Jim Carroll on music
Bob gives new meaning to 'one more for the road'
Bob Dylan realised that the music business times were a-changin’ a long time ago.
An advert for his forthcoming Irish show, which ran in various papers this week, is proof of that. It lists Dylan’s Irish shows down through the years, starting with his first appearance here in May 1966 at Dublin’s Adelphi Theatre, one of two Irish shows in the 1960s.
That was it with Dylan and Ireland until 18 years later when he visited Slane in 1984. He made up for lost time with two more shows
in the 1980s, eight in the 1990s and a whopping 12 in the last decade. It’s safe to say that anyone who wanted to see Dylan live has now had ample opportunity to do so.
Howver, the number of decent albums from Dylan went in the opposite direction during this period. While you can chalk this down to the fact that he creatively peaked many years ago (though there have been sporadic flashes of his old self on new material), there is also the fact that Dylan knows there’s more cash to be made from touring than recording.
He’s not alone. Every year sees another batch of heritage acts visiting Ireland for the umpteenth time. Once upon a time, you’d see Neil Young or Eric Clapton or Lenny Cohen once a decade at best. Now, you worry about their health if they don’t show up for the annual meet and greet with Irish pilgrims.
But diminishing returns are bound to set in at some stage, as audiences realise they’ve seen that show before. The acts and promoter, though, will be hoping that there’s still a few decent box office grosses to come before that inevitable day dawns.
New music
BABE SHADOW
These Kent natives are already coming up trumps with swoonsome pitch-perfect harmonies and jangly melodies – check out new single Sea Serpents. The duo are currently accumulating lots of new fans on tour with Florence & The Machine.
Myspace.com/babeshadowband
KINGS GO FORTH
Luaka Bop-signed troopers from Minneapolis who take their name from a Frank Sinatra second World War flick and their music from the old-school soul and funk side of the tracks.
The band also wear cloaks onstage, which is always a bonus.
Myspace.com/kingsgoforth
WILD PALMS
Formerly known as Ex Lion Tamers, London's Wild Palms already have a bunch of songs loaded with edgy angles and dark, dramatic twists. Now signed to One Little Indian, new single Deep Diveis a taster for a debut album due out later this year.
Myspace.com/wearewildpalms
Now playing... this week's top selections from the On The Record jukebox
Foster the People Pumped Up Kicks (Self release)
The first tune of the summer from a Los Anegles band who know that the best way to ours hearts is via a sunny chorus, sassy melodies and the key ingredient a spot of whistling. Irresistable.
Onra Long Distance(All City)
Smashing hip-hop boogie and electrosoul from the Parisian producer behind the dashing Chinoiseries album. Album due soon on Dublin’s All City label.
The Like He's Not A Boy(Geffen)
Los Angeles pop lasses in thrall to the sassy sound of the Sixties get the Mark Ronson production treatment.
Phosphorescent Here's To Taking It Easy(Dead Oceans)
Peerless new-school American folk from Matthew Houck on his fifth and finest album as Phosphorescent.
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble HeritageEP (Choice Cuts)
Made-in-Ireland EP from the Chicago-bred, New York-based brassy brothers with the best festival rep of all.
