On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Ron Sexsmith, Canadian singer, songwriter, master melodist, and one of the most quietly revered writers of his generation. From discovering a dusty box of records under his family stereo as a child, from doo-wop, Johnny Cash, The Everly Brothers, and Buddy Holly’s It Doesn’t Matter Anymore. Ron’s lifelong relationship with song began early. That Buddy Holly record, in particular, ignited something profound: melody, mortality, and the magic of songwriting all colliding at once. From there came The Beatles, The Kinks, Elton John, country music, Leonard Cohen and, ultimately, Gordon Lightfoot, the songwriter who showed him that you didn’t have to be a rock star to move people.

You could just stand still and sing the truth. We talk about the moment everything changed at 21, when becoming a father sparked a songwriting frenzy that led to Speak with the Angel and set his career in motion. Ron reflects on finding his own voice over time, a voice fully realised by the time of Retriever, and the craft behind his songs: the structural worries, the demoing process, knowing when a lyric has said enough, and why he still believes in the album as a complete, living statement. We also dive into his fiercely independent “no co-writing” rule for his own records, his deep admiration for writers like Ray Davies and Gilbert O’Sullivan,

From touring relentlessly to curating deeply personal tribute shows to Gordon Lightfoot and Warren Zevon, Ron remains as devoted to the song as ever, whether it’s his own or one he carries entirely from memory, lyric for lyric, as part of what he jokingly calls his “savant” superpower.

Join us as we talk to Ron about melody, memory, songwriting discipline, album-making, missed label opportunities, and the thread that runs through a body of work spanning decades, a songwriter growing older, wiser, and still chasing the perfect song.

Let Christy Take It are proud to bring you Ron Sexsmith.

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Photo Credit: Kerry Vergeer

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Marky Ramone, drummer, songwriter, and former member of one of the most influential bands in music history, the Ramones. Emerging from the gritty punk scene of 1970s New York, the Ramones helped redefine rock music with their fast, loud, and unapologetically direct sound. As a key member of the band during both their classic and later years, Marky was behind the kit on some of their most celebrated recordings and relentless world tours, helping to cement the Ramones reputation as one of the greatest live bands of all time. Their legacy was later recognised with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, acknowledging their lasting impact on generations of artists and fans. Beyond the Ramones, Marky’s musical journey has included time with bands such as Dust and Richard Hell and the Voidoids, as well as a lifelong dedication to drumming, touring, and keeping punk rock’s spirit alive. He’s also the author of the memoir Punk Rock Blitzkrieg, where he tells the story of his life in music. Join us as we talk to Marky about the raw early days at CBGB’s, meeting Jimi Hendrix as a teenager, life on the road with the Ramones, the challenges and triumphs of staying sober in the middle of chaos, and the deep friendships that shaped the band, as well as his ongoing mission to keep the Ramones music alive for future generations, including his upcoming Dublin show where fans can expect a full throttle, 35-song Ramones set, played exactly as it was meant to be heard.

Let Christy Take It are proud to bring you Marky Ramone

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On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Craig Finn, American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and frontman of the acclaimed indie rock band The Hold Steady. Raised in Minnesota and now based in New York City, Craig first made his mark leading the ’90s Minneapolis indie outfit Lifter Puller, before forming The Hold Steady in 2003. With his band’s rich blend of rock driven guitar work and vivid, character centric storytelling, they quickly earned critical acclaim and a loyal global fanbase across nine studio albums. Craig’s lyrical style, dense, evocative, and deeply human has made him one of rock’s most compelling voices of his generation. Beyond his work with The Hold Steady, Craig has built a strong solo career, releasing a run of acclaimed albums, most recently Always Been, where his narrative songwriting is brought to the forefront through carefully crafted songs. This January, Craig performs at Whelan’s in Dublin on the 27th, offering audiences a chance to experience his storytelling and songs up close in a venue that has long been at the heart of Dublin city’s live music scene. Join us as we talk to Craig about his journey from Minneapolis to New York, the evolution of his songwriting, his life in music with The Hold Steady and as a solo artist, and what keeps him inspired on the road and in the studio.

Let Christy Take It are proud to bring you, Craig Finn.

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On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Mark Shaw, vocalist, songwriter, and frontman of the acclaimed British band Then Jerico. Formed in London in the mid 80s, Then Jerico became known for their emotive rock sound, soaring melodies, and electrifying live performances. With Mark’s distinctive voice and heartfelt songwriting at the centre of it all, the band delivered iconic tracks such as “Big Area,” “The Motive,” and “Sugar Box,” earning both chart success and a devoted fanbase across the UK and beyond. Following the band’s original run, Mark has continued to write and perform, both with Then Jerico in various incarnations and as a solo artist. His ongoing work reflects a deep commitment to honest, passionate music making, connecting with fans old and new while carrying forward the spirit that made the band a defining voice of their era. Join us as we talk to Mark about the early days of Then Jerico, the making of those unforgettable songs, his evolution as an artist, and the creative journey that continues to drive him today.

Let Christy Take It are proud to bring you Mark Shaw.

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On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Mark Kermode. Film critic, broadcaster, author, and lifelong musician. Widely regarded as one of the most respected and passionate voices in contemporary cinema, Mark has spent decades shaping how audiences engage with film through his broadcasting, writing, and criticism. Known for his honesty, insight, wit, and infectious enthusiasm, he has championed cinema in all its forms. Alongside his work in film, Mark has never not been in a band, maintaining a constant connection to music throughout his life, from "The Dodge Brothers" to the "The Gang of Three", bringing the same energy, curiosity, and commitment to the stage that defines his work in broadcasting and writing. Join us as we talk to Mark about his journey as a film critic, a lifetime spent in bands, the relationship between music and cinema, and his enduring love for performance in all its forms.

Let Christy Take It are proud to bring you Mark Kermode.

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On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Paul Cleary, vocalist, songwriter, and frontman of the legendary Dublin City band The Blades. Formed in the late 1970s, The Blades became one of the most beloved bands to emerge from Ireland’s post-punk and new wave era. Known for their sharp songwriting, Dublin storytelling, and undeniable energy, the band earned a devoted following with classic tracks such as “Ghost of a Chance,” “Hot for You,” and “Downmarket.” With Paul’s instantly recognisable voice and street-level poetry at the centre of it all, The Blades created songs that captured a time, a place, and a generation. Following the band’s original run, Paul has continued to write and perform, releasing solo material and revisiting The Blades’ catalogue through occasional reunions and live performances that remain as powerful and relevant as ever. His work stands as a vital chapter in the story of Irish music, influencing countless artists who followed. Join us as we talk to Paul about the early Dublin scene, the rise and legacy of The Blades, the stories behind those iconic songs, and his enduring love for music and songwriting. Let Christy Take It are proud to bring you Paul Cleary

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On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Eddie Lundon, guitarist, songwriter, and co-founder of the legendary Liverpool band China Crisis. Formed in the early 1980s, China Crisis quickly became known for their sophisticated blend of new wave, pop, and atmospheric soundscapes. With Eddie’s distinctive guitar work and melodic sensibility at the heart of the band, China Crisis achieved both critical and commercial success, delivering era-defining hits such as “Wishful Thinking,” “Black Man Ray,” and “King in a Catholic Style.” Their music remains a touchstone of the decade, celebrated for its emotional depth and elegant production. Beyond the band’s classic catalogue, Eddie has continued to perform, write, and tour internationally, keeping the spirit and legacy of China Crisis alive for new and longtime fans alike. His ongoing work showcases the same thoughtful craftsmanship and understated charm that have always defined his artistic approach. Join us as we talk to Eddie about the early days in Liverpool, the making of those iconic albums, the stories behind China Crisis’s biggest songs, and his creative journey from the band’s beginnings to the present day.

Let Christy Take It is proud to bring you Eddie Lundon.

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On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Paul Page, guitarist, songwriter, and founding member of one of Ireland’s most influential bands, Whipping Boy. Formed in Dublin in the late ’80s, Whipping Boy were known for their raw intensity, emotional honesty, and unforgettable live shows. Paul’s distinctive guitar sound helped define the band’s landmark 1995 album Heartworm, a record that’s become a cornerstone of Irish music. Heartworm was voted the seventh best Irish album of all time in a 2005 Hot Press poll, and in 2013 it even topped Phantom FM’s list of the Top 50 Irish Albums of All Time. Fast forward to today, and Paul’s embarked on an exciting new chapter with The Sentimental Tourists, his collaboration with Dave Long from Into Paradise. Their self-titled debut EP, released earlier this year, showcases a more reflective and melodic side to Paul’s songwriting, while still carrying that unmistakable emotional depth and edge that fans have always connected with. In this episode, we chat to Paul about the early days of Whipping Boy, the creative spark behind Heartworm, and how The Sentimental Tourists came to life after all these years.

Let Christy Take It is proud to bring you Paul Page

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