Neko Case then Shunda K

Shunda at Eurotrash

Friday 15th January

The night started off at the Hi Fi for the Neko Case gig (the second show, the first was on Thursday). at $55 it was a good price for an international gig. Biggest complaint about the Hi Fi is that it's way too hot, I know the gig was full (sold out) but still every time I've been there, summer or winter the place is way too warm. Neko Case is a great performer, great harmonies and band. The sound was great, I could hear everything, even the pluck of the banjo and slide guitar. At the end of the gig she did a Heart cover Magic Man, and I did feel like yelling out 'now play barracuda'. Melbourne Bitter stubbies were $6.50.

Then we got to Eurotrash at around 12.15 to see Shunda K from Yo Majesty. This was my first time to see a gig here, it was a little strange walking up the sound proofed stairwell. Shunda played with a backing track but was very quick with her lyrics and could hardly tell when she was talking a break in between the rapping. Also the crowd for fairly young, with most of the crowd made up of Anglo Saxon Australians. When Shunda finished the placed went down hill, some spaced out guys on the dance floor and a quick getaway was required. It was well worth the $15.

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)

Minus The Bear + Nation Blue

Minus the Bear + Nation Blue & another band I forgot to write down there name,
Sunday 10/02/08 at Hi Fi, tickets about $45 pre $50 at the door.

Something I forgot with the Hi Fi, are no longer selling Fosters beverages (that’s Carlton Draught, Pure Blonde, Cascade, and many more) and are now selling, or what appears to be lion Nathan, becks, toeheys etc. Becks Stubies $7.50. One of my mates said next time just say ‘Whatever’s you cheapest?’ work, so might have to try that.

The crowd were fairly young looking, but that’s not surprising as Minus The Bear are a fairly internet savvy and highly blogged band.

The first act were an instrumental band whom I forgot to make a note of there name, they were good, took you to some quieter places then just let these heavier riffs out. While listening to the next band Nation Blue brought up memories of Billy Childish, The Clash and at the Drive In.

The first two acts you could be mistaken for being at a punk gig, but Minus the Bear(from Seattle), I don’t really think they fit in a punk pigeon hole but rather a rock or prog rock. When they came onstage the lead singer, Jake Snider , said his was no good, but after a few songs into it seemed to come good, or maybe I just didn’t notice it. The second song they played is my favourite from there Planet of Ice CD ‘Throwin’ Shapes’ which I enjoyed, I don’t know what do you say. It’ll be interesting to see how far this band will go as they had some fairly dedicated fans (before they started they are went to the empty part at the front and all waited)j, they have a great sound as well, maybe they’ll somehow jump into the mainstream or stay unknown and gather a large following.

Minus the Bear - Throwin' Shapes

more Minus the Bear can be found at Suicide Squeeze Records.

Datarock + Plug in city

hi fi, Datarock + Plug-in city
Friday 7th Sept

Managed to see plug-in city, this was my first time, but have posted some stuff about them in the past. They seemed tight, could hear all sides of the band including keyboards, vocals and guitars (will compare this to datarock). And they even played my favorite song 'broke on a wheel', and did a cover of Happy MOndays 'kinky afro'.

I was totatly borred with datarock, maybe I was tired. they came on stage at 11.45 or after, can't remember as my phone batteries were flat. The crowd that was there was into it. They seemed to be all young and cool likes. On stage they seemed very cocky and brash. Sound was very hard to hear the electronic parts, which seemed to be hidden by the vocals.

Blonde Redhead at the Hi Fi

Blonde Redhead
July 23rd Hi-Fi

Was a fairly magical gig at the Hi Fi. Before I went I managed to have a few hour's sleep (old man nap) and maybe this was why it was very magical. Kazu Makino had this awesome on stage presence. Did happen to see the band before hand who were ok.

Blonde Redhead on wikipedia

Blonde Readhead myspace



more video's can be found here.

Shappi Khorsandi

Shappi Khorsandi - Asylum Speaker, Sat 28, Hi Fi Bar.
A great story teller.
Hi Fi drinks prices will send you broke.

Jon Faine and Stella Young with Shappi Khorsandi and Andy Zaltzman - The Conversation Hour 774 ABC Melbourne

Shappi Khorsandi - Laughing at Terrorism: 10.4.2007. On SBS, describing her new show to Greg Muller.