REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL PT. 6: The Black Crowes, John Smith, Michael McDonald, The Inbetweeners, Bob Marley, Josh Ritter & Sally Rooney are vastly improving our lockdown Wednesday

While keeping everything crossed that we get to see them shaking their moneymakers in person at 3Arena in October, we’re loving this virtual sighting of The Black Crowes. The brothers Robinson may have had their differences in the past, but they still make beautiful music together.

Michael McDonald has truly gladdened our hearts with the stripped-down Doobie Brothers classics he performed at home in his music room. The pauses when fans would normally sign back at him are beyond powerful. Our favourite song? Why, ‘What An April Fool Believes’, of course!

It wasn't too long ago, sigh, that we were watching John Smith getting up to all sorts of sonic wizardry with his pal Lisa Hannigan at One Windmill Lane. Last night he was supposed to play a couple of songs on his pal Jenn's Facebook page and, of course, ended up doing a load more.

Just in case you were grabbing some shut-eye at the time, here is the latest Josh Ritter Silo Session, performed in the wee small hours and this week an all-dedication affair. We’re watching as we assemble a good aul Irish Fry - calories are null and voided during a crisis - and remembering just how fab Josh was the last time we saw him live.

Bob Marley may no longer be physically with us, but his presence is still being keenly felt thanks to the brilliant Legacy documentary series. The latest installment has been released in honour of Women’s History Month and features interviews with Rita Marley, Marcia Griffiths, Donisha Prendergast and Judie Mowatt.

Here comes Modren Moore to brighten up the day again with his Christy-fied version of ‘Save Tonight’. Eagle-Eye Cherry will be kicking himself that his original doesn't contain lyrics of that calibre.

We’re counting down the days until May 3 when Rick And Morty return to Adult Swim. This first taster suggests some pretty heavy shit will be going down…

There’s no precise date yet but the TV adaptation of Sally Rooney’s Normal People is coming to RTE this spring. The announcement coincides with the release of a second teaser trailer, which correlates with what we had in our mind’s eye from reading the book.
The tale follows two young people as they swap school in Sligo for undergraduate life at Trinity College. Rooney’s been very hands-on with the making of the twelve-parter, so it should stay true to the original.

Tim Burgess has confirmed that the @chembros listening party for Exit Planet Dust will take place at 9pm on Friday with himself, Ed Simons and Beth Orton among those taking part. We’re still waiting to see if the Charlatan-in-chief managed to get that DM to the Fontaines boys…

As he tunes up for his Hot Press Lockdown Session tonight in association with Grace O'Malley Whiskey, Cork singer Tiz McNamara sends his ‘April Fool’ single out into the world. It’s dedicated to his brother and father, who tragically passed away nineteen years ago.
“They both drowned when I was 10 months old while sailing,” Tiz explains. “I release a new track on April 1st each year as it's their anniversary and it helps make a pretty tough time of year into a more productive one. These songs are extremely personal and close to the bone, but for me that has always been what making music was all about. It’s about telling stories and hopefully giving comfort to others.
“I've held on to this song for a couple of years, but was waiting for the right producer to do it justice. I recorded it in a cabin at Lake Echo in Nova Scotia, Canada, produced by Dan Ledwell, and it features some beautifully delicate backing vocals from Breagh MacKinnon. I hope you like it.”
We absolutely do. Currently based in Toronto, Tiz has racked up over 9.5 million Spotify plays making him one of the most successful independent Irish artists out there.

And finally, we turn to Jay, Will, Simon, Neil and Mr. Gilbert for some Classic Comedy inspiration.