hearsay

Unlike a lot of the newer music I come across by chance, I remember exactly where I first heard Fionn Regan. It was on one of the always dependable Catbirdseat mixes, in this case October 2006. It caught me immediately but this isn’t exactly a “You hear it first” sort of spot, so please don’t blame me for being 5 months behind the hipper sites in writing about it, or for taking 4 months to forward the recommendation.

He looks like Nick Drake, sounds like Donovan, and reminds me of some Belle & Sebastian. Those are all good things in my book. Ok, I don’t really have a book, but I take notes as I go and they’re on the side of the page that get you presents instead of lumps of coal. If you need to place his accent, he’s from Ireland but lives in Brighton, England. His album from last year, The End of History, is delicate but full of life in a way that I find completely calming without being at all boring. Unfortunately, it is another import only release from the UK (to make things weirder, he even shares the same initials as the other import band I was thinking of, Frightened Rabbit). Maybe I can convince a friend in Austin to pick me up a real CD when Fionn plays down there for SxSW (hint, hint).

“Put A Penny In The Slot” is an incredibly addictive standout, with vocals agains a steady and sweet guitar line. But I also really like this track “Snowy Atlas Mountains.” It has a gentle pace to it, akin to “I’m Still Your Fag” by Broken Social Scene. I hope one of these songs gets used in a commercial or something so that he get’s the attention he deserves. In his own words, “If I become cheap then you’ll respect me.” He should be the next Jose Gonzales. As of now, it’s all quality and he’s got my respect.

The only U.S. dates he has lined up are Austin on March 15th at Stubb’s, 16th at BD Rileys, and on the 17th at Mojo BBQ, and then on the 20th in New York at Mercury Lounge. Lucky you. Bring a date and don’t miss him.

: Fionn Regan – Put A Penny In The Slot :
: Fionn Regan – Snowy Atlas Mountains :