
https://youtu.be/-Sj-FmI5JfA?si=chzeaJWSJ3aUBnKS
Really like that, to be honest. The indies version of the vinyl is red coloured and comes with alternate cover and poster. Release date is 19/9/25. (The movie is out on October 10th.)

Here’s the lisht of the rest coming soon:

Think that’s everything. Had a few stressful days earlier in the week. Our dog, Taylor, was sick. (We have two, Hayley and Taylor.) Swollen stomach and shivering etc. We thought the worst. Had to step out on Monday to bring her to the vet. She was given light food and some injections and it wasn’t as bad as we thought. Phew. Part of the family as I know ye understand.
Thanks to Adam for covering the few hours for me.

Anyway, slán. Might see ye at the SODA BLONDE in-store.

Thanks Shane

Glad the dog is feeling better, it might have been the match that upset her.

Sin e for this week folks

Thanks for listening as always

Ray, Shane, Adam Og and Mia

July 16th: New ROBERT PLANT, new DEFTONES, new CHARLATANS. CHRISTY Movie Soundtrack, Tone Poets, Coloured FONTAINES, Summer Madness and Hurling

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Hi folks

Hope all is well … .all ireland final week and ticketless … .yer all unsubscribed from this….im just going to send it to myself going forward, ye useless shower of…

Truth is I’m probably under pressure to go anyway but if a ticket came my way I would try to turn into Harry Houdini.

Best of luck to both teams but I may only half mean that.

Right releases in the siopa for this Friday the 18th July include…

 

 

Upcoming events include SODA BLONDE instore on Saturday the 26th of July at 4 pm.

CRY BEFORE DAWN outstore in Crane Lane on Tuesday the 5th of August…..buy from the link!

The Talos/Olafur album came out last Friday … .its stunning.

Its knocking about 5 or 6 in the Irish charts…every sale helps it stay there or higher hopefully

We have some signed Art cards by Olafur here so buy the album from us and we will send/give you a signed art card as well….those indie lps are beautiful also

Here is the title track from the album…beautiful, poignant

Ólafur Arnalds, Talos – A Dawning (Official Music Video)

Releases then for the 25th of July 

The summer normally quietens down with releases etc, there can be a bit of a lull, not as much on our plates….this summer so far seems different….i suppose it is a bit of a numbers game….the more the record companies send us and the more we put on our site the more likely we are to sell….there seems to be stuff happening all the time, and thats grand i suppose….some shops, i know send out stuff ( mailers)  to their customers 2, 3 4 times a week….like f**k , f**k, f**k that….you would probably sell more but F**k that … .i send this AD once a week and if people buy something that’s great, its crucial for us really … .but once a week is enough … .but the world wants more and more and more. Thom kind of  summed it up here to be fair to him like…still concerned but powerless nearly 30 years on

Fitter Happier

Folks slagged me last week saying I was buoyant after the break….whos buoyant now!

Disclaimer ( sometimes i have nothing to say really so i just talk shite and see where it goes, it has served me well at times )

The main week for this week is for friday August 1st and released that day are

( word to the wise here….this is a super album….good price, half speed version….really good value in todays world….if its new to you, its really worth a listen, tis super….heres a tune….you see that fitter healthier and especially more productive stuff is washing on)

Just Like the Rain

Going to hand ye over to Shane now as he takes ye down the road with releases/announcements as usual…

Thanks, Ray. Hi everyone, hope you’re doing ok as can be.

No, Ray, we can’t have you buoyant! We need you to be giving out and bitter at the world!

First to mention from me today is a nice Irish soundtrack release for the movie, CHRISTY, which is set in Knocka (I know all the lingo from Noelle!). Cork hip-hop. Here’s some more info about it, sounds great:
“

CHRISTY began life as a short film in 2019. Brendan Canty called upon Garry McCarthy, creative director of the Kabin Studio in Cork. This not-for-profit music and creative hub, set in a repurposed metal container, brings kids from the local area together for singing, art, music, and hip-hop. “Garry was like, ‘We’ve got loads of kids that would love to try out for your short film. They’ve never acted before but can they come down’.”

Brendan Canty was so enchanted by the young crew of rappers at the Kabin and their close knit community that he directed a video for one of their tracks. Ya Boy by the Kabin Crew was released in 2020 and went viral online. Jamie Forde and Darren Stewart, two of the crew who appear in CHRISTY the short film and the movie, performed the track on the Late Late Show, Ireland’s long-running Friday night chat show, and at live events in venues such as Dublin Castle. “We’re a dynamic duo,” announces Stewart.

Garry McCarthy who runs the Kabin “teaches the kids to express themselves through music, film and cinema,” Demange continues. “You can see these kids are thriving. They’ve got a beautiful community here and they’re seriously talented kids. I’ve seen them rapping. It is amazing. Garry and the community have given them great confidence.”

This confidence has increased exponentially in 2024 with the viral success of the Kabin Crew’s track ‘The Spark’, recorded with the Lisdoonvarna Crew, a group of children and young people in local refugee accommodation. The song was dubbed the song of the summer’ by the New York Times with over 2 billion aggregated views on social media.”

It’s out on limited vinyl in August! Here’s the link again: https://musiczone.ie/product/various-artists-christy-original-soundtrack-limited-edition-vinyl/

Second is one that arrived late to us today, brand new album from ROBERT PLANT – Saving Grace. September 26th is the release date.
Here’s more info:
“Robert Plant’s Saving Grace is the first album featuring a new band of distinguished players, which he calls “a song book of the lost and found”. The genesis of Saving Grace began during the lockdown in “The Shire”, when Plant’s customary wandering was all but forbidden. While his recent adventures have centred around Nashville, having reunited with Alison Krauss for 2021’s chart-topping, multi GRAMMY-nominated Raise The Roof, it was in the English countryside that Robert Plant connected closely to this diverse group of musicians, who through their own experiences had a shared lean towards his much-loved corners of evocative
song. Together, Plant and Saving Grace – vocalist Suzi Dian, drummer Oli Jefferson, guitarist Tony Kelsey, banjo and string player Matt Worley, cellist Barney Morse-Brown – have spent the past six years growing into a wide-ranging workshop of styles and personalities, weaving through time and circumstance with joy and abandon.

Following his previous acclaimed releases on Nonesuch Records – 2014’s lullaby and… The Ceaseless Roar and 2017’s Carry Fire – Saving Grace brings yet another chapter of Robert Plant’s ceaseless roar into the daylight. Produced by Robert Plant and Saving Grace – and recorded between April 2019 and January 2025 in the Cotswolds and on the Welsh Borders – Saving Grace breathes fresh life into a collection of century-old music. A treasury of songs featured back in time by Memphis Minnie, Bob Mosley (Moby Grape), Blind Willie Johnson, The Low Anthem, Martha Scanlan, Sarah Siskind, and Mimi Parker and Alan Sparhawk’s Low.”

Ray, please no more than one AD, haha! I know the corporate tycoon in you wants to (remember Michael Buble on repeat at Christmas back in Douglas!) , but we’ll start a union!

One that caught my eye this week is the new album from DEFTONES – private music. Great band. It’s coming out on August 22nd, there are indie variants of the CD and Vinyl. They’re playing Dublin soon.

Here’s the new single from them/it, I really like it, really big sounding: https://youtu.be/eVqZrI9JE6Q?si=5tJc3oOUxFwNZnnM

And there’s a new album too coming out from MOLLY TUTTLE, ‘So Long Little Miss Sunshine’. For those that don’t know, Molly T is a class modern bluegrass musician. Brilliant guitarist and vocalist. Her brother plays banjo I think on this, he was on the last couple anyway.
Here’s a track from that, sounds like she’s going more pop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-k3xa0YYU0&list=RDJ-k3xa0YYU0&start_radio=1
CD, standard vinyl or indies pink LP formats, out August 15th.

On Halloween there’s a new CHARLATANS album, ‘We Are Love’. Great band as well. Tim Burgess was great during Covid. CD, LP or Coloured Vinyl of that.
And here’s a new track from it: https://youtu.be/v9ks7jyMRE0?si=M4sLuRY_MORcVF7p

And here’s everything else ag teacht sios an bothar:

Before I go actually, Anthem Vinyl sent us a nice little video from Instagram of the SODA BLONDE new EP being pressed on red vinyl:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DL5CmCMseV2/

Sorry if sometimes some of the dates are wrong on the listed releases folks. Best to make sure by clicking into the linked product just to check the date on website if interested in something. Lots to juggle on our end and sometimes we miss things.

Anyway, back to you, Ray, sound. Slán. Fingers crossed for the hurling.

Thanks Shane

Sin e really for this week folks

Thanks for listening as always 

We will still be talking next week Tipp lads ( Brian O D, Noel F, Diarmuid H, Liam H and Conel tipp lad) whatever way it falls but i have to say it… come on the blood and bandage!!

Slan for now

Ray, Shane, Adam og & Mia.

July 8th: New BOWIE Box Set! PULP Signed Test Pressing Winner! new ALICE COOPER, NEWDAD, CRANBERRIES Anniversary Edition, new JUNIOR BROTHER and Ray on the Hawk for Tickets

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Guess who’s back, back again…Tipp are back, back again!

Now if any of you Tipp lads want to offload a couple of tickets to your Cork friends, sher ill gladly take two please, sher ye dont go to matches anyway do ye.

I love the Tipp lads who come in here to us ( most of them more Cork than Tipp really) so our love may be tested for a few days…but its all good

I’m serious about the ticket thing … .any of ye up in Leitrim or somewhere have access to a couple of tickets, id be delighted…tis frantic here for them…in the home of hurling also id say…what, what, im trying to be nice.

 

Hi folks

The horse looked scary and daunting the last few days but within an hour or two…was I even off the galloping horse.

Releases for this Friday the 11th July here….

Don’t forget we have the Talos/Olafur listening party tomorrow night at 6 pm….we will have a signed Art card by Olafur for everyone in attendance and we have 3 CDs and 2 LPs to raffle off also….i think its going to be a sensational album, im really looking forward to it…. Few spaces left for it so let us know.

Ólafur Arnalds, Talos – Signs

Releases then for the 18th of July include…

 

We had a lovely break last week … .albeit a bit too hot to be honest, it was mid 30s most days….5 or 10 degrees above my comfort zone…but lovely family time and tune out…thanks to the lads here for looking after ye and the place…i think i wrote one four word email and forwarded 2 others and that was the sum total of my efforts…bliss that is!!

The lads did a great job here so it looks like ill take a month next year … .thanks lads!!

A friend of mine has a saying “ not too many people on their death beds say christ i wished i worked harder”….dont worry lads i wont take a month…3 weeks is all.

The main week for this week is releases for the 25th of July…shall be ordering these in the next few days if interested in anything.

A really lovely instore coming up folks on Saturday the 26th of July at 4 PM with SODA BLONDE launching their new EP “ people pleaser” with us. Lovely red pressing, really limited once only press . … .the band will play songs from the EP with us and sign copies after as well as having the chats…really super talented band…delighted they are coming in to us…we are already at 60 per cent cap so let us know know if you want in…and you want one of those gorgeous vinyl also, im not messing, they are not many of them at all…but we will have 60 copies.

The lads flagged this instore last week ( so if your name is down already dont fret your in)

Here is a tune from the ep…def one of the best bands in the country imo…instore not to be missed i thinks and a lovely signed copy as well if you want!!

Soda Blonde – People Pleaser (Official Lyric Video)

The Pulp signed test pressing landed while i was away so we are  going to pull the winner’s name now…

And the winner is

Ray O Brien

….ill swap it for two all ireland hurling final tickets ( ill pay for the tickets off course)

Only half messing the real winner is…Paudie O’ Neill

Going to hand ye over to Shane now as he takes ye down the road…big news for the Bowie heads today

Thanks, Ray, welcome back!  Glad you had a nice break.
I think the MZ regulars would stage a sit-down protest in the car park if you took 3 weeks off in a row!
Still wouldn’t be as bad as the wrath of the Bowie heads, but at least they should be satisfied this week…
Hi all, hope ye’re well.
Yes, a big one to mention today, the last in the series of DAVID BOWIE Box Sets ‘I Can’t Give Everything Away (2002-2016) has been announced and will be released on September 12th. It’s been a good few years since the last one was out, and by all accounts they are collector’s items now.
There will be a 13 CD set and an 18 LP Vinyl Set. Was just listening to the Next Day earlier today, great album.
Here’s more info about the vinyl set:
“David Bowie 6. I Can’t Give Everything Away (2002 – 2016) is the sixth in a series of box sets spanning
Bowie’s career from 1969. The eighteen-piece vinyl box set is named after the closing track on ★
(BLACKSTAR), Bowie’s final studio album. The box sets include newly remastered versions (except ★
and No Plan), with input from David’s co-producer Tony Visconti.
Exclusive to each of the box sets are Montreux Jazz Festival and Re:Call 6. The former was recorded on the 18 th of July 2002 at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival and among the 31 tracks features a full performance bar one song of one of Bowie’s most revered albums, Low.
Re:Call 6 features 41 non-album / alternative versions / b-sides and soundtrack songs, including tracks
never previously available on vinyl.
An accompanying 84 page book features previously unseen notes, drawings and handwritten lyrics from Bowie and photos by Sukita (who took the set’s cover shot), Jimmy King, Frank W. Ockenfels 3, Markus Klinko, Mark ‘Blammo’ Adams and more as well as memorabilia, technical notes about the albums from co-producer Tony Visconti and design notes from Jonathan Barnbrook.”

Sounds good. We love Blackstar as well in the shop. Remember playing it loads after he died.
Anyway, an exciting one.

I better just list the rest of the down the road releases as there would be uproar:

A bleddy rake of stuff today.
Enjoy the Sun guys.
Thanks, Ray, back to you.

Thanks a mil Shane

Sin e for this week really folks

Thanks for listening as always

Ray, Shane, Adam Og and Mia

July 1st: SODA BLONDE instore, JOE BONAMASSA Coloured Vinyl, BOWIE Glastonbury, JONI MITCHELL Box Sets, new FOR THOSE I LOVE and more from the Troublesome Three

Posted on by musiczoneadmin

Hi all! So as ye know Ray is on his holibops so its me, Mia and Shane today. The boss is tanning it up as we speak. Mightnt come back if he gets too used to it! Anyways we’re grand! (Please come back!) 

 

Moving on…

 

Releases for Friday the 4th of July include

Just a reminder, we have the OLAFUR ARNALDS/TALOS release listening party on THURSDAY the 10th of July at 6 pm. Book your spot in the link there.

Releases for the 11th of July include…

For July 18th first and foremost we have Fontaines D.C with Romance (Bonus Edition). This on Turquoise Vinyl & comes with a 7” with the non-album tracks “It’s Amazing To Be Young” & “Before You I Just Forget” 

Uni for the 18th:

Warner 18th 

Sony 18th

Cargo 18th

Orchard 18th

Proper 18th 

Thats it from me. Go have a listen to The Mary Janes – Bored Of Their Laughing. Watched the Mic Christopher Doc recently on youtube and it reminded me how underappreciated that band was! Anyways, over to Shane…

Cheers, Adam.
Hi all, the Troublesome Three here today alright as Ray is away on a well deserved break on the yacht.
Newsletter today instead of the usual Wednesday as I’m off to see Weezer in Baile Aithe Cliath tomorrow.
Hope ye’re all doing well!

First up, we have an exciting in-store to mention coming up on Saturday July 26th at 4pm, SODA BLONDE will be with us launching their new EP, People Pleaser, on 12 inch red vinyl.
The new Irish pressing plant, Anthem Vinyl, did the vinyl.
Looking forward to seeing the band. Bit of a Kate Bush sound in parts.
Here’s a new track from the EP: https://youtu.be/f-EsavsvghE?si=fRJGF5ylmP46wKlJ

You can book a spot at the instore here:  https://musiczone.ie/product/soda-blonde-people-pleaser-ep-launch-instore/

Onto the further down the road releases, no messing around today, with some big hitters.
There’s a very cool sounding JONI MITCHELL release, ‘Joni’s Jazz’ coming on September 5th.
Here’s some info about it:

“Joni Mitchell introduces Joni’s Jazz, a passion project years in the making. This career-spanning collection features recordings chosen by Mitchell that reflect jazz’s profound influence on her music.

Spanning 61 tracks, Joni’s Jazz includes studio recordings, live performances, rare alternate takes, and material drawn from multiple decades and record labels, among them are two previously unreleased 1980 demos.

The set features contributions from some of Mitchell’s most important collaborators in jazz, among them Wayne Shorter, Jaco Pastorius, Herbie Hancock and Charles Mingus. Mitchell, who calls Shorter her favourite collaborator, dedicates the collection to him following his passing in 2023.

Covering nearly every era of her recording career, the collection includes selections from Songs to a Seagull, The Hissing of Summer Lawns, Hejira, Mingus, Turbulent Indigo, Both Sides Now (a 2001 Grammy Award winner) and more. It also features her guest appearances on projects like Hancock’s Grammy Award-winning album, River: The Joni Letters.

Across the collection, the music follows Mitchell’s artistic growth — from the rhythmic layering of “Harry’s House / Centerpiece” to the bold experimentation of “The Jungle Line,” the narrative scale of “Paprika Plains,” and the airy, improvised feel of “A Chair In The Sky.”

It draws from more than five decades of Mitchell’s recordings, going back to 1968 for “Marcie,” from Song to a Seagull. The most recent is her performance of “Summertime,” recorded live at the 2023 Newport Folk Festival. It marked Mitchell’s first full-length concert in over two decades — a powerful return that resonated around the world.

As a self-portrait in sound, Joni’s Jazz captures an artist in conversation with jazz over a lifetime — never imitating, always inventing. Last year, in the liner notes for Joni Mitchell Archives – Vol. 4, she joked, “People ask me my favourite of my albums, it’s going to be Joni’s Jazz.” Now it is.”

4 CD or 8 LP sets of that.

After Glastonbury weekend, there’s DAVID BOWIE – Glastonbury 2000 coming out on August 1st.
Legendary performance, it hasn’t been on vinyl for a long while.
Here’s ‘Life on Mars’ from it (Jack O Rourke did an amazing version of this in-store back when we were in Douglas Village): https://youtu.be/sJB24LVx6fw?si=VIRNjMKrVF-AumCx

And the new album from Dublin’s FOR THOSE I LOVE – Carving the Stone is coming out the week after Bowie. Their last/debut album was great! There’ll be CD, indies clear vinyl or an Irish exclusive transparent orange vinyl of this.
Here’s a new track from it: https://youtu.be/mp-f6cG6rco?si=scBZigpVFQlfmLbc

Just to clear up, as a couple people have asked, with the releases that we list, the blue ones are live links that you can click into and see more info about the product, and BUY IT on our website. And the other black ones we didn’t get a chance to create links for, so if you’re interested in ones without the link just pop us an email and we can order for you.
We get more links done when Mia is on board.
It’s all linked to hawking anyway!

Here’s some more interesting down the road releases:

That’s all from us today folks, we didn’t burn mailchimp down at least.
Might see some of ye Rory heads down the Marquee later.

As Ray says, Sin e from us.
Thanks for listening.
Shane, Adam Og and Mia.

June 25th: OLAFUR ARNALDS/TALOS reminder, HOTHOUSE FLOWERS reissues=limited, NICK DRAKE Sets=Also limited, Gold KNEECAP Vinyl, new BIFFY CLYRO and SPRINTS

Posted on by musiczoneadmin

Hi folks

Hope all is well with ye.

Releases in the shop for this Friday the 27th of June include ….

 

I’m off on a week’s holiday folks … .finishing work tomorrow thursday the 26th and not back to it until monday the 7th July.

I shall be dropping the reins….the lads will have it…anything they dont i will pick up when i’m back….i won’t be answering or engaging on email etc with anyone if its work related.

It’s been nearly a year since I had a week off … .so I’m looking forward to the break ( taking another week in August!)

If you email the lads and don’t get a response, then chase it up as no response means maybe not seen … .we get about 1000 emails a week from record companies/ customers etc… .so if no response get back on to the lads.

I think they are putting out a bit of a newsletter next tuesday rather than weds.

Releases then for Friday the 4th of July include

 

Main week for this week is releases for the 11th July and we have the OLAFUR ARNALDS/TALOS listening party on THURSDAY the 10th of July at 6 pm.

Spots are really filling up for this so book your spot if you want to attend.

We will have a signed art card by Olafur for everyone in attendance  and will also be raffling a few spot prizes on the night as well as savouring the album in full.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=olafur+arnalds+%26+talos

Still waiting on the signed PULP test pressing…the record company are trying to find a tracking number for it…ill chase up and hopefully by the end of the newsletter will have more news

Other releases for the 11th of July include…

Hothouse Flowers – Movies (Youtube)

Cupla focal anseo re na blathannas….nil ach deich cinn ar fail duinn so go tapa mo charas go tapa

An NB on this release….its out on July 25th…its a one time production job…we have been allocated quantities on these….we have 7 LP sets left to  sell and 6 CD sets….if you want one try get back to us asap…here’s a little info….i couldn’t leave ye without a right good hawk, it just wouldn’t feel right

“ The Making Of Five Leaves Left tells the story of how Nick Drake’s debut album ‘Five Leaves Left’ came to be released in 1969. This Nick Drake Estate authorised 4LP edition and 4 CD edition  comprises over 30 previously unheard outtakes from the sessions, compiled across three discs. The final disc to complete the package is the original Joe Boyd produced album. The whole sets has been mastered by John Wood.  Accompanied by a 60 page book printed on special textured paper stock, written by Neil Storey in collaboration with Richard Morton-Jack, complete with full track recording details, charts and recording history. “

Ceann eile aird a thabhairt ar is an “ release” seo…POOR CREATURE is Ruth Clinton as Landless, Cormac MacDiarmada as Lankum agus John Dermody as The Jimmy Cake, seo amhran from them….go hiontach!!

Poor Creature – The Whole Town Knows (Official Video)

Mo charas, mo charas, mo charas…coinnigh suil ar “ our social media” an Deardaoin agus aoine seo chugainn…sin 3rd agus 4th Luil

Anonn go dti Shane anois as he takes ye sios an bothar as usual…

Maith an fear, Ray!!

Hello all! Hope ye’re well!

A good few ceolteoiri Eireannach to mention today!

First up, there’s a new ‘Certified Gold’ gold vinyl edition of KNEECAP – Fine Art coming in September.
They’ve had a massive few years. Fair play to them for standing up what’s right too.

There’s a self-tiled debut album coming from RÚN on CD and LP on August 22nd.
Here’s a bit about it:
“The Irish word Rún can mean secret, mystery, or love, or perhaps some elusive combination of the three, reflecting the many aspects of life that defy easy explanation. In wrestling with these, it can become necessary to commit oneself entirely, to jump in at the deep end in search of the vibrations and feelings at hand. This is where the band Rún comes in.

The debut album of Rún is the result of three powerful artists – Tara Baoth Mooney, Diarmiud MacDiarmada and Rian Trench – locking horns and forming a spiritually intrepid outfit who alchemies experimental methods and improvisatory states to reach intimidating heights of sonic and psychic intensity. An extremely diverse range of musical influences also make their presence felt here, from William Basinski and Pauline Oliveros to Om, Coil and The Necks.”

SPRINTS are back with a new album, ‘All That is Over’ on September 26th.
Here’s a tune, nice and rocking: https://youtu.be/GgEwtp17RPM?si=T7Z6_qFhwTjMnr2B
We’ll have CD, black vinyl and indies ‘lemon’ vinyl.

  And there’s also new albums from NIALL MCNAMEE – Glass and Mirrors (October) and M’ADAM – Before We Die (End of July).

And here’s gach rud eile:

Some big new studio albums above to look forward to.

Just to remind ye, we are doing an Out-store event in the Crane Lane with CRY BEFORE DAWN for the launch of their new EP on August 5th. Pre-order tickets at the link there.
Also, check out this video they have done for it on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLUc0W2TT18/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D

Think thats everything for down the road today.
Bain taitneamh as na laethanta saoire, Ray!

Thanks Shane

Sin e for this week folks

Ill talk to ye again in two weeks…the lads will look after ye and Mia is back next week also 

Thanks for listening as always

Ray, Shane, Adam og agus Mia

June 18th: CURE Lovely thing, TALOS & ÓLAFUR Listening Party, New BC CAMPLIGHT and signed prints, new JOSEPH CHESTER, 10th Anni GILLA BAND, and thanks for coming!

Posted on by musiczoneadmin

Hi Folks

Hope all is well with ye.

Just waiting on the PULP signed test pressing to land into us before we pull a winner from a hat.

So it will be next week now for the winner’s announcement.

We got a lovely thing into the shop in the last few days when we received the new Cure remix 2lp signed by Robert Smith.

It was posted on the Cures social media and on our social media yesterday.

The record was to be hidden in the shop at a certain time … .10.15 this morning and the winner was the person who found it … .had some tote bags as well which we raffled off.

Congrats to Sean O Brien ( no relation in case ye think i put in a plant … .didn’t think of it till now to be honest … .missed a trick !!)  on finding the record.

Well Sean was actually lying on a sun bed in Corfu as the record was found by his brother whom he had asked to go in and look for it for him…delighted for Sean though, a good lad and a mad Cure fan.

All the other folks in for our version of the hunger games Cure and To(u)gher style, took it in the right spirit and it was actually a lovely hour…the record was found before the end of “ the forest “ by the Cure…third on my playlist was “ off the wall” by MJ as the record was on the shelf and not in the sections.

Little word to Robert…thanks firstly…but….if theres a second copy hanging about we would love to frame it and display it in our shop…here ill give you the address…no rush, i know your busy

Musiczone

Unit 4

Deanrock business Park 

to(u)gher

Cork 

Ireland

T12KR9F

 

Releases in the shop for this Friday the 20th of June…

Thanks to those of you who supported the two instores we had here in the last four or five days …the 49th and main lads brought a bit of their own crowd , they were class btw… . but Tim Collins , Shane Quinn and LIam O Connell ye are legends for it and we really appreciate ye … the rest of ye are in my little black book ( expect Ger O C who would never be in my black book) but the rest of ye…

We have signed cds and lps by 49th and Main in store and on the site now…really good record

Heres the newest tune from the album

49th & Main – ‘Glenmalure Blue’ (Official Audio)

Right releases for the 27th of June include…

 

Nice announcement here folks.

We are having a listening party for the Olafur Arnalds x Talos – A Dawning album launch.

This will be on Thursday the 10th of July @ 6 pm.

We will play the record in full on the night ( i hear from numerous places it’s absolutely stunning) here is another track ( 3rd song to be released to the world)  from it….beautiful beautiful

Ólafur Arnalds & Talos – Bedrock (feat. Sandrayati)

Ah what talent.

So back to the listening party…Thursday the 10th of July at 6PM.

We will have signed Art cards by Olafur Arnalds for everyone at the listening party ( these are a beautiful keepsake with your record/CD)  … .you can book a spot here on the links for it:
https://musiczone.ie/product/olafur-arnalds-talos-a-dawning-cd-pre-order-for-listening-party/

 

https://musiczone.ie/product/olafur-arnalds-talos-a-dawning-vinyl-listening-party/

 

https://musiczone.ie/product/olafur-arnalds-talos-a-dawning-white-black-vinyl-pre-order-listening-party/

 

https://musiczone.ie/product/olafur-arnalds-talos-a-dawning-npo-listening-party/

We will also be raffling off records and CDs on the night ( 5 in total) 

We have 20 copies of the really limited coloured vinyl variant also available again for the listening party goers.

It’s a special one for the shop…it’s a special one.

Right so releases for the 4th of July next up…will be ordering these in the next few days so if you see  anything shout!

Few things folks…

Don’t forget, preorder the new BIG THIEF record and be in with a chance to win a signed test pressing of the album by the band.

We will have signed prints to go with the new BC CAMPLIGHT album…again if you preorder the album in the next few days we will get you a signed print with it…let us know!!

Pulp raffle will be next week for the signed TP.

Cry before Dawn event selling well in the Crane.

Going to hand ye over to Shane now as he takes ye down the road as usual

Cheers, Ray! How are ye doing all?

First one to mention from me is the new JOSEPH CHESTER album, ‘Au Revoir Tristesse’.
Joe is a great guitarist and songwriter. Part of A Lazarus Soul.
Here’s some info about the album:
“Au Revoir Tristesse” is an artistic conversation of music and paintings conducted between two long-time collaborators, musician, songwriter and producer Joseph Chester and member of The Waterboys and latterly painter Steve Wickham. Inspired by Françoise Sagan’s novel “Bonjour Tristesse”, Joseph created a series of five Bagatelles for solo classical guitar while in the midst of touring his acclaimed 2022 album “Lucia”.
Consequently, Steve created five stunning images inspired by Joe’s music expanding on the theme of what Joe calls “an homage to sadness”. The work has been performed in Smock Alley Theatre and Axis Theatre Ballymun’s Exhibition space where Steve’s paintings are currently on show amidst the background of Joseph’s music.”

And here’s a track from it: https://youtu.be/keZPcFafjVA?si=prEbg-dUogNWiFK9
Quality stuff.

On July 18th, we will be getting two new HOTHOUSE FLOWERS reissues, ‘Home’ and ‘People’. Only a handful of copies of each though for now.
Nice memories of when we had them in-store!

Sticking with the Irish vibe, there’s a 10th Anniversary reissue of GILLA (Girl) BAND’s ‘Early Years’ EP coming out. Good band!
Here’s some more info about the reissue:

“Ireland’s favourite Avant-punk quartet has re-issued The Early Years EP, a collection of out of print 7” singles and covers originally released on Any Other City Records and The Quarter Inch Collective and then on Rough Trade in 2015. The Cha Cha Cha has now been remastered alongside the rest of the tracks and is ready for the dancefloor once again.

Fan fave (and live setlist staple) featured on the collection is an eight-minute cover of post-dubstep mastermind Blawan’s absurdist banger and demented earworm “Why They Hide Their Bodies Under My Garage” that, simply put, is unlike anything you’ve ever heard before or since”
Tracklisting

 

A1: Lawman

A2: De Bom Bom

A3: I Love You

 

B1: Why They Hide Their Bodies Under My Garage

B2: The Cha Cha Cha

I see Timbaland (remember him?) is creating an AI artist. Generating an AI album and all. Load of shite and a massive v fingers to artists around the world who put their blood, sweat and tears into things.
Hopefully all the serious music heads ignore it but this AI stuff seems to be gaining popularity.
Maybe I’m shouting at clouds?

Here’s a few more interesting releases coming soonish:

Got tickets for the Joe Bonamassa gig in the marquee from a legendary MZ regular! Looking forward to seeing Joe’s take on Rory’s songs!

Anyway that’s all from me for this week.
Back to the CEO!
Thanks Shane!
Sin e for this week folks

Thanks for listening as always

Ray, Shane, Adam Og and Mia

June 11th: EVELYN & DEC Instore! 49th & Main Instore! PULP SIGNED TEST PRESS! CRY BEFORE DAWN MZ Out-Store! new CROW BLACK CHICKEN! new DAVID BYRNE, and Live ROGER WATERS!

Posted on by musiczoneadmin

Hi folks

Hope all is well out there.

Two instores coming up in the next week

First up on Saturday the 14th of June at 2 pm is the wonderful  Declan Sinnott and Evelyn Kallansee (Evelyn & Dec) 

They will be performing songs from their latest album , signing cds and having the chats.

We might do a little Q&A with Declan after the performance about his life in music, as fair to say he has seen it all….that’s if we are brave enough to do it.

2PM Saturday anyway folks….will be a good one.

Here is another song from the latest album…expect more of this on Saturday

Declan Sinnott and Evelyn Kallansee Live at New Ross Guitar Festival

As always cash preferred for the instores if possible please and if anyone cant make it and wants a signed CD….please let us know and we will sort it


 

Releases so for this friday the 13th of June ( wooohhh) include

 

Couple of things folks…i am fairly certain there is a signed Pulp test pressing on route to us…..signed by all the band…Shane will share the image….we will enter everyone who has bought the album into a raffle for it….if you want to join the raffle…buy the album, cd or lp or cassette ….we will run it till next tuesday and raffle for weds newsletter.

I kept meaning to mention the next bit…if ye remember we had a hassle with Stripe there a few months ago…we couldn’t take payments for 2 days on the site….we ( not me, i don’t think i can even put a product up anymore, the IT gang)  put paypal back in as a payment option….we are leaving Paypal in…thing is though…Paypal fees on the shop are 4% and Stripe are 2.2%….so if its no skin off your nose go with stripe when paying please….its all about the mighty dollar here in the corporation folks.

Second smashing instore coming up then is 49TH AND MAIN

This one is on Tuesday evening the 17th of June at 6 pm

The Kilkenny lads are signed to Counter Records in the UK and release their debut LP and CD ON THE 14TH June “ happy tears”

49TH AND MAIN will perform for us as well as signing lps and cds after the performance….i think they have a great sound, looking forward to this instore also. Hopefully see a few of ye there

49th & Main, mustbejohn – Rewind

Releases then for Friday the 20th of June ( no woohhh) include

So we have a nice event coming up with CRY BEFORE DAWN and the Crane Lane here in Cork.

Cry before Dawn are back with new music on August 1st … .a brand new EP “ Open Water” … .and the Crane and ourselves are hosting the lads in the Crane Lane for a performance on Tuesday the 5th of August.

To get into the show, you can buy a ticket for 7 quid , cd and a ticket for a tenner or LP and a ticket for 20 quid only….Shane will pop up the links for it now:

CRY BEFORE DAWN – Crane Lane EP Launch Ticket Bundles

If cant make the show and want to preorder the new music…you can do that also….but if you want to go to the show, you must buy from the website.

Here is a new song from CRY BEFORE DAWN

The title track from the new EP

Open Water

It Sounds great ….nice guitar lick in it … .like half the country i really liked this band back in the day … .two great albums , i had them on cassette.

Delighted to be involved with this release

 

Right main week for this week is releases for 27th June….

( the floyds are reissued on cd also we just didnt get a chance to make links for them…shout if interested) –

The new CROW BLACK CHICKEN ALBUM is in stock with us folks…CD or fancy Christy coloured vinyl

Here is a tune from the new record

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ui0CpBaN2aU

Also christ i have my hawking hat on….there is a limited repress of Zeppelins mothership 4LP set @ 150 retail if anyone interested

That’s nearly it from me … .we are missing Mia for the next few weeks so not as many links to products done as normal … .so if you see anything just shout at us.

Going to hand ye over to Shane now as he takes ye down the road as usual….class video for “feckin unreal” i saw last night Shane…bualadh bos kid.

Ah sound, Ray! Glad you liked it. Excited to share it here with ye all. Filmed on Cape Clear a couple weeks back. The first sprouts of the song came from there, 17/18 years ago. Thanks so much to Tim McSweeney, who usually does our instore videos, for his drone photography.
This track’s a bit more folky (except the end!)
Give it a like and share and all that malarkey, please!
bÚkl – Feckin’ Unreal (Official Music Video)

Also, just want to say thanks so much again to everyone who has supported the album so far. I’ve sold over half of my stock and the feedback/reviews have been very positive – thanks again!
Still copies left if you want to pick it up (borrowing the hawking hat from Ray), the vinyl is Shaney splatter coloured! – bÚkl – Blue Ghost in the Memory Machine

First up for me to mention for down the road is the brand new album from DAVID BYRNE – Who is the Sky?. A legend as ye know. I always remember that track ‘Like Humans Do’ (?) that was automatically on the Windows XP Media Player. Less annoying than U2 maybe?!
Here’s  a new track from the album: Everybody Laughs: https://youtu.be/YM-BTJKIz0Q?si=FZzBuOQUT8nCLytp

There will be CD, black vinyl, yellow vinyl and indies ‘apple green’ vinyl. All the formats come with a fold-out poster! Out September 5th, and his first album in seven years!

On the first of August, ROGER WATERS is releasing This Is Not a Drill: Live From Prague on 2 CD, DVD, Blu Ray or a 4 LP Set.
It’s a career-spanning set list including tracks from DSOM and The Wall.
Here’s one from the list: https://youtu.be/ivuMoSFe31Y?si=MpgkXGmnQkm7Uykw

And here’s our list of the rest:

Oh, there’s a new/unreleased remix mini album from MADONNA coming called ‘Veronica Electronica’ and it’ll be on limited ‘silver nugget metallic’ 12 inch! Féach!

Last but definitely not least (please don’t egg my house, Bowie heads!) there’s a 40th anniversary 12 inch EP release of DAVID BOWIE & MICK JAGGER – Dancing in the Street!
And that one is on ‘cool’ cream coloured vinyl. 25th of July release.

That’s all from my end, folks. Hope ye’re all well.
Slán. Cheers, Ray.

Thanks Shane!!

Sin e really for this week folks

Quite a bit going on!
Thanks for listening as always

Ray, Shane, Adam Og and MIA.

June 4th: New BIG THIEF and special Raffle! DEC & EVELYN Instore! 49th & Main Instore! JAMIE XX Picture Disc, WUNDERHORSE 7 inch, PULP tote bags and more!

Posted on by musiczoneadmin

Hi folks

Hope all is well with ye.

Lots going on this week again!!

Was in to see THE Cliffords last Saturday evening in Coughlans.

I was seriously impressed with them.

Jarvis has a line on the new Pulp album ( its wonderful btw)

“ i was born to perform”

The singer in THE CLIFFORDS could have written it … .rightly impressed i was … .seriously tight the band are … .real potential…potentially the biggest band to ever come out of Cork (in my opinion.)

Here’s a tune from the new EP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpxFfzi7LyA

 

Releases in the siopa for this Friday the 6th of June include…

There was a new BIG THIEF album announced yesterday….and we have a lovely raffle prize on offer.

 We are getting a white label test pressing…wait for it….signed by the band….to raffle as a competition.

Preorder the album ( pay for it upfront i’m afraid) on vinyl , indies only vinyl or cd and you will be entered into the draw for the signed test pressing.

Shane will share a photo of the signed TP now and we were told to say this below

“All signed sleeves will vary in appearance and won’t always match the mockup exactly”

I mentioned Jarvis and PULP above….we have some tote bags left, so anyone who buys the Pulp album from us over the weekend we will give you a tote bag with it…..while stocks last….not many maybe 15 totes left.

 

 

 

Releases then for the 13th june include……

 

 

In other news, we have two quality instores coming up

First one is Declan Sinnott and Evelyn Kallansee on Saturday the 14th june at 2 pm, the duo will be playing songs from their newest album, signing cds and having the chats after.

Here is their latest single…as good a version of this Jimmy Mccarthy song as i have ever heard….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50i7SorfhNk

 

Then the following tuesday evening the 17th of June @ 6 pm we will have 

49th & Main in with us….the Kilkenny duo release their debut album on Friday the 14th of June

The band will perform for us and sign records/cds after and have the chats ….

Here is another single from their debut long player

49th & Main – Can’t Walk Away (Ft. A Little Sound) (Official Visualiser)

I really like their sound, they are travelling to support their album, so hopefully we will support them in return.

If anyone cant make either instore and wants a signed copy , please let us know and we will sort!!

They are both not till 14th and 17th of June so we will remind ye next week!!

Main week for this week is releases for the 20th June and this includes ( shout if you see something you like)

There is a nice announcement tomorrow so keep an eye on our site !!

 

Going to hand ye over to Shane as he takes ye down the road as usual….its been a busy one for him and Mia today.

Muchos gracias, Ray. Hi everyone! Hope yere taking it handy.

Excited about the BIG THIEF new one. Great band. September 5th it’s out. Cassette, vinyl, green vinyl or CD.

Here’s everything else:

 

 

Sin e for this week really kids

 

Thanks for listening as always

Ps….the Cliffords EPs are sold out and gone forever id say

Ray Shane Adam Og and Mia

May 28th: INSTORES! More PULP goodies, new SUEDE album, CURTISY, DECLAN SINNOTT, LAURA DUFF and CLIFFORDS EP!

Posted on by musiczoneadmin

Hi Everyone,

Hope all is well 

Thanks for the support with the Talos/Olafur launch last week…its a special one.

The ship has sailed for pre-sale codes for the show in the opera house now.

General sale is midday on Friday the 30th.

We have circa 25 of the indies vinyl as well as blk vinyl and CDs left for punters of the shop.

So if you can’t make the show in September and want the album…let us know.

More to follow on this release.

Right releases in the shop for this Friday the 30th of May include….

 

First things first … .there is going to be a class PULP “ More” listening party tomorrow thursday the 29th @ 6 pm.

The stuff we got looks class altogether.

We have about 20 spots left so if interested shout.

Folks are probably saying “ Jaysus Ray, will ya stop plugging it … .it lessens my chances of being victorious!” 

Well tough tonsils on that.

Everyone who shows up will get

  • Tote bag
  • Bic 4-colour pen
  • Soft notebook
  • Button Badge Set
  • Sticker

Also in with a chance to get a lovely tee shirt….i think they are all large in size … .so eat more or less in the next few days…you know your own requirements.

The tees are fab….they have the 36 shops doing the listening parties listed on the back of them…real bespoke job….will be raffling them

And then there is the really limited white label vinyl ( 40 euro) ….so maybe a draw for those also….will sort tomorrow evening!

 

Right releases for the 6th June include

 

Instores instores!!

So this Saturday the 31st of May at 2 pm we are delighted to welcome choice music prize nominee Curtisy to the shop for the launch  of  Curtisy and hikii’s upcoming collaboration album ‘Beauty In The Beast” on CD.

Here is the title track from the cd

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUh1ecQCH_w

Curtisy is travelling down from Dublin for the instore especially … .so hopeful we will get a few people in the room for it.

Releases then for the 13th June …will be ordering these in next few days…ye know the drill

The Kilkenny duo are signed to Counter records …they have a great sound…here is a tune

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A8lP5za1C0

Here is a tune from the brand new studio album

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQm2q2KbJL8

Here is a sabbath cover from the record

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yf_npjJVny8

 

Instores instores!!

Delighted to announce we will have Declan Sinnott and Evelyn Kallansee (Evelyn & Dec) in with us for an instore on Saturday the 14th of June @ 2 pm.  They have written and recorded an album together called ‘Make for Joy’. It was released on CD recently and was RTE 1 ‘Album of the Week’.

Declan you may well know from his work with Christy Moore, Mary Black, Horslips, Moving Hearts etc. He produces, writes, sings and of course plays guitar with Evelyn.

Evelyn was born on the tropical island of Curaçao, had a music career in the Netherlands and lives in Co. Kerry now.

She has gone from singing in Les Misérable to acid Jazz and everything in between.

Together they have found a new path.

In concert you will hear all the songs from their album (and the stories behind them), a few of Declan’s songs and some new takes on old songs, including their latest single ‘No

Frontiers’. Two voices, one guitar and a warm uplifting attitude.

Here is a tune from the album:
https://youtu.be/50i7SorfhNk?si=D5VAVuSlkqWTeJEQ

Going to hand ye over to Shane now as he takes ye down the road as usual

Sound, Ray! Hi all, hope yere well!
Instead of going down the road, let’s go up the road first to Limerick and LAURA DUFF.
Her debut album is out now and we have copies of the vinyl. I really like this track from her, have a look: https://youtu.be/FlDXKjyq13k?si=IMoVO5v1wiIEyWEW
She’s touring the album around Ireland over the summer.

I was going to mention the CLIFFORDS as well. Well worth a listen as Ray says.

The big one for down the road to mention this week is the brand new album from SUEDE – Antidepressants out on September 5th!
We’ll be getting the CD, deluxe CD, black vinyl and indies coloured vinyl with poster.
Here’s a new track from it, really like this as well: https://youtu.be/BMTwbLL9JWc?si=kYhnnOxDDBk3d4oR

And here’s everything else coming out in the coming months:

That’s all I reckon for this week. Might try get in to see Curtisy on Saturday, should be a good one.

Back to you so, Ray, sound.

 

Thanks Shane

Last nice thing folks

Cork band THE CLIFFORDS have a physical EP release out this Friday the 30th…only heard about it last Thursday or Friday. Here tis below

https://musiczone.ie/product/the-cliffords-salt-of-lee-12-vinyl-pre-order/

We will have copies, id be getting on them folks….big potential…

Heres the latest, just out in the world single  since this morning

Cliffords – My Favourite Monster (Official Video)

Remember folks we are closed the upcoming bank holiday Monday

Sin e really for this week

Thanks for listening as always

Ray, Shane, Adam Og and Mia

May 21st: Talos & Ólafur Arnalds new album and special Opera House show, PULP Listening Party, new NEIL YOUNG, CYPRUS HILL plus Orchestra and New WOLF ALICE

Posted on by musiczoneadmin

Hi folks

Hope yer all doing well out there!
Cork Hurling crash landed back to earth last Sunday….credit to Luimneach, they were just awesome.

Loads going on this week , it’s going to be a long one!

So you will definitely have to click “ read entire email” to read it all
Firstly here are the releases in the siopa for this Friday the 23rd of May….

 

 

Right so going to start with one close to our hearts…

There is an album announced today for release on the 11th of July.

Ólafur Arnalds & Talos – A Dawning 

Here is a little bit about the release

“When we feel as though we might drown under the waves of our grief, there is music. On A Dawning, the astounding album from Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds and the late Irish artist Eoin French – known to many as Talos – music becomes a raft to keep us afloat in those dark, seemingly fathomless waters, guiding us towards a glimmer of light on the horizon. For both artists, this record serves as the apotheosis of their creative talents, two brilliant minds revelling in their shared love of music.”

Ólafur Arnalds & Eoin French, known professionally as Talos, come together on A Dawning, a deeply immersive collaborative album set for release in July 2025 via OPIA Community and Mercury KX. Created before the untimely passing of Talos in 2024, the record blends their distinct musical voices into something truly transportive.

Adding a deeply personal touch, all artwork for the album and its singles were crafted by Talos himself, offering fans an additional insight into his beautiful creative vision. This release not only celebrates the musical partnership between Arnalds and Talos but also honours the enduring legacy of Talos, ensuring his artistic spirit continues to inspire and resonate.”

 

I only met Eoin twice briefly down through the years and he would only remember me as the guy who was hounding him for an instore when we met!

His last sentence to me was “ I will do an instore someday for you Ray”….it never happened.

Beautiful smile on a handsome face as he said it…hard to fathom.

 i was always a huge fan of his music and talent, what a voice Eoin had ( that’s what caused the instore hounding)

Last year when I heard the news, it rocked me big time and as i said i didn’t even know Eoin.

What a loss to his family and friends, what a loss….and what a loss to the wider musical community.

So this release is  close to everyone’s hearts.

We really hope our community will support it.

This release ( i think) will showcase once again, the immense talents of these two musicians.

Here is a beautiful  tune from it with friends and family…this one always gives me chills

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vREl36k1eGs

 

There is a bit going on around the release…first things first there is a show in the Opera house in September and if you preorder the album from us you will get a presale code for the show.

Ólafur Arnalds & Talos – A Dawning Vinyl/CD/NPN preorder for presale access to Remembering Talos in the Cork Opera House on September 11 2025, as part of the SFSH festival.

“Remembering Talos is a special one-off concert taking place on September 11 at the Cork Opera House as part of the Sounds From A Safe Harbour festival. Tickets go on general sale on Friday May 30 at 10am. Pre-order* ‘A Dawning’ on any format from Musiczone.ie by 5pm BST on Tuesday May 27 to get pre-sale access to the Remembering Talos concert. Pre-sale codes and ticket link will be sent out by email by 10pm on Tuesday May 27. The pre-sale will open from 10am BST on Wednesday May 28 and close at 10am on Friday May 30.”

 

Thats the info on that…at the end of tonight’s newsletter we are going to share with ye Ólafur and Eoin’s journey together … .it is a deeply moving piece and so worth a read…its lengthy but so worth a read.

Here is the second tune released from the record ( just today) its wonderful in my opinion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Pycvvw8GYc

Right releases for the 30th May next up folks

 

Right more news …we are having a PULP listening party in advance of the new album “ more”

The listening party is on Thursday the 29th of May @ 6 pm ( a week before the album is out, so there will be no stock available on the night)

The listening party is limited to 70 spaces so if interested please email us for a spot or buy an album and request a spot with that as well.

Every party attendee will receive ( 70 of these available only to those who attend the listening party!!)

  • Tote bag
  • Bic 4-colour pen
  • Soft notebook
  • Button Badge Set
  • Sticker

“We’ll also have some exclusive t shirts, we only have a small qty of these per shop (I think it’s 10 per shop but will confirm), so they would need to be a names in a hat competition on the night.  But I think they look pretty cool”

Yes we will have 10 tees which we will raffle off … .sizes are going to be random and there is nothing I can do about it.!!

But the main big draw for these listening events will also be the opportunity to preorder an Exclusive Crystal Clear White Label.

 

These will be stickered up with the individual shop names for added exclusivity too!  

 

The white label will only be available in the shops hosting the listening parties, they won’t be available to take away on the day (as it is a week before the album), but will be available to preorder and then shipped or picked up instore on release day as normal.  

We will ask people on the night do they want to  to buy these vinyl ( 40 euro retail) 

We will have 15 of 60 in the country….if more than 15 people want to buy it, again we will go to the raffle to draw the 15….make sense?

If 15 or less want to buy them…no raffle!!

Everyone who attends will get these

  • Tote bag
  • Bic 4-colour pen
  • Soft notebook
  • Button Badge Set
  • Sticker

And maybe a tee shirt and maybe an exclusive listening party only white label of the record.

Hit us back if you want to go….went on socials yesterday and 28 spots gone already.
Right so releases for the 6th June next

Here is the lead single from the new album

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-27a1ugJX8U

Going to hand ye to Shane now as he takes ye down the road as usual … .thanks for your help the last few days … .categorically I could not have done it without you … .and that’s as categorical as it gets ! 

Sound, Ray, no bother! Hello everyone!
Yeah, jaysus, twas stressful enough over the last few days with the Pulp and Talos/Olafur Arnalds events. Extra tricky because they both kind of landed on our plate on the same day.
I know it’s not noticeable at all, but we’re not very corporate leaning… so not used to all the deadlines and embargoes and chart compliant wording etc.
But look, especially with the Talos release, it’s lovely to get a posthumous release from him, and from the two tracks Ray included, I’m sure it’ll sound great.

I hope ye don’t mind if I just list everything for ‘down the line’ (I probably only bore ye anyway)
My team are in the Europa final tonight so I want to get settled for it!
Here’s the list:

That’s all from me. Sorry if a bit rushed!

Thanks Shane!

 

Sin e more or less for this week ( i would like if some folks read the piece below)

 

Thanks for listening as always

Ray, Shane, Adam Og and Mia.

 

 

Here is the piece about Eoin and Ólafurs friendship and music making…so poignant and heart breaking really…an incredible snapshot…we really hope folks will support the record.

 

“When we feel as though we might drown under the waves of our grief, there is music. On A Dawning, the astounding album from Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds and the late Irish artist Eoin French – known to many as Talos – music becomes a raft to keep us afloat in those dark, seemingly fathomless waters, guiding us towards a glimmer of light on the horizon. For both artists, this record serves as the apotheosis of their creative talents, two brilliant minds revelling in their shared love of music.

It is abundantly clear that French found a kind of freedom in the music he and Arnalds made together, while Arnalds relished the fresh challenge of working with someone new. On “Signs”, French’s voice shifts and morphs in unexpected ways, moving instinctively rather than following predictable patterns – a reminder of his masterful approach to composing. “It sounds a little bit different from the other songs on the record because we were still trying to figure out what we were doing – what direction we were going to take,” Arnalds says. We hear this in the stutter of the drums, the chopped vocal samples and improvisational quality, allowing us to sink into the song and be transported.

French and Arnalds met just before their residency at Sounds from a Safe Harbour Festival in Cork, in 2023. “We instantly felt a very strong musical connection, and composed a few songs that ended up on the album,” Arnalds recalls. The pair were natural collaborators: “It brings a certain ease to things when you’re working with other people, because when you’re alone in it, you tend to suffer quite a lot,” Arnalds says. “Bringing other people feels familial, and maybe more related to the origins of what music was, what music has always been.” 

French later visited Arnalds’ studio in Reykjavík, where they realised they wanted to work on a full-length project. Devastatingly, French became ill during his stay and was admitted to hospital; too unwell to travel, he stayed with Arnalds and his wife, Indonesian-Filipino artist Sandrayati for a few weeks while receiving treatment. “It brought us together like nothing else can, living there with our partners and being so deeply embedded in all of this,” Arnalds says. “It put everything into perspective and we realised that we needed to finish this album, because we had something to tell.”

Lead single “We Didn’t Know We Were Ready”, featuring Niamh Regan and Ye Vagabonds with a choir of friends, begins with hushed, reverential piano notes before French starts to sing: “How did we doubt the evening sun?/ We didn’t know we were ready.” As he is joined in harmony, strings glide in like swans on a still lake. In one moment, his voice disappears, and Regan and Ye Vagabonds take the lead, before he returns: “What if the silence said it?” Each vocal cascades over the other, growing louder then falling away again. It’s a beautiful work, one in which raw grief mingles with acceptance, and closes with a profound quiet.

When French eventually returned to Ireland, Arnalds began visiting him at his home in West Cork where they continued writing new songs. “Slowly, the music became more and more serious – you knew the lyrics were poignant, and it started to feel like we were onto something really special.” Arnalds describes their friendship as a perfect match: “I don’t think we even spoke that much, we could hang out for a whole evening and maybe say three words.” This only changed towards the very end, when it became clear that French had little time left: “We started going through the album in a more organised way, working out how to finish it and what was important to him.”

A Dawning opens on “Shared Time”. Snatches of conversation are caught between strange murmurations of sound, as though preserved in amber that appears like warm honey when held to the sun. “We both knew that I would have to finish parts of this record without him, but it was still our music, so Eoin suggested I go through his phone to find something there,” Arnalds says. “‘Shared Time’ is the result of that idea, prefacing the record with thoughts on the importance of family and community. In a way it felt symbolic of my purpose, of keeping his creativity alive.”

“Bedrock” is more forlorn in tone, the piano notes as immovable as stone as the song delves into themes of home and belonging. French sings in a strange, lilting cry, stirring something ancient within as he is joined by Sandrayati. As their voices rise and fall, you imagine waves crashing against the rocks, eroding the surface. The song was written in West Cork, while Arnalds was staying with French: “We would drive around a little bit – he showed me the ruins of a ceremonial circle,” he recalls. Arnalds felt an instant connection with his friend’s home, knowing the history of Irish monks who came to Iceland and of the Vikings who established the town that would later become known as Dublin. “There’s a defiance in both countries, an island mentality, which I think is often a result of us fighting to keep what is uniquely ours – there’s a certain energy that comes from that,” he says.

“It’s not difficult to grasp the notion that French was exploring ideas surrounding our physical and spiritual forms for much of the record, and a sense of place inspired by the rugged, wild landscapes of Arnald’s country and the dramatic, sweeping coastlines of his own home. The lyrics to “Bedrock” were written with author Max Porter (Grief is the Thing with Feathers), who later told Arnalds that French had spoken about Michelangelo and “the body beyond the rock” – the Atlas who emerges out of the marble while bearing the weight of the world on his shoulders. The sculpture’s half-completed form is what scholars call “non-finito”, believing the artist intended to demonstrate the eternal struggle of humans to free themselves from their material trappings. These figures already existed in the marble, just as French’s songs already existed in him, waiting to be released.”

“west Cork, 12 Feb”, then, feels like French imagining himself without a body tying him to the earth. His voice drifts like smoke out of the ether then vanishes again amid Arnalds’ undulating patterns of piano, as both artists play with sound and melody. There is a sense of foreboding in how French wrestles with the idea of no longer having a physical form. It’s a moment frozen in time, taken from the original recording Arnalds captured while they were together. For that same reason, the title is written in the manner of a voicenote – a fleeting thought documented before it could be snatched away and lost forever. 

French and Arnalds were already exploring the concept of “Borrowed Time” before they realised how significant it was. They asked English folk musician Alexi Murdoch to write a spoken-word section to weave in with French’s vocals: “He came in and wrote it on the spot, reciting it into a cheap microphone,” Arnalds recalls. Only later did he add the orchestral closing that swells like some great leviathan rising from the depths. “for Steph”, meanwhile, is French’s wordless declaration of love for his wife, written for her on the piano on Valentine’s Day. “That’s Eoin playing on the first half of the song,” Arnalds confirms, “and then I added the strings to the second half. It was important to honor Eoin’s legacy and the love he had for his community. That extends to Steph, as symbolised in this song here, and it continues with all of us, as friends as we’ll continue to care for her. It’s there in the final part of the album where the wider purpose of the album reveals itself – community – represented on the final song by a choir of friends in the most moving and sincere celebration singing in unison: “we didn’t know we were ready”.  

Steph was watching over a video call as Arnalds led the orchestra for the title work “A Dawning”, a staggering masterpiece. “I think this song has the best lyrics Eoin ever wrote,” he says. “I get goosebumps just thinking about it.” If “west Cork, 12 Feb” and “Borrowed Time” allude to something unfinished, “A Dawning” states it outright. “I had this feeling that he knew the whole time what was going to happen,” Arnalds says. “I think you know in your body, and going through some of his writing, his poetry, you can kind of see what he’d been writing this whole time. He just knew.”

What began as a collaboration between like-minded friends now serves as a work that honours French’s extraordinary legacy, keeping the flame of his creativity burning bright for all to hear. He died before the album was completed, leaving Arnalds to finish what the pair of them had set out to do. “It’s been two-sided,” he says of this emotionally complex process. “I would get these waves of sadness in the moments that I realised he wasn’t here, sitting next to me. But then, having this record as a way of channelling my grief, and this platform… I’m so grateful for that. After you lose someone, you’re often left with an emptiness, but I was able to have Eoin in my life for the last six months – and I could feel him very clearly when I was working on our music.”

The orchestra session for “A Dawning” took place a week after French’s passing. “I really tried to get him to witness it – he hadn’t done orchestra before, he was so excited about it,” Arnalds says. “It was only about a week after his death that I had this session I needed to go to, and I was like, ‘What do I do here?’ I wasn’t ready, but… I just had to.” He flew some of French’s friends over, for emotional support more than anything else, and steeled himself to tell the orchestra about what had happened. “You just heard this audible gasp,” he remembers, “and I couldn’t really keep it together. I started breaking down. But at the same time, I saw everyone in the orchestra just going like, ‘Alright. Don’t worry, we got you.’”

Arnalds had never seen an orchestra “lock in” in the way they did that day. You hear it in the emotion of the performance; the sombre tone of those opening notes. “Now let’s just ride on highs while the moment’s right,” French sings, “Now don’t you fold my wings for the fear of flight…” The violins sustain, like the lull – as though the world has stilled – before that first sliver of morning light sends the birds into song. “It feels like this war is our dawning,” French urges. “Don’t let that light outrun us yet/ It feels like this war is our dawning.” The strings grow louder, surging upwards and threatening to drown him out, but French chases them, his voice growing ever stronger and more defiant. It seems for a moment that he’s victorious, as the music quietens, falling away to leave just his voice, then the silence.

“We made this album together,” Arnalds says. “Even after, while I was there working on some arrangements, I never felt like I was truly alone. Near the end, where we saying how grateful we were to have met each other, he told me, “One day you’ll be sitting at the piano and suddenly get an idea, and you’ll know that’s me.”’ A Dawning is testament to those eternal bonds forged through music, a lasting monument to French’s incredible legacy, and the wonderful friendship that he and Arnalds shared.

ENDS

About Ólafur Arnalds

Over the years, Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds has become known for his work with fellow artists such as Nils Frahm, Ry X and Arnór Dan, as well as for his Grammy and Emmy Award-winning contributions to scores for the critically adored ITV drama Broadchurch and Apple TV+’s Defending Jacob. Earlier this year, he and Swedish Eurovision champion Loreen worked together on the stunning EP, SAGES. 

About Eoin French

Irish artist Eoin French is known for his works under the name Talos, such as his imposing, magnificent 2017 debut Wild Alee – nominated for the Choice Music Prize – and 2019’s Far Out Dust. Critics raved about the “sense of majesty” to his music, with The Irish Times calling Far Out  Dust a “captivating album that shows an astute emotional growth of an artist as a lyricist and musician”. His third album, 2022’s Dear Chaos, was hailed for its fearless approach that, Hotpress noted, showcased two sides of his artistry: “The visionary behind vast, cinematic soundscapes, and the singer-songwriter who’s not afraid to get devastatingly raw and intimate in his approach.”

May 7th: CURTISY Instore performance! NULL CLUB exclusive EP! New AMBLE album, WHITE STRIPES wispy reissue, EUROVISION and new LORDE

Posted on by musiczoneadmin

Hi folks

Hope all is well.

Releases in the shop for this Friday the 9th of May include…

A lovely, really exclusive release I forgot to mention landed in the shop recently.

THE NULL CLUB EP ( Alan from Gilla band’s new project) is with us.

Heres a bit more info…

“Alan has a new project that he will be launching  called The Null Club. He will be releasing an EP which has guest vocals from Faris Badwan (The Horrors), ELUCID (Armand Hammer), and Valentine Caulfield (Mandy, Indiana). He is  doing a run 500 12” records on his webstore but also a much smaller run of 35 12” white label, hand stamped, signed records exclusive for a few record stores. I’m giving 5 records each to a few record stores including rough trade west, Berlin and NYC, as well as Big Love in Japan and La Bestia in Mexico City. I’d love to send 5 to Music Zone for you guys to sell. “

 

Heres a tune from the EP folks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I66u6ogjrcw

Just 2 of these left with us …so shout fast if you want one….17 quid!

Releases then in the shop for 16th May include…

 

Nice instore to announce for Saturday the 31st May at 2 pm.

We are delighted to welcome Curtisy to the shop for an instore performance.

Curtisy and hikii’s upcoming collaboration album ‘Beauty In The Beast’ out May 30th following Curtisy’s RTE Choice Prize nominated debut.

Main focus this week is on releases for the 23rd of May…so if interested in anything below….please shout

In case you are under a rock for the last 12 months….these lads from the west, are a huge sensation in fairness to them … .selling out big shows everywhere … .fair fecking play to them is what i say…here’s a tune if you were under that rock!. Debut LP nd CD out on may 23rd

Amble – Lonely Island (Official Video)

Skunk Anansie – Lost and Found (Official Video)

Going to hand ye over to Shane now as he takes ye down the road as usual…

Thanks, Ray! How’s it going everyone?
Hope yere all enjoying the start of the summer and the nice bit of sun. We’ll definitely take it.

I’m a bit behind today so will just list everything for ye.

Before I do, I can’t make the EARTH gig in the Pavillion this coming May 23rd, so just wondering if anyone is interested in buying my ticket off me? 30 quid.
If interested maybe email the shop or mention to us instore and I will sort.

Here’s what’s coming down the road, in no particular order:

Think that’s all from my plate this week. Slán!

Thanks a mil Shane

Sin e for this week really folks

Thanks for listening as always

Ray, Shane, young Adam and Mia

April 30th: New STEREOLAB album, METALLICA remastered , ORBITAL coloured vinyl, Classic Jazz, TNP in Ray’s opinion, Documentary screening in Cork, and the Hurling!

Posted on by musiczoneadmin

Hi folks

Hope all is well

Releases for this coming Friday the 2nd of May include…

 

Was at the Cork/Tipp match last Sunday and the sending off before the match had even started really just spoiled the whole occasion….lovely day, cracking pre match buzz…ruined really….it would have been great to see where the two teams were really at….this macho rubbish at the start of matches …” laying down markers”, “ not taking a step back” rubbish rubbish….let the hurling do the talking simple as….management a lot to answer for i feel…message should be let the hurling do the talking…it spoilt what could have been a cracking match.

Music blog here Rayo , not a hurling one…but sher i loves it like!

Right releases for Friday 9th of May include…

Here is a tune from it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpYapWU–JA

Main focus this week is releases for the 16th of May….shall be buying from these in next few days so shout if you want someit

There is about 50 bluenote cds coming out on May 16th as high quality cds @ 20 bucks each…if anyone wants to see the list shout!

Im stepping in here … .its a game of opinions … .like the hurling … .but on this blog thingy we get to voice our opinions and ye folks get to listen … .except for the folks who email back to the newsletter  and ask to be unsubscribed “ from this shit”….fair enough point really….ideal world we wouldnt have to do this….it is as Terry rightly said a “ fucking Ad” in his thick cockney accent…but we are remote and have to remind ye we are here….so yer stuck with the “ fuckin Ad” for now anyway….its going about 12 or 13 years now id say….anyhoo, seeing as my opinion is just so important….im stepping in here

These New Puritans are a good band and worth a listen … .thats it really…that’s my popely opinion … .boost in the ratings last week for those guys…here’s a new tune from These New Puritans…i think it’s beautiful

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZ-MWiFgIzs

Just a heads up on someit….again because my opinion is just sooo important

Showing in Cork May 11th -14th May  in the Triskel is a film called John Murry & Michael Timmins – A Little Bit Of Grace And Decay.

Here is a bit more info:

The Soundtrack to accompany the Award winning Documentary “The Graceless Age: The Ballad Of John Murry”.  Written and performed by John Murry and Mike Timmins (Cowboy Junkies). The film has already won Best Irish Documentary at the 35th Galway Film Fleadh and will be premiering in the UK later this year. Directed by Sarah Share best known for her multi award winning ‘If I Should Fall from Grace’ –  the Shane MacGowan Story.

 

“Ever since we finished recording A Short History of Decay back in 2016, I’ve been waiting for John Murry to return to my studio. I had been working on some ideas for the film score for John’s doc when he finally reappeared. He had three days to kill in Toronto, so we decided to get together, sit around and play some music. No real plan and no real goal, just play and enjoy each other’s company. This album is the result of that visit. It’s a “sort-of” soundtrack album to the film, it contains some score pieces, as well as some of the solo recordings that John and I made when he was here in Toronto, some of which also became a part of the score” Mike Timmins.

 

This haunting film is the story of American singer songwriter John Murry, who was on the cusp of greatness after the release of his highly acclaimed album The Graceless Age (2013), when his world fell apart. Addicted to heroin and creatively exhausted, he washed up on the shores of Ireland, a broken man. Now, he retraces his steps back to Mississippi into the dark heart of American life and faces his demons- a neglected childhood, traumatic assault, and resulting years of opioid addiction.

 

John also explores his family links to the Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner. His adopted grandmother Mimi would tell him if anyone was imbued with the spirit of Bill Faulkner, it was John.

She also told him that his famous ancestor was also addicted to opiates. Yet, throughout his long period of substance abuse he was constantly writing and performing. Like Faulkner, Murry’s lyrics embrace the dark side of American life – an anger that is born in the rotting underbelly of Mississippi history. Reminiscent at times of Neil Young or Wilco, Murry’s music is classic Americana. 

 

This film chronicles his efforts to put it back together again after finding solace in Ireland and come to terms with his turbulent early years. John embarks on a road trip that takes him from his haven on the cliffs of Co Clare, Ireland to his native Mississippi and then his strung-out days in California.

The film culminates with John travelling to Toronto to rekindle his creative collaboration with

Canadian music legend Mike Timmins, who produced his second album, A Short History of Decay.

Mike helps John express himself the best way he can – through his outstanding music. This beautiful documentary charts his journey from near death to redemption and a new zest for life and art. “

Right so going to hand ye over to Shane now as he takes ye down the road with announcements etc….looking forward to hearing the young fellas report on his recording sessions as well when he is back next week…over to you Shane kid

Cheers, Ray. How’s it going everyone. I like John Murry, didn’t know about his history, thanks for sharing Ray.
We actually have this in stock at 10 euro, a very good album for no money at all: https://musiczone.ie/product/john-murry-the-stars-are-gods-bullet-holes-vinyl/

Happy summer to ye! Nice start to it with the weather this week. I’d like to go to a few gigs, Joe Bonamassa doing Rory, Neil Young. Too much choice, will have to see how the wallet is. I’m going to see Earth in the Pavilion in a few weeks.

Anyway, there’s a big reissue coming out on June 13th, METALLICA – Load (Remastered). I’ve been waiting for this for ages. They did everything up to the black album, so this will be nice to get. There’s a cool orange and black smoke vinyl version as well as a super deluxe box set:

Saw them a few times live, great live band. There will be expanded 3 CD and standard 2 LP versions also.
Here’s a track from it that I always remember from the days of Kerrang and MTV2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRV9uPr4Dz4

Another nice reissue that hasn’t been around for a while is STEELY DAN – The Royal Scam. Great album. It’ll be coming out June 6th on vinyl. Love this one from it: https://youtu.be/zAf0HTJ54Aw?si=m0xotjCqH99yF4w-

Delighted also to tell ye about a new album from Irish indie artist, Peter Doran. His new record, ‘All the World is Running on a Mystic Code’, is coming out on May 23rd and we’re getting vinyl copies of it.. Here’s track 2 from the album: https://youtu.be/zaoMizG4KZU?si=4kX3XwpZJyB2Aknn

And here’s a bit about it: 

After over two decades of honing his craft and captivating audiences with his deeply emotive music, Peter Doran returns with his most powerful and reflective work to date, All the World is Running on a Mystic Code. This evocative new album blends elements of folk, alternative, and experimental soundscapes, showcasing Doran’s impeccable songwriting and boundless creativity.

All the World is Running on a Mystic Code, was recorded at Oldtown Recording Studio in County Westmeath, Ireland, with additional sessions in Kildare and Vienna. Doran produced all of the tracks, except for “Clockwork,” which was co-produced by Nicky Brennan. Mastered by Kim Rosen (Bonnie Raitt, Aimee Mann), this album marks a new pinnacle in Doran’s illustrious career.”

Here’s a roundup of everything else coming later this year:

That’s about all from me this week. Slán!

Thanks Shane!
Sin e really for this week folks

Thanks for listening as always

Ray, Shane, young Adam and Mia

April 23rd: New CURE remix album! New SWELL SEASON album! Country/folk supergroup I’M WITH HER, WUNDERHORSE Clear Vinyl and JEFF WAYNE WOTW Box Set

Posted on by musiczoneadmin

How d folks

Hope all is well

The hurling is off and running, the proper stuff ( not the league)…jays if Waterford bring something to the table it’s going to be a mad munster championship.

Releases for this friday the 25th of april include

The intensity of the last few weeks is starting to ease up…delighted it’s in the rearview for another year to be honest.

Releases then for the 2nd May include

UCC exams are starting tomorrow next door to us for the next 4 to 5 weeks … .so the parking can be an issue outside the front…there is ( nearly) always parking in the 4 or 5 spaces outside the very front of the shop, but there maybe cones in front of them….just pop out of the car , move the cones and park….or double park outside if no parking and pop into us and we will sort it…its monday to friday, no issue on Saturdays….easy fix for us so just let us know and we will sort it.

In boring industry news, Orchard have moved distribution company to DP world ( who also do Integral, Sony, Cargo) ….so Orchard deliveries should be more timely….Proper used do their ( Orchard) distro along with Shellshock and SRD ( as well as Proper themselves) …here is where there is a little problem….for Proper to ship to us, there needs to be 30 units in the box…losing Orchard means it takes longer to get 30 units in the box….so Proper , Shellshock and SRD orders are going to be a bit slower getting to us id imagine….we often hear on the shop floor , it’s due out today….80% of the time that’s no issue, but with some companies if i don’t have enough stock in my “ box” it doesn’t ship….moral of the story…be chill.

Exciting week ahead for Adam as his band “ Cutouts” are going into the studio to hopefully lay down some tracks for the album … .so he is missing for a while.

Stripe was down for 5 days last week….they sent me a survey to rank their customer service from 0 to 5 after it was all done….so it was like been marooned on a wet, cold, stony , sandless , foodless desert island with a james last record and a toothache from hell…and they wanted to know how they had done….zero was terrible if your interested.

 

So main week for this week… and records /cds i shall be ordering in the next few days are for releases on the 9th of May….these include ( shout, shout let it all out)

Here is a tune from the new album

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpYapWU–JA

I’m With Her – Wild and Clear and Blue new album ( Supergroup made up of Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz, and Aoife O’Donovan)….here is a new tune

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZkyZfWu-NU

Right so folks….going to hand ye over to Shane now as he takes ye down the road as usual

Cheers, Ray! Conas atá sibh gach duine?
Hope ye had a nice Easter weekend. Noelle and I went to the cinema twice, weather for it.

A biggish release/pre-order was just announced, the brand new album from SWELL SEASON – Forward, out June 13th. Yes, that fella GLEN HANSARD and yer wan Markeěta Irglovaě from the movie ONCE are back with their first album in 16 years! Here’s a new track from the album, lovely song:
https://youtu.be/SB64B9FXkIU?si=ftOX39xpOC8kWhv9
CD and ivory coloured vinyl of that available.

Secondly, after the RSD release of the Four Tet remix of the track, ‘Alone’, THE CURE are releasing the full album of last year’s ‘Songs from a Lost World’ remixed. ‘Mixes of a Lost World’ it’s called.
Some big names collaborating here, including Paul Oakenfold and Orbital. And at least £1.20 from each sale will be going to the charity WAR CHILD.
Here’s the Paul Oakenfold number: https://youtu.be/bEYiuuzQsEo?si=p29ZJX-A-MFl2LB6

Also, there’s a nice clear vinyl reissue of the debut album from WUNDERHORSE – Cub. I think we all really liked their album MIDAS from last year. Great band. That’s out on May 23rd.

Oh and there’s a deluxe collector’ box set of JEFF WAYNE’s – War Of The Worlds, 16 CD+2 Blu Ray, coming out on August 8th!

Here’s d’list of other things coming soonish:

That’s everything down the line that I have for ye today.
Sound!

Thanks Shane!

Sin e for this week really folks

Thanks for listening as always

Ray, Shane , young Adam & Mia

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