I know this blog is about Celtic Dreams which would usually be centered around the guys of Celtic Thunder but since I wasn't able to go to a CT concert last year this time its just gonna be about MY year.
I started Jan. 1, 2012 unemployed and not so sad about loosing my job, a job I really grew to hate over the last few years. I figured it was time for a change of scenery but I assure you I was not ready for the nightmare that was my year.
I was lucky that I had some money in a 401K but that didn't last long especially when I had to visit a specialist about my breathing. The summer was not good at all. I spent 3 hours the day before my birthday in the ER and the only thing they did was do a CT scan. It was specialist that I feel like I wasted my money on but the up side was that it didn't cost me thousands of dollars to see him. The ER visit cost me 2900 which I can't pay for since I don't have a job or any form of insurance.
I met some new friends in the CT Pub which is a great place for me to relax especially when I need to unwind.
My mom went to the ER the night before Thanksgiving and was admitted on Thanksgiving morning. I had already made some things for the dinner but now we were going to be 1 less this year. I made the turkey, the stuffing and the mashed potatoes. She was in the hospital until the following Monday when she was transferred to a skilled nursing rehab facility. She stayed in there 20 days though I think the PT people wanted her to stay longer but she kept telling them that she couldn't afford it. My mom takes care of the finances so she knows what she can afford and what she can't.
On the 16th of December she finally got out of that place. They didn't work with her to help prepare her to come home so when she came home that Sunday she almost didn't get into the house because she was afraid to fall. She had only did the stairs in rehab once which wasn't enough especially when we have 3 steps you have to climb in order to get in our kitchen.
Christmas was not so good last year it wasn't so bad at least I got to see CT at the Fox Theatre in Detroit but not this year. I did see Neil and Ryan at the Old Shillelagh in Detroit on May 11, 2012. It was probably the highlight of my year. Santa did not visit my house this year and its not because I was on the naughty list it was because no one could afford it. I was happy when I was baking cookies or bread but it was the time in between that was the darkest for me.
I ended the year just as I started the year broke and unemployed, two things I never thought would happen to me. I so wanted to work but it just wasn't in the cards for me but not this year. I have a new train of thought and I've decided to go for the Brass Ring its the only way for me to be happy. Ever since I changed the direction of this blog I've become one with the music that I love.
One of my resolutions is starting to come true now if I can just stick with my goals and plans I will be a new person at the end of next year 2013.
Look out 2013, this is my year.
Sorry its a bit late, but better late than never.
Showing posts with label Neil Byrne. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Neil Byrne. Show all posts
Monday, January 21, 2013
Friday, July 6, 2012
Pale Blue Jak
This post is dedicated to the one guy who re-lit my fire or rather my passion for writing. He's the one whose beautiful music can put a smile on your face. The one who is there when life is good and bad. He knows how to make women of all ages swoon. He is my sunshine, my only sunshine. He is my muse, in a round about way. The leading man in most of my CT fan fiction stories online and offline. Neil Byrne is definitely one of a kind, an original. He makes the world a better place doing what he loves, making beautiful music. His passion for his music is what drives him to succeed.
It's not really a name one might think would be in the same category of musicality as Madonna, Lady Gaga or even Adele. He is truly a unique character. His songs are as varied as are the tempos. One song on Pale Blue Jak's album Faces can be found on Neil Byrne's Sensitive Souls Ep. Sadie Jones is quickly becoming a popular lady that many female fan would love to trade places with, if even for a moment. Here is the video from YouTube so you can decide if you'd like to be Sadie for a day, month, or year. http://youtu.be/OIsg8KKwrcw
This is not your A typical pop album you might get from any random artist. This Cd was put together with a lot of thought into what would not only please the listener but the artist as well. When you listen to the album in its entirety you can really get a sense that this wasn't just thrown together but carefully crafted. Each song shares a common thread that is carefully woven into a fine silk tapestry.
This album will excite your visual taste buds. Every character is unique with his/her own style. It is not hard to imagine what a video for any of the 13 tracks might look like. Its as if this album is a part of a bigger picture or maybe a larger compilation of music.
I was really impressed by the quality of the music on this Cd, not only did I find myself tapping my toes but dancing about the house. I don't own a lot of albums simply because there aren't generally enough tracks to warrant making a purchase that big. I generally only like a couple songs on a particular album but that is not the case with Faces. I love every song. I guess I'm a bit biased but I think I know what good music is when I hear it. I am a fan of Madonna, Lady Gaga and Adele but I don't think I'd ever purchase one of their albums simply because there's only maybe one or two songs I really like on any one Cd.
Faces was released on Oct. 14, 2011. It is definitely a favorite of mine as well as many other Thunderheads. We know him as Neil Byrne but with the release of his debut solo Cd he's has become the personification of Pale Blue Jak. This album is nothing like his Ep Sensitive Souls cause there are more characters to fall in love with as well as more interesting stories to be told this time around.
The first track on the album is "Captain Lane", who comes and goes in the blink of an eye. This character is unlike any I can imagine but he may come close to Captain Morgan in "Two Pina Coladas" by Garth Brooks. Captian Lane is the alter ego for the shy guy but he's only interested in one night stands. One day the guy finds a girl he likes, someone he'd like to see more of but she ends up pulling a Captain Lane on him, leaving before he wakes. The moral of this song is you'll never be able to find true love as long as you rely on Captain Lane to help you out. Here is a sneak peek at Captain Lane with Neil Byrne and Declan O'Donoghue. http://youtu.be/ct5CWzKLJf8
Second track is "Pale Blue Jak," usually the title of the Cd is one of the tracks on the album but I guess that Neil wanted to change things up a bit by creating a track for the brand name. This track is very upbeat and uptempo. When you listen to this song you'll find yourself taping your foot as well as dancing about the room. After listening to this song a few dozen times I see that Pale Blue Jak is a DJ/VJ at a local radio/TV station and a singer is asking him to play their Cd again. The song kinda reminds me of "Music" by Madonna. In that song Madonna is asking the DJ to put on a record to dance to. In "Music" the DJ is at a club where as in "Pale Blue Jak" the DJ/VJ at a radio/TV station. He mentions going from the TV to the radio which means he does a live music show on television maybe something like American Bandstand.
The third track on the album is "Grenade" which was originally recorded by Bruno Mars. Track number seven, "Mr Blue Sky" was recorded first by Electric Light Orchestra and track 10, "Let Em In" was recorded by Paul McCartney. These are the only tracks recorded by other artists prior to them appearing on this album. Even though these three tracks that were originally recorded by someone else before, I think that Neil put his special touch on them, to make them in a way his own. The other ten tracks are all originals which is great to see on an album of this caliber.
Upon further research into this debut solo album by Neil Byrne a.k.a. Pale Blue Jak, I've found that you never know what this guy is thinking. He isn't into really depressing or sad songs which are usually steeped in country music but then again there are songs like "Candlestick" and "A Life I Once Had" which causes you to take a step back and rethink the meaning of those songs. These are the kind of songs that have an air of perplexity about them, they are the songs that make you wonder what was he thinking. I think you'll find quite a few songs that will cause you to have that reaction which is a good thing, I think.
I don't really want to give away too much of this album because the whole point to this blog is to get you interested enough to buy it. The one major flaw in that argument is that it isn't available at any retail stores just yet but can only be acquired online either by purchasing the physical album itself or by downloading it directly to your computer. I found that Amazon is definitely the best place to either purchase the CD or download all 13 tracks. It will cost you $17.44 for the actual Cd or $8.99 for the download at Amazon. There are other options at Amazon if you want to buy the tangible product but downloading seems to be the most economical option available. It's also available for download on iTunes for $9.99. You can download it at eMusic.com for $5.99 when you become a member. It can also be purchased through Neil's website in the CDs and Limited Edition items with free postage to anywhere in the world. http://www.neilbyrnemusic.com/limited-edition/
Before I end this post I need to thank those who gave me the inspiration to write such eloquent words that I am overwhelmed and somewhat speechless every time I read it. I know I've already got three other posts under my new name but this one just feels different. Maybe I have a greater connection to this music. I'm not really sure but I feel like this is my maiden post, my baby. It's taken a little longer than I thought to finish this post about Pale Blue Jak - Faces but I definitely think it is worth the wait.
I need to thank everyone from the Listening Lounge for Neil Byrne's Fans on Facebook, CT Fans as well as anyone who helped me during my hour of need. I'd also like to thank everyone that contributed to this album, those whose talent has made this one terrific CD to listen to. I'd also like to thank those people who have always supported Neil.
Faces
Pale Blue Jak is the brand name that was created to express a new form of music that is unconventional, energetic, charismatic and very quirky. If you never read his blog on http://www.neilbyrnemusic.com/2011/10/pale-blue-jak/, you'd never know that Neil Byrne of Celtic Thunder fame and Pale Blue Jak are one in the same.It's not really a name one might think would be in the same category of musicality as Madonna, Lady Gaga or even Adele. He is truly a unique character. His songs are as varied as are the tempos. One song on Pale Blue Jak's album Faces can be found on Neil Byrne's Sensitive Souls Ep. Sadie Jones is quickly becoming a popular lady that many female fan would love to trade places with, if even for a moment. Here is the video from YouTube so you can decide if you'd like to be Sadie for a day, month, or year. http://youtu.be/OIsg8KKwrcw
This is not your A typical pop album you might get from any random artist. This Cd was put together with a lot of thought into what would not only please the listener but the artist as well. When you listen to the album in its entirety you can really get a sense that this wasn't just thrown together but carefully crafted. Each song shares a common thread that is carefully woven into a fine silk tapestry.
This album will excite your visual taste buds. Every character is unique with his/her own style. It is not hard to imagine what a video for any of the 13 tracks might look like. Its as if this album is a part of a bigger picture or maybe a larger compilation of music.
I was really impressed by the quality of the music on this Cd, not only did I find myself tapping my toes but dancing about the house. I don't own a lot of albums simply because there aren't generally enough tracks to warrant making a purchase that big. I generally only like a couple songs on a particular album but that is not the case with Faces. I love every song. I guess I'm a bit biased but I think I know what good music is when I hear it. I am a fan of Madonna, Lady Gaga and Adele but I don't think I'd ever purchase one of their albums simply because there's only maybe one or two songs I really like on any one Cd.
Faces was released on Oct. 14, 2011. It is definitely a favorite of mine as well as many other Thunderheads. We know him as Neil Byrne but with the release of his debut solo Cd he's has become the personification of Pale Blue Jak. This album is nothing like his Ep Sensitive Souls cause there are more characters to fall in love with as well as more interesting stories to be told this time around.
The first track on the album is "Captain Lane", who comes and goes in the blink of an eye. This character is unlike any I can imagine but he may come close to Captain Morgan in "Two Pina Coladas" by Garth Brooks. Captian Lane is the alter ego for the shy guy but he's only interested in one night stands. One day the guy finds a girl he likes, someone he'd like to see more of but she ends up pulling a Captain Lane on him, leaving before he wakes. The moral of this song is you'll never be able to find true love as long as you rely on Captain Lane to help you out. Here is a sneak peek at Captain Lane with Neil Byrne and Declan O'Donoghue. http://youtu.be/ct5CWzKLJf8
Second track is "Pale Blue Jak," usually the title of the Cd is one of the tracks on the album but I guess that Neil wanted to change things up a bit by creating a track for the brand name. This track is very upbeat and uptempo. When you listen to this song you'll find yourself taping your foot as well as dancing about the room. After listening to this song a few dozen times I see that Pale Blue Jak is a DJ/VJ at a local radio/TV station and a singer is asking him to play their Cd again. The song kinda reminds me of "Music" by Madonna. In that song Madonna is asking the DJ to put on a record to dance to. In "Music" the DJ is at a club where as in "Pale Blue Jak" the DJ/VJ at a radio/TV station. He mentions going from the TV to the radio which means he does a live music show on television maybe something like American Bandstand.
The third track on the album is "Grenade" which was originally recorded by Bruno Mars. Track number seven, "Mr Blue Sky" was recorded first by Electric Light Orchestra and track 10, "Let Em In" was recorded by Paul McCartney. These are the only tracks recorded by other artists prior to them appearing on this album. Even though these three tracks that were originally recorded by someone else before, I think that Neil put his special touch on them, to make them in a way his own. The other ten tracks are all originals which is great to see on an album of this caliber.
Upon further research into this debut solo album by Neil Byrne a.k.a. Pale Blue Jak, I've found that you never know what this guy is thinking. He isn't into really depressing or sad songs which are usually steeped in country music but then again there are songs like "Candlestick" and "A Life I Once Had" which causes you to take a step back and rethink the meaning of those songs. These are the kind of songs that have an air of perplexity about them, they are the songs that make you wonder what was he thinking. I think you'll find quite a few songs that will cause you to have that reaction which is a good thing, I think.
I don't really want to give away too much of this album because the whole point to this blog is to get you interested enough to buy it. The one major flaw in that argument is that it isn't available at any retail stores just yet but can only be acquired online either by purchasing the physical album itself or by downloading it directly to your computer. I found that Amazon is definitely the best place to either purchase the CD or download all 13 tracks. It will cost you $17.44 for the actual Cd or $8.99 for the download at Amazon. There are other options at Amazon if you want to buy the tangible product but downloading seems to be the most economical option available. It's also available for download on iTunes for $9.99. You can download it at eMusic.com for $5.99 when you become a member. It can also be purchased through Neil's website in the CDs and Limited Edition items with free postage to anywhere in the world. http://www.neilbyrnemusic.com/limited-edition/
Before I end this post I need to thank those who gave me the inspiration to write such eloquent words that I am overwhelmed and somewhat speechless every time I read it. I know I've already got three other posts under my new name but this one just feels different. Maybe I have a greater connection to this music. I'm not really sure but I feel like this is my maiden post, my baby. It's taken a little longer than I thought to finish this post about Pale Blue Jak - Faces but I definitely think it is worth the wait.
I need to thank everyone from the Listening Lounge for Neil Byrne's Fans on Facebook, CT Fans as well as anyone who helped me during my hour of need. I'd also like to thank everyone that contributed to this album, those whose talent has made this one terrific CD to listen to. I'd also like to thank those people who have always supported Neil.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Neil Byrne
Sensitive Souls - EP
This is my second new post since I've changed direction from what I'd previously blogged about. Now I'm going to delve straight into the subject matter for which I am dedicating this blog to. My first subject is going to be Neil Byrne's EP - Sensitive Souls. I started re-reading his bio again today to see what else I might say about him that isn't already known. He is a sensitive soul there is no denying it. He is true to his craft and deserves nothing but great success in his future endeavors. However there is one thing he needs more than anything, he needs our support to get him over the hurdle that lies ahead of him. In order to be a success you need to have fans willing to give you 110% of their time. When we purchase his Cd's, merchandise and pay to see him perform live we are helping to further his dreams.
When I watch his videos on YouTube I'm mesmerized by his fingers and the way they move. I know it sounds weird but I've always been intrigued by musicians that way. Like the way Declan attacks the drums during Heartland. The way his fingers move from one note to the next is very interesting. I like paying attention to details like that which is why I've grown so attached to him as an artist. His voice is very soothing to the ears and he's not to bad on the eyes either. He has a way with words and is a very gifted songwriter as well as guitarist. He was lucky that he didn't have to go through the audition process like the other lads in Celtic Thunder. He was hired to do the the backing vocals in the studio for Phil Coulter's new show "Celtic Thunder" and he would also be asked to be the guitar player for the production as well. He is the complete package, a one man band with the talent and the skill to back it up. His first venture outside of Celtic Thunder is a testament to his drive and ambition to be the best.
Sensitive Souls is his debut EP which was released on September 6, 2010 has 3 original songs and one song most everyone should be familiar with because it was originally recorded by Madonna as a dance track. Sadie Jones and I is the first track on the Cd, Neil and his dad wrote the lyrics for it and he wrote the music. It's an uptempo and lighthearted song about meeting a girl, going to work every morning and years down the road marrying this girl and having a family with her then reflecting on the whole thing. Raoul and Her Ladyship is the second song on the Cd was co-written with Nichole Hudson. The third song is Truador which is an acoustic version of the song that was on his website. The fourth song is Cherish which has been reworked into a love song after the tempo was lowered. I really can't do an introduction to Sensitive Souls the justice it deserves so I've added the actual introduction to the EP that Neil Byrne uploaded toYouTube. http://youtu.be/q702RhfsrSk. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I absolutely love this Cd even though I only recently downloaded it from eMusic, I have seen several of Neil's acoustic videos plus the video of Sadie Jones which is really great and can be seen on YouTube. I've listened to some of his music from his reverbnation page. Once you get hooked your basically hooked for life. He is good at drawing you in and keeping you there for the long haul. I'll write more about Neil when I take a look at his solo Cd, Pale Blue Jak - Faces. Please check out Neil Byrne on Facebook and on YouTube. He's definitely worth it. I've had the pleasure of seeing him perform live as well as meeting him twice. He's an absolute doll but next time I think I'll ask for a hug and give him a kiss.
When I watch his videos on YouTube I'm mesmerized by his fingers and the way they move. I know it sounds weird but I've always been intrigued by musicians that way. Like the way Declan attacks the drums during Heartland. The way his fingers move from one note to the next is very interesting. I like paying attention to details like that which is why I've grown so attached to him as an artist. His voice is very soothing to the ears and he's not to bad on the eyes either. He has a way with words and is a very gifted songwriter as well as guitarist. He was lucky that he didn't have to go through the audition process like the other lads in Celtic Thunder. He was hired to do the the backing vocals in the studio for Phil Coulter's new show "Celtic Thunder" and he would also be asked to be the guitar player for the production as well. He is the complete package, a one man band with the talent and the skill to back it up. His first venture outside of Celtic Thunder is a testament to his drive and ambition to be the best.
Sensitive Souls is his debut EP which was released on September 6, 2010 has 3 original songs and one song most everyone should be familiar with because it was originally recorded by Madonna as a dance track. Sadie Jones and I is the first track on the Cd, Neil and his dad wrote the lyrics for it and he wrote the music. It's an uptempo and lighthearted song about meeting a girl, going to work every morning and years down the road marrying this girl and having a family with her then reflecting on the whole thing. Raoul and Her Ladyship is the second song on the Cd was co-written with Nichole Hudson. The third song is Truador which is an acoustic version of the song that was on his website. The fourth song is Cherish which has been reworked into a love song after the tempo was lowered. I really can't do an introduction to Sensitive Souls the justice it deserves so I've added the actual introduction to the EP that Neil Byrne uploaded toYouTube. http://youtu.be/q702RhfsrSk. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I absolutely love this Cd even though I only recently downloaded it from eMusic, I have seen several of Neil's acoustic videos plus the video of Sadie Jones which is really great and can be seen on YouTube. I've listened to some of his music from his reverbnation page. Once you get hooked your basically hooked for life. He is good at drawing you in and keeping you there for the long haul. I'll write more about Neil when I take a look at his solo Cd, Pale Blue Jak - Faces. Please check out Neil Byrne on Facebook and on YouTube. He's definitely worth it. I've had the pleasure of seeing him perform live as well as meeting him twice. He's an absolute doll but next time I think I'll ask for a hug and give him a kiss.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Taking A New Direction
New Directions....
As the heading suggest I'm taking this blog on a new direction. I've taken this blog on several unsuccessful journeys which have not gone as I would have like instead they just ended miserably. I decided that I would devote this blog to promoting great music from Ireland.
What does a girl in Michigan know about Irish music or even Irish musicians. I know what I like and what I don't. I was amazed at how many different bands that I like are from Ireland. The band Snowpatrol is from Belfast in Northern Ireland and The Chieftains are from Dublin . Celtic Thunder they are from the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Gaelic Storm another great Irish band. U2 another hugely successful band from Dublin, Ireland.
The purpose of this blog is to promote the music of Neil Byrne and Ryan Kelly, who are current members of the group Celtic Thunder. I think they need to get a little more exposure if they are to be successful in the United States and Canada. I know they are probably more popular in North America and Australia then in their home country. PBS has helped to a point but now its time to further the cause of great Irish musical talent. I should probably include George Donaldson as well into the mix but alas he hasn't yet had a show in Michigan.
On May 11, 2012 I had the opportunity to see Neil Byrne and Ryan Kelly perform live at the Old Shillelagh in Detroit, MI. Acoustic by Candlelight, the name of their shows, was absolutely amazing there is no way to really sum up the experience of seeing them live. If you have the opportunity to see their show it is well worth the money. These shows are nothing like the Celtic Thunder shows because it is a more intimate setting where as the CT shows are grand productions.
Last December 7, 2011 I experienced my first Celtic Thunder concert. I was blown away by the whole experience. I loved every minute of it and wouldn't trade that memory for anything. I'm not a regular concert goer because my past musical concert taste are rather dated so I was glad when I got to spend a night in the company of great Irish talent. I didn't want to leave the vicinity of The Fox Theater in Detroit, MI without meeting the lads in person. I didn't have the coveted meet&greet tickets from PBS but just regular main floor seats which were priced a bit cheaper than if I'd pledged for them through PBS.
I've only recently downloaded Neil Byrne's EP - Sensitive Souls as well as his solo CD entitled Pale Blue Jak - Faces and Ryan Kelly's solo CD In Time. I even downloaded Celtic Thunder's newest CD Voyage. I hope that I'll be able to see them in Windsor, Ontario, Canada when they come to The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor on September 16, 2012.
If you can get the opportunity to see Neil and Ryan live during one of their acoustic concerts or even when they start touring with Celtic Thunder. I've posted the link to Ryan Kelly's blog for the Acoustic By Candlelight with the dates for all the shows and you might still have time to catch one before they leave for Ireland.
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