I normally have words in times like this. Pouring out the words is my way of dealing with the sadness of losing an artist who meant a lot to me. Like with Dean Stockwell. I had to (yes, had to) pull my shit together to write the tribute for Ebert. It was my way of processing what he meant and what we lost.
But I can’t seem to do that now.
I was “in” from The Lion and the Cobra, her first. Before she “hit”. She “hit” though so hard with The Lion and the Cobra that even if she stopped there – even if it went no further – I would have remembered her. Even before “Nothing Compares 2 U.” I’d like to point to my brother Brendan’s amazing essay on that album. He says it better than I could.
Here she is, performing “Troy”, the song Brendan goes into in his essay. It’s live. The recorded version is equally as powerful, and the orchestration behind her is chilling. But here she is, doing it live, and it literally – yes, literally – makes the hair on my neck – my arms – everywhere – stand straight up. It’s unbearable, what she brings.
Unbearable and rare. She influenced a generation. But she cannot be replaced. A gift to the world. A gift the collective “we” rejected.
I’m warning you right now: Don’t mention her “demons” in the comments, even if you want to talk about her struggles. Do not use that word. I’ll delete. This request (and it’s not a request) comes from literally DECADES of hearing ignorant talk like that.
Sinéad spoke for herself. And she was RIGHT. And none of the cowards or bullies apologized to her when – YEARS later – the whole Catholic Church was split open revealing the evil for all the world to see. She was RIGHT.
Don’t put disrespect on her name by talking about her “demons”.
The “demon” was not inside of her. The demon was the WORLD.
I enjoyed her commercial songs or the ones that made her famous. Then I heard “Old Lady” from her album How About I Be Me(And You be You) on Larry Kirwen’s Sirius show Celtic Crush. He commented that it should have been a commercial hit for her but somehow it hadn’t pan out for whatever reasons. That’s the song that I’ll remember her for: ‘Cause I know
One day he’ll say, “that’s my girl”
The happiest words in the world
Make me laugh like an idiot
Not be so serious
Larry Kirwan! A regular and popular reader at the Bloomsday celebration I go to every year! He actually wasn’t there this year – the first time in 20 years – and he was missed!
Some of her best work was done after her “fall”. I saw an interview with her where she was basically like – the industry closed up on me after that, but then we started talking about doing music again outside of the industry – which, honestly, was how she started. She never wanted to be a pop star. She was more punk rock than anything else.
Universal Mother is an amazing album. Her album of traditional Irish music is also a fave. Not sure if you’ve heard the couple of collaborations she did with the Monks of Glenstal Abbey – well worth seeking out if you haven’t already.
Thank you so much for your comment.
Sinead and the monks.
The song of hers that means the most to me is her cover of Elton John’s Sacrifice. Her repeated “I gave my heart” on the outro just transports me. Divorce and devastation. She poured her heart out on that song, and on so many others. I hope she has love and peace now.
Yes, that’s a powerful one!
I love Daddy I’m Fine off Faith & Courage. It’s a declaration of independence but it’s also a reassurance – like the title says. I’m different from what you thought I’d be but trust me I’m fine. It’s a really joyous sounding song too – a rarity for her, but equally as authentic.
Her courage was a rare thing. She wasn’t rewarded for it, but prophets rarely are.
Yes. She stood all alone. Hats off.