Joanna Newsom, Olympia Theatre, Dublin, Thursday, SOLD OUT.
JOANNA Newsom is one artist in the last decade who fans have built a cult around — which also means she’s one of the most divisive.
She’s either a cipher for transcendent folk, epic allegories and an over-use of the word ‘ethereal’, or ‘she sings like a pixie-child, I’m not having that’.
A few years ago she was swallowed in one gulp by a big tent at Marlay Park, in one of the daftest bookings of the year — but it’ll all make more sense in the Olympia.
Newsom will be drifting between harp, grand piano and keyboard, defying anyone not to get entranced by the siren’s call, and one of the most unique live performers on the road.
CRAIG DAVID, The Wright Venue, Dublin, tonight
THIS has an air of a piss-take about it — but no laughing at the back for Craig David’s comeback.
It’s over 10 years since the UK garage smoothie was reduced to a catch phrase meme after Bo’ Selecta!, but his return isn’t that much of a cringe-fest.
Full marks for his PR team and an endorsement from Drake — he’s back and he’s been working with Major Lazer, Katy B and even grime hero Big Narstie.
More than likely it’ll be full of pissed heads chanting ‘Rewiiiiiind’, but it’ll be a laugh for sure.
Exodus, Limelight 2, Belfast, Monday & Button Factory, Dublin, Tuesday
Californian metallers Exodus just missed out on the ‘Big Four’ thrash big league, knocked down a division in the 80s by Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax. Kirk Hammett was even a founding member in 1979, before jumping ship to Metallica.
But where Metallica alienated metal fans with mortifying Napster lawsuits, on-screen lame bickering and some truly dud albums, Exodus have kept it as real as it gets in old school thrash — sidewinding riffs, barked verses and solos that fly off everywhere.
Latest album Blood In Blood Out could slot in anywhere in their discography — and the cover would make a good back patch on a denim jacket.
Moo Kid 