"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 Shamus I did sense and unusual lack of nocturnal activity from your dark corner but took it to mean you were probably having a gloomy vacation in Transalvania or dealing with the devil that comes out of a bottle. We are all here in your shaddows to help you if you need us and all wish you well on your road to recovery...........duffy
My dear friend, you certainly had a close call. Most things in life happen for a reason although we may not see that at the time. You have much to do yet my brother and this experience will give you a new outlook for your craft. Chin up, get well and do what you do so very well.
Just read your 'Not The Big C' blog, Shamus. Jeez, what can I say? Those few months must have really put you through the wringer. Thank goodness it was benign - and indeed for the NHS for being there. Often maligned in our rubbish press, but make our little island the envy of the planet.
We really must come down and see you perform live in London - or just visit for a guided tour of some of your favourite dives, once you're back up for it. Or better still; do a gig together somewhere, somehow.
Hi Shamus A few musings from our subterranean cellar, dude... Don't you think a man has got to do what a man...can get away with!!! Love from all your fans in Neotopia xx
"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"
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