CD

The Hothouse Flowers 'People' is one of the best debut albums I've heard. They got their start on U2's failed 'Mother' records and then a big break playing 'Don't Go' live during the intermission of 1988's Eurovision songfestival - foreshadowing Riverdance's later success in that same spot. There's an audience out there just craving celtic fulfillment. The album delivered on the band's obvious promise. A timeless disc that hints at their live prowess, with slight hippy influences and one or two filler tracks, but otherwise an abundance of uplifting tunes touching on people-themes. Life, love and everything, you know, beautifully brought to you by Liam's Buckley-esque tones. The band dominated the Dublin scene in the early 90s. Too bad they went entirely up their own arse almost immediately after - they've released a string of directionless shite since and ditched their fabulous saxophonist and talented drummer. Still, check out 'People' if you get the chance.