Pogues

The Fatty Farmers: Refarmatory

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The Fatty Farmers

Band: The Fatty Farmers

Album: Refarmatory

Style: Celtic Punk /Rock/ Folk

Place of origin:Toledo, España

Members:

Rodrigo farmer — mandolin, banjo & lead vocals
Sweet Javato — Whistles & Bagpipes
Javito “Litlle Boy” — Fiddle
Goyo — accordion
Lalo — Acoustic guitar & chorus
Diego F. — Electric guitar, banjo & chorus
Lamber — Bass guitar & chorus
Juankar — Drums

Tracks:

No More Woman You’ll Kill
21 Black Jack
Rather Die than Forget
Next Sunday We’ll Be Back Again
The Way Back Home
With Head Held High
The American Dream
Hate Cannot Be Forever
At The Counter Bar
My Childhood Dreams
Fancy Prankster
Johnny Techno Ska

“Refarmatory” is am album by Spanish band The Fatty Farmers. This is straight ahead Celtic rock with nods to the musical styles of The Levellers and The Pogues. I love it when bands tell about the music through the album artwork. And yes I love what I hear. In fact, The Fatty Farmers left a sonic impact that distinguishes them from the current outcropping of bands of the same musical bent. There’s never a dull moment. Every track packs a wallop.

Listen to 21 Blackjack and Sraka Dupa and you will know what I mean about sonic impact. So yeah this is an album for the depressed. Listeners who are in search of something energetic and cheerful. The band gave a bit of tribute to their Spanish roots via Sraka Dupa and other tracks but the vocals are unmistakably Irish sounding. The Head Held High showcases the bands mastery of groove. Out of this 14 tracks, I can’t find any song that’s weak or bad. You can tell the choice of materials have undergone careful analysis prior to its studio release.

I enjoy funny album artwork . The lyrics are also interesting. The instruments are superb. Talking about lyrics there is one song that really caught my attention. It is called At the Counter Bar which pays tribute to The Mermaid and the Drunks by Pablo Neruda but with a twist. Like the music, the songs have explicit lyrics and I read a lot of F bombs there but it is ok. Music is supposed to express what you feel inside and what you meant to say in colors. I love what The Fatty Farmers did for Refarmatory and I hope this record gets heard by the majority of Celtic rockers.

You may get their humor or not. But they can surely draw reaction. And like what I told one of my friends. When people don’t react to you, then it means you are boring. Refarmatory is definitely far  from boring.

Bio:

At the start of 2009 a Group of farmers from different stables appear in the music scene in Toledo to bring us a music style never heard around here.
This group brings rhythm and fun with there different costumes and there hardly seen instruments.
From the banjo to the electric mandolin played by the wild Rodrigo Farmer, to the bagpipes and irish whistles by the sweet Javato, passing by “The little boy” Javito Farmers violin.
The group is completed with Lamber on the bass, Lalo playing the acoustic guitar, Fignani the electric guitar and Juankar on the drums. The last one to join the group has been Goyo, a crack of the accordion and another big push to the group.
Celtic Punk Rock Folk music that isn’t to be heard at home but to be seen in this groups great live show that will make you want to sing, dance, jump, party hard and forget about everything for a little bit.

http://www.thefattyfarmers.com
http://www.facebook.com/TheFattyFarmers
http://www.twitter.com/TheFattyFarmers
https://plus.google.com/1046510374735521..

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Huzzah!

Please check out my article: Book Preview: THE SPIRIT of IRELAND An Odyssey Home A Memoir by Emmy Award Winning Writer Alan Cooke via Expats Post:

http://expatspost.com/entertainment/books/book-preview-the-spirit-of-ireland-an-odyssey-home-a-memoir-by-emmy-award-winning-writer-alan-cooke/

If you haven’t yet, please check out the other version of my interview of Kevin O’Donnell that appeared in this month’s edition of Irish American News. That’s page 12 of the digital copy. Thanks to Noah Smulkis of Ceolwind Productions for mailing me the physical copy of the magazine!

http://issuu.com/irishamericannews/docs/0513_chicago?mode=window

Taking your Druid to a Salsa with La Unica

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La Unica

Band: La Única

Album: Self-titled

Members: Gonzalo Bernal [ vocals / fiddle ]
Matt Giles [ bass / vocals ]
Cory Padin [ guitar / vocals ]
Neil Reedy [ irish tin whistle / trumpet / flugelhorn ]
Matt Tredwell [ drums / percussion ]

with

Camilo Diaz [ percussion ]
Brian Falkowski [ saxophone / flute ]
Benito Lopez [ percussion ]
Gerald Pierce [ guitar / bass ]

Listen to the sample tracks: http://launicamusic.com/music/

Video available here: http://launicamusic.com/video/

As the name suggests La Unica blends Latin  and Traditional Irish music to create a groovy listening experience. The title means “the one and only.” Something that your personal Druid can salsa to. It’s a joy to listen to  their tracks. Silver Spear / Maid Behind the Bar is one example of their upfront and evocative style. Festive brass instruments can be heard side by side with traditional instruments. Whatever these five musicians are up to, I am sure they are succeeding. The sound is not only for one time listen. It’s a kind of music that stays with you. Yes play it again Sam. This is the music that will remain as time goes by….

The mesmerizing drums of Caminante De Mis Amores sound perfect with the Spanish purring vocals of Gonzalo Bernal. Listening to such track  makes you forget the blues. “See the colors and seize the day.” This is what the album is telling you. Irish Rock Song #4 makes use of the tin whistle’s bright sound laced with the spicy Latin flavour.

La Unica has a confident sound. It is something that can be easily embraced by the mainstream. I would not be surprise if they find their music climbing the Billboard top 100. They have that potential. It makes me curious how the members are like when performing live with all the tracks in the album. The video link above is a great introduction.  There is no doubt they can rouse the collective electricity from the listeners as exemplified by Dame Sabor and  Five. Contigo O Sin Ti (With Or Without You) explores U2 music using Spanish language. Walk, Buffalito  and Furthest We Go (Cranes) showcase the reflective side of the band.

I am so glad there are bands like La Unica who are not afraid to be creative and to be original without sacrificing the mass appeal of the music. It is true that great music can only come from artists who let time ripen their creativity. A kind of music that’s coming from the soul and brings fire to the hearts. This is your ultimate companion to weekend party.

Bio:

Based in Washington, DC, La Unica (in Spanish, “the one and only”) is bringing the Bronx block party to the Nation’s Capital all year round! This is America’s band, drawing on sounds reminiscent of The Chieftains, Gipsy Kings, Santana, The Pogues, Ozomatli, the Cranberries — and throwing in D’Angelo for good measure. La Unica crosses the bounds of time and nations to reach a unique brand of roots music, combining traditional Irish folk, a panoply of Latin influences, your standard Rock, and Funk —– but don’t forget the cowbell!

The brainchild of Gonzalo Bernal and Neil Reedy, La Unica was created in 2009 over a few beers and several years in one of DC’s greatest salsa bands ever, Movimiento! “Why not combine Movimiento’s groove-shakin’ dance beats with the soothing caress of an Irish bagpipe?” said Neil. “Absolutely!!!” said Gonzo — and a legend was born.

DC’s On Tap Magazine hails La Unica as “A well-oiled outfit that uses traditional instruments to produce a high-energy show.” The band has since invaded New York City and plans for a tour down to Miami one of these days.

La Unica independently produced and released its debut, self-titled album on April 13th 2013. La Unica is: Gonzalo Bernal [ vocals / fiddle ], Matt Giles [ bass / vocals ], Cory Padin [ guitar / vocals ], Neil Reedy [ irish tin whistle / trumpet / flugelhorn ], Matt Tredwell [ drums / percussion ]

http://launicamusic.com/

https://www.facebook.com/launicairishband

Wild and Sensual

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A new promo posted about The Pogues

In this edition: The Pogues, Jamie Smith’s MABON, Atlantean and  Gwenael Kerleo

I am sure you have notice the energy I placed on editing the pictures of the artists I posted here. It was a great practice of visual creativity on my part. At this point in time I am confident to say anything I can and post anything I want. It is fun discovering new acts and re discovering legends. Last time, I released an interview about Scottish percussionist/producer Dave Martin. It was an eye opener for me. It is inspiring to know that Scotland is a country of thriving Celtic fusion music. Music embraces all aspects. I think it is sad if we all think that Celtic music should only be about acoustic instruments and traditional songs. It is an expanding genre while it is also keeping in touch with its past. It is like an interesting person you met on a date. Someone who possesses a keen sense of culture but is also attuned to the current times. I think I’d date that person anytime.

 It’s The Pogues and I am Doing Pogo Dance!

It’s been a while since I last visited the wonderful, explosive and punk inspired music of The Pogues. As always when you think of the Pogues always expect something unconventional both in the musical and also how they project their image to the world. You know, when I get depressed the Pogues are always reliable in cheering my mood up. This song is called Fiesta. My big thanks to Irish Music Forever for posting this video.

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Autumn Tour for Jamie Smith’s MABON

Their official facebook page has confirmed this news: “The first batch of Windblown pre-orders are on their way! Huzzah! UK orders should arrive tomorrow and internationals early next week. Any future orders we receive will be dispatched within 48 hrs. Get your copy now at www.jamiesmithsmabon.com/windblown

Cheers folks :)”

Check out this new single from this amazing band based in Wales!

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Atlantean: A Unique Documentary

Take a look at this folks. Other segments of the story can be found in youtube. It is amazing how much wealth of information is stored out there waiting to be discovered.

A segment from Irish filmmaker Bob Quinn’s four-part documentary on the maritime heritage of Western Ireland and it’s links to North Africa. This scene includes examples of Conamara dancing, called “Battering”, and it’s relation to Flamenco.

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Gwenael Kerleo – Brand new skies 

The sound of the electro harp is always invigorating. A few days ago, Layne and I were discussing about cool harp designs and he said that the one on top of his list is the electro harp. It was right after I showed him the link to the Corrina Hewat interview I did. In this video we hear another addition to our growing collection of Breton artists. Gwenael Kerleo makes music that has that maritime appeal wrapped in haunting melodies. What I like about her voice is its tender quality that has an almost child like innocence and urban sensuality.

Une chanson extraite de l’album “QUAI N°7” de Gwenael Kerleo (distribution Coop Breizh). Musique : Gwenael Kerleo – Paroles : Louis-Jacques Suignard. Avec Kevin Camus à l’irish tin whistle et au uilleann pipe et Yvon Molard aux tablas.

Les photos ont été prises sur la plage de l’Aber à Crozon (pointe de la Bretagne) en mars 2012.

Brand new skies

When your love burns so deep

Everything melts inside

When you’ve gone past the need

To sort out wrong and right

When your words take the hues of brand new skies

May your will and your way walk side by side

When your love burns so high

Setting your skies on fire

Looking down on your pride

And yielding to desire

Then it turns into gold all rocks and stones

And that sand once so cold a new bed of strokes

It blows on and whispers and sings

Never waits for any man

It knows about everything

And laughs in waving hands

When it takes you away

To the thrones of High Kings

It is then you start to pray it never ends

Interview with Pavel of “Cheers!”

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Meet Pafka Steidl, also called by the name Pavel. He is the lead vocalist of “Cheers!” They are one of the new bands that bring something exciting to the music scene in the Czech Republic. His sense of humor shows between their live performances. Vocally, think of The Pogues and Horslips rolled into one.

The band has an energetic sound. There are elements of punk, folk and that distinctive Czech way of interpreting Irish music. It becomes a new sound altogether. Everything about their music is precise. The execution is tight. The result is a musical identity that is something to watch out for in years to come, and see how it develops.

Why the chosen name for the band and what do you think makes your band stand out from the rest? 

I’m sorry, it’s quarter to three in CZ right now [:D] well, the name just came up pretty simple – we were sitting in a pub with our fiddler Filip and questioned ourselves “how?”. But the answer showed up suddenly with another beer and that’s it. The rest of the band liked it and we are Cheers!

“What do you think makes your band stand out from the rest?” – There are many bands around the world that play the same kind of stuff and each of them are different and special in a way. Do we stand out from the mainstream? – definitely. Do we stand out from the group of other Celtic-folk-punk bands? – No, not really. Personally I think what makes a difference is that we play our songs and try not to “interpret very hard.. or be a covers only band”. And that makes it easier to answer the question. We don’t stand out, we keep the row with other original folk-punk bands no matter how lousy we might sound.

I listened to a few tracks off your bandzone page. There is this noticeable  fusion of folk, blues and punk – interesting combination. You don’t get to hear blues and Celtic in the same sound often. Anything you can say about this interesting combination? 

Really? I didn’t notice [:D] Blues, ok, you’re probably talking about Tea Cup. The song is a bit different than the rest as I wrote it some time ago and not for the band but we managed to fit it in. But the blues practically is a folk music. That spirit of whining about unfortunate love or lose fate is common to blues, punk and Irish poems. And music is still about feelings (thank goodness).

    I spoke to Jeremy King (of Poitin) and he thinks your band is going places. I am glad I got this interview based on his suggestion as he is the authority in current bands in your country. Have you collaborated with Poitin already? And if you did, how was the experience? 

Yeah, Jeremy does a lot for our band and we kind of admire that guy. We used to attend Poitín’s concerts and dreamed about how awesome would be to can play Irish music. Who could of imagine, that a few years later we’ll meet each other on the same stage. Jeremy King is also the godfather of our first single CD, by the way. We’ve collaborate with them officially twice for now, but I’m sure that more’ll be coming, as the Poitín is one of the few bands in Czech Republic playing trad Irish so traditionally. And it’s always nice to play a gig with them. It gives us the right feeling we are on the right place if you know what I mean…

Yes I see what you mean. So in terms of news or about an EP (or an Album), what can we expect from your band soon? 

For now, we skimp money and look for a studio, which’ll have the capacity to record live. Our first experience with today’s way of recording wasn’t very good. The mood of songs just disappeared. But during autumn, we’ll probably make a full CD and let you know, of course. I’m really happy that Jeremy told you about us and you’re interested. Maybe there’ll be someone to hear the future album after all [:D]

Tell us something about your band mates. 

There are seven of us:

Honza (Jenda) – he’s our el. guitar player with an attitude. Man got a kid already but still didn’t grow up from being a kid himself. He’s an important part of our spirit.

Káťa (Kate) – she’s the girl with a flute, soft singing and my soulmate. We started to play together a few years ago in another band. She’s also into Irish music and stout.

Filip – I met him on archaeological studies. He plays fiddle and likes to fiddle with people around him. There are a few rumors about him that came up pretty naturally. He’s the funny man.

Jára (Fredy) – accordionist, young man, dreamer and goody two-shoes. If something needs someone’s sacrifice for a greater good, he’s the volunteer. He never missed a session as well.

Pája (Paulitta) – Girl that shakes with other men’s hearts. She’s our bass and my schoolmate. Her second name “Veselá” means “cheerful” in Czech and she keeps it.

Přéma (Popeye) – “He’s strong to the finich ’cause he eats his spinach” If you need a calm sensitive precise player who is able to listen others, look no further. Přéma’s got a family and that’s his number one in his life. And I think we fill the rest very well :0)

Pavel (Pafka) – That’s me playing acoustic guitar and singing and I’ve already had my moment. But still, I want to say A BIG THANK YOU for your effort, guys!

Cheers! is paying live all over Pilsen. Pavel always makes a good craic regardless of the situation and I am sure Cheers! Will gain more  and more followers in a matter of time.

Find them in facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cheers/104821386271093

http://bandzone.cz/cheers

http://www.kapelacheers.cz

 http://bandzone.cz/fisher

The Maggie Whackers

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French band doing Celtic music whacks your belly with  humor.

Great! Here is a French band here playing Celtic music. They are Fun. Well, they take their music seriously though. You can tell by listening to sample tracks off their MySpace site. I checked their website. I went to their photo gallery. There is this one picture where the piper stuffed all the whistles and flutes in his right pocket. The fiddler looks a bit like a Goth chic minus the angst.

What about the music? It is anything you’d expect from a Celtic rock band. But you have to think of something a little but edgy like for comparison. Think of the Pogues and Horslips. I do know bands that are comfortable to jam with them in the Czech Republic, Poland and Germany.  It is just a matter of time. I recommend that you give them a listen if you are in the mood for some Celtic rock-if you find the slurring make vocals with French accent your kind of thing.

The played last June 22 in the recent Fête de la musique  in Talmont Saint Hilaire .

 http://themaggiewhackers.fr/

http://www.myspace.com/themaggiewhackers