Swaddling Songs at 50
Alison O’Donnell and Clodagh Simonds were just a couple of pre-teen convent girls when they formed Mellow Candle in 1963. Almost a decade later, in April 1972, they released their sole studio album Swaddling Songs. Shunned by both critics and audiences alike, the album tanked and the band split soon after, their music destined to sink without trace. But the Mellow Candle story didn’t end there. After falling off the musical radar for decades, Swaddling Songs was rediscovered and reappraised by crate-diggers rummaging through second-hand record stores. The album acquired a cult following and is now regarded as one of the most praised and collectable releases from acid folk’s golden era with an original mint copy likely to set you back anywhere between €3,000 – €5,000 these days!
Swaddling Songs has turned fifty and to celebrate this landmark anniversary, Cathal Funge retraces the Mellow Candle musical adventure, from their early days in 1960’s Dublin right up to the band’s Lazarus like resurrection from the depths of obscurity.
Presenter: Cathal Funge
Producer: Cathal Funge
A Cathal Funge production funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland from the Television Licence Fee.
Producer for RTÉ lyric fm: Eoin O Kelly
RTÉ lyric fm, Sunday 12th June, 6pm-7pm