"I was born when she kissed me. I died when she left me. I lived a few weeks while she loved me...." Shamus Dark finally releases his debut album, of noir classics from the Forties to the Noughties, "Songs For Suicidal Lovers"
LIVE AT THE ROXY BAR AND SCREEN - London 2008
Around 9pm backed by some suitably dramatic black and white film footage, Dark hits the stage and, accompanied only by a small I-Mac, proceeds to croon his way through a selection of songs from his debut album Songs For Suicidal Lovers.
The set consists of moody interpretations of “noir classics”, primarily from the 30s and 40s, but what is entirely unexpected is that the musical backing is a dark and ambient electronica (think Massive Attack meets Scott Walker) with soulful saxophone, piano and trip hoppy beats. If nothing else, it quickly becomes apparent that at the very least, Dark’s love of the golden era of songwriting is genuine.
Seeing this performance is like watching a character step out of an old film only to find themselves in modern day London. It is very odd and utterly compelling. It could easily be very, very good, and it quite possibly is.
johnny others indieoma.com
"...AURAL FILM NOIR...DELVE INTO THE DARK SIDE..." evolutionofmedia.com
"POUR ME ANOTHER SAM... THEN PLAY IT AGAIN..." cdbaby.com
"IT'S MYSTERIOUS, IT'S BROODING AND IT'S...DAMN GOOD. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED" bcmagazine.com
"DON'T FORGET YOUR PROZAC" Time Out
"...I THINK THE CD SLEEVE FOR SONGS FOR SUICIDAL LOVERS IS ONE OF THE BEST OF THE YEAR..." Paul Gambaccini
"... SHAMUS DELIVERS HIS VOCALESE WITH A REFLECTIVE MELANCHOLY AND WARM ROMANTICISM... HE'S HERE TO STAY" ejazznews.com
Below, the video to My Funny Valentine.
Below, the video to One For My Baby.
So set 'em up Joe......
Below, the video to Night And Day, in which Shamus takes a journey by tram and finds himself in WW2 England. During an encounter with two mysterious strangers, he makes a big mistake and is brought to book, courtesy of eagle-eyed Private Reggie McHale, who has spotted something sinister.....
Below, the video to Laura, a classic film noir from 1944 starring Dana Andrews and Gene Tierney, with a haunting theme tune by David Raksin and words added later by Johnny Mercer; the new arrangement is by Leroy Mason.
So then, cigarettes, fedoras, shadows, guns... what more could you want?
Below, the video to All Or Nothing At All - "please don't put your lips so close to my cheek..."
Below, the video to The Moon Was Yellow, one of those forgotten songs from the 1950's. The harmonica is played by the brilliant Jens Bunge - to visit his page, click on his name in Shamus's top friends or go to www.myspace.com/jensbunge
Below, the video to YOU'VE CHANGED: In which Shamus, in an unsucessful attempt to shake off his drink habit, visits a 1940's american diner. He still doesn't know which film he's supposed to be in and the story ends in tragedy, when he meets his nemesis.
Below, the video to ATMOSPHERE: In which Shamus ascends the ancient and legendary tor at Glastonbury in England and contemplates life in his WW2 air-raid shelter, in an attempt to shake off the demons that beset him and finally decide which film he's supposed to be in. He is, as usual, unsuccessful in his endeavours, but the search for whatever it is he's looking for will continue, as it must.
Hi again Shamus, so sorry for the delay in replying... but it was worth the wait to hear the new track! Great violin and accordian and a wonderful interpretation again. I'm excited about this new album! :-)
Hello Shamus, It's good to visit your page again and again and to listen to some great music. I like very much your new song. The Music is very beautiful and your voice always very pleasant. Any kindest regards Shamus! I write and read the English but I do not understand very well the words or so little. I really regret it ! Have a good night. Martine
Bonjour Shamus, Haw are your "Concert" (show) ? Give me pleas some news about this. I think you, I don't forgotten you. I whish you a beautifull day. Kisses Martine
<br />My dear Shamus,
<br />I’m very glad to see you here and thank you for all beautifull thoughts for me.
<br />
<br />The training course pastel during this last 3 days that I animated for my students, since Friday until Sunday evening, took away a big success!
<br />Exhausted but happy!
<br />
<br />Let us cultivate the enjoyment as the others a garden, to savor every day delicious fruits..
<br />The enjoyment is everywhere, in us as somewhere else, it is enough to be allowed carry.
<br />Have a wonderfull week for you full smile and laughter!
<br />I whish you full succes for you, too :)
<br />
<br />Kisses
<br />♥Martine♥
<br />
Thank you Shamus, for your kind words and your friendship. Again, your music is magical. So gentle. I'd like to add one of your songs to my page sometime soon - if I may?
I wish for you all the best in your lifes journey.
"I was born when she kissed me. I died when she left me. I lived a few weeks while she loved me...." Shamus Dark finally releases his debut album, of noir classics from the Forties to the Noughties, "Songs For Suicidal Lovers"
