INTRODUCING... TUNE'S FIFTY FAVE'S OF 2008

1. Kings of Leon – sex on fire
2. Mystery Jets – young love
3. Blue King Brown – moment of truth
4. Vampire Weekend – Oxford comma
5. Arctic Monkeys – teddy picker
6. Hot Chip – ready for the floor
7. Eagles of Death Metal – wannabe in L.A.
8. MGMT – Time to pretend
9. Radiohead – jigsaw falling into place
10. Foals – Cassius
11. Gnarls Barkley – run
12. The Herd – king is dead
13. Death Cab For Cutie – I will possess your heart
14. The Seabellies – heart heart heart out
15. Casual Projects – move along
16. Conor Oberst – souled out!!
17. The Presets – talk like that
18. The Wombats – kill the director
19. TZU – computer love
20. The Holidays - holiday
21. Ash Grunwald – Devil called me a liar
22. Sigur Ros – gobbledigook
23. Tom Cooney – mountains in the sky
24. Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds – dig Lazarus dig
25. Gyroscope – 1981
26. Weezer – pork and beans
27. Vampire Weekend – cape cod kwassa kwassa
28. The Panda Band – where the river rises
29. Hercules in NY – Nightlight
30. Hungry Pines – blood eagle
31. Kings of Leon – crawl
32. Adam Green – morning after midnight
33. Lightspeed champion – I could have done this myself
34. Liam Finn – better to be
35. Casual Projects – golden eggs
36. The Kooks – always where I need to be
37. Cog – what if
38. Metronomy – heartbreaker
39. Pendulum – propane nightmares
40. Cajun Dance Party – the next untouchable
41. The Drones – the minotaur
42. Dizzee Rascal – flex
43. Cat Power – song to bobby
44. Bombay Bicycle Club – how are you
45. Cloud Control – death cloud
46. Tegan and sara – call it off
47. The Butterfly Effect – window and the watcher
48. Pinback – good to sea
49. The Panics – feeling is gone
50. Something with numbers – stay with me bright eyes

VOTING CLOSED!!!!

Stay tuned for the list in coming days....

FAVOURITE SONGS OF 2008 - VOTING!

Each year TUNE!FM likes to compile a list of our favourite songs of the year. To make this list as democratic as possible we like to get as many TUNE!FM announcers and listeners to vote!
Below is the list of songs of which you can vote for. Pick 10 [or more if you can't decide as there are heaps] and post them as comments on this blog OR email them to radio@tunefm.net.
HAPPY VOTING!



78 SAAB - ONE OF THESE DAYS
ADAM GREEN - MORNING AFTER MIDNIGHT
ALBERT HAMMOND JR - GFC
AMANDA PALMER - OASIS

AMY MEREDITH - THIS WAR
AN HORSE - COMPANY
ANGUS AND JULIA STONE - JUST A BOY
ARCTIC MONKEYS - TEDDY PICKER
ARMEN FIRMAN - PORCH DWELLER
ARMEN FIRMAN - IN THE WATER
ASH GRUNWALD - DEVIL CALLED ME A LIAR
ASH GRUNWALD - BREAKOUT
ATROCITIES - GUNBEAT
AUGIE MARCH - WATCH ME DISAPPEAR
AUGIE MARCH - PENNYWHISTLE
BAND OF HORSES - IS THERE A GHOST
BE YOUR OWN PET - THE KELLY AFFAIR
BECK - CHEMTRAILS
BEDOUIN SOUNDCLASH - UNTIL WE BURN IN THE SUN
BEN ELY'S RADIO 5 - I'M PSYCHED
BIRD LANTERN - SMOKE
BIRDS OF TOKYO - BROKEN BONES
BLISS N ESO - WOODSTOCK 08
BLISS N ESO - THE SEA IS RISING
BLOC PARTY - FLUX
BLOC PARTY - MERCURY
BLOC PARTY - TALONS
BLUE KING BROWN - MOMENT OF TRUTH
BOB MOULD - STUPID NOW
BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB - HOW ARE YOU
BOOMBOOMSATELLITES - INTERGALACTIC
BORN RUFFIANS - HUMMINGBIRD
BRAINDEAD LOVERS - TRAFFIC
BRETT DENNEN - DARLIN' DON'T FEAR
BRIDEZILLA - BROWN PAPER BAG
BRIDEZILLA - SAINT FRANCINE
BRITISH INDIA - I SAID I'M SORRY
BRITISH SEA POWER - WAVING FLAGS
BUCK 65 - WAY BACK WHEN
BUTTERFINGERS - NOTHING MUCH HAPPENS
CAJUN DANCE PARTY - THE NEXT UNTOUCHABLE
CAJUN DANCE PARTY - THE RACE
CASS MCCOOMBS – THAT’S THAT
CASUAL PROJECTS - GOLDEN EGGS
CASUAL PROJECTS - MOVE ALONG
CAT POWER - NEW YORK
CAT POWER - SONG TO BOBBY
CHASM FEAT. URTHBOY - NO MATTER WHAT
CHILDREN COLLIDE - SKELETON DANCE
CHRIS WALLA - THE SCORE
CLARE BOWDITCH AND THE FEEDING SET - WHEN THE LIGHTS WENT DOWN
CLINKERFIELD - BONNIE'S LITTLE FINGER
CLOUD CONTROL - DEATH CLOUD
COG - BIRD OF A FEATHER
COG - WHAT IF
COLD WAR KIDS - SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT WITH ME
COLLAPSING CITIES - ELIXIR ALWAYS
CONOR OBERST - SOULED OUT!!!
CONOR OBERST - GET WELL CARDS
CORRECTO - DO IT BETTER
CSS - RAT IS DEAD
CUTHBERT AND THE NIGHTWALKERS - TELEPHONE
CUT COPY - FARAWAY
DAMIAN ROBISON - WRITERS BLOCK
DANNA AND THE CHANGES - BABY LOVE
DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE - I WILL POSSESS YOUR HEART
DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE - CATH
DEPARTMENT OF EAGLES - NO ONE DOES IT LIKE YOU
DES PERES - DYNAMITE
DES PERES FEAT. J WALKER - LITTLE MAN FALLS OUT OF THE SKY
DIALECTRIX - OUTCAST
DIE DIE DIE - SIDEWAYS HERE WE COME
DIZZEE RASCAL - FLEX
DND - 15 MINUTES LATE
DOES IT OFFEND YOU YEAH? - DAWN OF TIME
DOWNSYDE - FORTUNE AND FAME
DOWNSYDE - SUPER HEROES
DR DOG - MY OLD WAYS
DRAPHT - FALLING
DUKES OF WINDSOR - GET IT
EAGLES OF DEATH METAL - WANNA BE IN L.A
ELBOW - GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE
EMILIANA TORRINI - BIG JUMPS
EMMIGRATE - NEW YORK
EMPIRE OF THE SUN - WALKING ON A DREAM
EUGENE MCGUINESS - MONSTERS UNDER THE BED
FAKER - THIS HEART ATTACK
FAKER - ARE YOU MAGNETIC?
FEIST - ALL I FEEL
FIREKITES - AUTUMN STORY
FLYING FOXES - GRIPPED ON GRIM
FOALS - CASSIUS
FOALS - BALLOONS
FRIENDLY FIRES - JUMP IN THE POOL
GAMEBOY/GAMEGIRL - SWEATY WET/DIRTY DAMP
GHOSTS OF TELEVISION - FURTHEST VILLAGE FROM THE SUN
GNARLS BARKLEY - RUN
GOLDFRAPP - A & E
GOOD BUDDHA - SOMEWHERE, SOMEHOW
GOOD BUDDHA - MOVIN' ON
GRAFTON PRIMARY - RELATIVITY
GUILLEMOTS - GET OVER IT
GUY BLACKMAN - CARLTON NORTH
GYROSCOPE - 1981
HADOUKEN! - CRANK IT UP
HADOUKEN! - THAT BOY, THAT GIRL
HADOUKEN! - DECLARATION OF WAR
HANNAH DAY - SOOTH ME DRAGON TEA
HAWNAY TROOF - CONNECTION
HELL CITY GLAMOURS - ONE NIGHT ONLY
HERCULES AND LOVE AFFAIR - YOU BELONG
HERCULES IN NY - NIGHTLIGHT
HERMITUDE - SWAMP SAUCE
HOLLY THROSBY - THE TIME IT TAKES
HOT CHIP - ONE PURE THOUGHT
HOT CHIP - SHAKE A FIST
HOT CHIP - READY FOR THE FLOOR
HUNGRY PINES - BLOOD EAGLE
INFADELS - MAKE MISTAKES
INSTITUT POLAIRE - EAST, WEST AND I
JACK LADDER - CASE CLOSED
JACK PENATE - HAVE I BEEN A FOOL?
JACKSON UNITED - 21ST CENTURY FIGHTING SONG
JAGUAR LOVE - HIGHWAYS OF GOLD
JANE WOODY - MYSTICAL CRYSTALS
JAY REATARD - SEE SAW
JEN CLOHER AND THE ENDLESS SEA - HIDDEN HANDS
JENS LEKMAN - OPPOSITE OF HALLELUJAH
JOAN AS POLICEWOMAN - TO BE LOVED
JOSE GONZALEZ - TEARDROP
JOSH PYKE - SEW MY NAME
JOSH PYKE - THE LIGHTHOUSE SONG
JOSH PYKE - MAKE YOU HAPPY
KAISER CHIEFS - NEVER MISS A BEAT
KID CONFUCIUS - DARLIN I NEED YA
KINGS OF LEON - USE SOMEBODY
KINGS OF LEON - SEX ON FIRE
KINGS OF LEON - CRAWL
KRAFTY KUTS FEAT FREESTYLERS - DYNAMITE LOVE
LADYHAWKE - LOVE DON'T LIVE HERE
LADYHAWKE - PARIS IS BURNING
LADYHAWKE - DUSK TIL DAWN
LAURA MARLING - TYPICALLY SHIT
LIAM FINN - GATHER TO THE CHAPEL
LIAM FINN - BETTER TO BE
LIAM FINN - ENERGY SPENT
LIGHT NOISE - IMPATIENCE
LIGHTSPEED CHAMPION - I COULD HAVE DONE THIS MYSELF
LOUIS XIV - GUILT BY ASSOCIATION
LOWRIDER - BE BAD
LYKKE LI - BREAKING IT UP
M83 - KIM & JESSIE
M83 - GRAVEYARD GIRL
MACHINE TRANSLATIONS - A MOST PECULAIR PLACE
MAT MCHUGH AND THE BLACKBIRD - DARLING THIS SCENE MUST END
MAT MCHUGH AND THE BLACKBIRD - IT ISNT ME
MC IMMUNE - ROLLIN
MCARTNEY - CIRCLES
MERCY ARMS - HALF RIGHT
METRONOMY - HOLIDAY
METRONOMY - HEARTBREAKER
MGMT - ELECTRIC FEEL
MGMT - TIME TO PRETEND
MICHAEL FRANTI AND SPEARHEAD - SAY HEY [I LOVE YOU]
MOBY - I LOVE TO MOVE IN HERE
MUPH AND PLUTONIC - BEAUTIFUL UGLY
MUPH AND PLUTONIC - SIZE OF THE SOUL
MUSCLES - ICE CREAM
MUSCLES - THE LAKE
MY MORNING JACKET - HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS
MYSTERY JETS - TWO DOORS DOWN
MYSTERY JETS - YOUNG LOVE
MYSTERY JETS - HALF IN LOVE WITH ELIZABETH
N.E.R.D - EVERYONE NOSE [ALL THE GIRLS]
NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS - DIG LAZARUS DIG
OPERATOR PLEASE - TWO FOR MY SECONDS
OPERATOR PLEASE - LEAVE IT ALONE
PENDULUM - PROPANE NIGHTMARES
PENDULUM - THE OTHER SIDE
PHOEBE KILLDEER - PARANOIA
PINBACK - FROM NOTHING TO NOWHERE
PINBACK - GOOD TO SEA
PINKY BEECROFT AND THE WHITE RUSSIANS - SOMEONE FOR EVERYONE
PNAU - EMBRACE
POLO CLUB - GET ON IT
PRIMAL SCREAM - CAN'T GO BACK
RADIOHEAD - JIGSAW FALLLING INTO PLACE
RATATAT - MIRANDO
RED JEZEBEL - MORE THAN YOU'LL EVER KNOW
REGURGITATOR - ROMANCE OF THE DAMNED
RESIN DOGS - CAUGHT UP
RESIN DOGS FEAT NFA - MOVE UP
REVEREND AND THE MAKERS - OPEN YOUR WINDOW
REVEREND AND THE MAKERS - HE SAID HE LOVED ME
ROCKET SCIENCE - PSYCHIC MAN
SANTOGOLD - L.E.S. ARTISTES
SANTOGOLD - LIGHTS OUT
SERJ TANKIAN - SKY IS OVER
SHIHAD - VAMPIRES
SHIHAD - ONE WILL HEAR THE OTHER
SHOCKING PINKS - END OF THE WORLD
SHOCKING PINKS - EMILY
SHOCKING PINKS - THIS ACHING DEAL
SHY CHILD - SUMMER
SIA - BUTTONS
SIGUR ROS - GOBBLEDIGOOK
SILVERCHAIR - MINDREADER
SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO - HUSTLER
SKYBOMBERS - ALWAYS COMPLAINING
SNEAKY SOUND SYSTEM - WHEN WE WERE YOUNG
SNOWMAN - WE ARE THE PLAGUE
SO SO MODERN - UPGRADE YOUR CHASIS
SOFT TIGERS - CREATION
SOMETHING WITH NUMBERS - STAY WITH ME BRIGHT EYES
SOMETHIGN WITH NUMBERS - WE'LL FIGHT
SONS AND DAUGHTERS - THE NEST
SPARKADIA - ANIMALS
SPARKADIA - TOO MUCH TO DO
SPOD - CATS!
TAME IMPALA - DESIRE BE DESIRE GO
TAPES N TAPES - HANG THEM ALL
TEGAN AND SARA - CALL IT OFF
THE AUDREYS - LAY ME DOWN
THE AUDREYS - PARADISE CITY
THE BANK HOLIDAYS - CHEATING CHEATING
THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS - UNDER A SOUTHERN SKY
THE BLACK GHOSTS - REPETITION KILLS YOU
THE BLACK GHOSTS - ANY WAY YOU CHOOSE TO GIVE IT
THE BLACK SEEDS - SLINGSHOT
THE BOAT PEOPLE - AWKWARD ORCHID ORCHARD
THE B.P.A FEAT. DAVID BYRNE AND DIZZEE RSCAL - TOE JAM
THE BREEDERS - WALK IT OFF
THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT - WINDOW AND THE WATCHER
THE COOL KIDS - BLACK MAGS
THE COSHERCOT HONEYS - WE'RE ALL LIONS
THE CURSE OF COMPANY - HOMECOMING
THE CURSE OF COMPANY - ALL THE MINES
THE DANDY WARHOLS - THE WORLD, THE PEOPLE, TOGETHER
THE DRESDEN DOLLS - NIGHT RECONAISSANCE
THE DRONES - THE MINOTAUR
THE DRONES - OH MY
THE FRATELLIS - LOOK OUT SUNSHINE
THE FUTUREHEADS - RADIO HEART
THE GRATES - BURN BRIDGES
THE GRATES - CARVE YOUR NAME
THE GRATES - AWW YEAH
THE HAMPDENS - ASLEEP ON THE LAWN
THE HERD - KING IS DEAD
THE HOLIDAYS - HOLIDAY
THE HOLIDAYS - WHEN THE SHIP GOES DOWN
THE KOOKS - ALWAYS WHERE I NEED TO BE
THE KOOKS - SHINE ON
THE LAST SHADOW PUPPETS - STANDING NEXT TO ME
THE LAST SHADOW PUPPETS - THE AGE OF THE UNDERSTATEMENT
THE LAST SHADOW PUPPETS - MY MISTAKES WERE MADE FOR YOU
THE LIVING END - WHITE NOISE
THE LONG BLONDES - CENTURY
THE LOVETONES - EVERYBODY HIDES AWAY
THE MARES NEW DAY
THE MARS VOLTA - GOLIATH
THE MESS HALL - LORELAI
THE MOUNTAIN GOATS - SAX ROHMER #1
THE MUSIC - STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
THE PANDA BAND - WHERE THE RIVER RISES
THE PANICS - FEELING IS GONE
THE PANICS - GET US HOME
THE PAPER AND THE PLANE - I DIDN'T SIGN UP FOR A MARATHON
THE PHOENIX FOUNDATION - BRIGHT GREY
THE PIDGEON DETECTIVES - EVERYBODY WANTS ME
THE PRESETS - THIS BOYS IN LOVE
THE PRESETS - MY PEOPLE
THE PRESETS - TALK LIKE THAT
THE RAVEONETTES - ALY, WALK WITH ME
THE RUBY SUNS - TANE MAHUTA
THE SABOTEURS - SALUTE YOUR SOLUTION
THE SEABELLIES - HEART HEART HEART OUT
THE SILENTS - LITTLE GIRL LOST
THE TEENAGERS - LOVE NO
THE TEENAGERS - HOMECOMING
THE TEMPER TRAP - SWEET DISPOSITION
THE TONGUE FEAT. DUDLEY PERKINS - ANIMAL CRACKERS
THE TOUGH ALLIANCE - NEO-VIOLENCE
THE VERVE - LOVE IS NOISE
THE VICE CHANCELLORS - EXPLOSIONS IN THE DIRTY
THE VINES - HE'S A ROCKER
THE VINES - MERRY GO ROUND
THE WALLS - PASSING THROUGH
THE WINNIE COOPERS - EATING DISORDER
THE WINNIE COOPERS - SUBSTANCE
THE WIREFLYS - LIES
THE WIREFLYS - WORLD WE LIVE
THE WOMBATS - LETS DANCE TO JOY DIVISION
THE WOMBATS - MOVING TO NEW YORK
THE WOMBATS - KILL THE DIRECTOR
THE YOUNG KNIVES - TERRA FIRMA
THESE NEW PURITANS - ELVIS
TOKYO POLICE CLUB - TESSELATE
TOM COONEY - BENEATH THE WHEEL
TOM COONEY - MOUNTAINS IN THE SKY
TRUE LIVE - DAMN RIGHT
TV ON THE RADIO - GOLDEN AGE
TZU - COMPUTER LOVE
VAMPIRE WEEKEND - MANSARD ROOF
VAMPIRE WEEKEND - A-PUNK
VAMPIRE WEEKEND - OXFORD COMMA
VAMPIRE WEEKEND - CAPE COD KWASSA KWASSA
VAH SHE - STRANGERS
VAN SHE - CHANGES
VAN SHE - KELLY
VHS OR BETA - BRING ON THE COMETS
VHS OR BETA - BURN IT ALL DOWN
WALRUS - MARILYN MUNROE
WAX TAILOR - THE WAY WE LIVES
WAX TAILOR - THE TUNE
WE ARE SCIENTISTS - AFTER HOURS
WE ARE SCIENTISTS - CHICK LIT
WE ARE SCIENTISTS - IMPATIENCE
WE GROW UP - WROTE IT ALL DOWN IN MY DIARY
WEEZER - PORK AND BEANS
WHERE'S JEROME - RESCUE
WHITE WILLIAMS - VIOLATOR
WITCH HATS - BEFORE I WEIGH
WOLF & CUB - ONE TO THE OTHER
XAVIER RUDD - DARK SHADES OF BLUE
YAEL NAIM - NEW SOUL

WHERE WILL YOU BE NOVEMBER 6?

here we hope:

TOM COONEY - PRESQUE VU

Atmospheric, innovative and emotional. Brisbane based, Tom Cooney’s uniquely addictive tunes live and breathe at the heart of all these things.

This young and accomplished folk artist is fast becoming the one to watch in the Oz music scene. After quitting his job and focusing solely on his music career two years ago Cooney has achieved an extraordinary amount. The release of a mini album Hold Me Down, live performances including appearances at Homebake and Splendour in the grass as well as supports slots with the likes of Fionn Regan and M. Ward and the continuing reinvention of self made record label, El Nino El Nino which he shares with two of his closest friends.

But the most substantial and exciting accomplishment is the final release of his debut full length album, Presque Vu. The results of which are near hauntingly beautiful collection of songs which leave the listener certain in the knowledge that by merely listening to these tracks they are becoming part of something bother larger and contradicting more intimate then themselves.

The album is full of honest simplicity. The calmingly serene melodies take hold from the first instance, their appeal frightingly fierce.

The stand out tracks include ‘Mountains In The Sky’, Giulia’, ‘Beneath The Wheel’, ‘The Rivers The Same’ and the memorably spare closer ‘Silence’.

Tom Cooney’s acoustic genius would no doubt appeal to fans of artists such as Fionn Regan, Sondre Lerche, I Am Kloot and Ryan Adams. Presque Vu is an album the likes of which have not necessarily been missing from the Australian scene of late but are definitely leaning towards the rare side. Cooney has managed to debut with a record that not only manages to showcase his abilities as a songwriter in a smart and accessible way but also cements him as someone to watch for. This is only the beginning of what’s sure to be an incredible journey and I for one am looking forward to tagging along for the ride.


BY Lesley Rickman

THE VANDAS - SLOW BURN

After two years Melbourne based indie-rock four piece, the Vandas are back and they bring with them their first full length release aptly titled, Slow Burn.

It's the kind of album that warms with time, becoming familiar and comfortable. And unlike their previous EP's, In The Morning and Didn't Come Here To Be Alone, Slow Burn has a definitive rock sound. Leaving out the country and pop sensibilities that were such a staple of their former sound.

The result is a mature and winning record that works well to showcase what exactly The Vandas are all about and gives a definite feeling that they haven't quite completed the journey which will lead them to where they want to be.

I mean that in the most positive of senses. It's not so much that they're not at the top of their game it's just that they've left room to continue to evolve and grow.

Listening to Slow Burn is an honest and rewarding experience. It's difficult not to be overwhelmed with the feeling that here's a band who are clearly loving what they're doing and are going to continue to surprise and entertain.

The standout tracks include the first single 'Know it All' as well as ''Warm At Night', 'Three Steps Ahead', 'See Me 'Round' and the title track, 'Slow Burn'.

If you''ve yet to hear the familiar comfort of The Vandas sound then I'd more then recommend giving Slow Burn a spin. The album as a whole has a distinctively 70's rock sound but with a modern edge. Not for the electro fans amongst us but if you're looking for a band that you just know would sound even better with the warm crackle that vinyl brings then The Vandas are definitely your best bet.

BY LESLEY RICKMAN

MERCY ARMS - MERCY ARMS

"Mercy Arms? I hate those guys." I was asking a friend what they thought of the young Sydney band. They'd seen them support The Strokes in 2006 and apparently didn't think too much of them. It had something to do with the band acting like 'jerks' on stage with the bass player stagediving into a group of 13 year old girls who failed to catch him. "Oh." I'd replied. The thing is i'd heard a few demos on their myspace page and really liked them. Some months later I chance stumbled upon their Kept Low EP and on a whim forked out eleven dollars to buy it. I didn't regret it, there was something beautiful about it that was instantly captivating, but somewhere along the line I stopped listening to it.Time passed and with 2008 came a plethora of amazing debut records; Vampire Weekend, MGMT and The Teenagers etc were on everyones lips and ipods. I couldn't help but wonder whether people would still be listening to these bands in twenty or even two years time. I suppose it doesn't matter really, but It had been a little while since I'd heard a band that had really swept me off my feet that hadn't crashed and burned several months later.
At the right moment Mercy Arms released their debut, a grand and ambitious effort that sounds new and old at the same time without being overly pretencious. The same magic I remember from Kept Low is still there, only now it's more sparse, hypnotic and matured.Nothing about this record really screams 2008, there is a timeless quality to the production and atmosphere and songs like 'To me Now' and 'Firing Line' sound weirdly familiar, or at least have echoes of something beautiful you've heard before, long ago. Not suprising considering the band worked with Tony Cohen on this record, famous for his work with The Birthday Party, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds and the Dirty Three.
This album has the potential to endure beyond any current trend or scene, it has the same timeless feel you get when listening to other Australian greats like The Triffids or The Go-Betweens. Regardless of whether or not great things happen for Mercy Arms following this release, this record is definately one for the ages.

CONOR OBERST - CONOR OBERST

It's been something like thirteen years since indie wonder kid and Bright Eye's brain child Conor Oberst has released a 'solo' effort. This self titled album was recorded over two months in a make-shift studio in Mexico with a collection of musician friends now known as The Mystic Valley Band.
The album is twelve tracks of toe-tapping fun like 'I don't want to die [in the hospital]' and 'NYC-gone-gone' to the Dylanesque 'get-well-cards' and quieter, subtle and introspective moments like in 'lenders in the temple'. The album is lovely in its entirety and solidifies Mr Oberst's reputation as one of the greatest songwriters of this decade.It's no big secret that Conor [yes, we're on a first name basis] is heavily influenced by the sixties folk revival scene, with artists like Bob Dylan and Neil Young obvious name drops. So whether you choose to pidgeon hole this album as something obscure like post-folk-revival-revival or alt-country-indie-folk or whatever doesn't really matter because it's easier to describe it as good.
I know it's vague to say something is good. This album is good because I think Conor has done some truly great stuff in his career. For the uninitiated, I'd suggest going and having a listen to his song No one would riot for less and tell me you don't feel an inkling of emotion afterwards or Youtube his performance of When the President talks to God on Jay Leno. In fact go invest in his entire back catalogue and get to know him a little better. Regardless of whether you want a long-term relationship with Conor/Bright Eye's music or just a brief one record fling; this albums as good as any place to start.

THE BOAT PEOPLE - CHANDELIERS

The Boat People – darlings of Brisbane pop. Brisbane pop has become quite an uncommon term since the legendary days of Custard, Regurgitator and Screamfeeder way back in the 1990’s. It’s delightful to hear this tradition from above the border coming back to the forefront.
Whispy riffs and dreamy lyrics make for a light-hearted album that you can’t help but bop along with. This warm and fuzzy album is a long time in the making, with their first of three EPs being released in 2002, and their debut released in 2005, it seems that basking in all that northern sunshine over the past three years has created a release to warm the cockles of anyone’s heart.
If you love the jingle jangle of some well-arranged honest tunes, then you cannot go past this collection of fine tracks from The Boat People. Turn it on, turn it up, and get ready to smile your face off.

Emily Blackburn

THE VINES - MELODIA

The Vines were one of the biggest buzz bands on the planet in 2002 with the release of their phenomenal debut album, Highly Evolved. It seemed there wasn't a teenager in the country who couldn't sing you the chorus of their hit single, ‘Get Free’.

Its been six years, three studio albums, several line-up changes, one medical diagnosis and countless mind altering performances but The Vines are one band that have proved the buzz doesn't always have to be short lived.

Despite any difficulties and negativity the band have suffered over the years, frontman Craig Nicholls is still one of the coolest people in rock for one simple reason. He has the ability to write an 'album'. Some people may see this as a weakness and in some cases it may be. After all what's the point in being able to create 40 plus minutes of aurally pleasing psychosis if the songs don't work as well individually?

Personally that's what I find most appealing about The Vines back catalogue. There's just something incredible about a band who can only really be appreciated in full.

The newest album, Melodia is no exception. As always I became highly skeptical about this release after hearing the first single to be lifted from the album, 'He's a Rocker'. The song just didn't grab me but when it's included within the context of the album as a whole I can't help but like it.

While I still maintain the album should be judged as a whole, If I had to choose stand out tracks then I couldn't go past the brilliant opener 'Get Out' as well as 'Autumn Shade III', 'Orange Amber', 'True as The Night' ' Scream' and 'She Is Gone'.

If you're already a Vines convert then you won't have any issues with new album but if you're new to their sound then Melodia might not be the best place to start but by all means give it a go.

Lesley Rickman

ALBERT HAMMOND JR - COMO TE LLAMA

When Strokes man Albert Hammond Jr. first embarked on his solo career, I have to say I was sceptical at best. But the simplistic beauty and uplifting sounds of his debut release Yours To Keep won me over far more quickly then my cynical side would like to admit.

So when I found out about the release of his sophomore effort, Como Te Llama? I was quite confident that I knew what to expect but once again Hammond has managed to surprise me.

Como Te Llama? is everything a follow up album should be plus more. Hammond has taken his same recognisable sound and turned it upside down. The concepts used in the first album were quite sweet and naive. Exploring the ideas of new love and the idealistic hope that so often comes along with it. He’s clearly grown up a little since then and isn’t afraid to explore slightly darker themes and issues.

These new batch of songs are far less instant and recognisable then his earlier efforts but I think they benefit from it. The sweeping, melodious hooks are gone and have been replaced by a much more enthusiastic, driving instrumental sound.

His influences shine through in a much more comprehensive way this time round with aspects of the 60’s and 70’s making themselves known in abundance.

The Standout tracks include first single ‘GFC’ as well as ‘Bargain Of The Century’, ‘Rocket’, ‘You Won’t Be Fooled By This’, ‘Miss Myrte’ and the ever epic, ‘Spooky Couch’.

You don’t have to be a Strokes fan to appreciate this. It may have the same slightly dirty and rhythmic guitar sound but that’s never really a bad thing. Albert Hammond Jr. has done himself proud with this record and I recommend it to anyone looking for something new and interesting to hold their attention.

Lesley Rickman

MUPH AND PLUTONIC - AND THEN TOMORROW CAME...

Released in stores across Australia this coming Friday, July 19, …AND THEN TOMORROW CAME (VOL.1), is Melbourne duo Muph and Plutonic’s outstanding third album. In the two years since ‘Silence the Sirens’ was released, it appears that Australian Hip Hop legends, Muph and Plutonic,

have focused on refining and once again re-defining their unique presence in the Australian Hip Hop scene, presenting an album so rich in content it stands in a league of its own.

Each of the albums 13 tracks represent realistically honest accounts of the influences, emotions, situations and experiences that have shaped and molded their life journey. The albums opening track, ‘The Damn Truth’, sets the atmosphere and clearly portrays the albums underlying message of representing the truth, beginning with oneself. This message is backed up in the tracks And Then Tomorrow Came, Today, and Size of the Soul. The confronting reality of the effects of personal self-destruction is expressed in the raw and frankly honest lyrics in Yesterday’s Basement and Beautiful Ugly.

The beautiful vocals of Jess Harlen accompany Beautiful Ugly, Show Me Your Face and Don’t Worry About Nothin’, and it is clear to the listener that the guest artists have been chosen carefully to accompany the lyrics, with live saxophones, trumpet and guitar adding a unique textual element to the mandatory hip hop sound of vinyl scratching and synthesized sounds.

AND THEN TOMORROW CAME takes us on a 13 track journey through the eyes of Muph and Plutonic, leading to the very fitting concluding track ‘Don’t Worry About Nothin’. With strong and elevating lyrics- Lift ya feet up, put your foot down/ Hold ya head high, try not to look down/ Take a deep breath release push out…on this tracks conclusion there is only one reaction necessary- press play and begin the Muph and Plutonic journey again!!

Muph & Plutonic will commence their national AND THEN TOMORROW CAME tour in August, with shows running through until October. Tour dates and ticket details are available on the websites listed below. Signed copies of the album can be pre-ordered through the Muph & Plutonic website for a limited time. All tracks were produced, recorded and mixed by Plutonic Lab, with all cuts by DJ Bonez. Distributed by Obese Records

WWW: MUPHANDPLUTONIC.COM OBESERECORDS.COM MYSPACE.COM/MUPHANDPLUTONIC



Janice Teitzel

Kia Ora/Hello... Whatever [10/8/08]

Playlist for the first show!

WE’RE ALL LIONS - THE COSHERCOT HONEYS
THE KILL - THE BLEEDERS
LOCKED OUT - CROWDED HOUSE
THE ANSWER - THE BLACK SEEDS
BUSINESS TIME - FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS
MY ELECTRIC HUSBAND - BACHELORETTE
IF MY ARM WAS A MIC STAND WOULD YOU HOLD MY HAND? - THE MINT CHICKS
UPGRADE YOUR CHASIS - SO SO MODERN
OH GIRL - CUT OFF YOUR HANDS
BEST FRIEND ENVY - THE BRUNETTES
THIS ACHING DEAL - SHOCKING PINKS
DECIPHERING ME - BROOKE FRASER [request]
TANE MAHATU - THE RUBY SUNS
SHYNESS WILL GET YOU NOWHERE - DIE DIE DIE
HOLIDAY - COOLIES
SCRAPBOOK - DIMMER
DOWN IN SPLENDOUR - EVERMORE [STRAITJACKET FITS COVER]
ALL IN AN AFTERNOON - THE PHOENIX FOUNDATION
TALK ABOUT GOOD TIMES - LAWRENCE ARABIA
BETTER TO BE - LIAM FINN
RAIN - BETCHADUPA
HOLD ME 1 - ABLE TASMANS
GREEN - GOODSHIRT
LYDIA - FUR PATROL
GLUEY GLUEY - TALL DWARFS
OTHERSIDE - BREAKS CO-OP
WHAT WOULD I KNOW - THE DATSUNS
EXPECTATIONS - CUT OFF YOUR HANDS

PLACES TO GO - CLEMTOWN

Not really...

WTF

Indeed....

dirty rotten racist?

Ok so I laughed when I heard good ol' Mr Lydon reduced that Duffy chick to tears recently after she tried to hug him or something at some awards ceremony but when I heard about his apparent racially motivated attacks on none other than Bloc Party's Kele Okereke it was hardly a laughing matter.
So basically what went down at the Summerfield festival in Barcelona last week was this:
Kele confronts Rotten backstage in a friendly manner asking conversationally whether he would ever reform Public Image LTD. Rotten gets aggravated and tells Kele he has a "black attitude" then a short time later Rotten's entourage [not him himself] proceeded to punch and kick him. While Ricky from Kaiser Chiefs and Yannis from Foals try to fend off the attackers while dozens of onlookers well... looked on.
Kele ended up with bruises, cuts and a burst lip [not to mention a depleted lack of respect for the Sex Pistol] and had this to say:

"It's not an issue of the physical assault, even though it was an unprovoked attack. It is the fact that race was brought into the matter so readily. Someone as respected and as intelligent as Lydon should know better than to bring race into the equation, or socialise with and encourage those who hold such narrow-minded attitudes. I am disappointed that someone I held with such high regard turns out to be such a bigot."

There's a difference between being a punk and being a complete arsehole.
Bloc Party's new single might be kind of shit but that's no excuse to be a racist jerk Johnny.

happy 60th birthday carlos.
there is nothing else i want to say to you except: you ruined my life.

Sub Pop Records turned 20 this week! Awww! To celebrate, they mounted an attack on the Seattle Space Needle, and proudly flew their freak flag. Matador Record's 20th is next year. Will we get to see their flag flying from the Empire State Building? A commemorative bull fight in Central Park featuring Cat Power? The DFA lighting bolt replacing the Statue of Liberty's Flame in 2021? Maybe Modular will hang a giant disco ball from the Harbour Bridge. Oh wait...

Feature Album Review - Wild Beasts: Limbo, Panto

I never know what to expect from bands signed to or affiliated with UK record label, Domino but I have to admit, I’m very rarely disappointed. Newly signed four piece, Wild Beasts are no exception.

I came to the album with no clue as to what I was getting myself into. I sat down, pressed play on my CD player and came to some odd 40 minutes later.

Wild Beasts debut album, Limbo Panto had me mesmerised from the first minute right up until the last. So much so that if you had of asked me what I thought after that first listen I would have been at a loss to tell you.

Now that I’ve had time to break free from the spell I have to conclude that I adore it. The unpredictability coupled with the ingenious melodies and unique vocals make for a distractingly vivid listen.

I’ve often found myself preaching as to the importance of ‘the album’ and the way songs should fit and flow within their given context. Wild Beasts have created one of the most satisfying examples of an album that I’ve heard in a long time.

Limbo Panto is an experience, that much is for sure but if I had to distinguish certain tracks for individual consumption then I suppose I’d I have to go with songs like ‘Devil’s Crayon’, ‘His Grinning Skull’, ‘Brave Bulging Buoyant Clairvoyants’ and the stunning closer ‘Cheerio Chaps, Cheering Goodbye’.

There is very little I can honestly think to compare Wild Beasts sound but to experience their music is to be drawn into a world of dramatic performance, everything is heightened and overblown but in the best possible, most enjoyable way. I sincerely doubt this kind of record would appeal to the masses. It’s imperfect nature would just be too much for most to bare but I find it charming and recommend it to all who are brave enough to give it a go.

I'm a loser, baby

Dear Beck,

Happy Birthday [for yesterday]

38 eh? Fuck you're getting old.
Though I bet your Thetan is older or whatever you believe in...
Also, I heard your knew album kind of blows?
Whats the dealio?
I haven't actually heard it yet so It could actually be alright.
What's the go with musicians releasing albums on their birthdays? Cat Power did it with Jukebox too, is it so people will not say anything bad about it 'coz it's your birthday and all? Who knows...


Yours truly,
Tegan

the day we realised we should have become sculpture artists..

....well at least lesley did.

Seriously.

Feature Album Review - The Early Learnings of Eugene McGuinness

2008 has been an amazing year for new music so far, with a myriad of bands bringing out near jaw-droopingly good debut releases. From Cajun Dance Party to The Silents to Vampire Weekend I’ve just been continually surprised and delighted.

Another fantastic debut which has just come to my attention is actually a mini album of 8 tracks by an incredible young songwriter by the name of Eugene McGuinness. The album is entitled The Early Learning’s of Eugene McGuinness and is one of the rawest most satisfyingly beautiful collection of songs I’ve heard in a long while.

I hadn’t heard a bar of McGuinness’ work before listening to the record but I was instantly taken with his quirky, addictive and melodic sound. This twenty-something lad from Liverpool has undoubtedly become an instant favourite of mine. Especially with tracks such as the catchy opener ‘High Score’ as well as his first single ‘Monsters Under The Bed’.

Other tracks of note include, ‘Bold Street’, ‘A Child Lost In Tesco’ and ‘A Girl Whom My Eyes Shine For But My Shoes Run From’.

But when it comes down to it I can’t seem to gush enough about the merits of this recording as a whole. The Early Learning’s Of is such a beautiful collection of tracks. McGuinness has a gift for stringing a song together that very few seem to possess.

The Early Learning’s Of is only the beginning though. A first effort. The knowledge of that alone leaves me in a state of frenzied anticipation for what’s to come. If my instincts are working at all then it’s only going to get better from here on in.

Apparently a full length release has just finished being recorded and has a tentative release date of October this year. I for one am dying to hear it. If you’re looking for a new exciting musical obsession then give Eugene McGuinness a listen and get in on the ground floor of what’s bound to be a highly crowded bandwagon.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PATRICK!!!

The Lovely Mr Patrick Wolf turned 25 yesterday on the 30th of June. So in honor of that here's Patty performing Bluebells live in his lounge room...

who gives a fuck about an oxford comma?

New Vampire Weekend clip for Oxford Comma



Ezra + white suit = OMG!

Feature Album Review - Mystery Jets; Twenty One

So few bands take the time to grow and evolve from album to album. Once they find a formula that works they stick with it. At least while it’s still gaining them money and attention. These are the kind of bands who never seem to get very far in their careers, their audiences soon losing interesting and moving onto a new, fresher sounding group.

One such band who understand the importance of change and the dangers of becoming stagnant are London based indie four piece, Mystery Jets.

Mystery Jets 2006 debut album, Making Dens was a quirky individual and often confusing album. It was by no means perfect but it was definitely an attention grabber. The kind of record that makes people stop and listen. Anticipation levels instantly peaked for the follow up.

Now, two years later, the Jets are finally set to release that follow up with Twenty One. The album is everything you’d expect from their sophomore effort while at the same time being an utter shock.

Twenty One is everything Making Dens was not. It’s polished, planned and downright poppy. The band have grown up somewhat since their earlier efforts. They’re still finding their niche but for the most part they’re getting it sorted. Their influences are obviously many and varied but that eclectic mix more then works for them.

The stand out tracks include both singles so far, ‘Young Love’ and ‘Two Doors Down’ as well as ‘Half In Love With Elizabeth’, ‘First To Know’ and the ever addictive ‘Hand Me Down’

If you’re a prior fan of Mystery Jets then you’ll love the album as long as you come to it with an open mind. They’re not the band they once were but I think that’s a credit to them. If you’re new to their work then you should have no troubles emerging yourself in this fun and memorable album. Whether you’re looking for something to dance around the living room to or a simple chill out album then you’re bound to find something which suits here. So give Twenty One a spin. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Even when I was 17

In celebration of Exile in Guyville's 15th anniversary/me being a big loser, I have decided to guide everyone through the album. And yes, it's my Number One Desert Island Pick. kthnxbaii

Liz (we're on a first name basis) has always said that Exile in Guyville was a feminist response to The Rolling Stones' Exile On Main Street:

“It had to be either putting [Mick Jagger] into his place, like if he was talking about walking down the street, and he’s talking about he’s mister footloose and fancy free, doesn’t meet anyone who gives a damn,...I had to write a song about how much pain you could cause someone with that kind of attitude.” Yeah. I hate that guy.

Liz Phair - 6'1"
Liz Phair - Help Me Mary
Liz Phair - Glory

In “Dance of the Seven Veils,” Liz transforms herself into Salomé, ordering the head of her lover on a silver platter. It was the first time I ever heard a woman reclaim the word cunt. It was awesome.
Liz Phair - Dance of the Seven Veils
Liz Phair - Never Said
Liz Phair - Soap Star Joe
Liz Phair - Explain It To Me
Phair came out of the Chicago indie scene around the same time as Smashing Pumpkins, Urge Overkill, and Material Issue. The experience of living in Wicker Park, the west-town neighborhood that is still the symbolic base for Chicago’s hipsters and artists, was what fueled Guyville (an appropriate title, considering her role as one of the few women in a male-dominated indie-rock society). Of course, I could only wish for my interpretation of the title to be associated with anti-social boys who look like 12 year old girls with cancer.
Liz Phair - Canary
Liz Phair - Mesmerizing By far the most famous Phair song, "Fuck & Run" is the most representative of the album: it’s incredibly introspective and confessional, reflecting romantic disappointment that is pretty universal. It's also the first Liz Phair song I ever heard. Can you even imagine what that would to do a spongy, lonely, impressionable adolescent? Well you don't have to really, I am that kid! And look how I turned out.
In its list of the 500 best albums (Exile is number 328), Rolling Stone said that it “is one of the saddest songs ever written about dreaming of romance and settling for less.”
Liz Phair - Fuck & Run
Liz Phair - Girls Girls Girls

“Divorce Song” is my number one favorite song of all time (Sorry, D.A.N.C.E.!) It contains the finest lines Liz Phair ever wrote:

It’s harder to be friends than lovers

and you shouldn’t try to mix the two.

‘Cause if you do it and you’re still unhappy

then you know that the problem is you

Liz Phair - Divorce Song

Liz Phair - Shatter Liz unapolgetically and aggressively asserts her sexuality on "Flower":

I want to fuck you like a dog
I want to be your Blow Job Queen

And when she says, “You’re probably shy and introspective, but that’s not part of my objective,” I can’t help but think of her ripping apart the indie-rock dudes in Wicker Park fifteen years ago. You better believe she’d chew up Vampire Weekend and spit them back out without much thought. Dude, they are like Keith Gessen for the ears.
Liz Phair - Flower

Liz Phair - Johnny Sunshine

Liz Phair - Gunshy

Liz Phair - Stratford On Guy

Liz Phair - Strange Loop
The reissue of Exile in Guyville, featuring the Guyville Redux DVD and four bonus tracks (previously unreleased demo recordings, a new studio track, and an untitled instrumental), drops TOMORROW BITCHES. I've already pre-ordered mine. Whatever.

I feel it, I felt it.

Yeahh that totally is Tom Felton aka the guy who plays Draco Malfoy [from the movie adaptions of J.K Rowlings Harry Potter series] aka this guy:

What you just 'experienced' was his musical project 'feltbeats', one of 3 videos he posted on youtube earlier this year showing off a few original compositions.
The 20 year old, who in his spare time also enjoys carp fishing; could be the next Jamie T [whether you see that as a good or bad thing is up to you] if these vids are anything to go by.
The songs are available for purchase on itunes, and with fans who write things like;

"i love how he is soooo hot! and the way he sings and smiles! HE IS SO HOT!!! "

you know its going to sell, no matter how shite you think it is. [SEE: below comment from one music critic]

"Your lyrics are fucking awful, go back to acting...actually don't even do that, just go away.."

Though in all honesty, I'll be first to admit give an alright looking guy a guitar and they suddenly become hotter, haha

your new favourite band?

The Coshercot Honeys





Last time I did one of these it was for So So Modern, so basically what I'm trying to say is New Zealand bands represent. I will be doing my NZ show soon honest.

Listen to them here

Vampire Weekend promote safe sex...

*loves Ezras jumper*

Feature Album Review - The Futureheads; This Is Not The World

For a band who were considering calling it a day, The Futureheads are doing surprisingly well. The four piece, north-east UK rock-popsters have recently released their third full length album entitled, This Is Not The World.

The Futureheads hit the scene in 2004 in quite a big way with their debut self titled LP. Their immediate, catchy tunes and pop punk sensibilities ensured them an almost instantaneous dedicated fan following.

2006; however, saw many people with a strong sense of disillusionment at The Futureheads sound and direction. With their Sophomore album, News and Tributes being far more polished and mainstream then their original efforts.

Two years later the boys seem to have both returned to their roots and taken a few giant steps forward. This Is Not The World is everything you could possibly want from a Futureheads release.

The album takes no time at all to fall in love with. It’s simple and memorable formula is what good pop music is all about. From first listen you’ll be humming the opening track (and coincidentally, the first single), ‘The Beginning Of The Twist’.

Other undeniably stand out tracks include ‘Think Tonight’, ‘Hard To Bear’, ‘Work Is Never Done’, ‘Everything’s Changing Today’ and the current single, ‘Radio Heart’ which I has been stuck in my head for what seems like days now.

Don’t get me wrong, This Is Not The World is nowhere near one of the best albums I’ve heard of late. I can’t imagine it becoming a future ‘classic’ release, far from it but it’s without a doubt fun and likeable. The kind of album which lifts your spirits and increases the urge to embarrass yourself on the dance floor (either literally or figuratively).

If you’ve yet to hear this album then I strongly recommend getting down to your local record store and grabbing yourself a copy. Your CD player will thank you for it.

radular

seriously.

Feature Album Review - The Dresden Dolls; No, Virginia

Boston based musical duo, The Dresden Dolls have been together 7 years, 3 albums, 7 singles, 2 DVDs and countless live performances.

This year sees the release of their fourth full length effort, No, Virginia (out now through Roadrunner records), which is actually a collection of unreleased tracks and B-sides from the Yes, Virginia sessions from their sophomore album of the same name.

The Dresden Dolls sound is usually labelled as being ‘Punk Cabaret’ a title invented by member, Amanda Palmer due to a fear that the press would refer to them as ‘gothic’. In actuality, ‘Punk Cabaret’ is quite a fitting title but one that doesn’t really lend itself to a full explanation of what to expect from their distinctive and overtly unique sound.

I myself am not a fan of ‘The Dolls music. It’s all a little too avant-garde and pretentious for my liking. It’s almost as if they’re trying so hard to be quirky and memorable that they’ve forgotten they’re meant to be making music worth listening to.

The tracks I find the most tolerable include, ‘The Mouse And The Model’, ‘The Gardener’ and ‘The Kill’.

There’s just something about Palmer’s voice that rubs me the wrong way. I can’t quite pinpoint what it is. All I know is after an entire album of her somewhat husky garbling I’m well on my way to needing a large glass of whatever’s on tap.

Don’t take my word for it though. There’s every chance I’m part of the minority that just ‘doesn’t get’ what The Dresden Dolls specific brand of genius is all about. If you’re yet to hear them by all means give No, Virginia a spin. To each their own, after all.

Kyle n Kieren (aka me n Teegs...)

frYars is lovely

I seriously can't stop listening to The Ides EP, it's incredible.

If you've yet to hear the genius that is frYars then check him out here on his myspace.

Feature Album Review - Snowman; The Horse, The Rat and The Swan

It was two years ago now that Perth based indie four piece, Snowman infected our airwaves and CD players with their self titled debut full length release. Their quirky, disjointed and often confusing sound has understandably been the source of much interest.

Snowman are set to release their sophomore record, The Horse, The Rat And The Swan on the 24th of this month, through Remote Control Records.

The album as a whole is a fast paced, highly energetic trip into a nearly unidentifiable world. If you’re into convention then Snowman probably aren’t the band you’ve been waiting for.

The standout tracks include ‘We Are The Plague’, ‘The Gods Of The Upper House’, ‘She is Turning Into You’ and Daniel Was a Timebomb’. The last of which has a distinctively punk-esque edge to it. I’m not talking the pale imitation ’pop-punk’ that we hear so much of these days but the kind worth your time - early Clash/Sex Pistols/Buzzcocks type punk.

In general The Horse, The Rat And The Swan is not my kind of album. At least not the kind I can picture myself feeling the need to listen to on a regular basis but despite that I still find myself quite intrigued by the whole production.

There is something oddly engaging about a record that has the ability to create a sort of noise opera from the very depths of their songs. Snowman defy normality and embrace originality. Definitely a band you’ve got to hear to understand

Injustice for all...

The following has to be one of the most shocking, embarassing and shameful [for Australian Immigration anyway] stories I've heard of late and it's even worse when you consider this isn't an isolated incident.



Daighila are a hardcore/punk band from Malaysia and came to Australia to do a brief East Coast tour late last month, but upon entering the country ended up being interrogated for several hours and then placed in a detention centre for another 24. In a statement to fans on their blog they explain that:

"...They 'assumed' that we came to find jobs and become illegal workers. Despite the lack of proof to convict us and the fact that we've already booked a ticket back from Brisbane, they insisted that we allegedly came to find jobs like the other groups of Malaysians who were detained prior before we arrived. We also presented proofs that we have stable lives in Malaysia. But it was all ignored..."

The band were sent back to Malaysia without any reinbursment or refund for their already purchased return tickets and each member copped a massive fine. It's sad that this happens in the "lucky" country, especially because the band worked really hard to come out here. They weren't going to make any money off their shows, they were doing it for their love of music and the connection they've made with people through their music [whether you like the genre or not].

Sad indeed...

Albert Hammond Jr shows ass, hipsters aroused

NSFW

the start of the obsession?...probs not.

HOMECOMING!

Amazing
Incredible
rate flank0w
whatever, I had a good time.
Heaps of pics on flickr

Here's a few...

*sighs*

There are many gigs I wish I could have attended in the history of ever but the most recent was the Love Music Hate Racism concert in Victoria Park, London on the 27th of April.

The reason for this is the random 'Supergroup' that was formed which included -

Fionn Regan
Kyle Falconer (the View)
Kieren Webster (The View)
Edward Larrikin (The Pan I Am)
Andy Nicholson (ex Arctic Monkeys)
Drew McConnell (Babyshambles)
Mick Whitnall (Babyshambles)
Jon McClure (Reverend and the Makers)

OH EM GEE!!!!!

I think I would have passed out!!!!

yes, alex...

ATTENTION!!!!

Six piece experimental indie outfit, The Seabellies are fast becoming one of the most fresh, exciting and talked about bands to come out of Newcastle in a long while. Their memorable live act and quirkily addictive songs set them apart from most other bands on the scene at the moment.

In a short space of time The Seabellies have managed to create quite a name for themselves. Participating in a high profile tour with indie darlings Dappled Cities and Bluejuice, winning ‘Artist of the Year’ at the Newcastle ABC awards and securing slots at both Essential Festival and Come Together.

On top of that they have just released their first single ‘Heart Heart Heart Out’ through itunes, which is currently in high rotation at 106.9 Tune!fm.

The Bellies will be touring nationally this month including a stop off in Armidale where they will be headlining ‘Homecoming’, the much anticipated indie club night which will be held at the UNE Bistro this Thursday the 8th of May.

Tickets are only $5 and you’re guarantied a night the likes of which have not been seen in this town for far too long a time. So if you’re sick of going out, only to find you have no choice but to deal with top 40 clichés and monotonous hip hop tracks then ‘Homecoming’ was designed for you.

As well as the fantastic Seabellies they’ll be a host of fantastic DJ’s playing a range of great tunes. So if you’re over 18 and are looking for something a little different and a lot of fun then make sure to head down to The Stro this Thursday. The Seabellies are well worth checking out.

RiotBecki! and Rozay! leave! Exclamation points are used excessively!

The new Pipettes are Ani and Anna. I, personally, hope they work their way through the whole alphabet, only ever replacing when they have found two girls whose name start with the same letter. Shutup, it would be awesome.

Feature Album Review - Cajun Dance Party: The Colourful Life

Every now and then a new band comes along who capture your imagination and heart in equal measure. Every time you hear them you get a little thrill and you just know you’re going to love whatever they do next.

At the moment that band for me is the ever lovely London based five piece, Cajun Dance Party. They released 2 singles last year both of which I feel head over heels for from the first listen. And now, finally, they’re releasing their debut album, The Colourful Life.

As most people are aware there is an unofficial rule that when you anticipate greatness there’s always a chance you’re going to be disappointed. Thankfully my blind trust in Cajun Dance Party to release an amazing debut was not in vain.

The standouts include previous singles, ‘The Next Untouchable’, ‘Amylase’ and ‘The Race’ as well as the ‘The Firework’, ‘Buttercup’ and the beautifully melancholy ‘Time Falls’.

The Colourful Life is everything I hoped it to be - vibrant, fun, memorable and inspired. All of which is made just that little bit more impressive by one simple fact. Cajun Dance Party is made up of a group of 18 year olds.

These truly talented teens give me more hope for the future of music then almost any other band on the scene today. Their fresh, optimistic and somewhat naïve approach to music is already leading them to amazing places.

Not only are they releasing their debut this month they also have plans to release their sophomore album later in the year after they’ve finished high school. Which is, if nothing else, inspiringly ambitious.

Cajun Dance Party are without a doubt a band to watch for. They’re already proving their worth and it’s still early days. These kids could go anywhere and chances are they will. So give The Colourful Life a listen. It’ll make a fantastic addition to any indie lovers music collection.

this place is a ghost town

COMMENT THIS...

Introducing....the Homecoming radio script I wrote that was too offensive for broadcasting. I don't know? Thoughts?

HOMECOMING RADIO AD

*CRAP MUSIC PLAYING PREF. SEAN KINGSTON*

PERSON 1: WOW THIS MUSIC IS REALLY...AMAZING *COUGH*

PERSON 2: THEN GO REQUEST SOMETHING TO THE DJ

PERSON 1: I DON’T THINK IT’S WORTH THE EFFORT...SERIOUSLY

PERSON 2: YOU NEVER KNOW...

PERSON 1: FINE....

*TO DJ*

HEY DO YOU HAVE ANY CRYSTAL CASTLES?

DJ: WHATS THAT?

PERSON 1: NEVERMIND... DOES IT OFFEND YOU YEAH?

DJ: DOES WHAT OFFEND ME?

PERSON 1: UM WHATEVER...HOW ABOUT SOME KLAXONS?

*PAUSE*

DJ: DID YOU SAY KELLY CLARKSON?

PERSON 1: HAHA ARE YOU BEING IRONIC?

DJ: SO WAS THAT A YES?

PERSON 1: ERR, FORGET IT...

PERSON 2: WELL?

PERSON 1: NOTHING *SIGH*

PERSON 2: DAMN

PERSON 2: ARGH WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO... STAY HERE WITH THESE IMBOCILES?

PERSON 1: LET’S JUST GO HOME AND DOWNLOAD THE LATEST KITSUNE MIXTAPE.

...

PERSON 3: ARE YOU OVER BEING AN ANTI-SOCIAL INDIE-ELITIST? ARE YOU INCLINED TO LEAVE CLUBS WHEN THEY DON’T PLAY MUSIC YOU LIKE? DO YOU TAKE YOUR IPOD TO THE PUB IN ANTICIPATION OF ANOTHER SEAN KINGSTON EAR-RAPING? THEN INSTEAD OF SPENDING ANOTHER NIGHT BLOGGING ABOUT YOUR HIPSTER ANGST, COME TO HOMECOMING. THURSDAY MAY 8TH AT THE UNE BISTRO.

THERE’LL BE DJS PLAYING MUSIC MORE TO YOUR TASTES AND VERY SPECIAL GUESTS THE SEABELLIES PERFORMING LIVE. IT’S A SMALL $5 ENTRY BUT THATS NOTHING REALLY. HOMECOMING. THURSDAY MAY 8. BE THERE, OR BE SOMEWHERE ELSE.WHATEVER.

HOMECOMING

For those who aren't aware, this blog [and the amazing group we represent] are planning to hold an event in the second week of next term at the uni bar at New England Uni [where most of our bloggers are from]. The date [as you most likely know] is Thursday May 8. Our purpose is to basically provide a "scene" or place for those after something slightly different in a night out in the 'dale. If you're familiar with Sydney Indie club nights like Purple Sneakers then you may have a better idea of what we're trying to do. Our DJs aren't pros, they're a bunch of awesome people with amazing taste in music and we're also extremely fortunate enough to have The Seabellies play for us [and do a dj set if we're lucky], this band is probably familiar to anyone in the loop with the Aus music scene, they won a nationwide competition last year which resulted in them playing the first ever Australian V Festival. I guess they're kind of a cross between Dappled Cities and Arcade Fire if you were to make comparisions... but ultimtaely they're an amazing and unique group, listen to their music on myspace its quite beautiful.
Homecoming is one night only so don't hold back, it will be amazing.
Oh and the name? A few names were thrown around but Homecoming was unanimously decided upon. Aside from the obvious connotations it is a great song by The Teenagers [which you'll no doubt hear on the night]. There is a small cost of $5 and every patron through the door gets entered in a comp to be drawn before the 'bellies hit the stage to win a stack of new CDs and some other cool stuff. Doors open 8pm and its 18+. Hope to see you there xxx
P.S. Feel free to use any of the images we've made for Homecoming [or make your own if you want!!!] and tell your friends.

Feature Album Review - Tapes 'n Tapes: Walk It Off

Tapes ‘N Tapes 2006 debut album, The Loon, was condemned by many for lacking in originality and depth. Now, a couple of years on, the Minneapolis boys have just released their sophomore album, Walk It Off, and I have a feeling this is the record that will have all those non-believers out there seriously rethinking their position.

Walk It Off is one of the more eclectic albums I’ve heard of late. There doesn’t seem to be a distinguishable pattern or progression to follow but for reasons unknown and best left unquestioned, the album doesn’t suffer for it one bit.

One of the things I find most charming about this album is its somewhat raw and organic sound. A quality I’m attributing to the addition of Dave Fridmann (ex Mercury Rev bassist) as producer. His low-fi approach to the project works far more effectively then I could ever have imagined.

The only real criticism I can offer of Walk It Off is the track listing. If I were listing to this one vinyl I have a feeling I’d only ever really be inclined to give side A a spin.

All of the real stand outs appear on the first half of the album - “Le Ruse’, ‘Time Of Songs’, the wonderfully distorted ‘Headshock’ and the even more wonderfully distorted but more up-tempo ‘Conquest’.

Tapes ‘N Tapes may have received there fair share of flack in the past but they also, justifiably, have a loyal and dedicated fan following. Neither The Loon nor Walk It Off were perfect albums but they both hold an amazing amount of charm and likeability, the kind which leaves the perfect amount of room for improvement.

It’s clear to me that Tapes ‘N Tapes best days are yet to come. And I for one am more then happy to tag along for the undoubtedly interesting ride.

If you’re a fan of unpolished indie rock, the kind that grows and breaths making for a listening experience then Walk It Off is definitely an album worth your time.