Costello, as well as songbirds Marianne Faithfull, Rickie Lee Jones, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, and Nanci Griffith. There are many resplendent performances here, the least of which is Costello and company's raucous "St. Stephen's Day Murders." Like a banquet of traditional Irish fare with some updating to accommodate individual guests, Bells is the kind of holiday record you don't want to end. --Martin Keller  (less)

BLOTR belies a synth-based metamorphosis for the group Paste Magazine called 'one of Ireland's greatest bands.' The central creative trio of Paul Noonan, Dave Geraghty and Dominic Phillips retained the melody-focused approach of their first album but expanded their sound through the addition of glitchy electronic nuances ('The Ribs of a Broken Umbrella') crunching, prominent guitars ('Breastfed') and glittery art pop ('The Great Defector'). Noonan's gorgeous ballad 'The Light Catches Your Face' anchors the work, exemplifying the emotional gamut fans have come to expect from the versatile rockers. Touring, licensing and the excitement of their now legendary rabid fans are sure to combine for an even greater swell of success for Bell X1 in 2009....  (less)

Costello, as well as songbirds Marianne Faithfull, Rickie Lee Jones, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, and Nanci Griffith. There are many resplendent performances here, the least of which is Costello and company's raucous "St. Stephen's Day Murders." Like a banquet of traditional Irish fare with some updating to accommodate individual guests, Bells is the kind of holiday record you don't want to end. --Martin Keller  (less)

Costello, as well as songbirds Marianne Faithfull, Rickie Lee Jones, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, and Nanci Griffith. There are many resplendent performances here, the least of which is Costello and company's raucous "St. Stephen's Day Murders." Like a banquet of traditional Irish fare with some updating to accommodate individual guests, Bells is the kind of holiday record you don't want to end. --Martin Keller  (less)

to 6,000 Fans at a Sell-out Show at Dublin's Rds Before Performing Live During the Prestigious Meteor Awards at which They Are Nominated for Best Album and Best Irish Band. 'flame' is a Lithe, Disco-inspired Romp that Takes in Camp Handclaps, Falsetto Vocal Stabs, Slinky Guitar Work and a Killer Shout-a-long Chorus.  (less)

Redeemer, King Divine - Frank Patterson tenor/Irish Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus 4. Salve Regina - The Monks Of Glenstal Abbey 5. Faith Of Our Fathers - Frank Patterson tenor/Irish Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus 6. The Bells Of The Angelus - Mark Duff soprano/RTE Cor Na Nog/Irish Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus 7. To Jesus, Heart All Burning - Regina Nathan/Irish Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus 8. Tantum Ergo - The Monks Of Glenstal Abbey 9. Soul Of My Saviour - Irish Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus 10. Cead Mile Failte romhat, a losa - RTE Cor Na Nog 11. Queen Of The May - Frank Patterson/Irish Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus 12. O Sacrament Most Holy - Irish Philharmonic Chorus 13. Lord Of All Hopefulness - Regina Nathan/Irish Philharmonic Orchest...  (less)

Geraghty and Dominic Phillips retained the melody-focused approach of their first album but expanded their sound through the addition of glitchy electronic nuances ('The Ribs of a Broken Umbrella') crunching, prominent guitars ('Breastfed') and glittery art pop ('The Great Defector'). Noonan's gorgeous ballad 'Light Catches Your Face' anchors the work, exemplifying the emotional gamut fans have come to expect from the versatile rockers.  (less)

Geraghty and Dominic Phillips retained the melody-focused approach of their first album but expanded their sound through the addition of glitchy electronic nuances ('The Ribs of a Broken Umbrella') crunching, prominent guitars ('Breastfed') and glittery art pop ('The Great Defector'). Noonan's gorgeous ballad 'Light Catches Your Face' anchors the work, exemplifying the emotional gamut fans have come to expect from the versatile rockers.  (less)

lows throughout the album with the transition between the moods and nuances of the sound passing with smoothness and grace. The highs are clear in the more up tempo tunes, that are split by cries of revelry. This album sounds as much of a celebration as a form of homage to Patrick's musical roots, with emotions to theme pieces varying according to the mood. Music Club. 2004.  (less)

sorority girl Elle Woods, who enrolls at Harvard Law and goes on to prove that appearances can be deceiving. The opening number, "Omigod You Guys," gives an idea of what the Broadway-pop score by Laurence O'Keefe ( Bat Boy--The Musical ) and Nell Benjamin is up to, embracing its over-the-top cheer with goofily infectious energy. Sure, a couple of numbers feel a bit derivative (the show with the witches has "Popular," this one has "Positive"), and the Celtic detour ("Ireland") is rather puzzling, but overall the songs are firing on all cylinders. Just check out the use of a marching band on "What You Want" for instance. Laura Bell Bundy (Amber von Tussle in Hairspray ) is a charming Elle, and she delivers numbers such as "So Much Better" w...  (less)