All CDs are €10, with post and packaging free for people in Ireland, €2 for people in the EU (UK included) and €3 for the rest of the world [€10 is approx: $11 or £7 GBP]

And watch this space for further offerings as the month goes on. Stake a claim to your key choices from this lot, and then stay tuned.
To jump straight to the buying part, click here
Or read on below to be coaxed gently....

hotpress.com – at your service!

Member CD Offer 

This follow up to the critically acclaimed self-titled 2006 debut – which led to comparisons with Carol King and Carly Simon, as well as a Meteor Ireland Music Awards nomination for Best Irish Female – Claire Sproule’s Shades of Night is a collection of soulful, jazzy tracks. Sproule’s latest work comes in the wake of tours with such musical legends as Al Green and Paolo Nutini.

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

Fresh from appearing on NME’s Hotlist for 2007, Limerick’s Vesta Varro released their debut album Exit Here to critical acclaim last June. Teaming up with multiple-Grammy Award winning producer Richard Rainey (U2) and recording in the legendary Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin, it’s little wonder that Vesta Varro are set to be Ireland’s next big thing.

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

With fans that include Ron Sexsmith and Tom Robinson, The Citadels were one of the most popular Irish acts of the early ‘00s. And now luminous front man Cormac O’Caoimh releases his first solo album Start A Spark. More than your typical singer/songwriter, O’Caoimh mixes pop sensibility with finely tuned song writing, wrapping it all up in his soft melodic confidence and sharp lyrical commentary.

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

Combining synths, guitars, percussion, piano harp and home made instruments, Dry Country are one of the most innovative and intelligent acts in Ireland. Their debut album Unexpected Falls is a brilliant blend of dark moods, pop melodies and smart lyrics, with influences that stretch from Nine Inch Nails to Boards Of Canada. One of the best Irish debuts of 2007.

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

Theology is a double-disc set offering two versions of the same album: one acoustic, recorded in Dublin; the other recorded in London with a full backing band. Featuring a mixture of covers and original recordings, the album is full of raw emotion and passion in true O’Connor style. The first single is the stunning cover of ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’ from the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Jesus Christ Superstar.

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

Before this, the second full-album release from Ireland’s premier acousto-electronic outfit, Somadrone had already toured with highly regarded peers like Redneck Manifesto. Of Pattern And Purpose continues their trend of atmospheric miniature symphonies and fuzzy electronic interludes, meanwhile adding vocal accompaniment into the already bubbling mix. Taking heed from the Kraftwerk drone, this album winds through a beautiful array of creativity.

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

Having enlisted the services of Franz Ferdinand’s Alex Kapranos on production duties, this record took shape in Vancouver, Canada. This is the exhilarating sound of a band at their indie-glam, punk pop best. With a track featuring Sonic Youth man Lee Ranaldo on the track ‘Be Safe’ this is an album not to be missed.

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release is the debut album by Simian Mobile Disco – AKA Jas Shaw and James Ford. You might think - considering one half of the team is the producer for Klaxons or Arctic Monkeys - that the album would be a thrashing indie affair, but James and Jas have made the electronic party record of the year. Fantastic.

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

Today’s world is a torrent of negative thinking. We are constantly told that we don’t have everything we need and we are not who we should be. A Renewed Interest In Happiness is an antidote to all of that negativity. It spreads the message that everything will be alright, encased in perfect and unforgettable melodies. Stick on this album, forget your troubles and let the slightly deluded magic of Frank and The Walters take over.

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

This live album from one of Ireland’s best young talents shows the singer-songwriter in her most pure and simple form. Recorded during a solo set in Paris, the album features acoustic versions of songs from her debut offering, along with several new songs and a cover of Tori Amos’s ‘Pretty Good Year’.

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

This is the first release from quirky Dublin-based mandolin heroes The Pale since 2002. Since then they’ve been extensively touring areas such as the Balkans in order to hone their eclectic, up-beat craft. The current single ‘Elizabeth In Rags’ is sure to get your feet tapping, if not your whole body jiving, and your mind asking “How on earth did they come up with this?”

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

They’ve proved themselves capable of pulling off fresh, gutsy live performances but how do the Dublin 4-picece fare with their highly anticipated debut album In Love With Detail? The results are in and fans won’t be let down as it is a formidable first time offering that manages to harness as much raw emotion, fashion melodic hooks, and roll out infectious rhythms as their live shows ever offered.

SOLD OUT

Member CD Offer 

After imposing a strict 14-hour-per-track limit with their previous album, Yourcodenameis:milo decided to take their time on their latest release. With less pressure and more time to create, the band recorded relaxed tracks that reflect the change in atmosphere. From surf rock to techno and smooth beats, the band proves they can be versatile regardless of the working conditions. See what this latest project has to offer.

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

Soulsavers are not afraid to cross genre boundaries and their latest album is no exception. Recorded between Los Angeles and the band’s home base in the North of England, the album is a bold combination of hip-hop, rock, gospel, soul, and everything else picked up along the way. With front man Mark Lanagan’s smoky rasp completing each track, this solid recording is a necessary addition to any collection.

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

Known for their eclectic brand of instrumental hip-hop, Deep Burial’s third release, Black Music, is a mishmash of samples and songs thrown into the pot and left to ferment. The result is a brilliant collection of blips, breaks, and beats. Combining the obscure samples and horror movie influences of their early days with innovative rhythms, Black Music boldly blazes new trails on the hip-hop scene.

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

With two tracks of his debut solo album set to be included in the Speed Dating soundtrack, things are looking bright for Eoin Coughlan. Blood In Vein contrasts sensitive vocals and lush backing harmonies with electric distortion and powerful guitar chords. The album features ‘Blue’ and ‘Then I’ll Go To Sleep’ from the film, Speed Dating, along with the single ‘Cutting Down Laws’ with Damien Dempsey. Coughlan shines with support from Gemma Hayes, Ann Scott, and Annette Buckley. Pick up this album so you can say, “I knew him back in the day.”

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

What is it about Scandinavia that produces bands capable of making such enchanting records? Norwegian duo Adjagas combine classical and Maya-Indian influences with majestic tones of indigenous yoik singing to create their ethereal self-titled debut. Named after the Sami word for the grey area between consciousness and sleep, Adjagas captivate listeners with this moving release.

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

The third release from the Seachtain na Gaeilge Project promises to be the best yet. Artists ranging from Declan O’Rourke and Damien Dempsey to Gemma Hayes and Bell X1 collaborated to create the 2007 release. Tracks include original pieces as well as existing tunes translated into Irish, giving artists a chance to sing in Gaeilge for a change. Bell X1’s ‘Bladhm’ (‘Flame’), for example, is a new take on an old song that cannot be missed.

SOLD OUT

Member CD Offer 

They say nothing is as remote as the recent past and with Terrorstorm – director, conspiracy theorist and agitator at large – Alex Jones, aims to shed light on the recent terrorist attacks like 9/11 and 7/7. Jones believes these attacks have been orchestrated by the respective governments of the countries involved in order to control and enslave the minds of the masses. Compelling and unsettling.

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

With the kind of back story any marketing man would wet his pants over, American Eric Eckhart, the progeny of a socialist railroad worker and proletariat artist, who abandoned the dollar and went into self-imposed exile to search for his soul in Ireland, has released a mini-album that reflect Eric’s blue collar roots, and the upheaval of the last few years of his life.

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

A Weekend In The City is the sophomore effort from those singular heroes of indie rock, Bloc Party. One of the most eagerly anticipated albums of the year, it not only maintains the standard of their classic debut, but manages to create an identity of its own, while developing their urgent, funky sound.

SOLD OUT

Member CD Offer 

We Died, They Remixed is, as the title suggests, a remix album of the octet’s In Case We Die. Unlike other remixes, this album is a creative triumph, giving the colourful songs of this bonkers band fresh, new identities. Architecture In Helsinki are the type of freaky renegades that pop music was supposed to be made by all along.

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

This is the number one album from the majestic Mexicans, and their most fully realized artistic statement to date. Produced by John Leckie (Radiohead, Muse, My Morning Jacket), this is a devilish high-speed ride through a funfair of musical genres; as latin rhythms, rock attitude and guitar virtuosity collide.

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

“It’s a fine debut from this hugely talented North Dubliner” – Colm O’Hare (Hot Press). The album was produced by the legendary Chris Tsangarides (Thin Lizzy, Black Sabbath, Ozzy, Depeche Mode). As well as writing and singing the whole album, this young musician plays no less then nine instruments. Louis, Sharon and Simon wouldn’t know what to do with this much talent. Except maybe buy her album...

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

One of the most exciting developments in Irish music recently has been the comeback of Irish punk pioneers The Radiatiors From Space. The band’s third album release, Trouble Pilgrim, has fourteen brand new tracks for fans to sink their teeth into. Many believed the band was long dead, but they’re making a collossal comeback with Trouble Pilgrim. Old fans will be brought back, new ones will be drawn in. Truly spectacular.

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

The Truth According To Shaz Oye is a collection of tracks rooted in issues varying from injustice to obsession, to grief and loss. Shaz Oye has bravely stood out against the usual conformity of the music industry and defined her own genre of tough urban hymns with a history, sung with a remarkably versatile, rich and soulful voice; creating one of the most intense albums of the year. Shaz OYE will soon become a household name.

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

The End Of History is the beguiling debut from Fionn Regan, an album displaying an artistic vision that is as original as it is enchanting to listen to. Most of the album is pure acoustic, almost crafted by sunlight itself it’s so warm and gentle and light. 12 tracks of simplicity and honesty that melt the heart and warm the soul. Truly a terrific debut for the Dublin-born Regan.

SOLD OUT

Member CD Offer 

Damien Rice fans have waited years for the follow-up to the incredible O, and his sophomore release, 9, was definitely worth waiting for. From the opening strums of ‘Crimes’ it is clear that 9 is as stunning as its predecessor, if not more so! ‘Dogs’ and ‘Coconut Skins’ are sure to go down as some of Damien’s greatest, and the mesmirizing ‘Sleep Don’t Weep’ ends the album like a lullaby. An instant classic.

SOLD OUT

Member CD Offer 

Time For The Turning, the debut album from Kalichi is a cycle of songs weaving stories of love, heartbreak, mysticism, the Twin Towers falling and the search for the Beloved. Kalichi is joined by Gerry O’Connor on fiddle, one of Ireland’s finest traditional musicans and Kieran Quigley – who toured extensively across Europe with the punk band Rumble – on percussion.

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

2FM’s Dan Hegarty has called them “the coolest outfit to come out of Dublin in many a year” and on the evidence of their debut Goodbye From The Electric Penguins it’s easy to see why. A stylish blend of live electronica, ambient, Krautrock and good old-fashioned songcraft the album has been compared to Sigur Ros, Kraftwerk, Pink Floyd and The Postal Service.

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

The Art of Insincerity was released in October and features the huge top 10 single ‘Older’. AOS is a dark and epic journey through the eyes of singer/songwriter Paul Walsh. Having spent the summer on the festival circuit in Germany, Royseven have captured a loyal fanbase now both home and abroad. Royseven will be appearing in the Ambassador as special guests to Director on Saturday December 9.

SOLD OUT

Member CD Offer 

Majella Murphy is an intelligent songwriter and charismatic singer. On her debut album Brave New World, she sings about real life: regrets, joys, hopes, disappointments and aspirations in her versatile, pure, powerful and beguiling voice, often with a hint of humour. The album includes the powerful ‘Mary Jones’ where Majella sings of Mary’s insecurities and pleads with her not to give up, but she is not alone – Majella believes there is a bit of Mary Jones in all of us.

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

Warlords Of Pez combines deep space death metal & low-light sex cabaret with a twist of new age electric bongo madness. This album certainly is not for the faint-hearted but is for the musically adventurous! The band has an ever-growing cult live following, constantly selling out shows, and have now decided to grace the nation with a new album of wonderful, crazy and experimental treats! Prepare to be blown away!

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

Acclaimed self-penned debut album from Dubliner Susan Bluechild. Her songs draw comparisons to Sheryl Crow, Debbie Harry, Kate Bush and Stevie Nicks yet Susan’s powerful voice maintains her individuality. A mix of musical styles including the soaring pop rock of ‘Sunrise’ which reached No. 1 in the Irish breakers airplay chart. With four tracks already commissioned for soundtracks, Bluechild’s reputation for writing and performing well-crafted songs cannot be doubted.

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

From Ohio, The Black Keys’ Magic Potion is their forth studio album and probably their best yet. With it’s tough, heavy, blues-driven vivacity it’s a record that won’t disappoint and will surprise you that you’re simply listening to guitars, percussion and nothing else. Having grown up on a diet of Devo and Mississippi blues, it’s a record that’s full, primal and exciting. One for White Stripe and Kings Of Leon fans. Get it now and play it damn loud.

SOLD OUT

Member CD Offer 

Stefan Murphy is an Irish based songwriter and this, his debut album, was recorded in Montreal and is a fine collection of dirty blues and country sounds with plenty of dark elements. Try to imagine some early Nick Cave recordings with some quirky traditional country and blues influences or even a slightly more rockin’ Tom Waits meets the spirit of Johnny Cash. Featuring 14 tracks on his own Firstborn is Dead record label, Hot Press awarded it 8.5/10.

To buy click here

Member CD Offer 

Sharon Shannon and her band recorded this double live album and DVD over two nights at Limerick’s Dolans’ Warehouse last July. Guests include Gerry O’Connor and Mary Shannon, Solas’s Winnie Horan, Damien Dempsey, Declan O’Rourke, Dessie O’Halloran, Jon Kenny, Mundy and Roesy. The band are Robbie Casserly, Paul Moore, James Delaney, Jim Murray, Jack Maher, Richie Buckley. This incredible show not only reinforces Sharon’s talent as a top Irish star but also showcases her ability as a producer and arranger.

SOLD OUT

Member CD Offer 

Dyamic, musically ambitious and bracingly eccentric, Duke Special really is a special Irish artist. Once you hear Belfast’s Peter Wilson you’ll never forget his inventive, but arresting, songs that range from the gorgeously soft to the shockingly innovative. Using fiddels, gramaphones and make shift instruments Wilson wraps up his unique sound with a warm, soulful sensibility. Get songs from the Deep Forest and broaden your musical horizon now.

SOLD OUT

Member CD Offer 

Peter Bjorn & John are a three piece from Sweden whose first single from the brand new album – Young Folks, has been catapulting everyone who listens to it into a Summerific frenzy. ’Young Folks’ is a duet featuring Swedish songstress, Victoria Bergsman of The Concretes on vocals. It’s a taste of summer – the perfect uplifting pop song that also boasts some of the best whistling this side of the dock of the bay. The album boasts some of the best summer anthems you’re likely to hear and rightly deserves the wide-spread acclaim they have so far had.. A certain for those end of year polls.

SOLD OUT

Member CD Offer