The problem with a lot of compilations is they aren’t what they claim to be. Some say they have ‘freshest new sounds’ or the ‘hottest new bands’, where in reality these ‘fresh new sounds’ aren’t particularly new, and the ‘hot new bands’ are lacking any trace of warmth.

‘Music For People With Long Ears’ (Sofa) is a compilation worth checking out. It features some of the best under-exposed acts around at the moment. The highlights here include Stanley Super 800, Sunday Morning, and The Siam Collective. It was compiled by former Emperor Of Icecream vocalist John Haggis, and just might introduce you to bands you’ll come to love.

The Others have had quite a few months with the singles ‘Lackey’ and ‘Stan Bowles’. They put out their debut album last month, which should help them keep their momentum moving in the right direction. The only hitch with ‘The Others’ (Vertigo) is that it seems to run out of steam in patches. There’s no doubt the band are talented– maybe they need to get rid of some of the weaker tunes and focus on the better ones.

If you’re looking for an early contender for album of the year, then take a listen to LCD Soundsystem’s self-titled album. ‘LCD Soundsystem’ (DFA) sits somewhere between their label mates The Rapture, and The Fall. See the article opposite for more about them.

The Chemical Brothers’ last studio album ‘Come With Us’ is best kept in the dustier part of your record collection. The duo’s latest record ‘Push The Button’ (Virgin) is a return to form. The lead single ‘Galvanize’ (featuring Q-Tip) opens proceedings perfectly, with ‘Marvo Ging’ and ‘Left Right’ standing out as songs you’ll want to have on repeat each time you’re near your stereo.

Similar things can be said about ‘Language. Sex. Violence. Other?’ (V2) by Stereophonics. To say that their last two albums weren’t the best would be an understatement. This, their fifth album is one that contains songs from both extremes. The decent parts of this album out-weigh the bad, however that horrendous pub rock sound still haunts some of their music.

‘Red Hot & Crue’ (Universal) features Motley Crue’s glammiest and greatest moments. Yes, some of the songs are ‘important’ in the annals of rock history, but does the world really need another Motley Crue compilation album?

Fans of AC/DC might want to pick up the current Burning Brides record. ‘Leave No Ashes’ (V2) leaves nothing to the imagination with guitars and screams all the way. Even when compared to bands like The Vines and The White Stripes, Burning Brides need not feel in the least bit inferior with this record at their side.

IN BRIEF
Fans of the defunct Whipping Boy are going to love ‘What You Wanna Start?’ The debut single from former Whipping Boy vocalist Fearghal McKee sounds like ‘Heartworm’ updated.

‘George’s Street Arcade’ (Ivy Court) is the name of the new Tadhg Cooke, but don’t let that put you off. Cooke’s second album is due out shortly, and should bring him the kind of popularity that Declan O’Rourke and Cathy Davey have earned recently.

Radiohead fans will be happy to hear that their ‘My Iron Lung’ EP (Parlophone) has finally been released in Europe. If you’re into the band, it’s worth a look– the acoustic version of ‘Creep’ is pretty good, as is ‘Permanent Daylight’ and ‘The Trickster’.

ESSENTAL LISTENING
God Is An Astronaut ‘All Is Violent, All Is Bright’ (Revive)
Imagine a band that encapsulate the sounds of Mogwai, Whipping Boy, and Chemical Brothers, and you’ll get an idea where God Is An Astronaut sit in music’s stratosphere. ‘All Is Violent, All Is Bright’ is the second album from the Bray-based band, and it confirms their status as a one of the most exciting acts in recent memory.
www.godisanastronaut.com

The Kills ‘No Wow’ (Domino)
It’s rock, but not quite as gritty as their last record. Don’t view this as a criticism though, ‘No Wow’ should prove a difficult album not to like. The US/UK duo have widened their sound, which just might allow them slip into the viewfinders of those who’ve been lapping up the music of Franz Ferdinand, The Strokes, and The Killers.
www.dominorecordco.com

Various ‘Hallucinations – Psychedelic Pop Nuggets From The WEA Vaults’ (Rhino)
This is part of a series of compilations that unearths some forgotten treasures from decades past. ‘Hallucinations...’ is by far the wackiest of them – seamlessly blending together artists Kim Fowley, The Holy Mackerel, and The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band. This lush concoction is a trip man!
www.rhinohandmade.com

66E ‘Fall Down Seven Times Stand Up Eight’ (Underfoot)
They came to many people’s attention a few years ago under the name The 66 Electric. If you’re looking to be pleasantly surprised by a record, this is it. 66E have put together a beautiful debut album that balances those sweet, tender sounds with abrasive rock noise.
www.66earehome.com

RECOMMENDED
Estel ‘My Dreams Are Like Rabbits...’ (Little Plastic Tapes)
Bloc Party ‘Silent Alarm’ (Wichita)
Adam Green ‘Gemstones’ (Rough Trade)
Brendan Benson ‘The Alternative To Love’ (V2)
M83 ‘Before The Dawn Heals Us’ (EMI)
Gavouna ‘Stings & Dum Machines’ (Arable)
Matt Sweeney & Bonnie Prince Billy ‘Superwolf’ (Domino)
Gibby Haynes ‘Gibby Haynes & His Problems’ (Surfdog)
Stoat ‘The Saltee Tango’ (Stoat)
The Postal Service ‘We Will Become Silhouettes’ (Sub Pop)

HEATSEAKERS

Franz Ferdinand and Mylo made names for themselves last year, but what are the names that we’ll be talking about this year? It’s really a guessing game, but take note of these acts– 2005 should see them blossom.

The Go! Team:
The UK group’s album ‘Thunder Lightening Strike’ was one of the last year’s surprises. Although it didn’t catch on commercially, all the indications suggest that The Go! Team’s quirky sound (like The Avalanches mixed with The Supremes) will hit a wider audience on both sides of the Atlantic in the coming months.
www.thegoteam.co.uk

79Cortinaz:
There’s a theory that the best way to build an audience is by word of mouth. This has definitely worked for Carlow’s 79Cortinaz. Their debut single ‘Deirdre’s Song’ became the darling of night-time radio during 2004, and has built them quite a following.
www.79cortinaz.com

LCD Soundsystem:
Much like The Rapture a couple of years ago, LCD Soundsystem have tapped into the 80s retro sound with a great deal of success. They’ve just released their debut self-titled album, which with the help of singles ‘Daft Punk Is Playing At My House’ and ‘Movement’ promises to be huge.
www.lcdsoundsystem.com

The Foamboy Deluxe Arkestra:
In the last two years The Foamboy Deluxe Arkestra (AKA Geoff Topley) has recorded three astonishingly good albums. The only hitch is that none of them have been made widely available. The latest ‘Spotlight Kid’ is his strongest– if it does reach a wider audience, it’s only a matter of time before this music is embraced and cherished.

The Beat Up:
The band formerly known as The Beating are about to unleash their debut album, which has been produced by My Bloody Valentine & Primal Scream genius Kevin Shields. Their single ‘Messed Up’ was a big hit on MTV 2 and The Amp last year, and all indications suggest that 2005 will be a big year for them.
www.fantasticplasticrecords.com

ainline:
If you’re into Spacemen 3, The Jesus & Mary Chain, or more recent bands like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, you’ll love Mainline. The Dublin band’s single ‘Black Honey’ has featured heavily on Irish and UK radio, and gives us a glimpse of what’s to come. They may wear their influences on their sleeve, but you’d be a fool to overlook this band.
www.mainlinesounds.com

The Knife:
The Swedish brother and sister duo Karin and Olof Dreijer list Peaches, electronic body music, dirty south rap, Prince, and Kate Bush as influences! Their two albums ‘The Knife’ and ‘Deep Cuts’ are best described as electro-pop that shreds all the rules, and brings you music that truly sounds deranged!
www.theknife.netainline:

Betamax Format:
They’re another Irish act to watch this year. Their debut single ‘XXX Robot’ is due out shortly, and is something that will win them many fans. So many groups try and make the guitar/electronic crossover work, but few make it sound this good.
www.betamaxformat.com

The Chalets:
The Chalets have been ready to explode for the last couple of years. With a debut album almost ready, things look seriously promising for them. Few bands have been able to put together pop tunes as clever as ‘Theme For Chalets’, ‘Kiss Chasing’, and ‘Sexy Mistake’– they’re like The B52’s after a late-night consultation with Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
www.thechalets.com

News • News • News • News • News • News • News • News • News • News • News • News • News

Pete Pamf’s track ‘Tripping In The Meadow’ has been chosen as the music for the forthcoming Murphy’s TV commercial. The song is taken from Pamf’s debut solo album ‘Prone To Abuse’, which was released last year. ‘Tripping In The Meadow’ has become a popular choice on late night radio over the past few months.

Cranberries guitarist Noel Hogan has been working on a solo project under the name Mono Band. Along with being invited to play at the forthcoming South By Southwest music festival in Texas, there’s a Mono Band album due for release later this year. Those expecting a Cranberries-like sound will be quite shocked at what’s coming– you can find out more by logging on to www.monoband.co.uk.

All 160,000 tickets for U2’s two Croke Park dates sold out in less than an hour earlier this month, setting a new record for ticket sales in Ireland. Those left without tickets were initially hoping for a third U2 concert, however this has been ruled out.

Those wondering what Jason Falkner has been up to might like to know that the former Jellyfish guitarist and Air collaborator has recently put out an EP in the US. ‘Bliss Descending’ is Falkner’s first solo release since his 1999 album ‘Can You Still Feel?’ The EP was released on the Wreckchords label– check out Falkner’s website for more– www.jasonfalkner.com.

You can expect new albums from Estel, Joe Chester, and former Prayer Boat vocalist Emmet Tinley this month. ‘My Are Like Rabbits, They Built Tunnels, Fell On The Pavement & Died’ from Estel wins best tile, and is the band’s follow-up to the superb ‘A Guide In A Time Of Great Danger’. Joe Chester’s ‘A Murder Of Crows’ is released on February 18, while Emmet Tinley’s solo debut is due in March/April– he also appears on selected live dates with Mark Geary this month.

Finally, get ready for the Meteor Ireland Music Awards, which takes place in The Point Theatre on February 24. Live performers include Snoop Dogg, Bell X1, and The Thrills– while each category promises to be a hotly contested battle zone.