JIM CARROLLon music
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the MTV Europe Music Awards in Dublin in 1999.
Memories of that Ronan Keating-hosted shindig from 12 years ago were revived on Wednesday with the announcement that this year’s awards will be held in Belfast’s Odyssey Arena on November 6th.
Belfast was chosen by MTV to host the event over Paris, Istanbul and Warsaw.
Aside from meaning the city will be the destination for a host of performers and gong recipients, the awards are estimated to be worth about £10 million (€11.78 million) to the local economy.
It’s a big coup for Belfast tourism, but it’s also worth noting that events like this rarely have any effect on the local music scene.
It’s hard to remember what happened once the circus had left town. Is there anything you can recall about the 1999 event in Dublin without resorting to Wikipedia or Google?
Dublin’s celeb count went through the roof on that occasion, with P Diddy, Iggy Pop, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Mary J Blige, Marilyn Manson and Britney Spears all attending.
It’s unlikely that many local acts bar Snow Patrol and maybe Two Door Cinema Club should keep November 6th free in their diaries going on MTV’s track record in this regard.
The local flavour for the Dublin show in 1999 was provided by The Corrs (MTV could always invite Jim to provide some freshly hatched conspiracy theories), Westlife and B*Witched.
On this basis, MTV are unlikely to be booking And So I Watch You From Afar, Not Squares, Cashier No 9 or Girls Names for the event. Still, the Odyssey will look great on the telly.
New music
YOUNG THE GIANT
Crunchy, widescreen rock anthems destined for a big field or arena from the Californian band formerly known as The Jakes. The debut album is due out in this neck of the woods on Roadrunner this summer, but you can check out their chops right now on the pulsating My Body. youngthegiant.com
THE CHAIN GANG OF 1974
Top-drawer psychedelic pop and electro wig-outs and grooves from Denver one-man band Kamtin Mohager, who also occasionally plays bass with 3OH!3. His well-received Stateside debut album, White Guts, is set for a reissue now that he’s signed to Warners. myspace.com/thechaingangof1974
POOLSIDE
Intriguing new Los Angeles band featuring two studio producers who have already produced one slowburning disco-pop nugget in Do You Believe. It’s due for release soon as a single on Future Classic with remixes by Cosmic Kids, James Curd and Jacques Renault. facebook.com/poolsidemusic
Now playing
Oberhofer Awy Frm U (Inflated) Bolshie, ramshackle and joyous future indie anthem from young gun Brad Oberhofer.
The Precisions Why Girl? (Drew) Gritty northern soul floor-filler from the Detroit maestros as tipped to OTR by Tim Burgess of The Charlatans.
Factory Floor Real Love (Optimo remix) (Optimo Music) Keith McIvor and Jonnie Wilkes recast Factory Floor’s heavyweight electronic chugger as a smokin’ banger.
Kode9 The Spaceape Black Sun (Hyperdub) Deep bass rumbles on the second album from Hyperdub boss Kode9 and rapper The Spaceape with help from Flying Lotus and Cha Cha.
Hercules Love Affair Shelter (Moshi Moshi) Andy Butler and friends’ version of The xx’s shy tune is an unlikely smouldering, hands-in-the-air dance-floor thriller.
For more see: irishtimes.com/ blogs/ontherecord onTherecord
