Marc Carroll
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Marc Carroll (born 25 January 1972) is an Irish musician, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He has released 7 albums and 23
singles Singles are people not in a committed relationship. Singles may also refer to: Film and television * ''Singles'' (miniseries), a 1984 Australian television series * ''Singles'' (1992 film), written and directed by Cameron Crowe * ''Singles'' ...
. He is currently signed to
One Little Indian Records One Little Independent Records (formerly One Little Indian Records) is an English independent record label. It was set up in 1985 by members of various anarcho-punk bands, and managed by former Flux of Pink Indians bassist Derek Birkett. In t ...
, who released his most recent studio album, ''Love Is All Or Love Is Not At All'' on 6 November 2015. The label also released remastered and expanded editions of his first 4 albums in February 2014. He has received considerable critical acclaim for his recorded output but has never reached any significant level of mainstream success. ''
The Irish Times ''The Irish Times'' is an Irish daily broadsheet newspaper and online digital publication. It was launched on 29 March 1859. The editor is Ruadhán Mac Cormaic. It is published every day except Sundays. ''The Irish Times'' is Ireland's leading n ...
'' newspaper have called him "One of Ireland's great lost songwriters, touched by genius and whose dealings with the music industry have become the stuff of legend", and British rock critic Fred Deller wrote in ''Mojo Magazine'' that his work was "deserving of a far wider audience."


Early years/influences

Carroll was born in
Dublin Dublin is the capital and largest city of Republic of Ireland, Ireland. Situated on Dublin Bay at the mouth of the River Liffey, it is in the Provinces of Ireland, province of Leinster, and is bordered on the south by the Dublin Mountains, pa ...
, Ireland in 1972. Aged 15 he moved to London. He played in several
punk Punk or punks may refer to: Genres, subculture, and related aspects * Punk rock, a music genre originating in the 1970s associated with various subgenres * Punk subculture, a subculture associated with punk rock, or aspects of the subculture s ...
bands during this time. A 7" single was recorded in 1989 at a studio in
Islington Islington ( ) is an inner-city area of north London, England, within the wider London Borough of Islington. It is a mainly residential district of Inner London, extending from Islington's #Islington High Street, High Street to Highbury Fields ...
, London. 250 copies were pressed of this record but most were subsequently destroyed. A
test pressing A white label record is a vinyl record with white labels attached. There are several variations each with a different purpose. Variations include test pressings, white label promos, and plain white labels. Test pressings Test pressings, usua ...
of the record is the only known copy to exist. In an interview with ''Uncut magazine'' he said "The
Sex Pistols The Sex Pistols are an English punk rock band formed in London in 1975. Although their initial career lasted just two and a half years, they became culturally influential in popular music. The band initiated the punk movement in the United Ki ...
and
Buddy Holly Charles Hardin Holley (September 7, 1936 – February 3, 1959), known as Buddy Holly, was an American singer, songwriter, and musician who was a central and pioneering figure of rock and roll. He was born to a musical family in Lubbock, Texa ...
were the two things that changed my life." Carroll has cited
Bob Dylan Bob Dylan (legally Robert Dylan; born Robert Allen Zimmerman, May 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter. Described as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Dylan has been a major figure in popular culture over his nearly 70-year ...
and
Brian Wilson Brian Douglas Wilson (June 20, 1942 – June 11, 2025) was an American musician, songwriter, singer and record producer who co-founded the Beach Boys. Often Brian Wilson is a genius, called a genius for his novel approaches to pop compositio ...
among his inspirations. In an article for the US magazine, ''American Songwriter'' in 2013, Carroll spoke about the diversity of his influences, "All through my life I have been drawn to melodies and so often these melodies were delivering urgent, savvy messages and stories. Frequently these tales and stories came from so-called outsiders. The voices that sang these songs were distinct and unique. They filled your heart and refreshed your soul. From
Chuck Berry Charles Edward Anderson Berry (October 18, 1926 – March 18, 2017) was an American singer, guitarist and songwriter who pioneered rock and roll. Nicknamed the "Honorific nicknames in popular music, Father of Rock and Roll", he refined and de ...
to
Chuck D Carlton Douglas Ridenhour (born August 1, 1960), known professionally as Chuck D, is an American rapper, best known as the leader and frontman of the hip hop group Public Enemy, which he co-founded in 1985 with Flavor Flav. Chuck D is also a me ...
. Anything was possible. From the Sex Pistols to
Captain Beefheart Don Van Vliet (; born 'Don Glen Vliet'; January 15, 1941 – December 17, 2010) was an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and visual artist known by the stage name Captain Beefheart. Conducting a rotating ensemble known as the M ...
. There are no rules. From
Crass Crass was an English art collective and punk rock band formed in Epping, Essex in 1977 who promoted anarchism as a political ideology, a lifestyle, and a resistance movement. Crass popularized the anarcho-punk movement of the punk subculture, ...
to Bob Dylan. There is no authority but yourself."


Rough Trade

Returning to Dublin in 1990, Carroll was the sole songwriter and founding member of Dublin three piece power/punk band, Puppy Love Bomb. The group gained notoriety for ferocious live shows but are perhaps best remembered for the provocative T-shirt with the slogan "Dublin Is Dead" which were sold at early performances. The band recorded several radio sessions for the
Dave Fanning David Fanning (born 27 February 1956) is an Irish television and radio broadcaster, rock journalist, DJ, film critic and author. Fanning currently hosts weekend midday magazine/chat show '' The Dave Fanning Show'' on the Irish national radio st ...
show and were courted by record labels, notably
Warner Brothers Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (WBEI), commonly known as Warner Bros. (WB), is an American filmed entertainment studio headquartered at the Warner Bros. Studios complex in Burbank, California and the main namesake subsidiary of Warner Bro ...
, before eventually signing with the UK independent label
Rough Trade Rough Trade may refer to: *Rough Trade (shops), London record stores *Rough Trade Records, a record label from the stores *Rough Trade Books, a publishing house from the label *Rough Trade (band), a Canadian new wave rock band * "Rough Trade" (''Am ...
and releasing 3
singles Singles are people not in a committed relationship. Singles may also refer to: Film and television * ''Singles'' (miniseries), a 1984 Australian television series * ''Singles'' (1992 film), written and directed by Cameron Crowe * ''Singles'' ...
. Two
EPs An extended play (EP) is a Sound recording and reproduction, musical recording that contains more tracks than a Single (music), single but fewer than an album. Contemporary EPs generally contain up to eight tracks and have a playing time of 1 ...
were produced by
Martin Carr Martin Carr (born 29 November 1968) is an English musician and writer who was the chief songwriter and lead guitarist with the band The Boo Radleys. Born in Thurso, Scotland, he was raised in Wallasey, England. Life and career Carr was born ...
of
The Boo Radleys The Boo Radleys are an English alternative rock band who were associated with the shoegazing and Britpop movements in the 1990s. They originally formed in Wallasey, England, in 1988, with singer/guitarist Simon "Sice" Rowbottom, guitarist/songwr ...
. The band toured across Europe with
Bob Mould Robert Arthur Mould (born October 16, 1960) is an American musician, principally known for his work as guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for alternative rock bands Hüsker Dü in the 1980s and Sugar (American band), Sugar in the 1990s. Early ...
's post
Hüsker Dü Hüsker Dü () was an American punk rock band formed in Saint Paul, Minnesota in 1979. The band's continuous members were guitarist/vocalist Bob Mould, bassist Greg Norton, and drummer/vocalist Grant Hart. They first gained notability as a hardc ...
outfit,
Sugar Sugar is the generic name for sweet-tasting, soluble carbohydrates, many of which are used in food. Simple sugars, also called monosaccharides, include glucose Glucose is a sugar with the Chemical formula#Molecular formula, molecul ...
. Mould joined the band on the last night of the tour to play a version of
The Beatles The Beatles were an English Rock music, rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The core lineup of the band comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They are widely regarded as the Cultural impact of the Beatle ...
classic song, ''Ticket To Ride''. No album ever materialised as the label fell into financial difficulties and the band split acrimoniously after a final show at the
South by Southwest South by Southwest (SXSW) is an annual conglomeration of parallel film, interactive media, and music festivals and Convention (meeting), conferences organized jointly that take place in mid-March in Austin, Texas. It began in 1987 and has conti ...
Festival in
Austin, Texas Austin ( ) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital city of the U.S. state of Texas. It is the county seat and most populous city of Travis County, Texas, Travis County, with portions extending into Hays County, Texas, Hays and W ...
. Carroll returned to London where Rough Trade took over his management. The group's official recorded output has been out of print since 1994. Although the band only released 10 songs commercially, outtakes, radio sessions, demos and unreleased material have surfaced on several bootleg CDs originating from Japan with the most popular title being "Destroy All Melody" which features live performances from 1992 and a recording of "Ticket To Ride" performed with Bob Mould. Puppy Love Bomb's recorded output and copyright is now under the ownership of One Little Indian Records. ....


1996–1999

The Hormones were a rock band formed in London in 1996. Carroll was the sole songwriter for the group, whose sound was described as a mixture between
Teenage Fanclub Teenage Fanclub are a Scottish alternative rock band formed in Glasgow in 1989. The group were founded by Norman Blake (Scottish musician), Norman Blake (vocals, guitar), Raymond McGinley (vocals, lead guitar) and Gerard Love (vocals, bass), al ...
and
Stiff Little Fingers Stiff Little Fingers are a Northern Irish punk rock band from Belfast. They formed in 1977 at the height of the Troubles, which informed much of their songwriting. They started out as a schoolboy band called Highway Star (named after the Deep P ...
. Carroll was the founding member and songwriter for the band who released their debut single in 1996 as part of the Trade2/Island records singles club. The band members were Jez Housden on Bass and former
Guns n' Wankers Guns 'N' Wankers is a punk rock band, formed by ex-members of English punk band Snuff, and English rock band The Wildhearts in the early 1990s. The band consisted of Duncan Redmonds (vocals, guitar), Pat Walters (drums, vocals) and Joolz Dean ( ...
and Wildhearts drummer, Pat Walters. The group eventually signed to
Richard Branson Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson (born 18 July 1950) is an English business magnate who co-founded the Virgin Group in 1970, and controlled 5 companies remaining of once more than 400. Branson expressed his desire to become an entrepreneu ...
's V2 label and released 5 singles. The third single "Mr. Wilson" was Carroll's tribute to
Brian Wilson Brian Douglas Wilson (June 20, 1942 – June 11, 2025) was an American musician, songwriter, singer and record producer who co-founded the Beach Boys. Often Brian Wilson is a genius, called a genius for his novel approaches to pop compositio ...
of
The Beach Boys The Beach Boys are an American Rock music, rock band formed in Hawthorne, California, in 1961. The group's original lineup consisted of brothers Brian Wilson, Brian, Dennis Wilson, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and their f ...
, the lyrics almost entirely consisting of Beach Boys song titles. Brian Wilson heard the track and Carroll was invited to the legendary songwriter's birthday show at New York City's Beacon Theatre in 1999. An album, ''Where Old Ghosts Meet'' (a reference from ''
On Raglan Road "On Raglan Road" is a well-known Irish song from a poem written by Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh named after Raglan Road in Ballsbridge, Dublin. In the poem, the speaker recalls, while walking on a "quiet street," a love affair that he had wit ...
'' by
Patrick Kavanagh Patrick Kavanagh (21 October 1904 – 30 November 1967) was an Irish poet and novelist. His best-known works include the novel ''Tarry Flynn'', and the poems "On Raglan Road" and "The Great Hunger". He is known for his accounts of Irish life th ...
) was released in 1998 but deleted the same week. It has been listed in a book ''101 Irish Records You Need to Hear Before You Die''. The band featured in the wedding episode of US TV show ''
Friends ''Friends'' is an American television sitcom created by David Crane (producer), David Crane and Marta Kauffman, which aired on NBC from September 22, 1994, to May 6, 2004, lasting List of Friends episodes, ten seasons. With an ensemble cast ...
''. A track written by Carroll and originally issued as a B-side, "Tired Old Souls", was featured in the program. The band toured consistently throughout the UK and Europe. Carroll also performed with the Scottish Poet/Songwriter
Eric Bogle Eric Bogle (born 23 September 1944) is an Australian folk music, folk singer-songwriter. Born and raised in Scotland, he emigrated to Australia at the age of 25 to settle near Adelaide, South Australia. Bogle's songs have covered a variety of to ...
at the Weavers Club in London in 1996. The band opened for The Cranberries on a European tour in 1999. A 2CD edition of the album was issued in Japan on the Excellent label in 2002 in a limited run of 1000 copies. The bonus disc featured B-sides and unreleased material. A second pressing of the vinyl edition was issued on the Velvet label in Japan in a pressing of 500 copies. The band split in 1999 after a show in
Madrid Madrid ( ; ) is the capital and List of largest cities in Spain, most populous municipality of Spain. It has almost 3.5 million inhabitants and a Madrid metropolitan area, metropolitan area population of approximately 7 million. It i ...
, Spain and the recorded output remains out of print. A multi disc (6CD) bootleg set, "On A Quiet Street – The Complete Where Old Ghosts Meet Sessions" was released on the Last Waltz label in Japan in 2003. It included demos, outtakes, alternate mixes, radio sessions and unreleased material. Carroll has never performed any of these songs live since 1999. The Hormones released 5 singles from the ''Where Old Ghosts Meet'' album, with each single featuring 3 exclusive non album B-sides which added up to 15 extra songs that were not included on the original album.


Solo period (1999–present)


Universal Music/Evangeline Recorded Works/High Noon Recordings

Carroll signed to
Universal Music Universal Music Group N.V. (often abbreviated as UMG and referred to as Universal Music Group or Universal Music) is a Dutch– American multinational music corporation under Dutch law. UMG's corporate headquarters are located in Hilversum ...
in 1999 and recorded his first solo album, ''Ten of Swords'' later that year. 3 singles were released in Ireland only. Carroll played all of the instruments himself as well as taking on co-production duties with longtime recording partner, Adi Winman. Former Smiths Guitarist,
Craig Gannon Craig Gannon (born 30 July 1966) is an English guitarist, best known as the second guitarist in the Smiths (1986). He is now a composer for film and television. Career Born in Manchester, Gannon had played in bands with friends since he was 12 ...
played on several tracks. Gannon also toured the album with Carroll across the UK and Japan in 2002. The album featured Andrew Stidman, drummer of UK rock band,
The Wildhearts The Wildhearts are an English Rock music, rock band, formed in 1989 in Newcastle upon Tyne. The band's sound is a mixture of hard rock and melodic pop music, often described in the music press as combining influences as diverse as the Beatl ...
on one song. The album was hampered by further record company problems. The UK label refused to release the record. In an interview with ''The Irish Times'' in 2005 Carroll said, "Sometimes record companies will sign you up so no-one else can, and that happened to me. I was left dangling at Universal for two years of my life so I had no hesitation in saying goodbye. I live and breathe Music. I don't know anything else." The Irish division of Universal pressed the album and sent it to media but it was withdrawn a week before its scheduled release date. Legendary UK A&R figure, Andrew Lauder eventually released the album on his Evangeline label in 2002 and the record was met with critical acclaim with UK music magazine ''Uncut'' awarding it a 4 star review and calling it "One of the finest debuts of recent times." The album received mainly positive critical feedback. ''Mojo'' magazine's review of the album stated "A soul full of
Simon & Garfunkel Simon & Garfunkel were an American folk rock duo comprising the singer-songwriter Paul Simon and the singer Art Garfunkel. They were one of the best-selling music acts of the 1960s. Their most famous recordings include three US number-one sing ...
,
The Byrds The Byrds () were an American Rock music, rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1964. The band underwent multiple lineup changes throughout its existence, with frontman Roger McGuinn (known as Jim McGuinn until mid-1967) being the so ...
and
The Buzzcocks Buzzcocks are an English punk rock band that singer-songwriter-guitarist Pete Shelley and singer-songwriter Howard Devoto formed in Manchester in 1976. During their career, the band combined elements of punk rock, power pop, and pop punk. They ...
...he could move to
Nashville Nashville, often known as Music City, is the capital and List of municipalities in Tennessee, most populous city in the U.S. state of Tennessee. It is the county seat, seat of Davidson County, Tennessee, Davidson County in Middle Tennessee, locat ...
and become a millionaire." ''
The Village Voice ''The Village Voice'' is an American news and culture publication based in Greenwich Village, New York City, known for being the country's first Alternative newspaper, alternative newsweekly. Founded in 1955 by Dan Wolf (publisher), Dan Wolf, ...
'' in New York said "He sounds like a jacked up
Wilco Wilco is an American Rock music, rock band based in Chicago. The band was formed in 1994 by the remaining members of alternative country group Uncle Tupelo after singer Jay Farrar's departure. Wilco's lineup changed frequently during its fir ...
." Ireland's ''Hot Press'' ran a poor review under the heading "Blunt Sword" and criticised Carroll's version of the traditional song " Row the Boat Ashore", noting that its inclusion was a "blunder of Spinal Tap proportions, it's not funny and it's not clever." ''
The Independent ''The Independent'' is a British online newspaper. It was established in 1986 as a national morning printed paper. Nicknamed the ''Indy'', it began as a broadsheet and changed to tabloid format in 2003. The last printed edition was publis ...
'' wrote "His dealings with the record industry are fast becoming stuff of legend but he delivers a wide range of musical goods with palpable passion." ''The Irish Times'' in an interview with Carroll in 2005 wrote that "those who skipped over 'Row The Boat Ashore' on ''Ten of Swords'' and worried about the inclusion of 'On Raglan Road' on ''All Wrongs Reversed'' were missing the point and the music." The cover of the album is a homage to the infamous bootleg label, ' Trade Mark of Quality'. The album title came from a Bob Dylan 10 LP Bootleg set of the same name. The Japanese edition of the album included two bonus tracks and was issued in a red sleeve. It was reissued again with different packaging by High Noon Recordings in 2006. In 2014 One Little Indian released a
remastered A remaster is a change in the sound or image quality of previously created forms of media, whether Mastering (audio), audiophonic, Cinematography, cinematic, or Videography, videographic. The resulting product is said to be remastered. The term ...
and expanded edition of ''Ten of Swords'' as part of a comprehensive overhaul of Carroll's back catalogue. Evangeline released ''All Wrongs Reversed'', a compilation of
B-sides The A-side and B-side are the two sides of vinyl records and cassettes, and the terms have often been printed on the labels of two-sided music recordings. The A-side of a single usually features a recording that its artist, producer, or ...
and rarities in 2003. The original album contained 11 songs including a cover of Bob Dylan's " Gates of Eden". Later that year the song appeared as a download on the official Bob Dylan webpage. The album also included another Dylan song, " Senor, Tales of Yankee Power". Marc Carroll has also recorded Dylan's " The Times They Are a-Changin'" as a B-side on the UK single "Crashpad Number" and "
Tombstone Blues "Tombstone Blues" is a song by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, which was released as the second track on his sixth studio album ''Highway 61 Revisited'' (1965). The song was written by Dylan, and produced by Bob Johnston. Critical interpre ...
" for ''Uncut'' Magazine's ''Highway 61 Revisited...Revisted'' tribute CD. Rock critic and author,
Johnny Rogan John Rogan (14 February 1953 – 21 January 2021) was a British author of Irish descent best known for his books about music and popular culture. He wrote influential biographies of the Byrds, Neil Young, the Smiths, Van Morrison and Ray Davies. ...
reviewed the album for ''Mojo'' saying "A classy compendium of lost songs and rarities, as ever, his pop sensibility is positively tangible, permeating almost every track." The Album was reissued again in different packaging by High Noon in 2006. In 2014 One Little Indian released a remastered and completely revised edition of the album that duplicated only 5 songs from the original while adding 10 previously unreleased tracks, including "2541", "The Main" and "Now That You Know Me", all of which were written by former Husker Du drummer and songwriter,
Grant Hart Grant Vernon Hart (March 18, 1961 – September 13, 2017) was an American musician, best known as the drummer for the punk rock band Hüsker Dü. After the band's breakup in 1988, he released his first solo album, ''Intolerance'', before fo ...
. Carroll's first show as a solo artist was with Hart in 1995. ''All Wrongs Reversed'' also featured a cover version of the
Buffalo Springfield Buffalo Springfield was a Canadian-American Rock music, rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1966 by Canadians Neil Young, Bruce Palmer and Dewey Martin (musician), Dewey Martin and Americans Stephen Stills and Richie Furay. The group, widely know ...
song, "
For What It's Worth "For What It's Worth (Stop, Hey What's That Sound)", often referred to as simply "For What It's Worth", is a song written by Stephen Stills. Performed by Buffalo Springfield, it was recorded on December 5, 1966, released as a single on Atco Reco ...
". The track was originally released in the US only on ''Five Way Street – A Tribute To Buffalo Springfield''. In 2005 Evangeline released the second album, ''World on a Wire''. The sound of the album was vastly different with the bulk of the songs being written on the piano and with string arrangements. ''Uncut magazine'' awarded the album a 4 star review writing, "For the follow up to the mighty 'Ten of Swords' Carroll has dampened the psych pop fizz for a slower dazzle and it's the more layered arrangements that set these wonderful songs of personal faith aglow." ''Mojo magazine'' in their review wrote, "He draws out some fetching melodies, none better than ''No Time at All'' which encapsulates his striking ability to make coherent music about inner confusion." ''The Irish Times'' with another 4 star review said, "The truth is the guy is something of a genius; On ''World on a Wire'' he has opted for strings of a more mellow nature and created a record of warmth, truth, beauty and something approximating a career best. If Bob Dylan raised on an aural diet of Brian Wilson rather than
Woody Guthrie Woodrow Wilson Guthrie (; July 14, 1912 – October 3, 1967) was an American singer, songwriter, and composer widely considered to be one of the most significant figures in American folk music. His work focused on themes of American Left, A ...
appeals to you, then prepare to be blown away." Ireland's ''Hot Press magazine'' noted "fans of
Cohen Cohen () is a surname of Jewish, Samaritan and Biblical origins (see: Kohen). It is a very common Jewish surname (the most common in Israel). Cohen is one of the four Samaritan last names that exist in the modern day. Many Jewish immigrants ente ...
, Buckley,
Cave Caves or caverns are natural voids under the Earth's Planetary surface, surface. Caves often form by the weathering of rock and often extend deep underground. Exogene caves are smaller openings that extend a relatively short distance undergrou ...
and
Cash In economics, cash is money in the physical form of currency, such as banknotes and coins. In book-keeping and financial accounting, cash is current assets comprising currency or currency equivalents that can be accessed immediately or near-i ...
should find plenty of resonance on this brave artistic statement." ''Maverick Magazine'' in their review picked up on Carroll's lyric writing, "There is a darkness and quite startling intensity to his lyrics that can make the listener feel decidedly uncomfortable." The change in musical direction wasn't without its critics. One review for ''
Planet Sound ''Planet Sound'' was a British music magazine founded in 1997 by Teletext Ltd. It featured on that company's teletext service (accessible via ITV and Channel 4) and official website. ''Planet Sound'' attracted a dedicated community of music f ...
'' said "It is the benchmark for disappointing albums in 2005." 3 singles were released from the album. The album was reissued again in different packaging and with a bonus DVD by High Noon in 2006. In 2014 One Little Indian released a remastered and expanded edition of ''World on a Wire'' as part of a comprehensive overhaul of Carroll's back catalogue. The album was listed in a book ''101 Irish records You Need To Hear Before You Die''. The same book also referenced the 1998 album, "Where Old Ghosts Meet." In 2009 Carroll's 4th album ''Dust of Rumour'' was released by High Noon Recordings. The album was recorded with longtime engineer/producer, Adi Winman. Carroll played all the instruments on the recording. ''Uncut Magazine'' gave the album a 4 star review and Fred Dellar in a 4 star review for ''Mojo'' wrote "Marc Carroll is something special, a performer in for the long term and deserving of a far wider audience." Gavin Martin writing for the ''
Daily Mirror The ''Daily Mirror'' is a British national daily Tabloid journalism, tabloid newspaper. Founded in 1903, it is part of Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN), which is owned by parent company Reach plc. From 1985 to 1987, and from 1997 to 2002, the tit ...
'', gave the album a 5 star review, "Blending reverberating songs of the soul, hard haunted Celtic odysseys and his raw intimate vocals, his third album shows the respect of legends is well deserved." ''The Times'' newspaper in the UK said "Goosebumps surge up your spine." ''The Irish Times'' awarded the album with a 4 star review and said, "It is a record of sweet liberty, beautiful melodies and superbly crafted songs that hint at emotional loss and glass-half- empty sentiments, but with a joyous mix of lilting airs and guitar jingle-jangle that tumble from each song. Another great record from a guy who remains one of Ireland's virtually lost yet truly great songwriters." ''Q Magazine'' reviewed the album with "A gifted songwriter and a throwback to the golden age of West Coast rock, his third solo album is steeped in late-'60s Americana." Ireland's ''Hot Press'' magazine were not so positive in their critique and labelled the album as "well crafted but dull." 3 singles were released from the album. In 2014 One Little Indian released a remastered and expanded edition of ''Dust of Rumour'' as part of a comprehensive overhaul of Carroll's back catalogue.


One Little Indian records

Carroll signed to the UK Independent record label One Little Indian in 2011. The label released a 12 track retrospective collection, ''In Silence'' in the same year. Released as a Limited Edition 200gram Heavyweight
Vinyl Vinyl may refer to: Chemistry * Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a particular vinyl polymer * Vinyl cation, a type of carbocation * Vinyl group, a broad class of organic molecules in chemistry * Vinyl polymer, a group of polymers derived from vinyl ...
and CD. Most of the vinyl was destroyed in a warehouse fire at the PIAS headquarters during the London riots of 2011. The album received a 4 star review in ''Uncut magazine'' as well as the 'Must have reissue' in the British ''Sunday Times''. The album also garnered 4 star reviews from ''Americana'', ''Sunday Express'' and other publications. ''Record Collector Magazine'' wrote, "Having been making music just under the radar for well over a decade now, it's only fair that Carroll gets his turn in the spotlight. While his albums should receive more attention than this compilation, ''In Silence'' certainly serves as a good introduction to his multifarious talents." The album ''Stone Beads And Silver'' was released on One Little Indian in January 2013. The record was recorded in Silver Lake, Los Angeles and
Burbank Burbank may refer to: Places Australia * Burbank, Queensland, a suburb in Brisbane United States * Burbank, California, a city in Los Angeles County * Burbank, Santa Clara County, California, a census-designated place * Burbank, Illinois, ...
. Parts of the record were also recorded at
Levon Helm Mark Lavon "Levon" Helm (May 26, 1940 – April 19, 2012) was an American musician who achieved fame as the drummer and one of the three lead vocalists for The Band, for which he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Hel ...
's studio in
Woodstock The Woodstock Music and Art Fair, commonly referred to as Woodstock, was a music festival held from August 15 to 18, 1969, on Max Yasgur's dairy farm in Bethel, New York, southwest of the town of Woodstock, New York, Woodstock. Billed as "a ...
, New York. Carroll also brought in other musicians to play on the album that included former Bob Dylan guitarist and multi-instrumentalist,
Larry Campbell Larry W. Campbell (born February 28, 1948) is a Canadian politician who was the 37th mayor of Vancouver, Canada, from 2002 until 2005, and a member of the Senate of Canada from 2005 until his retirement in 2023. Before he was mayor, Campbe ...
, members of
Midlake Midlake is an American folk rock band from Denton, Texas, formed in 1999. The band consists of Eric Pulido, McKenzie Smith, Scott Lee, Eric Nichelson, Jesse Chandler, and Joey McClellan. In 2012, vocalist, guitarist and primary songwriter Tim S ...
, The Levon Helm Band,
My Morning Jacket My Morning Jacket is an American Rock music, rock band formed in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1998. The band consists of vocalist/guitarist Jim James, bassist Tom Blankenship, drummer Patrick Hallahan, guitarist Carl Broemel, and keyboardist Bo Kos ...
, Courtney Marie Andrews and the Brian Wilson Band. The album was one of his most critically acclaimed records. ''Uncut Magazine'' gave the album a 7/10 review saying, "Carroll's incisive writing brings striking twists to trad archetypes and Dylan regular Larry Campbell is among those ensuring that songs fly." ''Mojo Magazine'' in their review said, "It's certainly relaxed his shoulders a little, bringing a touch of mini opera to the mid 70's Beach Boys sound." Ireland's Hot Press Review ran a 7/10 review with "A hugely pleasing odyssey into
Americana Americana may refer to: *Americana music, a genre or style of American music * Americana (culture), artifacts of the culture of the United States Film, radio and television * ''Americana'' (1981 film), an American drama film * ''Americana'' (20 ...
." ''No Depression'' in the US in their review suggested "Every track is a treat, a series of unerring glimpses into the heart of an auteur who deserves to be elevated to the highest rungs of todays' singer/songwriter elite. Simply put, Stone Beads and Silver ought to be considered essential listening for anyone." ''The 405'' review said the album "exudes a melodical liberation, a feeling of incomprehensible vastness, a kind of emotion so indefinable, leeaving you in a dazed meditation." ''LS Magazine'' wrote "Carroll's unique concoction of folk, blues, punk and country has shamefully hidden beneath the public eye..he really is Ireland's hidden treasure."


Live performance

Live performances have been sporadic in recent years and Carroll has not toured consistently since 2005. Some one-off performances have taken place in Los Angeles over the past decade including shows with Brent Rademaker from Beechwood Sparks and the LA based Belle Gardens. Carroll has not played in Ireland since 2006. Reviewing the Guilfest Festival on 4 July 2003, ''Uncut Magazine'' wrote "Saying nothing at first, instead letting his songs picture storm lashed apocalypse and drug drained romance, the Irishman's attacking presence ignores the crowd's somewhat somnolence, burning through it.".


Remasters 2014

In January 2014 One Little Indian released remastered, reissued and expanded editions of the first 4 Marc Carroll albums. ''Ten of Swords'', ''All Wrongs Reversed'', ''World on a Wir''e and ''Dust of Rumour'' each included extra tracks of B-sides, rarities, live and previously unreleased material. ''Americana UK'' wrote a comprehensive review of the reissues and said, "Marc Carroll isn't an easy man to pin down; it is hard enough during the course of one album, let alone across these four..an impassioned performer, every word, every chord is important, there is no scope for coasting or compromise, the energy pours out." On 7 March 2014 ''The Irish Daily Star'' gave 4 star reviews to ''World on a Wire'' and ''All Wrongs Reversed'' saying "These two capture him as a poet and expert handler of other peoples songs."


2015

A new album, 'Love Is All Or Love Is Not At All', was released by
One Little Indian Records One Little Independent Records (formerly One Little Indian Records) is an English independent record label. It was set up in 1985 by members of various anarcho-punk bands, and managed by former Flux of Pink Indians bassist Derek Birkett. In t ...
on 6 November 2015. The album features a collaboration on the title track with the author, poet, philosopher and musician,
Penny Rimbaud Penny Lapsang Rimbaud (born Jeremy John Ratter, 8 June 1943) is a writer, poet, philosopher, painter, musician and activist. He was a member of the performance art groups EXIT and Ceres Confusion, and in 1972 was co-founder of the Stonehenge F ...
, co-founder of the seminal and highly influential band and collective,
Crass Crass was an English art collective and punk rock band formed in Epping, Essex in 1977 who promoted anarchism as a political ideology, a lifestyle, and a resistance movement. Crass popularized the anarcho-punk movement of the punk subculture, ...
, as well as contributions from
Jody Stephens Jody Stephens (born October 4, 1952) is an American musician and producer who has played drums in Big Star (with Alex Chilton of the Box Tops) and Golden Smog (with members of the Jayhawks and Wilco). After the deaths of Chris Bell in 1978, a ...
of
Big Star Big Star was an American rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1971 by Alex Chilton (vocals, guitar), Chris Bell (vocals, guitar), Jody Stephens (drums), and Andy Hummel (bass). They have been described as the "quintessential American ...
and Pete Thomas of
The Attractions The Attractions were an English backing band for the English new wave musician Elvis Costello between 1977 and 1986, and again from 1994 to 1996. They consisted of Steve Nieve (keyboards), Bruce Thomas (bass guitar), and Pete Thomas (drums ...
.
Gee Vaucher Gee Vaucher (born Carole Vaucher in 1945 in Dagenham, Essex, England) is a visual artist primarily associated with the anarcho-punk band Crass. Biography Vaucher met her long-lasting creative partner Penny Rimbaud in the early 1960s when ...
, the artist responsible for the iconic Crass record sleeves designed the artwork for the album. It earned 4 star reviews from Mojo, Uncut, Record Collector and the Irish Times and enthusiastic reviews across Europe and has been one of Carroll's most critically acclaimed albums to date. Record Collector magazine in a 4 star review said it 'was a record for our times' The Irish Times in a 4 star review said 'These are Carroll's most empathetic songs to date'Clayton Lea, Tony. Irish Times, 6 November 2015
/ref>


Discography


Studio albums

* ''Where Old Ghosts Meet'' (LP, CD, V2 1998, UK) * ''Where Old Ghosts Meet'' (LP - 500 copies re-issues, Velvet Records, Japan, 1999) * ''Where Old Ghosts Meet'' (CD, Malaysia, 1998) * ''Where Old Ghosts Meet'' (Cassette, Malaysia, 1998) * ''Where Old Ghosts Meet'' (Cassette, Indonesia, 1998) * ''Where Old Ghosts Meet'' (Limited Edition 2CD - Excellent records, Japan 2002. Includes bonus disc of 13 extra tracks) * ''Ten Of Swords'' (Withdrawn CD - Universal Music, 2000, Alternate slipcase sleeve) * ''Ten Of Swords'' (CD - Evangeline Records, 2002, Blue sleeve) * ''Ten Of Swords'' (Japan CD - Excellent Records, 2002, Red sleeve) * ''Ten Of Swords'' (LP, CD - High Noon Recordings 2006, Alternate sleeve for LP, Slipcase CD), * ''Ten of Swords'' Remastered and Expanded Edition (CD, One Little Indian, 2014) * ''All Wrongs Reversed'' (CD - Evangeline Records, 2003) * ''All Wrongs Reversed'' (CD - High Noon Recordings, 2005) * ''All Wrongs Reversed'' Remastered and Expanded Edition (CD - One Little Indian, 2014) * ''World On A Wire'' (CD - Evangeline Recordings, 2005) * ''World On A Wire'' (LP, CD, DVD - High Noon Recordings 2006. Slipcase CD) * ''World on a Wire'' Remastered and Expanded Edition (CD - One Little Indian, 2014) * ''Dust Of Rumour'' (LP, CD, High Noon Recordings, 2009) * ''Dust of Rumour'' Remastered And Expanded Edition (CD - One Little Indian, 2014) * ''In Silence'' (LP, CD - One Little Indian, 2014) * ''Stone Beads And Silver'' (LP, CD - One Little Indian, 2014) * ''Love Is All Or Love Is Not At All'' (2LP, CD - One Little Indian, 2015)


Singles and EPs

* ''White Label'' 7" Vinyl (1989) * "Too Busy Thinking/Liar" 7" Single (Rough Trade, 1993) * ''Not Listening'' EP 7"/12"/CD (Rough Trade, 1994 * ''Not Listening'' EP CD (Festival Records, Australia, 1994) * ''Bobby Milk'' EP Double 7" Poster Pack/CD (Rough Trade, 1994) * ''Are You With Us'' 7" Vinyl/CD (Trade 2/Island Records, 1996) * ''Are You With Us'' 7" Vinyl (Japan, 500 copies) * ''This Is The Sound'' 7" Green Vinyl/CD (V2, 1997) * ''Stay Ahead'' 7" Vinyl/CD (V2, 1997) * ''Don't Let Them Get You Down'' 7" Vinyl/CD (V2, 1998) * ''Mr. Wilson'' 7" Vinyl/CD (V2, 1998) * ''Idiot World'' CD (Universal Music, Irish Only. 2001) * ''Crashpad Number'' CD (Universal Music, Irish Only. 2001) * ''You Saved My Life Again Last Night'' CD (Universal Music, Irish Only. 2001) * ''Crashpad Number'' CD EP (Evangeline Recorded Works, UK 2002) * ''Mrs. Lullaby'' CD EP (Evangeline Recorded Works, UK 2002) * ''Dear World'' CD EP (Excellent Records, Japan 2002) * ''Crashpad Number'' CD Digipak (Evangeline Recorded Works, UK 2003) * ''Swansong'' CD Digipak (Evangeline Recorded Works, UK 2003) * ''Talk Again'' CD Digipak (Evangeline Recorded Works, 2005) * ''Talk Again'' 7" Orange Vinyl (High Noon, 2005) * ''A Way Back Out of Here'' CD Digipak (Evangeline Recorded Works, 2005) * "Always" (High Noon, 2009) * ''What's Left of My Heart'' (High Noon, 2009) * ''Now Or Never'' (High Noon, 2009) * ''
Matty Groves "Matty Groves", also known as "Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard" or "Little Musgrave", is a ballad probably originating in Northern England that describes an adulterous tryst between a young man and a noblewoman that is ended when the woman' ...
'' 7" Red Vinyl (High Noon, 2010. Numbered 250 copies) * "(It Was) Lust Not Love" (One Little Indian, 2013) * ''The Fool Disguised in Beggars Clothes'' (One Little Indian, 2013) * ''Ball and Chain'' (One Little Indian, 2015) * ''Out On The Streets'' US 7" Black Vinyl 650 copies (Puke 'n Vomit, 2020) * ''Out On The Streets'' US 7" Orange Vinyl 100 copies (Puke 'n Vomit, 2020)


Film, television and compilation appearances


Television

* ''Friends'' – Tired Old Souls * ''Sky Sports'' – Be What You Are * ''BBC Match of the Day'' – Idiot World * ''CH4, Hollyoaks'' – No Time at All


Compilations

* '' The Tip Sheet'' CD (UK 1994, 'Not Listening') * ''The Tip Sheet'' CD (UK 1994, 'Blind') * ''
Rough Trade Rough Trade may refer to: *Rough Trade (shops), London record stores *Rough Trade Records, a record label from the stores *Rough Trade Books, a publishing house from the label *Rough Trade (band), a Canadian new wave rock band * "Rough Trade" (''Am ...
Singles Club Vol.4'' CD (JAPAN 1994, 'Too Busy Thinking/Liar') * '' Pinaccle independent'' CD (UK 1994 'Not Listening') * '' In The City '96'' CD (UK 1996 'Feel Alright' (Demo) * ''Firkin Greats'' CD (UK 1997 V2 'This Is The Sound' (Single Version) * ''V2 Compilation'' CD (UK 1997 'Stay Ahead') * ''V2 Compilation'' CD (UK 1997 'Mr Wilson' (Demo) * ''Bewildered'' CD (UK 1997 'This Is The Sound') * ''The Knowledge'' CD (UK 1998 'Stay Ahead') * ''
Melody Maker ''Melody Maker'' was a British weekly music magazine, one of the world's earliest music weeklies; according to its publisher, IPC Media, the earliest. In January 2001, it was merged into "long-standing rival" (and IPC Media sister publicatio ...
'' In Car Stereo CD (UK 1998 'Stay Ahead') * ''The Speed of Sound'' CD (Ireland 1998 'This Is The Sound') * ''Hot Shots'' CD (Ireland 1998 S 'A House by the Hill') * ''
Mojo Mojo may refer to: * Mojo (African-American culture), a magical charm bag used in Hoodoo Arts, entertainment and media Film and television * ''Mojo'' (2017 film), a 2017 Indian Kannada drama film written and directed by Sreesha Belakvaadi * '' ...
Machine'' 4 (UK 1998 'Dig Like Merry Hell') * '' Q The Music 7'' CD (UK 1998 'Don't Let them Get You Down') * ''Club Hits 98/99'' CD (UK 1998 'Be What You Are') * '' A Bucketfull of Possibilities'' CD (UK 2004 'You Saved My Life Again Last Night' (Acoustic Version) * ''IPO Vol.6'' CD (US 2003 'Crashpad Number') * ''Pop Renaissance'' CD (Japan 2004, 'Be What You Are' (Alternate Mix) * ''Playlist'' CD (Ireland 2005 'Love Over Gold') * ''Radio Cookie Scene'' CD (Japan 2002 'Crashpad Number') * ''
NME ''New Musical Express'' (''NME'') is a British music, film, gaming and culture website, bimonthly magazine, and brand. Founded as a newspaper in 1952, with the publication being referred to as a "Rock music, rock inkie", the ''NME'' would be ...
Rock 'N Roll Riot'' CD (UK 2003 'Idiot World') * '' Uncut, Eight Miles High'' CD (UK 2003 'Crashpad Number') * ''Uncut, White Riot Vol.1'' CD (UK 2003 'London Calling') * ''Uncut, Tracks Inspired By Bob Dylan'' (UK 2004, 'Gates of Eden') * ''Uncut, Across The Great Divide'' CD (UK 2005 'No Time at All') * ''Uncut, Highway 61 Revisited...Revisited'' CD (UK 2005 'Tombstone Blues') * ''Five Way Street, A Tribute To Buffalo Springfield'' CD (US 2006, 'For What It's Worth') * ''Hearts on Fire, Sweet Relief 2'' CD (US 2010, 'Love Will Rule Our Hearts') * '' The Word, Now Hear This'' CD (UK 2011, 'Love Over Gold') * 20 years of Overthrow (Unofficial 3CD, 2023. "Crashpad Number")


References


External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Carroll, Marc 1972 births Living people 20th-century Irish male singers 20th-century Irish pianists 20th-century Irish bass guitarists 20th-century Irish singer-songwriters 21st-century Irish male singers 21st-century Irish pianists 21st-century Irish bass guitarists 21st-century Irish singer-songwriters Irish male singer-songwriters Irish male guitarists Irish male bass guitarists One Little Independent Records Musicians from Dublin (city) Irish keyboardists Irish male pianists 20th-century Irish guitarists 21st-century Irish guitarists