Whole Lotta Live - Best Of Today FM Sessions

A kind of snapshot of the best of Irish pop music (with a few from beyond the waters), this album brings to the fore the intimate nature of the Irish pop song that these artists do so well.

All recorded live at Today FM HQ, each song is stripped back to the simplicity of a voice and the accompaniment of acoustic instruments. As a compilation this format works beautifully with so many stunning numbers that are striking in their ease. The intimacy of the sessions heightens the humble pop song to the platform of near balladry.

Paul Noonan and Lisa Hannigan's 'Some Surprise' is a love song to be cherished while Amy MacDonald's 'Dancing In The Dark' is a cover that transforms the Boss's masterpiece into an aching lament.

But don't worry, like what you'd expect from an album dedicated to the man behind the wall of sound, it's not all acoustic guitars and crooning numbers. Marc O'Reilly brings some of that fervent roots energy back with his track 'Wayward Shepherd'.

All the songs have been recorded over the past few years and the compilation can be looked at as a kind of snapshot of the local music that has struck a chord with Irish music fans since the start of the decade.

The proceeds from the sale of this album will go to The Irish Cancer Society as a tribute to both Tony and all those affected by cancer.

As a tribute to the late and the great Tony Fenton, this compilation of Today FM's live sessions is a touching ode to one of their best and most loved.

Keytrack: Some Suprise

Rating: 8/10