On The Record

• D-day

  March 4, 2009 @ 9:06 am | by Jim Carroll

  This time tomorrow, the shouting will be in full swing here and elsewhere. As someone said to me yesterday, the blog post-mortem will probably be as entertaining as the actual event.

  Tonight, in Dublin’s Vicar Street, 12 colourful rogues, sorry, judges will decide who wins the Choice Music Prize for Irish Album of the Year 2008. There are 10 acts on the shortlist and six of them will be playing live tonight. It promises to be one hell of a do.

  By the way, if you can’t make the show at Vicar Street (where doors open at 7pm and the gig kicks off at 7.30pm with Jape opening the show), Today FM’s Paul McLoone will be broadcasting live from the venue from 7pm. The winner will be announced round about 10.30pm-10.35pm

  So, with about 13-and-a-half hours to go before the winner is announced, who do you reckon is going to leave Dublin 8 with a nice trophy and a cheque for ten grand?

  * Declaration of interest: I’m the co-founder of this yoke and am also the non-voting chairman of the judging panel. Yep, I will be in that room.
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53 Comments
1.
March 4, 2009
9:24 am
Is the new U2 album eligible? If so, I reckon it’s a dead cert…
Comment by James D
2.
March 4, 2009
9:48 am
Declan Nerney and the Nerney Beat?
Comment by Matt Vinyl/The Golden Maverick-
3.
March 4, 2009
9:51 am
can’t decide between either jape or fight like apes
although i’m not that much into the FLA album, i think it’s a favourite anyway
Comment by Leigh O'Gorman
4.
March 4, 2009
10:05 am
if the script win this award it is suicide for the thing. I would imagine Lisa Hannigan should be right up there in the shake up. Prob Mick Flannery too because Ireland cant seem to get enough of that genre and maybe fight like …
I vote Lisa….the little minx
Comment by Padraic
5.
March 4, 2009
10:07 am
My Paddy Power money says Jape (which would be well deserved) but I’d also be happy if it was RSAG, Halfset or David Holmes.
Comment by Sinéad
6.
March 4, 2009
10:07 am
PS Jape is currently winning the Musical Rooms poll too.
Comment by Sinéad
7.
March 4, 2009
10:07 am
the blog post-mortem will probably be as entertaining as the actual event
Moreso probably. Oversized novelty cheques are one thing but people losing their shit over something that shouldn’t really bother them that much. Although nothing can top the blog shit-storm of Script-gate pt. 1. Except maybe Script-gate pt.2. The lulz would be epic.
I think Richie Egan made the best Irish album of last year so I think and hope that he’s going to win. (Had I put money on my morning of the awards SEBP prediction last year I’d have walked away with Paddy Powers’ summer villa in Tuscany)
Reading a few things about the awards in the past couple of weeks (that indo piece you linked to in particular) it strikes me that people’s views of the Choice is coloured by what they think it should be, lots of talk about who “deserves” the thing and who “doesn’t need” the publicity of winning it. I thought the judges just had to decide what record they liked the most (or to get into a fight and then refuse to go for whatever album the person they’ve been rowing with wants).
Won’t be there tonight as I’ll be watching the watchmen, g’luck with it Jim.
Comment by Ian
8.
March 4, 2009
10:29 am
Lisa Hannigan will probably walk it for that album which rapidly grew unlistenable, though knowing what happens in that room it could be anyone and hopefully that anyone will be Jape.
Comment by Hot Lunch
9.
March 4, 2009
10:30 am
I think we need to streamline our outrage, so I have proposed the following template for tomorrow’s blog posts:
I haven’t heard [insert name of winning album] but I was in my friend’s car while he played some of it and I can’t say I was that impressed. The award should have gone to Jape, but obviously [insert name of cloth-eared judge from outside the indie scene] hasn’t got a breeze. If [insert name of overlooked band] had been nominated they would have walked away with it.
Then we should move on to the reform agenda with some statement along the lines of:
“Next year the awarding criteria needs to be changed as follows [insert usual suggestions re only picking judges who are dead sound or about having elaborate voting systems].”
Could I suggest one of the following by way of sign-off:
- winners are sounds lads and I hope it works out for them, but they didn’t deserve it
OR
- I used to think the Choice prize was cutting edge but I’m having my doubts now
OR
- at least it got people buying irish albums
OR
- anyone who believes in awards is a muppet.
Did I miss anything?
Comment by Mumblin' Deaf Ro
10.
March 4, 2009
10:38 am
Jape
Comment by adam
11.
March 4, 2009
10:47 am
I’d take a punt on Fight Like Apes winning it. But music journalists are a fickle bunch. Looking at the judges, I’d guess that at least four of them would go with FLA
Comment by nerraw
12.
March 4, 2009
10:53 am
I put money on Holmes at 10/1 although I am less hopeful now.
Would be happy to see Jape or RSAG win.
Comment by Sean D
13.
March 4, 2009
11:03 am
I’d chance a flutter on this but haven’t a clue where I’d put my money, which is a testament to what a good year it was for Irish music.
I’m getting in the popcorn for the fall out tomorrow, should be a good one.
Comment by Joe
14.
March 4, 2009
11:24 am
Best of luck to all the nominees tonight. Really looking forward to the event. Should be a corker!
Keith Downey
Psychonavigation Records
Comment by Keith Downey
15.
March 4, 2009
11:28 am
I’d like to see the Apes or Jape take it, but I think the latter will do it.
Glad it’s not me in that room again *shudder*. Good luck to everyone involved, see yiz down there tonight.
Comment by unarocks
16.
March 4, 2009
11:29 am
Glad it’s not me in that room again *shudder*

Comment by Jim Carroll
17.
March 4, 2009
11:34 am
I really wish I’d put money on R.S.A.G. when the odds first came out (40-1 I think).
Comment by Le Catch
18.
March 4, 2009
11:37 am
I would have had you down as a juror #8 type.
Ian Dempsey in the Lee J. Cobb role.
Comment by Ian
19.
March 4, 2009
11:41 am
@ 7 - Script-age Pt1. Darn I missed that! Was it any good?
@ 15 - Apes or Jape? Hmm, possible future collaboration methinks. Apes -v- Jape in some aural freaky mash-up genre thingie - ooh, think of the possibilities!
Best of luck to one and all.
Comment by Colette
20.
March 4, 2009
11:43 am
Jape was always gonna win this. Same as Villagers will win it next year (before the album has even been recorded)
Comment by Pee
21.
March 4, 2009
11:45 am
RSAG to win but this could be dodgy. Ian Dempsey acted like it was his first time hearing of him on his show this morning. Surely all judges should be well versed on all the nominees
Comment by Jasper
22.
March 4, 2009
11:52 am
Surely all judges should be well versed on all the nominees
Sure, some of the people who voted for SEBP last year couldn’t even pronounce their name - or maybe that was the whiskey?
Comment by Jim Carroll
23.
March 4, 2009
11:58 am
@ Colette: Jape did a remix of FLApes ‘Battlestations’ - it’s awesome.
Comment by unarocks
24.
March 4, 2009
12:01 pm
Jape remixed Fight Like Apes already so it’s already happened!
Comment by Niall
25.
March 4, 2009
12:34 pm
Adebesi Shank….
Sorry, I just had to get that out.
Comment by Tom
26.
March 4, 2009
12:35 pm
Adebesi Shank….
Unfortunately, they’re playing the Hot Press dinner dance tonight and can’t attend
Comment by Jim Carroll
27.
March 4, 2009
12:38 pm
It should really go to RSAG, considering all the work and effort that he went thru to put out a debut double album all on his todd. Maybe that’s why he closed that culture show thingy on rte last night, so that people get to hear him b4 he wins?
How and ever, Jape’s is an irish classic, that in time will be highly regarded amongst the likes of U2’s Achtung baby and Lizzy’s Jailbreak, Whippinh Boys’s Heartworm.
Wouldn’t rule out Messiah J though either, Irish hip hop is coming along and it would be great if a light was shone on the genre. SEBP won last year though so probably wont happen again.
Maybe I’m just dreaming…..each entry is deserving in their own way, ‘cept the Script and Flannery though. They’re just more radio friendly MOR unoriginal tripe.
Comment by paddy
28.
March 4, 2009
12:55 pm
God Is An Astronaut….
Sorry, I just had to get that out…
Of the ones on the list, David Holmes to win as it is head and shoulders above the rest but considering the weird,arcane goings-on that takes place in the judging room *shudder*, and based on the inexplicable decision from last year, it’ll probably go to some obscure, blogger-approved fare like RSAG…here’s hoping sense prevails and Holmes wins.
Comment by Quint
29.
March 4, 2009
1:15 pm
lol @26
Comment by unarocks
30.
March 4, 2009
1:31 pm
Shrilly:
“Regarding the allegations of cronyism in the Irish indie music scene (post number 9, paragraph 4), does this mean that the Choice Music regulatory systems have failed? Will the names of the Choice Music 12 be released? Will Irish Indie bands need to be nationalised? Will this adversely affect their sense of irony? The people need to know”
Comment by labour
31.
March 4, 2009
2:01 pm
My prediction is that Jape will be disqualified when it is sensationally disclosed on the Hot Press website that not only has he become an accountant since recording the album, but he was involved in the Anglo Irish Bank audit and is currently moving more of U2’s money offshore. Morrissey will then give NME an interview in which he sneers at the thought that these awards even exist.
Comment by JD
32.
March 4, 2009
2:02 pm
I’m waiting for someone to leak the fact that the judges have already met and decided the cash would be better spent invested for 6 months in Anglo Irish
Comment by Jim Carroll
33.
March 4, 2009
2:03 pm
I would love to see Mjex win it as it’s a great album. I must say, I think the standard is higher across all albums this year than last and it will be a tough enough choice. I would say Jape, Lisa Hannigan or Halfset might take the prize home though!
Comment by Dani
34.
March 4, 2009
2:05 pm
Choice Music judges = Maple 10
Comment by unarocks
35.
March 4, 2009
2:19 pm
Is it on a radio station by any chance?
Comment by Teddy
36.
March 4, 2009
2:21 pm
Teddy - doh, should have mentioned that
If you can’t make the show at Vicar Street (doors open at 7pm, the gig starts at 7.30pm sharp, Jape opening the show and there will be some tickets avalable at the door at €27 a pop), Today FM’s Paul McLoone will be broadcasting live from the venue from 7pm. The winner will be announced round about 10.30pm-10.35pm
Comment by Jim Carroll
37.
March 4, 2009
2:25 pm
I’m thinking Jape, but if there’s to be a surprise again, it will be RSAG.
BTW, where can I get tickets to the Hotpress dinner dance?
Comment by Eoin
38.
March 4, 2009
2:33 pm
Nice one. Definitely won’t make it to Vicar street as I’m about 7,000 miles away.
Have fun tonight Jim — and don’t worry about the argy-bargy here tomorrow!!!
It’s all in the game, you feel me?
Comment by Teddy
39.
March 4, 2009
2:38 pm
Messiah J to win…
what’s this fuss about fighting with apes?!!
Comment by caroline
40.
March 4, 2009
2:45 pm
As I said here before, the pattern in winners is bird, bloke, band. So Lisa Hannigan to win.
Comment by Mumblin' Deaf Ro
41.
March 4, 2009
2:47 pm
@ 37 Bring a gun
Comment by Spacey
42.
March 4, 2009
2:54 pm
If i was one of golden 10 - RSAG would be my preferance but I think Lisa Hannigan knows how to work the game and has done so well since the album release & will win it
Comment by Firyan
43.
March 4, 2009
3:01 pm
4/5 quality albums in the list this year…..If i had to choose this would be it….
1. MJ&E
2. Jape
3. Halfset
4. RSAG
5. Lisa H
Comment by Mar
44.
March 4, 2009
3:19 pm
@23 & @ 24 - I am sooooo out of the loop these days it’s almost criminal! Jape -v- Apes: The T-Shirt! I want one now!
@ 37 - As I like to say about my own fabulous neighbourhood - They check you for weapons when you come in, and if you don’t have any, they’ll give you some …
Comment by Colette
45.
March 4, 2009
4:00 pm
Jape should but won’t win
Comment by Pandemic
46.
March 4, 2009
4:45 pm
RSAG to win, hopefully.
Are they gonna be televised at all? Or anywhere to watch online?
Comment by may
47.
March 4, 2009
5:04 pm
Any one apart from the script to win is what i think-gud standard across the board in fairness, although no real stand-out albums. I don’t think any of them will stand the test of time, but I could be worng!
my personal favourite-jape
Comment by Mayo Dave
48.
March 4, 2009
5:31 pm
I hope Lisa Hannigan wins, shes lovely in a whole variety of ways! was a bit disappointed that Colm Mac Con Iomaire didnt make the shortlist though…….
Comment by getawaydriver9
49.
March 4, 2009
8:20 pm
Messiah J to win.
Comment by barryb
50.
March 5, 2009
12:30 am
Jape. Deserved it. Probably shouldn’t have been first out of the traps tonight but a greatalbumn and a great win.
Oh and €50 @ 6-1. Whooo hoooo
Comment by Paul Mc
51.
March 5, 2009
12:35 am
Who is the other co-founder? Give that bloke / blokette a plug!
Comment by Paul
52.
March 5, 2009
1:27 am
well, fair play to jape, hardly think anyone would begrudge it cept
Comment by paddy
53.
March 5, 2009
2:53 am
Closing comments here - all comments on the Choice Music Prize to the next post please
Comment by Jim Carroll

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