GoldenPlec
Weekly musical musings from John Loftus & Stephen Byrne, with all the last news, reviews from the Irish music scene and beyond. There also fascinating interviews with fantastic guests and stimulating insights from guest contributors.
Episodes
3 days ago
3 days ago
37 min
This time out we review the debut album from mary in the junkyard, along with singles from chalk, Khakikid and Really Good Time.
We also have our first preview of this year’s Ireland Music Week lineup, and our regular mix of news and opinions from the world of music.
Jul 7, 2026
Jul 7, 2026
56 min
On this week’s episode we give you our thoughts on recent live shows from The Cure and Paul Weller.
We review 'swings and roundabouts' the stellar debut new album from Goldbug, along with singles from Gurriers, Phoebe Bridgers, SOAK and the very unexpected team up between Snow Patrol and Kylie.
John Barker of TILT fame also joins us to share his thoughts on his favourite music of the year so far.
Don't forget you can enjoy all the music featured on the podcast here - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MJHLIDI73y3IkiTJl1iTM?si=c8bed6923341481e
Jun 24, 2026
Jun 24, 2026
39 min
On this week’s show we review the brand new album from CMAT’s most famous fan Olivia Rodrigo, along with the debut EP from Limerick band Theatre. And speaking of Limerick, Olivia Chau will be joins us with her best of the year so far. We’ll also lend our ears to new singles from Eels, Sorcha Richardson, Interpol and Leah Whearty.
Jun 10, 2026
Jun 10, 2026
50 min
On this week’s episode we review the new album from Francis of Delirium, and we also lend our ears to new singles from Gilla Band, Sarah Crean, Morgana and Mischa and the Bear. Our man in the trenches, James Hendicott, tells us all about his visit to the Slam Dunk Festival, and if that wasn't enough Jason Collins joins us with another retro review, this time he takes a fresh look at Massive Attack's seminal debut album Blue Lines.
May 31, 2026
May 31, 2026
44 min
On this week’s show we review new EPs from Bleech 9:3 and Sofia and the Antoinettes. Niall Swan joins us to give us the lowdown on his time in Brighton at The Great Escape, and we lend our ears to the latest singles from Reevah, Gurriers and Mary in the Junkyard.
May 18, 2026
May 18, 2026
31 min
On this week’s show we review new albums from Kneecap and Lemoncello. We’ll also be giving you our views on the latest singles from Boards of Canada, The Last Dinner Party, Fat Dog, and Really Good Time. And we’re delighted to be joined by Jason Collins who will be looking back on Orbital’s album ‘In Sides’ which has just celebrated it’s 30th anniversary.
May 8, 2026
May 8, 2026
44 min
On this week's episode guest contributor Danny Kilmartin joins Stephen to run their ears over new singles from Kneecap, Madonna, Blossoms and Jordan Joy. And they also give their views on 'Forever' the impressive debut album from Cable Boy.
Apr 17, 2026
Apr 17, 2026
33 min
On this week's episode we review new albums from Curtisy and Holly Humberstone, along with new singles from Theatre, ALVA, Burglar, Emma Noodles and silk.
Apr 11, 2026
Apr 11, 2026
56 min
On this week’s episode we’re delighted to be joined by Ken Griffin to reflect on the seminal album from Rollerskate Skinny, Horsedrawn Wishes which has just marked it’s 30th anniversary.
We also review impressive new albums from RAYE and How I Became a Wave, along with our views on another new EP from U2 and the Irish singles that have tingled our eardrums.
Apr 2, 2026
Apr 2, 2026
1hr 13 min
On this week’s episode we’ll be reviewing new albums from Avalon Emerson, Joshua Burnside and Ellie O’Neill. We’ll also be giving you our views on the latest singles from Florence Road, Curtisy and Khakikid. We’ve a very insightful interview with Lisa Ni Choisdealbha, Director of Media, Licensing and Public Affairs at IMRO, and we're absolutely delighted to be joined by Mike Joyce, drummer with The Smiths ahead of his Irish tour.