Critics Roundup 1987

In a year that saw U2 take on the world and win hands down, with a string of superb concerts and the album to beat all in ‘The Joshua Tree’, there was much to be leased with in terms of Irish bands consolidating their reputations. Cry Before Dawn, Something Happens! and, particularly, Hothouse Flowers and Aslan, made the public sit up and listen. The real breakthrough, however, in terms of commercial impact has yet to happen for these and others like LABF, A House, ITN and so on. Still, the signs are encouraging, and both the facilities and the talent are there in real abundance. There’s absolutely no reason to despair!

Countless trips to various large venues – RDS, Stadium etc. convinced me even more of the dire need for a good mid-to-large size concert venue in Dublin. Things as they stand leave a lot to be desired.

On the folk and roots scene, we saw Green Linnet and Claddagh Records produce several releases of supreme excellence – ‘Gathering Pace’ by Relativity, the eponymous debut by Patrick Street, and the Brass Fiddle from Donegal being particularly worthy of honourable mention. Gig-wise too it was a damn good year with performances by Relativity, Fiaco Jimenez, Peadar O’Riada and Cor Chuil Aodha creating fond memories.

No contest though, about the gigs of the year. Three in number they begin with Guy Clark’s recent Dublin show –surely the best, pure quality gig seen in Dublin in years. A few weeks earlier his drinking buddy and co-conspirator Townes Van Zandt had bemused and delighted in turn with a show which was as wayward as it was wonderful. And then there was the Cunningham Brothers – John and Phil raised our spirits and the roof on a June evening in Dublin and made more than worthwhile my 5am return journey to North-West Donegal a few hours after the bar closed.

I could go on but the critic on my right needs a few column inches too! A great year, with the promise of more to come for 1988, including more from the very wonderful Nanci Griffith! Here’s looking at ya!