It’s been a while since I last posted. Harsh times, these times… So dealing with priorities, music has been relayed to a deeper place and so sharing. But such an addiction couldn’t be reduced to an absolute silence and couple artists resurfaced from these absent months. Amongst those, an awesome Irish treasure : Mick Flannery ! His recent songs stayed on my mind and player all this winter time. The album just blew me away. Well, time doesn’t stand still and meanwhile he’s no undiscovered talent anymore, national Irish radio airplay, lots and lots of shows in his home country… still I want to share this guy’s music with all of you who haven’t heard of him yet.
Young and extremely talented, ‘White Lies’ is his sophomore album – be sure to check out his first ‘Evening Train’ about booz, gambling and treachery – has everything to be compared to that genius Tom Waits in his early years. But be sure, this will only come to your mind in the beginning. The more you listen, the more you’ll forget about comparing Mick Flannery to anyone else. He has created a very personal and lived-through album, truly amazing at that age. I mean, how many 21-year-olds can write a song like ‘Near or Far’ about a couple and their unwanted childlessness.
His smoky voice is accompanied at times by Lisa Hannigan, Karen O’Doherty or Yvonne Daly and do they blend nicely!
Enough, check out the songs and be as convinced of great talent as I am and… get addicted!
Artist : Mick Flannery
Photograph : Donal O’ Caoimh
More Appetizers : right on Mick’s website here
Who else to enjoy : Neil McSweeney
Wow. I have been captivated by Irish singers lately…and disappointed with myself because I hadn’t run across this amazing man yet! Thank you so much for sharing, I was in desperate need of some good new music!
Bonsoir Emily !
Thanks for commenting. Guess you could check Declan de Barra is another great Irish talent
This is great Olivier! I am sold on Flannery.
What is it about those Irish boys! Geez. Love him.
On behalf of Mick and the rest of us, thank you very much.
Verge (Ireland & USA)
Talent. Great find, reminds me of some of Tom Waits’ earlier stuff.
Hi Oliver,
Good article. I see you’ve attributed my photo in the image title. I wouldn’t mind a link also as you didn’t ask if you could use it.
Cheers,
Donal
I was at one of his gigs in mallow,cork a week or so ago. The inimate atmosphere was unreal. He is so good live. I found him to be kind of a quiet guy, something really honest about him. The supporting acts were notably good too. Kate Walsh and ‘when spiderman turned bad’ guy!