sum things

Last night I was down in Croke Park to watch Ireland play the mighty Cyprus. It started off very nicely with a Robbie Keane goal within four minutes and went downhill from there. Let’s just say it wasn’t pretty. Even with our esteemed Italian manager at the helm when you’ve no midfield you can’t be expected to play football. It’s like entering the Grand National and not putting a jockey on the horse. Anyway never mind the style, a win is after all, a win.

After the match I hooked up with the Blanch Massive, Rollers/Sparkers and Kittser for a few scoops and some interesting discussions. Rollers/Sparkers are still basking in the success of their recent album release ‘Hames’ whilst Kittser contends that his new album will be ready for release in January. Other conversation topics included Demis Roussos and tonights Analogue birthday bash (see below). We also spoke about the CD release that accompanied the latest issue of Analogue. I’m really digging the inclusion of the tune by Ugly Megan on it. If you can’t make it into town to pick up the CD, you can download it here.

It’s not often I’m quoted! Indeed, when I am quoted it’s usually to point out how stupid the thing I said actually was. I don’t mind that too much because I do the exact same thing to other people. Imagine my astonishment when I picked up the latest issue of Analogue magazine, turned to read the Editorial and read a quote from me. I was quite overwhelmed and flattered to think that anyone even listens to me. Even I don’t listen to me. Anyhow, if you read Irish music blogs you’re probably well aware that Analogue is celebrating its’ first year in print. They’ve come a long way in twelve months. I remember when they were only knee-high to the photocopier and hitting keys on their Fisher Price typewriters. Tempus fugit and they’ve matured into big boys and girls. You can join them tonight as they celebrate their first birthday. See them stand back to back and be astounded at how much they’ve grown.

They’re celebrating with a party in the Twisted Pepper on Middle Abbey Street. There’ll be live appearances by Spilly Walker, Patrick Kelleher and a debut appearance by Villagers (the new project by Conor O’Brien ex-Immediate). A DJ set by the various staff of the magazine will follow. There will then be a short break for the Share collection and I will read the parish notices. It's all true, except for that last bit.

I was reading the Irish Times the other day and there was a little maths section in the bottom corner of one page. Contained therein was a reference to an old friend of mine. Dr Carl Bracken won't help you with your rheumatoid arthritis but he's very good at sums and stuff like that. He was giving a talk in our old alma mater called The Maths of Juggling. Apparently jugglers had assumed that all the juggling patterns had been exhausted but then some clever clogs mathematicians applied a load of formulae and constructed new patterns that jugglers never knew existed. Carl, I should point out, is an exceptional juggler and also a magician. He's also great aul craic. I met him in the airport a couple of years ago on his way to central Africa to teach a load of kids maths and juggling. He was wearing a huge overcoat and had a suitcase full of juggling clubs. I'm no expert on these matters but I'm sure that's not the best preparation for such a journey.

I was on The Guardian website the other day when I came across these pictures of Randy's Records in Kingston Jamaica. Check them out.

Last but not least. MP3Hugger has sorted the second digital reissue on his Indiecater label and its from an Irish band called Sunbear. Sunbear released the album in 1994 and there were only 1,000 copies made. As part of Huggers one man mission to save us all from eternal damnation he's also finding the time to release long deleted classics such as this Sunbear album. As with all other Indiecater releases its available for download from the site and this release rings in on the cash till at a negligible €3.50. Nice!

parish notes volume 2

I should mention my trip to last weekends Farmleigh Affair which was held as usual in Farmeigh in the Phoenix Park. I ventured over for the two days and had a thoroughly ripping time. There were a few showers on the first day and the only act that I can remember was Carmen Souza from Cape Verde. She was doing her best to get the crowd into a singalong but had very limited success. I tried to help her out but it was just me and Carmen against the rest of the crowd. Bad buzzers. Sunday saw much better weather, a bigger crowd an increase in the alcohol intake. Everything came up roses. I missed the first two acts, so the first entertainment of the day came from Lo Cor de la Plana, a bunch of dudes from Marseille. They belted out a few tunes a capella, accompanied by what looked like fun-size bodhráns. It was great craic for about 15 minutes and then I got bored. Next up was Iarla O Lionaird who I've seen with the Afro Celt Sound System many years ago. This set was completely different and I had a bit of a snooze during it perhaps due to the imbibement of much wine. Finishing the whole affair was Grupo Fantasma. They managed to get quite a crowd of people into their groove. Good buzz.

Elsewhere, the Analogue magazine launch takes place this Friday the 8th of August in the bar in Crawdaddy. There will apparently be special guest DJ's and a live set from Storkboy Choons.

The annual Ronty Cup 2008 takes place in Dalymount Park on Saturday 9th August. Kick-Off is at 3pm. This event celebrates the life of an old friend who passed away a few years back and it sees his mates from Bristol play his mates from Dublin. With any luck we'll retain the trophy on home soil. When I say we, in truth my efforts will most likely be limited to about five minutes on the pitch. Still for an old boy like me I reckon thats pretty good. Come down for a gander if you're in the Phibsboro area.

Then on Sunday August 10th 2008 at 4pm in the Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield there's The Best Of The West. This event in The Lighthouse intends to showcase a number of award-winning Short Films from the Galway Film Fleadh. Amongst these shorts is one by me aul mucker and longtime whisker grower, Luke Mc Manus. It's called 'Danger High Voltage' and it managed to claim first prize in the Best First Irish Short Film category. The whole thing sounds like a great buzz and will also give the uninitiated amongst you a chance to check out the new Lighthouse. I've been down and I think its great.

I have to mention the Sea Sessions that takes place in Bundoran during September. It looks like its going to be a good buzz. A mixture of music and surfing in a part of the world i know well. The line up includes Belle & Sebastian, Kittser, Asian Dub Foundation and a host of other heads. I haven't been up that way in about 7 years so I think its time that Donegal rolled out the red carpet for the imminent arrival of Matt Vinyl. O'Donnell Abú.

give a sermon to the germans

I'm just back from the Ireland V Germany Euro 2008 qualifying game in Croke Park and once again the underwhelming nature of it all was too much for me. The Germans were missing quite a few of their first team players and I'm not really sure who Ireland's first team players are anymore. The highlights of the night were listening to the stadium announcer refer to Germany as West Germany and having a chat with Shamrock Rovers legendary goalscorer Mick Leech and his teammate Mick Lawlor. I'm no Rovers fan but they were good buzzers. The game itself wasn't that great. A handful of chances over the ninety minutes but no goals to speak of. A spectacular nil-nil draw in true Irish fashion. I listened to Steve Staunton being interviewed afterwards but he had been watching an entirely different game to me so I didn't know what the fuck he was talking about.

As I write I've just seen John Malkovich killed in a most spectacular fashion. He was chained a fire engine, got thrown through glass onto electric wires and fell into a rock pounder and got his head crushed. Now that's entertainment.

It's a funny old game

After a couple of years of dithering Thierry has finally taken his leave of Arsenal FC. Firstly I would like to wish him all the best in the future. As a football fan I approve of a move to another football club that tries to play football as it is meant to be played. In Barcelona he has found a team that will suit his style of play. Secondly I thank him for all of the wonderful goals and memories he has served up to Arsenal fans and all football fans over the last 8 seasons of Premier League football. I do not believe there is another player who has been as consistently wonderful on the pitch over such a sustained period of time.

I'm not sure about all the bollix surrounding his departure. There was a lot of shite talk about him being upset by the departure of David Dein from Arsenal. He has also suggested that Arsene Wenger, his long-standing mentor may not be at Arsenal for much longer. Whatever the case I don't believe he has to justify his reason for leaving. He gave his all when at Arsenal and I'm pretty sure the majority of Arsenal fans wish him well. As with Patrick Viera, Emmanuel Petit and Marc Overmars there comes a time when it's as good for the club as for the player that they move on elsewhere. When its done with grace and little enmity it suits all concerned. Sometimes the moves work out for the players, sometimes they don't. Let's wait and see what happens with Thierry.

Thierry was up there in my top three Arsenal players. He lay ahead of Ian Wright but never overtook Dennis Bergkamp in my estimation. Dennis 'Iceman' Bergkamp's contribution to Arsenal was second to none (except for the not flying bit). His commitment to the very end of his professional career will not be replicated by another Arsenal player for many years to come. Thierry for all his talk of committing to Arsenal for the rest of his career seemed to lose some focus last season when he was out injured. He acknowledged this time last year that he was nearing the end of his career. The truth be told he is most likely past his footballing prime and he obviously has to keep one eye on the future. He has been peddling himself as a clothes horse in the last couple of years even though he's an exceptionally well paid footballer. I didn't mind a few car advertisements at the start but it became farcical in the last year as his face and name started to be attached to various other bits and pieces. I'm wearing an item of clothing by one of the fashion labels he has chosen to endorse. It shares the same initials as the man himself. To all intents and purposes, my item of clothing looks the part but on closer inspection I note that it's made in China. As with footballers words, the reality of something is often far removed from the original proposition.

The moment footballers start to think about anything other than football, they've lost an essential part of their make-up. If you have a full-time job that pays well and gives you a lifestyle that is beyond 99% of the world, why do you want to take on a part-time job, or two part-time jobs, or three.......etc. It doesn't really make sense to me. Anyway, I'm pretty sure Thierry doesn't give a shite about what I think about his career in or out of football. He'll be paid handsomely at Barcelona and will no doubt pick up a few more endorsements after this high profile move. Good luck to him. It's now down to Mr Wenger to try and put some spark back into the Arsenal team. Who knows who he'll sign. I'm pretty confident that a fully fit Van Persie, an imperious Fabregas and a more confident Walcott can fill much of the void left by Henry. And in a couple of years time when they move on somewhere else it will all start again. It's a funny old game.

this sporting life

I've mentioned a couple of times that I was in Bristol at the weekend. I was there was for the second instalment of the Ciarán Buckley Challenge Cup. The first was held last year in Dalymount Park, Phibsboro and this years gracious hosts were Keynsham Town FC which is located just outside Bristol.

Ciarán Buckley (aka Ronty aka Big Daddy Fox) was a friend who passed away in 2006. His departure left a big hole in many peoples hearts and it was felt that there should be some form of regular testament to a bloke who brought much joy to the world. What more fitting tribute than for his friends in the UK and Ireland to hold an annual football match in his memory?

Our trip to Bristol this year saw us in AC Milan mode. We were not seeking revenge for last years crushing defeat on home soil. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In true diplomatic fashion we were merely there to demonstrate that we had overcome our failings from the previous meeting. We now wished to demonstrate this by knocking in a hatful against them. Happily it actually turned out something like this but not before they had made a good account of themselves in the first half. The final score was Bristol 3 Ireland 6. It looks like this might suggest that they were playing the Irish national side but this was not the case. They were playing a bunch of 30-something blokes some of whom are long past their sell-by date (I include myself in this grouping). I had forgotten that there was so much joy in winning something. My last sporting success of note was as 2nd Year Discus champion back in 1987. I failed to keep the title in the following year. I put this down to peaking too early.

The searing heat and my shoddy ball control meant that i was about as useful as a one-legged man in an arse-kicking competition. Thankfully my team-mates were somewhat more useful than me on the pitch. Kudos also goes to the opposition who will no doubt be chomping at the bit in next years game. They'll most likely be looking to take the cup back to dear old blighty. Only a bunch of aging footballers stand between them and fulfillment of their quest. Tune in next year for the result.

don't let them up for the FA Cup

I watched the FA Cup final today. Contested between the current top two teams in the English Premiership, Chelsea and Manchester United. The two teams with the most expensive squads. The first final in the new Wembley Stadium. It was always going to be something special for the neutral spectator. Except it was shit. One of the worst finals that I can remember. For god's sake they didn't even have an FA Cup song between the two of them to mark the occasion.

Gone are the days of an FA Cup song with Chas and Dave. It's a pity really as I always got a good laugh out of them. Footballers and pop music always make for an interesting combination. Think 'Diamond Lights' by Chris Waddle and Glenn Hoddle. Think of John Barnes rapping on 'World in Motion' by New Order. As an Arsenal fan myself I'll always hold dear the 1993 collaboration with Tippa Irie and Peter Hunnigale entitled ‘Shooting For The Gunners'. It really must be the effort from Liverpool in 1988 which is the worst ever. The 'Anfield Rap' once again featured the lyrical styling of John Barnes. Grandmaster Flash he ain't. Check out the state of Ian Rush, Bruce Grobelaar et al. It also contains the following peculiar line:

I'm from Jamiaica, my names John Barnes,
When i do my thing the crowd goes bananas