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New Site Deisgn + Inbox Catch Up!

Yesterday we relaunched the site with a brand new design (which I hope our regular readers like!), it’s long overdue, and something we worked hard on getting done. In light of that I figure a bit of reflection on the blog makes sense, and a catch up on some tunes that deserve attention – so expect packed post!

When we started the blog back in 2009 we didn’t really have a set plan or goal, we were just a couple of friends having some fun. The same still stands today, but the direction of The Clink has definitely evolved. While we all have our various interests, it became clear from the outset that music was what we loved the most and what tied us together as friends. There’s nothing I enjoy more than listening to new music, falling in love with a song or band for the first time or a live show and sharing that experience with others through the site.

We’ve grown in size and readership, we’ve made some great contacts in the music industry, and new friends online. This year saw us complete our first interview (when Chris spoke to James Blake), something we’ve been lucky to keep doing. While continuing to have a focus on Irish music, we’ve expanded as a team across the world, I’m currently based in Toronto and it’s great to be surrounded by such a diverse music scene. At times it’s hard to keep on top of everything, but every once in awhile I’ll come across a band, song or album that strikes a chord and promptly becomes my obsession. We hope that our passion about hearing these new sounds translates to the site and that we’ve helped you find at least one song or band you love.

Right now the blog is being run solo, while Peter and Chris are off traveling the world. I have to admit, I miss having them on the blog and can’t wait til they both get access to a decent internet connection! As a result of this lately there has been music that has simply passed me by. Below is a quick collection of songs that deserve the attention of your ears. Enjoy!

You Make The Love – Jape. His new album can’t come soon enough.

Young Galaxy are a Canadian band, the animated video for their track Blown Minded is just mesmerizing, the song it too.

Michael Kiwanuka is an old soul, the above video is the track I’m Getting Ready taken from the EP of the same name. His track Tell Me A Tale is also well worth a listen.

James Vincent McMorrow’s live cover of Chris Issak’s Wicked Games is finally online for the world to hear.

Montreal singer Coeur de Pirate completed this haunting cover of The Weekend’s Wicked Games (not to be confused with the Chris Issak track!)

The Drive movie soundtrack is shaping up to be one of the best of the year – packed full of French electro featuring Kadinsky and the above track A Real Hero by College

Toronto band Ohbijou released Niagara from their forthcoming album Metal Meets.

Coldplay won me over again after seeing them preform live last week (which I reviewed here). Their new stuff is sounding as good as you would expect. New track Charlie Brown is a definite future hit.