re your comment about your box set being the home of songs from random tapes etc… what a wonderful treasure trove it is. Quite often I pick a disc at random and enjoy whatever songs emerge… every one a winner… D
Today’s cassette find of the day has been Ronnie Drew’s ‘Dirty Rotten Shame’ from 1995… what an intriguing mix of songs…worth a play for Shane MacGowan’ haunting ‘Dunes’, but tons of interest…not least, a jazz feel on some songs.
There are several musicians/producers familiar from your recordings + Ronnie’s takes on ‘One Last Cold Kiss’ and ‘Viva la Quinta Brigada’…did you have any involvement with the album?
Final track is Mark Knopfler/Dire Straits ‘ Brothers in Arms’. I suppose that was an indicator of the fulfilling direction Knopfler would take post Dire Straits. Also, makes me think of ‘Cal’ and how much I miss hearing it as the lights go down…
Peter Kay did a Q+A gig or two, awhile back. As a fund raising gesture for a seriously ill child, I think. Not sure if he has any plans for further gigs/tours.
You’re right,the Rik Mayall tribute was superb – great to be reminded that Manchester Uni was the genesis of much of the Mayall/ Edmondson comedy.Although, a few years later, my son at Liverpool Uni lived in a few houses that gave ‘The Young Ones ‘ a run for their money… the tributes to Mayall, by his peers were heartwarming in their sincerity. If you watch ‘Alan B’stard’, it’s like a current affairs programme about the current mob…some good clips on youtube
I’m struggling to leace blackadder series two alone. I love this bit.
Lord Melchett:
Gray, I suspect, Majesty.
Queenie:
I think you’ll find it was orange, Lord Melchett.
Melchett:
Gray is more usual, Ma’am.
Queenie:
Who’s QUEEN?
Melchett:
As you say, Majesty. There were these magnificent orange elephants…
I’ve got something in the back of my head by George Carlin. Can’t get it to surface.
I’ll have a wander round those two you mentioned. I never thought an otherworldly spirit like Rik Mayall’s could die.
One of my favourite TV programmes when I was growing up was blackadder. It was wild and funny and it poked fun at “them in charge”.
How about if we get Lord Farrow’s head and body and we take it to the Queen. Except, ex-cept… just before we get in, we start shouting and screaming, and then we come in saying “We were just on our way when he said something traitorous, and so we cut his head off in the corridor just to teach him a lesson!”
Blackadder series two, episode “Head”
Christy's reply
recently watched a wonderful tribute to Rik Mayall..what a comic genius he was..what a loss of fun and laughter…..anyone know will Peter Kay be back ? another comic genius, very different to Mayall…Peter really kept it local while Rik cast his net far,wide and deep
recently discovered Norman McDonald…also tuned into George Carlin..both worth a visit (and both RIP)
Follow me up to Carlow is some song.
My favourite lines are
Roosrt of a fighting stock
Would you let a saxon cock
Crow upon an Irish rock
Fly up and teach him manners
From memory, so who knows…
Have you never sung Arthur mcbride?
It would be a shame if yoy never do.
It’s snuck into the lyrics section here, wiley little thing.
I love that bit where the sergeant talks so long about what he’s going to do with his sword that he gets whacked over the head with a big stick.
Just like, a James bond villain who doesn’t know how to shut up.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
back in early Planxty days Andy Irvine made “Arthur McBride” his own..later Paul Brady delivered a different version…
Paul’s version formed the basis of a short film..anyone recall that…
Dagrab.
Those surgical tweezers could still come into play. As for my tape collection, something could come into play shortly. Watch this space as they say.
Christy's reply
Dear Ed,
it was very close to the midnight hour when you made this entry,
Dear Christy, i heard tonight that FOLLOW ME UP TO CARLOW was written on the battle site of one of the great 16th century battle wins over the english.
Have you any inside knowledge?
Not saying you were you in the battle!
Regards
Rory
Christy's reply
Inside knowledge Rory !
who needs inside knowledge when singin lines like
“White is sick and Gray has fled
Now for Black FitzWilliam’s head
we’ll send it over drippin red
to Queen Liza and her ladies”
come to think of it…Boris Johnson’s Head would fit in there rather tunefully…
I recently cleaned up an old cassette player, having finally got round to sorting some tapes…so, on a fine Autumn afternoon, the dulcet tones of Dolores Keane are sounding wonderful (just about drowning the clunky motor in the player)…1978’s Claddagh release ‘ There was a maid’.
In the same box were tapes of two of our gigs from 1998 -in a city centre folk club (not far from MSG).Brilliantly recorded by a generous audience member…if, as is a possibility, the gigging days are done, it’s fantastic to have keepsakes like these.On the run up to ‘Flying into Mystery’, and with wonderful recordings behind you, I hope you also have a dusty box of reel to reel/cassette tapes – a perfect souvenir of the folk club days.
Dave
Christy's reply
All my dusty reel to reels and dodgy cassettes were reduced to the “Box Set (1964-2004)”
my curator/ collaborator (Luke Drifter) sifted thru 120 cds and reduced them down to 6…I suppose this means there are 114 cds still lying about plus whetever has emerged since…I dont think Luke could go thru such a purgatory (living hell) again but you’d never know ….
in my folk club days there was hardly any recording…lotsa drinking/smoking/harmonising/plus whatever you’re having yourself
Oh there was a man, a rare breed they’ve become, the old-fashioned publican. Making you aware that the Newbridge bus would be passing shortly. I like it.
Christy's reply
I recall two remarkable lady publicans who said to me “dont you think maybe you’ve had enough” Annie Kehoe in Clonmel and Maisie Friel in Miltown-Malbay. I did not appreciate either at the time but, in retrospect, I honour the memory of them both …Annie and Maisie…I hope you have both met up in heaven
Thanks Christy, I’ve just bought a ticket to watch the live stream of Thomas’s concert.
I hope it doesn’t overlap with saracens playing, or I’ll be in the bad books.
Rebecca
Hello Christy,
That was so evocative. The last few weeks I’ve been so much in the present, I’ve had no time for magic. But I was right there. The dark and flickering light of the dozy smell of peat. The wooden table and chairs, bench and ladder? to the loft. The brother is quiet. He sits smoking. I don’t know his name.
I’d got away from the value of life. Right back there.
It sounds like you were a handful even at 13. I have a soft spot for props. They’re an amazing mixture of things.
For what it’s worth Christy and Matt, i like declam McL’s stuff , its a good album and the video of him singing live in the fabulous Cool Discs is great.
Regards to all
Rory
Christy's reply
I agree with you Rory,
Decky is ringin out today in Oz, Scotia and The Black Lagoon
Alright Christy, how’s things? Just wondering if you’ve managed to get a listen in to Decky McLaughlin’s new album “The Path of Most Resistance”? Be very interested to hear your thoughts. Love the imagery of the songs, very well crafted. Hope all is well at your end.
“Blood everywhere” and no mention of Red Cross or Order of Malta. They must have been found wanting. Was it Tommy Fletchers where the Rolling Stones were refused!? While on memorys, a brother of Eddie Marrum’s worked here, about fifty years ago. A real gentleman.
Christy's reply
yes Ed..twas there the rollin schtones were (reputedly) turned back..Tom had a discerning eye and insisted upon maintaining a respectable premises…myself and the late Billy Parkinson landed into Tom’s after a successful visit to Naas races back in 1964….as we were heading towards the gallon Tom gently suggested that the Newbridge bus would be passing in ten minutes, that we might consider heading home…we took his advice (hint) and made it back to Hugh Neeson’s in time to pass the gallon mark after which it all became a bit of a blur….Hamish Imlach’s verse reminds me of the following mornin;
“I woke up with and aching head..as usual
drunk as a skunk going up to bed…as usual
I think I’ll see how much I’ve got, O Jesus Christy I drank the lot
I must have been a drunken sot…as usual”
Hello Christy….This song is about our local writer John McGahern (RIP) and about the Barracks in Cootehall (the song’s title) , which for years was John’s home.. The Barracks has been lovingly restored as a Museum dedicated to his memory and his writings. Cootehall is probably familiar to you Christy. It’s just a stone’s throw from where I live on the Plains of Boyle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rgH03bWeoM
Christy's reply
in my late teens there came “The Barracks” and “The Dark”
Dear Christy, a gig in Naas , how fabulous, i just saw this post and had to blurt it out.
The Killashee was awsome but this smaller place will be grand no doubt.
As they say…wish i was there.
Naas has a great track, big Derek and i walked the course last year, and then Bobby O tried to introduce me to his son Kevin the racing pundit only for Kevin to politely decline saying ‘ dad im on the tv just now ‘ ……this year we stood in the grandstand cheering on winners.
The rugby club has a fine tradition, i watched his son Donncha being coached there, and an excellent green n white hooped shirt.
My mate Henry runs Goffs nearby but maybe best of all is the sign on the door at the spar nearby which simply reads WELCOME TO KILL.
have a blast Christy, i so wish i was there to listen. Maybe the Bord Na Mona man will make an appearance??
Regards
Rory
Christy's reply
My late good buddy John Flood played for Naas in the mid 60s..they were (very)short one Sunday and I was called upon to prop….if memory serves twas v North Kildare….we gained 4 strikes against the head and won 3-0….the finest pints of black porter flowed freely afterwards in Tom Fletcher’s Licensed premises ..there was furore towards closing time when singing broke out..Tom ran a tight ship and singing was looked upon with disdain…in fairness, it has to be said that Tom’s pints of Guinness were the best in the County of Kildare…..that said ,Eddie Marum’s bottled stout left manys the satisfied customer smacking their lips….
You talk of Naas racecourse…adjoining lies Naas GAA pitch where in 1959 we won the Under 14 County Kildare Schools Championship….it was reported in the following weeks Leinster Leader that the “burly” full forward caused problems for the Caragh full back line….a full back line that included one Pat Dunny who went on to become a legend of Raheens, Kildare and Leinster ( in both Hurling & Football )…..
There was trouble on the side line when my Mother overheard a lady declare that the Newbridge full forward could not possibly be under 14…the Garda were called as was the local Parish Priest and an Ambulance..there was blood everywhere
Hello Christy,
Thanks for the recommendation to listen to Thomas McCarthy. I spent several happy hours doing that yesterday.
I like this song https://youtu.be/QlAdNrckf9o
Tried to find out more about it but everyone else seems to sing a completely different version.
Thinking about what you said about great songs. Maybe that’s how folk songs are born. They start to develop a life away from their writer?
So fettle is probably from teesside. I used to work with a guy from the North East. Canny was one of his words, so I think that must have North East roots too. Champion was his favourite word.
Good luck with the gig at the moat theatre in Naas. Thank goodness those boards are getting tread again.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
such singing ..such a song….
I’m brought back to a time before my own time….sitting close in to the open hearth fire on a dark and windy night…two aged sisters and a brother sit in silence at the end of another hard working day…a tap on the back door….Nan brings the traveller in… after a mug of strong tea and a good cut of bread Bridie calls upon the visitor to sing
“Lady Margaret O Lady Margaret” he starts to sing
I’m thinking of the impact of that song upon that lonesome household….of that voice ringing round the kitchen hearth…it would resound up the chimney, round the haggert, thru the loft and out into the byre…three lives enriched by the singer and the song, the deep tone, the sincerity, the heart, the sharing, the gratitude, the simplicity…
Hi Christy
re your comment about your box set being the home of songs from random tapes etc… what a wonderful treasure trove it is. Quite often I pick a disc at random and enjoy whatever songs emerge… every one a winner… D
Hi Christy
Today’s cassette find of the day has been Ronnie Drew’s ‘Dirty Rotten Shame’ from 1995… what an intriguing mix of songs…worth a play for Shane MacGowan’ haunting ‘Dunes’, but tons of interest…not least, a jazz feel on some songs.
There are several musicians/producers familiar from your recordings + Ronnie’s takes on ‘One Last Cold Kiss’ and ‘Viva la Quinta Brigada’…did you have any involvement with the album?
Final track is Mark Knopfler/Dire Straits ‘ Brothers in Arms’. I suppose that was an indicator of the fulfilling direction Knopfler would take post Dire Straits. Also, makes me think of ‘Cal’ and how much I miss hearing it as the lights go down…
Dave
This old on, “Did you know that Paul Brady and Andy Irvine were related ” … ” No” .. “Well they were both cousins of Arthur McBride”
Hi Christy
Peter Kay did a Q+A gig or two, awhile back. As a fund raising gesture for a seriously ill child, I think. Not sure if he has any plans for further gigs/tours.
You’re right,the Rik Mayall tribute was superb – great to be reminded that Manchester Uni was the genesis of much of the Mayall/ Edmondson comedy.Although, a few years later, my son at Liverpool Uni lived in a few houses that gave ‘The Young Ones ‘ a run for their money… the tributes to Mayall, by his peers were heartwarming in their sincerity. If you watch ‘Alan B’stard’, it’s like a current affairs programme about the current mob…some good clips on youtube
Dave
I’m struggling to leace blackadder series two alone. I love this bit.
Lord Melchett:
Gray, I suspect, Majesty.
Queenie:
I think you’ll find it was orange, Lord Melchett.
Melchett:
Gray is more usual, Ma’am.
Queenie:
Who’s QUEEN?
Melchett:
As you say, Majesty. There were these magnificent orange elephants…
I’ve got something in the back of my head by George Carlin. Can’t get it to surface.
I’ll have a wander round those two you mentioned. I never thought an otherworldly spirit like Rik Mayall’s could die.
Rebecca
One of my favourite TV programmes when I was growing up was blackadder. It was wild and funny and it poked fun at “them in charge”.
How about if we get Lord Farrow’s head and body and we take it to the Queen. Except, ex-cept… just before we get in, we start shouting and screaming, and then we come in saying “We were just on our way when he said something traitorous, and so we cut his head off in the corridor just to teach him a lesson!”
Blackadder series two, episode “Head”
recently watched a wonderful tribute to Rik Mayall..what a comic genius he was..what a loss of fun and laughter…..anyone know will Peter Kay be back ? another comic genius, very different to Mayall…Peter really kept it local while Rik cast his net far,wide and deep
recently discovered Norman McDonald…also tuned into George Carlin..both worth a visit (and both RIP)
Hello Christy and All,
Follow me up to Carlow is some song.
My favourite lines are
Roosrt of a fighting stock
Would you let a saxon cock
Crow upon an Irish rock
Fly up and teach him manners
From memory, so who knows…
Have you never sung Arthur mcbride?
It would be a shame if yoy never do.
It’s snuck into the lyrics section here, wiley little thing.
I love that bit where the sergeant talks so long about what he’s going to do with his sword that he gets whacked over the head with a big stick.
Just like, a James bond villain who doesn’t know how to shut up.
Rebecca
back in early Planxty days Andy Irvine made “Arthur McBride” his own..later Paul Brady delivered a different version…
Paul’s version formed the basis of a short film..anyone recall that…
Dagrab.
Those surgical tweezers could still come into play. As for my tape collection, something could come into play shortly. Watch this space as they say.
Dear Ed,
it was very close to the midnight hour when you made this entry,
Dear Christy, i heard tonight that FOLLOW ME UP TO CARLOW was written on the battle site of one of the great 16th century battle wins over the english.
Have you any inside knowledge?
Not saying you were you in the battle!
Regards
Rory
Inside knowledge Rory !
who needs inside knowledge when singin lines like
“White is sick and Gray has fled
Now for Black FitzWilliam’s head
we’ll send it over drippin red
to Queen Liza and her ladies”
come to think of it…Boris Johnson’s Head would fit in there rather tunefully…
The Bord na Móna is getting anxious in the stalls
from Tassaggart to Clonmore
Hi Christy
I recently cleaned up an old cassette player, having finally got round to sorting some tapes…so, on a fine Autumn afternoon, the dulcet tones of Dolores Keane are sounding wonderful (just about drowning the clunky motor in the player)…1978’s Claddagh release ‘ There was a maid’.
In the same box were tapes of two of our gigs from 1998 -in a city centre folk club (not far from MSG).Brilliantly recorded by a generous audience member…if, as is a possibility, the gigging days are done, it’s fantastic to have keepsakes like these.On the run up to ‘Flying into Mystery’, and with wonderful recordings behind you, I hope you also have a dusty box of reel to reel/cassette tapes – a perfect souvenir of the folk club days.
Dave
All my dusty reel to reels and dodgy cassettes were reduced to the “Box Set (1964-2004)”
my curator/ collaborator (Luke Drifter) sifted thru 120 cds and reduced them down to 6…I suppose this means there are 114 cds still lying about plus whetever has emerged since…I dont think Luke could go thru such a purgatory (living hell) again but you’d never know ….
in my folk club days there was hardly any recording…lotsa drinking/smoking/harmonising/plus whatever you’re having yourself
Oh there was a man, a rare breed they’ve become, the old-fashioned publican. Making you aware that the Newbridge bus would be passing shortly. I like it.
I recall two remarkable lady publicans who said to me “dont you think maybe you’ve had enough” Annie Kehoe in Clonmel and Maisie Friel in Miltown-Malbay. I did not appreciate either at the time but, in retrospect, I honour the memory of them both …Annie and Maisie…I hope you have both met up in heaven
Oh the Sergeant & The Danno
Thanks Christy, I’ve just bought a ticket to watch the live stream of Thomas’s concert.
I hope it doesn’t overlap with saracens playing, or I’ll be in the bad books.
Rebecca
Thanks Christy. Re “The Barracks in Cootehall” , did the YouTube link to the song open ok for you?
sure did..thanks for sharing
Hello Christy,
That was so evocative. The last few weeks I’ve been so much in the present, I’ve had no time for magic. But I was right there. The dark and flickering light of the dozy smell of peat. The wooden table and chairs, bench and ladder? to the loft. The brother is quiet. He sits smoking. I don’t know his name.
I’d got away from the value of life. Right back there.
It sounds like you were a handful even at 13. I have a soft spot for props. They’re an amazing mixture of things.
Learning a lot about singing right now.
Here’s another of Thomas Mccarthy.
https://youtu.be/3zzDgZbBXtc
Rebecca
Thomas will sing in The National Concert Hall Dublin at 4pm tomorrow Sat Oct 2nd..it will be streamed
For what it’s worth Christy and Matt, i like declam McL’s stuff , its a good album and the video of him singing live in the fabulous Cool Discs is great.
Regards to all
Rory
I agree with you Rory,
Decky is ringin out today in Oz, Scotia and The Black Lagoon
Alright Christy, how’s things? Just wondering if you’ve managed to get a listen in to Decky McLaughlin’s new album “The Path of Most Resistance”? Be very interested to hear your thoughts. Love the imagery of the songs, very well crafted. Hope all is well at your end.
https://open.spotify.com/album/6CHp5ok14DAvQq2EYtgbnS?si=Ko6UsYyHTVye_rhTQbeD7A&dl_branch=1
thanks for sharing..
great singing,playing,production…
will listen again
“Blood everywhere” and no mention of Red Cross or Order of Malta. They must have been found wanting. Was it Tommy Fletchers where the Rolling Stones were refused!? While on memorys, a brother of Eddie Marrum’s worked here, about fifty years ago. A real gentleman.
yes Ed..twas there the rollin schtones were (reputedly) turned back..Tom had a discerning eye and insisted upon maintaining a respectable premises…myself and the late Billy Parkinson landed into Tom’s after a successful visit to Naas races back in 1964….as we were heading towards the gallon Tom gently suggested that the Newbridge bus would be passing in ten minutes, that we might consider heading home…we took his advice (hint) and made it back to Hugh Neeson’s in time to pass the gallon mark after which it all became a bit of a blur….Hamish Imlach’s verse reminds me of the following mornin;
“I woke up with and aching head..as usual
drunk as a skunk going up to bed…as usual
I think I’ll see how much I’ve got, O Jesus Christy I drank the lot
I must have been a drunken sot…as usual”
Hello Christy….This song is about our local writer John McGahern (RIP) and about the Barracks in Cootehall (the song’s title) , which for years was John’s home.. The Barracks has been lovingly restored as a Museum dedicated to his memory and his writings. Cootehall is probably familiar to you Christy. It’s just a stone’s throw from where I live on the Plains of Boyle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rgH03bWeoM
in my late teens there came “The Barracks” and “The Dark”
thanks for the memory
Dear Christy, a gig in Naas , how fabulous, i just saw this post and had to blurt it out.
The Killashee was awsome but this smaller place will be grand no doubt.
As they say…wish i was there.
Naas has a great track, big Derek and i walked the course last year, and then Bobby O tried to introduce me to his son Kevin the racing pundit only for Kevin to politely decline saying ‘ dad im on the tv just now ‘ ……this year we stood in the grandstand cheering on winners.
The rugby club has a fine tradition, i watched his son Donncha being coached there, and an excellent green n white hooped shirt.
My mate Henry runs Goffs nearby but maybe best of all is the sign on the door at the spar nearby which simply reads WELCOME TO KILL.
have a blast Christy, i so wish i was there to listen. Maybe the Bord Na Mona man will make an appearance??
Regards
Rory
My late good buddy John Flood played for Naas in the mid 60s..they were (very)short one Sunday and I was called upon to prop….if memory serves twas v North Kildare….we gained 4 strikes against the head and won 3-0….the finest pints of black porter flowed freely afterwards in Tom Fletcher’s Licensed premises ..there was furore towards closing time when singing broke out..Tom ran a tight ship and singing was looked upon with disdain…in fairness, it has to be said that Tom’s pints of Guinness were the best in the County of Kildare…..that said ,Eddie Marum’s bottled stout left manys the satisfied customer smacking their lips….
You talk of Naas racecourse…adjoining lies Naas GAA pitch where in 1959 we won the Under 14 County Kildare Schools Championship….it was reported in the following weeks Leinster Leader that the “burly” full forward caused problems for the Caragh full back line….a full back line that included one Pat Dunny who went on to become a legend of Raheens, Kildare and Leinster ( in both Hurling & Football )…..
There was trouble on the side line when my Mother overheard a lady declare that the Newbridge full forward could not possibly be under 14…the Garda were called as was the local Parish Priest and an Ambulance..there was blood everywhere
Hello Christy,
Thanks for the recommendation to listen to Thomas McCarthy. I spent several happy hours doing that yesterday.
I like this song
https://youtu.be/QlAdNrckf9o
Tried to find out more about it but everyone else seems to sing a completely different version.
Thinking about what you said about great songs. Maybe that’s how folk songs are born. They start to develop a life away from their writer?
So fettle is probably from teesside. I used to work with a guy from the North East. Canny was one of his words, so I think that must have North East roots too. Champion was his favourite word.
Good luck with the gig at the moat theatre in Naas. Thank goodness those boards are getting tread again.
Rebecca
such singing ..such a song….
I’m brought back to a time before my own time….sitting close in to the open hearth fire on a dark and windy night…two aged sisters and a brother sit in silence at the end of another hard working day…a tap on the back door….Nan brings the traveller in… after a mug of strong tea and a good cut of bread Bridie calls upon the visitor to sing
“Lady Margaret O Lady Margaret” he starts to sing
I’m thinking of the impact of that song upon that lonesome household….of that voice ringing round the kitchen hearth…it would resound up the chimney, round the haggert, thru the loft and out into the byre…three lives enriched by the singer and the song, the deep tone, the sincerity, the heart, the sharing, the gratitude, the simplicity…