Siempre will include covers of The Moody Blues' 'Nights In White Satin' and Harry Nilson's 'Without You'.

Dude, they know it's Christmas time Duke Special has teamed up with a who's who of British and Irish indie artists for a Christmas album titled It's Not Like Christmas. The project, which is raising funds for the homeless charity Shelter includes a track by the Futureheads (recently dropped, inexplicably by their label) recording under the name The Joseph And Mary Chain. Also included on the 17-track album are the 747s, Kathryn Williams and Iain Archer.

Try, TriPod again Dublin's latest music venue, the TriPod on Harcourt St, finally opened last Friday with a Grandmaster Flash gig. Hooray!

The new Messiah Dublin hip-hop act Messiah J & The Expert, who recently released their new album Now This I Gotta Hear, are to support Leeds indie hopefuls The Sunshine Underground at the fourth Heineken Green Sphere in Limerick on Wednesday night. You can apply for the invite-only gig at www. heinekengreenspheres. ie.

An omen from Damien Damien Rice has been confirmed to perform a fifth series of Two Sounds:

Other Voices which will, as usual, be recorded in Dingle early next month and broadcast in the new year. The reclusive Rice (in what will be his only TV appearance this year) will be joined by Cerys Matthews as well as Director and other yet to be announced acts.

News, views and gratuitous plugs gratefully received at ndunphy@tribune. ie