One of the Tralee’s most unique voices, Denis O’Sullivan, has chanted down the pubs of Tralee for a few years now, either flying solo or fronting his band Sumdaze, who have just released a new single.
Here is a selection of the songs that shaped his musical outlook.
Richie Valens – La Bamba
One of my earliest childhood memories was sitting on the top bunk in my sister’s belting out “La Bamba” by Richie Valans.
As the song is in Spanish. I didn’t have an iota what he was singing about but I just remember how the music and melodies captured me. What a CLASSIC.
Oasis – Don’t Look Back In Anger
I have always had a passion for music as far back as I can remember, but when I was about ten or eleven I heard “Don’t Look Back In Anger” by Oasis on the radio and said to myself ‘that’s what I wanna do for the rest of my days’, making music like that.
I’m still a massive fan to this day. Since they split, I don’t think any other rock band has come close to them.
Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama
My good friend and bandmate, Omar Abdulsalam, showed me how to play my first song on guitar “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynard Skynard and what a tune to have known as an amateur guitarist. What can I say about this band only pure class.
Stereophonics – Goldfish Bowl
Not sure of the year, but my brothers were a massive influence on my taste in music.
Everyday they would have everything from Simon and Garfunkel to Metallica shaking the walls. Another great album they would have blaring was ‘Word Gets Around’ by The Stereophonics and one particular song from that album which actually made me want to play the harmonica was ‘Goldfish Bowl’. TUNE!
Bob Dylan – Hard Rain Is Going To Fall
Bob Dylan is my hero! This man will go down in History not only as a great songwriter but as one of the great poets. No doubt his words and Music will live Forever. This song was written when the Vietnam war was at its peak and its words ring as true today as then with the wars all over the world. This song still sends a shiver down my spine every time i hear it. A HARD RAINS A GONNA FALL!……
Damien Dempsey – Colony
I’ve always searched for music with meaningful lyrics. Have a listen to this! Proud to say this man is Irish. Go on the Damo….. Colony.
