I saw the young ‘Uns play an amazing set last year in Dun Laoire’s Pavillion Theatre. Their English folk sound sang a set of songs commemorating those who fought against Fascism in the Spanish Civil War. of course that threat to Fascism won over to democracy in many Western Countries but is democracy choosing more dangerous paths in recent times? I asked the band for 5 songs that are currently on their playlist in advance of their return to Dublin this weekend
1. The Banks of Mulroy Bay by Jim Ghedi
A friend introduced me to Jim Ghedi’s beautiful music in 2018. I’ve never met him or heard him live but listen to this piece often
2. The Banks of the Tees – Jon Boden (written by Graeme Miles)
The Young’uns began by accident in the back room of a smoky pub in Stockton On Tees in the North East of England. We heard people singing songs in accents like ours. Songs about where we came from. We didn’t know that that was a thing. It changed our lives. Many had been written by an amazing songwriter called Graeme Miles in the 60s. He saw great beauty in the stark industrial landscapes of our hometown.
3. The Final Trawl – Archie Fisher
I used to rock my little boy to sleep with this gorgeous song.
4. Stand Up Show – Jonny Kearney & Lucy Farrell
This is a big dance number in our kitchen. Lucy’s been one of my favourite singers ever since I first heard her in a folk club 10 years ago. Last year she sang some songs I wrote for a show called Rising Up – Peterloo 2019.
5. Declan O’Rourke – Poor Boy’s Shoes
Declan O’Rourke’s epic Chronicles of the Great Irish Famine is one of my favourite albums from the last decade and been a great inspiration as I’ve attempted to write bigger pieces in the last few years.
Sean Cooney, the Young’uns
The Young ‘Uns are playing in the Button Factory on Jan 25
