Live Bands Suffer Summertime Blues

http://www.theage.com.au/national/live-bands-suffer-summertime-blues-20081227-75xa.html?skin=text-only

Above link to an article in the age about how the economic downturn is effecting live music acts in Melbourne Town.

Try to dance to this kids

Mark Barrage - Hindsight

Very minimal disco, laptop, in your bedroom make it up with vocals. Hopefully will get down to this.

Mark Barrage with Panel of Judges + Pompey + DJ AOI Wednesday November 26th at The Toff In Town.

This track was found over at Misletone.

Cup Eve at the Tote

3/11/08 $8
Before I forget, I better mention cup Eve at the Tote. If your not from Melbourne town, we(some of us) have a day off at the start November for a horse race that stops a nation.

I can't remember the name of the first band but they were rocking. Second band in the lineup was Subaudible Hum from Melbourne, who reminded me of bands like The Doves and Radio Head, very prog rock.

The headlining act was James McCann and The Dirty Skirt Band who were very captivating, sprawling, epic and moving. I was very tired, but they kept me fixated to there sound.

Crystal Thomas

Crystal Thomas - Madhouse

Here's some great mellow, relaxing Aussie music. It's a little urban gothic country vibe that some Melbourne singers do well, and it also reminds me a little of the Bad Seeds in there too.

myspace.com/crystalthomasandtheflowersofevil

Next gig is at the Retreat Hotel Supporting Matt Walker & Ashley Davies on 27th November 2008
(DUO GIG)The Retreat Hotel - Melbourne,

The Julies

Just been listening to this 6 track ep by The Julies that found its way to me. It got some nice collage art work on the front. The track Janet Leigh Scream is a little heavy, maye like some early 90's pub rock but the rest is rather summery jangly tunes. Check more tunes out here.

The Julies - Janet Leigh Scream

CHUPA CHUP 50TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

Chupa Chup 50th Birthday Party at ACDC Lane, Melbourne CBD, on the 25th of October 2008

The Rebelles'

The Rebelles' at Ya Yahs Saturday 18th October 2008
Richmond Lager

I’ve been a little slack with posting this gig, back a couple of weeks ago, on the 18th of October I had the privilege to see a 15 piece super girl group The Rebelles’, and don’t forgot the 4 piece band that backed them up. Me mind is a little fuzzy but one of the songs they closed with was Da Doo Ron Ron. It was a really huge sound and they somehow managed to fit them all into Ya Yas. They were really a fresh piece of air with there Girl Group sounds.

There next show is at the Tote on the 27th of November with Ikochi (Tokyo) and Dollsquad (Melbourne).

CHUPA CHUP 50TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

CHUPA CHUP 50TH BIRTHDAY PARTY
ACDC Lane, Saturday, 25th October 2008, 2pm until 9pm, Free
Mirror House Antics and Boy + Girl, electro outfit Neon Knights and DJ Emilionzzzz.
Also ACDC Lane is converted into CHUPA CHUPS LANE
Free exhibition from Friday, 24th October 2008 – Monday, 3rd November 2008. Open 24 hours.

Completely forgot to post this one before today, I was thinking it was on Sunday, and as it's free, will probably have a look.

Laneway Festival 2009 1st lineup

Here is the first announced lineup for the St Jerome's Laneway Festival 2009. For the record I wont go as it's small cramped place where you have to hang around with people trying to be cool or should I say people who are there to been seen. I don't know what the other Cities are like with the Laneway festival, but no I wont go, even if I did get some free tickets. Although will be checking the lineup for sideshows and some of the acts I would like to see.

Girl Talk(Gregg Gillis), Stereolab, Architecture in Helsinki, The Hold Steady, The Drones, Cut off your Hands, Four Tet, Tame Impala, El Guincho, Buraka Som Sistema, Jay Reatard, The Temper Trap, No Age, The John Steel Singers, Canyons(Leo Frostwave and Fred Cherry), Pivot, Port O'Brien, Holly Throsby, Born Ruffians, Mountains in the Sky, Tim Fite, Still Flyin and Daeldelus(Alfred Darlington).

It's on Sunday 1st Feb at Lonsdale St, Caledonian Lane and Little Lonsdale St, in Melbourne Town. Tickets go on sales Monday, 27th of Rocktober.

Electric Dreams

Remember that 80's flick Electric Dreams? This so reminds me of that film, although The Sun Blindness is more guitar than Eighties Synth, Bachelorette(from NZ) is very Pop.Synth, so that wont disappoint. And Tongue and Teeth(from here Melbourne Town) from what I've herd is very mellow guitar work with some smooth female vocals(don't listen to this as I am very inacurate).

All this post is a reminder to get out and see some music.

SDS & Fire Fire! at The Old Bar

Fire Fire! - Isolation

The Old Bar, Fitzroy, Thursday 16th Roctober 2008.
Little Killing, Fire Fire!, and SDS. $5.

I think SDS started playing first, who I gather are a new act, four piece from Melbourne. I quickly came to a conclusion they were Grunge, not really punk or rock. But an Epic Experimental Grunge. The first song they played was a great instrumental, but I thought the singing wasn't too polished.

When I first heard the above track I thought of Frans Ferdinand but they list some of there influences on there MySpace as At the drive-in, The Killers, The Strokes and Interpol, and could even here a tad of Joy Division. Unfortunately I only got to here a couple of songs by Fire Fire! and then had to leave, so I also missed out on Little Killing.

Dave Graney & The Lurid Yellow Mist

Dave Graney & The Lurid Yellow Mist at Ya Ya's Saturday 11 of October. Free.

I ventured down to Ya Ya's on Saturday to see a free double set by Dave Graney & The Lurid Yellow Mist, (with only Dave, Clare More & Bassist).

I liked the venue with its high ceilings. Also Got me thinking that there are a few venues around that area of Smith Street in Collingwood. The crowd was fairly mix with people mostly over 25 years. Only thing that annoying was the punters consistent chatter while they were playing.

They mixed up the set with mostly new material of the new album and some old ones. I did enjoy hearing Clare and the Bassist sing and harmonizing with Dave.

Clare More - Town Bikes Song

DUNCAN GRAHAM AND BAND PLAY THE GLASSHOUSE

Duncan Graham - Shame (Demo)

Playing this Thursday 9th October at The Glasshouse fom 8pm, $5 at the door.

The above track 'Shame' reminds me a little of Elvis Costello, but to quickly describe them without comparing he's a song writer who plays scuzzed out psychedelic alt folk songs. There's some more tunes over at ilike, which I haven't really used much of.

SUMMER 09 FESTIVALS

Big Day Out have announced there the official 1st announcement for act, from what I’ve work out the Melbourne lineup is starting to look like this…. Neil Young, The Living End, Sneaky Sound System, Pendulum, TV on the Radio, The Ting Tings, Cut Copy, Youth Group, Birds of Tokyo, Eddy Current Suppression Ring, Arctic Monkeys, The Prodigy, My Morning Jacket, Bullet for my Valentine, Simian Mobile Disco, Tiki Taane, Cog, The Grates and TZU.

Biggest disappointment about this coming Big Day Out is that the Headless Chickens will be playing New Zealand only.

BDO Melbourne will be on Australia Day, January 26, at the Flemington Racecourse. Tickets are $132 with a limit of 4 per person. www.bigdayout.com

Soundwave also made an announcement with there main acts…

Without further ado, here’s the main artist announcement:

Nine Inch Nails, Alices in Chains, Bloodhound Gang, Scars on Broadway, Lamb of God, Alkaline Trio, Billy Talent, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Face to Face, In Flames, Rival Schools, Anberlin, The Subways, Every Time I Die, Devildriver, Funeral for a Friend, Less than Jake, Poisen the Well, Madina Lake, New Found Glory, From First to Last, Bedouin Soundclash, Hellogoodbye, Finch, Goldfinger, Say Anything, Chiodos, Silerstein, Saves the Day, Lacuna coil, 36 Crazyfists, Straylight Run, Evergreen Terrace, Minus the Bear, Moneen, Ace Enders, I am The Avalanche, Jaguar Love, Unearth Bayside, Emery, Houston Calls, The Audition, Attack in Black, Innerpartysystem, Valencia, In this Moment, Alesana, The Riverboat Gamblers, Horse The Band, Maylene & Sons of Disaster.

The have some pre sale tickets at www.soundwavefestival.com but will be onsale in Melbourne town on Saturday 11 October 9am. And it being held Friday 27 February – Melbourne Showgrounds.

Although I was checking on the Pyramid Rock Festival in Phillip Island and has completely Sold Out.

Gary New to venture to Australia

Gary Numan - Jagged from the Album Jagged

Saturday 7th
MELBOURNE. The Forum. Corner of Russell and Flinders Street, Melbourne.
Tickets from Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au
Tickets for all shows on sale 9am Friday 10th October


Just found this email advising me that Gary Numan will be touring next year with his full UK light show and electrifying live performance. I've seen some great gig's at the Forum but is this big enough for Gary and Band?

As you can see with the above picture I aint no cool guy, as this is a cheap double CD, which I purchased back in the 90's for only $14.95. The Pleasure Principle which is on this Double, was released in late 1979 as has been very influential, but forget about that he's just looks cool being some sort of human robot creature.

Do you shell out for something like this, he hasn't toured here since 1980. Please someone send me a free ticket.

more tunes and stuff here

The Adrian Belew Power Trio to Tour Australia

Just got the heads up on this upcomming gig, The Adrian Belew Power Trio will be touring Australia and playing at the Corner hotel on Wednesday 3rd of December. Adrian is a self-proclaimed ‘stunt guitarist’ and has performed with the likes of Frank Zappa “Sheik Yerbouti”; David Bowie on “Lodger”; Talking Heads on “Remain In Light”; and on the Tom Tom Club “Tom Tom Club”, just to name a few. He got plenty of MP3 samples to get a glimpse as to what to expect. Adrian will be supported by Penny Ikinger at the Melbourne gig.

Not the Human League

Harlequin League - Bones

I often dream at night and wish there would be a band that would come out and be as cool as the Human League in Melbourne town, but alas this will never happen. But when I see the words Synth in a lineup of instruments I'll take a second look. The Harlequin League have a Synth in the lineup, and upon loading there myspace page you are greeted with a track called Again and Again, which may get the kids dancing along to this Synth/Rock Tune, but skip this tracks and listen to Itchy Heart which is much more of a catchier tune and some experimental aliments. I can hear some sounds that remind me of the likes of Stone Roses, Janes Addiction and even a modern act Kasabian (but they don't have the big sound like them). The above track is a little strong but still worth a listen.

They also have a gig coming up at the Corner also with End Of Fashion & The Seabellies on this Friday 5th September.

RRR Radiothon

One thing I forgot to mention in August was RRR are having a radiothon. They provide some good music and talk to your ears so why not show your support and become a Subscriber. I still think you can go into the running for all the prizes as Subscriptions must be paid by 5pm Wednesday October 1st to be eligible for the prize draws, as per the info on there website (click here for more details.)

Deadbeat

Deadbeat Club - Black Numbers

All girl group Deadbeat Club play a garage rock type music and you can hear them play some tunes along with New Estate and Actor/Model at the Tote this Saturday 6th September, $10 at the door.

Do you Act or Model?

Actor/Model - My Agent Says

Actor/Model are supporting the Deadbeat Club on the 6th September 2008 at the Tote (tickets $10). This track above first off reminded me of New Order and The Smiths with a female singer. A couple more tracks can be found here at the JJJ unearthed site.

The Dandy Warhols Touring Australia

The Dandy Warhols - The World The People Together

The Dandy Warhols are touring Australia and will be hitting Melbourne town with there Psychedelic Pop Rock on Thursday 6th November at The Palace Theatre(an all Ages gig).

Cherry Bar re-open Late 0ct 2008

Found this posted on Cherry Bar's MySpace. Look's like they are planning on re-opening late October 2008. That's Rocktober Kids!

Liz Stringer to Tour

Liz Stringer - One More Time from her debut album 'Soon'.

Melbourne based accoustic roots singer songwriter Liz Stringer will be releasing her second album 'Pendulum' and has also announced some gigs around Australia. In Melbourne she will be playing at The Toff in Town on Saturday 16th August and the Broad Festival at Hammer Hall on Friday 29th of August.

I'm not a big fan of the roots music but look into those eyes, so hypnotic.

More Tracks can be found on Liz's website.

A Light in your Lamp

Lamplight - Ship in a bottle

Lamplight play an Indie Folk Rock errh something like that. They've been invited to represent Australia at one of the world's biggest music showcases 'Popkomm' in Berlin, in October 2008. You can see them play before they hit Berlin on Friday August 15th at the Northcote Social Club, along with Jordie Lane and The Spoils.

There's a couple more Tracks up at Triple J website, click here.

Devo, Regurgitator and Eddy Current Suppression Ring

Devo, Regurgitator and Eddy Current Suppression Ring
Festival Hall 31/7/2008. Around the $100
VB in a plastic cup about $6.

It took awhile to actually get into the gig, with complicated numbering system on the doors. I thought that this would make things run a little smoothly but most people were confused, maybe they need to employ a few roaming people to assist with confused.

Also upon entering you get frisked, I haven't been to Festival Hall since the early 00's but felt it was very 90's. And the joke is really on them, most people have mobile, which can generally take good pictures and some mobiles out there can take some good/medium level video, so why not ban people from taking in there mobiles. Also the vibe in Festival Hall felt like were all just cattle led in for some sensible entertainment, and this is probably why I avoid going there.

So while waiting to get in Eddy Current played, they sounded good outside. Regurgitator was a real flash back to the 90's, they sounded very flat, and I do prefer they studio work to there live. Last time I saw them play was also at Festival Hall, possibly back in 1999 or 2000 playing after TISM, which also didn't do too much for them, as TISM have very good stage show. It also annoyed me that they did multiple thanks to Devo and Devo are up next calls, just play the music, we all know who the main act are, once is enough.

My mate was fairly pumped to see Devo, I was very weary, didn't want to get disappointed. Some guy that was behind was very excited, he said he was around 40 and seemed to be his only night of the year to be let out of the house. He was nut's, nearly started a fight with this other nerd next to him, and spitting on everyone when he sang along. Later in the show we pushed him forward, although I felt sorry as he started to do some sexy dance with a lady. Although he try to dance with me early on, which was weird, but I managed to stop it with some crafty robot dancing.

Devo were good, they weren't mediocre or mind blowing but just good. Very tight with everything, a few video clips thrown in, and a couple of costume changes. The last song they played was beautiful world with a twist, I think he was called Boogie Boy, this was a real disappointment, I love the original, but singing it with a high pitch voice was annoying and horrible not ironic and funny.



Devo - Live 1980

Cry Mercy and Cast & Crew

Cast & Crew - Disco I Love You

On Saturday night I managed to see a couple of bands play at the Birmingham Hotel, which I would never have gone before, due to a skin head violent vibe it had going. But now under new management is more likened to the young Indie crowd that is sweeping the nation, well it's more akin to a place you'd find in the CBD.

The Sharks, They Bite!, Cry Mercy, Cast & Crew and Damn Terran. I was lucky enough to see Cry Mercy and Cast & Crew.

Cry Mercy was real rocky, doing some great instrumentals.

Cast & Crew had more of a pop slant, something you could dance to, maybe even do the robot if inclined. Looking forwarding to hearing and seeing more of these two bands.

Johnny Saw Horses LP launch

Johnny Saw Horses(space) has an LP launch this Sunday 3rd August 8pm at Toff in Town ($10 on the door). Support on the night will be Super Stupid(said to be playing a cover set), KES(solo), Bi ddy Connor(who plays a viola), and Cougar Flashy(Previously known as Fulton Girls Club).

Johny Saw Horses is made up of James and Jess. Going by there myspace James plays guitars, laptop, viola, bass, zither, vocals, recorders, effects, percussion, piano, ondes martenot synth (AS French Connection and Spawn System), banjo mandolin, mellotron, baritone ukulele. And Jess does vocals, guitars, bass, laptop, recorders, soprano and baritone ukuleles, and other instruments.

There website has a couple of sample MP3, that only go for half or less of the song, this is fairly frustrating as when you start getting into a track it just finishes. But they have there myspace witch seems to have the full tracks up and on JJJ unearthed also has full tracks, which is where I got the below from.

Johnny Saw Horses - Swansong

A couple more tracks available at JJJ unearthed.

Here's the Ticket

at the price of Bored on thursday? This could be the Ticket. Route 66 a rock'n'roll, rockabilly and R&B night is starting up at the Old Bar in Collingwood with Mohair Slim, The Exotics and DJ Electric Mudcat at the price of $8.

What is Indie Music?

Georgia Fields - Drama On The High Seas Of Emotion

The Hazelman Brothers - Meredith

Georgia Fields and Her Mini-Indie-Orchestra with The Hazelman Brothers and Ben Manijsama are playing Manchester Lane on the 24th. The Hazelman Brothers track above is a melow number, I believe it's about an Aus Music festival called Meredith. The above Georgia remind me of Tori Amos but I don't know about the who Mini Indie Orchestra, a little too cute or contrived, but what is indie music these days.

New Soul, Disco, Hip Hop and Rock Night

Richie from Stone Love at PBSfm is doing this Soul, Disco, Hip Hop and Rock Night at the Horn in Collingwood (20 Johnston St, Collingwood, btwn smith and wellington) every 2nd and 4th Friday night after 9pm. Haven't been there yet but am looking for a new soul night as Cherry is not open anymore and there is know where to get my grove on.

I Love Technology

The Greenmatics - I Love Technology

Some where along my trip around the interweb I found The Greenmatics(Space). They are an Electro Pop New Wave three piece that use vocals, synths, bass and drums to create music.

Unfortunately I missed them playing at Roxanne, due to there myspace stating they were playing at Revolver on the 2nd of August, then I check it again and that gig is longer there and found they just played.

A Little Haunting

Haunted Attics - We Eat Young Souls

Haunted Attics(space) from Canberra are playing some gigs coming up in Melbourne town. They play music that may sound like Brit Pop, Rock and some country (I hate god damn box's).

Melbourne gigs
17 Jul The Old Bar with The Holy Sea and The Controls, The Edinburg
19 Jul Edinburgh Castle with Potential Falcon and Krista Polvere & the Blacklist
20 Jul The Tote with The Holy Sea, Brian Henry Hooper, Crystal Thomas & the Flowers of Evil and H

This could be worth a listen

This could be worth a listen Here She Goes Again(Melbourne based) is having an EP launch at the Toff in town $10. They claim to be an Italian indie/pop/rock/psychedelic trio, but also I can here 60's garage and some Sonic Youth in there, check out the track at the bottom.

Also they are supported by The Dead South and Black Pony express.

There She Goes Again - Withces' Season

The above track was found on the JJJ website also another track can be found there.

Experts call 2am Lockout a failure

MJust saw this in the mornings the 'Experts' are saying that the 2am lockout is a failure, don't know if places will be running as usual. Check out The Age article below with full details.

http://www.theage.com.au/national/experts-call-lockout-a-failure-20080708-3bvx.html

Say Goodbye to Computers

Viva Computer - They Tried to Put a Mark on Me

Coming out of Hobart in Tasmania Viva computer are playing a few gigs around Melbourne town this weekend. The above track 'They Tried to Put a Mark on Me' is taken from there debut album and you can download it for free, follow the links on there myspace page. As you can probably hear they are very much inspired by Sonic Youth and Animal collective.

If you're in Melbourne Town this weekend you can catch them at...
1. Friday 27th June at The TOTE with Ninetynine, Hand Hell and Little Pictures (NZ) 9pm doors open.
2. Saturday 28th June at The Empress Hotel w/ Popolice and Peter Escott Melbourne, Victoria. Doors open 9pm.
3. Sunday 29th June at Pony 2am Show, or You could say 2am Saturday Night
4. Sunday 29th June at Pure Pop Records Instore at 3pm.

Euphonicly Evolved

This free mp3 from Sydney based Euphonic has probably been floating around the net since may so it's probably old news(I've been going through a emails from another music venture, still having trouble with my email address for this site), if you like a catchy rock theme tunes with some riff's check it out. When I first herd it, 'Headspace' reminded me of the Vines track Highly Evolved, but don't let that stop you as they are influenced by a wide range of acts including Pixies, Teenage Fanclub, Swervedriver, Pavement, The breeders, Mudhoney and Lemonheads.

Also there playing at the Espy in St Kilda on the 17 July.

Euphonic - Headspace

Euphonic Space

The Great Apes at the Tote

The Great Apes Sat 7th June 08 at The Tote front bar, residency gig.

While in Collingwood, I wondered down to the Tote to see what residency gig was happening and it was the Great Apes(Melbourne based). They had a good turn up, most seem to be friends/family and other music loving types. I've seen some very lonely residency at the Tote, but sometimes certain sounds are not for everyone. To my surprise they were very professional to be playing in a front bar but suited a lazy Saturday afternoon with some psychedelia and 60's garage inspired tunes. Also going by there myspace they're influenced by 13th Floor Elevators, Ween, B52s, Spacemen 3, Stooges, Sonic Youth, David Bowie and Velvet Underground. Catch them at the Tote this Saturday 28th June from 5pm for the last of there months residency.

The Great Apes - L8-night nympho-mercials

You can find more tunes here at the JJJ unearthed website.

KIMYA

(this was only at the start when Pikelet was playing, for Kimya it was packed)

Saw the Kimya gig on Tuesday night (17/6/8), it was at the Northcote Uniting Church Hall, which was an interesting setting. I really enjoyed supports Pikelet and Angelo Spencer, whom I both really enjoyed. Didn't expect much from Angelo, but he had some great indie energy. Kimya was OK, was a little bored at the end and thought she may of played a little too many kids songs in Middle. The crowed were really into it and all were very quiet, but no for the support.

Kimya Dawson - i like giants

http://www.myspace.com/kimyadawson
http://www.myspace.com/angelospencer

Juno

Cherry Bar Burns

A few days old but was shocked to wake up to here one of my favorite bars Cherry Bar, has been gutted by fire (along with other offices in the same building including Jamie Oliver offices). This is a bit of a shame since the bar has recently reopened after being shut for a month with license issues. Was looking forward to going back there for soul night and Fridays, but unfortunately this wont happen for a while. Hopefully the place wont be torn down to create the latest apartment block and will open sometime again in the future.

Check out the full story here.

PBS RADIO FESTIVAL 2008

PBS Radio festival is finishing tonight, but you can still go into the draw for all the prizes - The prize draw is on Thursday, 3 July at 5.30pm.

It's a good station that caters for so many different music tastes its amazing. Also there website, pbsfm.org.au, has streaming and radio on demand (I think for about 3 or 6 months).

2 am Lockout on YT

Sean Bedlam talks about the 2 am lock out.

Dragonfly Records to Close

I heard word on the streets the other day that Dragonfly records is closing and it is. I spoke to a guy behind the counter and he advised me that they've got less than 2 months depending on stock. Most CD's are slightly discounted from regular price, I snaped up some world beaters comps for $10 each reduced from $15. It's kind of a shame to loose another small discount CD shop, other the years I did manage to get some long forgotten and great compilation CDs (Tamla Motown was a highlight).

SOUL NIGHT IS A GO

I bumped into Vince Prince of PBSfm Soul Time fame who does the soul nite at Cherry, and confirmed that Cherry is back and running, and is a little quiet due to the four weeks while it was closed. I'm pumped as for me the best Soul Night in Melbourne, get behind it this Thursday and hopefully every Thursday for a long time to come.

Some what interesting gigs

This is really just to remind of interesting gigs coming up, and for you out there, Beryl.

Red Ink Rock Fri 30 May Doors 8pm $12 Ding Dong
Electric Mary Wed 4th June Doors 8pm $8 Ding Dong
VHS OR BETA (usa) - 2 for 1 offer Wed 4 June 7:30 Hi Fi
Wellyn (album launch) with Silver City Highway and Shade of March (solo) Fri 6 Jun 8.30 $10+BF Northcote Social Club (mp3’s on Wellyn’s website)
Blueline medic.com with Red Jezebel (WA) & Jack on Fire Sat 7 Jun 8.30 $10+bf Northcote Social Club
Braindead Lovers Fri 13th June 8pm $10 Ding Dong
The Bamboos feat. Kylie Auldist Sat 14 Jun Doors: 8:30pm $18+BF The Corner
Spun Rrivals Sat 14 Jun 8.30 $10+BF East Brunswick Club
The Black Keys Thur 19th June 08 8m $59.50 The Palace (formally the Metro)
Mary Trembles (QLD) Fri 20 June 8pm Ding Dong (mp3’s on bands website)
The Phoenix Foundation/ (NZ) Fri 20 June 8pm $12+BF East Brunswick Club (mp3’s on bands website)
The Breeders Tue 5 August 2008 Billboard the Venue

Melbourne 2 am Lockout

I have mixed feelings about the Melbourne 2am Lockout. One important thing to remember is when it starts, I was an idiot and thought it was last weekend. It starts at Tuesday 3rd June 2008.

I had a friend last weekend visiting from Sydney (he lives in a inner suburb) and thought Melbourne's night life people were fairly wild, drunks and goth/rave heads roaming the streets. I'm sick of drunks in the City, but love band's and little bar in the ally ways. I probably don't see any more gigs at 2am, as most of them finish at 12 or 1 so I dont know how that will effects gigs other than the ones at Pony, Cherry has some, but not as many as Pony.

Only time will tell how this change.

Check out this site for info.
http://www.2amlockout.com.au/
http://www.melbournelockedout.com/
Also there's an official protest Friday 30 May at Treasury Gardens, cnr Flinders / Spring Streets 5pm. More at the above website.

I WANT ROOT

Man I missed Root the other night, shit will have to catch up with them some other time.

Beat TV on YT

Just found this Melbourne Street Press Beat has its Beat TV on Youtube, check it out.

http://au.youtube.com/user/beatTV

Cherry Bar - Open or Closed?

Look I know that Cherry Rock is on today and it's been moved to the Palace(formally metro) but last Thursday it was closed and Saturday nite it was again. Last night they were meant to have the Raveonettes DJ'ing, but with a closer look it said 'Closed until further notice'. Then went to Ding Dong, to see if it had moved there, as there are some way connected, asked the bouncer and according to him 'Yes they are closed'. Does this mean that Cherry the home of Soul night and Rock Friday(I made that one up) has shut its doors??? Please I hope not!!!

OUTRUN

Outrun (Album launch) + The Emergency and Future Love
Roxanne Parlor 4th April.

Can't remember Future Love, but did enjoy The Emergency. Plenty of people there to see Outrun, maybe the word is catching on. They have some great sounds, sometimes in between John Foxx and the new electronic which is happening, very dark and 80's computer games inspired.

JESUS AND MARY CHAIN with THE RAKES

Thurs. 3rd April 08
V Festival Present
JESUS AND MARY CHAIN(space) with THE RAKES(space) and Ghostwood(space)
The Palace (formally the Metro),
$80
$6 cans of VB served in a plastic cub???

Didn't get to see Ghostwood, so no comment. The Rakes were ok, had some good tracks, although the crowd were not interested. I heard a few people say behind me they were good. Play a guitar based indie pop tunes with a bit of a fresh sound, which seems strange as some people believe that Indie Brit Pop is dead.

J and MC play for about more than an hour, that's including the encore. There were a few people in the audience yelling stuff to them, sound though they were pissed off, maybe they didn't play there fav song that they heard when they had sex for the first time. I guess people invest alot of time and money in gigs and feel that the band owes them something. Compare to the last nights show (Hot Hot Heat & Modest Mouse) there seemed to be an older crowd a few more guys and some young hip kids who like to go to the gig dressed up like band or what they think the band is about. They played classics and maybe a couple of new ones (whats with people bagging new tracks), but I like how some tracks went to the next level live, and some tracks I don't liked seemed alot more interesting.

Enough crapping on. A picture of cup and links to come.

Modest Mouse and Hot Hot Heat

Modest Mouse and Hot Hot Heat
The Palace (formally the Metro)
Wed. 2nd April 08

Hot Hot Heat were a blast when I saw them back in the Espy back in 2003? (I think). They still have an edge but were not as Hot as last time.

Was not expecting anything from Modest Mouse, my mate reckons they are great live. Good sounds, but nothing there to hold me keep me interested. They do have a few good singles.

Still loving the New Palaces, it's really a new place, lets all say goodbye to the Metro. Hazar!!!

My Disco + Fabulous Diamonds & kes(with band)

The Corner 22/3 MY DISCO!(space) (album launch) + Fabulous Diamonds & kes(with band). $10+BF.

Fabulous Diamonds

Fabulous Diamonds had some interesting instrumentals but I didn't care much for the singing, was a bit for the sake of singing trendy (that does that make sense).

Kes is always interesting to see, last time was at the Tote where he played a solo show, plenty of psych riffs to take you off this planet. With a band its the next level, plenty of layers and locals. There were even some more poppy tracks, which reminded me of where I first herd Kes on a Unstable Ape sampler (do they still exist?). Also if any one knows was he part of the Bird Blobs?

My Disco

Last time I saw My Disco was at the Arthouse with the likes of Envy, Brisk and Art Vandelay. which was a quite a different style of gig with more harder edge bands. I just can't pin My Disco down as they can fit anywhere. Sometimes they are Punk, Experimental Guitar, hints of Metal and even a whisper of Indie. What I like about this band is that the whole sound and performance is very hypnotic and addictive, proving that sometimes something so minimal can open new part of the imagination.

April Gigs that may be of interest

April
Tue 1th
THE HAMPDENS (Residency) Tue 1, Tue 8, Tue 15 Northcote Social Club $12 7.30
QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE – SOLD OUT Tue 1 Palace Theatre (formerly Metro)
Music 2008’ featuring EMBERS, VALERIO TRICOLI (ITALY), JOHN RODGERS with KEN EDIE & ERKKI VELTHEIM (QLD), DANIEL MENCHE & BRENDAN WALLS (PORTLAND/NSW), CAROLYN CONNORS & GREG KINGSTON (TAS) + DEAN ROBE, Tue 1, Corner, Doors 8pm $15+BF
Wed 2nd
PAT DINIZIO (The Smithereens – USA) Wed 2 Corner
FITZROY XPRESS (WA) with Lee Morgan, Wed 2 East Brunswick $10+BF
Modest Moust & Hot Hot Heat, Wed 2 Palace Theatre (formerly Metro)
Thursday 3rd
THIS IS YOUR CAPTAIN SPEAKING with The Red Tree, Thur 3 Northcote Social Club $10 at door only 8.30
Robyn Thu 3 Prince Band Room $25+BF
Jesus & Mary Chain, Thur 3 Palace Theatre (formerly Metro) $76.60+BF
ALEKS & THE RAMPS with RICHARD IN YOUR MIND (NSW) and The Ancients, Thur 3 East Brunswick $12 at the door
Friday 4th
CCS, Fri 4, Prince Band Room 8.30, $55+BF
Millencolin, Fri 4 Palace Theatre (formerly Metro) $49.50+BF on stage 11.30pm
CLINKERFIELD + THE IDLE HOES (joint album launch) Fri 4 Corner $12+BF
SNOG (EP launch) with Casionova and I Forget plus DJ Andrew Till, Fri 4 East Brunswick $13+BF
Saturday 5th
SOPHIE KOH (single launch) with The Basics and Tim Reid, Sat 5 Northcote Social Club $18
The Supporters (album launch) & Lightning Strikes + Swayback (SA) Sat 5 The Tote
HORSELL COMMON + Trial Kennedy + Goodnight Combat Fighter + Broadway Sat 5 Apr Corner $10+BF
MOSAIK (album launch) with Little Star and Renee Cassar, Sat 5 East Brunswick $10+BF
Sunday 6th
RUDELY INTERRUPTED Sun 6 Northcote Social Club, DOORS 12.30 $10 at door only
Melbourne City Mission Sunday Session: Black Pony Express, Tobias Cummings & The Long Way Home, Amys Theory, Ancient Free Gardeners and Horse Competition. Sun 6 The Tote
Tuesday 8th
Mountain Goats CANCELLED Tue 8 Billboards
Thursday 10th
The spoils, Thur 10, Bar Open
Friday 11th
‘African Explosion’ featuring special combined performance LAMINE SONKO, KING MARONG AND PAPE M’BAYE (two sets) (Percussionists), Fri 11 East Brunswick
music vs physics, Fri 11, Bar Open
A Sound Mind Fri 11 Billboards
EDDIE FLOYD (USA) with The Bamboos, DJs Pierre Baroni (PBS), Manchild (PBS) and Vince Peach (PBS) Fri 11 Prince Band Room $49.50+BF
Saturday 12th
casual projects, Sat 12, Bar Open
SPECTRUM (UK) (a.k.a. Sonic Boom, ex-Spacemen 3) with DIMMER (NZ) (Shayne Carter - Straitjacket Fits) and The Lovetones, Sat 12 Northcote Social club $25+BF
THE MESS HALL + The Scare + Gareth Liddiard (The Drones) Sat 12 Corner $20+BF
Yves Saint Klein (ep launch) and Aleks & The Ramps Sat 12 The Tote $10.
Sunday 13th
actor slash model, the great apes, potential falcon, Sun 13 Bar Open
Wednesday 16th
WEDDINGS PARTIES ANYTHING + Ron Hawkins (Canada) Wed 16, Thur 17, Fri 18 & Sat 19 Apr Corner $45+BF
MARTY WILLSON-PIPER (The Church) (album launch) Wed 16 Northcote Social Club $17+BF
Thursday 17th
Off Minor (USA), Straightjacket Nation, The Focus, thurs 17 Bar Open
DAN RUMOUR & THE DRIFT (THE CRUEL SEA) Thur 17 East Brunswick
Friday 18th
Henry Rollins(talking), Fri 18 & Sat 19, Comedy Theatre, ticketek.com.au
the band who knew too much, Fri 18 Bar Open
PNAU Fri 18 Billboards
DECLAN O’ROURKE (IRELAND) Fri 18, Northcote Social Club
Muscles Fri 18 Prince Band Room $25+BF
THE RAVEONETTES (denmark) Fri 18 The Hi-Fi $37.40+BF
GREY DATURAS (album launch) with Embers, Fri 18 East Brunswick 8.30 $10 at door only
Saturday 19th
SUPERSUCKERS (USA) Sat 19 East Brunswick $48 8.30
Wednesday 23
HARRY MANX (CANADA) Wed 23 Corner $39+BF
THE HOLY SEA (album launch) with Andrew McCubbin & The Hope Addicts and The Lazy Birds (ex Ammonia/Mars Bastards), Wed 23 Northcote Social Club $12 at the door only
Thursday 24th
Little Red Thu 24 $12+BF
EVEN (album launch) Thur 24 East Brunswick $17+BF
Sacred Cowboys Thur 24 Northcote Social club $17+BF
DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist, Thu 24 Palace Theatre (formerly Metro) $69+BF
Friday 25th
Porcupine Tree, Fri 25, Palace Theatre(formally Metro)
SHAM 69 (UK) + Toe To Toe + Sin City + T.H.U.G. Fri 25 Apr Corner $44+BF
BumbleBeez Fri 25 Ding Dong
SPARKADIA (NSW) Fri 25 East Brunswick $15
DEE DEE MEANIE TRIBUTE SHOW: OXYMORONS, POPPIN MOMMAS, NIGHT TERRORS & DEAD LIKE GENEVA Fri 25 Arthouse
Saturday 26th
‘PBS Screaming Symphony’ show presents LORD (NSW), CRIMSONFIRE, DIVINE ASCENSION, TEMPLATE and VAMPORA Sat 26 Corner Doors: 7.30pm
MARTIN MARTINI & THE BONE PALACE ORCHESTRA Sat 26 Ding Dong
MACHINE TRANSLATIONS with Firekites (NSW) Sat 26 $18
THE STEMS (WA) with The Pink Fitz and The Tash Mints, Sat 26 Northcote Social Club $25+BF
Sunday 27th
Juliette & The Licks Sun 27 Prince Band Room $42.90+BF

Aus & NZ acts at SXSW

Kate Bradley / The Goodbye Horses - Gold Body 2 (Rock) Brisbane

The Chevelles - Get It On (Rock) Perth

Cut Cop - Lights & Music (Electronic) Melbourne

Rodney Fisher - Hold Me Close (Singer-Songwriter) Plymouth NZ

Ash Grunwald - Give Signs (Blues) Torquay

Naked On The Vague - All Aboard (Punk/Experimental) Melbourne/Sydney Duo ???

Whitley - I Remember (Alt Country???) Melbourne

Die! Die! Die! - Sideways Here We Come (rock) Dunedin NZ

Paul Kelly at SXSW

Just been going through some of the artists at that are playing at Austin Texas in the South by South West and Found this Paul Kelly tune (he's a singer songwriter from Melbourne if you didn't know). Would like to go to SXSW one day, you can always have dreams.

Paul Kelly - God Told Me To

Maximo Park + With Flamingo Crash

Maximo Park(space) + Flamingo Crash - http://www.myspace.com/flamingocrash
Bill board the venue, Wed 12/3, pots of draught $3.50

Flamingo Crash - It's Mystery Music!

Have never been to Bill Board the Venue, as was commented by a friend it looks like somewhere ‘Coolies’ would go to – Coolies were best described as people who try to be cool and also includes people who go to the gym. Other than dance club feel to the place it had fairly descent views, in front of the bar was a great one, and also two projection screens on the side.

Was quietly surprised by Flamingo Crash, didn’t really know what to expect. Plenty of guitar and keyboards with a upbeat sound, relaxing more towards the end. The lead singer was trying to do his best to warm up the crowd for the main and but felt a little annoying.

Did not know what to expect for the crowd for Maximo Park, didn’t know if its was going to be packed and quiet. But was tightly packed with cool kids and plenty of people from the UK. They didn’t really do it for me, but the crowd all seemed pretty into it. For me they just didn’t have the x factor that hooks you in to there music, although they’re single Apply Some Pressure is a great song and a stand on the night.

Jay Reatard

Jay Reatard(space) + Digger & The Pussycats & Cut Sick & The Focus & UV Race(YouTube)
The Tote, Mon 10/3/08, $27

A laid back labour day saw myself and a friend check out some acts at the Tote. I was expect it to be hot and sweaty but luckily it wasn’t too bad due to the cool breeze.

Out of the line up I managed to catch the Focus, Digger & The Pussycats and the headliner Jay Reatard. Didn’t mind the focus, sounded like something between a pacey punk band with a touch of indie sounds. Digger & The Pussycats are a two piece with one on guitar and the other standing up playing a drum kit. From what they said they’ll be finishing up soon, my mate said it may be due to moving and the rock n roll lifestyle taking its toll on the band.

I hadn’t heard much about Jay Reatard, so I didn’t really have any expectation. Only really had heard a little that they were featured on RRR radio or PBS as ‘Blood Visions’ has recently been released in Australia. They came across to me being really fresh and tight, reminding me of punk back in the early nighties. They had a great stage presence with there big hair and also (I didn’t see this, but was brought up by my mate) they kept spitting on the crowd.

COCOROSIE

COCOROSIE
Thu 6 Mar Doors
$38+BF The Corner

As the sands of the hour glass slip away, post can somehow get forgotten. I've seen a few gigs and updating can sometimes feel like a choir.

One more gig to post after this one.

From what I remember they're was a mix of young and old. Some people didn't know what to expect and some people must of been on some good drugs as they were bonkers with whatever nuts they were fed.

I was going to have a picture of a chair but am slack. At least I posted something.

Buffalo Tom

Buffalo Tom(space), Even & Telecom
Hi Fi, Fri 7 Mar, Can of Toohey's New $5.00

On Friday there were a fair few gig’s happening, this night there was a sold out gig down the road with Ween. Maybe this was due to all these side shows for the Golden Plains music festival. I’ve seen Telecom before but they sounded very fresh, and reminded me of You Am I. I didn’t catch even as I spent this time consoling a mate who couldn’t get a ticket to see Ween. When coming back there were stacks of blokes (plenty with bald heads) with some with there girlfriends. The first half of the Gig Buffalo Tom played classics, such as ‘Wiser’ and the second half of the Gig they played new stuff. They have some great songs but sometimes felt they are a band who have toured a lot and are going through motions.

Even - I am the light(.m4a)

BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE

Broken Social Scene, Guests: Belles Will Ring

Sold out gig at the Corner, Doors: 8pm, $38

Didn't get to see Belles Will Ring, so wont say anything. The gig was early, With Broken Social Scene starting to play around 10.15pm. They started off with a nice instrumental, played a few tracks that I like off there album 'We hate your hate'(I think thats what it's called. But over all was a little bored. I guess have seen some awesome gigs recently you get spoilt and something that average becomes below average. The cool kids seem to enjoy it, people there seemed to be in there mid 20's some older types as well. Although the gig was a little disappointing I really dig there artwork.

I've linked the Arts and Crafts website, as there own is for members only, what with that.

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth
The Palace (formally the Metro), Thursday 21 Feb
Can’s of VB $6

I heard about the Metro having a making over, and was pleasantly surprised. It didn’t feel as cluttered as the last time I went there. The last time I went there was back in 2003 to see Badly Drawn Boy, which was a total disappointment, mainly due to the disinterest of Damon and the sound.

The crowd was a mix between the young cool kids, who don’t really listen to music anymore, and go to gigs because all there friends PM them through some networking site and plenty of 30-40 year olds who used to listen to them when they were going up. I still don’t know who is scary your 18-25 kids or people in there 30’s-40’s.

Didn’t get to see the Scientist’s play due to wasting time at home (I’ll blame that one on the internet) but just go there about 10 minutes before Sonic Youth had played. Last time I saw Sonic Youth play was back in 2003 at the Forum touring there Murray Street LP, which a magical gig, done in two half’s, first more instrumental and second songs with vocals. This time they play there album Daydream Nation, as was part of a series of gigs(was it called back in the day). Some people love or hate sonic youth, I tend to swing the love em, as I really get into there instrumental parts and how creative they can get with the use of the old guitar. This set I think last about one and a half hours, well I think, time was lost on me for a little while.


Sonic Youth - Eric's Trip
from Goo Deluxe Edition Outtakes (Live at Irvine, CA 11/03/90)

The picture at the Top was found at http://www.sonicyouth.com/freestuff/index.html. You can find more SY stencils there.

Little Red

Little Red at Northcote Social Club, Tuesday 19/2. $10. Potts of Druaght Beer $3.50.

This is the time of year University Start’s, under 18’s should all be back in school and summer in the land of Aus finishes. While venturing to this gig this was when I happened to stumble upon some loud new University students, who all decided to jump on the Tram I was travelling on and go for a ride for three stops. Then at the gig the amount of young people there was massive, well in my own opinion. It feels like the kids these days are getting younger or is that I’m getting older. There on the tram I was thinking no more kids and I go to the gig there’s even more. But there’s something happening there, I always read about people complaining that gig numbers are dieing and people should go out to see more bands, support your local venue. With this gig I forgot all about that it was packed, full of young people, but packed for a lazy Tuesday night residency at the Northcote Social Club.

I only got just there in time to see Little Red so I cant say anything about the other band nor do I know who played (there were two supports). I saw them back supporting the pipettes at the start of 2008, and was still impressed. They have great energy, vocals harmonies, guitars and interesting drummer (he was described to me as a bobble head). If you like the sounds of Franz Ferdinand, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Chuck Berry check them out, either on line or get a hold of there EP(I did at the gig).

They finish there residency at the Northcote Social Club on 26 of Feb, and will be performing that night with The Holidays (NSW) and Dash & Will.

Little Red - Coca-cola

The kids went crazy over this song, must be due to the high airplay on Triple J radio.

Dan Deacon

I've just found this website(via Dan Deacons's myspace) you can find past releases here on his website. I'm yet to listen to them, but am looking forward to it, so will be puting up a link to one of his tracks when I get home. He's playing Saturday 23rd at the Evelyn in Melbourne, so check him out, because I can't I'm away.