If you only go to one show for the rest of the year department: Joan of Arse, The Dudley Corporation, Old Man Polka (Young fella Steve Fanagan and friends), Large Mound, Deputy Fuzz and The Chalets line out in aid of XFM (107.9 FM on your radio dial) this Sunday (July 21) in the Temple Bar Music Centre. Proceeds of eight Europes a head go towards keeping the airwaves safe for dysfunctional pop. In addition to playlisting The Frames and David Kitt when legitimate mainstream institutions just didn’t want to know, XFM have also provided a broadcasting home for the nation’s more perverse tastemasters. Sample DJs include the great Redneck Manifesto duo Richie and Matty.

Tenspeedracer take to the road this month in support of their new single ‘Listened To Bits’ with dates in the Camden Underworld, Glasgow’s King Tuts, Kilkenny, Kildare, Mullingar, Dublin and Wexford. XFM (the London version) have been playlisting the single. Chequerboard, who featured on the Synergia 02 and The Tupelo Tapes compilations in the recent past, will be releasing a debut album on Reverb Records. Chequerboard, aka John Lambert, has supported Finnish pop eccentric Jimi Tenor and Ambient Japanese artist Susumu Yakota.

IrishUnsigned is accumulating tracks for a forthcoming series of compilations. It is intended that approximately 2,500 of each release will be pressed with around 500 going to industry types in Ireland, the US and the UK. Two thousand copies will go into the shops and all artists will have their contact details and web addresses etc on the insert in order for interested buyers to contact you directly. If interested, drop a mail to [email protected].

New Dublin band St. Mark’s Choir are currently mastering their debut CD. Check out www.stmarksmusic.com for more info Creative Controle have released “Bloodrush/The Dose” in the UK to ecstatic reviews in the dance press. They reveal a new five piece line up at a show at Telefunkin in Cork this month. New Cork act Clarence Black features Fergal Gaynor’s baritone voice, subtly accompanied by members of Boa Morte to deliver minimal dark country songs rooted in the deep country tradition of Hank Williams and Johnny Cash. Goodtime John consolidates his reputation as supporter to the stars with August dates alongside Chris Brokaw of Come, Codeine and Pullman fame and new signings to Mogwai’s Rock Action label The James Orr Experience.

There could be an Italian tour on the cards for Daemian Frost and The Jimmy Cake. Better news for stay at home trainspotters is that there will be a double 7” to mark the sunny occasion. Meanwhil, DF contribute ‘Slut Style’ to a CD which will be available free with the nest issue of Homage magazine.