These are strange days of quarantine – strange days, indeed.

With Ireland and the United States separated by travel bans and COVID-19, we’re all indoors keeping it safe. That’s what we do. We’re New Yorkers. The city knows endurance. When life gets tough, New Yorkers get tougher. It’s easy to feel unmoored, but music can be our anchor – it unifies cultures and countries, blending melodies, harmonies, rhythms from Mozambique to the hollers of West Virginia to the Fields of Athenry.

In troubled times music soothes souls and raises spirits. What better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and the indomitable spirit of the Irish, here and abroad, than with a bit of song?

Here’s great piece on Sinead O’Connor, and don’t forget the mighty, mighty Pogues and the revolutionary Shane MacGowan which you can read about in “Reflecting on the Life and Music of Shane MacGowan after turning 60 this Christmas“, “Congratulations to the Pogues, Your Favorite Irish Punk Band of All-Time,” and “Saint Patrick’s Throwback: Spider Stacy & Lost Bayou Ramblers Perform in the Boardroom.”

Styker Jones has pulled an excellent long pint. “Everything” is a canny mixture of old and new. Dexy’s Midnight Runners stand strong in a meld of virtuoso fiddling from the auld sod, Jone’s trip-hop beat and his epic take-down of those who “can’t separate want from need” – whether they’re Johnny-Depp-famous, “Bill-Cosby-and-the-Milk-of-Amnesia”-infamous, “all those motherf*ckers do it for the payoff / points on the back end / spin from the kick-off.”

The legend of Stryker Jones first came to prominence in The Dunning Man, published by Lavender Ink. Shortly after the books release, it was adapted to an award winning feature length film, available on Amazon, iTunes and more.

So, pour yourself a shot of Jameson. Amp up the volume. Music unifies the world, starting here in the city that never sleeps – and never gives up.

In this time of global distress, it’s important that everyone stay positive and safe, while also maintaining an open heart towards those less fortunate – those with even less security and access to healthcare. With that in mind, we at Popdust highly recommend you visit Concern Worldwide, and consider contributing. Born in Ireland, Concern Worldwide is one of the most highly rated charity organizations, dedicated to helping impoverished communities in the most devastated and disadvantaged communities on Earth. For over half a century they have fought to bring the resilient spirit of Ireland to all people struggling.

Together we rise.