Just putting together a CD of Irish music for a foreign bird here who’s heading home in a few weeks, and found myself selecting a few songs which reflect their times; so thought I might do the whole CD on that basis, trying to capture Irish society of the last 30 years or so.
Have come up with the following so far; a couple of dodgy ones, there more for aptness than the greatness of the song, but would appreciate additions rather than slating the current list.
I’m sure Damien Dempsey must have some suitable songs commenting on current events?
And if anyone can think of any positive songs - though maybe there are fewer (or worse) songs written about the good times?
U2 - Sunday Bloody Sunday
Stiff Little Fingers - Alternative Ulster
Boomtown Rats - Banana Republic
Phil Lynott - Old Town
U2 - Bad
Boomtown Rats - Rattrap
Pogues - Fairytale of New York
Dubliners - Rare Ould Times
Luke Kelly - The Town I Loved So Well
Pogues - Rainy Night in Soho
Sawdoctors - N17
Christy Moore - Joxer Goes to Stuttgart
Divine Comedy - Sunrise (about the Good Friday Agreement)
D:Ream - Things can only get better
Thrills - One Horse Town (I don’t like them cos I think they unintentionally capture the arrogant Celtic Cub spirit)