cliP oF thE weeK!! #2

Feature Album Review - The Mountain Goats: Heretic Pride

Everyone has songs or musicians which remind them of a certain time or event in their lives. One of those such musicians for me is John Darnielle. It’s difficult for me to listen to a Mountain Goats album without remembering what it felt like to be 17 and sitting in art class but I won’t hold that against him.

Darnielle has been writing under The Mountain Goats title since 1991. His distinctive vocal approach and left of centre writing style have ensured his music has remained fresh and un-stagnated even after all this time.

There is something so unique about listening to a Mountain Goats album. For starters Darnielle’s subject matter switches back and forth between personal experience and the imaginary scenarios of his ‘characters’. You’re never quite sure what you’re in for until the proverbial needle hit’s the record.

His latest effort, Heretic Pride, has left behind any autobiographical strains he may have been toying with in records past and returns to fictitious romps through the messed up lives of the masses.

The mix of literary and musical complexities are unsurprisingly seamless in nature, creating a whole and well structured world in which to get lost in. A trait which is really not all that unusual for Darnielle’s work as almost all albums to his name have a ‘conceptual’ air to them.

It seems almost wrong to choose favourite tracks from such a complete album but if I had to then it would be hard to go past the incredible opener, ‘Sax Rohmer #1’ as well as ‘Autoclave’, ‘How To Embrace A Swamp Creature’ and of course the memorable title track, ‘Heretic Pride’. All of which are proof positive of Darnielle’s abilities as a song writer.

If you’re new to The Mountain Goats then this isn’t a bad time in which to become acquainted. Heretic Pride is a gorgeously intricate album. One which is bound to draw you in and make you determined to catch up on all you’ve missed until this very point.

I followed the speeding of starlight

Two words:FUCKING INCREDIBLE.







I wish i could eat the salt off your last faded lips

Hold me, touch me, think of me when we're apart.

Um, okay so. Gene Simmons has a sex tape.There I said it. Now please excuse me while I try to scrub off my skin, vomit, and bleach my eyes simultaneously.

cliP oF thE weeK!! #1

Feature Album Review - Witch Hats: Cellulite Soul

There is something incredible about listening to an album for the first time. You never really know quite what to expect. It’s always an experience, whether it be good, bad or somewhere in between.

Melbourne based indie four piece, Witch Hats have recently released their debut full length entitled Cellulite Soul. I have to admit I was a little unsure at first but it soon became apparent I was listening to something the likes of which have been missing in the Oz music scene of late. Something which can only be described as soul.

Just to be clear I’m not talking the genre hear. More a feeling, a mood. Something deeply engrained in the music. The album has a mix of urgency and relaxedness I can’t help but find both confusing and alluring.

Cellulite Soul is made up of the kind of songs which begged to be shared. There are definite 60’s and 70’s type influence but there’s also a distinctive hint of something uniquely them.

The stand out tracks include the opening track and first single, ‘Before I Weigh’ as well as ‘Climbing Up Yr Cable’, ‘Potato Feet’ (which I have to say I really wanted to love due to its incredible name) and the more mellow sounds of ‘Ma Lord’.

I think the thing I like most about this album though, is the fact that it’s not prefect. It’s raw and personal and leaves so much room for growth and development.

Witch Hats have a little way to go before they take the country by storm but it’s not difficult to see the potential they possess. Witch Hats are without a doubt a band to watch. So go ahead, buy Cellulite Soul. Give it a year or two and you’ll be one of the cool kids boasting about liking them way back when.

if i wasnt so lazy i'd punch you in the stomach

More detailed blog soon...but for now go have a look at Tune's Flickr for pictures from the event.

Theres heaps, like this one....of Lesley [for the 2 people who voted for 'more pictures of lesley' in that poll the other week]:

london//quieten down I need to make a sound

So...the results of the poll were inconclusive...concluding that a conculsion was inconclusive,,,we can only conclude that a. people are indecisive and b. web polls are a pointless exercise except in pointing out people's indecision in coming to a conclusion.
Thirdly, da da da da da...RAZORBLADES galangalangalang. Purple haze etc etc.
Unfortunately this is not one of those 'drunken musical rants', or even a 'musical rant', or to simply title this a 'rant' would be somewhat of a LIE.
secondly, these are a few things we have learnt today. [we being; Lesley,Celia and myself who for the purposes of this exercise shall be known as Meredith] {note:actual name appears at end of blog}
To begin with;
1.The Panda Band need to return to Australia; we realise this after extensive listening.
2 [or 'two']. Sims can (and will) take up your whole day.
FREE. there are NEVER enough vegie chips
4. Celia sucks at crackerbox tennis whilst Lesley is undeniably ruler of the world at said game.
5ive. Bamboo banging just isnt the same without Asha.
6 [pick up sticks]. Lesley lies,Celia is infact the best crackerbox tennis player and is indeed a far better storyteller, 'matchstickmen' coming to a bookstore near you soon.
7th heaven. IM BIG TIMER;ITS THE BAMBOO BANGER x6
ate.great.crackers.and.dip.
9.all i wanna do is *bang* *bang* *bang* bang*
10.I'm pretty good at wasting time that doesn't always belong to me.


ELEVEN! the end//bye.

ZOMG!

2 days til the O'Week insanity begins!!!!

*freaks out*

yes. this is a pointless blog but love to you all anyway...

and have a random picture of Patrick Wolf just cos'

oh, lookit the glitter! hehe crossed legs. too cute!

...i'm sorry i'm done now.
xx

Feature Album Review - Vampire Weekend: Self Titled

Every now and then a band comes along who grab your attention without even trying. They don’t demand to be noticed like so many others. They’re noticed because they are offering something real amidst the smoke and mirrors the music industry is unfortunately so often made up of.

New York based, Vampire Weekend are one such band. Their indie pop sensibilities coupled with their affinity for African style beats and charmingly simple song structures put them a cut above their peers in a way rarely seen and even more rarely appreciated.

This talented little four piece have recently released their debut self titled album and I have to say - I feel exceedingly sorry for any other bands who plan to release their debuts this year. Vampire Weekend is going to be a tough act to follow, no doubt about it.

The 11 track album clocks in at a short 35 odd minutes. The record is tight and well thought out with each consecutive idea carried out to its logical conclusion with a kind of certainty and precision only the young and unjaded possess.

Stand out tracks include the already classic ‘Mansard Roof’, along with ‘A-Punk’, ‘Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa’, ‘One (Blake’s Got A New Face)’ and ‘Walcott’.

If you’re a follower of ‘indie music’ then you’ve already heard of this band. The hypes far too substantial to miss. For once the praise is more then well deserved, it’s necessary. Vampire Weekend are a legend in the making. This is one of the albums that will be remembered long after it’s time. One of those “must haves” that come around far to infrequently. If you’re still not convinced, give it a spin. It’ll make a believer out of you long before the last note sounds. This much I’m sure of.

Feature Album Review - Magnetic Fields: Distortion

New York based indie synth pop outfit, Magnetic Fields have recently released their 8th studio album since their formation in 1991.

The somewhat aptly named, Distortion is a nostalgic trip back to the 80’s and beyond. The tracks where Claudia Gonson takes vocals have a distinctive Susanna Hoffs Bangles era type vibe about them. I’m still undecided as to whether that’s a good or bad thing.

Most Magnetic Fields albums in the past have followed a theme of sorts with front man Stephin Merritt playing with the idea that genre is an interchangeable concept one which doesn’t always have to affect the style and ideals behind the music.

This time ’round Merritt has used 'rock’ as his medium of choice. Using its confines to deliver his artistic design, making for a worthwhile listen.

The record in general has an imperfect and (as the name would suggest) somewhat distorted quality about it. I can imagine this being of annoyance to some but I find it to have a warm almost comforting effect, much like the feeling which comes from listening to a much loved vinyl record.

On whole I find the Merritt voiced numbers far more appealing then Gonson’s but that may just be due to The Jesus and Mary Chain comparison which I can’t seem to rid my mind of when listening.

The stand out tracks include ‘Old Fools’, ‘Xavier Says’, ‘Too Drunk To Dream’ and ‘Zombie Boy’. The last of which is probably the most instantly likeable number on the record.

If you enjoy the familiar provided in an unfamiliar way coupled with a tongue in cheek questioning of ‘rock music’ and the basis behind it then Distortion is the album for you. Once again Magnetic Fields have provided their listeners with a smart album filled with more questions then answers but don’t let that scare you away. It’s all part of their charm and I for one wouldn’t have it any other way. Enjoy.

UNE FRESHER'S BASH 2008!!

YES IT IS NO LONGER JUST A RUMOUR- THE UNE BISTRO IS REOPENING FOR OWEEK AND TO CELEBRATE WE'RE THROWING A MASSIVE PARTY TO WELCOME OUR NEW FRESHERS AND KICK OFF THE ACADEMIC YEAR!

THIS IS GOING TO BE THE BIGGEST EVENT THE UNIVERSITY HAS HELD IN QUITE SOME TIME SO MAKE SURE YOU ARE A PART OF IT!

THERE WILL BE 2 STAGES :
A DANCE PARTY WILL BE HELD INSIDE THE STRO WITH A SELECTION OF GREAT DJS MIXING THROUGHOUT THE EVENING WHILE OUTSIDE A LOUD AND ENERGETIC LIVE SHOW WILL TAKE PLACE WITH SOME OF AUSTRALIA'S FINEST INDIE/ROCK & METAL BANDS!

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

LINEUP:
GEISHA [melb] Back2Back DJ set with BOBBY PEREZ [syd]
PEABODY [syd]
HELL CITY GLAMOURS [syd]
THE WIREFLYS [newc]
SACRED STEREOS [newc]
LIGHT NOISE [newc]
CHO CHO [arm]
DJ SEEN [bris]
+ TUNE!FM DJs [arm]


ONLY 1000 CAPACITY SO MAKE SURE YOU GET IN EARLY!!!!
TIX ARE $10 FROM CAMPUS ESSENTIALS AND GO ON SALE THE 11TH.

unfortunately this is an 18+ event.

TUNE!FM ENCOURAGES SAFE PARTYING AND RESPONSIBLE DRINKING.

www.myspace.com/tunefm for more details!


Hosted by TUNE!FM/The 'Stro/Student Assist
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 15TH @ THE BISTRO, UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND, ARMIDALE.
DOORS OPEN 8PM

TOPZZZZ

At the end of last year a.k.a 2007 ,Tune volunteers [well most of them that could be bothered] voted for our favorite tracks of the year. We had a countdown, gave away a lot of stuff and had an awesome time and despite SPECULATION,,, and what i would call SLANDER; I cannot stress enough that I DID NOT rig the top songs,,,it just so happens that #1 and #2 were from bands who I highly rate. There were a few suprises and disappointments but overall I think the list is fairly representative of the general station sound. Also,,,I suppose to post the whole top 50 is a bit much and if you want to view the entire list I advise heading over to our myspace and ch-ch-check it. So here's the top 10 for now.

1. Klaxons - golden skans
2. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - down boy
3. Urthboy - we get around
4. Regurgitator - blood and spunk
5. Silversun Pickups - lazy eye
6. Tokyo Police Club - nature of the experiment
7. Jamie T - if you got the money
8. Kings of Leon - on call
9. Beautiful Girls - in love
10. Queens of the Stoneage - sick sick sick

Feature Album Review: Lightspeed Champion - Falling Off The Lavender Bridge

One of the UK’s most promising acts of 2005, Test Icicles, never managed to cash in on the short lived hype which surrounded them. A fact that isn’t all that surprising considering their one trick pony antics.

Now, in 2008 former member Devonte Hynes is giving it another go. Finally having the opportunity to make the kind of music he can be proud of with his new project, Lightspeed Champion.

This quirky indie folksy debut entitled, Falling Off The Lavender Bridge has fans and critics alike buzzing with the prospect of things to come.

The sometimes shocking bluntness of Hynes’ lyrics are a refreshing change and add a level of honesty most musicians aren’t willing to risk until much later in their careers.

The album includes several tongue in cheek numbers including a reflection on a less than perfect sexual encounter - ‘I Could Have Done This Myself’. While other tracks cover much broader issues. Almost coming off as an attempt at being ‘the voice of a generation’ with his confronting social commentaries.

But even if we take away meaning and intent, Falling Off The Lavender Bridge is a overtly charming album. Musically the soft edges and flowing melodies leave me wanting more and I can imagine many others will feel the same.

For me the standout tracks would have to be current single, ’Galaxy Of The Lost, ‘Tell Me What It’s Worth’, ‘Dry Lips’ and ‘Everyone I Know is Listening To Crunk’.

This album has the potential for great success. It appeals to a wide audience. Whether you’re looking for humour, bravado, depth or sincerity you’ll find it here if you look hard enough. Any and all indie fans should get listening and decide for yourself. Lightspeed Champion has the potential for more. Only time will tell if Hynes’ will manage to achieve the possible this time around.

I stand corrected

Well,,,here it is; the very first post on this so called "blogspot" though it seems more of a "blogSQUARE" if anyone were to ask my professional opinion, and by professional opinion i mean not.
Anyway one may be wondering about the purpose of this page is and why Australia's oldest youth broadcaster Tune!FM has decided to delve into the blogworld,,,its actually quite simple and can thus be divided into two main reasons.
The FIRST being that blogs such as this are far more efficient and accessible to a wider audience than just a website and provides for more input and feedback than said website. The idea is for everyone and anyone at tune; whether they be an oldtimer or newcomer to be able to contribute their thoughts,ideas,musical opinions etc to this entity whenever they want without the restrictions of websites [particularly ours] at their own leisure.
The SECOND reason is that our website [tunefm.net] is...for lack of a better word...FUCKED.
SO, I hope this will be the first of many posts from the ecclectic mix of people who form the Tune family.
Oh and for those who havent made the connection already 'onezerosixnine' is simply the FM frequency we broadcast on,,,ENJOY