Women of melodies

Dearest,

It has been much too long, and yet no time at all. I have missed your glowing face and your lilting, musical tones. The way you are wise beyond your years, yet fresh and laughing, anew, with each rise and fall of the sun.

Oh, Internet, let us never part again.

Yours,

Rachel.

.... Yes, I am on the line once more. No more work computer reliance or eye dysfunctions from using my telephone. And as a gift, here are some pretty darn beautiful melodies that I am rejoicing in of late.


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Laura Jean



Beautiful 2011 album that shows the continuous bloom that is Miss Laura Jean and her brilliant band. Putting together a haunting yet strong album, A Fool Who'll is melancholic folk with a backbone, with crescendos in all the right places.

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Lizzie Huffman

 Lizzie Huffman - Pretty Old Soul Streaming Player by Suburban Home Records

A new friend put me onto Lizzie. Seattle based, I think the name of her latest offering says it all. She does sound like an old soul. One to watch, i'll keep you posted.

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Jen Buxton



This. Album. I can't actually stop playing it. She has an earthy, infectious quality to her voice and an ability to tell a story. If you buy one album for a person for Christmas, make it this one. Available through Poison City Records.

 You And I Are Past Our Dancing Days by dearbennichols

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Tonight is female songstress evening it seems.

Waxing lyrical.

Good evening non-existent audience.

This week has been one of auspicious dates, suspicious clouds, tremendous plans and wondrous songwriters.

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I finally saw Mr Conor Oberst in Bright Eyes form at The Hifi last Thursday eve. Although (not surprisingly) a little disappointing in festival format at Harvest on Saturday, he delivered a pretty stellar 2.5 hour set that got all the indie kids nostalgic for 2004. Some new, some old, the time passed all-too-quickly but all left with a sense that you had seen someone who had a proper grip of the poetry of songwriting. Yes, I even enjoyed the new songs! Believe it friends! The reoccurring themes of death, self-deprecation, love and loneliness were present as ever, but he somehow still knows how to captivate and keep the interest of a packed house.

Although, as a suave-hatted harvest festival attendee observed, where does one go once you are too successful to authentically write the angsty songs that ironically made you famous?

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This evening saw a different crowd and a completely different venue, but still featured an acclaimed songwriter and the theme of death and ressurection.

Nick Drake, one of the many incredible musicians who never saw fame within their lifetime, has produced 3 of the most influential and sweetly heart-haunting records to ever come out of the English folk scene. No, England. His songs endure as classics, and I will count them among my favourites forevermore. And so, how fortunate that I had the pleasure of seeing THESE artists present his music in the Melbourne Recital Centre. It actually made me cry a little when they played Rider on the Wheel (shut it, I am a sissy, ok?).

The take home points are:

1. Listen to Nick Drake. Now. Go.

2. Look up an amazing lady named Krystle Warren.

3. Buy yourself Luluc's new album. I did, and it is beautiful. (On a side note, I saw them whilst on travels to NYC... oh the chances!)

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I think that is all I have time for. The internet is running low, and sleep should come eventually.

PS. The Flaming Lips. That is all.

Oh hello.

Hello Internets. How have you been? Sorry I haven't called, I've just been really busy with, you know, things. It sure isn't you, I promise. You're looking nice by the way.

Thought I would review a few of the albums that have been making my ears happy of late.

No one gets lost anymore - The Smith St Band

Welcome to my favourite Melbourne band of the moment. A well-oiled machine that has the mind of an old backyard bard, a sturdy heartbeat of punk rock and the soul of Melbourne as the sun comes up over the eclectic northern suburbs. This also has the privilege of being the last album to be recorded at the our beloved Arthouse, and it pays perfect homage to all those that went before. Stand-out tracks include Sigourney Weaver (...something inside of me, trying to get out..!), When I was a boy I thought I was a fish and Get High, See Mice.

They created a frenzy at the Tote for last weekend's Poison City Weekender (three of the best days in recent memory)... and if you weren't there, I HIGHLY recommend not missing them next time.

The Riptide - Beirut

I wasn't sure quite where to start with Beirut. I'm sure I don't need to hammer home what a unique and beautiful talent they are, and this album is no different. Complex yet whimsical, the juxtaposition of upbeat horns with sparse haunting vocals, it is an album of hopeful change. In the best way my words can put it, it is one of those albums that my heartbeat slows and quickens to stay in time. Enjoyed most in headphones and contemplation, give it a spin and let me know what you think.

And if you like it, purchase it. The packaging feels amazing! Odd compliment yes, but just trust me til you lay your hands on.

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More to follow including my thoughts on the new Chuck Ragan, Felice Brothers, Bridge & Tunnel as well as all the beautiful fun happenings around town of recent times.

Don't make it so long next time, Internets. I missed you.

In the wake of the quake

Here's hoping that these tunes rock a little harder than the earth did in windy wunderland Melbourne this week.

Isobell Campbell & Mark Lanegan

Belle & Sebastian sweetheart Isobell Campbell and grungetastic tree screaming legend Mark Lanegan. Together. Recorded across the Atlantic. Hawk was released in the latter half of 2010, and is a pop album with interesting twists and turns into folk, country and rock n roll. Campbell's voice has the same eerie ethereal quality that made me love B&S and Lanegan's earthy growl balances beautifully. Plus there is a cameo by everyone's favourite pot-smoker, Willie Nelson.

Worth more than just one listen.

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Adalita

My nineties queen. This one is for JuJu.

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Beirut

New single from the upcoming album The Riptide. Getting hype already, and well deserved in my opinion.

Beirut - East Harlem by Revolver USA

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Mike Noga

Its Mike Noga. Need I say more? He is playing this Saturday at The Corner, but I won't be there because I will be at...... (scroll down, fool).

M'Belle by Mike Noga

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Ty Segall

New album Goodnight Bread is out now! And playing at The Tote on Saturday! I am quite excited.

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Night, friend.

Things that go bump in the night.. and the day.

So I have another job, so this has gotten in the way of the postings of my musical musings. Also, the fact that my computer has given up on living has not helped. So, I have borrowed a Ferrari of sorts and here we are.

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Big Scary and The Grates @ The Corner Hotel

I do admit I have never been a HUGE Grates fan, and was a little apprehensive when my dear blister asked me to accompany her on Saturday eve. My fears heightened when I read that Alana, my favourite member of the band, had flown the coop in favour of different pastures (touring with Neil Finn... I cannot blame her). So there I was, curious and not alone, at the Corner last night.

To my pleasant surprise, the support act was Big Scary, the Melbourne twosome who released four wonderful seasonal EPs last year. I had not caught them live yet, and now I can confirm them as one of my favourite acts getting around. They have an eclectic setlist which I'm sure will not fit with every taste, but their diverse sound is held together by a tight sound and a joyful energy. I am also in awe/love with their quirkily wondrous drummer Jo. She has inspired me to take up MORE instruments.

Big Scary by bigscary

I love The Apple Song, Hamilton and Tuesday is Rent Day, but they are all magic.

The Grates came on at about an hour to the witching hour (I use witch clock now, it's more accurate) and from the outset showed me a new side that I had not experienced. With two new additions and a sound that was eerily reminiscent of early Magic Dirt and Adalita in her glory days, it was the quirk that defined them with a new, grunge-edge. Patience is still the bouncing ball of energy that defined them in their early live sets, and had the crowd eating out of her tiny, beautiful hands in no time. All in all, I was very pleasantly surprised, and have borrowed their new album Secret Rituals, ready for a new era of female-fronted Australian rock n'roll.

I LOVE this new one. And Patience. Na na na na ooooo.

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Reclink Community Cup @ Elsternwick Park

If you have not already heard, once a year there is a magical day when those who were never meant to be allowed on a football field are set loose, and a rock n'roll frenzy begins. The PBS Megahurtz are a motley crue of radio DJs from across Melbourne's fine RRR and PBS stations (plus a few guests) and the Espy Rockdogs are a collection of local muso's who pull on the socks in order to raise funds for a good cause.

This afternoon Elsternwick Park was overrun with old and young alike, families, dogs, streakers, drunkards, thinkers, players and friends. The likes of the great Tim Rogers, my favourite aria winner Dan Sultan and the vivacious Dan Luscombe led the Rockdogs to a resounding win, though the Megahurtz put up a valiant fight despite their lack of any football skill whatsoever.

(The greatest frontman Australia has produced... playing up forward.)

Highlight was indeed the ending of the day by You Am I playing in the grandstand, Rogers and co. still in great form despite any injuries sustained on the field. All this hilarity and good ol' fashioned fun for a five dollar donation to a worthy charity? Sundays are dandy.

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So that's that for this week. I'll leave you with a pretty beautiful little clip from Big Scary.

Rock an' rollabilly

So I think I may have found the genre that has been missing from my eclectic collection,

Crazy evil preacher rockabilly.

He is playing at NSC on the 28th, I will be there with my dancing shoes on.

Speaking of,

I was at YahYahs on Friday (surprise surprise) and had the darndest good time with local wonders, Midnight Woolf. And I love this clip... especially the dancing guy with glasses.

And lastly, but not leastly... a trip back to one of my favourite releases of 2009.
SO HAPPY.

Bye.

So I kinda blew up my computer...

Well, kinda. It is trying to Benjamin Button itself... faaaantastic.

Q: How am I writing this you ask?

A: Magic. (true)

I suppose I brought it on myself. NO. Actually I'm going to blame this wonderous blog -

http://spacerockmountain.blogspot.com/

Go. Go and listen to its many wonders. Just don't try and download them all at once. They share my appreciation of Ty Segall and garage punk in all its forms. Especially try Moonhearts, Beat Happening and Soledad Brothers. But everything there is worth a spin. If you like King Khan, Segall or any of the above, delve away.

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Also, Sydneysider Jack Ladder has just uploaded his new effort to Soundcloud. Part Nick Cave, part Matt Berninger, part horror country (my favourite genre), part dark wave jesus & mary chainesque.... its all parts interesting.

Listen here.

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And Anchors new album, Bad Juju, is out now... and streaming here. Its great, and they have a song called Buscemi... which in the face of this recent onslaught of these delightful pictures, I think is well overdue.

Ps. Untitled IS a cover of Us by Regina Spektor. Wonderous.

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And a rant to finish with. Slightly off-topic, but someone has to listen to me.

http://tiny.cc/mm1u2

I CANNOT STAND THESE ADS.

If there is one certain thing in this crazy universe, it is that we do not need any more people glorifying stupidity. Smart is creative, adventurous, curious, questioning, quantifying, optimistic and powerful. Allowing society to label you so that you can label yourself and to take decision-making out of your hands is the first step in creating a world without critical thinking.

And that is scary.

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Goodnight. By tomorrow my computer will be a black screen with green writing. Maybe I can play Pieces of Eight again?

Awoohoo.

So ridiculously catchy.

Download here, but if you love it, support away.

I think that you will like me, if I just keep asking you to.

Remember how I love ridiculously cute Scottish twee-pop?

You don't?

Well, I do.

Also, I love 17year old New Zealander multi-instrumentalists.

Its not weird.

I wish I was that talented. Bet he doesn't have a small music blog that a handful of people read though... ha HA!

Through the joy of Bandcamp, download these, both.

Winter Wunderland

So its June hey? And the sun has still been a feature all week (although as I type this I think I am invoking some kind of ironical clouding over of the sky. Sorry. Its my fault Melbourne... but you can't silence me!). The internationals have decided to give me a small break from the relentless touring over the last couple of months, so I have caught my breath, got out the extra blanket for the bed and gone a' adventuring on the internets.

White Suede

Rock'n rollers prick up your ears. White Suede have put on the blue smooth textured fabric shoes, written some sweet pop tunes and added just a hint of soul. The clever Canadians have just released their debut album Animal Man, and I for one think it is just the thing for a Saturday afternoon that evolves into night, or a cheeky weekday dance. It is full of soulful optimism (Back by the River), lets out its proverbial animal side (Cold Kids) and yet maintains a folkish, playful sound that comes across in many northern indie releases. Just listen to Colourblind below and then go and donate them some money and download this beauty.

Lanie Lane

I went to a ol' fashioned letter writing event last week, hosted by the lovely Claire Bowditch, which got me investigating her upcoming tour, which led me to this beauty. Lanie Lane is a unique voice, talented musician and stunner in a 50s A-line print. Having played with the likes of Justin Townes Earle amongst others, my ears are excited about the impending Winter Secrets tour. Have a look.

Bon Iver, Bon Iver

Thanks to the ineptitude or sneakiness of Itunes, Justin Vernon's new self-titled release was leaked last week to the joy of many internerds. So once I was un-shaped (thanks idiots from upstairs, I KNOW IT WAS YOU) I joined the masses to illegally have a listen before it hits stores.

Truthfully, I was not impressed upon first listen. Gone are the crackly aesthetics and bare-boned heartbreak, and I honestly couldn't separate the synth on the final track, Beth/Rest, from a Celine Dion offering. I was ready to give it a thumbs down, but something stopped me. I listened again, and again, and now, well I'm not so sure.

Yes, it is different. Yes, now he has been inside a studio with money, and you can definitely hear that. But tracks like the opener Perth, and the haunting Holocene let you know that he has not lost the ability to pull on the heartstrings. He deftly combines all that is at his disposal and creates an album that soars higher, is more complex but is not overproduced. It is a fitting second release, and it shows that For Emma was not a fluke, but that Vernon is a very talented composer.

Jury is still out on the last track, but I reckon he'll be acquitted due to the strength of the rest of the evidence, *Bang of gavel*.

Download Bon Iver Holocene

Album Review: Marcus Teague - Single Twin

Ah, the moment i've been waiting for.

Single Twin debut album.

Single Twin is Marcus Teague's solo project from his no-more band Deloris. His debut album is called Marcus Teague. Self-involved? No. Reflective? Yes.

From the moment I heard 'Came Home Dead' on a music blog last year, I fell in love with Teague's voice, bare boned and the standout protagonist on the track. It is the type of song you put on late at night and can feel with each breath in and out, emanating from your fingers and toes.

Now it is surrounded by a family of similarly haunting compositions, each carefully crafted and yet allowed to develop naturally. Teague himself has admitted that recording finger-picked acoustic guitar on Garageband almost impossible to edit, so most of what you hear is as it was, go to whoah.

Highlights include the beautifully banjo led 'Dirty Sleeves In The Salty Water', meloncholy filled 'My Silken Tooth', the swaggering apocalyptic sounds of 'Wandering' and and of course 'Came Home Dead'.

Wandering by singletwin

Available through bandcamp, and i'm pretty sure if you send Mr. Teague an email he will send you one as well.

Also, check out Teague's track by track here.

http://singletwin.bandcamp.com/

http://www.facebook.com/singletwin

Just a few heroes of mine

Hello gentle readers, this is too good, to be true,

for there's a girl in Melbourne city,

who met her favourite... band.

Whoops, it doesn't rhyme. AND its blatant plagiarism. More on plagiarism later though.

This week has been wild and woolly, so I gathered together a collection of gigs that would combat the winter madness.

Lost and Lonesome label showcase @ The Workers Club

The Workers (former shiny, shiny Rob Roy) has transformed into a very hipcat venue of late, but with a lot of substance. Quirky wallpaper and unisex toilets aside, I love the effort and thought that is put into their band bookings, their lovely staff and support of local acts.

Combine this with Lost and Lonesome, the sweetest independent record company you could hope to come across, who have a large base of bands who love pop music in all its forms. What do you get? A lovely Wednesday evening, that's what.

I may have missed the first act due to my slowness at eating, but came in time for a quick beer and a boogie with Melbourne darlings Mid State Orange, Louis Richter's original band before he was kidnapped and made to join the Lucksmiths. Guest star this evening included Mark Monnone on bass, and with my eagle eyes spotting Marty Donald in the audience, 3/4 of the Lucksmiths were in the same room as me. Hooray! MSO were my pick of the evening, just, for their catchy hooks, melodies and downright happy goodtimes. Sitting somewhere between The Magic Numbers and the Beach Boys, I was quite happy to lounge and listen.

Our international act of the evening were two piece Yellowfever, hailing from good ol' Texas... they made for a beautiful set. Crossing between guitar, keyboard and percussion effortlessly, they that cruisey, laidback vibe that Austin, Tx seems to emanate from every pore of its being, with a hint of Californian surf rock.

Last but certainly not least was the rock n roll sweetness of The Harpoons, who have the tiniest lead-singer with the biggest amount of soul I have ever seen. You could not help but twist and shake to their soulful, offbeat Motown inspired tunes.

PS. I got to speak to a Mark and Louis! My life is pretty much complete.

Propagandhi @ The Corner

What is punk rock without politics? What is Canada without Propagandhi?

Nutty, in both cases. But with their powers combined, the room moshed and threw their fists in the air of injustice at the Corner hotel on Thursday evening.

Propagandhi were in the early wave of skate punks, and differentiated themselves on issues such as veganism, religion and refugees. Never wavering from their ideals, just growing up, they are now a quarter of a century old, still cutely Canadian and still making fast punk rock that teaches you something.

With oldies from 'Less Talk More Rock', and even a track from my favourite, their debut 'How to Clean Everything' thrown in with brand new songs from their new record, it was a fun, powerful evening. How punk rock should be... it made me feel like I could take on the world.

Colin Hay @ The Corner

So, you have heard that Men at Work got sued for plagiarism? One up side to this farce of stupidity and greed is that Colin Hay is back on tour to pay for it!

The Corner Hotel was last night transformed into an ocean of young and young at heart hearts that all beat in the same meloncholic folky rhythms. As with anything of substance, the meaning was between the lines, in the stories he told of when Paul McCartney invited himself to dinner, of Scotland's national pastime of golf and violence, of his father's old record store and growing up in Melbourne. He is a natural balladeer and storyteller, and is so much more than a one hit 80s synth wonder.

Just one man on a stage with his guitar, he looked weary yet wise in his blue satin vest, somewhat how I imagine old father time or the ocean personified would look if they were standing in front of me. Yes, he did play that song, but it was not the highlight nor did he intend it to be. The entire evening was a continuous dialogue, whether in song, word, the little silences or the quips from the crowd he held transfixed.

If you have not listened to Colin's beautiful solo recordings, do yourself a favour. But more than that, see him live if you ever get the chance. He is a larriken, yet a gentle soul, and this doesn't come across in all his recordings. He is best when he just is.

Pretty good week huh? I'm glad the world still stands. Aren't you?

Dance 'til the devil comes

So the angels be stompin',

their trumpets are howlin',

the skies are as dark as a black horse's mane.

So the world is a' endin',

I just keep dancin'.

Please lord don't take me, I have a brain.

Dance, dance 'til the devil comes.

And when he does, he'll swing a cat or two.

For he and I, we see eye to eye.

Life is too short to take anybody's cue.

Coppola said

there ain't no time but now,

the four steeds are on their way.

And try as they might,

they can't see the light,

to them I wish to say:

Dance, dance 'til the devil comes.

And when he does, he'll swing a cat or two.

For he and I, we see eye to eye.

Life is too short to take anybody's cue.

Incapacitated capacitators part 2

Memphis

New album from the man who brings you Stars (Canadian indie-pop), Here Comes a City is a beautiful melancholic pop album. I can't help but smile from my tummy and cry in my brain, at the same time. Slightly Death Cab in parts, but more restrained and beautiful in it's complexities, it is a grower.

http://www.iheartmusic.net/mp3/Memphis-Wait.mp3

Anchors

Local Melbourne punks, with a clean, melodic hardcore sound. Looking forward to hearing their album in full very soon. Playing this Friday at the Tote with Grenadiers from Radelaide. See you there.

Frederik Teige

Brilliant Danish uber-talent that not only has time to create such beautiful things as these:

http://frederikteige.tumblr.com/

But also this:

Really thoughtful, unique and inspiring tunes. Having been part of the Efterklang gang since '07, Teige has taken this and created a worldly yet wintery sound, each track lending a different side to his personality, yet each having a certain something that resonates and keeps his debut LP together. Have a listen, have a download and donate to keep this voice in business.

Well, that's about that for today.

OH!

Ps. New Wagons.

I Blew It by WagonsMusic

Get on board the proverbial... oh you know what.

Incapacitated capacitators Part 1

So i'm stuck at home having overreached myself pursuiting sports yesterday and therefore I am shuffling literally, internetically and musically! And making up words, I'm doing that too.

Sun Wizard

Enjoying the heck out of this album this morning/week. Gritty sound, well structured without losing its lo-fi edge, its a fun pop record with depth. My current favourite track is the final, Buildings, but its all growing on me by the minute.

Graveyard Train (AGAIN!)

I know I'm beating a well-worn drum here, but do get on this engine before it departs the station. The Hifi extravaganza on Friday was incredible, a sell-out crowd and according to my secret sources the American agent was there, which is great news and good omens for their upcoming US tour in a month or so.

Played my favourite song, Ballad for Beezlebub, which made my night. Make yours and watch the clip.

More later, I have to go and ironically see an Osteopath. Can't fix myself! BArghsg.

Better late than never... here lies BOOGIE.

Easter,

a time for reflection and repentance? Or rock and or roll?

...

That isn't even a question is it? Technically it has a question mark, so yes it is, but YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN.

Good Friday saw the convoy set off from 3070 to the tiny town of Tallarook, about 1.5 hours on the Hume. Past the pub, under the bridge, take a left, get conf

used, do a U-turn, do another U-turn, go past the horizon and you're there. Boogie, numero 5.

Stunning weekend made even better by new friends, old friends, guitars, bars, bonfires, drunken rockstars and stars. Oh the stars. I forget how much I miss being able to see past the smog until I do.

(The Felice Brothers)

Highlights included the incredible Felice Brothers, who headlined the Friday's festivities, who travelled all the way from New York. Beginning their career as buskers in the NYC subway, these boys have a lot of soul thrown into their bluesy, folky tunes. With a new album 'Celebration, Florida' on the way, do yourself a favour and get 'Yonder is the Clock', their offering from 2009. It is wonderous, start to finish... a real heartstopper.

Saturday brought the viking might of Barbarion, the country beebop fun of Chris Altmann, the surprise packets of the early morning Money for Rope (2 drum kits, incredible fun) and of course the sheer stupidity and fun of BOXWARS! If you have not had the pleasure, youtube it. Grown men, a shitload of cardboard and all out mayhem. Incredible.

(You Am I)

And of course, the greatest frontman Australia has ever produced (don't fight me on this, cause I will win) Timmy Rogers was there Sunday night, in the best form I have seen in years. Excited, playing Big Star, Alice Cooper and Replacements covers as well as all the oldies you know and love... this was the You Am I fell for years ago. Oh! And how can I possibly leave out the Graveyard Train, wolf-howlin horror country hoedown? I can't, and now I haven't.

(Graveyard Train)

Truthfully, there wasn't a bad point. Good food, the most organised camp I have ever camped with (cocktails, anyone?), bonfire singalongs.... wow. I'm heading back again every year. Logical brain me didn't quite understand the point of 'boogie bucks', the currency for the weekend, but frivolous me said, shut up, have a beer and dance.

So I did.

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Beautiful images care of the triple threat, Dr Carmen Marom. OR is that quadruple now that you are a Doc?

Also this.

INCREDIBLE video made by some Melbourne folks.

Enjoy.

Mother, May I have a lil' country obsession?

May already. Can't quite believe it.

The wheels are rollin' along, and that suits me just fine. See me, just running behind the second to last carriage of that ol' train o' life with some mangy dogs? I'm catching up, doing it stupidly and having fun whilst trying.

Here are some things that I really like this week.

Corin Raymond

Sweet country-folk from Canadia, Corin is a small town poet who has hit the road and hasn't stopped running. I like its honesty, its playfullness and optimism at the core. I'm a sucker for a boy with a guitar, a travelling soul and a heart full of tales, 'cause that's what I want to be, just without the boy part.

Eric Bibb

Picked up his new CD this week, burnt off my mother (thanks for the tunes/dinner/raising me... consider this mention your mother's day present). I saw him at a Port Fairy folk festival a few years back, and this album has a beautiful version of one of my favourite songs (The Cape by Guy Clark) as well as a myriad of others. Put it on your headphones and dream away.

I could put up every song I listen to on the tube.. so just spend a few hours as I have... you won't regret it.

Chris Altmann

One of my favourites from Boogie. Playing his last show ever in Melbourne this Saturday. Get along lil' doggies. Canada, get on this. I danced like a madwoman. I am slightly mad, so this isn't much of a jump.. but hey, he is still pretty darn cool.

Graveyard Train

Ever wondered what kind of music would be played at a southern country werewolf-mummy-zombie fight? Look no further than Horror-Country pioneers, Graveyard Train. GO TO THE HIFI THIS FRIDAY, album launch, I will be there (this is no incentive, don't worry, I won't talk to you I promise) and enjoy the chain-janglin', washboard-scrapin', wolf-howlin' horror fest.

So I seem to have gained a country twang this week.

Y'all come back now.

Punks not dead

What a bittersweet week.

I get home from my new favourite festival (more news on that later), the bombers lost and I have spent the last two nights at my favourite punk venue which is closing forever on Sunday.

The Arthouse is in its final week of shows before shutting its doors for the last time on May 1. All week bands have graced the small stage and thanked those who have made it possible for a scene to survive and thrive for the last 20 years. People have reminisced about the good times, the times when a homeless man got his junk out, the long nights and longer days after, the relationships that began there (a patient met his current girlfriend there 12 years ago, through mutual metal bands... ah love!) and the small bands that became legends in that pretty purple place.

Wednesday night saw The Nation Blue headline a fantastically frantic evening, sold out and not a dull moment to be found. Paper Arms, my favourite Adelaideians, opened the night with a solid performance. I stand by their 2010 album 'Days Above Ground' as one of the top local releases of last year and they consistently deliver live. They are currently writing and are due to record late this year, so look out for something new early 2012 perhaps. Sydneysiders Lungs came second, (also another fanstastic record from last year) but the greatest reception had to be for local boys Death in the Family, the band who pretty much lives, works and plays at the Arty. It was about then that the reality that this dirty place would no longer be here next week. There was a lot of love in every loud, fast tune pumped out by hometown heroes.

Thursday saw a blast from the past find their way home, BODYJAR! I personally had forgotten how much fun these guys are, and they certainly had an appreciation for a venue that raised them to the heights that they hit. Ably supported by Away from Now, Melbourne hardcore punks, and Daysworth Fighting, local up and comers, the night was a success, the crowd went wild. I did feel bad for the first few stage divers, as they caught the front line unawares and ate dirt... but they didn't seem to feel it, and it didn't stop a thing.

So that's 2 of 3. I am back in those friendly walls this Saturday to see HBLOCK101 who are playing the final set ever. There will be blood, sweat and tears.. and I will feel privileged to be there. If you aren't doing anything Sunday afternoon, come down for last drinks. A few beers to send off the greatest punk/hardcore/alternative venue that Melbourne has seen.

Punks not dead, but the Arty will be. Rest in pieces.

oh, and an easter present.

The Pains of Being Pure At Heart - Heart In Your Heartbreak by Slumberland Records

New record from those who brought you their pretty awesome self-titled offering a few years back. Check it out.

AND.

Canadians. Got to love them.

Love from the easter slow lumbering bear. Bunnies are so out.

Good Friday, indeed.

Sayonara, bitches.

(tell you all about it soon, I PROMISE)

From a far away isle.

So, I finally unpacked further and discovered that I had some albums yet unlistened to from the great jaunt OS. I developed a stupid habit of purchasing albums wherever I went, which was not convenient as I could not listen to them whilst on the road. BUT NOW, I am excited and have much new music.

Here is a lovely lady named Lisa O'Neill.

Lisa O'Neill - I'm Gonna Get Me To The Road by MondoManagement

I picked this up in a tiny store in Dublin on recommendation by a new friend. It is a dreamy folk album that is sweet in its simplicity, yet has layers that you pick up on each consecutive listen. With a distinctive voice in the vein of a Newsom or Torrini, Lisa takes the joy and honesty of irish folk music and adds a quirky, nursery rhyme feel to it.

Recommended!

The record stays still, whilst the world revolves around it.

And just a little something about tomorrow.

It is World Record Store day! Started in the good ol USA in 2007, Melbourne is firmly embracing its love of 3 things: music, Saturdays and the proclaimation of something as a "_____Day".

Many many things are happening.. so please get along to your local and support them by buying a cassette or two. But if you have the day off, and feel like having an adventure, these things are happening:

• Polyester is having a big sale (15% off storewide) as well as RRR outside broadcast from its fitzroy store, and a bunch of instore performances from the likes of Mick Turner (woo!) and Oscar & Martin, as well as a huge bunch of special releases. Get in early to get some Grinderman vinyl,, and get me one too as i'll be at work.

• Basement discs in the city are having a GLORIOUS day of instores, with Jeff Lang, Cash Savage, Little John, The Wolffgram Sisters and many more. Henry Wagons will be around, there will be a music quiz, specials and fun. Starts from 10am.

• Northside records on greville (just where the tram turns at the corner of smith) will be having the Firemen (most of the Bamboos but under another name) and others performing. Also, rumours are that the TACO TRUCK will be here. Win.

• In other northside news, they have combined with wax museum to throw a big party in celebration of a record map being released. Apparently there are 51 awesome independant record stores in Melbourne and surrounds, and now you can own your very own map to find them all! Party is at Croft, so get your mad scientist hats on and invent yourself a good evening.

• And if there is one that you definately pop down and support, make it The Last Record Store on smith. Such lovely people, interesting mix of old and new.. I have spent a few hours here. The word on the street is that rent is getting too much and they are moving on soon, so they are having a huge sale as well as Sime Nugent, Chris Wilson and Sarah Carroll and Archer playing through the day. Kids of all ages welcome.

There are other exciting things happening all over (greville, missing link, pure pop, dixons are all throwing events too), so have a look at what is near you.

The beginning of the end.

Gentle readers,


On a cold, dirty corner of elizabeth and queensbury there lies an old friend on life-support. Wracked with an incurable disease, the doctor has proclaimed that there is little we can do, that it's time to call the family around and enjoy the last weeks and remember the good things.


My old friend is The Arthouse.
The disease, greed and stupidity of the landlord.
And the family is every punk left in Melbourne who has been to a show, tripped up the stairs to the garden, lost at pool to some sharking tiny girl in eyeliner, danced like an idiot to the interim music (somehow they can read my mind and know every back catalogue punk album I love), scrawled graffiti on the toilet walls and drank too many beers to remember.

The Arty will close its doors for the last time on April 30, and in true style they are going out kicking and screaming. They, and I, will be found smiling when we die here, we wanna burn our eyes out on the sun (guess the reference!). If you do not have tickets to this last show, SHAME, but get along to the bar and take a look at the lineup for this last month. Frenzal is back, Bodyjar (!!), Mid Youth Crisis, The Nation Blue, Antiskeptic, A Death in the Family, Paper Arms, Lungs... and HBLOCK101!! Everyone who has loved the Arty is here to see it out.

Including the mighty English folk-punk, Frank Turner, who played to a sold out crowd this Wednesday just gone. Jet-set, jet-lagged but not jaded, Mr Turner had just flown in from Berlin and wasn't going to lie down just yet.

No stranger to the Arty, Frank brought a warm and genuine set to the eager crowd.. who knew the words, knew when to shout and knew when to play the air harmonica. The latest tour is in support of his newest release, England Keep my Bones (the name taken from a Shakespeare play that FT freely admits he has never read...ha), which is his fourth album in as many years. Purveyor of songs about love, life and the road.. FT is the wandering minstrel of the new millenium, with a mileage card and drinking habit.

Highlights included a Weakerthans cover ("Do you like the weakerthans? Of course you do, you have ears"), new song I Still Believe and of course old favourites Ballad for my friends, journey of the magi and the real damage.

Its simple, acoustic and mostly about girls. But Turner never pretends to be anything else, and his cock-eyed optimism and drive is infectious in its genuine and beautiful nature. You can't help but get swept up in the honest tunes where he admits his faults, but doesn't hide them, and just asks you to love him anyway.

And I do Frank. I do.

Frank Turner - Photosynthesis by Hunchblog

So please friends, get along to the Arty soon. I will be there, a lot, if not for a show just for the people there and the cheap beer on tap. Support those who have kept a scene alive even though MTV forgot it existed after the 90s.



Long live the (corner of) queen(sbury st).

Mail is the best!

This is what arrived on my doorstep this afternoon.

It came with free goodies from the dears at Lost and Lonesome.

I am now having a loungeroom danceparty/sing-a-long for one.

It. Is. Amazing.

Review later, dance now.

and another thing...

....

Beautiful video from a beautiful group. Don't you just wish you could have been in that paddock that still summer day?

A trip down memory lane...

So this week has been all about the old... (friends/happiness/flames/tunes/bread/feeling my eyes get at 3am).

- Cherry Poppin' Daddies @ The Corner, 9/4/11

You can't help but get that familiar feeling of fondness when you hear this Oregon band mentioned. They've been kicking it (whatever this proverbial it is) for about 21 years now, and although they may have tamed their wild ways slightly, the pure energy and excitement emanating from stage was still like crack to my jungle rhythm-loving feet. I literally kicked off my shoes and showed that I still knew how to dance to the infectious mix of swing/ska/rockabilly... and I was not the only one. The crowd was wide-ranging in age, but the brass solos, scat-singing double bass player, the lead guitarist who looked as if he were 12 and the very flappable Steve Perry on vocals made sure that all barriers were forgotten and cares left at the door.

Ably supported by the hard-working and consistently brilliant Melbourne swingers, Frankie Wants Out, the night was a complete success. Highlights were FWO's classic 'The Melbourne Way', the rioting that followed Ding Dong Daddy and brilliant encore of Irish Whiskey by the Daddies.

- The Lucksmiths

Possibly my favourite band of all time, and as I was sitting on the tram this evening, the light/city/funny old people conspired to remind me just how much I love almost everything they ever released. Words do not suffice to describe precisely what this little Northcote band makes me feel.

Please go to Lost & Lonesome or Matinee (If you are not in good ol' Oz) and buy anything you can from their back catalogue... Including their last ever 7" and DVD of their farewell show. Last time I ordered something they send me a handwritten postcard too. Hooray.

- Melting Pot @ Vibe on Smith (now actually signless, which confused me no end, and apparently called Seraphim? What-the-evs.)

This was something new for me, but it had a very old vibe (forgive me) to it. It made me think of the early Jeff Buckley recordings when he used to just play in cafes to whomever was there.

Set up with 3 chairs and 3 mics in the centre of the room, with couches, stools and benches haphazardly arranged around them, the upstairs gig room became someones lounge room, if they had invited all their extended friends and family over. 3 songwriters then took it in turns to play a tune or ditty, and they ranged from the soulful to the comical, the rocking to the lullaby. In all, a beautiful evening out... and it happens every week on a Friday! I advise you to get on down and experience it for yourself. Have musical talent? Contact the lovely folks and get yourself a spot... it really is a warm and inviting atmosphere to bare your soul in.

This was the last song of the evening, a beautiful cover done by Lucy Roleff and Sarah Martin of Cloud City. Care of the Cloud City website.

So that was this week. Next I week shall bring... who knows what. But I for one can't hardly wait.