NO ENCORE

It’s on! A NO ENCORE for the ages, as we revisit the good and garbage of a genre very close to Dave’s heart – and clearly seldom far from Craig’s thoughts. Yep. Nu Metal Special. Time to let it all come out. Stand up and shout, etc etc.ACT ONE: Craig has just narrowly avoided some work-based embarrassment so he naturally jumps on the show to talk about said embarrassing thing.ACT TWO (4:24): Billie Joe Armstrong assesses Green Day’s best work, so we assess his assessment. A busy news section, that has time for a trip to Kiss Korner before…ACT THREE (22:53): …Dave talks to London-based journalist and Gunners fan Reiss De Bruin about Spotify founder Daniel Ek's Arsenal takeover bid.ACT FOUR (40:40): As Dave makes a compelling case for the musical genre of his youth, Craig prepares the damning evidence for its Hague tribunal. This week’s Top 5? Best & Worst Nu Metal Songs.If you make it through all of that in one piece, hit us up on patreon.com/noencore. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the avarice of the beautiful game makes itself known, Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick pivot to a much more innocent and wholesome world of entertainment – Hollywood.In honour of the imminent Academy Awards, the boys deliver a Top 5 that celebrates the very best in music that has been officially commissioned to appear in a motion picture or the promotional material thereof! There's also a review of the new album from mysterious hardcore collective The Armed and a lean enough news week to consider...ACT ONE (3:42): This week's news round-up takes in the depressing battle that is Morrissey vs. The Simpsons, a potentially packed BRIT Awards, a Bob Dylan-shaped journalism scrap and a necessary visit to KISS Korner.ACT TWO (21:50): Detroit outfit The Armed make plenty of noise on fourth album ULTRAPOP but is it the good kind of eardrum-bothering action? What's more, are they even who they say they are? The boys consider the evidence.ACT THREE (39:37): Dave's hopes for a snappily-titled section are dashed immediately but this week's rundown delivers strong box office returns – it's Top 5 Original Songs Written For Films!NO ENCORE is on Patreon if you would like to nominate us for Best Original Podcast - patreon.com/noencore for bonus episodes, previews and playlists. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saddle up for a wonderfully scattershot edition of NO POPCORN with all of the wild energy of Robert Altman's dizzying ensemble Nashville.An epic episode in honour of a truly epic film that captures the madness of the American country and gospel music scene of the seventies. Or is Nashville a political thriller? A dark comedy? A poignant tragedy? Honestly, it's not that easy to define.Luckily, however, we have the perfect guest host on board to take messrs Hanratty, Higgins and Howard through everything in the form of Tandem Felix chief cowboy David Tapley. Yee haw, indeed.ACT ONE (4:45): A bumper What We've Been Watching round-up featuring Zack Snyder's Justice League, Minari, some Bourne action, a handful of 'not great but eminently watchable' flicks, some "exquisite garbage", Godzilla vs. Kong, courtroom dramas, an underappreciated Martin Scorsese effort, Sunset Boulevard, and Hayden Christensen's one-and-only good performance.ACT TWO (45:15): Nashville.Every episode of NO POPCORN is right here: http://spoti.fi/38ZBjOO NO ENCORE is on Patreon if you'd like to throw us the price of a cinema ticket in return for bonus episodes, playlists, previews and our eternal gratitude: patreon.com/noencore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick apply liberal amounts of Brylcreem, don shimmering white suits and get ready for their big 'step off the stool' moment as a boy band-focused episode takes hold. Before it gets too intense, we have the new Brockhampton album, the news week in review and a passionate tribute to DMX from the man known as Mango.ACT ONE (3:25): The news round-up takes in the passing of DMX, the horrific union of Mick Jagger and Dave Grohl, Spotify's bid to jazz up the vaccine experience, Moby's attempt at 4D chess, and an important, in-depth Kanye update.ACT TWO (23:48): Mango of Mango x MathMan fame pays his respects to DMX.ACT THREE (41:00): Exciting hip-hop collective Brockhampton – who are not a boy band anymore, okay? – are back with their sixth studio album and potentially their most coherent narrative yet. Is it any good though?ACT FOUR (54:00): Top 5 Best & Worst Boy Band Songs featuring Dave's latest and perhaps ultimate shout for the worst thing anyone has ever heard ever.NO ENCORE is on Patreon if you'd like to support the show: patreon.com/noencore for bonus episodes, previews, playlists and our eternal gratitude. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, salutations and other midweek ways of saying hello.Dave and Craig reunite a couple of days early in order to bring you a good aul chat with MuRli and Kobina as they celebrate Ra Gerra; the collaborative electronica/hip-hop project that has brought them together as a musical collective.New single 'Pressure' lands this Friday. First up, we go behind the scenes of the project from its formation to its purpose, how the guys developed Ra Gerra despite being in two different countries throughout the process, what to expect from the album, MuRli's approach to lyrics, why the act holds personal significance for Kobina and plenty more. Steely Dan fans, brace yourselves.NO ENCORE is on Patreon if you'd like to help us keep the lights on. Your support is invaluable – patreon.com/noencore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last time Zara Hedderman teamed up with Craig for an episode, Garth Brooks: The Road became essential viewing. After this ep, we trust you’ll be rushing to rent Valley Girl starring a young Nicholas Cage. And hopefully get a solid steer on the much-hyped Dry Cleaning album, plus some of the best talk-y bits in musical history to boot. Dave’s away, let’s play....ACT ONE: Craig and Zara confront Mother Nature’s harsh realities. It’s dog eat dog out there. Or spider eat wasp. Ant eat poison. In any event, a grizzly preamble…ACT TWO (7:01): The news gets Jepic as we discuss John and Edward’s Twitter takedown of the X Factor machine. Elsewhere, we’re baffled by an AI Nirvana song and Alice Cooper gets high with Hendrix. And yes, a little NFT bit. But also: Ja Rule!ACT THREE (34:18): We join Dry Cleaning’s knitting circle, dissecting the London quartet’s debut album like a couple of emo dead stuff collectors.ACT FOUR (50:12): Keeping things spoken word in our final segment, spotlighting our favourite bits of talking in songs, from full spoken word to samples and melodramatic breakdowns. Quite the rollercoaster.Until next week, you can find us, as ever, on patreon.com/noencore. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NO ENCORE returns with the man of the moment David Balfe aka For Those I Love in conversation one week on from the release of his incredible debut album, mere hours after his down-to-the-wire chart battle with Justin Bieber was decided.On the agenda; finally releasing the album and the reaction to it, how and why the record went offline two years ago and what led to its return, selling out the Olympia Theatre, behind the scenes of Later with... Jools Holland, Other Voices and The Tommy Tiernan Show, the future of the project and a great deal more.For Those I Love album available at https://forthoseilove.ffm.to/albumNO ENCORE is on Patreon if you'd like to support the show – patreon.com/noencore for bonus episodes, previews and playlists. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

GOOD Friday, great episode. Yes, we’ve finally done it, and it only took a crucifixion to convince us. To honour this episode’s release day, we’re focusing our Top 5 on the show’s patron saint, Kanye West (sorry Frank). But before that main event, we tackle big news from the My Bloody Valentine camp, somehow round-up all the latest non-fungible controversy and discuss the somewhat miraculous return of The Antlers. Easter might be a moveable feast but NO ENCORE is your weekly music mainstay. So tuck in…ACT ONE: Craig and Dave brace themselves for what may well be a divisive episode. So… what’s new?ACT TWO (5:35): Yes, we’ve bought more vinyl. And yes, it’s actually newsworthy. The big question is whether Kevin Shields is really going to grace us with two new My Bloody Valentine albums anytime soon… Other pressing questions this news section: are you interested in a 20 quid Glastonbury show, would you let Matt Willis prick you and are non-fungible tokens “the most disgusting things on the planet right now”? Lindsay Lohan has an answer for at least one of these.ACT THREE (23:41): Peter Silberman has battled stark hearing problems to deliver The Antlers’ sixth studio album, an unflappable record that finds him opting for zen-like serenity. The lads openly wept when they last saw The Antlers live. How will they react during this album review?ACT FOUR (39:00): Our Top 5 Kanye West Songs. Have your NO ENCORE bingo cards at the ready. Naturally featuring Craig reading from a 16 year-old issue of Q Magazine.Q might be a thing of the past but if you fancy helping this musical outlet survive and indeed thrive, you can head on over to patreon.com/noencore. We greatly appreciate it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NO ENCORE album breakdown series returns with the great Micheál Quinn; drummer for Enemies, Meltybrains? and Dermot Kennedy, now an accomplished solo artist in his own right thanks to his soulful, adventurous electronica debut Colours.A man of many stories and experiences, Micheál takes us through the entire record on this episode, taking in his time playing with those aforementioned acts and the decade-long process of crafting his solo debut. Meditation. Personal tributes. Touring the world. A unique approach to recording vocals. The ever-divisive Ringo Starr. All of this and so much more on this episode.Order Colours on vinyl: https://www.michealquinn.com/colours--album.html#/Colours tracklist:'Sights''New Bliss''222''Therapist''Purple''More''Never Ending, Fall Anyway''Thoughts''For the Birds'NO ENCORE is on Patreon if you'd like to support the show. Bonus episodes, previews and playlists available @ patreon.com/noencore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick are reunited once more. NO ENCORE is complete, and completely in tune when it comes to the thorny subject of music's most intimate staple... the duet. A strong Top 5 in its honour this week. Before that, Lana Del Rey is back with a brand new album. It's all happening!ACT ONE: Technical difficulties strike early but we recover in time to preview our next Track X Track episode.ACT TWO (7:10): Cardi B defended. Sting has regrets. Lemmy is number one with a bullet. Lana's not done yet. Meat Loaf back in the big time – all the news that's fit to podcast.ACT THREE (24:17): Lana Del Rey. Chemtrails Over the Country Club. Reviewed.ACT FOUR (41:02): Hollywood nightmares. Chart classics. Regrettable team-ups. Murder ballads. And just plain murder. It's our Best & Worst shouts for Top 5 Duets!NO ENCORE is on Patreon if you'd like to throw us the price of a karaoke song on some kind of mystical jukebox. Patreon.com/noencore for bonus episodes – new one on Monday! – episode previews and playlists. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Céad míle fáilte! NO ENCORE goes all patriotic in the shadow of St. Patrick's Day as Dave Hanratty and guest co-host Zara Hedderman combine to reveal the very best and most jaw-droppingly dreadful songs about Ireland in this week's Top 5.Before that, a rundown of music's biggest night – the Grammys! Did you watch it? Do you care? Should you? What about the involvement of Fontaines D.C. this year? Much to discuss and plenty more on this episode.ACT ONE (4:54): News! Grammy Awards, Sally Grossman RIP, PlayIrish down, Billie Eilish breaks records, The Beatles are divided, the long-awaited return of Chris Gaines, and Zara's difficult reading material.ACT TWO (39:53): Top 5 Best & Worst Songs About Ireland.NO ENCORE is on Patreon if you'd like to feel a little bit more Irish by supporting our fiercely independent show – patreon.com/noencore for bonus episodes, playlists, previews and our eternal gratitude. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NO ENCORE's movies-and-music side project returns with a film that is definitely not a David Bowie biopic, honest. 1998 cult sensation Velvet Goldmine is up for discussion!What's with Ewan McGregor's accent? What kind of career has Jonathan Rhys Meyers had? Is there an actual point to this film? Are the tunes any use? All that and more up for debate on this glitter-drenched episode...ACT ONE: Arthouse gems. Sunday afternoon dad-core. Prestige TV shows. Jean-Claude Van Damme. It's all happening in What We've Been Watching.ACT TWO (31:48): Velvet Goldmine.Every episode of NO POPCORN is right here: http://spoti.fi/38ZBjOO NO ENCORE is on Patreon if you'd like to throw us the price of a cinema ticket in return for bonus episodes, playlists, previews and our eternal gratitude: patreon.com/noencore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In which our two semi-cocooned heroes recall some very recent (and very raw) emotional rollercoasters they’ve experienced when venturing outside (quite the preamble), before they dive into a busy week of musical goodness. It’s the eternally non-fungible, one and only NO ENCORE!ACT ONE: Dave gets caught in a storm (is it hailing? he hadn’t noticed) and Craig (that be me) one-ups a furry nemesis.ACT TWO (6:24): Our usual hypothetical-festival update takes an odd turn, Mumford abandons a son, Gene Simmons might have a point and so End Times are surely upon us. And that’s all before Dave leaves it up to Craig to explain non-fungible token technology. News gonna news.ACT THREE (29:12): Speaking of non-fungible tokens, Kings Of Leon just made history by releasing a record that way. Will they be reinventing the wheel musically with When You See Yourself? We’d settle for a return to early glories. As Craig starts treating a Zane Lowe interview like a deep Freudian text, Dave, well, he tries his very best with it…ACT FOUR (48:22): On a totally unrelated note, we take a look at the Top 5 Sell Out Moments In Music History. Those times when artists dramatically compromised their creative vision to chase buco dinero, essentially. We’re not here to judge. Just have a little fun. That okay with you?If that’s very much okay with you, why not support the show so we don’t have to sell out to Mega Globotech or Jay Z or some such? You can become a valued and adored patron over on patreon.com/noencore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the most wonderful time of the year – NO ENCORE reviews the RTÉ Choice Music Prize~! Not a lot of ceremony this year for obvious reasons but a great story to celebrate in the form of Denise Chaila's victory. Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick are joined by Nialler9 Podcast co-host Andrea Cleary to discuss the event.There's also a controversy-themed Top 5 to run down, the return of Nick Cave & Warren Ellis, and Dave once again finding himself duking it out with Picture This. The more things change...ACT ONE (3:50): RTÉ Choice Music Prize in review.ACT TWO (29:15): The rest of the news from a busy week including Van Morrison's eyebrow-raising song titles, Taylor Swift's Netflix remorse, Soulja Boy's wrestling beef, Craig's summer lament, and the sad demise of bands.ACT THREE (49:55): Nick Cave. Warren Ellis. Carnage. Reviewed.ACT FOUR (1:01:19): From radio silence to televisual terror, we go through our shouts for Top 5 Banned Songs as Dave finds himself struck down by technological censorship along the way.NO ENCORE is on Patreon if you'd like to support the show! Bonus episodes, playlists and previews available @ patreon.com/noencore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pour out a can of motor oil, Daft Punk are no more. That's the lead news story on a busy episode that takes in the new album from Mogwai, an emotional reaction to that work, and a spotlight on instrumental music. It's Dave Hanratty. It's Craig Fitzpatrick. It's NO ENCORE~!ACT ONE (4:46): News! Daft Punk RIP, Kim and Kanye call it a day, a major European festival gets the go-ahead, Robbie Williams goes cinematic, and plenty more.ACT TWO (32:54): Scottish noise merchants Mogwai are back with 10th studio album As The Love Continues. More of the same or grand revitalising statement? Dave and Craig deliver their respective verdicts.ACT THREE (50:52): Top 5 Instrumental Songs.NO ENCORE is on Patreon if you'd like to support our fiercely independent music show. Bonus episodes, playlists and previews available at patreon.com/noencore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back at it with the TRACK X TRACK album breakdown episode focus. This time around, Dave Hanratty is joined by Dublin singer-songwriter A. Smyth as he takes us through every song on just-released debut album Last Animals.We get into Smyth's past as frontman of Vann Music and why that experience ultimately soured him on making music altogether, how he picked up the pieces and decided to go out on his own, releasing this project in an unavoidably difficult time, getting attention from the likes of Badly Drawn Boy and Robert Carlyle, and plenty more.Last Animals tracklist:'Rain Boys''Yeah You Said''Don't Let Me Down''Say You Won't Mind''Me And My Old Man''River''Hero''Out Of The Disappear''When It Calls''Tempt'NO ENCORE is on Patreon if you'd like to support what we do. patreon.com/noencore for bonus episodes, playlists, previews and our undying gratitude. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings and salutations. Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick fly like trapped digital birds, bringing you a busy week in music news and a raucous Top 5 that examines the golden and the grotesque of the Irish Singles Chart over the past 20-and-a-bit years. It's NO ENCORE, baby!ACT ONE: A teaser of our first TRACK X TRACK episode of 2021.ACT TWO (8:40): Thoughts on the Framing Britney Spears documentary and the fallout thereof.ACT THREE (24:04): Other news! Alice Cooper, Lil Uzi Vert, Pharrell Williams, Megan Thee Stallion and Hoobastank provide intriguing life updates.ACT FOUR (40:30): Many artists have scaled the summit of the Irish Singles Chart over the years. Dave and Craig set their sights on this century as they present the Top 5 Best & Worst efforts that captured the public's pocket money.NO ENCORE is on Patreon if you would like to help us propel some actually good songs to the top of the charts: patreon.com/noencore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nobody puts NO POPCORN in a corner. 1987's Dirty Dancing comes into focus as Dave Hanratty, David Higgins and Norma Howard reunite on Valentine's Day to discuss the revered and rhythmic Patrick Swayze/Jennifer Grey romance. Is this one of the great soundtracks? Does it have more to say than your average love-themed adventure? Is there enough dancing? And what does it have in common with The Irishman? All this and more on this episode.Every NO POPCORN episode is available at this playlist: http://spoti.fi/38ZBjOO patreon.com/noencore for bonus episodes, playlists and previewsACT ONE: Five-star classics, Letterboxd favourites. Buzzy but disappointing current affairs. And lots more. It's our round-up of What We've Been Watching. ACT TWO (35:30): Dirty Dancing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the spirit of platonic love, Dave and Craig hand Sonic Architect Adam a live microphone (okay, it's his own microphone) for this week's musical smackdown. We've got a busy news week to contend with, the new Foo Fighters album and a Top 5 all about FRIENDSHIP. Exciting!ACT ONE (2:47): The Weeknd does his Super Bowl thing, The Boss runs afoul of the law, Phoebe Bridgers breaks the Internet, The Cribs recall the MySpace era, Dave Grohl Recommends Corner and #RickRubinInnocent – it's the news.ACT TWO (30:49): Foo Fighters are back with album number ten in the form of Medicine at Midnight, but does it prove a difficult pill to swallow?ACT THREE (46:57): Get your best mate involved, it's Top 5 Songs About Friendship.NO ENCORE is on Patreon and we really do appreciate your support. Get access to bonus episodes, bespoke playlists and our eternal love @ patreon.com/noencore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick return with another possibly irreverent look at the world in music right now, with a busy, difficult week in news, a buzzworthy new album and a tricky top five in the form of the best and worst - that latter focus with a notable twist - debut singles to ever do it.NO ENCORE is on Patreon if you'd like to support the show: patreon.com/noencoreACT ONE (3:27): News. SOPHIE forever, Eurovision is go, an interesting week for Dolly Parton, important Grimes update, Taylor Swift takes on a theme park and some discussion on the Marilyn Manson situation.ACT TWO (27:36): Arlo Parks has caused a critical stir with Collapsed In Sunbeams, but what do Dave and Craig make of it?ACT THREE (39:04): Top 5 Debut Singles. Dave loved this one, honest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let's get existential. Dave Hanratty, David Higgins and Norma Howard discuss Pixar's mortality-themed life lesson Soul. Is this really a kid's film? What's the music like? Was that an Under the Skin reference? Is that ending a massive copout? All this and much more on this episode.ACT ONE: What We've Been Watching.ACT TWO (21:00): Soul.Every episode of NO POPCORN is right here: http://spoti.fi/38ZBjOONO ENCORE is on Patreon if you'd like to throw us the price of a cinema ticket: patreon.com/noencore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

January is almost dust but there's still time for a music podcast to throw its scalding hot takes around. Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick mine Top 5 gold this week as the best one-and-done albums come into focus. Before that, we chat with Elaine Mai and MayKay as they release the stomping pandemic antidote that is 'No Forever' – WARNING: Not strictly an antidote, just a great song that helps you escape for a few minutes at a time. ACT ONE: A couple of announcements including Dave getting an unlikely shock.ACT TWO (7:25): The role of the critic is up for debate yet again, Wayne Coyne makes it to Morning Ireland, Dolly Parton wants to accompany you on a walk and an old favourite returns – it's the week in music news.ACT THREE (26:34): Elaine Mai and MayKay in conversation. ACT FOUR (48:54): We've teased it once or twice but it's finally time to shine a light on the greatest one-and-done albums to ever do it. High emotions, unsolved mysteries and the tension of possible crossover abound on this week's Top 5. NO ENCORE is on Patreon if you'd like to throw us a pint or a coffee or a copy of Hot Press magazine or something. Your support is invaluable and greatly appreciated: patreon.com/noencore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Quick disclaimer – Dave's audio turned out a little hotter than expected, sincere apologies for any listening inconvenience and we'll fix it for next week. The boys are back with the first Top 5 rundown of 2021, running the Best & Worst rule over what happens when an act leaves a successful band to go it alone. Where do Zayn and his third studio album fit in? Only one way to find out, dearest listener...ACT ONE: A new challenger emerges for a defiant Craig. ACT TWO (5:56): Presidential inaugurations. Suspicious celebrations. Bad people. The future of gigs in the wake of Glastonbury's latest cancellation. The gang's all here for this week's news section.ACT THREE (29:57): Zayn has long left his One Direction days behind but has he finally made the solo thing work? Let's check in on the latest long-player effort; the dangerously-titled Nobody Is Listening.ACT FOUR (41:58): Going out on your own is a rite of passage for many musicians. Sometimes, magic happens. Other times, not so much. Top 5 Post-Band Solo Adventures has it all.NO ENCORE is on Patreon if you like what we do and would like to throw us a pint: patreon.com/noencore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time for the NO POPCORN 2020 jamboree spectacular in which Dave Hanratty, David Higgins and Norma Howard cast their collective eyes over the cinematic landscape of the past 12 months, doling out awards aplenty. Who had the most bizarre failure of a performance? What film boasted the best needle drop? What was the most obnoxious 'Give me the Oscar!' moment? What film simply didn't need to exist? All this and much, much more on this episode.Quick note – Norma's microphone was ever-so-slightly hot during recording and we didn't notice until afterwards but it hopefully sounds fine overall. Neverending Zoom era, yo! Throw us the price of a pint of Patreon if you like: patreon.com/noencoreEvery episode of NO POPCORN is right here: http://spoti.fi/38ZBjOO Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let's get down to quizness. It's the NO ENCORE Quiz of 2020! Six rounds of music-related brain teasers for you to ponder over as you live vicariously through fierce combatants Craig Fitzpatrick and special guest Fionnuala Jones of Bandwagons fame. Dave Hanratty is YOUR quizmaster on an episode that gets rather tense indeed.ACT ONE (5:20): Respects are paid to the late, great hip hop icon that is MF DOOM.ACT TWO (12:03): Get hype, it's the NO ENCORE Quiz of 2020.NO ENCORE is on Patreon and your support means the world to us. Hit up patreon.com/noencore for bonus episodes, playlists and the warm fuzzy feeling of helping out your favourite music show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy New Year! NO ENCORE returns for 2021 with a preview of the upcoming RTÉ Choice Music Prize, where the best Irish album of 2020 will be officially crowned. Things are a little different this year, though, from both the judging process to the ceremony itself. Dave Hanratty hit up Choice chairman Jim Carroll to get the lowdown on just about everything.NO ENCORE is on Patreon if you'd like to throw us the price of an outlawed takeaway pint. A little goes a long way! patreon.com/noencore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Looks like we made it. The final episode of 2020. The very best albums of the year. Dave Hanratty, Craig Fitzpatrick and Zara Hedderman combine and clash over the standout long-players of a strange 12 months.Thank you so much for lending us your ears this year. If you enjoy the show and would like to help support us, please consider hitting up patreon.com/noencore. A little goes an awful long way. See you in 2021. Stay safe! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tis! The! Season! Dave Hanratty, Dave Higgins and Norma Howard celebrate this most festive time of year the only way they know how; by reviewing a pretty wretched yuletide romantic comedy in the form of the completely deranged LAST CHRISTMAS. You caught that twist as early as we did, right?ACT ONE: What We've Been Watching including Netflix sensation MANK. ACT TWO (23:40): 'Last Christmas' sure is an amazing song. George Michael deserves quite a bit better than this film, though.NO ENCORE is on Patreon at patreon.com/noencore if you'd like to support the show.Every NO POPCORN episode is right here: https://spoti.fi/2KaX1Ws Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

LISTMAS is NOW~! Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick are joined by Zara Hedderman as they run down the NO ENCORE 20 Best Songs of 2020, complete with a good old-fashioned debate to decide the order of the Top 5. Will they still be friends by the end? You just never know.Don't miss part one of our Listener Q&A episode over on patreon.com/noencore right now. Part two lands on Christmas Day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ace newsman Richard Chambers joins Dave Hanratty in the NO ENCORE co-host hot seat, making his long, long-awaited return to the show.On the agenda for the last regular episode of the year? Plenty. Will the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines mean a safe return to gigs in 2021? Has time run out on the career of Chance The Rapper? And are we really doing a wrestling-themed Top 5? ACT ONE: Preamble and a rough schedule for our end-of-year episodes.ACT TWO (7:30): Irish festivals have started unveiling their line-ups with a sense of optimism in the air. Will you be in a field watching Kendrick Lamar next summer, though? Richard breaks down the current state of vaccine-related affairs and what 2021 might look like from a live music point of view. ACT THREE (21:25): Rita Ora is in hot water again, Robbie Williams has a new venture, the great streaming debate continues, Chance The Rapper has a severe headache to deal with, and KISS plot world domination – it's the news.ACT FOUR (49:25): And now for something completely different. Dave and Richard combine like a classic tag team with their Top 5 Wrestling Entrance Themes. Stick with us, it's fun.NO ENCORE is on Patreon if you would like to support what we do: patreon.com/noencore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Be excellent to each other! Dave, Higgs and Norma return with a deep dive on a rare thing – a big movie released during 2020. Bill & Ted Face the Music is the long-awaited comeback of Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter as two lovable not-stoner types who get into all sorts of mischief. Was it worth the wait or is it a total mess? ACT ONE: What We've Been Watching. It gets emotional.ACT TWO (24:15): Bill & Ted Face the Music.NO ENCORE is on Patreon at patreon.com/noencore if you'd like to support the show.Every NO POPCORN episode is right here: https://spoti.fi/2KaX1Ws Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One day earlier than usual, it's NO ENCORE~! End-of-Year SZN looms but Dave and Craig still have some important current affairs to take care of; chiefly the latest album from Miley Cyrus, a batch of piping hot news items and another Top 5 showdown. Inspired by the lady Cyrus, it's all about Best Cover Songs this week. Get involved.NO ENCORE is on Patreon and we would greatly appreciate your support as we get set to close off a very busy year. If you love what we do, please consider hitting up patreon.com/noencoreACT ONE: Preamble.ACT TWO (8:22): Spotify's data dump dominates the news section, Nick Cave won't leave it alone, Billie Eilish does the Vanity Fair thing (again), Wes Borland weighs in on the whole 'Are Deftones nu metal?' debate, and plenty more.ACT THREE: (30:30): Miley Cyrus returns with Plastic Hearts, her seventh studio album. Is it finally time to recognise her as a great American songwriter?ACT FOUR (48:16): From the obvious to the obscure, Dave and Craig assemble their shouts for the very best in the world of musical covers. There's even some singing, why not. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's beginning to look a lot like... the end of November. A good time to dive into the magical world of Landfill Indie, don't you think? Hope so, because that's our top five this week. Elsewhere, The Cribs drop their eighth album, the Grammy nominations cause all kinds of consternation and the boys pay tribute to the greatest of all time. ACT ONE: Preamble. ACT TWO (10:15): News! And lots of it. The Grammys finally provide some newsworthy nominations (and snubs), St. Anger remains relevant, Lorde snaps, and some video game chat. ACT THREE (31:10): The brothers Jarman aka The Cribs are back. Time to tap into their Night Network and see how it all shakes out. ACT FOUR (46:00): Much like hardcore, Landfill Indie will never die. Dave and Craig run down the gleaming diamonds and undeniable trash of the era. NO ENCORE is on Patreon if you'd like to help support what we do: patreon.com/noencore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave and Craig are all kinds of thunderstruck this week as the new AC/DC album and weather-related songs storm in accordingly. Yep, it's the most elemental music podcast around. All that and an absolutely packed news section so let's get to it, shall we?ACT ONE: The boys are back in town.ACT TWO (4:44): Christmas classic controversy. Saint Dolly. Further cancellations. Uneasy futures. Video game nonsense. The next generation of rock stars. It's a very busy week in the world of music news.ACT THREE (45:00): For those about to rock... we review you. AC/DC return with their 17th studio album. Dave and Craig are admittedly a touch sceptical. Can they be won over? ACT FOUR (1:03:00): This week's Top 5 is all about weather, from the sublime to the truly ridiculous.NO ENCORE is on Patreon if you'd like to support what we do: patreon.com/noencore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spooky SZN is over but we can still get a little bit terrifying, right? Dave Hanratty and David Higgins return with another deep dive into the world of cinema as two iconic horrors take centre stage. In the red corner, it's Dario Argento's giallo classic Suspiria from 1977. In the blue corner, it's Luca Guadagnino's expansive, divisive reimagining of the same picture from 2018. There's a lot to chew on, so it's good that we have Suspiria 2018 acolyte Daithí on board to help us through this two-hour epic. Is there a clear-cut 'better film' here? How about the casting, writing, direction and aesthetic of both? And in the age-old battle of Goblin vs Thom Yorke, who comes out on top? ACT ONE: What We've Been Watching. ACT TWO (30:50): Suspiria VS Suspiria. Get every episode of NO POPCORN here: https://spoti.fi/32SlPcg NO ENCORE is on Patreon: patreon.com/noencore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Kylie drags us back onto the dancefloor, esteemed music journalist Zara Hedderman completes her hat trick of 2020 NO ENCORE co-hosts.She joins Craig (finally!) for a Top 5 that works as both informative listening guide and emotional rollercoaster through hilariously bad career moves: it’s the Best And Worst Musical Reinventions. That means Dave misses out on…ACT ONE (7:17)Trent Reznor learning how to stop worrying and love the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame! Nine Inch Nails were just one of the names inducted last week and, even though the event was a virtual one, there was a lot to unpack. We also reignite the great VMAs/EMAs debate and Zara goes in two-footed on Win Butler and his Arcade Fire mates. Lovely stuff.ACT TWO (34:45)Kylie Minogue joins the housebound disco movement, with her Disco LP. What will we make of her return to a genre that made her name? And will Craig be able to dig out his infamous white disco boots again, as per Zara’s request?ACT THREE (56:23)In honour of the chameleon that is Kylie, we look at the stunning reinventions that changed careers and music itself (Zara)… as well as the truly bizarre genre switch-ups and alter-egos that threatened to sink beloved artists (Craig). It’s the Top 5 Musical Reinventions – Best and Worst!Support NO ENCORE on Patreon: patreon.com/noencore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Count 'em. Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick embrace the week that's in it as they go back and forth on the very best and the absolute dirt worst songs powered by the good 'ol US of A. There's also the new album from Ariana Grande to consider and plenty of music news to dissect. Plus, Dave gets to test out his shiny new microphone. A big thank you to those who support us over at patreon.com/noencore for making that upgrade possible. ACT ONE (6:00): News! Spotify does Spotify things, a superstar turns to beekeeping, and the weather gets a bit too wet for some enterprising individuals.ACT TWO (24:52): Ariana Grande returns with her first album since... 2019. Dave and Craig assume the Positions. ACT THREE (44:00) On a week in which AMERICA DECIDES, we pivot the hallowed Top 5 to the land of the free, the home of the brave, and the inspiration for some incredible and terrible music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our album breakdown series returns as Dublin rapper Nealo breaks down his emotional debut All The Leaves Are Falling, track by track. Also on the microphone is Sonic Architect Adam Shanahan, who produced a record that brims with autumnal hues and is imbued by significant victories and losses. In conversation with Dave Hanratty, Nealo takes us through a deeply personal journey, one that at one time may have seemed unlikely, but as the author notes; music wasn't done with him. All The Leaves Are Falling tracklist:'daSilla Interlude''Under the Weather (Old Obituaries)' 'Let Your Dreams Collect Dust Until You're Desperate' 'Xanax''Angel on my Shoulder''ATLAF Interlude''All The Leaves Are Falling''You Can't Go Home Again''Red Tree Interlude''You Stole My Soul Like a Nine to Five' Support NO ENCORE on Patreon: patreon.com/noencore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scares apparent on NO ENCORE as Halloween arrives and the boys Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick engage in fright mode to deliver their Top 5 Scary Songs. Tunes that unnerve and upset the soul for the season that's in it. There's also a new album from Bruce Springsteen to consider as The Boss unleashes his 20th studio record in the form of Letter To You. Craig is generally on board with the icon's work to date. Dave, less so. Let's see what happens, shall we? ACT ONE (5:56): All the news that's fit to talk about on a podcast.ACT TWO (27:23): Springsteen. Letter To You. Reviewed. ACT THREE (48:03): It's about that time. Strap in and brace yourself for this week's Top 5 as it all gets a little bit terrifying. Seriously, some of these clips ought not to be played at full volume. Happy Halloween, all! Support NO ENCORE on Patreon: patreon.com/noencore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's not a good day to be a bad guy. Dave Hanratty and David Higgins rise from their respective graves to discuss 1994 goth cult favourite The Crow, in which a murdered rock star seeks theatrical revenge.Is this a good film? How about the soundtrack? How does Brandon Lee's performance hold up? What is going on with Michael Wincott's voice and general dress sense? And does Jeff Hardy have a wrestling career without this movie?ACT ONE: Spooky SZN is in full swing as the boys recap What We've Been Watching. Stay tuned for Dave's harrowing Blair Witch Project story.ACT TWO (30:00): Let's hit up a nightmare version of Detroit and talk all things The Crow. Get every episode of NO POPCORN at this handy playlist: https://spoti.fi/2HKdtMa Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/noencore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back once again and kicking things up a level or five – it's NO ENCORE~! A stacked episode takes in the new Annie album, the best and worst in TV show theme songs and a special guest in the form of a young man that Dave once mercilessly took shots at. That man is Josh McClorey, formerly of The Strypes, now off on a solo run. Let's see if the two guys can make peace as Craig watches on nervously. ACT ONE: Dave takes an important trip to Clarification Corner.ACT TWO (6:53): Some brief news highlights including the musical prowess of a football legend.ACT THREE (16:53): Josh McClorey has just released 'Crazy', his second single as a solo artist. He joins the boys on Zoom to talk about a new direction, his relationship with the music industry, and, oh yes, the scathing Strypes obituary that Dave wrote two years ago.ACT FOUR (46:04): Norwegian pop star Annie is back with Dark Hearts, her first album in 11 years. Let's review it.ACT FIVE (1:02:00): Ah, lockdown. Time for a box set, perhaps? Craig looks at the good, Dave looks at the bad – it's Top 5 TV Show Theme Songs! Support NO ENCORE on Patreon: patreon.com/noencore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NO ENCORE returns with another album breakdown episode in which baroque singer-songwriter Paddy Hanna takes us through all 11 songs on third studio record The Hill. An abstract adventure yields a freewheeling conversation, with everything from cannibalism to Italian horror films to the wisdom of Las Vegas musicians to the conflict of growing up in Catholic Ireland on the agenda. Get involved. Paddy Hanna - The Hill Tracklist: 'Last of Their Kind''Cannibals''A Strange Request' 'Nameless''My Ladybird''Sinatra' 'Howling at the Duke of York''My Wise Addiction''The Hill''Jog On Shall We''Colosseum' Support NO ENCORE on Patreon: patreon.com/noencore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave Hanratty and David Higgins return to the world of musical cinema with a full-on epic non-stop music video in the form of Alan Parker's Evita. The film tells the life story of Eva Duarte as she goes from working class youth to B-movie sensation to political titan, emerging as both the most beloved and hated woman in Argentina along the way. Does the constant barrage work? Is Madonna any use? How about Antonio Banderas, whose character might be a ghost of some description? The music is certainly bizarre, but is it enjoyable? All this and more up for debate...ACT ONE: What We've Been Watching in which the boys finally get around to talking about Tenet, among other highlights.ACT TWO (17:32): All things Evita.Support NO ENCORE on Patreon: patreon.com/noencore Every episode of NO POPCORN right here in this handy playlist: https://spoti.fi/2HhHZN6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We go again. NO ENCORE's Dave Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick swap out Zoom for Skype this week, virtual prison given a fresh coat of paint as the boys try their best. We're all just trying our best, guys! On the episode – Future Islands have a new album, the finest live performances come into focus, and the pop culture pendulum swings from Pokémon to The X-Files along the way.ACT ONE (3:25): It's the news! Important veteran music feud update, Wayne Coyne revamps the live experience, Tom DeLonge goes all auteur on us and there's some new, potentially imminent albums to consider.ACT TWO (24:20): Future Islands came to prominence in wacky viral fashion six years ago. They're on their sixth album these days. Any use, or does Dave's particular hang-up about this band ring true?ACT THREE (44:45): This week's Top 5 is all about live performances – not necessarily full concerts but rather one-off moments in time that stopped us in our tracks, even if we weren't present for them.NO ENCORE is on Patreon if you'd like to support the show: patreon.com/noencore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our album breakdown – though this time it's a mix tape – series continues as superstar of the moment Denise Chaila and Rusangano Family sensation MuRli join Dave Hanratty in conversation, going through all 11 tracks on debut long-form project GO Bravely.On the agenda; sound of the summer 'Chaila' and the huge reaction to the song, being named as the best act in Ireland right now, MuRli's approach to producing the mix tape, Denise's affinity for the Irish language, finding personal strength while developing as an artist, the enduring power of '90s R&B, and a great deal more.Support NO ENCORE on Patreon: patreon.com/noencore GO Bravely tracklist:'Chaila' 'Holy Grail''Rí Rá''Move''All That''What Ever Happened to Interludes''Pieces''Anseo''Can't Stop Me Here''Down''Go Bravely' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yep, it's episode #236 despite Dave getting that wrong in the intro and it's time to burn, baby, burn. No, not a fun Ash belter from 2001 but rather it's DISCO INFERNO SZN~! A reunited Dave and Craig, under the watchful mirrorball eye of Sonic Architect Adam, get down accordingly. Elsewhere this week; Róisín Murphy has a new album up for review consideration, Fontaines D.C. get a club-friendly facelift, Rod Stewart just wants to play football, and Bon Jovi receives a much-needed history lesson.ACT ONE (11:42): News. It's always fun these days, right?ACT TWO (31:20): The great Róisín Murphy swaps out avant-garde heroics for danceable determination on Róisín Machine. Are the boys ready for the floor?ACT THREE (52:03): Top 5 Disco Bangers! Craig argues that disco is the best genre in all of music. Dave, more of a novice, tries to keep up.Please consider supporting NO ENCORE on Patreon over at patreon.com/noencore if you love what we do. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NO ENCORE returns with another album-focused episode. This time, Dave sits down with folk-indie singer-songwriter sensation Ailbhe Reddy to get the lowdown on her debut offering Personal History. It's a terrific record, well worth the wait, so be sure to dive into it properly after getting an in-depth track by track breakdown across this hour.Support NO ENCORE on Patreon: patreon.com/noencore Personal History tracklist:'Failing''Loyal''Between Your Teeth''Walk Away' 'Life Without You''Looking Happy''Personal History''Time Difference''Late Bloomer''Self Improvement' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s wrong with being sexy? On the latest episode of NO ENCORE, we find out.As Craig Fitzpatrick (ie me) makes his return on a jam-packed show, we’re on a voyage of discovery, seeing a different side of Vin Diesel, deep diving the latest album from Sufjan Stevens and bringing the (occasionally nauseating) raunch with the Top 5 Sexiest Songs of All Time… And the Top 5 Least-Sexy “Sexy Songs”. It’s quite the showstopper.Joining Craig for these couple of Dave-less hours (Hanners takes a holiday), is long-time friend of the show Mark O’Brien. You may know the wickedly talented, one-and-only O’Brien by the musical name Royal Yellow (recently featured in Normal People donchaknow) and as part of the much-missed Enemies. He's lent some low-key, soothing ambience from his laptop fan, by the way. Very relaxing. Speaking of Enemies, their seminal Irish debut, We’ve Been Talking, just got a fancy vinyl re-release.Meanwhile, if you would like to support this particular creative endeavour, why not join our Patreon? There’s a whole bunch of weekly posts/playlists etc going on over there as well.So, on with the show…ACT ONE: A little catch-up with the wonderful Mark O’Brien, who’s also eager to hear about a little vinyl delivery Craig got last week. Jai Paul, is that you? It’s been so many years!ACT TWO (13:25): More surprises in the news, as we are forced to cancel Right Said Fred. So many musical heroes gone. Luckily, we’re making new ones all the time. Like Vin Diesel. Elsewhere, a grungy Mariah Carey shocks us, as does a rogue Whitney Houston hologram, and there’s some Attenborough/Björk loveliness to ease us into…ACT THREE (39:24): Quite the mammoth undertaking, as we review the heavier-than-heaven epic that is The Ascension, the much-anticipated new album from Sufjan Stevens. A lot to unpack.ACT FOUR (1:04:40): Different kinds of revelations and unpacking, as we hit a memorable Top 5. Mark O’Brien graces us with his shouts for the greatest, most sensual babymaking music of all time. Then Craig is ready to immediately kill the mood, with five of the least sexy “sexy” songs you’ll ever hear. The picks are more lighthearted cringe than downright despicable tunes, just fyi… that said, maybe throw on the headphones for this bit?Support NO ENCORE on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first of a new album-focused series, Pillow Queens break down long-awaited debut In Waiting - out now, do go listen ASAP - track by track.Dave caught up with Sarah Corcoran and Pamela Connolly from the band in a buzzy enough Workman's Club a couple of weeks before the record's arrival, hearing the stories behind the music – from inspirations to artwork to general conversational points arising from going through all 10 songs one by one.Support NO ENCORE on Patreon: patreon.com/noencoreIn Waiting tracklist:'Holy Show''Child of Prague''Handsome Wife''HowDoILook''Liffey''A Dog's Life''Gay Girls' 'Harvey''Brothers''Donaghmede' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The musical revolution will be televised as Dave Hanratty and guest co-host Zara Hedderman get lost in the vivid world of songs in advertisements for this week's top five. It's a busy episode in general with lots of news, a real-time reveal of the Mercury Prize winner and a spirited discussion on UK not-punks IDLES.ACT ONE [5:07]: Rolling Stone provides both list and op-ed gold, Dave is fierce proud of his heroes, Zara struggles with hot drinks, and Thom Yorke feels especially cheerful.ACT TWO [28:58]: IDLES have caused quite a racket over the past few years thanks to raucous live shows and unflinching, opinionated guitar-driven missives. Third studio album Ultra Mono arrives amidst something of a backlash. Let's get into it. ACT THREE [54:08]: When we say 'song in an ad', you'll likely immediately think of many of our selections here. Dave and Zara celebrate a simpler time when 30-second TV snippets led to musical glory. For some, anyway...Support NO ENCORE on Patreon: patreon.com/noencore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.