Hello Christy,
So many great posts and responses on here recently. And the only thing I’ve got to write about could bring the sublime crashing right down to the ridiculous.
I’ve been singing a few years now. But I don’t have a Christmas song. It’s all far too many meek angels eating chestnuts in Bethlehem in a snowstorm for me.
I’ve felt the gap. It’s useful to be able to whip out a suitable song when required.
Steve and I were eating breakfast in a cafe in Brighouse last week, after doing our shopping in Aldi. The cafe is called Middle Aged Men in Lycra (Mamil). It’s for cyclists, but they do know how to cook great scrambled eggs.
Anyway, lots of Christmas songs that I couldn’t really hear. Suddenly Steve said, “you could sing this!”
Long story short, I’m taking Santa Baby to the Panther Folk Club tomorrow night for their Christmas party.
I’ve no idea how they’ll take it…
In its favour, it’s sweet and funny and naughty and it suits my voice. The chords are easy in dadgad. And, if pressed, I could say I’m doing it ironically.
Maybe I am. Things have changed a lot for women and men since it was written in the 1950s.
If nothing else, it will get us talking.
So, that’s my news.
I am very sorry Christy, I made a typo!
There should be a double slash after https. So it must be:
https.//m.youtube.com/watch?v=G957oaAZwhc
I hope it works now.
Speaking of blowing the head off with the cans Christy, the song “Cold Blow and the Rainy Night” just popped up on the juke box! Its been played many times here over the last 45 years or so but this was the first time in a long time I actually “listened” to it! Jaysus forgotten how good and unusual it is, was like hearing it all over again for the 1st time, the vocal against Liam Og’s ornamented accompaniment is stunning and very rare!
Then I remembered Cunla, same story, had completely forgotten how stunning that was too! There’s not much of that type of ting out there is there? Unique!
Christy's reply
just listened back to that 1974 recording…Sarm studios in London….lodging in The Irish Club in Eaton Square, socialising in The Balloon Pub in Chelsea… I missed a studio session one Sunday…for some reason I ended up in Slough with Joe Burke…Phil Coulter fingered my portative organ part
Cúnla was 1973… a countryside studio…may have been Jeff Beck’s..he dropped in one day to hear Liam Óg play
we were signed to Polydor UK so first 3 albums were recorded across the water
Hello Christy.I am writing these fee lines in my spiritual home Monks lane on a wet Sunday evening. Looking forward to tommorow night in Vicar st. Another mighty gig in store no doubt.The Vicar st gigs are something to treasure for anyone who has attended. Turkey and ham consumed for the journey ahead on the bus.Sweet music 🎶 roll on Christy.
Christy's reply
just tightening the corset here Dave, trimming the eyebrows, early to bed tonight , final gig of 2025 tomorrow and a VIP travelling up from Timoleague
I’ve a shite memory at times, but sittin here havin me eggs and toast, and lookin’ forward to tomorrow at Vicar Street, I can’t remember how long ago it is since these great runs at Vicar Street started? What was the attraction for you of a continuous run in the one venue? There have been some outstanding ang and unforettable nights there….great memories….in any ways….at the wake they were lashing out the drops of brandy….and a good kick in the hole for not puttin enough wine in the chalice at the early mass….have a great gig tomorrow Git…Larball x
Christy's reply
Matty & The Rose in the same sentence…….I often think about bringing The Rose back into the set….only played it once in the past 25 years…Knightsbrook in Trim when it was requested ….
dolin out the diddle e eye for Doctor Darragh
vacuum packin T.Bone steak for Larry Maith an Fear
Good morning Christy, now that I’m back in Germany with a working mobile phone, I wanted to thank you again for your impressive concert on Monday evening. And especially for singing Butterfly. I had a similar experience years ago; unfortunately, there was nothing that could be done for her, and she lost her way. Life takes its own course. All the best to you, and I’m looking forward to seeing you again on March 19th. Many greetings from Germany, Carsten
Christy's reply
twas yourself that caused me to sing Butterfly Carsten…..who knows when it will re-emerge..maybe tomorrow, maybe never again
Hi christy,
A comment when conversing with dagrab and pat D made me remember my dinner guests from a comment about Boyle.
You know the old…if you could have 4 past people to dinner who would you chose…
I’d ask for the boy from tamlaghtduff, steve biko, john reilly and my granny.
We’d have a good evening. Rory
Morning Christy,
Global warming seems to have put paid to my chances of a return to childhood sledging. Ah the hours and days spent ,in the back field, up and down pulling, pushing, slipping, sliding and sledging as kids, if it was frosty enough get the candle rubbed on the runners we’d hurtle down even faster. Magic fun with the brothers.
Snowflakes however seem to be increasing in number under the winter heat, nameless, shameless and the more you sing your song the more we find strength to put them back in their box,great strong song.
Finally 100 snow white horses. What a man John Spillane.
Rory
Christy's reply
“Saddle up the old grey mare
Tim Big Danny & Jackie Timmy
we’re gonna ride across the Mountain
to Puck fair”
Hi Christy,
Never met Joe Dolan of Galway or of Mullingar.
But Trip to Jerusalem is a fine song as is The Foxy Devil.
And The Iron Behind The Velvet is a great title
Is it abut the grog like Sunday morning coming down or
Pócaí folamh is cloigeann tinn as we say round here.
That tale you tell of yourself and Barney leaving an early house,
as the dawn was breaking and says he …
“Grand stretch in the evening Christy”
Always thought Woddy, Pete Seeger and all them lads were reds.
But every day on The Guestbook is a learning day.
Wouldn’t trust either up front on a rainy night in Soho mind …
Ta Ra La
Bourkey
Christy's reply
“I woke up with an aching head….as usual
I was drunk when goin to bed….as usual
I think I’ll see how much I’ve got
O Jesus Christ I drank the Lot
I must have been a drunken sot…as usual “…. ( Hamish Imlach)
I can agree, Hiroshima is a fun one to play, picked up a guitar and learned it the minute the track ended. Declan compliments you very well on it. He’s some boy! Definitely do consider bringing it back it would be fantastic. Dying to hear Lyra live aswell. I remember you saying you missed it one of the tlt nights in July but that was still some setlist
Another tune that has a hold on me at the moment is butterfly and especially the new version off a terrible beauty, it really is just one of those that stick with you. I haven’t been able to pick up a guitar without playing it recently. I actually only received the vinyl for the extended version the other day, me and the missus love it. I must say man you know how to create a masterpiece. Big marquee expanded is unreal. Massive fair play to you
Christy's reply
Hiroshima…fun to play !!!!
must be great weather in Clogherhead…
Howdy Christy,
I’m just after stumbling across Hiroshima Nagasaki Russian Roulette live at the point track and wow… where has that been the last 18 years of my life. I loved it instantly, the energy, the melody and the lyrics are nothing short of fantastic. I really liked the line swap “they call this security, I call it suicide” it’s fantastic through and through. It would be cool to see a revival at some point or another.
Slowly working my way through the catalogue and the “traveller” album is a huge stand out to me. I love the fusion that goes on throughout that record. How did the idea come around for that?
Christy's reply
I play Hiroshima regularly to myself here in the workroom
I think I’ll give it a run out in the new year
always a buzz when the “Traveller”album is referenced…
I’d been off the road for a year…I’d been struggling a bit…
circa 1998 we had a bit of a hooley
Our Son Andy had some of his pals around
I sang a few old songs
one of his mates was Leo Pearson who was making his own music
we got chatting
I liked what he was doing and the way he did it
he set up in the garden room and we started to experiment
I like this album…occasionally I crank it up to fuck in the cans and blow me auld head off…clears the cobwebs
Hi Christy, talking of Andy Irvine the first time I saw him live was a good few years back in Southport. I went to the gig (above a pub) as a Planxty fan to see Andy Irvine & came out as an Andy Irvine fan having seen Andy Irvine. The icing on the cake was chatting to him after and him telling me that in his ideal world Woody Guthrie would have played centre forward for Everton. A top man a great musician & an Evertonian, what more can you ask?
Great to start a day with talk of Sweeney’s Men..ace music that certainly laid foundations.
Today may well be one that never gets light…by chance,I’m playing ‘Hinterland’ by Lisa Knapp and Gerry Diver… It is perfect and very atmospheric..what talents.
Keep warm,all
Dave
Christy's reply
“Sullivan’s John ye won’t stick it long
’til your belly will soon get slack
you’ll be travellin the road with a mighty load
and your toodle box on your back”
Hi Christy. Our bags are packed and we are ready to travel over the weekend to Dublin. Another trip from our home near Stratford upon Avon in Warwickshire to see you at Vicar Street on Monday 15th December as part of our 52nd wedding anniversary celebration. Two years ago you sang the Voyage for us on our Golden Anniversary at the same venue. That memorable night when the crowd joined in. Our voyage continues. Who knows how much longer we have left until we reach the far shore? And yes, black is the colour of my true love’s hair. Or at least it was. Now streaked with strands of silver. I stillI love the ground, Whereon she stands. We are looking forward to another great night Christy, watching you from the front tables. Thank you for keeping on. Take care
Tom and Vishva Murtha.
Christy's reply
I’m just doin me press-ups here Tom,
takin the tablets and resting up for Mondays frolics
Hi Christy,
Me drinking days were done among …
bottles-naggins-flagons-cans
Loads of craic and mighty frolics
Listening to The Christy Man
And Never Mind The Bollocks.
How the nineties were survived. I dunno.
But I remember one night. Vivid like.
Pens against Romania
A nation holds its breath
The nation lost it’s shit
When O’Leary’s hit the net
Mind as I’m getting on and on
a pint bottle or two of The Guinness
hits the spot every once in awhile.
Enjoy the last night of this year’s run.
Bourkey
Christy's reply
Did you ever know “Galway” Joe Dolan ?
Your post reminded me of him
A founder member of Sweeney’s Men..
When Joe left the Band Terry Woods joined Andy & Johnny and together they recorded the Sweeney’s Men album.Speaking personally, I believe that album sowed a seed that still regenerates 60 years later.
I got to know Joe a wee bit. I recorded two of his songs “Trip to Jerusalem” and “The Foxy Devil” on a 1976 album “The Iron Behind The Velvet”
I heard both songs from the singing of Jerry Joyce
http://www.andyirvine.com fascinating to read about Andy’s instruments and gigs…after his Oz tour,there’s an interesting project in Scotland…Katherine Priddy is doing really well in her career.
In Planxty times,Andy’s contributions were mighty…since then,I’ve seen him with Mosaik and Patrick Street…hopefully,solo some time.
Time for Planxty now…’Ligtle Musgrave’ needs some exercise…
Enjoy the day
Dave
Christy's reply
tonight Andy is up there in Australia … his heart forever in Old Ireland….
Hello Christy,
So many great posts and responses on here recently. And the only thing I’ve got to write about could bring the sublime crashing right down to the ridiculous.
I’ve been singing a few years now. But I don’t have a Christmas song. It’s all far too many meek angels eating chestnuts in Bethlehem in a snowstorm for me.
I’ve felt the gap. It’s useful to be able to whip out a suitable song when required.
Steve and I were eating breakfast in a cafe in Brighouse last week, after doing our shopping in Aldi. The cafe is called Middle Aged Men in Lycra (Mamil). It’s for cyclists, but they do know how to cook great scrambled eggs.
Anyway, lots of Christmas songs that I couldn’t really hear. Suddenly Steve said, “you could sing this!”
Long story short, I’m taking Santa Baby to the Panther Folk Club tomorrow night for their Christmas party.
I’ve no idea how they’ll take it…
In its favour, it’s sweet and funny and naughty and it suits my voice. The chords are easy in dadgad. And, if pressed, I could say I’m doing it ironically.
Maybe I am. Things have changed a lot for women and men since it was written in the 1950s.
If nothing else, it will get us talking.
So, that’s my news.
Wishing a wonderful gig for all involved tonight!
Rebecca
I still opt for the old Adeste Fidelis
We’re looking forward the last spin in Dublin, we’ve one song Lyra McKee we would love to hear, merry Christmas from Carol and Keith.
“not even wild horses could have stopped her leaving”
………..James Cramer
I am very sorry Christy, I made a typo!
There should be a double slash after https. So it must be:
https.//m.youtube.com/watch?v=G957oaAZwhc
I hope it works now.
“Come Sing My Song Mama”
…….Thank You
Speaking of blowing the head off with the cans Christy, the song “Cold Blow and the Rainy Night” just popped up on the juke box! Its been played many times here over the last 45 years or so but this was the first time in a long time I actually “listened” to it! Jaysus forgotten how good and unusual it is, was like hearing it all over again for the 1st time, the vocal against Liam Og’s ornamented accompaniment is stunning and very rare!
Then I remembered Cunla, same story, had completely forgotten how stunning that was too! There’s not much of that type of ting out there is there? Unique!
just listened back to that 1974 recording…Sarm studios in London….lodging in The Irish Club in Eaton Square, socialising in The Balloon Pub in Chelsea… I missed a studio session one Sunday…for some reason I ended up in Slough with Joe Burke…Phil Coulter fingered my portative organ part
Cúnla was 1973… a countryside studio…may have been Jeff Beck’s..he dropped in one day to hear Liam Óg play
we were signed to Polydor UK so first 3 albums were recorded across the water
Hello Christy.I am writing these fee lines in my spiritual home Monks lane on a wet Sunday evening. Looking forward to tommorow night in Vicar st. Another mighty gig in store no doubt.The Vicar st gigs are something to treasure for anyone who has attended. Turkey and ham consumed for the journey ahead on the bus.Sweet music 🎶 roll on Christy.
just tightening the corset here Dave, trimming the eyebrows, early to bed tonight , final gig of 2025 tomorrow and a VIP travelling up from Timoleague
I’ve a shite memory at times, but sittin here havin me eggs and toast, and lookin’ forward to tomorrow at Vicar Street, I can’t remember how long ago it is since these great runs at Vicar Street started? What was the attraction for you of a continuous run in the one venue? There have been some outstanding ang and unforettable nights there….great memories….in any ways….at the wake they were lashing out the drops of brandy….and a good kick in the hole for not puttin enough wine in the chalice at the early mass….have a great gig tomorrow Git…Larball x
Matty & The Rose in the same sentence…….I often think about bringing The Rose back into the set….only played it once in the past 25 years…Knightsbrook in Trim when it was requested ….
dolin out the diddle e eye for Doctor Darragh
vacuum packin T.Bone steak for Larry Maith an Fear
doin 86 MPH on JCB down the Kilburn High
Hi Christy,
Maybe you like this musicvideo.
https./m,youtube.com/watch?v=G957oaAZwhc
Love
not working Moeke
Good morning Christy, now that I’m back in Germany with a working mobile phone, I wanted to thank you again for your impressive concert on Monday evening. And especially for singing Butterfly. I had a similar experience years ago; unfortunately, there was nothing that could be done for her, and she lost her way. Life takes its own course. All the best to you, and I’m looking forward to seeing you again on March 19th. Many greetings from Germany, Carsten
twas yourself that caused me to sing Butterfly Carsten…..who knows when it will re-emerge..maybe tomorrow, maybe never again
Hi christy,
A comment when conversing with dagrab and pat D made me remember my dinner guests from a comment about Boyle.
You know the old…if you could have 4 past people to dinner who would you chose…
I’d ask for the boy from tamlaghtduff, steve biko, john reilly and my granny.
We’d have a good evening. Rory
Andy Moore, Nancy Moore,Jack Power, Liam Óg
Morning Christy,
Global warming seems to have put paid to my chances of a return to childhood sledging. Ah the hours and days spent ,in the back field, up and down pulling, pushing, slipping, sliding and sledging as kids, if it was frosty enough get the candle rubbed on the runners we’d hurtle down even faster. Magic fun with the brothers.
Snowflakes however seem to be increasing in number under the winter heat, nameless, shameless and the more you sing your song the more we find strength to put them back in their box,great strong song.
Finally 100 snow white horses. What a man John Spillane.
Rory
“Saddle up the old grey mare
Tim Big Danny & Jackie Timmy
we’re gonna ride across the Mountain
to Puck fair”
Hi Christy,
Never met Joe Dolan of Galway or of Mullingar.
But Trip to Jerusalem is a fine song as is The Foxy Devil.
And The Iron Behind The Velvet is a great title
Is it abut the grog like Sunday morning coming down or
Pócaí folamh is cloigeann tinn as we say round here.
That tale you tell of yourself and Barney leaving an early house,
as the dawn was breaking and says he …
“Grand stretch in the evening Christy”
Always thought Woddy, Pete Seeger and all them lads were reds.
But every day on The Guestbook is a learning day.
Wouldn’t trust either up front on a rainy night in Soho mind …
Ta Ra La
Bourkey
“I woke up with an aching head….as usual
I was drunk when goin to bed….as usual
I think I’ll see how much I’ve got
O Jesus Christ I drank the Lot
I must have been a drunken sot…as usual “…. ( Hamish Imlach)
I can agree, Hiroshima is a fun one to play, picked up a guitar and learned it the minute the track ended. Declan compliments you very well on it. He’s some boy! Definitely do consider bringing it back it would be fantastic. Dying to hear Lyra live aswell. I remember you saying you missed it one of the tlt nights in July but that was still some setlist
Another tune that has a hold on me at the moment is butterfly and especially the new version off a terrible beauty, it really is just one of those that stick with you. I haven’t been able to pick up a guitar without playing it recently. I actually only received the vinyl for the extended version the other day, me and the missus love it. I must say man you know how to create a masterpiece. Big marquee expanded is unreal. Massive fair play to you
Hiroshima…fun to play !!!!
must be great weather in Clogherhead…
Brilliant,Christy
Just drying off..spluttered a cuppa,reading your comments about listening to ‘Traveller’…it’s a work of genius and I’ll follow your tip…D
myself and Leo Pearson
down the garden room
loops and samples
information overload
hot bed of nothing
comin to save the white babies
Howdy Christy,
I’m just after stumbling across Hiroshima Nagasaki Russian Roulette live at the point track and wow… where has that been the last 18 years of my life. I loved it instantly, the energy, the melody and the lyrics are nothing short of fantastic. I really liked the line swap “they call this security, I call it suicide” it’s fantastic through and through. It would be cool to see a revival at some point or another.
Slowly working my way through the catalogue and the “traveller” album is a huge stand out to me. I love the fusion that goes on throughout that record. How did the idea come around for that?
I play Hiroshima regularly to myself here in the workroom
I think I’ll give it a run out in the new year
always a buzz when the “Traveller”album is referenced…
I’d been off the road for a year…I’d been struggling a bit…
circa 1998 we had a bit of a hooley
Our Son Andy had some of his pals around
I sang a few old songs
one of his mates was Leo Pearson who was making his own music
we got chatting
I liked what he was doing and the way he did it
he set up in the garden room and we started to experiment
I like this album…occasionally I crank it up to fuck in the cans and blow me auld head off…clears the cobwebs
Leo is till making music
Never forget Tranmere Christy. It’s our team.
Tom and Vishva Murtha.
Hi Christy, talking of Andy Irvine the first time I saw him live was a good few years back in Southport. I went to the gig (above a pub) as a Planxty fan to see Andy Irvine & came out as an Andy Irvine fan having seen Andy Irvine. The icing on the cake was chatting to him after and him telling me that in his ideal world Woody Guthrie would have played centre forward for Everton. A top man a great musician & an Evertonian, what more can you ask?
dont be forgetting Tranmere
Hi Christy
Great to start a day with talk of Sweeney’s Men..ace music that certainly laid foundations.
Today may well be one that never gets light…by chance,I’m playing ‘Hinterland’ by Lisa Knapp and Gerry Diver… It is perfect and very atmospheric..what talents.
Keep warm,all
Dave
“Sullivan’s John ye won’t stick it long
’til your belly will soon get slack
you’ll be travellin the road with a mighty load
and your toodle box on your back”
Hi Christy. Our bags are packed and we are ready to travel over the weekend to Dublin. Another trip from our home near Stratford upon Avon in Warwickshire to see you at Vicar Street on Monday 15th December as part of our 52nd wedding anniversary celebration. Two years ago you sang the Voyage for us on our Golden Anniversary at the same venue. That memorable night when the crowd joined in. Our voyage continues. Who knows how much longer we have left until we reach the far shore? And yes, black is the colour of my true love’s hair. Or at least it was. Now streaked with strands of silver. I stillI love the ground, Whereon she stands. We are looking forward to another great night Christy, watching you from the front tables. Thank you for keeping on. Take care
Tom and Vishva Murtha.
I’m just doin me press-ups here Tom,
takin the tablets and resting up for Mondays frolics
Hi Christy,
Me drinking days were done among …
bottles-naggins-flagons-cans
Loads of craic and mighty frolics
Listening to The Christy Man
And Never Mind The Bollocks.
How the nineties were survived. I dunno.
But I remember one night. Vivid like.
Pens against Romania
A nation holds its breath
The nation lost it’s shit
When O’Leary’s hit the net
Mind as I’m getting on and on
a pint bottle or two of The Guinness
hits the spot every once in awhile.
Enjoy the last night of this year’s run.
Bourkey
Did you ever know “Galway” Joe Dolan ?
Your post reminded me of him
A founder member of Sweeney’s Men..
When Joe left the Band Terry Woods joined Andy & Johnny and together they recorded the Sweeney’s Men album.Speaking personally, I believe that album sowed a seed that still regenerates 60 years later.
I got to know Joe a wee bit. I recorded two of his songs “Trip to Jerusalem” and “The Foxy Devil” on a 1976 album “The Iron Behind The Velvet”
I heard both songs from the singing of Jerry Joyce
Hi Christy
Following Haz’s info,I’ve had a great mooch at
http://www.andyirvine.com fascinating to read about Andy’s instruments and gigs…after his Oz tour,there’s an interesting project in Scotland…Katherine Priddy is doing really well in her career.
In Planxty times,Andy’s contributions were mighty…since then,I’ve seen him with Mosaik and Patrick Street…hopefully,solo some time.
Time for Planxty now…’Ligtle Musgrave’ needs some exercise…
Enjoy the day
Dave
tonight Andy is up there in Australia … his heart forever in Old Ireland….