I'm just going to leave these here...

Hello very small audience. 


So much for my new, I'm actually going to use this thing, thing. BUT, in a fit of procrastination from cleaning my house for the impending inspection of doom, I seem to have done something somewhat productive. 


Recorded in a bathroom, with a phone. Go figure. Terrible quality, but bite me, ok?








Also, please ignore the giant pictures of my giant head. Facebook integration, making my life easier to secretly monitor.


R

Hey look, it's another post in fairly quick succession to the last! Amazing!

Mixed bag today. Remember getting a mixed bag of lollies for 5cents at the tuck shop? Stop it, you're too young to be nostalgic. Or are you? I'm assuming my demographic isn't in the geriatric age group. Unless you're reading this Mum, then hi, promise i'll visit this week.

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DEVIN

Formerly Devin Therriault, hailing from uber-hipsterdom Brooklyn, is on his way out to Australia... and watch this space, he is going to be huge. The marketing is slick, on NME watch list and Rolling Stone is already behind him. Me? I am quite happy to have a suave rock n roller hit up the 'social on a wintery Thursday night. Putting on my dancing shoes in advance. WATCH and DANCE.

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THIS SATURDAY

Do it. Or do one. Or do both, but make sure you do.

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QUESTION:

What is the worst kind of sex? Trick question, none. Bad lead in Rachel... 

Aaaaaanyway. You should check out emo rockers Pity Sex, hailing from Michigan. There EP is available free here and is everything that emo should be: powerful, gritty and full of heart. I have listened a few times and it is still hooking in on each rotation. Do yourself a (very cheap and affordable) favour and download now.

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LASTLY 

... New song from Restorations. I rate it highly and can't wait to hear what new new album has to offer. Get on it folks.

OH HAY GUYZ.

Wellity wellity well.

I have neglecterino'd this writing outlet for a while. Let us just say that it has been a tumultuous few months, there has been moving, changing, drinking, working, not working, more drinking, re-evaluating, planning, drinking and music. Always the music.

BUT HERE I AM. Same odd girl, same odd blog. First things first gentle reader.. that post I wrote about treading water? Load of shit. I am not content with that at all. Hence the long list of activities over the last few months. Yes I will not be stupid and gullible, but fuck you (the world) if you think I'm going to wait for you to come to me. Rant done? Yes. I promise not to get emo on youse all again. Lets get back to the good stuff.

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 Gah, I don't know where to begin. There is a backlog of things I should probably write, but most of it is lost in my brain. Therefore, it will seep out in dribs and drabs as we progress through Casual Delirium's 2012 resurgence.

ALWAYS ELWAY

I ordered a bunch of records a few months back from Red Scare Industries, a delightful label based out of Chicago, and although none of them have disappointed the standout has to be Delusions by Elway. Complete album, start to finish with catchy hooks and riffs galore. Good singalongs too. My friends have been unable to resist my yelling the lyrics on long car trips and this is now their favourite record too. GET ON IT. Or don't. What do I look like, a tailor?



LOS CHICOS

Imagine me in all my rockabilly fast-footed glory, losing my shit to this.



They played Boogie 2012, and I scared some people with my dancing. Straight after them played.....

ROYAL HEADACHE

The hipsters tried to mosh. Hint: They are terrible. BUT, Royal Headache are not. For any Americanos reading, they are playing with Joyce Manor soon (May?) so you should get on that.



SMITH ST UPDATE

They are playing Fest 11. GOOD WORK TEAM.

There is a sneaky rumour that I may be there to see them. Well, it isn't that sneaky, nor really a rumour. See you there, Gainsville.

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That shall do for now, I should go forth and be productive.

Cleaning out the garage

Can't tie together a theme... but here are the songs that have been playing somewhere near me over the last few days.









Good night internets.

The one where she is sleep deprived and blogging.

 Winner of the best album of 2011 according to punknews.

Fuck I love this song.

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Also, I was reminiscing how much I love this album last night.

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Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to nap.

Tidbits and hobnobs

Let me just begin by saying, best blog title ever. Say it out loud, go on. SEE HOW FUN IT IS?!

Ok, ok, let me just compose myself.

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The Menzingers - The Obituaries by Epitaph Records

The band I went to the biggest record store in the world to find (well... not really, but coming across their album was just a bonus) has a new track up ahead of a forthcoming album and tour. The album is called On The Impossible Past and the tour is with punk stalwarts Bad Religion. Most importantly, get their earlier album Chamberlain Waits and put it on repeat. They. Are. Going. Places.

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I am a little late on this one, but if you are a fan of interesting, post-something, lo-fi goodness, get onto the new Michael Beach album. Once a Melbournite and member of Electric Jellyfish, he is currently based out of San Francisco and is making beautiful Liddiard-esque stories with a little more fuzz in parts.

Really, really beautiful stuff with nice builds and strong vocals. Go and buy a copy from bandcamp for a steal. 

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Speaking of, I just bought Gareth Liddiard's solo offering Strange Tourist. I don't think I need to tell anyone that this man knows how to write a song. 

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Enough hobnobbing for now. You, reader, and your profane hobnobbery... I hobnob in your general direction. Hobnob-day to you sir.

Awaiting another voice

For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice. - T.S. Eliot

I always enjoy the first few days of the year. Much like the childhood joy of receiving your new school books for the year, untouched, unlearned and unmarked, the joy for me lies in the opportunities presented. As I get older, it become more difficult to shake off the ghostly reminders of mistakes made and chances not taken, and yet somehow, the blank slate that comes with the turning of the calender page removes the regret associated and allows us to begin anew.

I do not want to write one more top ten/best of 2011/highlights blogs to add to the already unreadable pile. I think the writing of said blogs is not for the reader, but for the writer, to punctuate their years work and to give a form of finality in an anonymous and perpetually cyclical digital world. We need markers as humans, something to tether ourselves to, to give us a sense of meaning. For many, we grab too greedily for these markers, not fully comprehending what they mean, whether they are right for us, blinded by the need to define our identities. I am guilty of this. Endlessly trying on different ideas as if they were costumes, trying to find one, sole answer.

So here is my resolution. I am not afraid to tread water. Treading water is a consequence of open water swimming and is hard, tiring and can let you easily lose track of the horizon. You feel like you are going nowhere, and guess what? You aren't, not really. Yet it is a skill, when mastered, that can keep your head above water, let you properly explore the depths below and above, let you catch your breath and give you strength to go confidently in the direction of your proverbial dreams. Fear of the unknown, of the horizon, of your lack of courage or swimming ability can lead you to grasping at any passing floating salvation, even though it may be at odds with your inner monologue.

Therefore I am dispensing with fear and am going to keep my legs moving. I am not afraid to be wrong, but I will choose carefully what I buy into. I will take my time and develop my own thoughts instead of lazily adopting others'. I am going to write more, play more, see more, hear more (a lot more), read everything thing I can get my little hands on (they are ridiculously small) and try my best to become a learned deep water swimmer. I don't know what island I'm heading for, what is on the horizon or if there is a friendly tall ship coming to get me, and honestly, I don't care.

Here is to a rock and roll 2012.

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(Thanks for allowing my slight, on-topic digression. Music tidbits and hobnobs next. Happy new ears everybody, and to all a good book.)

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.