The Useless Critic 2.0

Back in 2009, I was rather obsessed with the group "Orthodox Celts," the famed Celtic band from Belgrade, Serbia. They first appeared on The UC in this choppy article I wrote almost two years ago. CLICK HERE Orthodox Celts put out a rendition of this song, which I also learned in 2009. Thanks to these guys. CLICK HERE for THESE GUYS. During the end of my failed tenure as a music student, I attempted to learn "The Humors of Scariff," and I gained a new respect. I admit it is much more difficult to play than it sounds. In response to a comment about me chilling out: "I have chilled out. Read the shit in my links, and you'll read someone who needs to chill out." QATFYG: What is your best memory of 2009?

Hello March. How is 2012 treating you? To kick off the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day, we’ll start with some classic traditional Irish songs. I first heard this song when I was around 16 or 17. It instantly reminded me of a friend from high school. I used to always attach songs to the personalities of my friends. What stood out to me first about this song were the lively characteristics, so much pleasantry. However, the first time I heard it years ago, I was surprised by the sound of the Irish accordion on that particular version. It was in 2011 that I found the version featured above, and it became one of my favorite songs of the year. This version just adds some character touches that make it stand out above the others. This song tells a story. Much like many classic Irish songs, it shares a small piece of Irish heritage and folklore. The first time I heard this version, I misheard the lyrics as “…and this is your sister Cait, she’s the girl you used to shag down by the garden gate.” I w...

It’s been a long time since Don McLean was featured on the UC. When it comes to this guy, two words often come to mind. “American Pie.” However, beyond the 5 week number one hit, Don McLean has recorded many Irish traditional songs. I think that must have something to do with his last name. To begin, the first Irish song I ever heard from Don McLean was “The Mountains of Mourne,” which was originally writing by Percy French on the back of a postcard, so one legend once said. His version of this classic is not bad. It’s a little softer than I would have imagined it, but he carries a very comforting feeling with his voice. Moving onward, this next one is a two song piece. The first is “No Irish Need Apply.” He does this one very lively, and there s something just unique about the accent he puts on for the song. The second song in this bit is “Johnny McEldoo,” and I will say that Don McLean does the best version of this that I know. He opens it well, and carries the narration of the lyr...

April is now upon us, And I had a lot of fun working with the page “Nader's Guitarists of the Week" posting Irish guitar videos all March. Now, that April is in action, I am also giving this month a theme, and it will be all electric bass guitar videos all April. I love promoting solo bass guitarists, and in fact, that was the whole reason I created the guitar page. So All Electric / All April. QATFYG: Speaking of things electric, would you ever have sex with a robot?

Hello People of Earth, so Happy Erie Week, and also, happy first of March. I am just making an announcement that the page, "Guitarists of the Week," is going to feature Irish Guitarists all month long. So I hope you like dancing and beating up people in bars. QATFYG: If you were Irish, what would your name be? I call Tim Finnegan. If you are Irish, what is your name? Hmmm this is a flawed question.