It’s quite ironic that as we get set for the 1990’s a review of 1989 reveals that it’s the old troupers who are providing the most articulate, and in many ways, the most relevant albums of the year. For me Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Van Morrison, Neil Young and The Rolling Stones all released records that equalled, if not surpassed, much of their previous best. Elsewhere Cowboy Junkies brought some new skin to old ceremonies, The Replacements confirmed their position as one of the great unsung American bands, De La Soul gave rap a much needed dose of humour while Neneh Cherry and Soul 11 Soul brightened up, the charts and made the dancefloor tolerable again.

Single-wise The Golden Horde’s ‘100 Boys’ blew everything into insignificance although on the homefront The Slowest Clock, Into Paradise and expatriates The Fat Lady Sings released much impressive vinyl.

With more international acts than ever before coming to Ireland, it was heartening to see home-based acts like A House, Something Happens! and the Four Of Us selling out venues such as the SFX and National Stadium. Other concert highlights included Elvis Costello at the Stadium, the beguiling Mary Margaret O’Hara in The Olympics, Bon Jovi at the RDS, The Stars Of Heaven and The Golden Horde at The Baggot, 10,000 Maniacs at the Stadium and The Wonder Stuff at SFX.