NO ENCORE

Another one for the bad guys. Dave Hanratty is back from holidays but alas, Craig Fitzpatrick is still on official leave as he recovers from a quite dramatic and daunting Primavera experience. Luckily, we have NO ENCORE OG co-host Colm O'Regan on hand to step up to the microphone.On the agenda this week – a bumper news section covering the biggest recent headlines, plenty of holiday talk, and a suitably energetic Top 5 smackdown. If you love what we do, you can always support us over at patreon.com/noencore – every little helps!ACT ONE: Top Gun! Slipknot! Baseball! Dave reports back from Toronto. ACT TWO (7:52): The Strokes line their pockets after devastating Craig – who might just have a couple of things to say about that via the medium of a voice note – Queen unearth another gem, Liam Payne ruffles yet more feathers, Harry Styles is too iconic, Sam Fender is sorry, Kate Bush is reborn, and why Nickelback won't help you to victory.ACT THREE (47:48): Top 5 Goosebump-Inducing Sport Anthems Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Something a little different this week for you all, dear listeners!Dave & Craig are currently on opposite ends of the globe, so this week we bring to you our most-recent NO AUX CORD - our Patreon-exclusive recommends corner. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the format, Dave, Craig and myself sit down (usually on a Sunday, very chill vibes) and discuss five recent faves with some audio clips, as per the top 5 format on the weekly main show; and of course the usual chats.If you like what you hear, please consider joining us over on Patreon here. It’s only a small gesture - €5 a month- and a little goes a long way for us here, we would really appreciate it. We will be back next week with business as usual, but for now please enjoy this episode! Chat next week.-Sonic Architect Adam Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The weather is getting warmer, the sun is shining, and May is coming to a close which means a new Before The ENCORE with yours truly, Sonic Architect Adam in the driving seat.This month, I sat down with MixedBySimba, a recording and mix engineer based in Dublin, who has a list of credits that would make any Irish rap & drill fan's head spin. Simba has worked with the likes of Offica, Sello, A92, Evans Junior, Tolu Makay, Belters Only and far too many more to list. In the episode we chat all about mixing, Simba's position as a key player in the Irish drill & rap scene & the modern ways of working for engineers.You can find a Spotify playlist of Before The ENCORE's entire discography here. Be sure to follow/subscribe to NO ENCORE wherever you get your podcasts as well to make sure you stay up-to-date with all the NO ENCORE universe has to offer.NO ENCORE is also on Patreon. If you like what we do and would like to financially support the show, you can do so here. Otherwise, please tell your friends about the show or share a link on your socials. A little goes a long way!'Til next month.-Sonic Architect Adam Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

*Puts fingers in mouth and blows* Oi you, new NO ENCORE over here!Fresh from her Bureau De Change Song Contest victory, Fionnuala Jones joins Craig Fitzpatrick for pop music deep dives and a Top 5 that’s been two years in the making. While the cat (Dave) is away, we play Harry Styles’ latest album, lots of whistling audio, and… audio from Dave!Then once you’ve had your fill of the main show, head on over to patreon.com/noencore if you'd like some bonus content.ACT ONE: The glorious return of FJ, as Sonic Architect Adam Shanahan reminisces with her about their recent Eurovision-inspired live triumph and Craig wonders why he’s never invited to anything.ACT TWO (15:11): We traverse TikTok algorithms, marketing teams, phallic Icelandic museums and more on our hunt for the biggest news stories around.ACT THREE (41:04): Harry Styles invites us over to Harry’s House and we start nitpicking what he’s done with the place (ah it’s lovely, really).ACT FOUR (1:02:35): The Top 5 Songs With Whistling. Cheeky bangers and wistful odes to the fall of communism. In other words, worth the wait! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not since Donda landed has an album release given Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick cause to completely clear the podcast decks and make it the primary focus of an episode… after we take a few moments to get on the phone with Keith Duffy, naturally.Kendrick Lamar is back and there’s a lot to unpack. Once you’ve immersed yourself in the main show critique and controversy, head on over to patreon.com/noencore if you'd like some bonus content.ACT ONE: Harry Styles has a new accent. Is that news? No, it’s something much more important.ACT TWO (7:29): Breaking Ivor Novello updates, a tribute to the legendary Vangelis, a visit to The Sergery and Keith Duffy lamenting his lost love: Ireland itself. Yes, it’s the news.ACT THREE (35:03): We’ve had seven days to digest Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. It hasn’t been enough. But, as ever, we’ve got plenty to say. Work through it with us, won’t you? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coming atcha like an overly earnest YouTube comment, it's NO ENCORE~!Dave Hanratty, Craig Fitzpatrick and Sonic Architect Adam sit apart but come together to discuss another busy week in the music world, review the big Arcade Fire 'comeback' album, and muse upon the nature of the sequel song.Bonus content available over @ patreon.com/noencore if you'd like to support our endeavours. ACT ONE: Dave gets out of Covid Jail just in time to attend a two-hour prog-metal extravaganza. TOOL return to Ireland after a long time away and Dave, ears still ringing, reports back accordingly. But he wasn't the only one on the gigging beat – Craig gets Spiritualized.ACT TWO (15:42): Will you surrender to the tale of Bono Vox? Is a Metallica show a good environment for a newborn? What games developer did Kanye West fail to level up with? Who is kicking off this year's Champions League final? And how does Win Butler really feel about his critics? It's the news.ACT THREE (31:57): Arcade Fire return with WE but what do WE think of it?ACT FOUR (52:47): Top 5 Sequel Songs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s in a name? More like ‘what’s in a podcast?’. Time for another NO ENCORE!Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick lead a Festival of Questionable Nomenclature, reviewing the latest effort from Let’s Eat Grandma and tackling a suitably-themed Top 5. All with Sonic Architect Adam Shanahan keeping his mic “hot” (industry term) yet again. Join us for the japes. And sensitive analysis.Then once you’ve had your fill of the main show, head on over to patreon.com/noencore if you'd like some bonus content.ACT ONE: As Dave’s covid starts to subside, he grapples with an even greater foe – The Census Bloke. The usual ramble through our week of mishaps, then, until…ACT TWO (10:55): The biggest music news, including Dolly Parton’s Hall Of Fame fate, Rod The Mod pulling pints, vampires advising Machine Gun Kelly in the ways of blood-sucking protocol and more. ACT THREE (33:50): Let’s Eat Grandma elicit some strong feelings as we unpack their third album, Two Ribbons.ACT FOUR (58:13): Speaking of, it’s our Top 5 Worst Named Acts. Craig tries valiantly to keep the musical standard high, while Dave goes in gloriously two-footed. Dive in… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's very much a tale of three NO ENCORE co-hosts this week.One is spritely enough, post-Partridge.One is curiously under the weather, post-Sheeran.And the other is a Sonic Architect with a hot microphone.Together, they combine to bring you a stacked episode full of gig reviews, album appraisals and an especially killer Top 5.We also have a brand new episode of NO AUX CORD live for patrons right now – hit up patreon.com/noencore for our latest audio recommendations conclave!And now, on with the show...ACT ONE (4:50): Dave soldiers on to report back from ED SHEERAN LIVE, Craig details his simultaneous Sunday night out at Alan Partridge, Devo for Dolly, MGK makes further headlines, Harry Styles speaks sense, and Pusha T just wants peace – it's the news section!ACT TWO (32:55): Speaking of Push, he's got a new album and It's Almost Dry. Are we indeed looking at another masterpiece?ACT THREE (53:20): Top 5 Songs About Crimes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Time really does fly, doesn't it? Yep, it's the last monday of the month and that means a new Before The ENCORE with me, Sonic Architect Adam, back in the hot seat doing what i love to do; talk music industry shop with some of the best and brightest the industry has to offer.This month I spoke with Adam Redmond who is a producer & songwriter from Dundrum in Dublin. He's best known for his work with Search Party Animal, milk., and Just Wondering and has very much coined a signature sound in the process. If you've listened to any of the aforementioned acts you'll know exactly what I mean.We sat down in my studio and spoke about the importance of knowing when to hand-off, writing processes, collaboration and producers' intuition. Don't forget that NO ENCORE is on Patreon, you can support us here. Any help is very much appreciated and helps us keep the lights on and grow the show.See you again next month!-Sonic Architect Adam Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the podcast that's beyond parody – NO ENCORE is back!Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick dive into the world of gentle piss-taking when it comes to various musical heroes.That's arguably every week on this show, but it's especially musical this time out. All that and all the news that's fit to pod – let's do this!New episode of NO AUX CORD imminent – get us over on patreon.com/noencore if you'd like some bonus content.ACT ONE (3:21): Ed Sheeran fever grips some of the nation, Liam Payne explains himself, Kanye and Kid Cudi are fighting, Slipknot upset Dave, and more – tis the news.ACT TWO (31:29): Top 5 Parody Songs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And a very GOOD FRIDAY to you, too, dearest listener.NO ENCORE returns in fittingly glowing fashion, or is that just Craig Fitzpatrick feeling the effects of an especially electric pop concert? Dave Hanratty will track down the truth.This week's agenda takes in a polarising preacherman, a piss-stained news section, and a cluster of inspiring individuals who give us hope that we can still make that industrial skiffle band dream a reality one day.If you love the show, maybe consider hitting us up at patreon.com/noencore for bonus content and our everlasting love.ACT ONE: Craig went to see Sparks but did sparks fly?!ACT TWO (6:22): Ed Sheeran gets the last word, Dave Mustaine revisits a high-profile political leak, celebrations are in the air, and move over James McCartney – it's the news.ACT THREE (23:33): Sometimes we love him, sometimes we merely tolerate him – Father John Misty is back to welcome Chloë and the Next 20th Century. Are we ready to join him?ACT FOUR (39:57): Top 5 Late Bloomers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We'd like to thank the academy.NO ENCORE is suited, booted and just having a nice time, really.Craig Fitzpatrick returns to the loving digital embrace of Dave Hanratty as the boys work overtime on their acceptance speeches – that's right; it's time to honour the wildest, weirdest and most unforgettable moments in music award show history.There's also a 73-minute Red Hot Chili Peppers album to contend with, and a hefty news section for company.Hit us up @ patreon.com/noencore for even more – new episode of NO AUX CORD coming soon!ACT ONE (3:50): As is tradition, nobody watched the Grammys, Ed Sheeran's legal drama concludes, and why you're unlikely to bump into Dave on a packed dance floor at 5.59am in the near future.ACT TWO (29:11): Red Hot Chili Peppers return to bring us Unlimited Love. Just how enamoured are we, though?ACT THREE (46:51): Top 5 Award Show Moments featuring maybe Dave's strongest shout for a number one in quite some time. Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy Day of Fools of April to you, dear listener!Craig Fitzpatrick has fled the building and possibly the country - the truth is we don't know. Frankly? We don't want to know.Dave Hanratty is joined by the rampaging force of nature that is Zara Hedderman.It's their first episode together in six months! And after this one - it just may be their last.On the agenda - the tragic passing of a rock legend, the violent shame of a Hollywood icon, the continued rise of a hip hop standout, and fools. Glorious fools.Hey if you love NO ENCORE, please consider supporting us on Patreon - hit up patreon.com/noencore for bonus content. And now, on with the show...ACT ONE (2:51): Taylor Hawkins RIP, Will Smith has a hell of a week, Liam Payne's words of wisdom, and why break-up songs are bad for your health.ACT TWO (32:17): Denzel Curry looks to find a new level on his new album. Dave and Zara try to meet him there.ACT THREE (47:47): Top 5 Songs About Fools ft. increasing tension. Enjoy? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The sun sets on another month, but dawns on a new Before The ENCORE. Rejoice, rejoice dear listener.As always, I aim to unmask parts of the music industry and provide an insight into certain areas that may not get the most air-time in order to spread a bit of awareness about what drives the people in their roles and areas of expertise, how they got there and all the other fun stuff in between. This month, I pushed the boat out a little further into some personally uncharted waters and spoke with friend-of-the-show and regular super sub Zara Hedderman all about her life and times in the world of music journalism.As well as being a regular alumnus of NO ENCORE & RTÉ's Arena on Radio 1, Zara has bylines in The Thin Air, Loud and Quiet, Totally Dublin, The Quietus and many, many more. We discuss many things including a past blogger life, what makes an "important" artist and the ups-and-downs of being critical of the musical arts.You can find Zara's many musings on Twitter here.-Sonic Architect Adam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back at it again. Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick reflect upon music itself this week in a shocking, twist-laden five-hou– Just kidding, it's around about the usual length. On the musical agenda this week – pop songs that proved revolutionary, a pop queen looking to cement her own iconic status, and all the usual fun and games from the news world.ACT ONE: Craig goes to the movies!ACT TWO (10:50): Arcade Fire release new music yet lose a member, Kid Rock does Kid Rock things, Aaron Lewis does Aaron Lewis things, Steely Dan versus Aimee Mann, and Beck looks back – it's the news section.ACT THREE (35:07): Once hailed as the future of music itself on this very show, Charli XCX has kind of underwhelmed us in recent times. Can her Crash course in contemporary pop restore the faith? ACT FOUR (51:51): Top 5 Game-Changing Pop Songs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Better late than never, eh?NO POPCORN finally returns to run the rule over the year 2021 from a cinematic point of view. Who will win the John Travolta Award for Most Curious Failure of a Performance? How about the Best Needle Drop in a movie? What of the films we simply could not find the strength to endure? And the ones we did indeed love?All these and more take centre stage on a feature-length episode.Oh, and there's some talk on The Batman beforehand, as a bonus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.