I Used To Like Fontaines D.C., Now I'm Not Sure... 

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Skinty fia is honestly their masterpiece. I like a few tracks from their first two albums but it never blew me away like this one had. It’s absolutely my favourite album of the year

I don't think the lads will lose too much sleep over this Justin. Also _I loved the first album so much that I couldn't be arsed listening to the second one_ is really quite a baffling comment

I really think you should give the whole new album a go. Probably their best imo

Their second album "A Hero's Death" is really amazing. It's got the post punk kind of sound you'd expect on tracks like "A Lucid Dream" and "Living In America", but then some more slow beautiful tracks such as "Oh Such A Spring" and probably my favourite on the album, "No". Hope you give it a listen

Funny, I love their early stuff but Jackie Down the Line was my most listened track on my spotify for last year. I absolutely adore it and it's a hugely important song to me. Still love to hear your input though

Singing in their native Irish accent is a great characteristic.

Fontaines DC are absolutely brilliant! They seem to be going for a different sound or feel for each record. That first one was definitely an ass kicker. The new one feels a bit more cerebral. It's early, but it feels like they're building something album-by-album, not just building one album at a time song-by-song.

A Hero's Death is an amazing album, with some killer tunes and some heartbreaking songs to measure.

I actually really like Jackie Down The Line. Keep playing it on repeat. It leaves me wanting more. It is missing something in a good way in that it doesn't resolve. Personal taste though!

It gives me I Wanna Be Adored vibes and I love it: I like the repetition, the flat dispassionate tone and the fact that it doesn't really progress. It feels like something I might play when getting home from a night out. As I haven't been out since 2015, who knows? I like the line "What good is happiness to me If I've to wield it carefully?"

Justin Hawkins says bon...jourrrrrrrr! Loving your videos dude, watching them makes me regret putting my guitar down for so many years.

Thanks for reviewing this band. Never heard of them before but will be looking out for them now...

I was not aware you had a RU-vid channel. Holy crap, you're talented as hell man. I and all of my closest friends dug the shit out of The Darkness. RU-vid really is quite amazing. I don't know how many issues of Guitar world I'd buy just to get interviews or tabs from you guys. Instantly subscribed, looking so forward to viewing your content. Glad to see you're in good health and still rocking.

Funny this channel you're doing innit. I way prefer Jackie Down the Line to The Boys in the Better Land. The beat you described as a "washy indie beat" sounds kinda like a downtempo amen break inspired beat. It reminds me of Come as you are - Nirvana. The bands early day single provokes an energetic excitement that resonates with you, but the new one has a much more melancholic feel which can captivates deeper emotions. I actually think the jump from the two tunes is a massively mature step. There is an atmosphere in the new tune that makes me curious, whereas their old tune I feel like I have heard by 200 other bands before. The chord structure is very simple, as you have reviewed, but sometimes there is power in simplicity and you have to be confident to work with minimalism. Most of your reviews I agree with but this one I don't. I've never heard the band but thanks for putting me onto a tune I like, which is kinda of paradoxical promotion I guess. Secondly, I had an idea for a feature for your channel, would you do similar reviews for unsigned artists making music? Providing they don't get roasted, it could be a really beneficial way for underground artists to get there tunes in the lime light. Cheers butt.

When I inadvertedly leave the CC subtitles on for your videos, the opening jingle is subtitled 'Justin Hawkins right again'.

I checked out the 2019 Fontaine’s D.C album. Great recommendation. Reminds me a bit of the punkier side of Joy Division before they became atmospheric. Love the channel. Keep riding!

Two questions: does it mess you up to play with a capo on the first fret? (With the fret marking etc) And. Have you heard my song “forgive me father?” It’s on my page

I love this RU-vid channel and I have nothing but unwavering respect and admiration for you. I also find myself repeatedly saying “touché” out loud when you respond to a few people’s lacklustre comments.

It's not what you do, it's the way that you do it. ;) They have a track called 'I love you' which I think is going to be a killer on the next album.

On the subject of you as my new hero: My mind says yes, my heart says yes, my soul says yes to anything, but why not you, too? Thanks for your insight. So great to hear your voice and humor.

So I listened and loved the lyrics. Managed to get Everlong out of my head 😂. I grew up dancing and absolutely love any choreography appearing in any video ever (for example really loved it in ‘Girlfriend’), so really enjoyed all that intertwining, almost suffocating drowning stuff. Also obsessed with the drummer’s shells! I get a bit obsessed with the drum kit and always the shells. I’m attracted to bright shiny ✨ objects. My husband calls me a magpie in those moments, which happen very frequently. Now I have to watch the vid for ‘Girlfriend’😆

They are a great band and a great bunch of lads . I’ve seen them down the local pub in Listowel 3 times and met them. I might be biased but they have a unique sound. I love the new track and hope to see them back at MIKE THE PIES Listowel Co Kerry !

Love the pub rock reference with the gesticulating for a pint…ha ha

Listening to you is hypnotizing,this is my favourite channel currently

Justin - thanks for turning me on to the Fontaines D.C. I listend to both of the tunes you talked about. I actually liked JDTL a lot, not sure I'd be able to listen to an hour of thier stuff yet, but as far as just listening to 2 songs I thought they both were really good.

When you play the boys in the better land on the acoustic, it reminds me of Polythene Pam by the Beatles

I kind of agree with you, the first two albums I really love, but I felt that this past single hasn't exactly gotten me too excited, it's not bad, it's just there

Entertaining as ever ( I ‘m new to this as of about 10 days ago and am now hooked) ….cool hat. Where can I get one ?

I respect that u look at music in a way I relate to

I'd love to hear Justin opine on my favorite band. A band that in the early days was often mentioned in the same breath as The Darkness. A band that has considerable depth and range depending on the album and era. A band which has spawned 6 or 7 solo and related acts. A band that, despite being seen as a 2 hit wonder, has released 20+ albums, 5 live concert videos, and a mocumentary movie. That band, is Electric Six, and they are far more than Gay Bar and Danger, High Voltage. A facetime with Dick Valentine and Justin would be priceless. At the very least a reaction to a song like Dirty Ball, Hello, I See You, or Body Shot, which I think Justin may find interesting. E6 are criminally underrated and shackled by their hits.

The skull that is looking straight into my and your soul is back and looking more eeeeevil without the lights!

just spotted the Queen 'Hot Space era' heads over your fingers, you are nuts Justin 😆

Dogrel is a bona fide modern classic of an album. Possibly my favourite album of the last 10yrs. A Hero's Death is also very decent, even if it doesn't quite match their debut. I like this new song, but you're right - on Dogrel this is an album track, like The Lotts or Roy's Tune. I'm hoping they have a few more exciting songs in the locker for the album. 🤞

I’d highly recommend catching them live I’ve seen them at Brixton and ally pally and they were bloody amazing

it would be interesting to watch Justin reacting to some Interpol songs

The video is very much a combination of Beetlebum and Song 2 by Blur…the way the band react and the way it’s shot. Music is definitely good stuff.

How about an episode on your favorite guitar solos

You also know my fair city of Limerick, up the road from Cork (apparently the true capital). Having The Darkness venture onstage at Dolans in Limerick was moonshine good (we dont get many rock troubadours of international renown) !

Justin, opinions on Band of Skulls?

Aloha Justin! Huge fan.

Hi,all though never being a big Darkness fan,your RU-vid channel is great,your opinions and musical knowledge is always worth listening too,thanks!

Opening Subtitle say "justin hawkins right again" - I love RU-vid Captions !!!

Yes

I love the sound of that guitar. What's is it??

"I know lots of places in Ireland: Cork."

Great. Now I have Ozzy, stuck in my head yelling, "Crazeeee!.....Babieeees!"

I found Permission to Land last week in a pawn shop on CD and I forgot how good it is. I bought the vinyl back in 2003 and loved it being a Queen fan and a fan of classic rock in general. I also have One Way Ticket on vinyl from 2006 which is not as good but still great fun. All the tricks are there, great drums and bass, great guitar riffs and solos and then the high octane vocals. I also bought Hot Cakes, unfortunately not on vinyl but that’s pretty good too. I’m going to hoover up the rest of the catalog now as The Darkness are one of the best rock bands out there. It’s pure ear candy and fun, unlike the dross sea of serious metal that’s sterile and boring. Music should be fun and this band excites.

Jackie Down the Line is great. Closest they’ve been to pop and it works wonderfully. Skinty Fia whole album is great

This feels to me like it's just When The Sun Hits from Slowdive transposed

Crazy baby!

Hi Justin, would you please do a breakdown of Donovan's fantastic guitar-playing and maybe some other folk artists and how folk music evolved into rock Kisses x x x x

Just from listening to you play the chords Everlong by FF popped into my head. I’ll watch the vid and get a better sense of their song, but all I could think was Everlong; anyone else or is that just me?Nice American Beauty shoutout! 😂

it's a mood

I really loved that first album gave me kind of The Fall vibes

Do you think you could react to a Prince song? It's a live performance of 'Empty Room', live at Montreux (2009. I think). I's be interested in your opinion of his guitar solo and general structure and chord sequence. x Cheers Tony

Saw them live at Red Rocks over a month ago. I can’t stop listening to them now. Their best song 🎵 was “I love you “

Have you ever listened to Boy Kill Boy?? Their first album was amazing

This is a great 2 chods song. Its the vibe that matters.

@justin When are we getting that Richard Thompson songwriting episode? Assuming that wasn't a joke....!

I would love to hear your take on the Swedish rockers GHOST they released a new track this morning "call me little sunshine", I'm new to your channel and love your opinions and honesty. I've been a fan of the darkness since permission to land and first seen you guys back in 2003 at Reading think you were dumped up the bill to have Jay-Z slot in the afternoon and you guys kicked arse .... you guys rock

I love Fontaines D.C, I had the privilege of seeing them in 2019 at a small event for just 50 people and free in Mexico City when they were not yet known and they had released their first album Dogrel, one of the most memorable moments of my life, and that same year they exploded appearing at several big events, definitely great talent and music.

Hey Justin, what's your thoughts on Deaf Havana? They've got a new track out, would appreciate your opinion.

Digging the allo allo costume Justin.

Hi Justin. I have a friend at work called Bruce, and he does everything and is brilliant. Whenever I can, I like to fit the word Bruce into any old song that comes on the radio. I.e, Boho Rap.... Bruce is poor boy , no body loves him..... This I'm afraid has become a habit, and I have to be careful at work when Bruce is around, as he may get a complex, if he hears me singing his name. Anyway, I hope that you dont mind, but I've used Bruce in your theme tune, and had to re use the words. Bruce the Hawkin rides again. I see the Hawkin as a mythical wing type bird. Keep up the good work, you make me laugh with your wit.

Justin: “..it always drives me mad when I see things like ‘crazy’ being rhymed with ‘baby’, just, it doesn’t even rhyme, stop doing it..” Also Justin: “You don’t have to be crazy ‘bout me, baby You don’t have to be crazy ‘bout me, baaaAAAYYYbay! But it helps..”

Good Counsel!

Loving the beret..... Oh and the content is ''A ok'' too. 👍🏻

THUMPER getting some well deserved attention this year

I love this channel and was thinking of asking for your thoughts on these guys. They’re the best thing I’ve heard in years and great live. What are your thoughts on Sleaford Mods? Best band in the uk! Keep up the good work.x

this song when it came out did nothing for me but the more i heard it (living in dublin and being in the music scene you can’t get away from it) and it really has grown on me to the point where i love it and feel it is could be a dublin classic chant

Thanks for helping me nod off xx

What do you think about Ghost new song?

Another great video! I was wondering if you were gonna check out some more indie/smaller label bands. One of my favorites is called Slothrust. They released an album last year called Parallel Timeline. The video "Cranium" is a great one with a cool, lengthy guitar solo. A great older example would be "Crockpot". Great musicianship, interesting lyrics, odd videos. Thought you might dig them. Keep up the great work, good sir!

Hey Justin, was wondering how you felt about Ghost's new song "Call Me Little Sunshine". Love the channel!

Nice hat, it really suits

Today we drove by a woman wearing a beret in the style of Benny Hill and my daughter said dryly, "Way to ruin a beret." Tonight Justin is showing us the way to elevate a beret. 😍🔥

Haroomata by 'The Lemon Twigs'...Love to hear your take?

Yard Act, Justin! I'm telling you. YARD ACT!

How do you feel about rhyming "lazy" with "rabies"? Because you've sent me into a tailspin of doubt over my own lyrics.

That riff is also Cheap Beer by Fidlar

Nice lightning 😁

Ohhhh look at you. Looking good.

I saw you in Dublin in 2003 supporting Metallica and Linkin Park just before your first album took off in the charts. My first ever gig.

I just want to put you playing the riff, pointing at the crowd, giving the 'pint' gesture on repeat 🙂

DC stands for Dublin city!

Oh Betty! Nice hat Justin.

I'd like to see your review of Ghost

If I could like and subscribe to this channel 500 times, and then like and subscribe to it 500 more times, it still wouldn't be enough.

Love the hat.

Have you checked out The Virginmary's?

It's not particularly in the scope of your channel, but as a fan of you and The Darkness for a very long time, would you be open to doing a live Q&A anytime soon?

Speaking of Ireland, I really dug a band from there up till their album Pop. Can't be arsed to listen to Paul Hewson and his mates anymore.

Fontaines DC are brilliant all three albums are great and are the best band to come round in years I’ve seen them live and they are a force to be reckoned with the crowd is always hectic and the band are always on it!

First album is an all time favourite of mine. 2nd album and new single is alright, but feel like it's missing the magic of the first album

Nice guitar, man!

*clicks link* *please don't be us, please don't be us* Ah... what a relief... he's still never heard of us.

Kate Bush, praise her genius in a video

Crazy baby 😂💗

That may have been your most somber take and I could tell you were primed to love it. Honestly, I’ve been checked out and hadn’t even heard of them. Kenny Vaughn, veteran sideman and guitar slinger mentioned them in an unrelated story and my ears pricked. ‘I Love you’ left my mouth agape. I heard The Cure, Ian Curtis and post punk/wave touchstones in the most tasteful reverential ways. Did you ever return to it?