Open Your Eyes

Sydney Song Summit Live

2010-06-20T13:14:00.005+10:00

Looking for something to do tonight? Well here's a damn good option. The Sydney Song Summit is in town, featuring a host of workshops for bands and musicians. But when the sun goes, they put on a showcase and we're all invited. With 19 bands playing across 4 stages, it's a delicious smorgasbord of musical talent. Almost like our own little SXSW (if you squint hard enough). Here's a few artists to look out for:

Dan Kelly

Lyrical genius runs deep in the Kelly family. While Uncle Paul remains Australia's most poignant storyteller, Dan shows the same flashes of brilliance in a very different space. The fact that he has a song called "Bindi Irwin Apocalypse Jam" pretty much sums it up. It's a perfect mix of playful humour and social commentary, filled with sing-along falsettos and hyperactive instrumentation. He's just having a great time and it's hard not to do the same; especially when he's rattling off stage banter that's second to none.

Artisan Guns

It's great to see some New Zealand bands getting some love at the showcase, and it looks like Artisan Guns are the ones to watch. I haven't seen them yet, so I won't pretend to know them, but their songs on Mysapce definitely show some promise. They've got some really interesting harmonies happening and all reports from their show at Mum on Friday suggest that they're great live. Keep an eye on them.

The Last Kinection

"They invaded, degraded and polluted our land, stole all the children and raped our women" (To the tune of the national anthem) - it's pretty clear that The Last Kinection aren't afraid to throw any political punches. And there's nothing more entertaining than seeing a few punches being thrown. When all the pieces fall into place, like on the track 'Worth Marching For', their brand of high-energy hip hop can be quite powerful. Should be an interesting one to catch live.

You'll also get the chance to see some favourites, including Fergus Brown, Dappled Cities (who have given up music to pursue laser shows), Washington, Dead Letter Chorus and a heap more. It takes place at Home Nightclub, Darling Harbour from 7.30pm. More details here:

http://www.songsummit.com.au/LIVE/LIVE-program-sunday.htm

The Beach Boys

2010-05-01T14:18:00.008+10:00

What follows is an erratic look into the career of The Beach Boys. It's not definitive, nor is accuracy guarenteed, but hopefully you'll share in my renewed appreciation of their music.

The Beach Boys' legacy is an odd one. Far from the fairy tale of The Beatles, their career suffered its fair share of hiccups (and genuinely bad songs), leaving their story fragmented and at risk of being unheard by generations to come. It real shame because theirs is a story worth hearing.

Till I Die

The Early Days

One chapter of The Beach Boys tale that will never be forgotten is their surfer music. Songs about surfin', girls and cars will survive for years to come, long after this fun-loving culture is obselete. And while they certainly weren't the first band to use vocals harmonies, they did it in a way that made the listener aware and appreciative of this amazing effect, without sacrificing accessibility. In the eyes of history, surf music is The Beach Boys.

Surfin' Safari

But while this music is fun to listen to, it isn't what makes The Beach Boys worth remembering. Instead, it's their efforts to use their position, at the helm of popular music, to steer listeners into new directions. This where their story gets a bit rocky. And while it's safe to say that they failed in the their endeavour, they made some great music in the process. It turns out there's more to The Beach Boys than just surfin' safaris and good vibrations.

All Summer Long

Pet Sounds

The Pet Sounds era is another piece of Beach Boys history that will be safely remembered. An amazing album in its own right, it didn't actually sell that well upon initial release, but widespread critical acclaim has ensured it will live on. This has been helped in part by it's significance in The Beatles story. Inspired by Rubber Soul, Beach Boys mastermind, Brian Wilson quit touring to focus on writing their next album. The result was Pet Sounds, which would in turn inspire The Beatles to create Sgt Peppers. This tale is what first prompted many Beatles fans, including myself, to seek out Pet Sounds to see what all the fuss is about. And since The Beatles aren't about to be forgotten, Pet Sounds will remain etched in musical history.

God Only Knows

Smile

Brian Wilson's follow up masterpiece was to be called Smile, an ambitious project which would push The Beach Boys into completely new territory. The first single, Good Vibrations, was a huge success, despite it's relatively complex nature. But all this anticipation along with in-band fighting, record label demands, drug abuse and the release of Sgt Peppers meant that it never saw the light of day. It was a spectacular collapse and one they would never recover from. The rest of their career was inconsistent at best and as a result, a lot of quality work went largely unnoticed.

Good Vibrations

The myth surrounding Smile lived on for many years. A couple of songs popped up on future albums and diehard fans clung to unreleased demos, but it wasn't until 35 years later, when Brian Wilson returned to complete the project, that the story got its happy ending. The final result is quite epic indeed. If you want any chance of appreciating this album, you need to set aside some time and really LISTEN to it. It's quite amazing how it all unfolds.

Heros and Villians

The Later Years

And now to the very reason I am writing this post. The often-ignored later years. Up until recently, I knew nothing about The Beach Boys after Pet Sounds. And to be honest, I didn't really care. I was under the impression that they faded into obscurity and lost their touch, but it's not true. The Beach Boys did enough during this period that we shouldn't be so quick to dismiss it.

It all began when my brother bought home a vinyl copy of Surf's Up. As you can see above, the contrast of a dark, disturbing cover image, with the care-free connatation of title is quite striking. It's quite indicative of what The Beach Boys were going through at the time and after a few spins, I quickly became fond it. The album features a number quality composiitons from other band members, along with sounds you wouldn't noramally associate with The Beach Boys. It made me think twice about what I thought i knew and left me wanting more.

Looking At Tomorrow

As it turns out, the story behind the album isn't as quite as I imagined. There was 5 albums between Pet Soudns and Surf's Up and none of them had done very well. Brian Wilson was growing more and more distant and the fans sorely missed him. Surf's Up was a notorious track from the Smile era; Brian Wilson's equivalent of 'A Day in The Life'. It was added to the album and made the title track in a bid to sell more copies. Certainly not the stuff of fairy tales, but I've come to accept that when in order to find the gems in their later career, you're going to find some dirt.

Surf's Up

By no means am I an expert on these later years. I am taking my exploration very cautiously, listening one album at a time, starting with the most critically acclaimed. At the moment I am listening to Sunflower (1970), which is even stronger than Surf's Up. Next on the list will be Friends (1968). Sure, this dream run of discovery will probably end eventually, but for the moment, I'm loving it.

This Whole World

(wow, picking a track off Sunflower was hard...go listen to the whole album!)

((and one more because it's awesome))

Loop de Loop (Flip Flop Flyin' in an Aeroplane)

Splendour In The Grass 2010 Lineup Announced

2010-04-15T10:10:00.006+10:00

What's this? A stupid amount of awesome bands at the same festival? Am I dreaming? Am I in America? How on Earth am I supposed to manage my time if I can't count the good bands on one hand? WHEN WILL I FIT IN MY NAPS???

Let's face it, Australia has a pretty pathetic record when it comes to festivals. Throw us a couple of big names and we're salivating. But today, Splendour in the Grass have announced a truly amazing lineup. It's one of those lineups you see overseas and get really depressed about. It's one of those lineups that belong only in the deepest depths of your imagination. I'm actually struggling to comprehend it. Every time I look at that list above, I notice another band that at any other festival, would be worth the ticket price. Yet here they are, on the same damn bill. Woah.

Well done Splendour. Now, where did I put my mind.....

Red Riders

2009-06-18T18:17:00.004+10:00

Red Riders had me worried for a while. Band members were leaving and time was ticking by without much action. It was a shame, not just because of the awesome music they proudce, but because they're genuinely nice guys. So it's great to see that they're back on track and sounding better than ever. They've picked up Brad Heald from The Vines and will be releasing their second album in early July. The first single to come off it was You've Got a Lot of Nerve. I liked it from the beginning, but the more I listen, the more I enjoy. Check it out if you haven't already:

You've Got a Lot of Nerve

Following this is the brand new track, Ordinary. It's quite a simple song, but that's what makes it so endearing. It skips along casually, spreading an air of warmth. I'm not sure if it was Brad's doing or more great work from the others, but damn those guitars sound good. To top it off, they've put together a cool little video to go along with it:

You can pre-order Drown In Sound from JB Hifi online. It's only $21.99 and comes with a bonus cassette of demos. Not only that, but if you pay with Paypal (or a credit card through Paypal), you'll get free postage. Great band, great deal. Get into it!

Oh and I almost forgot. Red Riders are playing as part of the Ivy League benefit gig to Save FBI. It's for a good cause they're playing more great bands. Gooooooooooooooooo.

Myspace

HIlotrons

2009-06-12T15:58:00.000+10:00

It's very likely that you've never heard of Hilotrons. Not many people have. It's one of those great musical mysteries that escapes me to this very day. Here's a band making music that's edgy, energetic and outrageously catchy, yet nobody listens. At times their music is infectious, sucking you into an frantic body-moving frenzy, yet nodbody is dancing. What went wrong? After reading a review that expressed similar disenchantment with this band's criminal level of underappreciation, I'm stepping out with my support. Hilotrons put out a new album this year, Happymatic, and it's shaping up to be another powerful release. I'm still warming to it, but it's definitely reignited the Hilotrons fever. Here's a song from that album, along with a cracker from their last album, Bella Simone.

Lovesuit (Happymatic. 2008)

As I mentioned, the new album doesn't quite excite me like the last one did, but knowing myself, this could very well change soon. Here's a song thats up there with my favourites so far.

Isis (Bella Simone, 2005)

I thing this songs gives some clues to why Hilotrons have been so widely ignored. Sadly, the moments of utter brilliance (yes, BRILLIANCE), are mixed with moments of the ordinary. If they could channel their talent into producing music that maintained the intensity throughout, the result would be devastating.

Restore the musical balance. Get your Hilotrons on.

| Website | Myspace |

Dappled Cities - The Price

2009-05-13T15:42:00.004+10:00

It begins. In just a few months, Dappled Cities will release their 3rd album, Zounds, and if past experiences are anything to go by, it should be totally freakin' amazing. I’ll save my schoolgirl swooning for the actual release, but let’s just say I’m excited. Yesterday the band unveiled the first single off the album, The Price. I’ve been drawn to this song from the moment I first heard it in a sound check. That was a full 12 months ago and since then it’s undergone plenty of transformations, evolving to become the track we hear today. This refinement becomes noticeable when you put on a pair of decent headphones and give it a proper listen. It’s a mix of intensity and intrigue. On one hand you’re getting attacked by thumping drum fills and sweeping keyboards, but at the same time discovering buried riffs and extra layers. It’s exhilarating without being overwhelming. This mix of subtlety and dynamism has always been Dappled’s trademark, but with more experience and an unprecedented level of production, expect big things from Zounds. In their own words, it's "the album we’ve always wanted to make".

The Price

Head to the Dappled Cities Website and download the full single package, which includes a b-side and two experimental film clips. And of course, don’t forget to check out the Alphabeats clips hehe.

Glastonbury

2009-04-15T10:41:00.000+10:00

....and just when I thought we could compete......ha!

FRIDAY 25TH	SATURDAY 26TH	SUNDAY 27TH
Pyramid Stage: U2 Dizzee Rascal Vampire Weekend Snoop Dogg Willy Nelson Corinne Bailey-Rae Femi Kuti TBA Other Stage: The Flaming Lips Hot Chip Florence and the Machine La Roux Phoenix The Courteeners Gaslight Anthem The Stranglers The Magic Numbers TBA John Peel Stage: Groove Armada The Black Keys Mumford & Sons Ellie Goulding Kele Bombay Bicycle Club Tegan and Sara TBA De Staat Chapel Club West Holts Mos Def (with full live band) Femi Kuti Nouvelle Vague & Guests Breakestra with Chali 2na Bonobo Mariachi El Bronx Tune-Yards Matthew Herbert Big Band Acoustic Stage: Bootleg Beatles Alan Price Set McIntosh Ross Turin Brakes Brian Kennedy Danny & The Champs Megan Henwood Cory Chisel Julie Feeney The Park Stage The XX Broken Bells Special Guests The Big Pink Local Natives Steve Mason Hypnotic Brass Ensemble Beth Jeans Houghton Lissie TBA TBA East Dance DJ Fatboy Slim Live Chase and Status DJ Zane Lowe Live Plan B DJ Rob da Bank Live Example DJ Roger Sanchez DJ TBA DJ TBA West Dance DJ Boys Noise DJ Simian Mobile Disco Live Delphic DJ Fake Blood DJ Rusko Live Chromeo DJ Aeroplane DJ Boy 8-Bit DJ Hannah Holland Avalon Stage: New Model Army Transglobal Underground Newton Faulkner The Woodentops Lou Rhodes Goldheart Assembly Gabby Young & The Other Animals Hobo Jones & The Junkyard Dogs Croissant Neuf TBA 6ixtoys Steve Knightley Julien Tulk Band Undercover Hippy Band Seth Lakeman Biggles Wartime Band The Queen's Head Good Shoes TBA Magic Numbers The Mystery Jets Fanfarlo Detroit Social Club Tubelord Tiffany Page Frank Turner Fiction Plane he Beat Poetry & Words Penny Ashton Baba Brinkman Sabrina Mahfouz Tony Walsh Aisle 16 Kat Francois Ventriloquist Paula Varjack Andreattah Chuma Jonny Fluffypunk Kate Tempest Pete the Temp Poeticat Helen Gregory and Pete Hunter	Pyramid Stage: Muse Scissor Sisters TBA TBA Seasick Steve Jackson Browne Lightning Seeds TBA Other Stage: Pet Shop Boys Editors The Cribs The National Kate Nash Imogen Heap Coheed and Cambria Reef Two Door Cinema Club John Peel Stage: Jamie T Foals The xx Marina & The Diamonds Delphic Field Music Cymbals Eat Guitars Sophie Hunger TBA West Holts George Clinton with Parliament / Funkadelic Jerry Dammers Spatial AKA Orchestra Os Mutantes Devendra Banhart Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba Phenomenal Handclap Band Brother Ali Troy Ellis & The Longshots Acoustic Stage: Christy Moore Nick Lowe Imelda May Al Stewart Michael Eavis In Conversation Gandale Murphy & The Slambovian Circus The Leisure Society Ellen & The Escapes John Allen & Band The Park Stage: Midlake Laura Marling TBA Special Guests Stornoway Beach House Strange Boys Frankie & The Heart Strings The Ballad of Britain Peggy Sue TBA East Dance: Live N-Dubz Live Chipmunk Live Kelis DJ DJ MistaJam Live Tinie Tempah Live Giggs DJ Yasmin Live Chiddybang Live McClean Live Bashy Live Donaeo Live Roll Deep DJ TBA West Dance: Live Dubfire DJ Nick Warren Live Mix Hell DJ Sander Kleinenberg Live Banco de Gaia DJ Riva Starr Live Neville Staple Live Dub Pistols DJ TBA Live Foreign Beggars Avalon Stage: The Lightning Seeds Alabama 3 acoustic Charlie Winston Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel The Unthanks The Avett Brothers The Wurzels Nick Harper Tom Williams & The Boat Croissant Neuf The Beat MrB. The Gentleman Rhymer Hot Feat The Kevin Brown Trio The Vagaband TBA Dizraeli & The Small Gods TBA The Queen's Head Earl Brutus TBA Phenomenal Handclap Band Band Of Skulls Holy F*** Blood Red Shoes Here We Go Magic Cate Le Bon Lissie Poetry & Words John Hegley Paula Varjack Andreattah Chuma Attila the Stockbroker Hollie McNish Luke Wright Kate Tempest Murray Lachlan Young Sabrina Mahfouz Bohdan Piasecki Open mic. (hosted by Julian Ramsey-Wade) Ventriloquist Jonny Fluffypunk	Pyramid Stage: Stevie Wonder Faithless Jack Johnson Ray Davies Slash Norah Jones Paloma Faith TBA Other Stage: Orbital lcd soundsystem MGMT We Are Scientists Grizzly Bear Temper Trap The Hold Steady Frightened Rabbit TBA John Peel Stage: Ash Julian Casablancas Broken Social Scene Gang of Four The Drums Holy F* These New Puritans Everything Everything TBA Dan Mangan West Holts Rodrigo y Gabriela Toots & the Maytals Quantic & his Combo Barbaro Staff Benda Bilili Dr John Tunng The Bees Dizraeli and the Small Gods Acoustic Stage: Jackson Browne with David Lindley Richard Thompson Loudon Wainwright III Blues Band London Community Gospel Choir Joel Rafael Robinson Fisherman's Friend Mayhew The Park Stage: Empire Of The Sun Dirty Projectors TBA Archie Bronson Outfit TBA Portico Quartet Fionn Regan TBA Here We Go Magic Travelling Band East Dance: DJ Above & Beyond Live Crystal Castles DJ Filthy Dukes (DJ Set) Live Professor Green Live Reverend Sound System Live Crystal Fighters West Dance: Live Magnetic Man DJ Jackbeats Live Stanton Warriors DJ Adam F Live Blasted Mechanism DJ Toddla T Live Alex Metric Live DJ South Central Live Jaguar Skills DJ A1 Bassline Live Killaflaw DJ Virus Syndicate Avalon Stage: Gomez The Saw Doctors Imelda May Judy Collins SPECIAL GUEST Teddy Thompson Adrian Edmondson & The Bad Shepherds Kirsty Almeida Ellen & The Escapades Criossant Neuf The Baghdaddies Zen Elephants Prof Nohair & the Wig Lifters Corinne Bailey-Rae TBA The People's String Foundation The Queen's Head** Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip TBA TBA Chief I Am Kloot Field Music Goldhawks The Middle East Mountain Man Poetry & Words Glastonbury Festival Poetry Slam (hosted by Kat Francois) Helen Gregory and Benita Johnson Pete Hunter Pete the Temp Jean Binta Breeze Poeticat Luke Wright Jo Bell (Website Poet in Residence) Bohdan Piasecki Julian Ramsey-Wade Penny Ashton Baba Brinkman Comperes – Dreadlcokalien and Abbey Oliveira

Last Dinosaurs

2009-04-10T20:20:00.003+10:00

This band divides me in so many ways. On one hand, I've found their sound refreshing and instantly appealing, but at the same time I've been listing the bands they appear to be ripping off. One minute I'll be digging a melody, the next cursing them for repetition. There's so much contradiction going on, I'm beginning to wonder if we're schizophrenic. But whatever the case, this is a band to watch. They have a number of very strong songs that are sure to get some attention. In fact, it's more than likely I'll be hating them in about a year, meaning they're set to do quite well. They hail from Brisbane and will be coming to Sydney soon to play a few shows. Both my selves will be keen to see how they go.

Honolulu - This was the first song I heard and it clearly did something right because it spurred me into further investigation and eventually this post. It's got a nice groove to it, reminding me of Vampire Weekend and the way their songs seem to flow so effortlessly.

Myst - This song is eating away at me! You know when you hear a song that reminds you of something and you try desperately to work out what it is? Well this has been my last half hour. Listening to it on repeat, banging my head in frustration. Its quite a shame, because it's actually a good song. I just need some closure. Feel free to put me out of my misery if you spot the reference.

Myspace

Neglect

2009-04-10T20:15:00.003+10:00

to pay no attention or too little attention to; disregard or slight
to be remiss in the care or treatment of
to omit, through indifference or carelessness
to fail to carry out or perform (orders, duties, etc.)
to fail to take or use

A (not so) quick hello

2009-03-05T20:09:00.004+11:00

Of Montreal - Live
They're probably the most mentioned band on this blog, but you can never get enough Of Montreal. They're in Australia for the first time and their Sydney show was pretty awesome. Sure, it was disappointing that they didn't play any old stuff, but when a band is over a decade old, you sort of expect it. What makes them impressive though, is that despite so many of my favourites being absent, nearly every song they played I loved. It's testimony to the strength of their catalogue. Even the songs from Sunlandic Twins pleasantly surprised me. I was really getting into it, right amongst the hilarious mix of freaks up the front.

Bunny Ain't No Kind of Rider

Golden Plains
Speaking of Of Montreal, tomorrow I head off to Golden Plains (plus a night in Melbourne of course). If I was sensible, I wouldn't be here writing this, but clearly i dont care about my body, so I'll be launching into what will most likely be a 4-day blur of music and alcohol, with very little sleep. Golden Plains will be quite a different experience for me. I'm usually the economical type, going to festivals with the best lineup and running like mad between bands. This will be the first time I go to a festival and just chill out. I'll still be watching plenty of music, I just won't have a personalised timetable regimented food and toilet breaks. Most of the bands playing, I know, but not well, so it will be interesting. At least very least, I know enough them to know it will be incredible.

The Sun Smells Too Loud (Mogwai)

Decoder Ring
Speaking of epic instrumental bands, Decoder Ring's new album is coming soon, and the word on the street is that it's gonna be big. After seeing them a couple of times lately, I'm not surprised. Did I mention they are supporting Coldplay? Haha good on them. I recently put this song on and was reminded of how stupidly good they are.

Serac

Dappled Cities
Speaking of Sydney bands with new albums coming out, I saw Dappled Cities last night. The show was an intriguing one, and not just because over half the crowd were Bondi Bogans. Many of the new songs had evolved since I last saw them, with either different sounds or entirely new parts. In most cases, the songs had matured and improved significantly, but occassionally a change struck me as kind of odd and disappointing. But I'm sure they know what they're doing. It's kinda stupid how many times I've seen this band, but at the same time incredible because I never grow tired. Their music has a strange appeal. On record, it's quite calming. There isn't standout tracks pulling the others along, but rather a varied stream of interesting sounds, capturing your attention with its subtleties. When playing live, their music is all about energy. A profound jerkiness emerges, as they jump from one direction to another with a sudden chord change or characteristic cry. They have such tight rhythms that you can't help be lured in by the momentum. Before you know it your body is moving in step with the song's every fluctuation. It's no wonder that this band invokes such freakish devotion amongst it fans and a real shame that they aren't more widely recognised. Such is the curse of talent.

You can currently hear Dappled's forthcoming single on the Beach Road Hotel myspace page. It isn't on the band's page and I doubt it will be up for much longer so get in quick.

Valentines Day

2009-02-13T19:13:00.005+11:00

Hopefully everybody reads this in time because you would be terribly upset if you did something wasteful tomorrow, like have a romantic picnic, when there was so much good music on offer. After all who doesn't love music?

The Alandale All Stars play Holiday Road

This is a concept born heaven: a group of Sydney's funniest musicians have gotten together, formed a cover band and play for free on Saturday afternoons. The super line-up consists of Jake Stone and Jerry from Bluejuice, Lindsey from Frenzal Rhomb, the Drummer from Mess Hall, Cameron Bruce (that awesome keyboard guy from everywhere) and Andy Kelly (founder of Ivy Leagure Records). It is a truly deadly combination. They dress like idiots, dance around and produce hilarious banter from every corner of the stage. Not only that, but they play awesome songs from Bruce Springsteen to Steely Dan. I was lucky enough to catch their first show and it was incredible. So much fun.

When: 2pm
Where: The Annandale Hotel

The Devoted Few

I am proud to announce that The Devoted Few's new album 'Baby, You're A Vampire' is finally coming out! It's been a long wait but it was definitely worth it. This is easily one of my favourite local albums so I would definitely recommend picking it up. Not only that, but they'll be celebrating the release with an in-store at the Sydney Apple Store. If you've ever had a desire to see a gig in a glass cube, now is your chance. The fact that The Devoted Few are an awesome live band is just a bonus. Definitely try and make it to this.

When: 4pm
Where: The Apple Store, 367 George St
Listen: Trigger Fingers

There's also pleeeeeeenty of music happening in the night so grab your nearest street press and get intimate!

Laneway Wrapup

2009-02-09T14:45:00.005+11:00

Wow the day went fast. I was bouncing from stage to stage, enjoying my day, when all of a sudden Architecture in Helsinki began playing. The day had disappeared from underneath me! But I think all in all it was another satisfying Laneway experience. I still maintain that even though it has modest (but still awesome) lineups, it succeeds because the secondary factors (layout, organisation, crowd, atmosphere etc.) are great, allowing the music to flourish. Highlights included:

Crazy antics from Still Flyin

More than 10 people, crammed on a small stage. Some of whom are there purely to dance. At least 3 men in short shorts. One in a jump suit. All there to play jazzed up party music. Sadly, I only got to see the first 3 songs, but I certainly caught the fever. For Sydney people, they are playing with Cuthbert & The Night Walkers at The Annandale tomorrow (Tuesday). I'm sensing a very fun night.

MP3: Good Thing It's A Ghost Town Around Here

Rocking out to Jay Reatard

These guys don't muck around. When one song ends, Jay yells the name of the next, and they launch straight in. It's perfect for a band that plays short fast punk. The songs always have great melodies and occassionally some lyrics to match, but best of all, these guys know how to shred on stage.

Discovering The Hold Steady

Ok, so discovering is probably misleading because I know this band pretty well. But until last night, I never really thought much of them. The singing style sort of made every song sound similar and it got a little annoying. But seeing them perform live, seeing them play with such conviction, it all made sense. Their songs are about storytelling. And the best way to get a message across to the audience is to yell every word right at them. It was a powerful set and certainly worthy of the headline slot.

The only real disappointments stemmed from my own physical limitations. I can only be in one place at a time and I can't teleport. But I'm learning to deal with these. All in all it was a great day. I'll be back next year.

Digimuse

2009-01-22T08:26:00.003+11:00

As you may have noticed, I like to rant about the state of digital music and online stores. Well here I go again. In the 6 or so months since last writing, there has been some interesting developments, all of them for the better. Online music is now flexible, convenient and intelligent and we are seeing music delivered to us in new and exciting ways. The future is bright.

TRENDS IN ONLINE SALES

Protection
It would seem that the age of DRM is finally coming to a close. iTunes recently announced that they are removing protection from their entire collection. About time. It’s true that services like 7digital and AmazonMp3 have been offering this for a while, but its good to finally have the market leader on board.

Flexibility
It’s great that iTunes is selling its music without DRM, but you are still fairly restricted when it comes to file formats. If digital music wants to make its mark, consumers should be given the same flexibility that they get when buying a CD. That means choosing your desired format and quality at the point of purchase and ideally, the ability to come back and get a different format if your needs change down the track.

In this department, 7digital is the only company that comes close. They offer a choice between WMA, AAC and MP3, but its still far from a totally flexible system. However what does impress me about 7digital is that a very limited number of albums are available as FLAC. For those who don’t know, FLAC is lossless format, allowing you to burn the tracks to a CD with the exact same quality as the original. While I may not be able tell the difference personally, this move opens up digital music to a brand new market: audiophiles. If you increase flexibility, you get a wider audience and happier customers. Hopefully we’ll see this trend improve over time.

Another area of flexibility that sees 7digital come out on top is price. Stores such as iTunes, AmazonMP3 and every other copy cat, tend to have one price for tracks, one price for albums and very little variation. In some sense this is good, ensuring that prices are always reasonable, but its also very uninspiring. Without any discounts, there's not much incentive to pick up a classic album or try your luck on an obscure release, as you might in a traditional music store. 7digital, on the other hand, may have slightly more expensive prices to begin with, but also a great range of discounted albums that can be very tempting, especially if you've lost your old copy. Price variation and sales are used in almost every area of commerce, including music stores. This is for a reason. It works!

Integration
It is in the field of integration that iTunes truly reigns supreme. If you use both the player and the store, buying music becomes almost as easy as listening to it. The only loser is your credit card. Other stores do a decent job. 7digital and eMusic have download managers that help keep your purchases organized and AmazonMP3 will even add your files to iTunes, but something is missing. It suggests that for online music to succeed, buying and listening need to be heavily intertwined. Perhaps more stores will adopt the iTunes model or maybe someone will figure out a way to integrate listening to your collection into a web-based environment. One way or another, I have a feeling that Songbird, a Jukebox/Browser mashup, could provide the answer for those wanting to topple iTunes.

But apparently domination isn’t enough for Apple because they went and developed Genius, further enhancing the integrated experience. Genius works by comparing your library and listening habits with millions of other iTunes users and generating intelligent recommendations based on the similarities. For the lazy and uninspired, it’s a great way to discover new music. That said, it’s nothing groundbreaking. Amazon and Last.fm have been doing it for ages. However, I can see intelligent recommendations playing an increasingly pivotal role in music purchasing, especially if someone can invent a service rewarding enough to convince people to put their money spending in the hands of an algorithm.

Innovation
The less than stellar performance of online music downloads suggests that offering plain mp3s isn’t enough to convince most buyers. More incentive is needed. Well a key way to do this is to offer mp3s in conjunction with other products. Aussie band The Grates, recently offered a deluxe package of their new album which included a ticket to your local gig when they did their album tour. The savings were enough to convince a teetering fan to take up the offer. However, combining ticket sales with mp3s is also not new. Even iTunes had a go, without much success. But whatever its past record, I think its definitely an avenue worth pursuing. Imagine this scenario: we have a band who are wildly popular thanks to word of mouth and an album that rapidly spread across illegal download networks. As a result of their popularity, their gigs are selling out as soon as they go on sale. Let's say MGMT for example. If they were to offer a deal that gave album purchasers the ability to buy tickets before the general public, I dare say many illegal downloaders would be tempted to pay for the album in order to guarantee their spot. Of course this would also work for either physical or digital album sales, but the online nature of digital music makes pulling this off more of a possibility.

Digital music also makes it very easy for artists to tie in bonus content. Rather than sticking extras on the end of a CD, purchasing an online album can open exclusive access to online areas, containing bonus videos, live recordings etc. Metallica did just this with their latest album and it worked a treat. It’s a small effort for artists, but a big benefit for listeners. By differentiating legal and illegal downloads, you give listeners the incentive to actually pay for their music. All that’s required now is a online music store that makes it easy for artists to offer this sort of content.

DELIVERY OF DIGITAL MUSIC

It’s good to know that someone out there is trying. Trying to shake things up. The past year has seen three new services launch, each claiming to revolutionize the way we will buy digital music. Sadly, I can’t see any of them achieving this, but that doesn’t detract from their merits. Like the subscription model, these services will have both fans and critics, but importantly, will add to the choices of how we want to buy music.

Nokia – ‘Comes with Music’
The premise is as such: you buy a phone and in return, get free access to Nokia’s vast online music collection. It sounds too good to be true and it is. For one, it isn’t really free. These phones will cost more than they otherwise would have. Secondly, it only lasts for 12 months, after which you’ll either have to pay for more or get a new phone. And finally, it really isn’t a replacement for buying music, because there’s limits on what you can do with the music. But I really must congratulate Nokia for going out on a limb and trying this. It may not change the industry, but for those who get it on their phone, it’s a pretty cool bonus feature.

Official Website

DDA Music
This one really had me intrigued. Albums come in a little package, with art and liner notes, just like a normal CD, except that in this case, the music is on a USB stick. Now to me, putting music on USB drives is a stupid idea, but what grabs me about this product is the attention given to extra content. This is something I always felt was lacking from digital music. With a CD you get something physical, something attractive to show for your purchase. DDA tries to replicate this. It also offers plenty of possibilities in the way of digital content, with the ability for artists to offer bonus materials such as videos and live tracks. They can even continue to offer rewards, long after a purchase has been made, targeting fans who were loyal. I wish I could have have tried one of these out, but sadly the launch was appalling. None of the ‘participating’ retailers had even heard of them, and still, more than a month later, I’ve only ever spotted one of them in a store.

Official Website

Slot Music
This format is similar to DDA music except that the music comes on a tiny MicroSD card. It offers similar sorts of bonus content, such as videos and remixes, but lacks the online connectivity of DDA. Even though MicroSD cards would we be incredibly easy to lose and wouldn’t make a very pretty collection, the are probably the smarter option. I’ll always remember the disappointment after I first upgraded from CD player to Mp3 player, of not being able to enjoy my brand new purchases on the bus trip home. Well with Slot Music, the millions of people with MicroSD compatible phones will be able to get their instant gratification.

Official Website

While both Slot Music and DDA have their merits, I think they’re missing the point. It takes a huge improvement for a new format to take off. With cassettes, it was portability. With CDs, it was storage space and digital capacity. These new formats merely offer minor enhancements, and as such, won’t be enough to cause a major shift in consumer habits. The reason digital music has so much potential is because it has the ability to go BEYOND physical formats. This is where we should be focussing attention.

THE FUTURE

Interfaces
Nothing frustrates me more than the fact that I’m not the head of an electronics company with money to burn. There’s one product in particular that baffles me when I wonder why someone hasn’t invented it yet. It consists of a hard drive and touch screen the size of a photo frame. It sits on your shelf and can either use its own speakers or connect to your existing system. It plays music off the hard drive or off computers on your home network and you interact with it using an iTunes/iPhone interface on the touch screen. It also connects to an online music store, allowing you to download new music directly to the device. In other words, its an oversized iPod Touch. Come on Apple, how hard is it to make one of these!? Sure, computers and iPods can do more or less the same job, but the masses would undoubtedly eat this up.

Delivery
We’re seeing a number of trends in technology that give a very strong indication of how we’ll be getting our music. Firstly, mp3 players, phones and cameras are gradually converging into one super device. These devices will become increasingly integrated with the internet and our home computers. Secondly, information is gradually being moved into ‘the cloud’. This means people are storing their documents and preferences online, so they can access them from anywhere.

Going on these two trends, I expect to see our music collections becoming more web-based. When we buy music, from home or abroad, it gets added to this centralised collection, and all our devices will synchronise with it. Not only does it make our music easily accessible, but it’s a natural evolution of collections into the digital world. One of the most rewarding parts of buying records or CDs is that you gradually build a collection that you can be proud of. As our music becomes digital, so will our collections. And it will be online social networks that replace our bedrooms as the place where we share and display our musical history.

Recommendations
Whenever I try and analyse what could improve the performance of online music stores, I usually focus on two key groups: illegal downloaders and audiophiles. There are plenty of other poorly performing groups (single mothers perhaps?), but these are the two I understand. In order to engage these groups, the focus really needs to be on the things I mentioned earlier, quality and flexibility.

Quality needs to match that of a CD. This means high quality downloads, associated content (album art, liner notes, etc.) and some sort of token, to make your purchase feel worthwhile. This token is referring to the sharable, online collections that I mentioned earlier, where you get something to show for your moeny, not just a bunch of mp3s that get lost amongst all your illegal downloads.

Flexibility mostly needs to focus on choice and ease of use. As I mentioned earlier, you should be able to download in whatever format you want and continue to have access to any format. Think of it like buying a CD that gets minded for you online. When you want to download, you choose your settings and rip it. You can even listen online or rip it again if you wish.

If you can offer both quality and flexibility, you’re bringing legal downloads to a level above CDs and illegal downloads and making them worth paying for. As it stands, they are only equal to or worse than the other options, so its no wonder they’re unpopular.

The other area which I feel is integral to the success of digital music is integration. Buying music online needs to be so ridiculously easy that we do it out convenience, even if there is free alternatives available. Take Nintendo's Virtual Console for example. This system allows you to download classic games onto your Wii and play them on your TV. It has been very successful, despite the fact that every one of these games can be played on a computer for free with an emulator. The reason people pay is that its so convenient and nicely integrated into their home entertainment systems. For music, this means integrating the buying process into all the areas that we're listening (our stereos, on the web, on our phones), so that when we want something new, we'll take the convenient option, not the free option. iTunes does a pretty impressive job, but thats only if you're willing to lock into Apple's products. We're still waiting on someone to produce a product that seemlessly ties in all our listening experiences and makes buying online music second nature.

Missing Posts

2009-01-16T11:23:00.004+11:00

A casual glance at this blog may suggest that this is the first post in over a month. However, this is not true. I have posted 3 times and in each case the post has been removed by Blogger at the request of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Where I went wrong, I don't know, but what I do know is that I've been left with a very bare looking blog. If the person who issued those Cease and Desist orders is reading this, I encourage them to contact me. Because in running this blog, I don't set out to hurt any artists and am always willing to co-operate with the wishes of labels. But unless I know the nature of the complaint, I can't fix the problem! Apparently, the notices will be put up soon at http://www.chillingeffects.org/ so hopefully some light will be shed on the matter. I'm almost afraid to keep posting because I have no idea how pissed off the IFPI is. And we all know how much America loves to extradite. Eek!

Hottest 10

2009-01-14T14:21:00.000+11:00

**MP3s removed until I find out why the IFPI is complaining**

It took at least 5 bands spamming me on Facebook, but this year I got my act together and voted in Triple J's Hottest 100 (last year I planned on voting solely for Vitriol but sadly, left it too late). I never actually realised this, but apparently the Hottest 100 is the world's largest song poll. And while its far from perfect, it certainly presents a much healthier look at the current state of music than any Billboard Top 20. So do your bit; vote now before it closes this Sunday. YES WE CAN. Sorry.

Here's my top ten, followed by a shortlist. While it may have been hacked together in a bit of rush, I make no excuses. I was in love with every one of these songs at some point throughout the year.

Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition
Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal
Sigur Ros - Gobbledigook
Santogold - Lights Out
Sparkadia - Too Much To Do
Cloud Control - Death Cloud
Vampire Weekend - A-Punk
Youth Group - All This Will Pass
Jordy Lane - Galileo
MGMT - Kids

Band Of Horses - No One's Gonna Love You
Ben Folds - You Don't Know Me
Bird Automatic - Suburbs
Bridezilla - Saint Francine
Born Ruffians - Hummingbird
Children Collide - Social Currency
Death Cab For Cutie - Long Division
Deep Sea Arcade - Crouch End
Devoted Few - The Death Of Us
Firekites - Same Suburb Different Park
Flight Of The Conchords - Inner City Pressure
Hercules & Love Affair - Blind
John Steel Singers - Rainbow Kraut
Kings Of Leon - Closer
Crystal Castles - Untrust Us
Ladyhawke - Paris Is Burning
Metronomy - My Heart Rate Rapid
Mercy Arms - Half Right
Of Montreal - Id Engager
Pivot - O Soundtrack My Heart
redsunband , The - The Eagle
Seabellies - The - Heart Heart Heart Out
Songs - KC's In Trouble
TV On The Radio - DLZ
Ween - Blue Balloon
Yeasayer - 2080

Remixes

2009-01-02T14:19:00.001+11:00

**MP3s removed until I find out why the IFPI is complaining**

As any regular reading would probably know, I'm no fan of remixes. This is simply because the vast majority of them aren't needed. They tend to just hack up a decent track and stick a fat beat on it, hoping to cash in on the fame of the original. It's a blunt and cynical view, but hey, its all too often true. But that's not to say I'm a total hater. When a remix comes along that enhances the original and brings something new to the table, I'll gladly respect it. Here's a couple that have recently caught my fancy.

MGMT - Electric Feel (Aeroplane Remix)
I came across this version at a party. Everyone was sitting back and relaxing when it came on, perfectly fitting the chilled atmosphere. It's so unassuming, never trying too hard to show off the sample. In fact it's really a song in it's own right. It takes the core elements of Electric Feel, spreads them out, adds a sweet bass line and produces an awesome laid back track.

Shout Out Louds - Impossible (It's Possible Remix by Studio)
While never really getting into the Shout Out Louds, I've always had a soft spot for this song. When I heard this version on the radio, I was impressed with how it brought out the track's strengths. The prominent bass elements help to fuel the natural feeling of excitement, while the added texture and reverb add to the song's warm, rich vibe.

Also, while looking for a copy of the Shout Out Louds remix, I came across this article on a site called BiBaBiDi. It takes a similar line of, "the world is full of terrible remixes, but here's some good ones". For the remix fans out there, it's worth a look.

Guilty Pleasures

2008-12-27T14:18:00.000+11:00

**MP3s removed until I find out why the IFPI is complaining**

Considering this blog recently passed the 300,000 visitor milestone (!!!) and we're right in the middle of the Christmas/New Year period, I think it's appropriate to do some indulging. You know those songs that you put on, and love, but only you and friends appreciate them, because only you know the back-stories behind them? Well these are some of my songs. And the back-stories. Cause with all the serious music journalism I've been doing this year, it's about time I had a break.

Will Smith - Gettin' Jiggy With It

Ah the Will Smith phase. This was entertaining. At one point we made plans to transform our living room into the 'Will Smith Room', plastering the walls with giant posters of this undeniably cool man. Sadly, the furthest we got was a newspaper clipping on someone's door, but it was all worth it for the utterly bemused looks and remarks of 'You mean you ACTUALLY like Will Smith?'

Toto - Africa

I missed out on Toto the first time round, but recently someone stumbled across this song and we had our own private revival. I think we liked it purely for its excess. With lyrics such as 'Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti', you know you're onto a winner. It's even better live, with drum cages, epic choruses and flashing lights. This song is the definition of spectacle. I especially love how the falsetto singer aged from a token 80's guy into a Hillsong preacher. Brilliant!

Custard - Love Measurer

Custard are without doubt a great Australian band. Anyone who doesn't agree is fooling themselves. But amongst all the hits, this song became a house favourite. The original reason was its rarity. The album it came from, Weisenheimer, couldn't be found on the internet or in shops. So when a live version was found, excitement followed. The signature riff evoked plenty of fist shaking and jumping about. Antics that went straight over the heads of everyone else who wasn't listening to it 5 times a day.

Frenzal Rhomb - You Can't Move Into My House

As I walked to Kings Cross one night and a friend began singing a song about missing a lung, I was reminded just how much I love Frenzal Rhomb. I'm not sure if its the pent-up energy, the simple song sturctures, the hilarious lyrics, or perhaps rebellious allure of excessive swearing, but something makes this band consistently awesome. I'll always remember a road trip to Melbourne, when one of their songs came on and the whole car spontaneously sung along. What ensued was an hour of non-stop Frenzal Rhomb, our voices wearing thin well before their list of hits.

The Real Tuesday Weld - Last Words

2008-12-10T20:22:00.003+11:00

I present to you a single-listen blog. It's always a special occasion when you hear a song for the first time and instantly feel attached to it. The feeling is one of warmth and satisfaction, but also quiet anticipation of what more could await. It's a feeling that happens far too rarely for me, so I had share it while it lasted. Sadly though, the very nature of a 'single-listen' means I can't offer much in the way of description. However I do remember the chorus having some great vocals. They had power behind them, but at the same time were soft and reserved. Check it out for yourself so I can stop mucking around actually give it another listen.

Last Words

| myspace |

p.s. i can't say i'm the biggest fan of the band name...

Howling Bells - Into The Chaos

2008-12-01T17:29:00.004+11:00

It's been well over a year since I've even thought of this band and then all of a sudden, BAM, this song comes on the radio. One round of the chanting opening riff and I was hooked. The slow, haunting vocals took over in the chorus and the Howling Bells memories came flooding back. It's been so long that all I can really remember about their last album is that it was good. With a second album on the way, the band couldn't have found a more perfect lead single than Into The Chaos. My attention is well and truly theirs.

Into The Chaos

| myspace | website |

Seekae - The Sound of Trees Falling On People

2008-11-27T22:06:00.004+11:00

Another album which I've been listening to lately is the debut release by Sydney electronic outfit, Seekae. So early in their career, I would hardly have expected them to have an album, let alone one with 18 fully developed tracks. Their music is some sort of dramatic techno, mixing strange electronic clippings with looping keyboard melodies. I'm only just getting into it, but already I'm discovering an incredibly diverse array of sounds. My current favourite, Void, sees them really live up to 'Shoegaze' tag that they use on their myspace. I've always appreciated the way good electronic artists can build emotion without the need for lyrics and Seekae do just that. I'm not quite sure what they're doing in terms of distributing this album (anyone?), but they have a launch on Dec 10th at the Hoey, so I'm sure you'll be able to find out then.

Void

And just as I was writing this, I discovered another favourite (perhaps I should have listened more before writing this!). This one features some truly awesome keyboard sounds coming from every direction. I hope you guys don't mind me posting two tracks.

Halley Wars

| myspace |

The Motifs

2008-11-27T21:30:00.003+11:00

After listening to Jay Reatard, I don't think I could have stumbled across a starker contrast than The Motifs. As 'Matador Singles 08' finished, iTunes moved into 'Matches', easily the indiest indie release I've ever bought. You really can't fault it, with a mini CD, cover made of glued-on pieces, hand-drawn insert, individual message, sticker and even a sleeve hold it all. Believe it or not, the music is even cuter. The 6-track EP comes in at just 10 minutes, but offers an abundance lovely melodies. I think I did this exact post when I bought it a year ago, but the rediscovery was too good to let slide.

Tell Me More

| myspace | weepop |

Laneway Listenings

2008-11-27T18:38:00.001+11:00

As with every festival I go to, it begins with research. Ever since the fateful Big Day Out '04 when I missed The Darkness, Muse, The Flaming Lips, Kings of Leon due to ignorance, I've been sure to get to know the bands BEFOREHAND, so I know who'll be worth seeing. Laneway 2009 has an interesting lineup, which to be honest, didn't strike me at first. But the more I look at it, the more I get excited. It's not so much a selection of bands I do love, but should love. Hence the research. Here's a few of the bands I've listened to recently.

Girl Talk
Jay Reatard
Born Ruffians
The John Steel Signers

1 - Girl Talk

2008-11-27T18:04:00.004+11:00

The first album was a novelty. The second album is.....also a novelty. But its a damn fun novelty. The insane variety of samples, mashed together so effortlessly, is almost too much for the mind to comprehend. But whilst the last 50 years of music are competing for a cameo, there's wicked beats flowing through every song. I'm looking forward to this live show so much that it will also be my first sideshow for the year.

In Step

| myspace |

2 - Jay Reatard

2008-11-27T18:03:00.004+11:00

I haven't listened to much, but then it doesn't take much to realise that this will be a performance not to miss. Short, fast punk-pop can never fail.

Always Wanting More

| myspace |

3 - Born Ruffians

2008-11-27T18:02:00.001+11:00

I've been pleasantly surprised to discover that this band are more than just one-hit wonders. The rest of their album may not match the brilliance of Hummingbird, but it's got plenty more of their signature slurred vocals, jagged guitars and edgy rhythms. I'm expecting good things when they swing by.

Hummingbird

| myspace |

4 - The John Steel Singers

2008-11-27T18:01:00.005+11:00

I wouldn't exactly call this Brisbane band a highlight on the Laneway bill, but after seeing them live recently, I can testify for their worthiness. The first time I saw them, they were a fun six-piece with a sit-down keyboardist (meh). Now they're a rockin' troupe with some killer songs and great live energy. If only their album didn't come in a Jeans pocket.....hehe. Shame on you Levity.

Rainbow Kraut

| myspace |

John Columbus Residency

2008-11-27T13:05:00.004+11:00

This Sunday will see the final installment in a Hopetoun residency by my good friends, John Columbus. The band (not a person) have recorded their second EP and will be offering it exclusively at these shows. This new EP was recorded live and is slightly quieter and more reserved than their last release. Give it a few listens and you'll begin to see that its strength lies in its subtleties. John Columbus create some of the most soothing and finely crafted music in Sydney. Catch them from 8.30, but get there early to catch The never-disappointing Statics and The recently-revived Crustaceans.

MP3: Skinny Dipping

Decoder Ring

2008-11-16T16:58:00.007+11:00

Last Saturday, Sydney band, Decoder Ring played as the feature act of the Riverbeats festival, a multicultural arts celebration on the banks of the Parramatta River. The location was certainly out of the ordinary, as far as gigs go. The stage was set up on one side of the river, with audience on the other. Above the stage was a giant white dome, with images being projected onto it. As you went down the river in either direction, there was an assortment of lights and candles and two more giant domes. It was certainly worthy of being called spectacle.

Such a setting could not have been more perfect for a band like Decoder Ring, whose music is truly epic. Sure, this term gets tossed around alot, but I'm talking about the expansive, emotional sounds you hear coming of bands like Sigur Ros and Mogwai. The sweeping soundscapes, compounding layers of instrumentation and descents into chaos. This is where you'll find Decoder Ring. And just like Sigur Ros, they know how to use visuals to build on the impact of their music and create that complete experience.

This particular Decoder Ring experience began with a visual montage, soundtracked by them and projected on to the giant domes. It was a fast-paced stream of images that featured, amongst other things, raindrops, monsters and giant sets of teeth. It kept things interesting while the band set up and really built the atmosphere for when they arrived on stage. Their actual set was even better. The lighting, location and nature of their music made for a very awe-inspiring show. The highlight was the final track, Welcome Shoppers, which builds with immense power and then progresses into an awesome rock-out. And if that wasn't enough, fireworks erupted as the final notes were played. It was pretty hard not to be impressed.

Welcome Shoppers

Decoder Ring recently traveled to America to record their new album. Expect to hear more of them very soon.

Website | Myspace

Top Australian Artists of 2008

2008-11-07T17:10:00.007+11:00

Oh how I hate compiling these lists. They are damn near impossible to sit back thinking 'Yes, that accurately represents my tastes'. You just can't do it! For starters, how do you compare an awesome live show with a solid album? Does it count if I got into an album this year that was released last year? I can barely remember back to the start of the year, let alone try to piece together which bands had the biggest impact! And so the list comes to you with so many faults. Missing bands, strange orderings and plenty of bias. You name it, it's here. But I had to walk away from it because no amount of tweaking could have produced a satisfying list. 2008 was a strange year for me. There were no really stand out bands. The bands I loved had a fairly quite year, whilst many new bands entered my affection. And so I was left with about 40 bands, all on level footing. Perfect for compiling an ordered list! I used the criteria of 'Which bands delivered the most enjoyment in 2008' and the result is quite an interesting one. I've certainly discovered a few trends (and holes) in my listening habits which may indicate some exploring is in order. Feel free to post your own list in the comments. Away!

1. Youth Group

2008 was the year I came to appreciate Youth Group. Not just their latest album, but their entire catalogue. The vocals, the melodies, it's all so incredibly beautiful.

2. Cloud Control

The band I have seen more than any other. No releases this year, but more than enough memorable moments. The addictive hooks and swooning harmonies are just too good to resist.

3. Dappled Cities

It's Dappled. Enough said. Three mighty fine performances was more than enough to thrust them right up here.

4. Theredsunband

The year began with a Laneway performance, moved on to some great singles and culminated in a sophomore album. In every case, Theredsunband delivered rich, powerful music.

5. The Devoted Few

After getting a taste this year, I can tell you quite confidently that 2009 will be a big year for The Devoted Few. Both live and recorded, these guys rock!

6. Charge Group

When it comes to creating immensely powerful, vastly expansive soundscapes, Charge Group has no rival. Their music reaches such emotional highs, you're left in awe.

7. The Seabellies

This year, The Seabellies proved what I had always believed; their multi-instrumental ways are not a gimmick, but a defining strength. Their incredible single, Heart Heart Heart Out, is just a taste of whats to come.

8. Cuthbert & The Night Walkers

Bands pretty much don't come any funner than Cuthbert & The Night Walkers. In their stripped back format, they are more colourful, lively and entertaining than ever before.

9. Sparkadia

Sparkadia's speciality is in super sweet indie-pop, filled with toe tapping rhythms and luscious crooning choruses. Their debut album was no exception, earning them a much-deserved place in the global spotlight.

10. Parades

Of all the new Sydney bands that emerged in 2008, Parades are the ones who got me genuinely excited. Their songs move in complex, ever-changing directions, their instrumentation is refreshingly diverse and their vocals are incredibly refined. They've found such a great mix and its only just the beginning.

11. The Temper Trap
12. Flamingo Crash
13. Pivot
14. Bluejuice
15. Deep Sea Arcade
16. Papa vs Pretty
17. Firekites
18. The Curse of Company
19. The Boat People
20. Philadelphia Grand Jury
21. Augie March
22. Bird Automatic
23. Mercy Arms
24. The Straight Arrows
25. British India

Homebake Incentive 2008 Grand Final

2008-10-31T11:03:00.005+11:00

I know I've gone on about this competition, quite a bit, but if you're looking for a sample of rising talent in Sydney, you won't find much better. The grand final will be held over two nights, at The Hopetoun Hotel, with 4 bands playing per night. Here's a quick overview of who made it to the final 8:

Night 1 - Monday 3rd Nov

Jordy Lane
Jordy Lane's music has two very distinct sides. There's the warm, soft and downright gorgeous side, seen on tracks like Gallileo, and then there's the erratic, often-confronting electronic side. I'm not sure if he's found the right balance yet, but already he's produced some impressive music. Here's a track that showcases both his sides.

The Neighbours

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Songs For Surgery
Songs For Surgery may only just be starting out, but I can already sense big things. Their demos already show they can deliver in a variety of styles, including fast-paced, edgy rock, melodic indie riffs and even slower, building songs. On stage, this translates to a great show. They've been picked up by a highly regarded Sydney engineer and will be putting out some tracks soon. Look forward to them.

Sunny Afternoon

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Papa Vs Pretty
You can't talk about Papa Vs Pretty without mentioning the amazing talents of Tom. This guy can write, he can sing, he can play guitar, he can play keyboards and he can do them all insanely well. You have to come see them just to see him in action. As a band, they have an incredibly mature sound for a bunch of high school kids. It's a dark style of rock, with the occasional electronic flavouring. Though I wish they would move away from their Joy Division cover (which is actually good) because they have such excellent original material.

Citizen No. 1

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Sui Zhen
Sui Zhen speicalises in mega-cute pop music. Her delicate vocals and soft instrumentation can be deceiving because she can also be quite powerful. When joined by her band, the sound is a lot fuller and together they produce a fun-filled show that will have you smiling without fail.

Heat

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Night 2 - Tuesday Nov 4

Seekae
Seekae make instrumental electronic music. Such a fact would normally put them well out of band competition chances and beyond my personal interests. And yet in this case, neither is true. Seekae's music has a certain charm about it. It's like a warmer, friendlier version of Pivot. When Seekae are on the ball, they're outstanding. But they still have some improving to do, because when they're not on, they can be pretty boring.

Yurai

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The Statics
As far as raw energy goes, The Statics take the cake. The enigmatic Pat Delohery, with his wild on-stage persona and sudden falsetto outburts, really manages to bring the band alive. Their music, which a is mix of sloppy, Pavement-esque rock and electric dynamism, always entertains.

Space Unicorn

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Deep Sea Arcade
Deep Sea Arcade's quirky blend of pop music has been working wonders in and around Sydney. Through a steady supply of shows they've managed to build a decent following and gain fairly widespread respect. It's no surprise though. This is intelligently layered music, moving in such strange and foreign ways. It's truly worthy of the title 'unique'.

Crouch End

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Elana Stone Band
Elana Stone is the only one here that I'm still yet to see. As such, I can't really offer much of an opinion. But the two things I do know, that she is the sister of Jake Stone and has an incredible voice, have me very intrigued.

Beautiful Sound

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Predictions

Most Likely: Papa Vs Pretty
If I was organising Homebake, this is the band I'd want most out of these 8. Their youth and their energetic set make an instantly lovable combo that would undoubtedly win over early arrivers. They've already played Parklife so they're no strangers to the festival scene.

Most Deserving: Deep Sea Arcade
Deep Sea Arcade's music is like nothing else. It's a little bizarre but its also awesome. They put meticulous thought into the sounds of their guitars and vocals and the result is some highly addictive music. It's unsuspecting, but there's definitely an audience out there. If anyone deserves a big break, it's these guys.

Left-field Chance: Seekae
It really depends on the tastes of who's judging, but if Seekae put on a stellar show, I have this niggling feeling that they could sneak through. When done right, their music is the sort that everybody loves. It's got character, it's got direction, and of course, its got plenty of cool sounds.

Download all 8 tracks

a normal amount of stars

2008-10-28T09:34:00.000+11:00

ok, just to fill people in. ‘Shoplifting from American Apparel’ is a novella written by Tao Lin and published by Melville House. Tao is giving shit away to people who write 1500+ word blog posts about him and/or his book (relevant link here). If you live in Australia you have to write 2000+ words to cover postage from North America. Peter has let me hijack his blog for this because I told him I wanted to “win shit on the internet where you need a blog and I don’t have a blog”.

What you are about to read is 2000+ words about Tao Lin/’Shoplifting from American Apparel’ that I will have to belt out pretty fast because there are only 26 winners worldwide and slots are going fast; I will probably mention hipsterrunoff.com, Brandon Scott Gorrell and Soren Kierkegaard as well, and possibly L. Wittgenstein – these last two I usually cringe at when I see them dropped them in non-academic print – I just want people to know that. I may also use first-order logical notation in which case natural language explanations will be provided. If this stuff doesn’t interest you, you can get out right now by clicking here; although I hope to make it interest you enough to possibly buy Tao’s book or at least google him: this does seem to be the purpose of the whole exercise after all.

Chances are that if you do buy and read SFAA you might find it boring. I guess this depends upon what else you read and how often, and also whether you have a particular front to keep up somewhere; but still not much really happens in this book (…although the main character Sam does get arrested twice and the first holding cell scene with the drunk man is very funny and I’ve read it aloud to four people, which I don’t ever do…). Not that ‘nothing happening’ and getting bored is necessarily bad, boredom is an aesthetic decision/response same as any other after all, and the process of getting bored while reading SFAA does allow you think smug little things like, ‘man, what a relief to be reading something that doesn’t want to wow me about life all the time’. And, ‘man, most people are always trying to be 100% interesting in their facebook/twitter updates when life, man, life just doesn’t work like that. Life, life is misguided Gchat conversations’, and other similar things. Plus embracing boredom is eternally hip/anti-mainstream in any decadent culture, so reading SFAA and cultivating your boredom will make you cool/hip, aware, and accepting of how ‘nothing ever happens’ and how twitter/facebook allows everyone to build 100% interesting narratives about themselves that are false compared to their real lives, which are probably boring.

So anyway, say you did read SFAA and it was mostly boring but still insightful and helped you grow your boredom and was possibly even ‘a mirror’, what are you going to do next? This is an important question in general, and particularly important, I think, to Tao Lin and SFAA.

I’m going to start with the “in general”. Caveat lector.

I think it is safe to say that boredom is quite possibly the most authentic state of existence for people living in developed nations. As far as I can figure out The Greeks didn’t get bored, they didn’t have twitter/facebook/Gchat + hi-tech gadgets but they still found things interesting, in particular they found existing interesting. Imagine being an ancient Greek, waking up, looking at shit and going what makes this work? what is motion? what is change? Really deep things. Imagine, lying down at night, looking at the stars with minimal-to-no light pollution and thinking “well, this is a mindfuck. what are those things up there? how do they move? is there an underlying pattern – like, overall? where do I fit in this ‘cosmos’ everyone is talking about…….” There are subtle inconsistencies in this image, but you get the picture.

After the Greeks and before the invention of the internet there was enlightenment science. Enlightment science answered heaps of shit The Greeks had begun asking themselves however many years before – well, it at least re-framed them. The cosmos was no longer layered top to bottom like the original Donkey Kong with man merely on the earth, and was instead found to be massively 3D, like Mario 64, and man, sorry, ‘Man’, like Mario, was the centre of the universe/cosmos/order of things. You think the stars were a mindfuck to The Greeks, well try self-consciousness to enlightment/post-elightement thinkers, OMFG, imagine sitting at your mahogany desk, popping/unscrewing an ink bottle, picking the crust from yesterday’s quill and sitting down to descibe the dialetic of your insides – the universe within. Imagine self-reflexivity/self-consciousness still being new, still being interesting. Imagine having to know Latin and wait for months/years to receive replies to your ideas from friends across Europe. Imagine having the inkling that the whole of existence was made up of atomistic ‘monads’ and not being able to wikipedia it. OMFG. You’d just have to go with it.

Today existing/existence is fairly passe. Everyone does it. There is nothing special about it anymore. You can split existing between yourself and people like you, and people who Heidegger would have called Das Man, “The They”; people who construct 100% interesting life-stories about themselves via social networking tools/the internet: but then you’re just being smug…

Existing is the level playing field. There are no underlying patterns (…speaking of SFAA there is a very funny chaos theory/polyryhthmns passage which I don’t read to others and just enjoy for myself…), there are no actually existing Gods to fall back on, and if you ‘get self-conscious’ unexpectedly you can always whip out your phone and pretend to text someone. All there is is ‘nothing ever happens’ and ‘immense meaninglessness in the scheme of things’. Let this get to you in any way and everything gets boring, find a book like SFAA and you suddenly get bored + aware = hip/counter-cultural, and on-to-something abt life. And then you have have to do something else…

This now + future = choice, is what I think is particularly important to Tao Lin and his work, and is maybe the main reason why you should google him/buy his stuff. When the general tenor of life is boredom and you know this, how you construct meaning from experience becomes very important. And it is an all the time thing.

Need I mention SFAA is about stealing from a multi-national corporation?

‘Shoplifting from American Apparel’ is a carefully constructed piece; you get that feeling first time through and it becomes even more apparent if you read it twice while keeping the themes from the first reading in mind (which it is possible to do in one day, depending on the day). Everything inside SFAA is meaningful, in and of itself; it is tight. Tao’s main character Sam operates upon life like a mathematical function, selecting, from an infinite range of possible ‘life events’ over roughly two years, a set of happenings big (relatively (‘two parts shoplifting arrest’) and small (relatively (‘five parts vague relationship issues’)), and invests in this set of happenings within the book a carefully constructed meaning, meaning against an otherwise meaningless and arbitary world.

‘To transcend’ is a loaded concept for almost anyone who cares to use it, but particularly I think for American fiction writers. But say you’ve read through SFAA once and got bored/aware, should you read it again you might see that what it really hits at is transcending boredom, whether it is possible and how to do it…

On the possibilities of transcending boredom however, Tao is mute. This is something I really like about the novella and it is where I think it derives its delicate narrative tension from, more than anything which ostensibily happens within the piece. I think that for all the kudos Tao Lin’s ‘minimalist Millennial realism’ has received on the internet (and he generates a lot of talk on the internet, this itself being a prime example…) the fact that he doesn’t ever claim or seem to have transcended boredom is why his writing strikes such a cord. This is also what separates his writing from other similar types of writing that could be accused of wallowing in depression. I never throughout the two times I read SFAA got the feeling Tao or Sam was smugly enjoying feeling depressed, if anything I felt that each event within the novel is couched in terms of its possibilities to relive depression/boredom, and is assessed according to a set of rules which it is the reader’s job to find out.

Which brings me nicely to the another aspect of SFAA which I also like; it’s porousness. That SFAA is both tight and porous is singularly impressive and evidence of the kind of weird intense labour which must have gone into producing it. There are, within SFAA elements which it would be possible to describe as plot holes. Some of these, as I’ve mentioned before, it is possible to weave into an internally coherent narrative within the text itself the second time through, others it isn’t, and no amount of reading the book will give you any insight into what is going on (Sam emails a popular website a photo of cash, for seemingly no reason…), instead, if you want to know what is happening, which lets face it, being knowledgable about fine points of detail is a central desire of many/most people including myself; whether their/my particular knowledge is ‘meaningful in the scheme of things’ and ‘actually useful’, or not – then you are going to have to do a little googling to find clues as to how/why some of the seemingly loose aspects of SFAA actually fit within the unique set of rules within which Tao’s character of Sam plays the game of existence.

Tao Lin seems to know this; read many of the other entries to this competition and you’ll see they mostly paraphrase a lot of the stuff/information you can easily find out about him on the internet and often use language obviosuly cribbed from hipsterrunoff.com, Tao himself, and other similar writers. It’s ridiculous if you actually think about, it is as if Tao Lin has sensed the enjoyment of faithful and discerning research into the whys and hows of his work/net persona, and then got a number of people to collate a lot of the available information in one spot. I think it’s safe to say Tao Lin actually does get this ‘high-concept’ when planning things, especially promotion/self-promotion.

I would like to point out that operations of faithful and discerning research into the life and works of authors is a general concept which also applies to current and historical events, and to people you actually meet in real life – it is not some Tao Lin specific thing. What just might be Tao Lin specific about it, at least in my opinion, is that he is publishing in independent print in an age of omipresent communications technology, and he manages to do so with a moral urgency capable of seducing readers into doing a little work to find out just what this guy is on about. I like that.

This said, you could argue that buying and reading something like SFAA takes on an ethical dimension, which is really what all good/meaningful literature does….

That said, whether I can generalise the above statement in relation to SFAA in particular is debateable, at least in my head; mainly because I don’t want to be too fawning, but also because I don’t really have the word count left to argue it out acutely. I might just leave off on this point.

Links:

‘how i will relieve boredom’ by Tao Lin (if anyone is hanging for Kierkegaard & Wittgenstein stuff I promised at the beginning you should be able to find it in here. If you know where to look…)

‘'the gimmicks of american apparel vs. the gimmicks of urban outfitters’ by Brandon Scott Gorrell (unrelated note: I left out the first-order logic stuff; I think it is discernable within the post, but more as a structural thing)

Some follow for all

2008-10-23T10:57:00.003+11:00

Well apparently you can now follow this blog. Look for it in the left sidebar. I'm not quite sure what it means, but hey, you can do it!

Update: More following. Yay! http://twitter.com/openyoureyes

Flamingo Crash - Triangle Island

2008-10-21T15:54:00.007+11:00

Flamingo Crash have been bouncing in and out of my favour for a couple of years now. I saw them once or twice, here and there, but never really followed up. But then I caught them at the FBi birthday gig and was quite impressed. It was a fun, energetic set, filled with some really cool songs. They were like an Australian version of Hilotrons. That probably doesn't mean much to most of you, but for a fanboy like myself, it was great. If these guys had an album, I was buying it. Well that was the plan anyway. Instead, I forgot on the night, and when I went to their myspace I didn't feel the same magic. They were subsequently cast from my mind. Luckily though, things weren't left to me, because a few weeks later my house mate bought the album and I've come to love it.

This album has been fortunate in the attention it has received. It made it into my CD player at a time when I was busy messing around with a new computer. So everytime it finished, I would be so caught up in doing something else that rather than bothering to queue up a selection of albums, or putting on something new, I would just press play again. This happened again and AGAIN. It got to the point where I'd heard it about 15 times in the space of 3 days. I got to know it incredibly well and best of all, I never got tired of it. Flamingo Crash have put together a great selection of 10 tracks, each with its own charm and all combining into a suprisingly killer album.

Beijing Holiday - Possibly the biggest characteristic of Flamingo Crash's sound is the heavy contrast between the sparse rock guitars and the techno keyboards. It's a really jumpy sound and great for getting you moving. I particularly like the way this song builds into the chorus, with a moment of almost heart-stopping silence, before being swept up by some awesome keyboards.

Mountains - Ah the infamous track 8. Everytime it comes on, I snap out of whatever I'm doing and think 'Ooo I like this song. Is it track 8?' And sure enough, it is. There's something really soothing about it, especially in the context of the whole album. A moment of solace in a world of chaos.

This is just a mere snapshot, and to be quite honest doesn't to the album must justice. If you hear anything you like, either here or on the myspace, I'd strongly recommend getting Triangle Island.

Myspace | Website

Mystery Jets

2008-10-14T11:30:00.004+11:00

The previous Mystery Jets album came and went without making much of an impression. But after hearing (and seeing) some of their new songs, I might just have to give them another chance. Haha brilliant.

Ernest Ellis

2008-10-04T17:19:00.004+10:00

Ernest Ellis is a relatively new band out of Sydney, playing their first show just two weeks ago. I managed to catch the end of this set, and was quite intrigued with what I saw. What struck me most was the diversity of their sound. Each song seemed to remind me of a different artist. If you head to their myspace, you can hear a TV On The Radio song (Want For Anything), a Sea And Cake song (Holiday) and even a Bit By Bats song (Bad Blood). I don't make these comparisons in a negative way either, because not only the similarities are subtle, but these are all great bands to be channeling. The varying sounds are combined well to create some rather interesting music. It's early days yet, but Ernest Ellis certainly have my attention. They've also got the attention of Dew Process so expect to be hearing a lot more of them soon.

Bad Blood

| Myspace |

The Temper Trap

2008-09-28T14:30:00.001+10:00

The Temper Trap are one of those bands gifted with an incredible voice. When lead singer, Doug, hits full stride with his singing, the result is a display of immense power. It's crisp, focused and seems to project endlessly. But of course vocals are just one part of a very complicated equation. You need to write music that supports and strengthens them.

About 18 months ago, The Temper Trap burst onto the scene with their debut EP. The songs were solid and catchy, but it was the vocals that were left to hold them up. They played a run of shows and then disappeared as quickly as they arrived. Well now they've returned with a host of new material and this time it looks like they may have got the balance right. As if to make a statement, the old songs have been completely dropped.

I got the chance to see them live last Thursday and was thoroughly impressed. Clearly, this is where The Temper Trap strive. Despite more than 90% of the songs being unfamiliar, they managed to keep me engaged and entertained from start to finish. I loved how it wasn't just left to Doug to capture your attention. The whole band was moving around, singing in choruses and adding to the energy of the show. Jonny on bass is always a favourite. You won't find a more animated bass player anywhere.

The highlight of the show was easily their new single 'Sweet Disposition'. From the few times I had heard it on radio and myspace, I knew it was going to be good live, but on the night it surpassed all expectations. The nature of the song, combined with some well timed lighting led to a build up in energy so intense that when the chorus finally hit, the whole place exploded. I can vividly remember turning to a friend, both of us grinning uncontrollably, lost in the sheer awesomeness of the moment. The crowd applauded for a good minute afterwards and the band had to wait for everyone to stop and get their breath back. Brilliant.

Mp3: Sweet Disposition

They must have done something wrong last time they were around because every second person I've spoken to lately seems to be a hater. To those people, I say forget your issues and go see them with an open mind. Because in terms of music and performance (ie the things that matter), The Temper Trap have the goods.

| Myspace |

Peter Bjorn and WHAAAT!?

2008-09-24T19:19:00.001+10:00

You may not realise this, but Peter Bjorn and John have a brand new album. Whatever you do, don't go out and buy this record based on the merits of their last one, because I can safely say this album is nothing like it. No, I don't mean that they've changed their style. Instead, they've gone out and created something that can only be described as utterly bizarre. The album is entirely instrumental, other than occasional snippets of foreign-language speech. Apparently the homelands of all three members are represented. In fact, the whole thing feels more like a soundtrack to an obscure foreign film than the work of a modern pop band. I'm not saying you shouldn't buy it, just be prepared for a shock. It can actually be quite enjoyable at times, especially as breezy background music, but in the end, most people will find it far too weird. It has had a limited release in the US, with a few other areas getting it soon. Track it down if you dare.

There is one track that could almost be considered 'normal', but featuring it would mask the album's true nature. Instead, here's a couple of the more obscure tracks. They nicely demonstrate what's in store for you.

Say Something (Mukiya)
Next Stop Bjursele

No, this isn't a joke. It really is Peter Bjorn and John.

New Devoted Few

2008-09-21T18:21:00.003+10:00

A few months back, I got my hands on an unreleased album and was told that should I leak it, I would die a horrible death. Not being too keen on such a scenario, I obeyed and kept it to myself. That album was the long-awaited third release by Sydney band, The Devoted Few. It's titled Baby, You're A Vampire and it's grown to be one of my favourite albums of the year. With it's release fast-approaching, I reckon it's about time everyone started paying attention.

The Devoted Few have had some success in the past, largely thanks to their killer single, Sleepless, but with this new album, I'm sensing something more. When I first saw them live, about 6 months ago, I was highly impressed by a set filled with unfamiliar songs. As it turns out, nearly every one of those songs appears on this album. The Devoted Few are well and truly looking forward and they've got the substance to back it up.

Look out for a full album review closer to the release date. In the meantime, check out their website and myspace page for an assortment of content, including previews of tracks from the new album. I believe they only stay up for a short period before being rotated, so get in quick.

Here's their brand new single: The Death Of Us

The Middle East

2008-09-18T20:02:00.003+10:00

The beauty of music in today's age is just how easily it spreads. Once upon a time it took money and major support to get your music heard. Such forces still exists, but the internet has changed the game. Music can spread purely on its own merits, independent of the band's efforts. If a song is good enough, the listeners will do the promoting. Take, for example, the song 'Blood' by The Middle East. By all logical explanations, I shouldn't know it exists. The band is based in Townsville, over 1000km away. I had neither heard or heard of them before today. The friend who recommended them, discovered them on an indonesian blog. An INDONESIAN blog! How that blogger came across them is anybody's guess. For all I know, there could be dozens more links in the chain that has carried the music from the band and on to me. But again, thanks to the internet, I probably won't be the last in this chain. Spread, music, spread! It just goes to show that promotional efforts pale in comparison to the importance of composition. Write a good song and it will do the rest.

Blood

This song has an immense power to it. It starts soft, with smooth, honest vocals, accompanied by a subtle array of colourful instrumentation. This builds gradually, finally culminating in a rich vocal chorus, swelling with emotion. It's the sound of a truly great band, entering their element. Who are The Middle East? If only I knew.

I can't keep up!

2008-09-15T12:27:00.002+10:00

OK, now I don't want to write merely for the sake of it, so I'm taking a bit of a break. Content might be a bit thin over the next month, as I traverse the musical landscape in search of more treasures to share. Time has simply gotten the better of me. I need to sit back and take in what's happening without having to worry about posting. Material will still trickle in and I'll be back in full swing very soon. See ya then!

Of Montreal (again)

2008-09-09T17:07:00.008+10:00

Ah, there's no better time to be alive than when Of Montreal is in season. The sun is out, the flowers are blooming and there's a buzz of activity in the air. You can almost smell the excitement in the air. No? Ok so I may be talking rubbish, but a new album by the band has me swept up in Of Montreal fever.

Gallery Piece
Skeletal Lamping is due for release in under month and sadly, early impressions aren't good. I've listened through more than enough times, but I'm not feeling anything. It reminds me of 2005's The Sunlandic Twins. Barring the occasional standout, that album lacked the quality I had come to expect and these days I barely acknowledge it. Hopefully this album doesn't go down the same road. Gallery Piece is the first song to grab me so far. I'm wary of posting it in isolation though, because much of its strength comes from its contrast to previous songs. It certainly gets my attention when it kicks in, but on it's own, it might just seem annoying. Consider that a disclaimer.

Eros' Entropic Tundra
Even if it does turn out that Of Montreal release albums on good-bad cycle, we at least have two things to be happy about. Firstly, the NEXT new album will be absolutely brilliant (even if it is a tad early to get excited). And secondly, we still have the old albums to enjoy. This song comes from 2004's Satanic Panic In The Attic, which remains my favourite album to this day. This is the first Of Montreal song I ever loved and also has some similarity to the above song, by flaunting the delicate line between annoying and heavenly.

Heimdalsgate Like A Promethean Curse
At least with Of Montreal I have an excuse for not remembering the track names. Thanks goes to my housemate for bringing this song, off 2007's Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?, back into the spotlight. The moment when that beat drops is so powerful, so euphoric, that it's impossbile not to get swept up.

| Website | Myspace |

Odds and Ends

2008-09-05T18:41:00.004+10:00

It's been far too long since my last mix so here's a selection of tracks that bear no relation to one another, other than the fact that they've been on my mind and in my ears.

Cassius - Foals
What a deliciously addictive song this is. I would put it right up there with MGMT's Kids, in terms of having a rhythm section that gets you moving without fail. Resonant beats anyone?

Pounding - Doves
I was told to listen to Doves' album The Last Broadcast because apparently it sounded like my own band. I can't say I agree, but at least I found a great album in the process.

To Me Now - Mercy Arms
"Why did Mercy Arms make me think they were fuckwits. Their music is actually good." These are the words of my housemate and I couldn't agree more. Mercy Arms' debut album is actually quite impressive, especially the slower songs. But something about this band has pushed me to the point where I struggle to enjoy them. Shame

Heart of Chambers - Beach House
Beach House make such mellow and relaxing music. I never got to learn the words, because from the second time through their album, I've found myself wailing along to the melodies. They're just too inviting. I would also recommend seeing them live. The epic use of reverb makes for a rich, dreamy atmosphere.

Lights Out - Santogold
I heard song this once and had an instant urge to blog about it. It came right out of left field. I like some of the other Santogold songs, but they can certainly be a little irritating. This song, however, is model in pleasantness. It features smooth vocal medleys, peaking brilliantly and moves along at such a nice pace, never trying to be too much. Love it!

The Little Ones - Morning Tide

2008-08-30T17:39:00.004+10:00

A couple of weeks back, I was reminded of a relatively unknown Californian band called The Little Ones. What were they up to I wondered. After all, they had once held a special place in my heart. They were one of just two international bands that have released an EP that I really got into. The other was Voxtrot. I'm not saying that Australian bands are the only ones capable of producing good EPs. That would be ludicrous. But with a local band, an EP holds more relevance, because you can go out and see that band live. International EPs just depress you by the fact you won't get to see them for a good few years. It's not a very sensible argument, but still, I have a tendancy to wait for an album before judging a band and getting all excited. But with The Little Ones, the lure was just too much. Their EP was a brilliant collection of pop gems that had me seeing a summery visions of The Shins. But many months went by and I forgot about them. That's why it was such a pleasant surprise to look up what they've been up to and discover that they've just released an album, called Morning Tide. I can very happily report that it takes off where the EP left off. It took me a few listens to really fall in love (when doesn't it?), but I am well and truly there now. The same, impressive consistency of their EP remains. Every song has it owns bubbly charm and has me singing along. They may not have truly outstanding tracks here, but they've got an album full of great ones. I'm yet to hear a disappointing song by this band. If you haven't heard them yet, get to it!

Morning Tide

| Website | Myspace |

Charge Group - Escaping Mankind

2008-08-25T09:14:00.004+10:00

Charge Group are a local Sydney outfit, producing sprawling, experimental rock music. The members have being playing with respactable bands for years, including Purpelene and Firekites, but together they form Charge Group and deliver something truly special. Their sound feels almost tightly wound, moving slowly in an effort to contain the emotion, before letting it all out and exploding spectacularly. This powerful effect is primarily produced by the pairing of violin with some stunning lead vocals. Both have the ability to guide the listener subconsciously, leading them through eery, deserted soundscapes and into epic moments of hear-wrenching awe. For such a deeply involving sound, I will admit that it isn't for everyone and does require you to be in the right mood, but when you do connect with Charge Group's music, it's a invigorating experience. I was surprised to learn that just the other day saw the launch of Charge Group's debut album, Escaping Mankind. Not least because I had just missed an opportunity to see them live again, but also because I've been listening to this album for a good six months. I'm not quite sure how it ended up in my possession, but I can assure you that it is of the utmost quality. It's now out for all to enjoy, so get stuck in.

Vice'd

| Website | Myspace |

Homebake Incentive: Round Final 2

2008-08-22T10:15:00.007+10:00

A few months back I reported on the first round final of the Homebake Incentive program. It was a great lineup of Sydney bands and saw Papa vs Pretty and Seekae advance through to the final. This Monday (25th)sees the second round final and another great selection of talent. Forget the competitive nature of these nights, they allow you to see some of Sydney's best emerging bands, on the same bill and at a reasonable price. It's only $6 for 5 bands and all happens at The Hopetoun Hotel. Here's who'll be playing:

Sui Zhen

The sounds of Sui Zhen center around the sharp, almost childish vocals of Becky Freeman. Combined with some lovely, subtle instrumentation, she is able to move from soft and delicate to moments of immense power. It's all wrapped in a warm atmosphere and is quite intimate when you see it live.

Heat

The Ringleaders

The last time I saw The Ringleaders, I walked away incredibly impressed by everything they did. They were one of those straight-up rock bands, who had good songs and played them well. But that was a long time ago, and after listening to the songs on their myspace, their sound seems to have much more of a distinct flavour than I remembered. Should be interesting to see them again.

Awake

Songs For Surgery

I've spoken about Songs For Surgery before and I definitely think they're one to watch. They're young and they make some great music. What more do you need? I only caught the end of their set last time I saw them, so I'm looking forward to seeing a whole set.

Sunny Afternoon

Jordy Lane

Jordy is a singer/songwriter with an electronic flavouring. His combination of a laptop, electric guitar and his own strong vocals always make for entertaining performances. Especially when he plays the absurdly brilliant Galileo. He may have other good songs, I don't know, I don't care. This one is just too good to get past.

Galileo

Captain Nemo

Out of this bunch, Captain Nemo are probably the band I'm least familiar with. I've seen them once, and I remember enjoying it, but that's about it. For some reason, their music sounds like its coming out of the 90s, from one of those seminal, under-appreciated bands. Hardly an adequate description, but it will have to do for now.

Breaking Records

The Basics

2008-08-15T14:11:00.004+10:00

For those who don't know, The Basics are a band out of Melbourne who are simply oozing with 60s pop charm. Every song they produce is a little gem, filled with swooning harmonies and predictable hooks. Yes, their music may be relatively simplistic, but it doesn't matter when it's this addictive. If you ever need a fix of "come ons" and "oooh babys", The Basics know how to deliver.

This month, they are in the middle of conducting a two-state residency. Every Tuesday, they play in Sydney, at the Hopetoun Hotel and every Thursday, they play in Melbourne, at The Evelyn. If you live in either of these towns, I'd highly recommend going along. The Basics are one of those bands who really shine when they play live. The catchy songs and brilliant voice of Wally (Gotye) would have been enough, but their charm takes the show to a whole new level of entertainment. Catch them while you can!

P.s. Sydney-siders get the added bonus of seeing Cuthbert & The Night Walkers this Tuesday (19th). Woo!

| Website | Myspace |

Little Red

2008-08-11T11:15:00.003+10:00

The first time I saw Little Red live, I was blown away. Simple, fun pop songs about love? Four vocalists singing their hearts out? What was this!? Little Red are a band who would have fit right in in the 60s, but here in 2008, there's nothing quite like them. Their set was so refreshing, so unexpected, that I walked away with a great big smile on my face, eager to find out more about this bizarre Melbourne band.

Coca Cola

Sadly, the euphoria didn't last long. After buying their debut album, I only got through 2 songs before a friend intervened and turned it off. We were both in shock. The vocals were rough, the instrumentation cluttered and the whole thing just sounded sloppy. How on earth did this make it to record? I was disappointed to say the least.

Thankfully though, as time has passed, things seem to have evened out and I'm beginning see where Little Red truly stand. Subsequent listens of their album have shown that it really isn't all that bad. And besides, it was never meant to be perfect. Part of Little Red's charm is that there's four regular guys up there having a ball. Don't get me wrong, they can sing, but there's a trace of amateurism that keeps them grounded and in a way adds to their appeal because you can identify with them.

It's Alright

And as their album has gained some ground, their live show has been knocked back a peg or two. Not because its particularly bad, but more because the initial effect wore off. Their show is all about atmosphere. If you're in the mood to have some fun, they know how to deliver. But if you're merely sitting through their show, waiting for a headline band, they can be a bit of drag. It's really up to you.

Little Red may have fallen on middle ground, but I still think they're a great band. Their songs are catchy and performances entertaining. Bands like this will always have a place in the music scene. If you ever get tired of serious music appreciation, turn to Little Red, they'll know how to treat you well.

| Myspace |

Pivot

2008-08-08T17:39:00.010+10:00

Tonight Pivot will be launching their second album, O Soundtrack My Heart. Why am I telling you this only hours before the show? Why am I not waiting until its over before reporting? Well because its sold out. For those of you who got tickets, you'll already be on your way. The rest of you are stuck with me. At least we all get our fix of Pivot tonight.

In The Blood

UPDATE: Check out the crazy video for this song.

If you didn't already know, Pivot are an instrumental band out of Sydney. They're sound is centered around the insane talents of brothers Richard and Laurence Pike. To put it in perspective, I would probably rate Laurence as one of the finest drummer I have ever witnessed. He was actually the first to make me really appreciate the art of drumming. As for Richard, he may not be the most technical guitar player, but he certainly has an ear for when to play and what sounds good. These two are joined on stage by Dave Miller who plays a rather unorthodox role. Armed with a laptop and control desk, he's in charge of samples and some live mixing of the others' feeds.

Their new album is quite an impressive release. I listen to very little instrumental music, so its out of the ordinary for me, but within a few goes I was hooked. It's defintely not your average, easy-listening album. Everything from erratic drum beats to strange computer noises have you guessing. But this experimental side is then given some of direction when they lock into a particular riff, building just enough before moving on. There's also a number of more spaced out moments which I enjoy. Rather amusingly, the keyboard sounds in the final track always seem to remind of the movie Bladerunner. It's not often you get hear the sounds of Vangelis being channelled by a modern band. This album is a compelling listen, and one I'd highly recommend, but I'm still unsure how well it will stand once the intrigue wears off.

In live the department, I'm in two minds. On the one hand, its awesome. These are top class musicians performing top class music. I saw them the other night when they supported Sigur Ros and was fully engaged the whole time. It was only the second time I'd seen them and I knew none of their songs, but something drew me. I think the lack of vocals means you aren't distracted and can really focus on where all the sounds are coming from. Its quite a diffferent experience. But on the other hand, the use of samples really bugs me. There's alot going on in these songs and yet there's only two people up there playing instruments. At one point it seemed like a lead guitar part was being sampled, while Richard was playing the occasional note. This just disappoints me. I dunno, perhaps I'm missing the point, but I would like to see them scrap the computer guy and play with a full band, as they did when they formed.

O Soundtrack My Heart

One way or the other Pivot are making some interesting music which you should definitely look into. Hopefully they'll play again soon before being whisked off overseas.

| Website | Myspace |

Vampire Weekend

2008-08-05T17:09:00.002+10:00

In just over a year, Vampire Weekend have gone from being a little-known New York secret to a worldwide phenomenom. The extent of their rapid rise to fame hits you in the face when you go to see them live and realise they barely have enough songs to fill a headline set. But it really is no suprise that their music is so widely loved. Their clean, African-infused pop is so simple, so catchy, its just too good to resist. Their debut album is an exhilarating display of music that doesn't disappoint for a moment. Sure, the effect has worn off a little, but I can still remember how fresh every song felt when I first discovered it. I'd say this video, which is absolutely brilliant, nicely sums up the fun and energy that comes with Vampire Weekend.

Seeing them live was a whole new experience. I was a little hesitant going in, but they delivered in spades. The first thing I noticed was the crowd response. The show sold in days, but this was months ago, at the height of their spectacular rise. Perhaps the enthusiasm had worn off? Not at all. The venue was packed and they were singing every word. It was pretty cool in songs like M79 where Ezra stood so far back from the microphone for the chanting bit that he was barely auidble, but all he had to do was open his mouth and the crowd sprung to life, singing it for him.

The other thing that struck me was just how sparing the instrumentation is. Watching the musicians, you realise that the guitars and keyboards are only being played half of the time. This means that along with the rhythm section (drum and bass), the vocals are left to drive the song. There's not many other bands out there that are leaving themselves so open and still coming away strong. It's what allows them to achieve such nice clean sound. Their songs are solid enough that all Vampire Weekend had to do was come out and perform them and everyone would have been happy. Instead, they delivered all their charm and put on a great show.

Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa

| Website | Myspace |

Sparkadia: Jealousy Video

2008-08-02T18:11:00.006+10:00

Sparkadia have put out a video for their current single, Jealousy, and it's quite an interesting one. In tune with the song's lyrical content, it features the ceremony and subsequent celebrations of a couple getting married, whilst the best man looks on enviously. This wouldn't be anything special, but for the fact that these parts are played by the band members themselves. Alex (lead) and Tiffany (guitar) are the happy couple, while Nick (bass) plays the dejected outsider. Is it reflective of the bands true relations or is it merely a marketing ploy to get people lick me to spread it? Probably the latter. But its a good clip either way. Not sure what Nick thought of the idea of being made to look like an idiot, though I bet Alex wasn't complaining. And best of all, the clip features a cameo by the always amusing 'Fast Eddy' from The Seabellies.

Levity Liasons

2008-07-30T15:30:00.000+10:00

I'm not sure if they've always existed, but the presence of 'fashion bands' seems to be rapidly expanding. These are the bands whose popularity derives not just from the quality of their music, but from the sense that it's somehow cool to like them. It's not the fashion side of things that bothers me. If bands want to dress weird and fans want to copy them, good for them. It's the fact that certain members of these bands seem to think they're so damn hot that they're actually better than others and can do and say whatever they please. What's almost worse is that people keep coming to see these jerks, fueling their egos and widening the gap between their music and their image. Don't do it people! These individuals need help. Watching and supporting them is only going lead to a greater inflation of their sense of self and even more pain when they realise just how shallow they are. Do what's best for them and for the wider musical community. Quietly turn away.

Alright then! Sorry for the rant. The actual topic of today's post are the two bands signed to Levity Records: Mercy Arms and Cut Off Your Hands. Now when a band is signed to a label that grew out of a jeans brand, I can't help but yell "fashion band!" (hence the tie-in). But I know both of these bands from earlier days and I know they are capable of making good music. There is hope. By pure coincidence, I've had the chance to see both these bands in the last week. Did their music stand up on its own or were people just there for the social pages?

Mercy Arms
Cut Off Your Hands

Cut Off Your Hands

2008-07-30T13:19:00.005+10:00

Cut Off Your Hands are another band who have been sitting in the back of my consciousness for a while. Hailing from New Zealand, their furious blend of pop music has seen them rise to international fame at great pace. I've always liked their music, but it's never been enough for me to follow them closely. Perhaps it was because I was yet to see them in their element, performing live. Well the other day I got my first chance to see them play and what an interesting experience it was. From the very beginning they were all guns blazing and by this I mean going totally insane. Lead singer, Nick, was jumping of the stage, writhing around the floor, running wherever he found space and even spitting into the crowd (he sure knows how to win fans). And this was all in the first ten minutes! It really was quite an onslaught. But then he either got tired or bored and the rest of the set was played out in a lower (but still insane) gear. It was an ironic reflection of how I feel about their music. Their songs are incredibly catchy, but they lack a certain depth. They are masters of immediacy, grabbing your attention in an instant, but sadly it doesn't last. I think half the problem is that their songs all sound quite similar. Whenever I hear a song in isolation, I think its great. But if I listen to them one after another, they begin to blend together. COYH have plenty of promise, but as it stands, they are a band best enjoyed in short bursts.

Still Fond

| Myspace |

Mercy Arms

2008-07-28T01:26:00.002+10:00

When I went to see Mercy Arms last Sunday, it was after a long and gradually drift away from their music. Two years ago, I thought they were great. Half Right was a killer track and I was excited to see where they were heading. Unfortunately, apathetic performances, a disappointing EP and a general sense that they were more concerned with their image had begun to turn me off. But I was willing to give them another chance. Hopefully I had been imagining things.

Sadly, their live show did nothing to change my mind. They seemed to go through motions, failing to really capture the audience. Their music may have an experimental nature to it, but that's not an excuse for the lack of connection I felt. Even the songs I knew well failed to have an impact. But it wasn't all bad news. One of the newer songs, where the chorus repeated a girls name (i think it was susana), sounded great and I look forward to hearing it again. But by the same token, another new song, which had Kirin howling and doing spoken word, was just woeful (I'd be quite impressed by his guitar work if he didn't act like such a freak).

Everything good about this band seems to be followed by a 'but'. If only they stopped messing around they might be capable of becoming a great band. I'm yet to hear their new album, though I must admit I'm quite doubtful. The new recording of Half Right is sounding as good as ever, BUT the cover art is atrocious. Lets hope the but stops here.

Half Right

| Myspace |

Firekites

2008-07-25T19:04:00.004+10:00

Firekites make some great music. Really great. Their recordings show a band creating soft, intricate sounds that sit nicely alongside the likes of Yo La Tengo. There's so many subtleties in it that every listen offers something new. It's the kind of music that really comes into its own when you pop on some headphones and immerse yourself in it. BUT. There is a problem. Apparently they fail to recreate this atmosphere live. I don't want to judge them before I've seen them personally, but I've heard this from at least three respectable sources. Everything from instruments that are all in the same frequency range, acoustic guitars that fail to cut through and a general inability to physically produce all the necessary sounds have been put forward as possible reasons for the let down. But who knows, maybe these people were just being pedantic or maybe these were one-off issues that have already been attended to. Whatever the case, you can catch them this Sunday (27th July) at The Annandale Hotel and see for yourself. It's an early gig (Cloud Control, the main support, are on at 7pm) and costs just $5. Nice!

Same Suburb Different Park

| Myspace |

Catchups

2008-07-23T16:31:00.003+10:00

Apologies for the lack of decent content in the last couple of weeks. I'll make up for it soon, I promise. Maybe. In the meantime, here's a few things I'd like to say.

Youth Group's new album is great. I've been giving it plenty of play time and it's really paying off. I always knew they made beautiful music, but now I know how addictive it can be, once you get to know it. The Night Is Ours is one of those albums where every song is as good as the last.

In My Dreams

The Curse of Company's album, Leo Magnets Joins A Gang, is now out on Dangerbird Records. Read about the band here and visit them there.

Keeping to the Sydney theme, you should all get excited because The Devoted Few will soon be making a return. Their new album is sounding terrific and inside sources say their live show, which they secretly showcased last Thursday, is as good as ever. Download one of their new tracks from their website and look out for some shows (and the album) very soon.

Completely killing the Sydney theme, it's also worth mentioning that Sunny Day Sets Fire, the band who did the impossible, are continuing to impress me. I must admit, some times I feel like I've heard it all before, which could indicate their sound is a rather generic one. But at the same time, I don't care. Every track has it's own personality and they all form a great pop album. I always know I can stick it on and not be disappointed.

Teenagers

Bird Automatic EP

2008-07-20T12:36:00.003+10:00

It's been a long, hard road for Sydney band, Bird Automatic, but they have finally arrived with their debut EP. Intitial impressions (and reactions) suggest that it was worth the effort. I've always liked Bird Automatic's live shows. In fact, the last few times I've seen them, they were incredible. But it's always felt like something was missing. Talking to others, it seemed to be that while their music was enjoyable, it failed to make a lasting impression. The songs didn't stand out enough for you to really remember them the next day. But listening to this EP, things are starting to fall into place. It all comes down to their sound being a rather subtle one. The hooks aren't hitting you in the face, but as you listen more frequently, they start to emerge. There are some great indie tracks here that will keep you coming back. They may not be there yet, but I feel like Bird Automatic are on the brink of something big. Keep an eye on them.

Suburbs

Follow Up: The Shiralee

2008-07-18T17:22:00.002+10:00

Seeing as I'd already given mention to both of The Red Sun Band's new singles, I thought it might have been a bit overkill if I'd given their album a full review as well. But that won't stop me from telling you its great. It's dark, energetic and an all-round fine local release.

The Eagle

Follow Up: With A Buzz In Our Ear We Play Endlessly

2008-07-15T15:59:00.002+10:00

For the very first time, I am in love with a Sigur Ros album. I'm not sure if it's because this album takes a new direction, or if seeing them live has changed my perception or just if I've finally listened to one of their albums long enough to discover its brilliance. Whatever the case, it feels good. I've also come to the conclusion that the best type of singing is Icelandic. I can wale away without concerns for trivial matters such the words. Brilliant. All this is making me very excited for when I get to see them in August. They blew me away when I knew none of their songs. I'm afraid to think what they'll do to me this time round, now that I'm entranced.

Við spilum endalaust

Melodia - The Vines

2008-07-11T13:08:00.003+10:00

I've had a weird experience with The Vines. It includes getting into them late, loving their first album, missing them live, disliking their third album, seeing them live, liking their third album and much more. I had these experiences chronicled over about three paragraphs before I realised you probably didn't care. What really matters is how this new album stands up. With all the drama and distractions out of the way, many (including myself) were hoping that Melodia might see The Vines return to their true form. Unfortunately this doesn't seem to be the case. Yet.

My initial impressions are similar to those I had about Vision Valley. It just seems like generic new material. It's the same sound, the same vibe, and for that reason I like it, but to be honest, it doesn't offer anything new. Most songs whiz by in two minutes and while this has worked in the past, here they lack the hooks to really make an impact. There is some exceptions though. The slower songs reaffirm my belief that The Vines are capable of making great music. At 6 minutes long, 'True As The Night' is a clear standout and draws me in every time. It's just a little too telling when it's followed by a 2 minute screamer called 'Braindead'.

True As The Night

I'm not counting this album out just yet. I think in time I will definitely come to appreciate it more. While it's not the breakthrough we were hoping for, it's a step in the right direction (except for maybe the album art). Decide for yourself. The album is in stores today.

| Website | Myspace |

Flying Foxes

2008-07-10T16:15:00.003+10:00

Flying Foxes have immense potential. They write great little pop songs that are full of energy and have delightful hooks. That's why it's so disappointing to see them wasting this potential away. You see, their recorded material is filled with a variety of interesting sounds. At times it will be a subtle keyboard riff or perhaps the chiming of a glockenspiel or triangle, but whatever these sounds might be, they're there and they really help to flesh out their music. But when they play live, they lack this. They play as a three-piece which only leaves room for bass, guitar and percussion. This really baffles me. If they included a keyboardist, they could instantly add more flavour to their sound. They occasionally try to make up for this with an iPod, but it just isn't the same. They also play with a heavily distorted bass. Now after watching Dappled show off their new material, I know that this can be used to brilliant effect. But Flying Foxes use it for every song and it quickly gets old. The result of these two issues is a sound that feels dry and empty and falls well short of expectations. I hate to be so negative, because overall, Flying Foxes are great. I'm really looking forward to watching them again and seeing how they've evolved. It's early days yet, so hopefully in time they'll address their issues and really be able to take off.

Lost In Low Cloud (demo)

One things for sure, Flying Foxes know how to put together a good bill. I've been featuring a number of the bands playing as they're all high class. If you're in Sydney this Saturday, don't miss it. See this poster for details.

Deep Sea Arcade

2008-07-09T11:38:00.004+10:00

When I first heard Deep Sea Arcade, I was impressed, but felt the Beatles influence was perhaps just a little too obvious. How I came to this conclusion is beyond me. I'm not sure if they've written new material since my first encounter 6 months ago, but listening to them now, a Beatles rip-off band is the last thing I'd use to describe their music. They have a very spaced out sound, slow and subtle in the way it progresses. The echoing vocals and sliding guitars give it nice ambient feel, but at the same time, the melodies really draw you in. In recent months, they've been playing shows all across Sydney and it comes as no surprise that people keep booking them. Their live show is always interesting as lead vocalist, Nic Mckenzie dances about the stage with a slightly eccentric air about him. But what really matters is that the quirky pop songs he's singing are incredibly well written from beginning to end.

Crouch End

Catch them at The Hopetoun Hotel this Saturday.

Songs For Surgery

2008-07-07T17:51:00.006+10:00

Songs For Surgery are yet another young Sydney band to emerge in recent months, making up what seems to be a very distinct 'next crop' of local artists. I've only seen them once but it was quite an interesting experience. The first thing I noticed was the number of friends they brought. It was quite an impressive effort for a Monday night. But it was clear that these friends, with their collared shirts and fancy handbags, were the types more likely to be found at a club than an indie establishment such as The Hopetoun Hotel. I'm not judging, I swear..... As you can imagine, I was a little wary when they took to the stage. But I was pleasantly surprised as they launched into a set of edgy rock music that probably went straight over the heads of their friends. This is certainly a band to keep an eye on.

Polluted

Catch them at The Hopetoun Hotel this Saturday.

Parades

2008-07-06T17:48:00.006+10:00

Parades are one of those bands that excite you. The bands that make you really appreciate music and in some cases, want to go home and write it yourself. It sounds lame, but if you've ever gone to see a band and spent the whole time with a big grin on your face, you'll know what I mean. What makes this even more special is the fact that Parades have managed to induce this feeling in me so early in their career. They've only been gigging for close to 4 months, yet both times I've managed to catch them, they have impressed me across the board. With both quality and potential on their side, Parades are certainly one to watch.

Shut Up And Be Young
This is the song they've put out to radio and would probably be their most single-like. This statement in itself demonstrates that they're not all about nicely packaged pop hooks, instead opting for a darker, more complex sound. Their music definitely has a distinct Kid A feel to it.

The Replicant
I like this song because it really highlights the strength of their multiple vocalists. After listening to Fleet Foxes, you can never underestimate the importance of a good voice (or three).

I must admit that their recorded material doesn't excite me quite like their live show. But I think when it comes to an emerging band, thats not a problem. It's all about immersing yourself in the energy that comes with being so fresh. Last time I saw them, I was really impressed by their powerful last song. Turns out it was written that day, just so they had enough material for a 40 minute set. I can't wait to see how they evolve.

Keep an eye out for their debut EP which is due to arrive very soon.

| Myspace |

GIG PICK: Flying Foxes ++

2008-07-06T16:00:00.004+10:00

I have been looking forward to this gig for quite a while now. However, my excitement was somewhat dimmed yesterday when I discovered that there had been a change to the lineup. Instead of Parades, Des Miller would be playing on the night. This is rather disappointing considering I was gearing up to write about each of these bands, culminating with a declaration that Parades were the next big thing. But I think I'll go ahead with it anyway. Parades are still great and this gig is still very much worth your while. Read the posts as they come staggering in to find out why.

Flying Foxes
Deep Sea Arcade
Songs For Surgery

Impressions: Fleet Foxes

2008-07-03T12:18:00.004+10:00

Fleet Foxes have been getting plenty of hype of late. They've had Pitchfork reviews, a widely featured album and just about every type of positive press a band could hope for. Well it's taken me a while to work out why. As I played through their self-titled album, I certainly heard potential, but nothing that would incite such universal loving. That was, of course, until I sat down with the song below and gave it a long hard listen. I was finally able to see the true beauty emerge. Strong, layered vocals, weaving in and out of one another, building momentum as they go. Soft, smooth backing vocals, carrying the song with a warm calmness. It just goes to show, that when used right, the voice is music's most powerful tool. I suspect that as I give them more and more attention, Fleet Foxes will find their place amongst the likes of Grizzly Bear and Midlake, with a sound so rich in texture, it blows you away.

Warm Winter Hymnal

| Website | Myspace |

Islands

2008-07-01T12:41:00.004+10:00

Once upon a time there lived a band called The Unicorns. They made strange and beautiful music. But like so many good things, they died far too young. Music lovers across the world mourned their death until one day, out of the ashes, a new band was born. That band was called Islands, and while they were different in many ways, they kept alive the spark that made The Unicorns so special.

OK, enough of the romantic narrative. The emergence of Islands was indeed an exciting time. For the Unicorns fans amongst us, it promised a continuing source of their quirky pop music. That was, more or less, what we got. Islands debut album, Return To The Sea, was a mixed bag of goodies, featuring everything from a rap battle to an epic 9-minute opening track. While it wasn't groundbreaking, it was a heap of fun and certainly proved that The Unicorns' spark was alive and kicking.

Two years later, they have returned with their second album, Arm's Way. I've actually had it for well over a month, but it's taken me this long to work out how I feel about it. In the end, it appears the band has broken free of their Unicorn origins and really established themselves as a separate entity. Now if you've been reading the above paragraphs, you may take this to be a bad thing, but I think it's for the best. Whereas the first album was hit and miss, this one consistently delivers. When you stop and think about it, it sounds little like The Unicorns, but this is irrelevant. It is still fun, intelligent pop music that's well worth a listen.

Creeper

And if you're interested, you should still check out their first album as it definitely has its moments, including this brilliant opener that I mentioned eariler:

Swans (Life After Death)

| Website | Myspace |

Youth Group: New album

2008-06-28T17:47:00.004+10:00

Today sees the release of Youth Group's fourth album, The Night Is Ours. You can hear the entire thing over at their myspace page, but get in quick because it probably won't last. The first single taken from it, Two Sides, is a brilliant track and a great way to kick off the new album. After a few spins, I'd say the rest isn't quite at that same high standard, but it certainly comes together to form a solid album. In time, it will only get better.

Youth Group are in the interesting position of being indie favourites who happened to make it big (courtesy of The O.C.). But whichever crowd you belong to, you shouldn't be dismissing this band. Their powerful song-writing, combined with Toby Martin's rich vocals make for some very moving music. I recently saw them perform the track which will likely become their next single, All This Will Pass. Despite being without a drummer, it demonstrated their live energy and added an extra bit of meaning to this song. If you're in Sydney or Melbourne, definitely try to catch them when they come through in late July.

All This Will Pass

| Website | Myspace |

Dappled. Kids.

2008-06-25T16:00:00.001+10:00

To be honest, the underage music scene in Sydney is quite pathetic. You see the occasional punk and emo gigs, or perhaps a big international act will play an all ages show, but as far as regular bands go, the ones I'm seeing each and every week, the kids get nothing. On one hand, this is great for us adults, but when you consider that their impressionable young minds are being lost to the likes of Panic At The Disco, it's cause for concern.

That's why this upcoming gig is so good. I couldn't think of a better band than Dappled Cities to win the hearts of our little brothers and sisters and lead them on a path to better musical taste. Not only that, but there's a nice selection of supports too. The Seabellies are great band who I've mentioned many times before, and as for Papa vs Pretty, I couldn't hold a higher regard. Still underage themselves, I'm blown away each time I see them. You can download their new single below, but regardless of what you think of it, you should make every effort to see them live. It's amazing.

Citizen No 1

Also, here's the video to their last track, which demonstrates some of their more electronic influences. At first I wasn't a fan, favouring the more guitar-centered sound of their shows, but this has really grown on me.

For the big kids amongst us, Dappled are also playing a show on June 27 (this friday) at The Annandale Hotel. These are their last shows before they hit the studio to record their third album. After hearing many of these songs previewed at their last show, it certainly seems like something to look forward to. No mp3's at this stage so you'll have to go watch them if you want a taste.

Dappled Cities | The Seabellies | The Wahas | Papa vs Pretty | Tickets

Songbird. Get excited.

2008-06-21T16:54:00.008+10:00

I think it's time to take a break from the usual music recommendations and turn to something equally important: music software. It is, after all, the bridge between ourselves and our music in this digital age. Personally, I'm not attached to any one program, largely because my habit of constantly rearranging my files doesn't really suit library-based systems. But if I was to pick one, I'd have to go for Media Monkey, with it's brilliantly simple organising abilities.

However, with the arrival of Songbird, it might be time to give up my nomadic days and settle in the comfort of just one player. Its features are just too damn good to resist. For those who don't know, Songbird is a hybrid media player and web browser. In simple terms, it's pretty much iTunes and Firefox rolled into one nice product. This might seem rather pointless, but just wait till you see what this baby can do.

(click for a bigger view)

The media player functionality starts off simple and is based heavily around iTunes. It can do everything iTunes can, including loading songs onto an iPod (or similar) and even playing protected files bought from a digital store. This basic functionality can then be expanded through the use of add-ons (think Firefox extensions). This allows you to add things such as a play queue, last.fm support, cover flow and much more. One extension will automatically load information about the artist you are playing, such as photos, gigs, lyrics and a bio and display it nicely under your browser.

All in all, it does the trick in the media player department. And with the ability for users to create their own add-ons, functionality will quickly expand. But it is the web browser capabilities where the fun really begins.

As you can see in the above screenshot, you can visit websites from within Songbird, just like a normal browser. But when you stumble upon an mp3 blog such as this one, it automatically finds all the audio files and displays them nicely in a tab underneath. From here, you can play them as if they're in your library or download them for later enjoyment!

Anything you download is placed in a playlist where you can watch its progress and listen to it when done. It's also automatically added to your library, which goes to show how nice it is having one program handling everything. This really is great for anyone who frequents the mp3 blogosphere, making music discovery a breeze. It does have the occasional problem, where it doesn't pick up on dead links, and you're left waiting for a non-existent file to start playing, but otherwise it's great. And if you're a hype machine user, there's more to come....

Songbird is designed so that websites can be made to display extra content when viewed with it. The Hype Machine is the first website to properly implement this and it works a treat. On any page, it finds all the music files for you to easily stream, but also gives you a host of links for each. For the purchasing types, you have links to iTunes, eMusic and more, and for the thieving types, you can quickly jump to the relevant post.

Just to make sure I get the attention of you machiners out there, I thought now would be the appropriate time to share a track I'm loving (hehe...so subtle). It's by Brooklyn-based Yeasayer, who make some very powerful music (as you may already know).

2080

Now I would hope that everything above has you more than convinced, but I thought I'd mention one last cool thing about this brilliant piece of software (I'm not a nerd, I swear.....). Music blogs aren't the only thing that's enhanced when browsing with Songbird. Someone has created an extension called YouPlayer which is a must for any YouTube fans out there. It allows you to drag videos into the sidebar, so they play one after another while you continue browsing. Not only this, but you can download the files with a simple click to be played on your computer at a later date! The files are in flash video format, but will work on a player like Media Player Classic (which I also recommend!). I don't know how often you'd want to do this but it sure does seem cool.

After all this ranting and raving, I should probably add a disclaimer. This software is in the early stages of development, so doesn't always work as it should. However, it's stable enough to be enjoyed so don't shy away. With in-built expandability and developers who appreciate what music listeners want, Songbird is a very promising program that is sure to be a hit with music lovers. Download it here.

Sunny Day Sets Fire - Summer Palace

2008-06-21T02:08:00.004+10:00

There are two things in life that just never seem to happen.

a) I never like an album the first time I hear it. I seem to operate on familiarity. I need to get to know the songs before I can decide whether I like them or not.

b) I never like any of the music that gets sent to me in the countless promo emails I receive. Granted, I don't actually listen to 90% of it, but I've almost given up hope. Something about being told something is good mustn't sit right.

That's why this album is so weird. I got an email, saw the word indie-pop, saw the word full stream and thought to myself "yeah, why not eh?". What ensued was one of the best first-time listens I've had in a good while. Something about Sunny Day Sets Fire's music must have been quite engaging, because it left quite an impression. I've already forgotten what it sounded like but I remember it was good! I'm avoiding the second listen, not just because I had to share this momentous occasion immediately, but also because I don't want to ruin the image. Is it really a great album or am I imagining things........

Stream it for yourself here.

Or for the downloading types, here's an mp3 for your consumption:

Brainless

| Website | Myspace |

Mates of State - Re-Arrange Us (2008)

2008-06-19T16:25:00.000+10:00

You'd be amazed by how many times this has happened. I've gone to write about an album that has disappointed me, for one reason or another, and upon giving it one final listen, discovered I actually really like it. It's quite absurd. I never seem to learn that it takes me time to appreciate most albums. Days ago I was getting all prepared to explain how the new Mates of State album was a major step backwards from their debut. It was just a manufactured rehashing of their charming sound, devoid of it's own character. Yet now I come here saying it's great.

I think part of the problem was that I had an idealistic image of their first album in my mind. It had been a long time since I'd heard it, and it would appear my imagination went a bit wild. Comparing them now, the new album holds up just as well. It's significantly more polished, something which suits their sound perfectly and as for the lack character, this was really down to unfamiliarity. Once you get to know these tracks, they are just as charming as the old ones, if not more so. It's still not perfect though. At times I can find it annoying, but then I'll be yelling the words, so who knows. Either way, Mates of State have returned with another solid album. It's unashamedly cute and will cut straight to your deep-seeded desire for sing-along pop (eventually).

The Re-Arranger

| Website | Myspace |

The radio aint that bad...

2008-06-17T21:17:00.006+10:00

Finding a good radio station is quite a challenge these days. Sadly, there doesn't seem to be any out there that I can rely on consistently. However, that's no reason to give up. Radio is still a great way to discover new music and today it delivered. Thanks Toby.

It Was by Animals Talking

I'm not saying this song is groundbreaking or anything like that, but hearing it played was rather refreshing. It feels light and free flowing, which gives it a sort of uplifting vibe. Animals Talking are a relatively new band out of London which I'll happily admit I know nothing about. But if this song is any indication, we might be hearing a lot more soon.

Good hip-hop. Huh?

2008-06-16T16:11:00.000+10:00

I must admit that I'm not the biggest supporter of Aussie hip-hop. Not that I'm ashamed of this. Most of it is terrible as far as I'm concerned. But every now and then something pops up that grabs my attention. This song by The Herd is a prime example. It's got some great melodies and lyrics that I can get into. It feels weird saying this, but it's a great song! Perhaps if hip-hop was more along these lines, I wouldn't be such a hater.

The King Is Dead - The Herd

GIG PICK: Homebake Incentive Round Final

2008-06-14T16:06:00.018+10:00

If you live in Sydney and like hearing great music from emerging local talent, be sure to make your way to The Hopetoun Hotel this Monday, June 16th. For only $6, you'll be treated to sets from Bird Automatic, Papa vs Pretty, Hypertonic and Seekae. Monday is never an ideal night to be going out, but in this case, an exception should certainly be made.

The Homebake Incentive program is more or less a band comp, with a new selection of up and coming bands hitting the stage every Monday night. Some are great, some are woeful. There is, of course, plenty of incentive, with the winning band getting a spot at Homebake and an EP recorded with EMI. This Monday is the 'round final', which features the best four bands from the past three months, competing for a spot in the grand final.

I couldn't really find any mp3's that did these bands justice, but there's plenty of listening material on their respective myspace pages. Even if none of their recorded material grabs you, I'd still recommend coming along. I've seen three of these bands and each has a very strong live show.

Bird Automatic

Bird Automatic would have to be one of Sydney's most under-appreciated bands. They've got great music and style to match, but just can't seem to break through. The last two times I saw them, they were incredible. They just need to translate this into some radio love.

Papa vs Pretty

Despite playing together for close to two years, these guys still aren't 18. They've been relatively low key up until now, but it looks like their fortunes are changing. They played with Malcolm Middleton, are scheduled to support Dappled and reportedly, Richard Kingsmill is coming to watch them at this very show. Explosion is imminent.

Hypertonic

Hypertonic are another young band who don't seem to be reaching their potential. Their Sonic Youth inspired rock is great to watch live, but no one seems to know about them! However, all is not lost. They've finally updated their myspace with some new material, so hopefully they're due for a revival.

Seekae

This band was formerly known as Commander Keen. I'm not sure if I've seen them or not, but either way, I know little about them. Their sound on myspace has a distinct electronic influence and I'm interested to see how it translates live.

Doors open at 8. Details on The Hopetoun Hotel can be found here.

New Sigur Ros

2008-06-11T16:30:00.004+10:00

Sigur Ros are certainly creating quite a stir at the moment. They're heading out here for Splendour in the Grass, they've put out a single that deviates significantly significantly from their traditional formula and they're offering free streaming of their soon-to-be-released album. It's almost to good to be true!

The single in question, Gobbledigook, is behind much of the buzz. Not only is it a 'song', in traditional structure terms, but it's also a 'single', perfectly suited for radio play. Now to the uninformed, this might seem rather unspectacular, but to anyone who knows Sigur Ros, it's BIG. I personally love it. I've always found their recorded work distant, but with this track, it's engaging. Very refreshing indeed.

Gobbledigook

However, early indications would suggest that this song is an exception. The rest of their new album, titled Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust, appears to stay true to their traditional sound. I think this is a good thing. When you hear these guys live, you'll know what I mean. Listen to the album on their website, or to a better quality version last.fm.

As I mentioned, Sigur Ros are coming out for Splendour in the Grass, as well as a sideshow. Get excited. Whatever you do, don't miss out on seeing one of these shows. When I saw them about a year ago, I was blown away. It was at a festival, I was standing on a slope and I knew none of their music, yet it still rates as one of the greatest shows of my life. The power and spectacle of their performance is amazing. See them before its too late. You won't regret it.

| myspace | website |

The Curse of Company

2008-06-10T02:08:00.000+10:00

The thought of a band containing Dave Rennick (Dappled Cities), Sarah Kelly (The Red Sun Band) and Tim Rogers (Jack Ladder) is rather enticing for anyone who enjoys the Sydney music scene. But when these three (and others) combine to become The Curse of Company, a whole new sound is born. Some might find this disappointing, but I think it's quite refreshing. Rather than me attempting to describe this new sound of theirs (and just pulling fancy words out of thin air), you can have a listen to their current single below.

All The Mines

The whole concept of this band seems to be shrouded in mystery. There's a lavish back story, complete with colourful characters and perilous adventures, and a continuing tale that unfolds as the album progresses. It's an intriguing approach and adds extra level of interest to those fans who like their bonus content. It's all very nicely contained in their website, which lets you explore this content (literally), by dragging bits and pieces across the screen. It's suprisingly fun. There's also some free downloads up there if you're savvy enough to find them.

While I like their recorded stuff, seeing them live added a whole new dimension. They launched their single the other day and it was a very enjoyable show. They're all seasoned performers, but seeing them go so well in their first show as a group suggests good things to come. They have an album which will be arriving later in the year and you should definitely consider seeing them next time they swing through. Here is a live recording to tide you over till then.

White Clothes

| myspace | website |

MGMT

2008-06-08T16:10:00.000+10:00

About a year ago, I came across MGMT on a music blog somewhere. The song I heard was Time To Pretend and while I thought it was good, it wasn't enough to make me want more. I seem to remember the reviewer writing them off as a bit off joke band, not being all that serious about their music, and I guess that image just stuck in my head. I certainly didn't expect to hear from them again. That's why it came as such a shock to see posters appearing all over town saying nothing but "Who Is MGMT?". They summed up my thoughts rather well. Who were this band? Clearly they weren't the deadbeats I'd come to think they were.

It's about the same time that they're song, Kids, started making its way onto the radio in a big way. I'm sure it's been floating around for a very long time, but it's only now that I've properly discovered it. All I can say is wow. There's something subtly infectious about this song that really draws me in. The keyboard riff that plays throughout is so simple and yet so effective. And when combined with the drum beat, it makes me wanna move everytime I hear it. I don't know what others think of this track, but I love it.

Kids

MGMT also have an album out, Oracular Spectacular, but I don't know if I can recommend it. It's a bit weird and too inconsistent for my liking. Too many tracks remind me of The Scissor Sisters. But that said, it does have its moments and while I personally don't think it's all that great, it's certainly worth a look if you're interested. You can watch the video to their new single, Electric Feel, here. It certainly sets the scene for some of the more bizarre influences in their music.

| myspace | website |

"New Zealand's Dappled"

2008-06-07T21:30:00.006+10:00

Something about the above words struck a chord with me when I heard them last night. They were used to describe The Boat People. Now considering that they're actually from Brisbane, it was probably the comparison to Dappled Cities that I found intriguing. This may have been a bit of a stretch with some of The Boat People's earlier material, but with this latest single, I can certainly see the parallels. It has me quite excited for the arrival of their new album, Chandeliers, some time in July.

Awkward Orchid Ochard

Also here's the video for this song. I'm not so sure about the "how many band names can you spot" gimmick they're running with, but it's a interesting video nonetheless.

And speaking of their earlier material, it's actually very good. Yesyesyesyesyes is quite a solid album. If you're looking for some quirky pop music, I'd definitely recommend picking it up. Here's a track from it:

Unsettle My Heart

The Boat People are about to embark on mini tour for their Awkward Orchid Orchard single. Check their myspace for local details. Unfortunately for us, the Sydney gig is at The Vanguard, which is way too formal for my liking (tables?). But when you toss in support from Cloud Control (who have a killer new track), it should be a good night regardless.

| myspace | website |

The Seabellies

2008-06-06T18:03:00.001+10:00

Who would ever have thought that getting played by the country's only decent national radio station would have any effect on your popularity? Well it's certainly done wonders for The Seabellies. Sure they've played V Festival and won a host of competitions, but it was getting their single, Heart Heart Heart Out, played on Triple J that has catapulted them in to the public eye. It also hasn't hurt that it's a damn good song. Stream it below and experience the full glory of that keyboard riff. If you want to download, you'll have to buy it off iTunes (outrageous!).

Heart Heart Heart Out (iTunes)

Now in the past, The Seabellies have taken a bit of a whack for being a little gimmicky. Personally I loved it when they all busted out into an epic drum solo, but I can certainly see how the effect wouldn't last. Well cynics better pay attention, because things have changed. Instrument swapping has been rationalised and novelty minimised, in favour of a more refined (yet equally powerful) performance. At their headline show last week (which was sold out), I was really amazed by how far they'd come. It was a brilliant set. And they repeated this at The Triple J gig, which was lapped up by punters and influential presenters alike. Dismissing these guys would criminal. They're easily one of the most interesting bands emerge from this country in a long while.

myspace

theredsunband

2008-06-04T16:20:00.000+10:00

Another Sydney band which has me quite excited at the moment is theredsunband. I never really got into them around the release of their last album (Peapod), but listening back, I can't any good reason see why. Perhaps the punctuation of their name annoyed me. Whatever the case, the album is quite enjoyable and definitely worth a listen if you can still find it.

Sleep Forever

However, it's their new stuff that is grabbing me on a whole new level. It all began at the Laneway Festival, when I decided to end my night on quiet note by seeing them at the Basement stage. It was a great atmosphere and despite not knowing many of their songs, I thoroughly enjoyed it. There's something haunting about Sarah Kelly's vocals. One moment they feel warm and inviting, the next hoarse from desperation. It combines well with the band's distorted guitar/organ sound to create a very dark atmosphere. I couldn't really tell if it was new stuff they were playing, but the first two singles certainly suggest that their upcoming album is one to look forward to. I've already mentioned Like An Arrow, but this new one is just as promising.

The Eagle

Their new album, "The Shiralee", will be out on June 14th. They'll also be doing a mini tour at the end of the month.

myspace | website

Kes Band

2008-06-02T16:50:00.001+10:00

If you're looking for something a little obscure, Kes Band might be the answer. They're a Melbourne band who play obscure pop songs, guided by the very distinct, almost childish vocals of Kes. And that's pretty much all I know about them. They came down to Sydney recently, and though I missed it, a friend went and said it blew him away. He showed me their album and I can see what he means. It's one of those intriguing albums that I keep going back to out of curiosity. I'll certainly be checking them out next time they come round.

Kes Band - Gentle Elf

Weezer - Pork and Beans clip

2008-05-31T16:57:00.002+10:00

I was recently introduced to this very funny video for Weezer's latest single. It's full of cameos by YouTube stars, so those who will appreciate it most will probably have already seen it, but if you haven't, you're in for a treat. It's the kind of nerdy brilliance that only Weezer could pull off.
I wouldn't say the song is one of Weezer's best, but it's up there and shows promising signs for their upcoming album (The Red Album). Then again, they're disappointing track record means I probably won't get my hopes up. I got into Weezer in a big way, thanks to the brilliant Blue Album, but after Pinkerton I gave up. I have a slightly more determined mate, who has stuck with them through thick and thin, but even he admits he liked the new stuff more out of hope than substance. I've heard bits and pieces of this one, leaking out of his room, but I think I'll wait till I can hear the whole thing before judging it. Word on the street is that the final two tracks have leaked, so I might get chance soon. Here's hoping they return to their old form!

In the meantime I'll stick to the better days.
Buddy Holly

Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs (2008)

2008-05-30T16:26:00.000+10:00

Last week I mentioned that the fake Narrow Stairs was possibly better than the real one. Well perhaps I spoke a little too soon. It's sounding stronger with every listen and memories of the 'other' one are quickly fading. However, I wouldn't go so far as to say it's a great album. I like it the sense that it's new music from a band I love, not because it's outstanding in it's own right. But all this could easily change as time goes on. Even as I write this, I'm listening to the album and starting to question myself. We'll see.

Long Division
If you're yet to hear the album, it's certainly worth a look. I offer you my favourite track, which is sure to whet your appetite. One-word choruses have never sounded so good.

We Looked Like Giants
And as is often the case, the release of a new album has sent me reminiscing over the back catalogue. There's some gems out there, but I'd have to say that this track takes the cake. It's got great energy and a dark vibe about it. I can almost picture it being used in a movie and as the world was crumbling in the background.....

myspace | website

The Future

2008-05-28T16:03:00.003+10:00

I've have returned with a renewed vigor to post regularly! I was browsing through Sydney blogs and was quite disappointed to see so many of them dying. What's happening people!? There's nothing worse than returning to a blog, only to find that the newest post is the same as month ago. I hate this, and yet I've been doing it myself! Well not anymore. Uni's as good as over (exams you say?) and the world is ripe with new music. Let's see how long this lasts!

I also found something I wrote a while back and thought I'd share it with you. It's rather amusing. It would also be pretty cool to one day make it happen.......

Music Problems

Here’s a couple of conundrums to contemplate over breakfast

Problem 1) Music Tastes

When someone asks you “what music do you like”, it’s impossible to answer such a question, without doing yourself injustice. With movies or TV shows you might be alright. You could usually rattle off 5 or so and have most bases covered. But with music it’s completely different. Most people have dozens of artists they would consider favourites, so trying to pick just few is too much of an ask. Things get even more complex when you enter social situations and have to consider whether the other person will recognise a certain band, let alone approve of them. If only there was a way to encapsulate your entire musical tastes into a single breath……..if only.

Answer) Music Colour

The most obvious way to solve the above problem, would be to assign some sort of score. But why stop there? Why not make things interesting and assign a colour? The RGB colour scale offers the perfect solution. Every band would shift the balance in some way (e.g. Spice Girls = severe blue shift) and once you add together the influence of all your favourite bands, you would be left with a colour that defines your tastes completely. It’s not perfect but hey, it’s a start. At least you’ll know not to even bother with the small chat when you meet someone from the indigo crowd.

Problem 2) Genres

Currently music is categorised according to genres. This is troublesome because it overlooks the individual differences between bands. You can try inventing finer and finer categories, but you will always be trying to arrange a continuous spectrum of styles into distinct groups. It will never work. But having a continuous spectrum brings you back to square one. You no longer have any way of indicating what a band sounds like. That is, unless you map every band onto a planet! (makes sense right?)

Answer) Music Globe

The concept is quite simple really. Similarity between two bands is represented by geographical closeness. If two bands are really alike, they have houses next to each other. The genres of old become countries. Sub genres become cities. Similar genres like ‘indie’ and ‘pop’ are manifested as neighbouring countries. Heavy metal is on the other side of the globe. Sigur Ros is an island in the middle of nowhere. If only they showed kids this globe at school, we’d all be better off.

This blog isn't dead. It's lazy.

2008-05-18T20:19:00.004+10:00

Soldier’s Grin – Wolf Parade
Wolf Parade has always been a bit of an anomaly for me. As you may know, the band is led by Spencer Krug and Dan Boeckner, both of whom feature heavily in other bands, such as Sunset Rubdown, Frog Eyes and Handsome Furs. Well I don’t like any of these bands. At all. Yet when they come together, everything fits and I’m enchanted. Early listens of their forthcoming album suggest that they’ve somehow done it again. Rather than looking for an explanation, I think I’ll just sit back and enjoy the music.

Summer of 88 – Velveteen
I’ve always wanted to be in a big band with a highly anticipated album. Not for the fame or anything like that. No, I just want to able to leak a fake album and laugh at all at the people who tried to download it illegally. It would make finding a real copy harder and probably pick up some good publicity along the way. Just so long as everyone realised it was a fake before moving on in disgust. Well this almost happened with Death Cab For Cutie’s new album Narrow Stairs, except that it was fan behind the cunning leak. They grabbed an album by German band Velveteen, who just so happen to sound identical to Death Cab, and rebranded it as Narrow Stairs. It’s not the first time it’s been done, but this one managed to fool quite a few people, including myself. Not only was it an amusing little experiment, but it has also exposed some great new music. I’m yet to find a song on the real Narrow Stairs that beats this one by Velveteen.

Dragonfly Pie – Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks
I won’t pretend to be a Malkmus expert, because I’m far from it. But in recent times I’ve been listening to more and more Pavement and really hammering home just how great he is. But then it’s always hard to know where to go next when you’re getting into a band/artist with so many albums. Stick to the ones you love or try something new? Which one? I think for now I’ll have to give the rest of his post-Pavement stuff a miss and jump straight to his latest release. Early impressions are certainly very promising.

A-Punk – Vampire Weekend
Considering that they’ve been topping the hype charts for months and are already the most requested on national radio, there probably isn’t much need for me to tell you about this band. But just in case you didn’t already know, Vampire Weekend are brilliant. They’ve put out an album that’s fun and fresh the whole the way through and I’m loving it. This probably wouldn’t be my favourite song, but after seeing the cool clip they made, it's stuck in my head.

Holiday – The Holidays
Now I’m not normally one for keeping photos, but somehow I’ve ended up with one of myself drunkenly looking on at a band playing at a friend’s party. That band was The Holidays and it just so happened to be their very first gig. Since then, I have sat back in amazement as they’ve rapidly ascended up the musical hierarchy in the space of one short year. I really shouldn’t be surprised, though. Their distinctly clean sound made an instant impression on me and I’m sure it’s doing the same for everyone else. I’m still deciding whether I think their music is actually good or not, but I guess it doesn’t matter much. This time next year they’ll probably be playing shows on the other side of the planet and my opinion will count for less than it already does!

Hjaltalin - Sleepdrunk Seasons

2008-04-20T23:07:00.002+10:00

Seeing as I’m yet to hear this album in it’s entirely, you probably wouldn’t classify this as a traditional review. Instead, I am inviting you into the process of consideration, as I try to decide whether this is an album worth investing in. The band in question, Hjaltalin, are yet another Icelandic band to emerge with a distinctly strange sound. Like their predecessors, they create music which is immediately engaging and yet ventures beyond the safe confines of standard musical technique. Whatever would we do without Iceland! After scouring the internet, I’ve managed to get a taste for this band and I find myself right on the edge of a decision about whether to buy or not.

Traffic Music – Full credit goes to Triple J for putting me onto this song. After hearing it, I immediately made a mental note to investigate further. There’s certainly an element of Sufjan Stevens’ ‘fluttery’ instrumentation here. The use flutes and subtle percussion creates a nice airy sensation. This then builds into a rather powerful chorus, growing and evolving before returning to the softer sound to finish things off. Quite impressive!

Goodbye July – This song showcases the lead singers vocals, which could easily warrant a comparison with the voice behind Antony and the Johnsons. It too features some quite spectacular instrumentation when you listen carefully enough. Unlike the increasingly prevalent use of ‘sing along strings’ these days, the orchestral sounds here would not seem out of place in a classic Disney movie. But at the same time, I must admit that the jerky string/clarinet part towards the start can get a little annoying after a while.

Clearly this band has plenty of promise and some great songs, but I can’t help but be hesitant of their ability to create an entire album good music that will keep me coming back. I’d love to hear what you think of these two songs and whether you would buy (or have bought) the album. I need someone to tip me over the edge!

A tasty treat for you

2008-04-06T22:25:00.002+10:00

Ba da da da da, BA BOW WA!

You heard me.

Custard - Love Measurer

Sydney Smattering

2008-03-16T17:49:00.008+11:00

Is smattering even a word? Who cares. Here's some music by a bunch of Sydney bands that have been on my mind lately:

Telephone - Cuthbert & The Night Walkers

I can’t believe I haven’t gotten around to talking about Cuthbert & The Night Walkers yet. They’re so cool! You may be thinking that because they have 5-piece choir, they are somehow a gimmick. It couldn’t be further from the truth. Underneath the choir is an incredibly solid band, with some excellent music. Whenever I watch them, I find my mouth gradually creeping open, either because I’m in awe or just a subconscious desire to sing along. Whatever it is, they must be doing something right.

Like An Arrow - The Red Sun Band

The Red Sun Band are yet another local band that I have ignored for no particular reason. They’ve been around for a while, but I’ve just never bothered to listen to them. Thankfully I put an end to this when I caught their set at The Laneway Festival. On first glance, their music feels like pretty straightforward indie rock, and is easy to get it into because of this. But closer inspection shows something deeper, darker and more enduring to their sound. I’m certainly looking forward to their upcoming releases.

Mad Scientist - Laura Imbruglia

Unlike the rest of the bands in this post, I’m not here fresh from seeing Laura Imbruglia live. In fact I’ve never seen her play, nor have I listened to her all that much. But something about her intrigues me. Her debut is incredibly varied, moving between fast rock, slower ballads and even dabbling in some sort of abstract techno. But whatever territory she’s in, the music is strong and the personality abounding. She is undoubtedly an interesting character.

Familiar Faces - Hypertonic

A year ago, I arrived at Hypertonic’s myspage, thanks to a recommended link on the Red Eye Records website. The page was pretty desolate and the songs didn’t really grab me. A year later, not much has changed. This is such an incredible shame, because after seeing them live, they clearly have potential. Their music is heavily inspired by Sonic Youth and would undoubtedly be welcomed by many. I feel like they need a reality TV show to give them a make over, or (more realistically) a manager to point them in the right direction and start promoting them properly. These guys deserve it.

Your Face Burnt A Whole In My Memory - The Devoted Few

Up until very recently, The Devoted Few were a band I’d never seen live. This was undoubtedly due in part to them not playing that many shows, but also because I failed give their 2004 album, Billboard Noises, anything more than a casual glance. But a month back, when I caught them at Spectrum, this all changed. I can’t remember being so impressed by a live band whose material I didn’t know well. Their songs were great and the performance even better. They are actually sitting on a brand new album, just waiting for a label to pick it up. If the live show is anything to go by, this album is something to look forward to.

Mix #34 (analytical edition)

2008-02-26T14:38:00.002+11:00

Love Me Already – Black Kids
Black Kids have a rather interesting sound. The keyboards and guitars are relatively standard, but it is the vocals that set them apart. The leader singer has a weird delivery style that isn’t quite yelling, but is certainly forceful, creating a rather washy sound. At times it works, but elsewhere it can get annoying. This song demonstrates this problem nicely, as well showing some of the underlying melodies that are driving people towards their music.

On and On – The Bell
I’ve been trying rather unsuccessfully to work out who The Bell’s vocalist sounds like. Whenever I find a similarity, such as the deep drone of Interpol, it always fails to apply across the board. Whatever the case, it’s a voice that works well. In fact, everything about this band is done right. Each track has a nicely crafted melody, different from the last, that has you bopping along without realising. But that’s just the problem. It all runs TOO smoothly. It’s like they’ve followed the ‘good music’ book so perfectly that their sound ends up hollow. It seems harsh, or perhaps nonsensical, but it's about the only explanation I can come up with for why I enjoy their music, but walk away feeling unsatisfied...

The Flies Arrive – Cajun Dance Party
Just as The Libertines did before them, Cajun Dance Party are successfully mastering the art of sloppiness. There’s something oddly appealing about music that appears effortless and at times deliberately bad. Slurred vocals, late changes and general disregard for polish is a combination which works surprisingly well; provided it’s done right. Well thankfully, CDP know their stuff. It also doesn’t hurt having some killer keyboard licks to boot.

Tyrants – Black Mountain
If you’re looking for some nicely packaged ‘songs’, you're going to be severely disappointed with Black Mountain’s new album. On their own, each track seems horribly disjointed; this one alone contains five or so different stages with questionable relevance to one other. But you have to realise that they are all parts of a bigger picture. All this lack of accessibility is forgotten when you discover just how epic the end result is. At times you think you’re listening to a hardcore instrumental band, until all of a sudden some vocals kick in and they’ve moved into a compelling new melody.

Playhouses – TV on the Radio
TV On The Radio are one of the few bands around that are truly right out of left field. You won’t find any obvious influences here. Their music is filled with complex, overlapping melodies that build slowly, but travel at exciting paces. And best of all, it’s all driven by team of powerful vocalists, not afraid to dabble in falsetto frequencies. What more could you want?

Mix #34 (anecdotal edition)

2008-02-24T13:58:00.006+11:00

Love Me Already – Black Kids
Black Kids are the latest band to be thrust into popularity far too quickly. The usual sequence of events will probably occur, with the serious music community dismissing them as more and more idiots begin liking them. But until then, we can still get some enjoyment out of them. Personally, I'm not blown away, but they seem to be creating some pretty impressive music (including this song), and it’s still early in their career.

On and On – The Bell
For an album to succeed, it needs to do two important things. Firstly, it needs be good. It sounds simple enough, but convincing listeners of this fact is no walk in the park. Secondly, it needs to give you a reason to keep coming back. You may openly admit an album sounds good, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have a desire to keep listening to it. You need something special that makes you associate the album with an enjoyable experience. Well that’s where I currently sit with Sweden’s The Bell and their album ‘Make Some Quiet’. It’s undoubtedly filled with some great music, I’m just looking for the spark that will keep pulling me back.

The Flies Arrive – Cajun Dance Party
Unless you regularly traverse the blogosphere or indulge in NME’s hyperboles, you probably haven’t heard much of Cajun Dance Party. Well as the year progress, that looks set to change. They are a band out of England, who are turning plenty of heads, despite still being in high school. I’ve previously mentioned their song, The Colourful Life, (which I recommend you track down if you haven’t heard), but I’ve been going through their other demos and finding plenty more promise. It will be very interesting to see how their debut album turns out.

Tyrants – Black Mountain
As I was recommending some music to my friend, Black Mountain came up. I hadn’t had much of a chance to listen to it myself, but I mentioned how it was receiving quite a bit of hype. We put it on to try it out and let’s just say it didn’t a very good job convincing my friend that it was worth listening to. The problem is that Black Mountain simply cannot be enjoyed in short bursts. It feels like some sort of epic cinematic experience that needs plenty of time to mature. The very act of me offering a track to sample is probably doing the album a great injustice, but I can’t very well give the whole thing away. As I’ve given it the time it deserves, the quality is certainly starting to emerge.

Playhouses – TV on the Radio
In my attempt to try and give some sort of indication of where Black Mountain sat on the hype / popularity chain, I tried offering a comparison with TV on the Radio. To which I got blank looks. TV on the Radio! I thought everybody knew who they were. Anyway, just in case anybody else out there is still ignorant, here’s a reminder.

Monday Mix

2008-02-12T10:57:00.000+11:00

Maasai Mara – The Ruby Suns
For many of you, your first encounter with New Zealand band, The Ruby Suns, was when far off foreigners, The Shins, chose them as special guests for their tour of Australia. So much for our close relationship with NZ. But now they’re coming for their very own show (this Friday at Spectrum) and I’m getting pretty excited (for various reasons). Their music fits somewhere in the ‘twisted indie-pop’ category, alongside the likes of Animal Collective. Their debut album is excellent and they have another on the way very soon.

No One’s Gonna Love You – Band of Horses
Those who listened to the last Band of Horses album will know just how powerful their music can be. The vocals are undoubtedly the main driving force behind this. I haven’t yet decided whether their latest album is up to the same standards, but if this song is anything to go by, we may have another classic on our hands.

She Says – VHS or Beta
Perhaps their name is supposed to indicate a sound, rooted in the past? Maybe it symbolises a battle in another fiercely competitive industry? Either that or they’re just nerds. Whatever the case, VHS or Beta seem well poised. They’ve put out a high quality album that’s accessible from the get go. I’d be surprised if they didn’t end up reaching the heights of bands like Franz Ferdinand very soon.

California Girls – The Magnetic Fields
For an album that was supposed to sound “more like Jesus and Mary Chain than Jesus and Mary Chain”, it comes off sounding much more like a Magnetic Fields album to me. And that’s a good thing. Stephin Merritt’s brilliant melodies are back, along with the rotating vocalists. It feels like a perfect continuation of 69 Love Songs.

A Violent Yet Flammable World – Au Revoir Simone
The idea of an all female, all keyboard wielding band is sure to delight some and disgust others. I’m personally one of the former. When I first heard of Au Revoir Simone, I immediately thought of Electrelane and I wasn’t far off. They definitely have their own sound (except for one very similar song), but the vibe is very much the same. This is, of course, an excellent thing! Their album, Birds of Music, is very impressive and I struggled to pick just one song. I think this one finds a nice balance between their two extremes of delicate and powerful.

Digital Music: Stores Wrapup

2008-02-08T15:06:00.000+11:00

When it comes to buying digital music, there are many important factors you’ll come up against. Here’s an overview of what they are, who fares best and what I’d like to see in the future.

Digital Music: Value

2008-02-08T14:59:00.000+11:00

When I say value, I don’t just mean how cheap it is (though that is important). I’m also referring to what you get for your money, how rewarding your purchase is. Digital Music has a problem with being a rather hollow purchase. Unlike buying a CD or vinyl, you get nothing physical, just a few files for your computer. When these files are identical to what you could have downloaded for free of an illegal network, it’s hard to keep up the motivation to do the right thing. But it doesn’t have to be this way, the internet is perfect place for delivering rewarding media experiences. Digital Music stores just need to make the effort.

Winner: Matador

You know things are bad when none of the stores win this award. Some fare better than others, but the sad fact is that they all fall short. Other than some album art and the occasional bonus track, each offers little more than a bunch of standard mp3s. Matador, on the hand, is doing some excellent work with their ‘Buy Early, Get Now’ program. This allows you to pre-order CDs, months before they’re ready, and then stream the album while you wait. In some cases, bonus material is released periodically and you can download the album to enjoy in mp3 format before your physical CD arrives. It’s not quite the same as buying digital music in the regular fashion, but it’s an example of using the digital medium to deliver superior content, and more importantly, shows that someone out there is trying.

Runner Up: eMusic

If you’re looking for value in a purely monetary sense, eMusic is the place to go. On the cheapest subscription model, you get 30 tracks for US$10 a month. That comes in at a respectable AU$0.40 per song, WELL below the standard asking price. This is great to see because it makes digital music a viable option. $16.99 is simply too much for an album worth of mp3s. The money you save isn’t enough to justify the sacrifice, especially when you’re getting just plain mp3s. If more stores (and the labels that provide the music) followed eMusic’s lead, digital music would be a far better choice.

What Is Needed:

Either the price needs to come down or the product must be made more rewarding, because as it stands, you simply don’t get your money’s worth. I realise that the pressing of CDs is a small part of the costs in making an album, but surely there is room for better margins. On the other side of the story, I believe it is vital (and not all that difficult) to make digital purchases more rewarding. I would like to see all digital purchased kept in a personal ‘online catalogue’ that can be easily browsed. It should have not just album art, but also liner notes and the ability to stream each track. When digital music reaches this point, I think it will have found its place as a true medium for buying music.

Digital Music: Choice / Discovery

2008-02-05T23:28:00.000+11:00

A friend once pointed out that ‘Number 1’ records are judged not by the amount sold, but the amount out of the warehouse. So if you make enough of them, any record can be number 1. And what is the first thing people who don’t know any better buy? The number 1 record, of course. Thus your artificially inflated CD becomes a justified chart topper.

Now we may just be conspiracy theorists, but it raises a legitimate point. When we get to a shop, it’s so tempting to just buy what’s popular. All the music we discovered at gigs, various blogs and Myspace gets dwarfed by the shelf space and promotional weight of the top ten. Thankfully though, digital music stands to change this. The wealth of information out there and the ability to buy on the spot, when we find something, means we can get music that is not only better, but more suited to our individual tastes.

Winner: iTunes

Now digital stores are far from perfect. Home pages are still dominated by Top 10s and the financially backed, and iTunes is no different. However, it still wins, quite simply because its large catalogue is most likely to give us instant gratification. Not only that, but the many ‘Buy with iTunes’ links that are scattered across the web help to make the job even easier. It also has other nice touches like a personalised home page, which uses your previous purchases to feature music you’re more likely to enjoy.

Runner Up: eMusic

It’s a bit unfair that eMusic comes second, because they certainly put the most effort in. There are all sorts of editorials and lists to help you find something new and the music is divided into everything from genre to year, so you can browse how you like. On top of this, each band’s page has a list of similar bands and influences, allowing you to jump from one to another with ease. There’s so much interesting content to read through that you’ll forget you’re at a store.

What Is Needed:

While iTunes and eMusic solve two big problems with finding music, they don’t offer complete solutions. When you open iTunes thinking “I want to buy some music!”, but you’re not sure what (as I did), it’s very hard to know where to start looking. Some possible solutions could include scanning your browsing history to find which artists you have been looking at or a small program that allowed you to ‘note’ bands of interest as you browse, and then be reminded of them when you next visit the store. Clearly there aren’t any fundamental problems here, just the potential for new and interesting ways to make sure you’re getting the music you like best.

Digital Music: Ease Of Use

2008-02-05T23:07:00.000+11:00

You’d be surprised how complicated some stores make it just to buy a few songs off the internet. The two main areas to look out for are payment flexibility and download ease. You want a store that allows you to pay in the way that suits you and you want to get through the whole process relatively quickly. Similarly, once you’ve paid, you want to be listening to your music with as little hassle as possible.

Winner: 7digital

Having only bought one song from their sister site, Indiestore, I give this recommendation cautiously, but it would appear they are doing everything right. They use a ‘shopping cart’ system but it seems to run incredibly smoothly and you have the ability to pay with both credit card and paypal (my personal choice). On the downloading side, albums can be downloaded as one package, which is a must (and sadly not the case some other stores). It also conveniently keeps track of all your previously bought files, should you need to redownload them.

What impresses me most about 7digital is that it caters to both regular users and one-off customers. Unlike client systems (iTunes, eMusic), where you have to install software and sign-up, 7digital allows you to come along and buy an album with relatively little commitment. It’s just like a purchase anywhere else on the web. But for those who do want to buy more frequently, there are also mechanisms in place to manage all your files, including the handy ability to access them away from your main computer.

Runner Up: iTunes

The ability to buy iTunes credit at nearly any music store is a huge bonus, especially for the young, but it isn’t the most efficient system. You have to keep returning to the shop and you’ll often end up with $1.50 of unusable credit. Paypal is sorely missed (though I may be biased). However, once the software is installed and your credit is in, buying music with iTunes is an absolute dream. Everything just works! It’s quick and its simple. Apple certainly know their stuff.

What Is Needed:

Again, the main problem here is that each store will do some things right, but not others. If you took the best parts from each store, you could make the perfect digital music store. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. Either way, these are the main features I think every store should be aiming to include:

Batch downloading (whole albums at a time)
A page to view and redownload all purchased files
Support all major payment options
1-click purchases (after buying some credit)
Ability to buy and access to files from any computer

Is that so much to ask!?

Digital Music: Format

2008-02-03T14:15:00.000+11:00

If you’re new to buying digital music, you’ll want to pay very close attention to what format it is. This will determine what players it will work on and what you’re allowed to do with it. The ideal format to look out for is plain MP3s, however sadly most digital music is sold in other formats, along with protection. Basically, the record label fat cats don’t want you spreading the music you just bought (fair enough) so they add protection which restricts what you can do with it (not fair). All in all, this punishes those who do the right thing by buying their music legally.

There are two mains types of protection. First is Apple’s method, where files are sold in AAC format, which will only work on iTunes and iPods. This is what you get from the iTunes music store. All other stores selling protected files must use the other type of protection, ie Microsoft’s method. This gives you files in WMA format with DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection. Apples method works smoothly, but limits you to their products, while Microsoft’s method is more flexible, but unreliable. In other words, they’re both bad. It’s in your best interest to avoid buying protected music whenever possible.

Best Performer: eMusic

All of eMusic’s songs are unprotected. No exceptions. This puts it leaps and bounds ahead of the others. You are given regular MP3s which can be put on your iPod as well as every other MP3 player on the planet. It’s as it should be.

Runner Up: 7digital

7Digital gets an honourable mention because it is clear that whenever possible, they do their best to offer the files in an unprotected format. In most cases it is not the store who decides whether the music is protected or not, so it is hardly fair criticise them (though they do play their part). On top of this, 7Digital offers many files in multiple formats and at various levels of quality, allowing you to choose the one that suits you best.

What’s Needed:

For starters, protection needs to be removed completely. Illegal file sharing will take place regardless, so there’s no point making the legal option any more difficult. Thankfully the backlash from consumers is starting to turn things around, and soon this dream will be a reality. Secondly, other stores should take 7Digital’s example in offering multiple choices in file format and quality. In one hand I might want small MP3s to cram onto my player, but also high quality FLAC files to enjoy at home. When you buy a CD you can have both. There’s no reason why digital music shouldn’t be the same.

Digital Music: Range

2008-02-03T14:12:00.000+11:00

Obviously if you’re going to be buying your music digitally on a regular basis, you’ll want the shop you use to have a decent range. While it is possible go different stores for different releases, it is much nicer if one store gives you everything you need. Now digital stores have a habit of quoting big numbers in order make their range seem impressive, but I guarantee you, numbers mean nothing. What really matters is the quality of their collection. The only real way to judge a stores range is to jump in and try it out. Search for favourite albums and ones you’re thinking about buying and see how it fares. Different stores will cater better to different people.

Best Performer: iTunes

Being the biggest digital music store, iTunes has the distinct advantage of being the place where every band wants their music sold. As a result, the iTunes music catalogue is by far the best. In fact, barring a few exceptions, the iTunes store could serve most people’s music needs completely. Not many other digital (or indeed physical) music stores could argue this. There is a catch, however. Most iTunes music is protected and the iTunes Plus range (unprotected) is no where near as impressive.

Runner Up: eMusic

Being a largely independent music store, eMusic is missing plenty of music. If you’re looking for something from the top 40, this certainly isn’t the place to look. But it more than makes up for this with all the music you won’t find anywhere else. And I’m not talking about b-grade independent music that nobody cares about. I mean all the brilliant indie music that is so frequently swooned about by bloggers such as myself.

What Is Needed: More!

It sounds simple and it is. Digital music won’t become a viable option until sellers build up a collection that offers all the music you could possibly want. iTunes is mighty close, but many of the competitors are lagging significantly.

Monday Mix #31

2008-01-28T16:57:00.000+11:00

The Opposite Of Hallelujah – Jens Lekman
After the success of ‘Your Arms Around Me’ it really comes as no surprise that Jens Lekman has released an album full of nicely polished pop gems. The lyrics can occasionally get a little awkward, but this is always made up for in pure sweetness.

123456 (Pardon Us) – Aleks and The Ramps
Speaking of lyrics, this song has some rather interesting ones. I bought Aleks and The Rams’ debut album on the back of some rather impressive reviews and I must admit, I was a little disappointed. It’s undoubtedly good and certainly different, but it just failed to grab me. Then again, I’m yet to see them live which could turn things around.

Love Goes On! – The Go-Betweens
How unAustralian of me, that I’ve only just got into The Go-Betweens. It hasn’t taken much, though and I’m now beginning to realise just how great they are. That signature acoustic sound of theirs never fails to deliver. If you’re yet to be convinced, it will only take one listen of 16 Lovers Lane to turn you around.

While We Go Dancing – The White Rabbits
I’m not quite sure how I ended up with The White Rabbits’ album, but all of a sudden I found myself listening to a band I’d never heard of before, with no idea what to expect. It didn’t come immediately, but I’m really coming to appreciate their music.

They Made Frogs Smoke Til They Exploded – Mum
Mum are another band out of Iceland making some really unique music. It’s incredibly weird at times, and I’m surprised that I actually like it. This song probably isn’t the best, but I wanted to include it for the cool video they’ve made for it.

The Octopus Project and why you should pay more attention to your music.

2008-01-22T22:35:00.000+11:00

I’ve always been one who sees the allure of vinyls, indulge yet I’ve also done my best to avoid getting swept up by them. I do this because I know that it is neither practical nor affordable to listen to everything on vinyl, no matter how much better it sounds. Yet in recent times, my standards have been slipping a little and I’ve been indulging myself. The most striking thing I’ve noticed is how different the listening process is. The fact that you have to physically turn the record over, just to get through an album, means it is generally more involving. You’re far more likely to pay attention to the music coming out of your turntable, than the queued up mp3s on your computer. The reason this was so striking was that it made me realise how little attention I pay to the music I listen to. I consider myself devoted to music because I listen to it all the time, but in actual fact, I’m hardly listening at all. It is merely sitting in the background, failing to register as I attend to whatever else I’m doing. And I wonder why it takes me so long to decide whether I like something or not. I need at least three of these half-hearted attempts before an image of the song begins to form in my brain. I know most people out there probably don’t offend as badly as I do, but every now and then, I recommend you try actually LISTENING to your music. You’ll find it to be much more enjoyable, even if you do lose all that time that could have been spent multitasking.

Now all this might seem irrelevant, but it partly thanks to The Octopus Project and their latest album, Hello, Avalanche that I came to this revolutionary conclusion. I was at my computer, doing the motions, listening to their album for probably the third time. However, after a 3am session of listening to the White Album and playing Uno the night before, I was getting rather tired. I decided to leave the album going as I gave my eyes a rest. It was here I discovered just how great it is. Being a (largely) instrumental band, it makes sense that The Octopus Project pay a fair amount of attention to detail. So as I lay there, concentrating on nothing but, I was able to experience this in all its glory. Each song is delicately crafted, gradually layering one riff on top of other until it builds into a spectacular climax, or else floats off in another direction. It really is quite a special album and this is coming from someone who usually shies away from instrumental music. There really isn’t any stand out tracks because each just carries on perfectly from the last. I must admit, I picked a nice album to lie back and relax to.

An Evening With Rthrtha – Then again, after listening to this song, you’ll probably wonder how I could ever call the album relaxing. But as you pay close attention, hearing the changes as they evolve, it does end up rather peaceful.

I Saw The Bright Shinies – This song impressed me so much, it made want to copy it. The patch they use does a brilliant job of replicating haunting vocals, especially how each notes peaks just after you’d expect it to.

Label | Website | Myspace

Mini Review: The Forms

2008-01-17T22:25:00.000+11:00

The Forms caught my attention very early, but they almost got lost amongst a sea of new music. If anything, I'm writing this to prevent myself from forgetting about them again. The self-titled album which they have recently released is actually their second, though it's the first I've heard. Their sound is an interesting one, which concentrates on building layers of smooth, washy harmonies rather than defined, crisp melodies. It works quite well for them and often evokes memories of TV On The Radio. If I had one criticism, it would probably be that many of the songs sound too alike, failing to really define themselves. All in all, this album is certainly worth a look if you enjoy the song below.

Knowledge In Hand