The Goo 1
DEC-JAN 22/23 It’s been an action packed year for
live and recorded music. Some of our Goo columnists reflect over the year that was. PAUL MCDERMOTT TELIFÍS Top 3 Albums: 1. We Are There - Modern Studies Beautiful string arrangements, gorgeous harmonies, lush folk undercurrents and chamber pop infusions – a masterpiece. SEAN MILLAR 2/3 A hAon agus A Dó - Telefís Cathal Coughlan and Jacknife Lee’s collaboration produced two of the strongest albums of 2022. To Jacknife’s retro-electropop landscapes, Cathal weaves some of his strongest lyrics: ‘Feed the Light’, ‘Space Is Us’, ‘The Carthaginians’, and (possibly) his greatest triumph ‘Falun Gong Dancer’. Cathal was on a creative high before his untimely passing in May, we were spoiled. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís. Best Single or Song: ‘Age of Finding Stars’ - David Long & Shane O’Neill. The title track of the duo’s second album. Easily the song I’ve played most all year. It reminds me of vintage New Order, a fantastic song from a brilliant album. Best Gig: MERYL STEEK Low at Vicar Street. Those that were there will cling to the memory. RIP Mimi. Best Irish Album: The Distance Between Heart and Mouth - Elaine Howley A dreamy collection of experimental pop inspired by old mixtapes and longwave radio. I hear something new with each play, it’s fantastic. Irish act to look out for in 2023: I’ve had the Pretty Happy 12” on repeat for a few weeks, I just want the album now, like! SKINNER JOHN BRERETON Top 3 albums: 1. A Light For Attracting Attention - The Smile 2. Tresor - Gwenno 3. And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow - Weyes Blood Best song/single: ‘Commander Trainwreck’ EP by Skinner. Brings the sound of early 80’s NYC label ZE Records to Dublin and makes us dance. Best Gigs: Grave Goods in Whelans at the We’ve Only Just Begun Festival, Robocobra Quartet in Whelans and Gabriels, who opened for Michael Kiwanuka in Trinity College. Rufous Nightjar at Another Love Story was also an unexpected treat. Best Irish Album: Living Isn’t Easy - Robocobra Quartet. Punk in attitude, Jazz in style, ticks all my boxes. Irish act to look out for in 2023: The Bonk and Skinner and Emileo, truly gifted musicians. SARAH O’SULLIVAN Top 3 Albums: 1. Melt My Eyez See Your Future - Denzel Curry 2. Dance Fever - Florence + the Machine 3. I Killed Captain Cook - Unknown Mortal Orchestra Favorite Single/Song: ‘Another Round’ - The Scratch This song is inherently Irish with the perfect fusion of metal and rock. Best Gig: Subject x Techno & Cans Presents: Clouds (Wigwam) Irish Album of the Year: Heart Under - Just Mustard Every track on this album is an amazing listening experience. Irish act to look out for in 2023: Saoirse Miller, her vocals are truly breathtaking. CRUEL SISTER GILLA BAND ETHAN GOLDING Top 3 Albums: 1. Ants From Up There - Black Country New Road Expansive, emotive, experimental. Combines aspects of baroque music with jazz, math rock and experimental music. Lyrically an album that rewards each listen as the big picture of the project falls in and out of focus. 2. 11:11 - Pinegrove Essentially an environmental protest album. Pinegrove’s discography becomes more accomplished with each addition and 11:11 is in some ways a culmination of each sting they’ve added to their bow. 3. Melt My Eyez See Your Future - Denzel Curry There is an argument that Denzel Curry is the best hip hop artist currently active. His star is often eclipsed by the Kendricks of this world as well as the more pop compliant artists like Drake but Denzel Curry’s knack for penning compelling, witty, complex and varied albums is on par with anyone. Melt My Eyez optimised Curry’s style). Best Single or Song: ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’ - Channel Tres Best Gig: Alex Cameron - Grand Social (Night One) Best Irish Album: Most Normal - Gilla Band Irish act to look out for in 2023: Negro Impacto NEGRO IMPACTO PAGE 9