Homework: 21 November 2002

Christmas is coming and the gigs are getting phat. Please put a cent in the broke band’s hat. It's rapidly drawing closer to cheesemeister season and a virtual freeze on new releases until the New Year. Live-wise though, there’s plenty happening. Two notable ones: Woodstar from a muddy field in Mungret, Co Limerick have secured a support slot with The Cranberries in The Point, while Kells power trio Turn will do similar honours for plane crash survivors Aslan.

Psychonavigation and its new division Nippi Records have just signed, sealed and delivered a spanking new ambient compilation entitled Sundazed. Contributors include Andy Cato, who is best known for being one half of the mighty Witnness regulars Groove Armada, JB, Liquid Wheel, Esoterica, Roddy Monks, Podje and Ive.

Also on Psychonavigation is the brand new album from The Pale called Lonely Space Age. Pale man Matthew Devreaux also released his solo debut Russian Space Action on the label. On another galactic tip, Richer Than Astronauts are a new band featuring members of Gregor 57.

The Last Post follow The Jimmy Cake in receiving the surreal honour of being namechecked in an episode of Fair City. Bizarrely, according to the script, The Last Post album launch is held in Lillie's Bordello, which has been puzzling Alan Kelly and chums ever since as they are more likely to have a launch party on the moon. Meanwhile, The Last Post will release an extremely limited run of ‘Something Tells Me’ backed with ‘Waiting’ of only 300 7” copies…

Estel and Joan of Arse are the two latest bands set to share seven inches of vinyl on the Road Relish Singles Club. The Estel track is called ‘Regardez Moi [I’m Up To My Neck In Shit Again]’ and they will also feature on a Lazybird Allstars CD in addition to the next Homage magazine CD.

The wonderful Desert Hearts will be doing a Chrimbo bash alongside Boxes, Weevil and The Dudley Corporation which will be named The Corpo Christmas Caper. Also, don’t miss the double header of The Redneck Manifesto and Decal, a definite late contender for gig of the year.

Juice Machine is a new Cork-based alternative club night in the Lobby that is set to go monthly in the New Year. DJs Grand Senior and Paul McD willl do the turntable honours. Meanwhile, the Triskel will be staging a series of gigs at the Half Moon beginning with road rage poets Swearing At Motorists. Budding protest singers can hone their vitriol by entering a competition to re-write the official Exxon song. Full details at www.stopesso.com…

The new line-up of Creative Controle comprises CC stalwarts The Expert & Messiah J alongside the Twiddler on bass, DJ Flip on turntables and second emcee K-Why…

James Yorkston And The Athletes will play with the wonderful Josh Ritter on his massive Christmas show...

The Thrills look like becoming the toast of London town this Christmas, as their debut release has received single of the week accolades to beat the band. Plus the guys have been sitting pretty in many UK photoshoots! Phwoar!