Manamon
Manamon AKA Sean McManamon, is a Songwriter/Producer from Dublin. Manamon combines a love of Bedroom Pop, Indie Rock and Ambient Soundscapes. His Debut Single ‘In A Frame’ is out now.
Angeles - Elliott Smith
My friend Sam showed me ‘Angeles’ in 2012. By the second listen I knew it was going to be one of my favourite songs. The lyrics take a bit of digging to garner the meaning from and I really love songs like that. Elliott Smith is my favourite artist bar none. His voice, lyrics and melodies are untouchable to me and this list could easily be all Elliott, but that’s no fun.
Gretel - Alex G
Alex G’s has such an eclectic mix of genres in his songs. He has a Country song and a Noise Rock song back-to-back on one of his albums. I really love artists like that. The first half of this song sounds so haunting/dissonant and the second half turns into a beautifully melodic pop song so seamlessly.
Old Friends - Pinegrove
Pinegrove’s boppy guitar riffs and melodic vocals have always inspired me, but it is this song’s lyrics that truly floor me. Every line of this song is captivating. ‘My steps keep splitting my grief through these solipsistic moods, I should call my parents when I think of them, I should tell my friends when I love them’. Honestly that lyric comes into my head every day. It just pops up randomly and reminds me what is important.
All My Friends - LCD Soundsystem
I listen to this song probably once a week. This song is a perfect example of how much you can do with 2 chords if you have a great arrangement and great lyrics.
Casimir Pulaski Day - Sufjan Stevens
One of the sadder songs on the list. This song is about Sufjan’s friend who died young of cancer. It alludes to their romantic relationship and how Sufjan’s faith was shaken because of her death. The final line “He takes and he takes and he takes” is in reference to god and always gets me. Whether you're religious or not it’s still such a heart-breaking lyric and it is delivered so beautifully. Sufjan’s vulnerability and honesty really invested me in his music and he is one of my favourite artists.
Scott Street - Phoebe Bridgers
This song paints such a vivid picture. It’s a simple story about two estranged people meeting for the first time in a while. It seems like a simple idea, but has so much subtext behind it. Phoebe's voice and the way it's delivered make it such an emotional listen. Phoebe’s lyrics seem so natural, like they're taken directly out of a diary and she has really informed how I write lyrics.
I will have to keep an eye on you and win you back when you are free again- Junior Brother
Junior Brother is one of my favourite Irish artists. I love his unusual rhythms, the beautiful imagery he paints, and his unique voice. This song conveys mixed emotions that both feels hopeful and sad at the same time. This fella is a proper genius, and his music really inspires me.
Fake plastic Trees – Radiohead
Radiohead are probably my favourite band. In my opinion, simply do not make bad albums, and through the years they have remained genre less. I aspire to have the artistic freedom that they have. This song has an amazing build and when the band kicks in, it is a euphoric experience.
Digital Love - Daft Punk
One of the songs I associate most with happiness. If I’m in a good mood and it's a sunny day, you best believe I’m going to stick this song on. It's my favourite guitar solo in a song, even though technically it’s a guitar plugged to a synthesiser, so it has a strange mix of the two instruments. From a young age Daft Punk got me into music that creatively incorporated samples.
Nirvana - Heart Shaped Box
Every so often I'll get into a faze of listening to Nirvana and Nirvana only. One thing I love about Nirvana is that they often play very dissonant sounding notes in poppy sounding songs. This song is so catchy but yet there’s notes that sound ‘off’ but in the best way possible. What can you say, the lyrics, the melody, the voice, the energy. They are one of the best of all time.
