Something For The Weekend: Paul Cleary's Cultural Picks

Paul Cleary is one of Ireland's most beloved and influential musicians, and the frontman of seminal Dublin band The Blades, who have just released Modernised, their first new album in over three decades. The Blades launch Modernised with a forthcoming show in Whelan's on March 31st.

Film: The Wizard of Oz

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'I could while away the hours
Conferrin' with the flowers,
Consulting with the rain;
And my head I'd be a scratchin'
While my thoughts are busy hatchin'
If I only had a brain.''

I always loved this film: music, magic and munchkins, plus the Wicked Witch of the East...or is that the West? Fantastic singing and acting by Judy Garland as Dorothy, and that's not forgetting a bravura performance by her canine companion Toto.

Music: Punk Rock

The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Jam without whom... Anger, energy and style. Inspired by the above bands The Blades played our first ever gig back in 1977 at the CYMS Ringsend, a mere 40 years ago.

Book: The Ponzi Man by Declan Lynch

A great novel by a great writer, still not sure whether protagonist John Devlin is a hero or an anti-hero, a good or bad person, a perpetrator or a victim, but then good writers do that - they make you think.

Play: Abigail's Party by Mike Leigh

Again from 1977, a very funny play, some great one-liners in what is in fact a comedy of embarrassment really, predating Ricky Gervais and Steve Coogan by a couple of decades. Plus some finely observed writing on the absurdities of class snobbery.

TV: Match of The Day

Even though I watch most of the live games on TV, it's still great to see them all condensed into an action packed 90 minutes or so, a perfect end to a Saturday. Kids in bed, can of beer, Match of the Day... sorted.

Gig: The Blades at Whelan's

Our forthcoming show on Friday March 31st is one I'm very much looking forward to, we'll have the vinyl version of our new album Modernised available for sale that night, on a first-come, first-served basis, so I cant wait. The last show I attended was Something Happens, coincidentally at the same venue, Whelan's, a great gig.

Art: Francis Bacon

How can something be so eye-catchingly beautiful and also so strangely repellent at the same time? Welcome to the wonderful world of Francis Bacon.

Radio: Liveline

For the people by the people. Some shows are risible and rubbish while others are fascinating and fun, a bit like the people who phone in to talk to Joe, who, I believe, is a great broadcaster and a perfect host for such a show.

Tech: Chess.com

There's only one thing more boring than having to look and feign interest at a stranger's holiday snaps, and that's listening to someone extolling the virtues of something that most people haven't the slightest bit of interest in......so I won't go there.

The Next Big Thing: International Socialism

Never say never and keep on keepin' on!

Something For The Weekend: Paul Cleary's Cultural Picks

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