Best of 2023 | Best albums | Best songs | Irish albums | Best Of Podcasts | Guest lists |
Ispíní na hÉireann are a Dublin trad band with their 2022 debut album The Hard Working Men under their belt and a penchant for memes and raucous punk folk music.
The band will close out 2023 with a show at The Academy in Dublin on Thursday December 21st, , aka the longest night of the year, with their pals The Deadlians.
See all Guestlist of 2023 choices
We all contributed to this list but we’re not telling you who picked what because our ma’s said we need to retain an air of mystery.
1.
Cormac Begley
To War
Cormac Begley coming at us with some deeper sounds, using a lower register concertina to invoke some blood rising emotions. Apply named, it is a great track to listen to motivate yourself for a great gym workout or get hyped up for a night out.
2.
RF Chaney
Sunspots
RF Chaney’s album Tropism marks the debut solo project of Ross Chaney, Dublin based composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist. The track ‘Sunspots’ skillfully interweaves tape track, electronics, clarinet, cello and double bass crafting a soundscape that evokes the spirit of artists such as Jon Hopkins, Max Cooper and avant-garde composer Edgard Varèse.
3.
Le Boom
Australia
I loved Navan-based brothers, Le Boom’s banger ‘Australia’ released as a B side after the tune went viral on Tik-Tok. It’s like your friend whispering sage words into your ear while being monged on the dance floor.
4.
John Lynch
Dark Horse on the Wind
A great rendition of the song originally by Liam Weldon. John has a belting voice for this song and brings it vividly to life with entrancing backing music.
5.
Caoivín
Ode to the Curlew
A recent release from an artist that has the audience entranced at live gigs. The song brings you to a place of peace with earthy sounds and a joyful beat you want to get lost in a field to.
6.
Shakalak
The Buzz
A new release that I saw them perform live. A slow moving shaker that had the audience bouncing around. Lyrics that are modern and clever.
7.
Pádraic Keane, Páraic Mac Donnchadha & Macdara Ó Faoláin
Reels: Paddy Gone to France/Toss the Feathers/Lad O’Berine’s
Available on Bandcamp download.
To be quite honest, any of the 14 tracks on this album could be picked. This particular selection perfectly captures the electric energy showcased by three incredible musicians on this brilliant live album.
8.
John Francis Flynn
Within a Mile of Dublin
A stand-out instrumental track on the latest LP, Look Over The Wall, See The Sky, from John Francis Flynn. I love seeing artists explore traditional Irish music with instruments that aren’t commonly associated with the genre – without losing the essence of the melodies.
9.
The Scratch
Shoes
The Scratch’s new album Mind Yourself is a tremendous progression by a band that already seemed to be on a train with no breaks. Their song Shoes however is an absolute standout. Written by Jordan O Leary, it’s a departure from their usual heavier sound, but it hits just as deep.
10.
John Francis Flynn
Dirty Old Town
What’s old is new again and that’s surely true in the last track on John’s banger new album Look Over The Wall, See The Sky. This beautiful rendition of the song as originally sang by Ewan McColl, with a beautiful and unique arrangement, resonates on many levels. John has set musical trends before with his last album so it will be interesting to see what this influences.
Best of 2023 | Best albums | Best songs | Irish albums | Best Of Podcasts | Guest lists |
