This ballad by the Cavan singer-songwriter, Lisa O’Neill, speaks of the way in which machines are replacing people without improving anyone’s lives. We could be forgiven for thinking that increased mechanization is going to create a new society where technology does all the work and we can enjoy a life of leisure. Sadly, and at […]
This is a haunting ballad about a dog. OK, so you might wonder why go to all the bother for a mutt, but Michael Jackson sung one about a pet rat (Ben), so Rebel Voice prefers this one about man’s – and woman’s – best friend. Keep the tissues close… If you enjoyed this, please share
This is one of the more raucous tracks from a band with a very rowdy history. It has been sung with gusto by many an Irishman who has imbibed more than his fair share of whiskey. On such occasions, the menfolk of Ireland tend to believe that they sound like an Irish version of Andrea […]
The Pogues are a Hiberno-English band who stand as one of the greatest musical acts to (almost) come out of Ireland. Their lead vocalist, and Rebel Voice uses that term loosely, is possibly the finest song-writer of all time. Leonard Cohen could only wish to be as good as Shane MacGowan. This ballad is another […]
The Pogues are a raucous lot. They are the stuff of legend in Ireland and anywhere Irish people assemble, which is a lot of places across the world. Although a Hiberno-English band, their sound is all Irish, as is their attitude. They would be classified as a trad/folk punk band, but are so much more. […]
Ireland. It’s a small island on the western fringe of Europe. It has mountains, myths and madness. It contains some of the most beautiful and gentle people you will ever meet, and (sadly) some of the worst. But regardless of the citizens, who for the most part will give you a ceád míle fáilte (hundred […]
Lisa O’Neill is from Cavan close to the English-imposed border in Ireland. She is a fairly fresh voice on the Irish folk scene and a favourite of local DJs who know their music. He voice is certainly distinctive and her lyrics are insightful and profound. She is one to watch for the future. If you […]
This renowned and beautiful Irish ballad was reputed to have been written by James McGarvey from the County Derry portion of Slieve Gallion mountain. The mountain itself is divided between counties Derry and Tyrone although the vast majority is in the former, the latter being a veritable wasteland full of head-the-balls. This rendition is performed […]
Originally posted on Rebel Voice:
A haunting ballad from one of the greatest bands of all time. This song evokes the memories of all those who were failed by the authorities in Ireland, be those authorities colonial or Irish. Millions have been forced to emigrate due to unnecessary hardships and deprivations in our beautiful land,…
This haunting ballad was written by the Derry song-writer, Phil Coulter, for his disabled child. Coulter was insistent that Luke Kelly should be the one to sing it. He recognized the strength of Luke’s voice and the passion that he would bring to the song. The version here contains some static. There are other studio […]
This is a gentle cover of the Cranberries classic. Strange to think that Dolores O’Riordan is gone almost seven months now. She would probably be flattered at this rendition of her work. If you enjoyed this, please share
Here we have the multi-talented folk singer-songwriter, Paul Brady, as he performs one of his best known tracks in London. Brady has gone off the boil for a good many years now. He can still play a mean guitar though, and the sound of his Lowden is renowned across Ireland. – If you enjoyed this, […]
Rebel Voice 