Tonight I’m feeling a bit gutted. Sinéad O’Connor’s voice has been part of my life, my growing up, my grown-upness. Not far off 40 years. I only got her book Rememberings from the library last Christmas. #Sinéad#SinéadOConnor #Mastodaoine#RIP#IrishMusic
I can remember exactly where I was when I first heard that voice on the radio. In the kitchen at home, on my own. 1986. The song’s “Heroine.” The time travel of music. I didn’t know who was singing yet, but that’s where the journey began with Sinéad O’Connor’s voice. And, because there are the songs and the recordings, the journey goes on after tonight. But God damn it anyway.
The next year, I remember “The Lion and the Cobra” on vinyl being passed around at school, listened to on the stereo in the front room of a best mate’s house. I only found out a few months ago on “You’re Wrong About” that the iconic cover was ridiculously changed for the US market. One of the elements of us fanboys at that age, 15, 16, was the element of her proximity to us. We were Southside, near Glenageary. She was like us but she was completely unique. Same but totally different, new.
The ‘90s; that No. 1 global smash hit crossing over conveniently with my Prince fandom; the whole crapola she was put through in the US; the great collaborations, contributions to film soundtracks etc. I lost track some time in ‘00s for a while from Sean-Nós Nua. I associate “Take Me To Church” on the radio with the last days of Phantom FM/ TXFM. Anyway. That voice was always there. So sorry for her family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Sinéad.
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