I remember the first time I heard of Sinead O’Connor. It was in the 80’s when Dave Fanning was on 2fm after The Hotline. He was followed by Gerry Ryan. I can’t remember which show it was but when Sinead’s Mandinka was in the hallowed pages of Smash Hits, I knew who she was and was well chuffed that an Irish singer was in there.
Sinead, I don’t want either of us to feel old but that music have been circa 1987. And you know what? Sinead is just as relevant, actually more relevant than she was then.
Take Me to Church is the first single to be take from I’m not Bossy, I’m the Boss, the follow up to 2012’s How About I Be Me And You Be You. The track builds from the very first beat to its euphoric refrain. Sinead’s intelligent lyrics and musicality shine and her ability to write such relevant social commentary. This song reminds me of why I love music. It’s a bit mental, though, that two of the best Irish songs of the past year have the same title, but given the quality of both, there’s tonnes of room for Sinead and for Hozier.
I’m really looking forward to the album, out August 11 in the UK, Ireland you get it this Friday, you lucky sods! Sinead plays The Roundhouse in Camden on August 12th, The National Concert Hall in Dublin on Aug 16th and if you managed to get tickets to the now sold out Electric Picnic, you’ll be able to catch Sinead there. You can check out other tour dates on her website
And while we’re at it, congrats to Donal Moloney, friend of this parish on doing a bloody cracking job on the photographs for the album cover!
Sit back, turn up and volume and revel in the brilliance that is Sinead O’Connor