5 Albums by Irish Artists
Some people think Irish music begins and ends with Flogging Molly (and to a lesser, more Americanized extent, Dropkick Murphys), but Ireland has been making important contributions to pop music for decades. Ranging from the punked-up traditionalism of the Pogues and U2’s aspirant, politically-charged rock to Snow Patrol’s cinematic take on pop, the landscape of Irish music is more diverse than it gets credit for, and this selection of Irish bands/albums are essential buys, whether you’re just starting a vinyl collection or are adding to one.
War, by U2
Released in 1982, War is the third studio effort from Bono and co., and widely considered the album on which they hit their stride. Synthpop may have been the dominant fad of the early 1980s, but U2 still wanted to make rock albums, and War is a grand synthesis of the band’s musical and lyrical ambitions. “Sunday Bloody Sunday” translates ragged guitars and a military drumbeat into a danceable pop song, and “New Year’s Day” and “Seconds” show off the band’s subtle, dark sense of humor. This is the album that showed the world what U2 was capable of, and is a must-have for any vinyl collector.
War, by U2
Released in 1982, War is the third studio effort from Bono and co., and widely considered the album on which they hit their stride. Synthpop may have been the dominant fad of the early 1980s, but U2 still wanted to make rock albums, and War is a grand synthesis of the band’s musical and lyrical ambitions. “Sunday Bloody Sunday” translates ragged guitars and a military drumbeat into a danceable pop song, and “New Year’s Day” and “Seconds” show off the band’s subtle, dark sense of humor. This is the album that showed the world what U2 was capable of, and is a must-have for any vinyl collector.
Duets: Re-Working the Catalogue, by Van Morrison
As the name might imply, Van Morrison’s 35th studio album—scheduled for release later this month—is full of duets. Specifically, Van Morrison is revisiting some of the deep cuts from his long, storied career with help from other acclaimed vocalists, including Joss Stone, Natalie Cole, Michael Bublé, and the late Bobby Womack. The first single from this upcoming album is “Irish Heartbeat,” with Mark Knopfler as Van Morrison’s guest. On it, the two musicians let loose with a boldness you might not expect from either of them, underscored by lean musical accompaniment. If this track is any indication, Duets is playing for keeps.
Duets: Re-Working the Catalogue, by Van Morrison
As the name might imply, Van Morrison’s 35th studio album—scheduled for release later this month—is full of duets. Specifically, Van Morrison is revisiting some of the deep cuts from his long, storied career with help from other acclaimed vocalists, including Joss Stone, Natalie Cole, Michael Bublé, and the late Bobby Womack. The first single from this upcoming album is “Irish Heartbeat,” with Mark Knopfler as Van Morrison’s guest. On it, the two musicians let loose with a boldness you might not expect from either of them, underscored by lean musical accompaniment. If this track is any indication, Duets is playing for keeps.
Astral Weeks, by Van Morrison
Perhaps as an attempt to distance himself from the success of “Brown-Eyed Girl” and the expectations it created, Van Morrison’s second studio effort mixes folk, blues, jazz, and classical music into a complex, but still very accessible, pop album. Morrison had never before played with the band he assembled for this album, and they began recording without any prior rehearsals. The vinyl format really captures the spontaneity and energy the group achieved. Also, since Astral Weeks is a song cycle that needs to be heard as a complete album, it’s perfect for those moments when you have some free time and a turntable.
Astral Weeks, by Van Morrison
Perhaps as an attempt to distance himself from the success of “Brown-Eyed Girl” and the expectations it created, Van Morrison’s second studio effort mixes folk, blues, jazz, and classical music into a complex, but still very accessible, pop album. Morrison had never before played with the band he assembled for this album, and they began recording without any prior rehearsals. The vinyl format really captures the spontaneity and energy the group achieved. Also, since Astral Weeks is a song cycle that needs to be heard as a complete album, it’s perfect for those moments when you have some free time and a turntable.
A Hundred Million Suns, by Snow Patrol
This album is Snow Patrol’s favorite, and a conscious attempt to write a cheerful record instead of holding to their previous, more melancholy output. A Hundred Million Suns avoids becoming straight-up arena rock by accenting the soaring guitars with subtle effects like glockenspiel and tap dancing, and songs like “The Golden Floor” are perfect for long evening drives or quiet nights at home with your record player. Make no mistake, though, these songs are big and expansive, and almost demand to be heard on vinyl.
A Hundred Million Suns, by Snow Patrol
This album is Snow Patrol’s favorite, and a conscious attempt to write a cheerful record instead of holding to their previous, more melancholy output. A Hundred Million Suns avoids becoming straight-up arena rock by accenting the soaring guitars with subtle effects like glockenspiel and tap dancing, and songs like “The Golden Floor” are perfect for long evening drives or quiet nights at home with your record player. Make no mistake, though, these songs are big and expansive, and almost demand to be heard on vinyl.
Inflammable Material, by Stiff Little Fingers
Inflammable Material is Stiff Little Fingers’ debut album, and a raging, 13-song account of the realities of life in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. It was also the first independently-released album to enter the UK Top Twenty. “Alternative Ulster” and “Suspect Device” are the best known songs from this record, but there really aren’t any weak tracks; simply put, Stiff Little Fingers rocked harder, angrier, and better than most of their contemporaries. Each song is a precision attack of rough-hewn melodies and buzzsaw tempos that don’t wear the listener out, thanks to the band’s surprisingly nimble songcraft, which is best heard on the vinyl LP.
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Inflammable Material, by Stiff Little Fingers
Inflammable Material is Stiff Little Fingers’ debut album, and a raging, 13-song account of the realities of life in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. It was also the first independently-released album to enter the UK Top Twenty. “Alternative Ulster” and “Suspect Device” are the best known songs from this record, but there really aren’t any weak tracks; simply put, Stiff Little Fingers rocked harder, angrier, and better than most of their contemporaries. Each song is a precision attack of rough-hewn melodies and buzzsaw tempos that don’t wear the listener out, thanks to the band’s surprisingly nimble songcraft, which is best heard on the vinyl LP.
Shop the vinyl store >