Fave Albums: Oh Mercy - Deep Heat

My final fave album is actually my favorite release of 2012: Oh Mercy's Deep Heat. This is their third album and lead singer Alexander Gow took a different tack this time and wrote lyrics in the third person, which resulted in each song taking on the perspective of a different character.  Steve Berlin does some amazing saxophone work throughout, particularly on "Fever" and the Roxy Music inspired "My Man."  While the album is very different sonically to previous Oh Mercy releases, at the end of the day it's all about the songs, and they stand up whether played by the full band or solo on acoustic guitar.  From the driving beat of "Europa" and "Deep Heat," the urgency of "Pilgrim's Blues," to the reggae sounds of "Still Making Me Pay" and the groove of "Drums" it is a great leap forward for Oh Mercy and foreshadows an exciting musical future.

Favorite Lyric: I met the Governor of California, I called him mate ("Fever")

Favorite Song: "Pilgrim's Blues"

Fave Albums: The Ocean Party - The Sun Rolled Off The Hills

Melbourne (via Wagga Wagga) band The Ocean Party released their debut album The Sun Rolled Off The Hills early in 2012.  In the great tradition of the Australian singer-songwriter the album features quite honest lyrics that tell a story about everyday life with references to the Australian landscape.  It is a subtle album that features jangly guitars, piano, and Lachlan Denton's laid back vocals on songs such as "The Farm," "Shakin' Like A Leaf," "Still Raining," "Shepparton" and "Every House."  For a relatively young band it is a solid debut, and they are also prolific as they have recently released their second album Social Clubs.

Favorite Lyric: Shakin' like a leaf when I said it was my first time ("Shakin' Like A Leaf")

Favorite Song: "Still Raining"

Fave Albums: Gotye - Making Mirrors

You would have to have been living under a rock during the past year to have not heard Gotye's (aka Wally De Backer) worldwide smash hit duet with Kimbra "Somebody That I Used To Know."  The track comes off of Gotye's third album Making Mirrors, which was released in 2011.  For this album Wally not only used samples from records he had found, but also recorded different types of instruments note by note onto his computer so he could play them in new ways.  The very first single "Eyes Wide Open" includes samples from the Winton Musical Fence and has a strong environmental message.  The album contains a range of songs, from uplifting tracks like "I Feel Better," "In Your Light" and "State Of The Art" (written in honor of his Lowrey Cotillion organ) to more introspective numbers such as "Giving Me A Chance," "Save Me" and "Bronte."  Gotye is more than a one hit wonder, and this album proves it.

Favorite Lyric: We walk the plank with our eyes wide open ("Eyes Wide Open")

Favorite Song: "State Of The Art"

Fave Albums: Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

Seattle's Fleet Foxes make some of the most beautiful folk music out there today.  Their second album, 2011's Helplessness Blues, is full of layered vocal harmonies and these incredibly epic songs that sonically change direction halfway through.  "Montezuma," "Battery Kinzie," "Helplessness Blues," "Lorelai" and "The Shrine/An Argument" are my personal favorites on an album that is full of high quality lyrics and instrumentation. 

Favorite Lyric: So now I am older than my mother and father when they had their daughter, now what does that say about me? ("Montezuma")

Favorite Song: "Helplessness Blues"

Fave Albums: Sarah Blasko - As Day Follows Night

Australian singer-songwriter Sarah Blasko's third album As Day Follows Night was released in 2009 and led to a Best Female Artist award at the ARIAs.  Starting with the beautiful piano driven "Down On Love," the album goes from haunting songs such as "All I Want," "Bird On A Wire," "Is My Baby Yours?" and "Night & Day" to the more upbeat sounding "Hold On My Heart," "We Won't Run" and "Over & Over."  It's a moving album that takes you on an emotional journey from start to finish.  And if you are lucking enough to get one of the deluxe versions of the album, you can enjoy the Cinema Blasko disc of Sarah covering some of her favorite songs from various movies (including an unexpectedly lovely version of "Xanadu").

Favorite Lyric: Hold on my heart, find your stronger parts ("Hold On My Heart")

Favorite Song: "All I Want"

Fave Albums: Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend

New York band Vampire Weekend released their eponymous debut album in 2008 to much hype and acclaim.  Their sound has hints of African beats and ska music and the album spawned the singles "Mansard Roof," "Oxford Comma," "A-Punk" and "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa."  There really isn't one bad song on this album, and it all flows really.  It is uplifting and fun to listen and sing along to.

Favorite Lyric: Who gives a fuck about an Oxford comma ("Oxford Comma")

Favorite Song: "A-Punk"

Fave Albums: Little Red - Listen To Little Red

The first time I saw Little Red live in 2007 I knew they were something special.  After winning the hearts of Melbourne with their entertaining live shows and a couple EPs, they finally released their debut album Listen To Little Red in 2008.  It is full of their self proclaimed "doo-wop punk" style and some of the sweetest vocal harmonies you may ever hear.  The three main songwriters take turns singing lead throughout the album, with highlights including Tom Hartney on "Coca Cola," "Little Annie" and "Jackie Cooper," Quang Dinh on "Witchdoctor," "Fool" and "If You're Lonely," and Dominic Byrne on "It's Alright," "Stare In Love," "Misty, I" and "Fight Song."  This album is how I will always remember Little Red, with all those fun gigs around town and watching them become more and more popular.

Favorite Lyric: If you ever need a shoulder to cry on, well honey I got two shoulders and they're strong ("If You're Lonely")

Favorite Song: "Misty, I"

Fave Albums: The Basics - Stand Out/Fit In

Any regular readers of this blog would know that I am a big fan of Melbourne's The Basics and a frequent attendee at their live shows.  This album, 2007's Stand Out/Fit In, is what first got me into the band.  The album cover is shot out in front of The Espy in St. Kilda with Kris Schroeder, Tim Heath and Wally De Backer wearing their trademark grey suits.

This album is full of so many songs that are staples of their live set, including "Rattle My Chain," "Memory Lane," "Have Love, Will Travel," "Hey There!," "Just Hold On," "Lookin' Over My Shoulder," "Better" and "Three Cool Cats."  The musicianship and vocal harmonies just shine through on all these songs as Wally and Kris take turns on lead vocals (with the occasional song from Tim).  It's such a fun and uplifting album that you can't help but sing along and want to dance while listening to it.

Favorite Lyric: We're going nowhere fast, but I'm just glad I'm going there with you ("Hey There!")

Favorite Song: "Lookin' Over My Shoulder"

Fave Albums: Amy Winehouse - Back To Black

2006's Back To Black was the album that put Amy Winehouse on the map with the breakout hit single "Rehab."  Produced by Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi, the album is a mix of British soul and ska music that features Amy's honest lyrics and unique voice.  Standout tracks include "Me & Mr Jones," "Back To Black," "Tears Dry On Their Own" and "Wake Up Alone."  Despite her well publicized personal issues and untimely death, there is no doubting Amy's incredible talent.

Favorite Lyric: And no I'm not ashamed, but the guilt will kill you, if she don't first ("Just Friends")

Favorite Song: "Back To Black"

Fave Albums: Starky - Starky

The fantastic eponymous second album by Sydney band Starky was released in 2006 and spawned the hit single "Hey Bang Bang."  It's a synth and guitar driven album that you can really dance to throughout, especially on the songs "Me Michelle," "We Don't Exist," "The Wreckery," "Is This How It Ends" and "We Generate Friction."  From start to finish there isn't one bad song on there.  It's too bad though that Starky didn't record any further albums before breaking up (especially considering this one was successful).

Favorite Lyric: Here's to you and me and all the things we'll never be ("Is This How It Ends")

Favorite Song: "The Wreckery"

Fave Albums: Bic Runga - Birds

New Zealand singer-songwriter Bic Runga released her third album Birds in 2005.  It's a bit of a darker and more mysterious affair than her previous albums, but contains many moving songs such as "Say After Me," "Listen," "Birds," "If I Had You" and "Captured."  There are also the more upbeat songs "Winning Arrow" and "Blue Blue Heart," as well as the country-tinged "No Crying No More" and Nick Cave-esque "Ruby Nights."  It's quite a beautiful album even with its sense of melancholy.

Favorite Lyric: A crazy love that waits for you, why must it wait forever? ("If I Had You")

Favorite Song: "Winning Arrow"

Fave Albums: Doves - Some Cities

Some Cities is the third album by British band Doves, which was released in 2005.  It is full of indie guitar rock with the driving beat of "Some Cities," "Black And White Town," "One Of These Days" and "Sky Starts Falling," the beautiful jangly guitar parts in "Almost Forgot Myself," "Walk In Fire" and "Ambition," as well as the trip hop feel of "The Storm."  It's a lovely album which I seem to associate with driving on East Bay freeways to and from work.

Favorite Lyric: Too much history coming down, another building brought to ground ("Some Cities")

Favorite Song: "Almost Forgot Myself"
 

Fave Albums: The Redwalls - De Nova

I first saw Illinois band The Redwalls perform on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and knew immediately that I had to get their album, De Nova.  Their second release, which came out in 2005, is full of 1960s garage rock on songs such as "Robinson Crusoe," "Love Her," "It's Alright" and "Rock & Roll."  There are also the political messages in the lyrics of "Falling Down," "Front Page" and "Glory of War" alongside the heartfelt "Thank You," "Build A Bridge," "Hung Up On The Way I'm Feeling" and "How The Story Goes."  It's a fantastic album by a band that is unfortunately no longer together.

Favorite Lyric: Well in times like these you better watch what you say, watch them take your fucking rights away ("Falling Down")

Favorite Song: "Thank You"

Fave Albums: Interpol - Antics

New York's Interpol released their second album Antics in 2004.  It's a beautifully atmospheric album driven by the rhythm section and melodic guitars, as well as Paul Bank's vocals.  The singles "Slow Hands," "Evil" and "C'mere" are all fantastic songs.  It's a very coherent album and the perfect listen for a dark, wintry day. 

Favorite Lyric: I submit my incentive is romance, I watched the pole dance of the stars ("Slow Hands")

Favorite Song: "C'mere"

Naked Bodies- Single Launch

Photo by Greta Parry

Last night I headed off to The Workers Club for the debut single launch by Quang Dinh's band Naked Bodies.  The first act for the evening was Melbourne singer-songwriter Grizzly Jim Lawrie.  He played a beautiful set of his folk songs on acoustic guitar, including "Take Things Fast" and "Over The River."  He's been a part of the local music scene for years and his debut album is out this week.  Next up was Melbourne four piece Quince.  They played an energetic set of psychobilly and punk music.

The room was much more full by the time Naked Bodies took the stage.  The band were launching their double A side single Fiction Tree/Monkey Blues, both songs which they played on the night.  The other songs in the set were good as well with a couple standouts.  Having a band member on violin for some tracks added a unique dimension to their sound.  It was good to see Quang back in the swing of things and I look forward to future releases from them.

Here's the video for "Fiction Tree"

Fave Albums: The White Stripes - Elephant

The White Stripes fourth album, 2003's Elephant, contains probably their best known hit single "Seven Nation Army." Jack White is incredibly talented and there are some great songs on here such as "Black Math," "Ball & Biscuit," "The Hardest Button To Button," "Hypnotise" and "Girl, You Have No Faith In Medicine."  There are also little surprises dotted throughout the album such as their cover of Burt Bacarach's "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself," the spoken word intro of "Little Acorns," Meg White singing lead on the song "In The Cold, Cold, Night" and the humorous lyrics of the album closer "It's True That We Love One Another."

Favorite Lyric: Be like the squirrel, girl ("Little Acorns")

Favorite Song: "Girl, You Have No Faith In Medicine"

Fave Albums: The Living End - Roll On

Melbourne's very own The Living End released their second album Roll On in 2000.  Not only does it have their trademark rockabilly/punk sound, but I think it's one of Chris Cheney's strongest albums lyrically as he tackled political issues such as the 1998 Melbourne waterfront dispute on "Roll On" and the stolen generation on "Killing The Right."  There are some absolute rockers on here such as "Pictures In The Mirror," "Carry Me Home," "Don't Shut The Gate" and "Uncle Harry" along side the more melodic tracks "Staring At The Light," "Dirty Man" and "Blood On Your Hands."  It's a very cohesive album that also showcases what an amazing guitar player Chris was even in the early years of the band.

Favorite Lyric: There's too much work and not enough pay ("Roll On")

Favorite Song: "Carry Me Home"

Fave Albums: Ben Folds Five - Whatever And Ever Amen

The newly reunited Ben Folds Five released their second album Whatever And Ever Amen in 1997.  The band members are all exceptional musicians and combined with Ben Folds' lyrics this album covers a gamut of emotions.  On one hand there is the humor of "One Angry Dwarf And Two Hundred Solemn Faces," "Song For The Dumped" (whose chorus I can definitely relate to due to an incident with my ex-best friend), "Battle Of Who Could Care Less" and "Steven's Last Night In Town." Then you have the emotion of songs such as "Selfless, Cold And Composed," "Smoke" and the hit single "Brick."  It's a wonderful album that shows the breadth of songs Ben Folds Five can create.

Favorite Lyric: See I've got your old I.D. and you're all dressed up like The Cure ("Battle Of Who Could Care Less")

Favorite Song: "One Angry Dwarf And Two Hundred Solemn Faces"

Grizzly Bear- Shields Tour

Last night I ventured to Billboard The Venue after work to see Grizzly Bear's sold out side show in support of their fantastic new album Shields.  The opening act was Sydney musician Kirin J Callinan.  He started solo on stage with just his guitar and some samples and then brought out a few female friends (including Pikelet) to play bass, drums, guitar and keyboards.  It was quite an interesting set to watch as he took us on this sonic adventure with lots of different soundscapes.

I had a great position up the front for Grizzly Bear and was so excited to finally have the opportunity to watch them perform these richly layered songs in a live setting.  Ed Droste and Daniel Rossen traded off on lead vocal duties throughout the night.  They played most of Shields as well as songs from Veckatimest and Yellow House.  There were many highlights throughout the nearly two hour long set, but my favorite songs were "Yet Again," "Sleeping Ute," "Two Weeks," "Gun-Shy" and "While You Wait For The Others," which had everyone singing along and their keyboard player fulfilling a band request to crowd surf.  For the last song of the night we were treated to an acoustic version of "All We Ask."  It was such an amazing show and a real privilege to see them play in a small club.  Definitely go check them out live if you get the chance.

Here's the video for "Yet Again"

Fave Albums: You Am I - Hourly, Daily

You Am I's third album, Hourly, Daily was released in 1996 and always reminds me of my study abroad year in Melbourne.  It's a very Australian album with Tim Rodger's lyrics about daily life and the various things he references in songs.  Besides the expected guitar rock of "Good Mornin'," "Mr. Milk, "Soldiers" and "Flag Fall $1.80" there are also surprising orchestral arrangements on songs such as "Tuesday," "Heavy Comfort" and "Please Don't Ask Me To Smile."  It's an album that takes you on a journey through one day and tells stories from different points of view along the way.

Favorite Lyric: Now your friends are like eyelashes, too many dropping off these days ("Heavy Comfort")

Favorite Song: "Mr. Milk"

Fave Albums: Portishead - Dummy

Portishead's debut album Dummy came out in 1994 and won the 1995 Mercury Music Prize for best British album.  Portishead is considered part of the trip-hop genre with its use of samples, electronica and the sullen vocals of Beth Gibbons.  Highlights on the album are the hit singles "Sour Times" and "Glory Box," as well as the songs "It's A Fire" and "Roads."  It is the perfect album to chill out to or listen to on a stormy, wintry day with its dark and melancholy feel.

Favorite Lyric: We're all looking at a different picture through this new frame of mind ("Glory Box")

Favorite Song: "Roads"

Fave Albums: Blur - The Great Escape

In the battle of Britpop I am firmly in the Blur camp.  The Great Escape, Blur's fourth album, was released in 1995 and contains the hit singles "Stereotypes," "Country House," "Charmless Man" and the sweeping orchestration of "The Universal."  There seems to be an overall theme running through Damon Albarn's lyrics of people unhappy with their lives and searching for adventure or something better.  There is also a cheeky lyrical humor throughout the album, especially on the songs "Mr. Robinson's Quango" and "Ernold Same."  This is probably the most Britpop sounding album that Blur produced before turning to a more lo-fi indie guitar sound on their future recordings.

Favorite Lyric: He's never cheap or cheerful, he's Hugo and he's boss ("Top Man")

Favorite Song: "Country House"

Fave Albums: Dave Dobbyn - Twist

Singer-songwriter Dave Dobbyn is like New Zealand rock royalty (and has even received an Officer New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) from the Queen).  He has had a long musical career both in bands and as a solo artist.  His third solo album, Twist, was released in 1994 and was produced by another Kiwi legend, Neil Finn.  This album features the hit singles "Language," "Lap Of The Gods" and his duet with Emma Paki on "Naked Flame."  There is a nice balance on the album between the more rock sounding songs such as "What Do You Really Want?" and "Rain On Fire," and the heartfelt lyrics of "It Dawned On Me," "Protection" and "I Can't Change My Name."  In addition, Neil's influence can be heard throughout, especially with the use of the optigan on "Betrayal."

Favorite Lyric: Blood red bloom - pohutukawa, the black dunes hiss with the grasses' breath ("It Dawned On Me")

Favorite Song: "Language"

Rock For Recognition

Did you know that Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander peoples are not recognized in the Australian Constitution?  The Rock For Recognition concerts are hoping to change that by raising awareness and informing people of the issues ahead of any vote on a constitutional referendum to recognize the unique cultures of Australia's First Peoples.

As Tash, Michelle and I entered the Corner Hotel last night we were treated to DJ Ken Eavel from PBS who was spinning tunes before and after each act.  The first artist to grace the main stage was Leah Flanagan, who played a bluesy and soulful set with her band.  She has a great voice and talked about the importance of this event, which was illustrated by the song "Alywarre Girl" about her grandmother who was part of the stolen generation.

The main floor filled quickly as people crammed in to get a spot for Dan Sultan's set.  He started off solo on mandolin and electric guitar for a few songs before being joined by his band on stage.  They played a rocking set of music that had the sold out crowd dancing throughout.  Dan sounded great and his trumpet player really added a lot to the songs in the set, which included "The Door Is Still Open (To My Heart)," "Lonesome Tears," "Nyul Nyul Girl," "Walk Through My Dream," "Fear Of Flying" and "Letter."  We were also treated to the new song "Kimberley Calling," which was about Dan's visit to the burial place of his grandmother in The Kimberley.  In the encore "Old Fitzroy" got a huge reaction from the crowd and had everyone singing along.  Dan is such a charismatic singer and performer and seemed really on tonight, especially with his wonderful band.

Here's the video for "Old Fitzroy"

Fave Albums: The Breeders - Last Splash

The Breeders were originally a side project for Kim Deal from the Pixies, but gained success in their own right, particularly with their second album Last Splash which was released in 1993.  It features the hit single "Cannonball" and is a guitar driven album that fits right in with the grunge/alternative rock of the early 1990s.  There are so many great songs on this album, but my favorites are "No Aloha," "Divine Hammer," "Hag" and "Saints." 

Favorite Lyric: Saw it on the wall, motherhood means mental freeze (freezeheads) ("No Aloha")

Favorite Song: "Divine Hammer"

Fave Albums: Inspiral Carpets - The Beast Inside

My final "Madchester" selection is Inspiral Carpets and their wonderful second album The Beast Inside, which was released in 1991.  Inspiral Carpets were another band whose sound could be defined by the swirling organs courtesy of Clint Boon.  There are a lot of atmospheric tracks on this album such as "Born Yesterday," "Sleep Well Tonight," "Beast Inside" and "Niagara."  In addition, there is also the uplifting songs that make you want to dance around like "Caravan" and "Mermaid."  I do love this album and never get tired of listening to it.

Favorite Lyric: Open your eyes to a brand new world, dreams are all we have ("Dreams Are All We Have")

Favorite Song: "Caravan"

Fave Albums: The Charlatans - Some Friendly

Another band associated with the "Madchester" scene (although not actually from Manchester) was The Charlatans.  Their debut album Some Friendly was released in 1990 and contains the hit singles "The Only One I Know" and "Then."  The heart of the band's sound on this album is the organ playing of Rob Collins, particularly on "White Shirt," "Believe You Me" and "Sproston Green."  Tim Burgess was also the perfect pin-up front man with his bowl cut and pouty lips.  They were one of my favorite bands in high school and I managed to see them live once or twice (and had the bruises to prove it from being up against the barrier in the pit).

Favorite Lyric: Have you seen my polar bear? It's that white thing over there ("Polar Bear")

Favorite Song: "Sproston Green"

Fave Albums: The Stone Roses - The Stone Roses

The next few choices in my fave albums series come out of the "Madchester" scene of the late 1980s/early 1990s.  I was never a raver, but I really liked a lot of the bands associated with this scene while in high school.  One of the key bands of the era was The Stone Roses, whose eponymous debut album came out in 1989.  The Jackson Pollock inspired cover artwork was done by guitarist John Squire.  His guitar playing is a highlight throughout the album, especially on the songs "Made Of Stone" and "I Am The Resurrection."  The music, along with Ian Brown's vocals, give the album a laid back and psychedelic feel, especially on "I Wanna Be Adored," "Waterfall," "Don't Stop" "Shoot You Down" and "Fools Gold."  There's also the more traditional British indie sound on the songs "She Bangs The Drums," "Elephant Stone" "Bye Bye Badman" and "(Song For My) Sugar Spun Sister."

Favorite Lyric: My aim is true, my message is clear, it's curtains for you Elizabeth my dear ("Elizabeth My Dear")

Favorite Song: "She Bangs The Drums"

Melbourne Cup 2012

Photo by Jason South

The first Tuesday in November for Melbourne means it's Melbourne Cup Day (and a public holiday).  The rain managed to hold off for the race that stops the nation, and the winner of this year's Cup was Green Moon, with Fiorente finishing second and Jakkalberry third.  Favorites such as Americain and Dunaden did not do as well as expected.  The Cup trophy was presented by the Duchess of Cornwall, while Prince Charles presented the trophy to the winner of the Diamond Jubilee Plate.  The royals added a bit of class to the day, and are off to Adelaide for the next stop of their Australian visit.

Hungry Kids of Hungary- Sharp Shooter Tour

Last night was Cup Eve so Mary and I celebrated by going to see Hungry Kids of Hungary at the Northcote Social Club.  We got into the band room in time to see the second act of the evening, Brisbane three piece Gung Ho.  They had a sort of punk/surf band sound, and played their own songs as well as a cover of Friends' "I'm His Girl."

It's been about a year and half since we last saw Hungry Kids of Hungary play live.  They started their set with "The Vacationer" and played a mix of old songs and new ones from their upcoming album.  It was great to hear "Coming Around," "Wristwatch," "Scattered Diamonds," and "Eat Your Heart Out" from Escapades, as well as "Old Money" and "One By One" from their EPs. 

The new songs sounded absolutely amazing on first listen, including current single "Sharp Shooter" and the soon to be released "Twin Cities."  I cannot wait for this album to come out next year!  They finished the main set with "Let You Down" and for the encore played "Set It Right" and finished with a cover of the Talking Heads' "Road To Nowhere."  This may end up being my gig of the year- lots of fun, dancing, good energy and those fabulous vocal harmonies.

Here's the video for their current single "Sharp Shooter"

Fave Albums: The Trash Can Sinatras - Cake

Scottish band The Trash Can Sinatras released their debut album Cake in 1990 to much acclaim and success.  The album features a mix of heartfelt songs such as "Thrupenny Tears," "Funny," "The Best Man's Fall" and "You Made Me Feel" as well as uplifting numbers like "Maybe I Should Drive," "Circling The Circumference" and the radio hits "Obscurity Knocks" and "Only Tongue Can Tell."  It is an album full of well written lyrics and music, and twenty-plus years later Cake still holds up and sounds as fresh as the day it came out.

Favorite Lyric: So typical, a battle of wits, and I've come half prepared ("You Made Me Feel")

Favorite Song: "Circling The Circumference"

Fave Albums: The Sundays - Reading, Writing and Arithmetic

The debut album Reading, Writing and Arithmetic by British band The Sundays was released in 1990 and did quite well in the charts based on the success of the single "Here's Where The Story Ends."  Harriet Wheeler's voice is pretty amazing, especially on the songs "Skin & Bones," "Can't Be Sure" and "My Finest Hour."  It is a beautifully atmospheric album with fantastic jangly guitars by David Gavurin and soaring vocals throughout.

Favorite Lyric: England my country, the home of the free, such miserable weather ("Can't Be Sure")

Favorite Song: "My Finest Hour"

Fave Albums: The Smiths - The Queen Is Dead

The Smiths were one of the most important British bands to emerge in the 1980s.  Their third studio album, The Queen Is Dead, was released in 1986 and is regarded by many as their best work.  The songwriting partnership of Morrissey (lyrics) and Johnny Marr (music) has produced so many amazing and memorable songs, many of which feature on this album: "Cemetry Gates," "Bigmouth Strikes Again," "The Boy With A Thorn In His Side," "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" and the title track "The Queen Is Dead."  Morrissey's lyrics have always had a dark sense of humor to them, and Johnny Marr is one of the best guitar players in the business.  These two talents combined should have been unstoppable, but The Smiths only ended up releasing four studio albums before disbanding in 1987.  However, the band's influence lives on and can still be heard in numerous bands today.

Favorite Lyric: A dreaded sunny day, so I meet you at the cemetry gates ("Cemetry Gates")

Favorite Song: "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out"

Fave Albums: The Chills - Submarine Bells

Staying in the Southern Hemisphere, my next fave album is Submarine Bells by The Chills, which was released in 1990.  A proponent of Flying Nun's Dunedin sound, this album was their major label debut and got lots of airplay on US College Radio.  The first track, "Heavenly Pop Hit" may be one of the best songs of all time and always makes me happy when I hear it.  There are a variety of song types on the album to keep things interesting, from the urgency of "The Oncoming Day" and "Familiarity Breeds Contempt" to the beauty of "Don't Be - Memory" and "Submarine Bells."  I love the swirling keyboards throughout, and jangly guitar solo on "Part Past Part Fiction" is a definite musical highlight.  Lead singer Martin Phillipps' lyrics are also quite good, and I will never understand how he manages to get all the words out on "Efflorensce and Deliquensce" without getting tongue-tied.

I did get to see The Chills live once when they opened for Split Enz at the Millennium shows (yes, that's right- I went to New Zealand for Y2K and lived to tell about it).  And if you have ever wondered where my Twitter handle (@softbomb) comes from, it is one of their album titles.

Favorite Lyric: Deep and dark my submarine bells grown in greens and grey ("Submarine Bells")

Favorite Song: "Heavenly Pop Hit"

Fave Albums: Crowded House - Temple Of Low Men

My favorite band of all time is Crowded House, so it's only fitting that I start this fave albums series with them.  Their second album, Temple Of Low Men, was released in 1988 and produced by Mitchell Froom.  The cover features Nick Seymour's beautiful artwork, and believe it or not was named after a euphemism for female genitalia (there were also thoughts of calling it Mediocre Follow-Up).

The album starts off with the slightly spooky "I Feel Possessed" before you hear the voice of disgraced televangelist Jimmy Swaggart begging for forgiveness at the start of "Kill Eye."  Neil Finn's lyrical imagery is strongest in songs such as "Into Temptation" and "In The Lowlands," while his angst about gaining fame after their debut album is detailed in "Mansion In The Slums" (The taste of success only lasts you half an hour or less, but it loves you when it comes.)

Temple Of Low Men is a cohesive album and contains hallmarks of Crowded House throughout, whether it be the soaring chorus in "When You Come," the good humor (as well as Paul Hester's excellent brush work) on "Sister Madly," or the song destined to be a crowd sing-along, the closing track "Better Be Home Soon."

The US tour for this album was the first time I saw Crowded House live (and my first concert ever).  My teenage heart swooned when I smiled at Neil from the pit of The Warfield Theatre and he smiled back at me.  It's been love ever since.

Favorite Lyric: Love this life, don't wait till the next one comes ("Love This Life")

Favorite Song: "When You Come"