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")
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")
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.
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"
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")
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"
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.
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")
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")
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")
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")
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.
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")
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")
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")
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")
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.
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"
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")
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")
