NO ENCORE

HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY, EVERYBODY~!Yes, it's been and gone for another year but Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick convened on the big night to record this episode, sensibly avoiding the chaos beyond their respective four walls.Instead, a chaos of a different kind in the form of a busy week in music news and a Top 5 that takes in the magical highs and the frankly shocking lows of the Irish public's consensus taste in music prior to the year 2000.If you like the show, tell someone about it. If you adore the show, consider supporting us over @ patreon.com/noencore where bonus episodes and previews abound.ACT ONE: Dave has a strange but wholesome encounter in the gym.ACT TWO (11:04): Breaking and quite devastating Bono-shaped news, Dolly reckons she's not rock and roll enough, Robert Plant walks back the bulk of his career, Japanese Breakfast steals our hearts, Stevie Nicks does Stevie Nicks things, and Ed Sheeran remains firmly in the dock. ACT THREE (35:41): Top 5 Irish Number One Singles of the 20th Century. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NO ENCORE 3:16 SAYS WE JUST PODCASTED YOUR EARS!Or something along those lines.We're back and raring to go with a Top 5 that veers from the angelic to the demonic, in a manner of speaking. There's also a news round-up that gets spectacularly derailed in vintage 'Dave talks about a film for a bit instead' fashion.Don't miss our latest episode of NO AUX CORD – and a killer playlist – over @ patreon.com/noencore right now.As for this week's madness...ACT ONE (3:55): Craig makes a friend on the train.ACT TWO (7:41): US Eurovision hype, Ed Sheeran's day in court, Corey Taylor's burial of Kanye West, Machine Gun Kelly's wedding plans and some important breaking news – it's the, er, news. ACT THREE (31:48): Top 5 Songs About Heroes (Craig) & Villains (David). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I know, I know, it's a week late, but despite my tardiness Before The ENCORE is back!This month I speak with my studio-mate Cormac Butler, producer extraordinaire, songwriter and mix engineer of Faction Records. Cormac has an extensive and wide-ranging discography from All Tvvins to James Vincent McMorrow to Sorcha Richardson to The Academic to Gavin James & The Coronas. We often chat among ourselves about our work and share some tips and insights with each other off-the-record so it's nice to finally have one of those chats we can share with you all. Til next month, dear listener!-Sonic Architect Adam Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You gotta keep 'em separated. Or, in this case, bonded for life.NO ENCORE is back for another week and the boys Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick have a lot to chew on despite sensationally not attending Irish music's biggest night. The RTÉ Choice Music Prize is still on the agenda, though. As is lots of other news and yet another Top 5 that throws at least one half of the team into existential disarray. And what is NO ENCORE if not existential dread persevering? If you adore what we bring you every week and would like to support this particular independent venture, you can do so at https://www.patreon.com/noencore – new episode of NO AUX CORD coming soon. Promise. ACT ONE: A preamble in which we ramble. More respect for Nine Inch Nails, please!ACT TWO (10:18): Choice Prize last-minute predictions and post-announcement reaction featuring our roving Sonic Architect, Russia get booted from the Eurovision, the Madonna film sounds like hard work, the Rolling Stones film that never was, Dave Grohl says Dave Grohl things, and Snoop Dogg runs away with his imagination – it's a busy week in music news.ACT THREE (52:37): Top 5 Musical Offspring – Dave on Best, Craig on Worst. What could possibly go wrong? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clench your fists and gaze skywards, it's time to shout, shout, let it all out.For those, dear listeners, are the things we podcast about.NO ENCORE screams back in triumphantly for another week with our personal tribute to the majesty of the power ballad.Well, maybe not everyone thinks power ballads are majestic. We'll have to wait and see. Or, rather, listen.ACT ONE: Dave goes viral, Craig misses that event entirely, and the boys ponder upsetting current events.ACT TWO (11:44): Mark Lanegan remembered, Britney Spears is ready to tell all, vinyl sure is expensive these days and Liam Gallagher makes some oddly diplomatic points – it's the news.ACT THREE (29:12): Rock on. It's time for our Top 5 Power Ballads~! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Long albums result in a long episode. Can't say we're not on-theme.Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick battle through a heavy week and find all kinds of pockets of space in order to listen to an 80-minute Big Thief record for purposes of considered review, while also deep-diving into their shouts for the most notable protected long-players around.All that and thoughts on the current Kanye West discourse, the Super Bowl Half-Time Spectacular and more.NO ENCORE is on Patreon and we thank you for your support, should you be that way inclined – patreon.com/noencore if you'd like to sign up.ACT ONE (5:24): A fun trip to the pharmacy with Dave.ACT TWO (8:05): Kanye West makes uncomfortable headlines, hip-hop takes over the Super Bowl, America goes Eurovision, and Jake Gyllenhaal reckons with the Swifties.ACT THREE (38:04): Big Thief return with 20 new songs for us to devour. They're very much the band of the moment but does Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You live up to both the considerable length and hype?ACT FOUR (1:01:42): Top 5 Long Albums~! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, dear listener, wherever you are in the world.Or, more specifically, whatever place you presently occupy. That's right, it's all about a physical space of unique characteristics on this week's show as Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick sift through a notably tangible Top 5.We've got the usual news round-up, of course, and a brand new album review in the form of Mitski's Laurel Hell. Do lend us your ears. ACT ONE (5:02): Spotify continues to make headlines, Roddy Ricch has enough of your criticism, Jonny Greenwood is a japester, and SOPHIE gets a fitting dedication.ACT TWO (23:07): Mitski returns with album number six. Let's see what we make of it, shall we? ACT THREE (36:14): Top 5 Songs Named After Places.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NO ENCORE returns to power up YOUR weekend – or whenever you usually listen to the show. This week, it's all about the reliable gem that is the one-hit wonder.But what constitutes such a thing? Honestly, it's a little bit confusing. That's Dave's excuse for arguably making a bit of a mess of the assignment this week but then again, once the main event segment opens up, it's possible that both he and Craig learn some valuable lessons.The choices are top notch though, we can guarantee that much. Elsewhere, we've got a busy news section, more than one awkward tangent, and Craig's latest stab at being an eternal optimist. ACT ONE (11:25): News! Kanye West weighs in on the NFT craze, the Metaverse sounds like hell, Rivers Cuomo has been busy, awkward celebrity encounters, the magic of André 3000, and congratulations to Rihanna and A$AP Rocky.ACT TWO (36:02): Top 5 One-Hit Wonders, featuring Craig making a genuinely excellent case for at least one quickly-dismissed selection. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's 2022, and what better way to close out January than with a booster dose of Before The ENCORE! We're back, baby. And better than ever after our Christmas Break.This month, I sat down with Bekah Molony; an artist manager, stage designer and booker. Lengthy chat, many many topics covered and really enjoyed learning about Bekah's role in the industry.Bekah currently manages rap artist Celaviedmai and has done stage design for artists like shiv, Nealo & Bobbi Arlo. Click through the names to see hear their music if you aren't familiar already.Enjoy, and see you all next month.-Sonic Architect Adam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And breathe. The new season of NO ENCORE continues apace as Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick reunite and attempt to set the musical world to rights once more.First order of business – a personal life update from Dave that also somehow finds space for some bizarre humour. Wouldn't be like him.Beyond that we've got a notably spicy news section, an album that provokes quite the rant and a signature Top 5 to take us home.ACT ONE (1:05): Dave speaks about the passing of his father John.ACT TWO (14:06): Dave speaks about why tweeting is a bad idea.ACT THREE (21:33): It's the news, baby. Meat Loaf RIP, Neil Young battles Joe Rogan, Damon Albarn suffers Swift wrath, and can those crazy Morrissey and Marr kids ever work it out?ACT FOUR (42:53): Yard Act are the hot new hipster UK band of the moment. The Overload is their album. This is our review of both.ACT FIVE (55:59): In honour (?) of Ireland's newfound relaxed approach to Covid-19 restrictions, we detail our Top 5 Songs About Freedom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over Blue Monday? Good, it’s just another day of the week. So let’s kick on with the rest of 2022 – NO ENCORE returns with a Craig/Zara/(silent) Adam power trio special.Dave will be back on the mic next week but, before that glorious moment, there’s an FKA twigs alb… mixtape to debate and our Top 5 'Days Of The Week’ Songs to discuss.If you'd like to support the show, please consider hitting up patreon.com/noencore. Every little helps us and thank you so much to everyone who has signed up to date.ACT ONE (7:35): Rhapsodising over Ronnie Spector while Bono and Robbie Williams show their vulnerable sides, Sheeranville becomes the next Graceland, we stumble across some breaking Steely Dan news and, yes, Craig On Ye!ACT TWO (37:04): FKA twigs explores her collaborative side on Caprisongs but will Zara and Craig be on the same page? Probably an implied spoiler in there, yes, students of subtext…ACT THREE (54:35): Our Top 5 Songs With The Name Of A Day In The Title. Both a mouthful and a very fun time, which someone ends up simultaneously being one of our most leftfield and downright typical segments in ages.**Some audio gremlins got into Zara's audio file this week so we had to use out backup Zoom audio - please forgive the slightly lower fidelity this week dear listener, it's been a while!** - Sonic Architect Adam Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So, this is Listmas.And what have we done?Another year over.A new NO ENCORE countdown just begun~!It's time to run down the very best long-players of the year gone by as we go from #20 down to #6 before pivoting into a Top 5 debate to decide the overall Best Album of 2021.Dave Hanratty, Craig Fitzpatrick and Zara Hedderman are in the collective driving seat one more time – please enjoy our final episode of the year and thank you very, very much for listening to us in 2021. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let me hear you SCREAM.NO POPCORN returns for the final time in 2021 with one hell of a choice for a Christmas movie – Mark Wahlberg's 2001 rags to riches hard-rock adventure ROCK STAR~!That's right, it's the tale of a wannabe... who got to be.Is this a comedy? Are the songs any good? Do we root for Mark Wahlberg's character? Just how many things can one seemingly average man invent in his lifetime? Just how many narrative dead ends can one movie commit itself to?All these questions and more shall be answered as Dave Hanratty and David Higgins get ready to stand up and shout...ACT ONE: What We've Been Watching including House of Gucci, The Last Duel (again), Petite Maman, Spencer, Beckett, and Lamb.ACT TWO (19:25): Rock Star. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oh boy. It's that time of year once again. LISTMAS IS UPON US~!That's right – it's time for part one of the NO ENCORE end of year spectacular.As the title rather gives it away, it's the Best Songs of 2021. Dave Hanratty, Craig Fitzpatrick and Zara Hedderman count 'em down from #20 to #6 before engaging in a Top 5 debate for the ages.What will be crowned the overall Song of 2021? The tension is real but so too is the love.And speaking of – thanks for being here with us, dear listener. Hope you discover a few gems on this one.And if you love what we do – don't be a stranger to our Patreon page. Top 20 Albums of 2021 next week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave and Craig are here in the depths of winter to warm you up with a nostalgic deep dive into the year we’ve dubbed “Summertime For Humanity”. Final standard episode of the year, so we’re getting a bit meta, getting a bit silly.ACT ONE (7:24): The 2021 news ain’t done. Wanna know about a Queen member launching a foul-mouthed attack on Sacha Baron Cohen, what The Coronas have in common with a Belgian death metal band, and how Prince William kickstarts his Monday morning? Course ya do!ACT TWO (25:11):  Time to make a compelling case for 1999 being The Most Noteworthy Year Of All Time. Dave brings us the worst songs that year had to offer, and Craig brings the very best (plus a monologue, plus a megamix…) for an unmissable Top 5.Patreon.com/noencore if you’d like to send some Christmas cheer our way, and get bonus content in return! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

December is but a few days old so you know what that means – it's time to go full Christmas!That's right, it's the very best and the absolute dirt worst of festive sonics, as delivered by Dave Hanratty (in full Grinch mode) and Craig Fitzpatrick (generally on the side of the season). So, let's do it to it before it does it to us...ACT ONE (4:56): The trawl through the news week brings clarification from Brian May, redemption for Yoko Ono, Craig's review of the Beatles documentary everyone is watching, honour for Rihanna, a ruck for Rod, and respect for Don McClean.ACT TWO (27:08): Top 5 Christmas Songs – Best (Craig) and Worst (Dave). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

**EDIT - audio now fixed! Sincere apologies**Did you miss me? I bet you didn't, but here's a new pod anyway!My latest edition of Before The ENCORE was one of my first ever recordings, and I was very fortunate to have had the pleasure to sit down and speak to one of my good musical friends for a lengthy chat.Robert O'Halloran is more colloquially known in the music industry as lo-fi producer extraordinaire JarJarJr. He first rose to prominence in the Irish scene by featuring as the man behind the music on Kojaque's Bubby's Cream, one of the notable tracks on the Deli Daydreams mixtape, all the while gathering millions (yes, millions) of plays on Soundcloud and creating a name for himself as a seminal player in the lo-fi hip-hop instrumental genre worldwide.In this episode we discuss moving platforms, creative blocks and how to navigate them, finding your feet as a producer and his Splice sample pack, as well as many other musings in between. It's a long one but informative for sure, so strap in and enjoy.-Sonic Architect Adam Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We take a week off and the music world goes into overdrive. Typical.Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick reunite with plenty to discuss; from a transcendent live experience to an intimate brush with a bona fide mega-star to the new Adele album to, but of course, a spotlight focus on the legendary genre that is... DIVORCECORE~!NO ENCORE is back, baby! Support us on Patreon if you're in the mood – https://www.patreon.com/noencore – new episode of NO AUX CORD in a few days!ACT ONE (3:36): Dave went to For Those I Love. It was emotional.ACT TWO (11:35): Dave went to the Garth Brooks press conference. It was also emotional.ACT THREE (26:39): In other news... Brian May has some thoughts on the BRIT Awards' new direction, the Grammy Awards are back, The Weeknd would rather play video games, and Adele has saved music, apparently.ACT FOUR (38:09): Speaking of Adele, how's that new album sound? The boys drill down into 30.ACT FIVE (54:53): Top 5 Divorcecore Songs – Best (Dave) & Worst (Craig). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No regular NO ENCORE this week but we're back in the 'music x movies' groove as NO POPCORN revs up accordingly.Having recently turned 10 years young, Drive felt like the perfect candidate for our next cinematic overview.Long silences. Super-slick aesthetic. Shocking bursts of ultra-violence. Questionable fashionable choices. Terrific casting choices. And, of course, a killer soundtrack for the ages. All up for debate on this brand new episode.ACT ONE: What We've Been Watching featuring a scary movie round-up and a bunch of recent motion pictures including Dune, The French Dispatch, Old, The Last Duel, Reminiscence and the Kid Cudi documentary.ACT TWO (34:45): Drive.Get every single episode of NO POPCORN to date right here: https://spoti.fi/3Dv90EN We are on Patreon if you deeply love what we do – https://www.patreon.com/noencore if you want to get involved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Knowing me, knowing you... AHA!One of us is off this week (it’s Dave), so Craig takes a chance on our wonderful super sub (and super trouper) Zara Hedderman. In case you haven’t guessed, we talk ABBA. ACT ONE (7:14): We try to make some sense of the horrific tragedy that unfolded in Houston with some Astroworld discussion, before moving on to some altogether lighter fare: Will Chris Gaines make a Croker appearance? Is ‘Peaches’ a Marxist anthem? Would you watch an Alanis Morissette sitcom?ACT TWO (39:21): Voyage is the name of the game as we talk about ABBA’s long-awaited studio return. Features far less punnery than this write-up, you’ll be glad to hear.ACT THREE (1:01:30): Wholesome love stories for the ages rub shoulders with more toxic tales – but the bangers stay consistent, natch. It’s our ‘Couples’ Top 5.Patreon.com/noencore if you'd like to help Craig bribe Dave into returning for the next episode. And get bonus content and all our love in return! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The boys are back in sound. Craig returns from Barcelona to the loving digital arms of Dave. Podding ensues.This week, we're looking at the most misunderstood songs in the musical canon. We're also trying our best to understand, not for the first time, the appeal of Ed Sheeran. Luckily, we have Alice Kiernan on board to help us do just that.Do check out Alice's new song 'Blue' on all your music platforms, by the by.ACT ONE (0:26): Craig regales us with his Catalan experience before we move into...ACT TWO (6:31): The famous news section! Shakira's bizarre boar brush, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame report, Aaron Lewis' Bruce-shaped beef, Madonna's latest lament and Ed Sheeran Corner – it's all happening.ACT THREE (24:13): A chat with Alice Kieran about her return to songwriting before this week's album review - it's time to level out with the Equalizer himself; Ed Sheeran.ACT FOUR (57:59): Top 5 Misunderstood Songs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having successfully reached the 300-episode milestone, Craig has flounced off to sunnier climes, leaving Dave to recruit the one, the only, Zara Hedderman.On the agenda; a terrifying Top 5, a debate on Self Esteem and a round-up of the most eyebrow-raising happenings in music this week...ACT ONE (4:47): IDLES lament, Adele expense and Maroon 5 clarity – it's the news.ACT TWO (24:27): Outspoken UK artist Self Esteem has been showered with praise across the past week for new album Prioritise Pleasure. Is the hype justified?ACT THREE (42:00): Time to send a chill down the spine with our Top 5 Horror Movie Scores.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The last Monday of the month means a new Before The ENCORE, taking you deeper into the behind-the-scenes world of the music industry with Sonic Architect Adam guiding you along the way.This episode sees Adam speak with Niall McMonagle; sound engineer and studio manager for the famous Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin city, which has played host to artists such as U2, R.E.M., The Cranberries, Phil Lynott and many many more over the years.This episode launches in conjunction with Windmill Lane's first ever vinyl release, which is a compilation of all of the aforementioned artists and many more. You can find out more and pre-order the vinyl, which is due for release on Friday October 29th, here.If you enjoy NO ENCORE and all of its many iterations, you can also find us on Patreon here to support us as an independent podcast in what we do. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Madness? This is #300, baby!That's how that quote goes, right? On a suitably Spartan episode; Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick celebrate a NO ENCORE milestone by welcoming OG co-host Colm O'Regan back into the fold.We laughed. We cried. We spoke about wings. You just flew. Thanks for your company across this ocean of time. On this particular edition... ACT ONE (1:28): Reunited and it feels so good. News-wise; Craig on Ye, Drake x Adele, Tom Morello's rights, Satanic Panic and the reason why Coldplay never wrote a Bond theme finally revealed.ACT TWO (26:22): Speaking of Coldplay, it's time to surround ourselves with Music of the Spheres. Best of luck to all involved.ACT THREE (46:39): The best of music. The worst of music. The best and the worst songs about music. Time to get meta with our latest Top 5.Here's to 300 more episodes. Patreon.com/noencore if you'd like to help us keep this wild ride going. Bonus content and our love in return!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's episode #299 and we're feelin' fine. NO ENCORE returns as Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick elevate the humble B-side to A-tier status. Does that make sense? Does anything? Are you even reading these words or are they reading you? Think about it.And please do think about supporting the show if you like or even love what we do – patreon.com/noencore for bonus episodes, playlists and previews.ACT ONE: Dave watched a film that scared him.ACT TWO (6:47): A very Radio Nova-esque news section takes in hot young whippersnappers like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton. We have time for at least two of those acts, anyway. Plus – Demi Lovato says to cool it on the extraterrestrial remarks and Madonna's biopic sounds like it's going to challenge us all, in its way.ACT THREE (26:34): The airing of grievances. The appreciation of understatement. The adventure of a perhaps bygone era. Oh, and Craig frantically digging through his physical music collection in real-time – it's our Top 5 B-Sides! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Don't hate, appreciate. Unless we're talking about this week's Top 5 – though hopefully you'll appreciate that, too. A new album from James Blake prompts Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick to bash their heads together and consider some of the more spiky songs out there. Ire works, as a great band once said, but how will James fare in his own review?NO ENCORE is on Patreon and your support means everything to an independent show like ours. Patreon.com/noencore if you'd like to pitch in – Craig's excellent Kid Cudi playlist and accompanying personal essay are waiting for you right now!As for this episode...ACT ONE (7:05): A familiar clanging omen makes way for the real main event of this week's news section – hipster music critics giving out about other music critics. Seriously, what is Pitchfork playing at this week?ACT TWO (32:00): James Blake has plenty to say about Friends That Break Your Heart. And so do we.ACT THREE (49:48): Top 5 Songs About Haters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NO ENCORE's 'movies x music' spin-off returns as Hanratty, Howard and Higgins combine to take on the Sparks-driven rock opera Annette.An avant-garde arthouse film if ever there was an avant-garde arthouse film; Annette tells the story of celebrity couple Henry McHenry (Adam Driver) and Ann Defrasnoux (Marion Cotillard) and their subsequent strange travails.Is it too weird for its own good? How are the songs? And the performances? Is there depth here or is it all a bit one-dimensional, despite the strange fantasy? All of this and more discussed on a brand new NO POPCORN.ACT ONE: A bumper What We've Been Watching including some 2021 highlights – and lowlights.ACT TWO (33:05): Annette. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you expect me to talk?No, Mr Bond, I expect you to...Listen to this suitably suspenseful episode, as Dave and Craig re-enter the Broccoli Cinematic Universe to celebrate No Time To Die and create our own alternative musical universe in the process.But before the Top 5, you’ll find Dave’s Big Film Review and Craig’s Big Ramble About Electroclash And Being Crushed To Death By A Pair Of Thighs. No album this week, we’ve already a blockbuster on our hands...NO ENCORE is on Patreon if you like what we do every week. Hit up patreon.com/noencore for bonus episodes, previews, playlists and love.ACT ONE (2:53): R Kelly brought to justice, MJ-loving despots, rare eels on MDMA, Grimes and Elon Musk no longer colonising the galaxy together and Lil Stevie, well, revealing too much. All the news that’s fit to pod.ACT TWO (26:43): We spent far too long on both these lists. But boy does it deliver. Left turns, prospective scripts, lots of brass and drama. Our Top 5 Alternative Bond Themes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it that time already? Yep, Before The ENCORE is back with the latest edition of industry and technical chats for all of you to sink your teeth into.The third edition of the periodical sees Sonic Architect Adam chat with Sivv, lo-fi beat-maker of the rap group NUXSENSE. We talk about his South African roots, movie inspiration, sampling and a whole kaleidoscope of other musical musings.NO ENCORE is on Patreon & if you enjoy what you hear, please consider subscribing to us here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Throw on your best Stetson – NO ENCORE is finally going country.Is it in honour of the 'Garth Brooks is coming back to Ireland' rumours? Is it a nod to Lil Nas X and our album review this week? Or do Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick just want to raise an undetermined bottle of beer high in the direction of the compelling best – and the dirt worst – of country and western music?Saddle up and find out, sure. We've got friends in Patreon places, by the way. If you'd like to get on board and support us in exchange for bonus content – a new episode of NO AUX CORD is but days old – please consider hitting up patreon.com/noencore – every little helps us and thank you so much to everyone who has signed up to date.ACT ONE (2:53): A busy news section takes in feuds in the form of The Smiths vs Rick Astley and Machine Gun Kelly vs Corey Taylor but there's also time for the wonderful Ivor Novellos, emotional words from Ice-T, and some strange espionage.ACT TWO (22:20): TikTok sensation turned pop culture icon Lil Nas X has delivered his debut album MONTERO. Is it time to take him seriously?ACT THREE (36:41): Grab the nearest cowboy or cowgirl – it's time for our Top 5 Country Songs – Best (Craig) and Worst (Dave).  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oh yes indeed, it's time for another TRACK X TRACK special on NO ENCORE.This time around, Dave Hanratty is joined by Paul Noonan and Daithí O'Dronaí, collectively known as HousePlants.The guys have just released debut album Dry Goods and so we figured it wouldn't be the worst idea in the world to gather round a very large table and go through every song on the record, obtaining the stories behind the music and beyond.On this episode, Paul and Daithí discuss how and why HousePlants came to be, the importance of music therapy, why they wear those flashy suits, and why cycling and singing might be more tricky than you imagine. We also learn of Daithí's tinnitus diagnosis and how that played its own role in proceedings, in addition to the overall character of the music that informs this new project.Dry Goods is available on gorgeous vinyl via the official HousePlants Bandcamp page.Tracklist:'What's With All The Pine?''Window Pane''Companero''No Stopping Me''Mannequin''Ringing In My Ears''Burning''Reveller''Wait!'NO ENCORE is on Patreon if you'd like to support what we do. A brand new episode of NO AUX CORD is up there right now, waiting for your ears – patreon.com/noencore if you'd like to get involved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the weekend, oh baby. Oh baby, it's the weekend. Rejoice.Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick reunite in the digital space for another round of music news, focused album dissection and, but of course, a Top 5 countdown.Samples are on the menu this time out, so too is a different list that dominated the week's pop culture agenda. Or maybe it just came and went. Who knows?NO ENCORE is on Patreon if you like what we do each and every week. Hit up patreon.com/noencore in return for bonus episodes, previews, playlists and love.ACT ONE (5:27): Dave goes through a decent chunk of Rolling Stone's latest crack at the Best 500 Songs Of All Time list. Craig reacts accordingly. There's also time for Nicki Minaj, Todd Rundgren and Taylor Swift. Tis the news.ACT TWO (36:20): Noisy NYC hipsters Sleigh Bells are BACK. Have they managed to capture the magic of their decade-old debut? Let's review.ACT THREE (47:04): Dave gets nostalgic. Craig achieves Zen. The boys lay out their Top 5 Samples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Might prove a controversial one, this particular Top 5. Remember – it's totally fine to love what you love and disagree with us passionately, we're merely expressing our bafflement with the selections contained within this episode.A broad church is what we're saying. Elsewhere on NO ENCORE this week; plenty of news and the new, exciting, essential Drake album under review.We're on Patreon if you'd like to support the show – hit up patreon.com/noencore for previews, playlists – including Craig's edit of Donda – and bonus episodes.ACT ONE (6:25): Sarah Harding 1981 – 2021, André 3000 gets embroiled in the Kanye/Drake feud, sound the ABBA Klaxon(s), a return for a popular game show and a costly scrape for Lil Uzi Vert – it's the news.ACT TWO (30:39): Drake is back with the feature-length gift to the world that is Certified Lover Boy. Personal masterpiece or cynical content machine? We decide.ACT THREE (48:15): Top 5 Acts We Just Do Not Get. Don't get mad at us, thanks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well. It happened. After all this time. And there's really no getting around it – Kanye West did rather spoil the Donda party ahead of time. But maybe, just maybe, there are still valid reasons to attend. Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick mull over an almost impossible review as celebration turns to deep rumination. The traditional Top 5 is dispensed with for the first instance since its inception as the boys reckon in real-time with the patron saint of the show and both the angelic highlights and unavoidable problematic context that comes with that.ACT ONE (11:11): Breaking ABBA news, Lee 'Scratch' Perry remembered, a genuinely incredible Tiesto-related story, Jonathan Richman's bizarre situation and Ed Sheeran's wacky gift ideas – it's the news.ACT TWO (30:12): It's the Donda review you've all been waiting for. See you on the other side, we hope. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey hey, it's time for another round of our 'music x movies' discussion corner aka NO POPCORN~!And this time, dear listener, we're deep-diving into the world of hot sexy EDM music and the related drama thereof. The film in question is We Are Your Friends. The plot is... strange? Zac Efron attempts to upgrade his life by becoming a superstar DJ while hanging out with people just as beautiful as him in sunny Los Angeles. Alas, not everything goes according to plan.ACT ONE: What We've Been Watching including Zola, The Suicide Squad and Higgs' descent into strangely appealing '90s two-star trash.ACT TWO (28:38): We Are Your Friends.Every episode of NO POPCORN is available at this playlist right here: https://spoti.fi/3mN9b9b Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before The ENCORE returns for its sophomore episode with Sonic Architect Adam back at the helm.Theodora Byrne is a vastly accomplished session & touring musician, musical director, choir arranger and BIMM music theory lecturer. You may know her from appearing on stage with James Vincent McMorrow, Sorcha Richardson or her work with the Theodora Byrne Ensemble. She has played alongside a plethora of other well-known Irish acts also including Bell X1, Saint Sister, Ciaran Lavery, Maria Kelly... the list goes on but you can see her full portfolio collaborators here on her website.NO ENCORE is on Patreon here. If you like what you hear, please consider supporting us - all of your support to date is massively appreciated! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let's make some noise. Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick are reunited and ready to take on another week of music news, a new album and a killer Top 5.The very best in drumming takes centre stage on this episode; a topic so broad that Dave feels the need to throw in a lengthy disclaimer for good measure. Before that, the boys pay tribute to departed Rolling Stones sticksman Charlie Watts, review the latest effort from Deafheaven and generally do their very best, as ever.Please consider supporting NO ENCORE on Patreon! Bonus episodes, previews and playlists available at patreon.com/noencoreACT ONE (4:14): Charlie Watts RIP, some sad Insane Clown Posse news, Johnny Rotten's day in court, and Nirvana's strange legal issues of their own – it's the news.ACT TWO (21:07): Hailed post-black metal / blackgaze outfit Deafheaven are back with an album that seemingly signals a major change in direction. The guys get buried beneath Infinite Granite but do they enjoy the experience?ACT THREE (33:07): Count it in – it's our Top 5 Best Drumming Songs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On a special interview episode, Dave Hanratty sits down with the fantastic Orla Gartland during release week for her long-awaited debut album Woman on the Internet.On the agenda – finally releasing that debut long-player, Orla's status as an independent artist, her relationship with a very committed fan base, her thoughts on gender disparity on Irish radio, performing live again, horror movies and a whole lot more.Woman on the Internet is out right now so go listen to it and support Orla by visiting her online store.You can support NO ENCORE, too, if you wish, by hitting up our Patreon page to avail of bonus episodes, previews and playlists. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

***DISCLAIMER: There was a bit of a snafu with Zara's audio this week, thus the difference in fidelity between herself and Dave. Proof that backing up a Zoom call is always worth it. Please forgive us this one week, won't you listener? -Sonic Architect Adam***Home is where the podcast is. Dave Hanratty is joined by returning guest co-host Zara Hedderman – whose link game continues to astound – as Craig Fitzpatrick enjoys a well-deserved week off. On a stacked episode – a preview of an upcoming interview, a hellacious news round-up, the small-town intimacy of The Killers and a sometimes chaotic Top 5. Please consider hitting up patreon.com/noencore if you like what we do.ACT ONE: Don't skip the preamble – we've got a teaser for next week's bonus episode.ACT TWO (5:56): Yet another bong-related update, potential vindication for Craig, Lorde takes a stand and surely Ed Sheeran and Cradle of Filth aren't actually collaborating, are they? It's the news!ACT THREE (31:59): The Killers are back with a new album just one year after their last one. No rest for the wicked but has the Pressure Machine got to Brandon Flowers?ACT FOUR (47:47): Top 5 Songs About Home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another week, another broken promise from Kanye Omari West. Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick keep the faith, however, by shining a thorough light on unreleased musical efforts of yore and the frustrations, strange magic and eventual realisations associated with each individual selection, one of which is especially timely...Before that, all the news that's fit to podcast about. Meanwhile, don't miss a brand new episode of NO AUX CORD over on patreon.com/noencore right now!ACT ONE (3:17): Electric Picnic update, Frank Ocean's latest venture, Tyler, the Creator's victory lap, British Sea Power's about-face, Ivor Novello action, Brian May's problematic hero, Slipknot's next move and Dolly Parton's foray into a whole new world of entertainment – it's YOUR week in music news.ACT TWO (30:22): Top 5 Unreleased Projects. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Global superstar music journalists Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick recover from their second doses with a dose of THE TRUTH. In other words, another rambunctious episode of the best damn music podcast in town~!NO ENCORE is on Patreon with a new episode of NO AUX CORD landing on Monday. Hit up patreon.com/noencore for bonus content if you'd like to support the show.ACT ONE (3:18): Dave and Craig get reviewed for a change, the irresistible force that is Electric Picnic finally hits an inevitable immovable object and Rihanna achieves a lucrative milestone – it's the news.ACT TWO (23:32): Billie Eilish is back and she's Happier Than Ever. Are we, though?ACT THREE (42:08): Top 5 Songs About Fame Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

***Re-upload due to some distribution errors***The heatwave is over but the temperature can only rise as Dave Hanratty, David Higgins and Norma Howard convene for a discussion on vibrant summer musical sensation – and, er, box office flop – In The Heights!Are the songs good enough to sustain a two-and-a-half hour musical? Is it really that long? Are there any future stars in this cast? Did we need that bad CGI? And what's with the lack of a solo number for Jimmy Smits?!ACT ONE: What We've Been Watching including Another Round, Black Widow, Space Jam: A New Legacy, The Talented Mr. Ripley and a Christian Petzold mini-season.ACT TWO (36:10): In The Heights. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bit of a mouthful, that top five. And yet, in practice? Gold. Pure gold. It's NO ENCORE, everybody~! Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick are back with the week's music news, a new album review and, but of course, that top five...ACT ONE (3:50): Joey Jordison 1975 – 2021, Pete Davidson's Ramones fear, P!nk's show of solidarity, the end of The X Factor and a very important Craig on Kanye.ACT TWO (33:05): Socially-conscious rapper Dave returns with second album We're All Alone In This Together and the feeling that his time is very much now. Does he deliver? ACT THREE (49:04): Top 5 Songs With Names In The Title. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sonic Architect Adam Shanahan brings you the debut episode of Before The ENCOREJoe Hertz is a London-based producer and songwriter working with artists like Pip Millet, Sam Wills and Barney Artist to name a few of many. He is one of the pioneers of the neo-soul/electronica sound that has become a lot more prevalent in the last number of years which now influences so many current popular artists and sounds.NO ENCORE is on Patreon here. If you like what you hear, please consider supporting us - all of your support to date is massively appreciated! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new addition to the NO ENCORE family arrives this Monday 26th July!Before The ENCORE dives into the studio world and beyond as Sonic Architect Adam Shanahan speaks to producers, engineers, and other industry professionals to lift the secretive veil that shrouds the studio process and all of the goings-on that occur before the songs you hear reach your ears. This periodical will commence on 26th July 2021 and new episodes will drop on the last Monday of every month.Make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts in order to stay up to date with NO ENCORE in all its' forms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Man, it's a hot one. Seriously, we're melting down. Don't worry, Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick manage to keep their cool all the way through a brand new episode. The music, however, is a whole different story.On the agenda this week – Clairo's sophomore album in review, a scorcher of a Top 5, all the news that's fit to podcast about and an exciting show kick-off...ACT ONE: A special sonic architect-shaped announcement.ACT TWO (16:02): Mercury Prize noms, Biz Markie RIP, Matt Bellamy madness and some familiar NO ENCORE stop-offs – it's the news.ACT THREE (39:10): Singer-songwriter sensation Clairo returns with second album Sling. It's the '70s, buckaroo.ACT FOUR (53:24): Ice-cold sparkling water at the ready – it's our Top 5 Heatwave Anthems~!NO ENCORE is on Patreon if you'd like to consider supporting our little independent musical island – hit up patreon.com/noencore for bonus episodes, previews and playlists. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hot enough for ya?! Apologies, the actual on-air banter is a lot more original and enjoyable. Promise. Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick reunite over a not-having-it Zoom connection to run the rule over the week in music news, review the new Vince Staples record and combine their shouts for the best sub-30-minute albums out there.NO ENCORE is on Patreon if you'd like to support the show – hit up patreon.com/noencore for bonus content including a freshly-released episode of NO AUX CORD; our monthly recommendation round-up hangout.As for this week's NE...ACT ONE (4:32): Julian Casablancas says that "soccer needs repair", Ed Sheeran has questionable taste in friends, Olivia Rodrigo goes to Washington and Craig has Barack Obama-themed remorse. It's the news!ACT TWO (28:59): Vince Staples talks, we listen. But do we like what we hear on Vince Staples, the album?ACT THREE (44:11): Top 5 Albums Under 30 Minutes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your fully independent NO ENCORE is here, led by a freshly-jabbed Dave Hanratty and a smooth-as-silk Craig Fitzpatrick. With no album review to speak of this week, the boys turn their attention to records of yesterday, specifically those of a sophomore variety. Does the 'difficult second album' cliché apply? It does on Dave's side of things, at least...ACT ONE: A reminder that Craig is the smooth one here, not Dave.ACT TWO (6:16): The week in music news including reaction to the #PilotEvent, the pinnacle of Ed Sheeran's career, Morrissey's shoddy wordplay and some impromptu Top 5 inspiration.ACT THREE (36:32): Top 5 Sophomore Albums – Best & Worst~! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the end... of Craig Fitzpatrick's absence from NO POPCORN. Everyone's favourite Jim Morrison sceptic joins Dave Hanratty and David Higgins to discuss Oliver Stone's reliably indulgent 1991 biopic The Doors.On the agenda – Val Kilmer's genuinely transcendant performance, The Doors' place in musical lore, Jim Morrison's frontman credentials, Oliver Stone's directorial choices and Craig's general suffering.ACT ONE: What We've Been Watching.ACT TWO (26:48): The Doors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NO ENCORE is on Patreon! Please consider supporting the show at patreon.com/noencore – bonus episodes, weekly previews, playlists and our eternal love await.It's an emotional one as Dave and Craig celebrate a major occasion while also ushering in the end of an era. There’s a new Tyler, The Creator album to consider and a Top 5 main event in which the guys might just find their way again. Onwards.ACT ONE: An important show announcement – and Craig's birthday, which also matters.ACT TWO (12:08): Christina Aguilera says #FreeBritney, Courtney Love picks a fight, Bruce Dickinson gets what he asked for, DMX set for the big screen and is Vin Diesel telling the truth? We’re not so sure. It’s the news!ACT THREE (39:06): Tyler, The Creator. Call Me If You Get Lost. Reviewed.ACT FOUR (54:37): Top 5 Songs About Being Lost Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.