The Way I See It
The shipyard painter, political activist and razor-sharp cartoonist Bob Starrett has just written a new book The Way I See It on his eventful life and times. Below we reprint one of his stories and review an essential read
La Boheme
ENO's production of La Boheme is a triumph,
Damien Dempsey
Almighty Love (IRL/Clear Records)
Tuesday 20 November 2012
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EmailWith his sixth studio album, Damien Dempsey proves once again that he is a singer-songwriter of the finest calibre.
His work has always displayed an unashamed sincerity increasingly rare in these cynical and demoralised times, one which is deeply rooted in Irish traditions of resistance.
For Dempsey the political is not separate from the personal and the theme of this album could be said to be the fusion of love for justice and for resistance, with the love of individuals, friends and family.
As ever there's an impassioned urgency in Dempsey's delivery, especially in the album's best track Born Without Hate, a duet with the up-and-coming poet Kate Tempest.
Tracks like this and Massai are underpinned by slow, thundering beats and basslines reminiscent of the "global grooves" purveyed by the likes of Transglobal Underground.
In certain moods, only Dempsey will do. There are very few artists who that could be said about.
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