Jim Carroll

Editor RTÉ Brainstorm

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Jim Carroll is the editor of RTÉ Brainstorm.

Alice Coltrane. Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

20 music tips for strange times

From Andrew Weatherall to Seán Ó Riada, 20 music experiences and performances which have lifted us during the lockdown

Music • 08 May 20

"The Murder Capital excel in making you want to know more". Photo: Neelam Khan Vela

Dutch gold: The Rattler on The Murder Capital at Eurosonic 2019

"I don't write music about music any more. But I ended up seeing The Murder Capital at Eurosonic in Groningen so I guess I'm writing about music again"

Culture • 21 Jan 19

John Reynolds ahead of the first Electric Picnic in 2004

John Reynolds remembered - a music promoter who changed the game

Promoters take chances. By their very nature, they go out on a limb every time they go to work.

Music • 26 Oct 18

Aretha Franklin remembered - a night out with the Queen Of Soul

Jim Carroll remembers a night in New York with the incomparable Aretha Franklin, who died earlier today at her home in Detroit

Music • 16 Aug 18

The Rattler: Why the Beastie Boys still matter

We could do with a Grand Royal revival. Given that we're in the midst of a full-scale Nineties' revival, it's hard to believe we haven't got around to the Beastie Boys' off-the-wall publishing venture from that era yet.

The Rattler • 22 May 18

The Rattler: Why I'm going to see the Rolling Stones

It's only rock 'n' roll, but JIm Carroll likes it.

Music • 16 May 22

The Rattler's 10 – a compendium of cultural wows

Looking for something to read, watch or listen to? Relax - Jim Carroll has you covered...

The Rattler • 17 Apr 18

The Rattler: Jim Carroll on the Magic of Motown

Decades on from when Motown was producing the hits and turning the world onto acts like Smokey Robinson, Jackie Wilson, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and hundreds more, the sound still resonates - and thrills - today.

Music • 07 Mar 18

The Rattler: Square ball - will there be Satisfaction at Croker?

Every journalist has their Mastermind subject, his or her particular and often peculiar area of expertise. One of our colleagues can regale you at length about colourful Irish murders. Another is the go-to hack for obscure and colourful court cases.

Music • 27 Feb 18

Promoter Martin Thomas, who has passed away, with Dexys frontman Kevin Rowland

The Rattler: Martin Thomas RIP - the Prince of Dublin clubland

In fairness, the 1990s in Dublin were the best of times. Even at the time, we knew we were onto a good thing. After decades of dull greyness and unremitting misery, the city was on the upswing and there was optimism and excitement around the houses.

Music • 13 Feb 18