Stories in this edition of Three Monkeys Online
Flock - BellX1
Third album from Ireland's Bell X1, former band-mates of Damien Rice - though don't let that put you off.
By Brendan Coffey
"If there was a God, then why is my arse
The perfect height for kicking?"(Rocky Took a Lover).
The beauty of Flock, BellX1's third album, is that in among a record that strands a diverse spectrum of frustration, anger, longing and romance, out comes a line of razor sharp wit.
It's a throwback to their previous album, Music in Mouth;
"I'm a little all over the shop
Like those souvenirs from Knock
that come all the way from China."...
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That Lucky Old Sun - Brian Wilson
Brian Wilson's name provokes equal parts fear and excitement in John J. Doyle as he approaches the ex-Beach Boy's latest solo album
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Back to Black - Amy Winehouse
'50s inspired record of the moment from the female 'Pete Doherty'.
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Magic - Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street Band
Yet another triumphant return to form for Bruce Springsteen and the E-STreet Band, but not the safe retreat advertised.
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Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace - Foo Fighters
Sixth album from Dave Grohl's Foo Fighters
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A Weekend in the City - Bloc Party
Bloc Party's second album, veering close to being a concept album, but in this case, that's not such a bad thing.
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Live at the Olympia - Damien Dempsey
Live albums are usually a bad idea - Damien Dempsey's live at the Olympia is the exception to the rule.
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Gods and Monsters - I am Kloot
Third album from Manchester trio I am Kloot, with more than a passing echo to George Harrison's elegant guitarwork.
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Cellar Door - John Vanderslice
Former MK Ultra frontman, and studio wizard John Vanderslice with his fourth solo album. Mixing lush sounds with songs about torture, drugs, and the family.
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Cansei der ser sexy - Cansei der ser sexy
Art Disco Punk from Sao Paolo band whose name translated apparently means 'tired of being sexy'. Indeed.
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National Anthem for Nowhere - Apostle of Hustle
Earnest American indie-rock fails to impress the harsh-eared Mr Murphy
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Ballad of the Broken Seas - Isobell Campbell & Mark Lannegan
Mercury prize nominated album of duets, written by Isobell Campbell, one-time member of Belle and Sebastian, with Mark Lannegan.
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The Complete Reprise Sessions - Gram Parsons
Timely box-set released by Rhino Records.
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Best of - Luna
Best of from indie-rock 'supergroup' Luna. Seventeen tracks spanning 1992-2004.
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Coles Corner - Richard Hawley
Third solo album from sheffield's Richard Hawley, one time guitarist with both the Longpigs and Pulp.
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In the Reins - Iron and Wine & Calexico
Iron and Wine's Sam Beam brings sevent tunes to alt-americana group Calexico for collaboration. The results are stunning.
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Whatever you say I am, That’s what I’m not - Arctic Monkeys
The fastest selling debut album in history. Sheffield's Arctic Monkeys bring tales of bent bouncers, prostitutes, and underage drinking to the Top 40.
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Flock - BellX1
Third album from Ireland's Bell X1, former band-mates of Damien Rice - though don't let that put you off.
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Pacific Ocean Blue - Denis Wilson
Long forgotten album from the Beach Boys' Denis Wilson. Pacific Ocean Blue was first rleased in 1977, six years before Wilson drowned in the Ocean off Marina del Ray, California.
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Funeral - Arcade Fire
Debut album from Montreal based multi-instrumentalists Arcade Fire.
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Don't Believe the Truth - Oasis
Album #6 from Oasis, not counting live albums and b-side compilations.
Articles from other 3monkeys sections
The New Turkey -Reflections from Istanbul.
Much disccusion on Turkey's accession to the EU comes from Europe looking outwards. Chris Morris, though, lived and worked in Turkey for four years as a BBC correspondent. Three Monkeys Online discusses reform, accession, freedom of speech, and political Islam with Morris, author of The New Turkey - The Quiet Revolution on the Edge of the World
Sinister Nexus - Berlusconi and the culture of corruption. David Lane in interview.
David Lane, author of Berlusconi's Shadow, and long time business and finance correspondent in Italy for The Economist has spent a long time focussing on Silvio Berlusconi's rise to power, and the political culture that has allowed it. David Lane in interview with Three Monkeys Online.
The Politics of Sorry - The Australian apology to the Aboriginal people placed in context
In February 2008 Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made a historic apology to the Stolen Generation of Aboriginal people. James Patterson was in Sydney at the time, and conducted a series of interviews which place the apology in a wider context of the continuing search, by Australia's indigenous people, for social justice.
The Best Democracy Money can Buy. Greg Palast in interview.
Greg Palast, author of The Best Democracy Money can Busy started working in journalism through frustration. He switched from his career as a racketeering investigator, frustrated that the important stories were not finding their way into the media. Palast uncovered, amongst other stories, the voting irregularities in Florida during the 2000 Presidential election. In interview with Three Monkeys Online, Palast talks about the Apartheid voting system in the States and Media censorship.
From the outside looking in – Norway and the EU
Norway remains one of those rarer than rare things, a non-EU nation in Europe. Ten years after the Norwegians rejected full EU membership, for the second time, Berit Haugen Keyes examines the arguments both for joining and for remaining outside the EU.
Defending History - Deborah E. Lipstadt and Holocaust Denial
Professor Deborah E. Lipstadt became a household name when David Irving sued her for libel. The trial, Irving vs Lipstadt, in a sense, put the Holocaust on trial. Irving lost his case, with the court accepting that he had "persistently and deliberately misrepresented and manipulated historical evidence", and that he was an "active Holocaust denier". Lipstadt, in interview with Three Monkeys Online, discusses the persistence of Holocaust denial, methods of teaching the Holocaust, and 'soft-core denial'.
Bushwomen. Angel in the house or demon on the loose – it is all in the presentation.
With the placement of strong, media savvy women, and careful use of language, George W. Bush is telling the world that 'W' stands for Women. Laura Flanders, in her book 'Bushwomen' suggests that nothing could be further from the truth.
Growing Signs of Unrest in the Maldives
The Maldivian government's use of excessive force in mid-August to quell demonstrations by opposition activists demanding democratic reforms indicates that its commitment to establishing multi-party democracy in the country remains weak. Dr Sudha Ramachandran, of the PINR, provides a background to the protests.
Ring them Bells - Bob Dylan's Road to Damascus
In that late '70s moment between punk and Reagonomics, Bob Dylan chronicled his own Saul of Tarsus moment, with a trio of Christian albums. John Doyle dares to look back, and finds Mr Zimmerman cruising with Shelley.
The Brad Mehldau Trio live in Dublin's Vicar Street
Brad Mehldau's recent brief Irish tour was the subject of feverish anticipation, but would the American pianist's performance live up to expectations? John Doyle went along to see this powerhouse of modern jazz.
Bobby Lynch - The Forgotten Dubliner
When people mention the legendary Dubliners, the two names that readily spring to mind are the late-greats Luke Kelly and Ronnie Drew. John Doyle, though, takes a moment to remember one of the largely forgotten faces of the Dubliners, Bobby Lynch.
Challengers - The New Pornographers interview
Carl Newman, of Canadian band The New Pornographers, talks to TMO about pop music, songs, and why it takes more guts to write a happy song like 'walking on sunshine' than cooler sad songs.
This is a Fix - The Automatic in interview
They are one of Britain's best loved and least well-known new bands. Their debut album, Not Accepted Anywhere spawned hit singles like Monster, and now they're back with a radically different difficult second album, This is a Fix. TMO talks to The Automatic's lead singer Rob Hawkins
Deals in luck and despair, Delorentos in profile
Dublin band the Delorentos are riding high in the limelight, with a nomination for both best Irish band of 2008, and best Irish album of 2008 for in love with detail. Brendan Coffey met up with guitarist Ronan Yourell, to talk abou the band's past,present, and future
Bring the Dance - Simon Fagan Interview
Equally at home in an orchestra or solo onstage with just a guitar and his songs, Simon Fagan is one of Ireland's most promising new artists. He's chalked up a song on a hollywood soundtrack, and plenty of high-profile gigs. Brendan Coffey met up with the Navan born songwriter to discuss songs and success.
Singing for his Tribe - Luka Bloom
Luka Bloom is, in a sense, an elder statesman of the Irish music scene. His career has spanned over twenty years, and reflected changes in both the business and Irish society. With a sound as fresh as ever, Bloom has released his latest album Tribe. Recently he spoke to Three Monkeys.
Flawed Ambition - The Flaws in interview
Irish band The Flaws are tipped by the critics to be one of the next big things. Brendan Coffey meets a band that, while filled with ambition, has its feet firmly on the ground.
News and Tributes - The Futureheads interview
Sunderland band The Futureheads are entering a new phase as a band, having parted company with their record label Warners. Three Monkeys met up with the brothers Hyde to discuss their second album News and Tributes, and what the future holds for The Futureheads.
Divine Comedy - Neil Hannon in interview
With the release of his latest album, Victory for the Comic Muse Neil Hannon, better known as the man behind The Divine Comedy, has closed a circle, or has he? Brendan Coffey spoke to Hannon for Three Monkeys Online.
Grace Under Pressure - The Survival And Development Of The Cornish Language and Culture
Amongst the former Celtic nations Cornwall has, for the most part, been overlooked. Cornwall, though, has a distinct and rich heritage, and language (Kernowek), which in the internet age is finding new outlets for expression - and at the forefront of this is music.
Tonight's the Night - Neil Young. Classic Album Reviews
John Doyle spends an intimate evening with Neil Young's dark masterpiece, Tonight's the Night.
Liberated from the line-dancing gestapo - The Music of Gillian Welch
In the 1990s, 'country' music in Ireland meant the likes of Shania Twain and Garth Brooks, and Friday night line-dancing. For the lucky few, like a young and impressionable John Doyle, stumbling upon the music of Gillian Welch changed all that.
Recurring Heartworm - The return of Whipping Boy
Dublin's Whipping Boy produced one of the most influential Irish albums of the '90s with Heartworm, but lack of commercial success coupled with internal conflict led the band to bitterly split up. Last year, after several years of estrangement, the members of Whipping Boy regrouped for some ecstatically received concerts, and now talk is about recording once again. Paul Page, guitarist with the band spoke to Three Monkeys Online about the rise and fall of an Irish rock band, against the backdrop of the Celtic Tiger.
The Musical Manifesto - These Were The Earlies (in interview)
Good Music didn't start with Punk in 76; you don't need to be a virtuouso to come up with a melody; and just because Daniel Johnson gig hamfists the piano like he's got mittens on, doesn't mean that that's shit. Anglo-American band The Earlies declare their musical manifesto to Three Monkeys Online.
Add it Up - an interview with the elder statesmen of disaffected youth, the Violent Femmes
Over a period of twenty-five years their songs have become an obligatory addition to the record collection of any frustrated, and self-discerning, teenager. At the same time songs like Add it up and Blister in the Sun are regulars on compilation tapes, and soundtracks - automatically adding a touch of 'cool' to their surroundings. The Violent Femmes are a quiet phenomena
Howl - Action and Reaction with the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's latest album Howl sounds like a huge departure, veering away from feedback towards country blues, but Robert Turner, the band's bassist, explains to Three Monkeys Online how it's simply part of the ongoing process of introducing the band to its listeners.
Pretty Good Year - The Kaiser Chiefs in Rome
The Kaiser Chiefs have had a success packed year. Their debut album Employment has sold by the bucketload, they've become one of the most sought after live bands in the UK, and performed in Philadelphia for Live 8. Keyboardist Nick 'Peanut' Baines met up with Three Monkeys Online in Rome to explain the roots of their success.
Gimme Fiction - Spoon in interview
American band Spoon's latest album Gimme Fiction has been hailed by the critics on both sides of the Atlantic, being the sound of an band at the height of their powers. But, after talking with drummer Jim Eno, Three Monkeys suggests that Gimme Fiction is but one more chapter in the musical story of America's most 'British' band.
Bell X1
Bell X1 have just released their third album, Flock. Platinum selling in their native Ireland, in the rest of the world they are slightly less known than their erstwhile band-mate Damien Rice. Paul Noonan, lead singer talks to Brendan Coffey about the past, present and future for Bell X1.
Dark and Bitter - Negramaro in Interview
Dark and bitter as the wine they take their name from? Negramaro from Salento in southern Italy are one of the success stories of 2005, with a bestselling album Mentre Tutto Scorre, an MTV Europe award for best Italian act, and an appearance at the prestigious San Remo Music festival. They spoke to Three Monkeys Online at the Arezzo Wave festival, before taking to the main stage. Subjects up for discussion? Affinities with Coldplay, poetics, the dominant language of the century, and Opera.
Meltdown - Ash in interview
Ash are not only one of Ireland's favourite rock bands, they are also one of its most succesful musical exports. Bassist Mark Hamilton traded emails with Three Monkeys' Mary Carton, to discuss record labels, stadium rock, politics, and a subject close to his heart - Star Wars.
The difference between a cow and a sheep - the British Sea Power interview experience
With songs dedicated to Atlantic sea shelves, or with references to the French revolutionary calendar, it should come as no surprise that British Sea Power are far from conventional. Three Monkeys Online are still dazed from their encounter with the band at the recent Arezzo Love Wave Festival.
Excreting Songs - Glen Hansard of the Frames
With the release of Burn the Maps, Irish band the Frames find themselves in a curious position. While they've released five studio albums, and have played on some of Ireland's biggest stages over the last fourteen years, outside Ireland they are virtually unknown. From master to apprentice, Glen Hansard talks to Three Monkeys Online about songwriting, commercial success, and the bloodletting caused by poetry.
The drama of it all - I am Kloot in interview
I am Kloot frontman, Johnny Bramwell, discusses drama and songwriting with Three Monkeys Online. The Manchester band's third album, Gods and Monsters has its ambiguities, but don't tell Bramwell that it could mean anything - the interpretation isn't up for grabs.
Searching for the Bookends - The Twilight Singers' Greg Dulli in interview
He fronted the Afghan Whigs for fifteen years. His latest band, The Twilight Singers involve a huge range of collaborators. He plays with various bands, and released a covers album, She Loves You, which was one of the surprise gems of last year. Greg Dulli breaks all the rules, but has very definite guiding principles, as he outlines to Three Monkeys Online.
The Secret Migration - Mercury Rev in interview
American Band Mercury Rev talk to Three Monkeys about the recording and release of their new album The Secret Migration, and their various other projects including putting one of Joyce's sonnets to music.
My Generation - Thea Gilmore in interview
Lyrical, literate and outspoken, Thea Gilmore is a true independent. Her albums have won critical acclaim, and ever widening record sales. She talks to Three Monkeys Online about her songs, poetry, politics and how Nirvana qualify as 'folk'.
Roesy in Interview
Irish troubador Roesy is an interesting proposition. Rather than sitting in a bedsit, bemoaning the state of his love life, in typical singer-songwriter fashion, his songs are as likely to be about travels to Bolivia or Nepal.
Decidedly Average Indie Rock’n’Roll For Me - The Killers live in Dublin
The Killers' Hot Fuss album was one of the more name-dropped albums of 2004. The brash, britpop obsessed rock n' roll from a Las Vegas quartet has impressed many, but does it work live?
The legendary Andrew Loog Oldham, in interview
He is the man who discovered/created the Rolling Stones. He's a record producer who's produced stars like The Stones, Donovan, Jimmy Cliff and Bobby Womack. He's the author of two volumes of autobiography that bring the reader into the heart of the Sixties and Seventies Music Business. With that kind of experience it's little wonder that Andrew Loog Oldham manages to touch upon Music, Literature, Film and Politics in this extensive interview with Three Monkeys Online.
The Holy Bible - Manic Street Preachers ten years on.
A difficult, angry, and articulate album that puzzled many upon its release ten years ago, the Manic Street Preachers' The Holy Bible is reviewed, in the fullest sense of the word, by Mary Carton.
Where do the songs come from? Polly Paulusma in interview.
While she won't discuss her lyrics, believing that songs should stand on their own two feet, Polly Paulusma nontheless has plenty to talk about. The Cambridge graduate talks to Three Monkeys about the inspiration for her songs, music business intrigues, advertising and the price of success, in a remarkably candid interview.
One foot in the past - Dark country music, Blanche Style. Blanche in interview.
Their debut album, If we can't trust the doctors, provided one of the starkest and most welcome country/americana records of recent times. Detroit band Blanche, associates of Jack White of the White Stripes, talk about nostalgia, inspiration, and Johnny Cash, with Three Monkeys Online.
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