How can one man's songs contain such dark and desperate lyrical content, yet, at one and the same time, be so fantastically poppy and life-affirming?

Therein lies the genius of Pernice - whether solo, with his former outfit the Scud Mountain Boys, or as part of the family band, Joe's work is quietly gaining an ever-increasing audience, especially on this side of the water where his many Dublin visits have made Whelans his virtual second home.

Joe speaks to Hot Press in our exclusive interview, filmed in Whelans on the week of the Irish release of his latest masterpiece, 'The World Won't End', and talks about his various projects, musical heroes and why the Irish public has gathered him so tightly to its bosom.

Click below on the bit you want to watch...

PART ONE Why Joe has a special relationship with his Irish audience 56k 128k

PART TWO Joe describes the differences between playing solo and with the full band 56k 128k

PART THREE 'We were like zombies for that show.' Joe recalls some of his surprising best and worst gigs ever, and lists musical heroes (including Wilson and Costello. Who'da guessed it?) 56k 128k

PART FOUR Three albums and an EP in 18 months - Joe goes through a prolific patch 56k 128k

PART FIVE 'Always thinking ahead to the next record..' - Joe looks to the future 56k 128k

And click here to watch Joe give us a song... 56k 128k