Padraic Colum was an Irish poet, dramatist, playwright, novelist, children’s author and collector of folklore. He was born 8th December 1881 and passed on 11th January 1972. He was well known as one of the leaders of the Irish Literary Revival, when there was a massive increase in appreciation in for the Gaelic heritage of […]
This haunting ballad is a firm favourite with folkies the world over, especially in Ireland. It tells of the horror of a young Australian man who enlists in the military and is sent to fight in the First World War, only to suffer horrifically in the slaughter that took place at Suvla Bay in Turkey […]
Ireland has produced many great musicians over the years. Some are internationally recognised. Most are not. There are a lot of musical entertainers on Erin’s Green Isle who are household names in Ireland and few other places. One of these is Dessie O’Halloran, a singer and musician from the tiny island of Inisbofin (Island of […]
Woody Guthrie is well-known as the father of American folk music. His protest songs have resonated with generations of socialist and working class people across the world. But how many know that, in the 1950’s, Guthrie crossed paths with that arch-Capitalist, Fred Christ Trump, father of Donald? It was in 1950 that Guthrie moved into […]
This funky song was written and recorded by the folk singer, Melanie, in 1971 hitting number 1 on the Billboard Top 100. The Wurzels did their own parodic version in 1976 called The Combine Harvester, which was written by Irish comedian and singer, Brendan Grace, who had previously released it in 1975 to great success. […]
This haunting song was composed and written by Scottish folk singer, Ian Campbell, and first released in 1963 but made famous by Simon and Garfunkel, who included it on their first album, Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M., one year later. It tells of the horrors of a nuclear blast and was written at a time when the […]
Here’s a hit from the maestros of Irish music, Altan, from beautiful Tír Chonaill. This version of Maggie’s Pancakes is sure to get your feet tapping, probably enough to wear out the soles on your shoes. Altan are an Irish institution still encouraging audiences to kick up their heels after decades of success. Their longevity […]
The Hangman’s Sonnet by Reed Farrel Coleman (Robert B Parker series) Jesse Stone is Chief of police in the Massachusetts coastal town of Paradise. It should be a relatively simple job but isn’t. Paradise lies close to Boston where crime is a way of life for too many. But in addition to imported troubles, Paradise […]
Upon first hearing this wonderful song, Rebel Voice was convinced that it was performed by a Texan country band of tremendous talent. But no, wrong, terribly wrong. First Aid Kit are a Swedish duo of tremendous talent consisting of sisters, Klara and Johanna Söderberg. They sing like they are from Texas though; tut, tut, girls, […]
Kris Kristofferson might well be the coolest person on the planet. Rebel Voice has long been a fan of this folk and country legend, and this song of his from his 2006 album, This Old Road, just goes to show how thoroughly decent and talented he is. Kris will be 83 on 22nd June of […]
Recently, a poll was launched by RTE, the broadcaster for the Irish Free State, to find the ‘nation’s’ favourite folk song. Rebel Voice is unsure if the 1.8 million Irish people in the Occupied Six Counties (OSC) are considered part of the ‘nation’ by the Blueshirts who command RTE as insidious moves are underway to […]
“As back through the glen I rode again And my heart with me fell sore For I parted then with valiant men Whom I never shall see ‘more But to and fro in my dreams I go And I kneel and pray for you For slavery fled a glorious dead When you fell in the […]
Rebel Voice 