Power of Dreams

      Power of Dreams are a Dublin, Ireland based pop/rock band, built around the vocals and songwriting of Craig Walker.

      Career

      Power of Dreams released their critically acclaimed debut EP "A Little Piece of God" on Keith Cullen's London-based Setanta Records in 1989, while Craig Walker was still at school.[1] Following a six-figure bidding war between rival record labels, the band signed a deal with Polygram. In December 1989, the British music magazine NME picked Power of Dreams, along with others such as Carter USM and The Charlatans, as their 'stars of tomorrow'.[2]

      Their debut album, Immigrants, Emigrants and Me was released in 1990, receiving glowing reviews worldwide. The album sold well in France, Japan, the UK and Ireland. The band then embarked on a world tour, taking in more than 30 countries, including Japan and North America. The follow-up album, 2 Hell With Common Sense, was released two years later, produced by Dave Meegan and featuring a more powerful sound, helped by Ian Olney (ex-Cypress, Mine!) on guitar.

      Later albums were less successful in the UK/Ireland but the band retained a following in Japan. Third album Positivity was released in 1993, and further developed the sound introduced on their previous record. Power of Dreams then released their last album, Become Yourself, in 1994, before disbanding.

      Following the split Craig Walker and Ian Olney formed Pharmacy with Chris Pierce, and Morty McCarthy from The Sultans of Ping FC. Pharmacy released one single called "Shine". Subsequently, Craig Walker recorded three albums with Archive before releasing his debut album, Siamese, in 2009. Ian Olney has formed and performed in a number of bands including Temperance Union, Miracle Retreat and Red Atlas, and has been playing bass for Sultans of Ping since 2005. Keith Walker went on to front Paranoid Saints, The Ex-Kings and The Bollox.

      In November 2009, Power Of Dreams announced a reformation and tour to promote the 20th anniversary re-release of their first album (on 100% Music) in March 2010. Dates included London, Guildford, Oxford, Birmingham, Dundalk, Dublin and Cork.

      In December 2010, a further tour of Ireland took place with Sultans of Ping and The Frank and Walters. Dates included Dublin, Cork and Limerick. This supported the release of a compilation album, 1989: The Best Of Power Of Dreams, which included a new track.

      In March 2011, Keith Walker announced an amicable departure from the band. Craig Walker has continued to perform Power of Dreams material.[3] In December 2011 "Immigrants, Emigrants and Me" was featured in the book 101 Irish Records You Must Hear Before You Die.[4]

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      Discography

      Albums

      Singles

      • "A Little Piece Of God" (1989)
      • "100 Ways To Kill A Love" (1990) (#20 Ireland Charts)
      • "The Jokes on Me" (1990)
      • "Never Been To Texas" (1990)
      • "American Dream" (1991) (#22 Ireland Charts, #74 UK)
      • "Stay" (1990)
      • "Slowdown" (1992) (#22 Ireland Charts)
      • "There I Go Again" (1992) (#21 Ireland Charts, #65 UK)[5]
      • "Second Son EP" (1992)
      • "Cathy's World" (1993)
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      References

      1. ^ "Power Of Dreams interview | State Magazine". State.ie. Retrieved 2012-04-23. 
      2. ^ Tobler, John (1992). NME Rock 'N' Roll Years (1st ed.). London: Reed International Books Ltd. p. 463. CN 5585. 
      3. ^ "Power of Dreams official website – home". Powerofdreams.ie. 2010-02-28. Retrieved 2012-04-23. 
      4. ^ "101 Irish Records (You Must Hear Before You Die) - Tony Clayton-Lea". Liberties Press. Retrieved 2012-04-23. 
      5. ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 433. ISBN 1-904994-10-5. 
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      External links

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      Last modified on 31 May 2012, at 19:04