And so to Dublin. One of my very favourite places in the world and a happy haven of great music for eons. And it just doesn't let up does it? Let us welcome Villagers. They will make life better.
Villagers is really one man: Conor J. O'Brien, formerly of The Immediate who were also marvellous. However there is something staggering and eternal about Villagers that comes along so seldom that it sticks out like a just hammered thumb. The world is O'Brien's if he wants it.
He may not though as his unusual combination of subtlety and candour may keep him writing for the disenfranchised rather than the general population. I imagine whatever way this man travels he'll do something extraordinary. There is no album yet so the only place to hear his work to date is Myspace and sites like it. There is also a fine collection of well recorded live videos of some of his shows in Dublin venues like Crawdaddy and Whelans.
First things first though check out The Meaning of the Ritual. It's wonderful. Brutal too though. "My love is selfish and I bet that yours is too. What is this peculiar word called truth?" is his opening shot. He continues "my love is selfish it remembers everything like the first time it was moved enough to sing. How it dangled on that stage just like a puppet on a string." It is truly frightening how good this guy is.
There is an EP called Hollow Kind but there were only 500 copies made so it's gold dust. If you happen to own a copy of it I'd say in a few years it'll be worth a bob or two. Not that that's important for a true music fan. The point is more that this man's stock will rise and rise fast or I'll eat my hat, hat stand, front door, cat, TV and anything else that comes to hand on a ridiculous feasting rampage Monsieur Mangetout would be proud of.
His voice has a tender strength that haunts me just right and his words are all vital and wise. Although his angelic face seems to suggest there is not a scratch on him when he sings (in Pieces) "for a long, long time I've been in pieces" you believe him because the words tear out of him like fire. And this is where greatness always dwells, in the duality. God and the Devil kicking off at each other right in front of you. So Conor O'Brien then. A brand new genius. Don't be surprised if his time comes very soon.
Villagers - Pieces
Villagers on myspace.
Villagers - The Meaning Of The Ritual
'The Meaning of the Ritual' by Villagers- a video by Conor
6:00 PM | 01/09/2009
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"The meaning of the Ritual" hit me in the face, an arrow through the heart. The guy is a positively scary poet...gently brought giant truths...words that can come from everyone's heart from time to time, no need to search for them anymore! Thanks Gary for sharing this find, but please, leave the cat in peace! x
Posted by L.G. at 11:28 AM | 02/09/2009 | Report Abuse
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