alex loves you and your silly pop songs

More than Standard Fare?

2010-01-12T21:29:00.002+10:00

Regrettably, it's taken me until now to pay attention to Sheffield's Standard Fare, a trio playing the type of crashing, simple pop with sassy girl vocals I've been known to love more than a little bit. Rough Trade said: "If you love Kenickie, The Long Blondes, The Siddeleys or Girls At Our Best you will fall instantly in love with Standard Fare." Given my love of all these bands, I think it's time to take heed of such a glowing endorsement.

What's sealed my interest has been the release of their new single "Fifteen" via Thee SPC - it's three minutes of tales of young love and all the mistakes that youth brings, set to classic jangle that English bands produce so well. I know I'll be listening to all those "ba-ba-bahs" in my head all night long, drowning out the traffic sounds and rain, and I think I'm ready to elevate them more than a little higher in my listening ranks.

I'll be going back and listening to more Standard Fare - I know last year's "Dancing" was well regarded by quite a few people, and I'm willing to indulge in some belated festive cheer with their Christmas song, "Tinsel Politics". It doesn't really matter what time of the year it is - I love a festive song regardless of the season.

Best of all, if you're lucky enough to be in America, they'll be playing SXSW! Super envy!

Buy "Fifteen" here!

Merry Christmas and all that!

2009-12-22T19:51:00.002+10:00

Given by updates this year have been infrequent and poor at best, I felt it best to close out the year with a thank you to those who continue to read my blog whenever I update it. 2009 has been a ridiculously crazy year - two trips to New York, a move to Melbourne, lots of shows + work + travel - and I expect 2010 will be much the same. However, I'm hoping next year I can post more frequently and catch up with all the music I've missed out on over the past 12 months.

I could post a list of my favourite records of the year, but I need only to direct you over here for a summary of everything I've loved this year. Well, that, and the latest El Perro Del Mar record, Love Is Not Pop, which is so exquisite, elegant and full of perfectly subtle instrumentation that it made me feel coarse listening to anything lo-fi and noisy afterwards.

To everyone who has emailed me with music suggestions - thanks for your emails, and I'm sorry I've not responded. I've only just got my emails down from 250+ unread to less than 30, so I'm sorry I've not given your music a chance. Again, here's hoping that will change in the new year.

If you want some suitable summer (or winter) holiday listening, I suggest you make your way over to Fortuna Pop! and download the latest Allo, Darlin' single, The Polaroid Song - it's super pret

ty, and will surely melt all the snow around you if you're in the midst of subzero temperatures. The b-side, "Will You Please Spend New Years With Me?" resonates so well - I love the lyric, "It's embarrassing to think that at 25 I'm not doing something more wild with my life". Never has this felt so true!

Anyway, Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2010! See you in the New Year!

xo Alex

tonight in melbourne!

2009-11-13T10:22:00.002+10:00

So if you happen to be hanging around Melbourne and you're contemplating just what you're intending to do on this spooky Friday the 13th, contemplate no more! As tempting as it may be to stay in and watch A Night At The Museum, you should come along to the best indie pop show this side of the Slumberland 20th anniversary shows.

Yup, Melbourne's finest, Summer Cats, finally launch their album Songs For Tuesdays locally! In for the party are The Zebras, The Motifs and, with much anticipation, Bart from The Cat's Miaow will be playing solo! Wahoo! Stick around and dance the night away to the best pop jukebox in town, courtesy of the Long Division DJ team (being yours truly and the super-talented Catherine Insch).

Sure, we'd all love to be at the Black Cat in DC to dance the night away with Pants Yell!, Brown Recluse, The Ropers and more, but the Slumberland celebrations will more than be kicking on in the antipodes!

pants yell! - received pronunciation

2009-11-10T20:19:00.002+10:00

I've recently arrived back in Australia, and have been confronted by searing 35 degree days and beautiful warming sunshine upon my return. In some ways I miss the chill of the air and the changing leaves that autumn (or fall) brought in the United States, but I'm able to capture the mood with the fifth (and final) album by Boston's Pants Yell!, Received Pronunciation.

As one of my favourite bands of recent years, it's an absolute delight to listen to a new record by this trio, whose storytelling lyrics (courtesy of Andrew Churchman), coupled with clean, simple melodies, are at the pinnacle of modern pop. While the album might lack the soaring majesty that strings added to their last record, Alison Statton, there's a certain maturity and all round elegance that embraces this record. I love the simple drumbeat that kicks the record off, on "Frank and Sandy", which to me sounds like it's about parents, rather than hangovers. And it's this crypticism that lives in Andrew's lyrics that makes the band much more endearing - isn't it a much richer experience to listen to the lyrics when they have something to say and comprehend?

Elsewhere, there's scratchy guitars and stop-start rhythms on "Got to Stop", which combines angsty lyrics with some damn fine jangle, and a brilliant shimmer of cymbals across "Someone Loves You". Overall, though, Received Pronunciation might not capture your consciousness from the first listen, but rest assured, like with most good things in the world, time and patience will reward you with more riches than you could imagine. Best of all, buy this record and score yourself the coolest obi strip!

Buy yourself a copy of Received Pronunciation from our dear friends at Slumberland!

In Brooklyn

2009-11-03T07:20:00.002+10:00

Well, it's been quite a while since I last managed to compose a post, but as I sit here in my hotel room in Brooklyn, I felt it due time for some form of catch-up. I've been in New York for almost two weeks and it's been a whirlwind of crazy fun shows, amazing shopping and the best Halloween party ever. I'm unable to upload photos at the moment, but here's a rundown of highlights thus far:

* The Smith Westerns - four guys in their late teens/early 20s from Chicago - blew me away with their ramshackle noisy pop and declaration that: "all these songs are about love". Even with broken strings and blinding fringes, these guys pulled together one of the most fun sets I've seen in a while.

* At the same show, Still Flyin' brought the hammjamms once again, complete with one Marky Lucksmith on bass. It was interesting to see them outside Australia, but thankfully everyone got dancing as they once again brought the parties. I don't know how people can't have fun at their shows!!

* The following night, My Teenage Stride reincarnated The Wedding Present with their live set at Delancey's - Jed's stage banter was obnoxiously hilarious, and the keyboard player's enthusiasm made me want to dance even more to join in the enjoyment.

* For Halloween, I dressed as a French mime and danced the night away at Mondo's spooky pop dance party. Singing along to songs when you're supposed to be silent and miming threw a few people off, but I had a killer night on the dancefloor!

I've also been to Boston, Washington DC and Philadelphia, and even won myself $300 on the roulette table in Atlantic City. How's that for luck, eh?!

More to come upon my return to Melbourne, as well as some updates from the past few months. Let me just say, I think El Perro Del Mar has stolen my heart...

new beginnings

2009-09-01T20:30:00.007+10:00

Here in Australia, it's the first day of spring, and today, moreso than ever, I really felt like it signalled new beginnings. I caught up on work I'd been procrastinating on, did some things I hadn't done in quite a while, and, on my way back from going for a run, rekindled my love of Love Is All.

It's not like the love needed rekindling as such, but hearing 'Movie Romance', from last year's terrifically schizophrenic A Hundred Things Keep Me Up At Night, filled me with such hope for the season. But why? That rolling guitar line, Josephine's "HA!" at the start followed by the sassiest vocals this side of Kate Jackson, and the shoutiest, catchiest chorus Scandinavia could ever produce:

"I laugh in the face of a movie romance

Because against this, they don't stand a chance"

It's the perfect summation of how everyone's lives should be - fast, fun, to the point, and most of all, full of love that Hollywood could never reproduce. I'm gonna channel this and make my love for Love Is All love for all!

Here's an early version of 'Movie Romance' for you to download, off their Lost Thrills EP!

live: the lucksmiths, brisbane, 23/08/09

2009-08-28T14:25:00.002+10:00

And so it ends: a chapter of my life that began as a 17 year old living in a horrible outer suburb closes, eight years later, on a balmy Brisbane Sunday night, with The Lucksmiths playing their final show to a sold out northern audience. It was a mixed audience: ardent fans who have been at their shows for years stood alongside emerging faces, a new breed who surely wanted to see this band just once before they never could again.

When the break-up was announced, I was adamant I was going to see them in Brisbane, and I'm glad I made the whirlwind flight back for that one final night at The Zoo, where I'd seen them play countless times before. Part homecoming, part nostalgia trip, but mostly closure, I felt memories flood back of seeing them as an 18 year old in that very room, wearing Belle & Sebastian t-shirts, tartan skirts and knee socks, dancing to a band who helped me discover what it meant to be a pop fan. Years might have passed, but that same joy and sense of discovery still prevailed, as lyrics to songs I've not listened to for years were automatically recalled.

My tapping toes never missed a beat, despite shoes that kept slipping off my dancing feet - one final dance to "Untidy Towns", "Smokers In Love", "T-Shirt Weather", "Under The Rotunda", et al. and the smile couldn't be wiped from my face. Hearing "Frisbee" played live for the first and last time was such a highlight, as were the closing numbers - "The Year of Driving Languorously" for the main set, and "The Music From Next Door" on the encore. They might not have played my favourite song, "The Golden Age of Aviation", but I didn't mind at all - after two hours of The Lucksmiths and every other golden melody they've crafted, and I felt well satisfied. Pop fans around the world will miss their charm, wit and personality, and I feel incredibly lucky to have seen them play so often over the last eight years.

I didn't take any photographs, unfortunately, because I was much too busy dancing and cherishing the moment. A picture can't recreate the feeling of listening to their songs and reflecting back on all those shows.

I have the opportunity attend one of their final shows in Melbourne this weekend, but I am entirely torn by this. On the one hand, I'd love to hear their songs emanating live one final time, but my memory of the Brisbane show is just so complete that I am satisfied if I don't get to see them again. I don't want to spoil those thoughts by attending a show with an unfamiliar crowd, without that warmth that came from seeing them with those I know.

Goodbye Lucksmiths - you've shown me such a great time, and your memories and songs will continue to burn strong!

Slumberland love + Brown Recluse

2009-08-28T12:14:00.003+10:00

There's not much point repeating at length what multiple others have already said so succinctly, but it's all true - as Slumberland continues to fire out incredible records at alarming regularity, it's difficult to comprehend how 2009 would have sounded without its seal of quality across the pop landscape. I'm entirely addicted - from the soaring modern tribute to my favourite girl bands on Liechtenstein's Survival Strategies In A Modern World, to the shimmering spunk of the Champagne Socialists 7", I could almost live without any other record label in the world right now. And don't even get me started on how much I love Cause Co-Motion - honestly, my love of this band's shambolic crashing punk deserves far, far more than a passing mention.

My next Slumberland order will load up my virtual trolley with the new Searching For The Now singles, loads of new Pains vinyl(including the 'Come Saturday' 7", featuring 'Side Ponytail' on the b-side - at last!), and a beautiful 12" from Philadelphia's Brown Recluse. Called The Soft Skin, the cover of this EP instantly conjures up comparisons to other records featuring captivating eye close ups - certainly The La's and The 6ths both instantly spring to mind.

Given the beauty apparent in both of those records, both on the cover and in the sounds, it's impossible to comprehend Brown Recluse sounding any different. Thankfully, I am not disappointed - it's all hazy melodies infused with horns, harmonies, and a deep love of the best of sixties music and beyond. It's like a perfect update to the sound heard around Arab Strap era Belle & Sebastian, with further influences like Os Mutantes and The Zombies ever present. It's so timeless, yet seemingly so relevant and fresh - perfect clarity of vision and sound in amongst a sea of bands producing lo-fi, crashing, noisy pop. Brown Recluse are the sound of a late summer's day, a bright autumn morning, a springtime Saturday at noon, or a late winter's night in a warm room. When a band can span seasons, you know they are worth treasuring, and I really do treasure having Brown Recluse's sounds in my life.

Listen more and buy yourself a copy here.

the pastels & tenniscoats

2009-08-24T21:35:00.002+10:00

At last, I am back with a functioning computer and a night at home. Oh for small joys! And what better way to spend a chilly and wet Monday evening than listening to a cover of The Jesus and Mary Chain's 'About You', as covered by The Pastels and Tenniscoats! What a combination. You can take a listen for yourself right here.

Tenniscoats have been to Australia on a couple of occasions, and I've unfortunately missed out on seeing them each time - on their last tour in February this year, I happened to organise a little club night for myself on the same night they played in town. Such poor timing! I hope the next time they play, they can bring along some fine Scots and play songs off their bound-to-be-fine collaboration record, Two Sunsets. You and I will be able to garner ourselves copies from Domino and Geographic from September 22.

Meanwhile, speaking of Stephen Pastel (surely still one of the dreamiest men in every pop girl's lust list), here's some words of wisdom taken from a Pitchfork interview*:

I like a lot of the music coming out of America recently, like Ducktails, Real Estate, and Crystal Stilts. I heard about Real Estate because we've got a record shop in Glasgow and one of the people who works there told us about them. They reminded me of Orange Juice and Pavement, but they really have their own identity, too.

I think there's a real coherent thread from Swell Maps and Television Personalities through to things like Blank Dogs, caUSE co-MOTION!, Vivian Girls, and the Pains of Being Pure at Heart. Listening to new bands, I get a sense of déjà vu-- and not always in a good way. But if the Pastels were still trying to play the kind of music we played in 1985 or 1986, I would probably feel more territorial-- but then I'd only have myself to blame.

I found this quite an interesting comment, given I've had a few conversations recently about originality vs derivation in a lot of current bands. My take? I love the sound, so I don't mind if a band wants to blatantly rip off the past, but I can understand why certain bands are disliked for being a direct replica. But I tend to think I always prefer going back to the original bands to hear what it was like the first time around...

* Urgh, two Pitchfork links in a single entry? Sorry. Not intentional.

brief hiatus

2009-08-07T12:20:00.002+10:00

I've had to take a bit of a break from updates - my laptop is currently sitting idle on my floor, with a screen that doesn't want to switch on, and I've just been through one of the busiest phases of my life (ten flights over the past month, anyone?). But, I've had some incredible experiences of late, and have listened to records that have taken my breath away. Once I get back online, I really hope to share these with you. Stay tuned...

Summer Cats - Songs For Tuesdays

2009-07-05T18:51:00.002+10:00

Since moving to Melbourne, I've felt so fortunate at being able to see Summer Cats play quite regularly. But now, with the release of their debut album, Songs For Tuesdays, I feel even luckier, because I know how jealous the rest of the world will be after hearing these 13 brilliant pop songs! Released via Slumberland on July 14, Songs For Tuesdays looks set to dominate the speakers of summer dancefloors in the north, winter bedrooms in the south and best of 2009 lists worldwide.

I'm so enamoured by every track on the album - from blistering opener "Let's Go", sharing stories about various places to visit around Melbourne and beyond, through to the boy-girl duet "In June", which reminds me so much of The Hummingbirds with its amazing jangling guitars. A slowed-down version of 'Wild Rice' appears (after first appearing on 2007's Scratching Post EP), as does last year's Cloudberry single, 'Lonely Planet'. Scott Stevens surely ranks as one of the best vocalists in indiepop at present, and with squalling guitars and motorik keys to boot, it all sums to a perfectly formed collection of some of the finest pop going round.

And lest I forget the artwork - the artwork! With all those flowers and birds and felt tip colours, I want it to be summer already. It's the perfect embodiment of that summer feeling that Summer Cats capture so well in their sound.

Download 'Hey You' as a taste of the album - if it doesn't leave you wanting to hear more and more and more, then um, I don't know what to do. So good!

the cavalcade

2009-07-05T16:55:00.002+10:00

I've spent the past couple of weeks being exceptionally busy (nothing new there) and showing the lovely Kris around Melbourne. It's been fun! We've been record shopping, seeing excellent bands (including The Motifs and a new Melbourne discovery, Pop Singles) and spinning the best songs anybody would ever want to hear. But now, as Kris flies back to Sweden, I have returned to Brisbane for a couple of weeks of work, but also some relaxation and use of fast internet once again. Oh for small joys!

As part of this fast internet utilisation, I'm going to listen to all manner of bands I've been meaning to listen to. Bands such as The Cavalcade, who hail from Preston, in northwestern England and sound like they've stepped straight off a Blueboy b-side.

Bruce recommended these guys to me a few weeks ago, and I'm glad I've followed up, because I could listen to these beautiful pop songs all evening long. Craig Phillips's vocals come from the school of singing that Swedish indiepop bands have mastered so well - earnest harmonies that reinforce the heartfelt emotions from the soaring, clear guitar lines. If any one of the tracks playing on their myspace page were to be included on a mixtape, I'd instantly have assumed it was a lost eighties indie band. Their love of classic indiepop is evident - the guitars unmistakably pay tribute to Maurice Deebank, and the melodies come courtesy of an education rich in The Sea Urchins and The Field Mice. What is not to love?

Best of all, you can secure yourself some fine recordings from The Cavalcade courtesy of both Cloudberry Records (a split 3" with Boa Constrictor, featuring the lovely 'Meet You In The Rain'), as well as directly from the band! Their debut EP can be ordered via Paypal - just drop them a message via myspace, and full listening contentment awaits.

moped girls

2009-06-20T00:16:00.003+10:00

Blimey, I feel like I have been in hiding for months - I bury my head in work for a few weeks and all of a sudden there's a million bands I need to listen to, and new releases from bands I adore that I didn't even realise were out!

Take the Vivian Girls, for example - I hardly even realised they had released a new 7" recently! 'Moped Girls' continues with the same casually noisy insouciance that has come to define these three Brooklyn girls. Reggie the cat is a pretty cool addition to the film clip, too.

Released on For Us, you can buy yourself a copy of 'Moped Girls' here.

two killer shows...

2009-06-10T21:54:00.003+10:00

There are two amazing shows coming up in the next week*, half a world away from each other, which you should be attending if you are even remotely nearby either of these two cities!

If you are located near the Whitest Suburb in Melbourne, like me, head to the Old Bar on Johnston Street for a ridiculously good night of pop. Mid-State Orange! Last Summer Cats show before they embark on USA domination! First Motifs show since they conquered Europe! I'm prepping my dancing shoes already.

Of course, if you want to make me cry, you will be attending this:

Clearly, any show containing three of my favourite bands from the past 12 months or so has to be incredible, but this is seriously beyond belief. Far out, I could see just ONE of those bands, I'd be delirious, but with that line up AND with Twee as Fuck AND Kevin from WYR? spinning discs, I couldn't think of anything better right now, especially when all I seem do these days is listen to Cause Co-Motion on repeat.

I think this is what you call mega New York jealousy (and mega, mega heartbreak).

* I'm sure there's definitely more than two amazing shows coming up in the next week, but these are clearly the only two I really, really care about. If you know of others that will make me exceedingly jealous, please feel free to tell me about them and I will no doubt take a photo of myself weeping with extreme jealousy.

tuesday night catch up #3: thieves like us

2009-06-09T21:37:00.002+10:00

OK, last one for the night. When I was about 18 or so, Shelflife Records was one of my favourite record labels, releasing records by the likes of the Acid House Kings, The Shermans and the Free Loan Investments that swept my late teenage heart away in a shimmering sea of pop music. Those fine folk behind Shelflife have made a killer resurgence recently, and one of their latest, from Thieves Like Us, shows what Midas touch this label has.

Shy, crushworthy lyrics combined with synths straight out of early 80s northern England deliver 'Really Like To See You Again' straight into your consciousness, Express Post style. It's the perfect 11pm track, when you've just eyed up the cute boy or girl over the other side of the dancefloor, but you don't want to sidle up too soon. You know you'll head over when they start playing The Smiths or Pet Shop Boys at 2am. You know what I mean.

The four tracks on this 12" EP will all make you want to shimmer rather than shake on the dancefloor, and, with a mere 500 copies pressed, you'd be hard pressed to find a more glamorous release for your next discotheque.

Buy 'Really Like To See You Again' from Shelflife here.

tuesday night catch up #2: pocketbooks

2009-06-09T21:17:00.004+10:00

If you can't already tell, I have once again been super busy and am becoming more and more infrequent at this blogging business. It's awful, especially when there is so much to listen to and I'm stuck doing work (and watching Master Chef, uh oh) all the time. Gah! Hence, I am spending my Tuesday night catching up on everything great of late.

Anyway, some of my favourite blogs have already written about this, and I'm going to do the same - London's Pocketbooks will be releasing their new single, "Footsteps", via iTunes on June 15. It's a super little love song that will get your shoes shuffling straight away. Then, in July, the brilliant How Does It Feel To Be Loved? label will be releasing their debut record, Flight Paths, which I highly recommend for you to purchase, because it will add some extra sunshine to your summer or brighten those misty winter mornings, if you'll be spending your July hibernating indoors from the cold like me.

You can get your feet shuffling along already by downloading 'Footsteps' here!

tuesday night catch up #1: music that i like

2009-06-09T21:11:00.002+10:00

Well, I guess you can gather what I like from reading my blog, but Music That I Like is the name of Everett True's excellent new blog, featuring many of his archived musings from Plan B as well as, hmm, a couple of new rants and raves. Mostly raves, though - who wants to write rants all the time? Not me.

In particular, you should read his interview with the beautiful, tragic Ronnie Spector. I wouldn't know what to say to her - I would just want her to sing.

hefner recollections

2009-05-31T17:33:00.003+10:00

While I was out and about today, I found a copy of Hefner's excellent We Love The City on LP from Heartland Records. Upon arriving home, those opening lyrics to the title track brought back a flood of memories:

This is London, not Antarctica, so why don't the tubes run all night?

You are my girlfriend, not Molly Ringwald, so why won't you stay here tonight?

It's made me realise that Hefner are a band which I associate so many fond memories with. Of course, the aforemention

ed song's chorus of, We love the city, because it lets us down, rang particularly true for me back in Brisbane, even if the song was about how depressing London can be, but it's but one of many Hefner tracks which have struck me for many different reasons across many stages of my life.

The Fidelity Wars

This was the first Hefner album I ever purchased, in 2000 from Red Eye Records in Sydney whilst on holiday down there. I was in year 11 at the time and became interested in the band after reading about them in Select. Upon hearing 'The Hymn For The Cigarettes' for the first time, I was even more hooked. Darren Hayman's terrific lyrics inspired the budding writer in me - all that angst mixed with sadness and

rejection. At the time I had no hope of meeting anybody who I could sh

are this with, so it has been great to talk about Hefner with other fans at various points.

We Love The City

This was given to me by one of my favourite people in the w

orld, Lina, on my first trip to Sweden in 2003. I spied it in her CD collection, got super jealous, then became ecstatic when she so kindly gave it to me at the end of my visit. I remember listening to the title track for the first time when I did hit London, and never had it felt so right. Last year at my first How Does It Feel To Be Loved?, I was super excited to dance to 'The Day That Thatcher Dies' - such fun!

Boxing Hefner

I only bought this recently, from an indiepop listee off ebay. To be honest, I haven't listened to it all that much, but I really wanted a copy so I could have 'Christian Girls' on CD. What a song! I only heard this for the first time last year (shameful!) when the lovely Andrew from Pants Yell! put it on a really excellent mix for me. Great song, and I am sure, a great collection of other tracks for me to soon fall in love with.

worst single cover ever?

2009-05-31T17:25:00.002+10:00

Everything But The Girl - 'These Early Days' (Blanco Y Negro, 1988)

Bought today for about $2 from Dixons on Brunswick Street. The song isn't too bad, but cripes, what a photo!

all my dreams have come true

2009-05-29T18:35:00.002+10:00

Last night I received a text from my friend Andy, telling me about an Anna Karina retrospective at this year's Melbourne International Film Festival. That was enough to make me squeal with excitement, but upon further investigation at work this morning, it turns out Anna will be a SPECIAL GUEST at this year's event!! My heart beat 100 times faster upon this news - my favourite actress of all will be here, and I may have but an opportunity to see her in person! It's all my dreams come true - I adore her films and if I could be half as beautiful as her, I'd be more than happy. There's one scene in Vivre Sa Vie, where she measures her height from head to toe using handspans, and it's possibly one of my favourite moments in cinema ever. Just phenomenal.

The retrospective will be brilliant - aside from screening Alphaville, the Godard film that intrigues me the most each time I watch it, the festival will also be screening Serge Gainsbourg's 1967 musical Anna, which I've never seen in full, just snippets of on Youtube. Also screening are two of her directorial efforts, which I'll be most intrigued to watch. As well as the Anna films, there's a documentary about Cindy Sherman, another about Joe Dallessandro, and one about Vogue and Anna Wintour! Is this not the perfect winter line-up of films? Cinematic heaven, that's for sure.

fond farewells: the lucksmiths + plan b

2009-05-27T20:52:00.002+10:00

It's awfully hard to say goodbye, don't you think? It was hard saying goodbye to my friends in Brisbane when I left, despite knowing they were but a two hour flight and a ten minute phone call away, and it was even harder to say goodbye to friends in London and Sweden when I travelled last year, knowing I wouldn't see them for far, far too long. But, with a brave smile and an occasional tear, we bid our goodbyes, holding in hope the future brings far brighter prospects.

The Lucksmiths have arguably been my favourite Australian band since about 2001, and they've recently announced their break-up after a final farewell tour of Australia. In some respects, I have thought this was on the cards for the last couple of years, but the news is always hardest once it hits. I could offer a million stories about The Lucksmiths, each one of them cloaked in its own fond memory for me of being young and brimming with excitement about a pop band who made me smile with their witty lyrics and grin even wider with melodies like sunshine.

I can still remember buying Why That Doesn't Surprise Me back in late 2001 or early 2002 and falling in love instantly, as Tali White's vocals on 'Music To Hold Hands To' serenaded me:

I could never understand you, hating music to hold hands to

Sometimes something you can dance to is the last thing that you need

Even now, living in the heart of Lucksmiths territory, I understand the lyrics so much better: I feel like going visiting this even, across the rooftops of North Carlton while the suburb is asleep.

I could write for hours and hours about The Lucksmiths - meeting cute boys in Belle & Sebastian shirts at their Brisbane shows, being unimaginably excited at hearing 'The Golden Age of Aviation' played live, seeing which brilliant pop band from Europe or America they'd brought on tour with them this time (without The Lucksmiths, I would not have seen The Ladybug Transistor nor Pipas play). Dancing at their shows was one of the most satisfying experiences ever - just about without fail, every Brisbane Luckies show would feature Catherine, Akiko and I dancing like crazy up the front, without a damn for any naysayers or poseurs. We loved the songs and dancing at their shows felt more irresistable than anything. Even if I tried to stand still, I couldn't do it.

I'll be travelling back to Brisbane for their final show - it wouldn't be right to see my final Luckies show here in Melbourne, having seen pretty much every one of their Brisbane shows since I was seventeen. I'll miss their presence, that's for sure, and I'll miss those incredible one liners.

- - - - -

On another sad note, the June issue of English music magazine Plan B will be its last. Being a brief contributor to the amazing writing and bands featured in this magazine over the past six months has been an incredible honour, and I feel so lucky to have had an opportunity to write and share my love of bands in such an amazing medium. Can there be another magazine to take its place, or has the internet killed off any further hopes for high quality magazines with a high standard of writing? I surely hope not.

dreamdate

2009-05-21T22:11:00.002+10:00

Dreamdate are my new favourite band right now. They're two best friends, Yea-Ming and Anna, from California who studied music together and now make some of the sweetest, most infectious little pop sherbets going around. Their second album Patience is full of songs that sound like the perfect combination of 90s "cuddlecore" and that period when K Records knocked out Tiger Trap and other girly bands with the right combination of punk and sweet pop sensibilities. My favourite track is "8 Sleeves" - after two listens, its catchy chorus wouldn't shift out of my mind. The whole album is so deceptively simple, but I bet it takes such effort to write such pretty, easygoing songs - Dreamdate sure have succeeded here.

What I love most is the vocals - harmonies straight from The Softies songbook, and a sound that makes me want to listen to Slumber Party's Psychedelicate in tandem. You know, those sort of deep, husky vocals that warm you like hot chocolate and tickle you like feathers sweeping along your arm. I feel like a cozy sweater hearing beautiful harmonies on tracks such as "Tables" and title track "Patience", all wrapped up in acoustics and sweet oooohs.

Best of all, it shows how much promise Portland's Skywriting Records has - after releasing the excellent Cloetta Paris record last year (who I fell hard for), it's another success for this burgeoning pop label.

somewhere in china

2009-05-10T08:30:00.002+10:00

It hardly feels like I am, but I am flying to China tonight on a "business trip" - I'll be spending the next week looking at fruit fields and packaging factories. Crazy? Indeed! I'm very excited, and also quite nervous about the prospect, having never been there before. In honour, here's an excellent Shop Assistants clip from BBC Scotland. I wish there were more TV shows for bands to play on these days - I used to love seeing touring bands play in specially-designed sets for them, then have awkward interviews afterwards.

P.s. Saw two Cannanes-related bands at the Old Bar in Fitzroy last night - Ashtray Boy (who hadn't played in about two years) and New Estate. Lucky me! New Estate attract a most ardent following - people in the crowd brought their own shakers to add to the rhythm section. Dedication, that's for sure.

the aislers set peel session

2009-05-04T15:59:00.002+10:00

Like many, The Aislers Set rank as one of my favourite, favourite bands - their songs are just perfect, and Linton's lyrics are so complex, so thoughtful, so very very interesting. I could listen to The Last Match over and over and never tire of it.

About a month ago, their Peel Session from 2003 was posted on their Myspace page, and I've spent the afternoon relistening to these five wonderful cuts, complete with John Peel's brilliant commentary. I especially love his comments at the end of 'Long Division':

"If you were in one of your difficult moods, you could probably argue that there are lots of bands making that sort of noise, particularly in the United States of America, and you'd say, 'Why are the Aislers Set better than any of the others?'. And I'd have to say, 'Well, I don't really know - they just sort of are."

Rarely has a statement been so true! These songs possess that magic that's present in all their songs - spontaneous, yet so well versed; simple, yet layered with that rich organ and trumpet that lift their songs above all else. The Joy Division cover is brilliant, too!! Linton's blog entry about the recording is also great reading. Oh, it's making me nostalgic now - when, oh when will they make another record?

video time!

2009-05-03T17:30:00.002+10:00

Oooh, Youtube is wonderful, don't you think? Especially when you can dive in and watch all manner of film clips. Take these two gems - enjoy!

1. Liechtenstein performing 'Everything's For Sale' in Glasgow! Thanks to Adam, aka Last.fm's mintybees for this clip - incredible, ain't it?

2. The Pains of Being Pure At Heart's video for 'Young Adult Friction' - killer song, and a super cool video to match. The delicious red 7" for this song arrived in the mail last week - well worth snapping up, as ever.

The Revolving Paint Dream

2009-04-27T20:32:00.002+10:00

Wow, how come I've not discovered The Revolving Paint Dream until now? Perfect 60s psychedelic pop, reinterpreted in inimitable early Creation records style. It seems like the Creation back catalogue just wants to keep on delivering a car boot full of new discoveries for me, and the collector in me wants to have them all.

Have a read of The Beautiful Music's introduction to Revolving Paint Dream, and download the two tracks they have available - I want to don some paisley and grow my fringe even longer as a result of listening to "Flowers In The Sky" and "Green Sea Blue". What a great blog, too - I think I'll be reading it quite often now!

Buy Flowers In The Sky: The Enigma of The Revolving Paint Dream at Cherry Red.

Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career

2009-04-26T11:53:00.002+10:00

I am back in Brisbane for the moment, working terribly hard, seeing friends at every opportunity and catching up with my mum. After work on Friday night, I reacquainted myself with some of my favourite shops in the city - I bought myself some great records at Egg Records, a beautiful A.P.C. skirt from Apartment (I would have an entire wardrobe of A.P.C. if I could), and a copy of Camera Obscura's fourth album, My Maudlin Career, from Rockinghorse.

I've listened to the album three times now, and once again I'm in love with these Glaswegians, who resurrect the finest Northern Soul and sixties heartbreak to create achingly pretty songs of love and despair. Opener "French Navy" introduces their hallmark sound once again with a tale of falling in love with a traveller, leading into ten more songs which veer from the solemn to the soul-shakin', new stories shared with each track. My Maudlin Career isn't a huge departure from Camera Obscura's established sound, but then again, when the sound is as finely honed and sensational as this, there's little need to tinker with the recipe.

Tracyanne Campbell's vocals are as rich as ever - since I've already stolen her haircut, I wonder how I can steal her voice and songwriting talent? I think I may need to steal this look of Tracyanne's, too - divine.

As the title track came on in the car yesterday afternoon, my friends all commented, "Who is this? It's so pretty!" Play this to anyone, Camera Obscura fan or not, and you'll no doubt win them over with the soaring nature of the piano, the arrangements, everything. It's like a fine meal at an excellent restaurant - rich, but not overpowering, exceptional quality and leaves you feeling satisfied and wanting more.

Record Store Day

2009-04-19T10:33:00.003+10:00

Given that:
a. Yesterday was Record Store Day; and,
b. I have not been record shopping for a long time,

it made perfect sense that I should head out and support some record stores here in Melbourne by partaking in one of my favourite activities in the world! With Knock Yr Socks Off Scott as my guide and Belle & Sebastian playing on the iPhone stereo, I was introduced to some new record stores and hauled quite the bounty!

Albums!
The Modern Lovers - The Modern Lovers (80s Beserkley reissue)
The Steinbecks - The Steinbecks (Drive-In Records)
The Waitresses - Wasn't Tomorrow Wonderful?
Siouxsie and the Banshees - Once Upon A Time/The Singles
The Triffids - Love In Bright Landscapes (an excellent compilation of Triffids tracks from 83-85, and includes a couple of my personal favourites, including "Red Pony" and "Property Is Condemned".)
Bruce Springsteen - Born In The USA (OK, this one was $5, then with 20% off at Record Paradise, I figured I could buy it for all of four smackers.)

Singles!
Amelia Fletcher - "Can You Keep A Secret?" (Fierce, 1991) - I was exceptionally excited to find this!! In all honesty, I quite like the A-side, but, um, it's quite hard to tolerate hearing a dance version of "Wrap My Arms Around Him". Argh!
Hurrah! - "Hip-Hip Flowers" (Kitchenware)
Orange Juice - "I Can't Help Myself" (On "Holden Caulfield Universal")
Meat Whiplash - "Don't Slip Up"/"Here It Comes" (Creation, 1985) - I have never seen this single anywhere before, and Licorice Pie had two copies there.
Saint Etienne - "Hobart Paving"/"Who Do You Think You Are" double A-side (Heavenly, 1993) - two of my favourite Saint Etienne songs, together on the one single.
Honeybunch - "Hey Blue Sky!" (Bus Stop, 1989) - Melbourne seems to be the place to find Honeybunch singles. I'm certainly not complaining!
Shockheaded Peters - "I, Bloodbrother Be" (El, 1984)
Bill Wyman - "(Si Si) Je Suis Un Rock Star" (A&M Records, 1981)
Patti Smith Group - "Because The Night" (Arista, 1978)

Licorice Pie in Prahran is one of the best record stores around, and my visit there was long overdue. Almost all these records came from there, and even then I had to leave some behind - most notably, a copy of the Television Personalities' The Painted Word. Since I already have the Vinyl Japan CD re-issue of it, I couldn't really justify it. Also, might I note that they had a copy of Bad Dream Fancy Dress's Choirboys Gas on LP, which I promptly made Scott buy, as it is one of the best El records releases. I'd have snapped it up myself!

cheap red

2009-04-18T17:33:00.003+10:00

Hi Internet, I am alive but have been more than insanely busy of late. Work, travel, work, etc. Busier than I've ever been in my life. Which has meant that it's taken me until this afternoon to listen to Stewart Boyracer's new band, Cheap Red. It seems like all the right people have been saying good things about this band, and deservedly so - the songs are sweet, noisy, lo-fi and instantly loveable. Combining the talents of Stewart and Jen from Boyracer with Akina and Arland from Kanda, I can't wait to hear their debut double CD - one disc of the originals and another of remixes. What a way to step out into the world!

I'll admit my ignorance and say that I've never heard Kanda, but given this endorsement, I'll make sure I hunt them down after this.

Also, 555 has a re-issue of Boyracer's Happenstance available for you to add to your collection! Limited to 100 copies, you should grow your Boyracer collection. I added Boyfuckingracer to mine the other week, and it's the type of noisy noisy noise we all love about Boyracer.

Buy 555 Recordings here!

the softies

2009-03-29T16:25:00.002+10:00

I am gazing out my bedroom window, with the late afternoon blue sky peeking through the speckled leaves of the big tree next door and The Softies playing from my computer, and I am thinking, "Can things be any prettier than this?" The answer is, well, no doubt, but this sure comes close.

This afternoon I picked up their self-titled second album, released on Slumberland in 1996, from Dixon's on Brunswick Street - a man was in there selling it, and I bought it directly from him. A winning trade - he has the 10" at home, and I didn't have it at all. Being in such a good mood today, the sweet sweet harmonies of beautiful Rose Melberg and Jen Sbragia complement my late afternoon peacefulness so well.

Generally, I'm not too much of a fan of girls with acoustic guitars and little else. But The Softies? Their songs are so delicate, the lyrics full of wistful imagery, the harmonies so pretty and, well, soft. I want to wrap myself in these songs on a cold winter's day, and I want to take them to the park when the sun is out and let the sunshine brighten the songs even more. Rose Melberg is one of my musical idols, and these songs illustrate her songwriting craft so well. Just magical.

My favourite Softies track of all is 'The Best Days'. Released as a 7" on K Records, it's one of the most magical songs about love and friendship I know. The lyrics are 24-carat-gold special - "You hid your smile with one hand, and with the other you held mine." My heart melts at the mere thought of this, and reaffirms my love of the world. How many songs do you know that you want to cherish and hold close like that?

Buy yourself some Softies magic over at K Records.

4 bonjour's parties

2009-03-29T09:42:00.002+10:00

On Friday night, my friend Andy invited me to see Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus 3. Even though I've never listened to The Soft Boys or his solo work, I still enjoyed the show, particularly his very British stage banter between songs ("the colour would be...invisible").

Whilst waiting for his set to begin, I was introduced to all manner of Japanese pop groups via videos on a mobile phone. Watching the Japanese equivalent of Kylie Minogue, Shiina Ringo, dressed in a nurse uniform, singing through a loudspeaker, amongst other videos, certainly made for a novel experience. It then made me think about other Japanese bands I like. It shamed me that I came up with a list of less than five Japanese bands I've really listened to, when there must be a huge number out there waiting for me to discover.

On my quest to hear more, I came across 4 Bonjour's Parties, a Tokyo collective who recently visited these shores supporting Her Space Holiday. It's a shame I didn't get to see them (they didn't make it to Brisbane, grrrr), because their sweeping melodies and shy vocals, with brass rising in the background, would have won me in an instant. I'm particularly sold on the song 'Satellite', which reminds me of the opening track to The Bank Holidays' album As A Film from last year, except with cute boy Japanese vocals instead of cute West Australian girl vocals. As the song soars along, it moves into a territory that fellow West Australian group Institut Polaire have now mastered so well. Perhaps 4 Bonjour's Parties have some special kinship with Western Australia? Hmmm.

It's no wonder, too, that 4 Bonjour's Parties are friends with The Motifs and have a release through the same record label, Lost In Found - both have a wonderful winsome charm that calls you back for more and more. In fact, in listening to some of the songs by the band Lost In Found itself on their myspace page, I think I may have found another band to fall for. With $650 return flights to Japan on offer at the moment, perhaps this is a portent for a new love affair with Japan.

melbourne outing #1: dick diver

2009-03-21T16:54:00.003+10:00

So far, in this first week of mine in Melbourne, I've ventured out to two shows, one of which was a Wednesday night residency at the Tote in Collingwood by Dick Diver. Throughout March, these three boys (two of whom are called Al) and a girl have held a Wednesday night residency, and it's a shame I've only been able to go along now. I caught this week's show, where they played with the gorgeous Motifs, amongst others. Having never heard of them previously, I had no expectations, but really quite enjoyed their laidback, college radio indie, Malkmus fringes and all. There's a certain New Zealand sound in there, too, adding that glimmering golden tinge to the frayed edge of their sound. Plus, their drummer Steph hits the skins like only the best girl drummers can, injecting additional emotion and rhythm into what may have become an overtly boyish sound. Sadly, I'll be in Sydney for the final night of their residency, but I'll make sure to see them at some of their upcoming shows.

in melbourne

2009-03-21T16:45:00.002+10:00

It's been less than a week, but I am now almost settled into my new surrounds in Melbourne. The sun is shining, dogs are running freely around the nearby gardens with their owners, and I'm walking and driving around, learning my way around this new city which will now be my home for...I'm not sure how long.

The great novelty of my move from Brisbane to Melbourne? I can see bands almost every night of the week! Not just that, but I can have my pick of shows to attend, spread across various parts of the city, and invariably see something that piques my attention or makes me fall in love. AND, if they're in my local area, I can walk to the venue! I'm in a town where the wonderful Motifs play regularly (make sure you see them on their upcoming European adventure) and where pop bands may just come creeping out of the woodwork. A town where record stores hold Laughing Apple 7"s to tempt me and shoe shops scream out for my cash for pretty brogues and boots. Sigh. There's been some hiccups, but it will smooth itself out.

Ah, Melbourne. My heart still lies firmly in Brisbane, but Melbourne, you can show me a good time for now.

new ISY!

2009-03-09T05:43:00.002+10:00

Yay, there's a new I Smiled Yesterday podcast to listen to over at Slumberland! Go go go go listen! I'll be listening to this as I fly to Sydney this morning for work - it'll make the hour and a half flight pass by all the more easily.

(Brief update: I am in the middle of relocating to Melbourne, and it's stressing me beyond belief. Expect erratic posting for the next wee while, then a whole lot of posting about how much fun my new city is. Argh!)

london popfest!

2009-02-25T21:11:00.004+10:00

More "if you are in London, make me exceptionally jealous" spambot posting from me. Two words: London Popfest. Go go go go go!

This Thursday night I'll no doubt be at home here in the outer suburbs of Brisbane, drinking tea and learning something scientific on the ABC. I know I'd much, much rather be here:

Nothing - read, nothing - could beat this show right about now. And all for a measly six quid!

As for Saturday? Well, find me at Toni + Guy having my hair done, but think of my spiritual pop apparition sinking pints and dancing away all day at Saturday's all-dayer, as headlined by the mighty Comet Gain.

Amazing, amazing posters. Not content with these two amazing shows, there's also Tender Trap on Friday night AND Julian Henry, Harvey Williams and Gregory Webster on Sunday. Incredible!

To the popfest organisers: many, many hand-claps and high fives for organising such a terrific festival. Have a great weekend, London popkids!

new from my old favourites: saint etienne + camera obscura

2009-02-24T20:44:00.004+10:00

It's always reassuring to know that, in amongst all these wonderful new bands, old favourites can still pull out gems to make one look back, smile, then look forward and smile even more. I tend to anticipate new songs by old favourites because they draw me back to old tracks I might not have listened to all that much, while also drawing forth new excitement at glossy new tunes to fawn over. Cases in point: Saint Etienne and Camera Obscura.

Saint Etienne have returned to shimmering disco form with "Method of Modern Love", which you can stream from their Myspace page. I'll admit, I haven't really listened to many Saint Etienne releases since 1998's Good Humour, and why they feel the need to release new best-of compilations when Too Young To Die serves as the most perfect artefact of their luminous early singles beguiles me. Anyway, I might have to revisit my views after this, because this song makes me want to don some lurex and glitter eyeshadow and swan my way across electro dancefloors everywhere. Not only does Sarah Cracknell remain one of the most beautiful women in modern music, but her gorgeous vocals never fail to sweep me away. As a 13-year-old suburban Queensland girl, I could but dream of looking as glamorous as Sarah in her long, sweeping fur coat in 'The Bad Photographer' film clip. Years later, I'm still envying her timeless disco glamour.

Not content to send my hazel eyes green, I also observed this on Saint Etienne's news page:

If you are in any of these cities, make me incredibly jealous and attend this show. Look, Lawrence is supporting, too! What, oh, what could be better than this? Nothing, nothing, nothing! It would be amazing to hear 'Carnt Sleep' and 'Nothing Can Stop Us' live. Sigh. Amazing.

Further north, Glasgow's divine Camera Obscura will release My Maudlin Career in April on their new label, 4AD. I wouldn't instantly associate Tracyanne Campbell's elegant, soul drenched pop with the classic 4AD sound of the Cocteau Twins and Lush, but I am sure her deft, gentle pop touch will glide Camera Obscura's sound in easily alongside this label's great dreamy sound history. You've no doubt heard the title track already, but if you haven't, stream it at their website and fall in love all over again. Sparkly and hazy with rich, rich vocals, it might not be as instantly gratifying as 'Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken', but boy, it's bound to etch its place in your consciousness after but a few listens. Again, I'd like to think I could be as sweetly sophisticated and beautiful as Tracyanne, but she is incomparable and untouchable, with an incredibly enviable dress collection. As it appears as though she is growing her hair longer, I might just have to bid my bob farewell and follow her long-locked lead.

lost and found: lostmusic gems

2009-02-23T21:27:00.003+10:00

If I lived in London, I'd no doubt attend every show those excellent fellows at Lostmusic host for we pop kids of the world. Alas, I'll wave my dampened hankie at all those brilliant shows at the Gramaphone and The Enterprise, and will instead tune my ears to some new releases straight from their London headquarters.

Straight outta Brooklyn, I'm giddily addicted to the lo-fi scratchings of Knight School and their debut LP The Poor and Needy Need To Party. Like the finest pop traditions schooled in punk - the Shop Assistants covering 'Ace of Spades', just about every Raincoats song you'll ever hear, Orange Juice's 'Moscow Olympics' - these songs dose rough recording, wiry guitars, echoed vocals and racing melodies in just the right quantities to produce instant classics that could easily slide into 1988, 1993 or 2009. 'Pregnant Again' is one of my favourite tracks of the year so far, while 'No One Likes Me No More' sounds just like a stray 14 Iced Bears track with American vocals. Stream the whole album over at last.fm and understand for yourself how something so simple can say more than over production ever could.

Meanwhile, The Wendy Darlings play riotous noisy scruff pop straight out of France. To these ears, they don't sound particularly "French", but who said everyone from France has to sound like Serge, Stereolab or Air? Not these three, that's for sure. I'm hooked on 'Bowling Shoes', with its shouty girl hooks and la la la's about a stupid boy, and I bet every other track on their seven-track EP We Come With Friendly Purposes will hook, line and sinker me too.

Buy both - and plenty, plenty more - over at the Lostmusic shop!

spinning and scratching: long division 20/02/09

2009-02-21T17:22:00.003+10:00

(Picture by SamB)

Well, last night's inaugural Long Division was a success! Despite the cheap and nasty CD decks, an inability to connect the turntable to the sound system and a midnight curfew, it was a terrific night and made me extremely happy to see people dancing and listening to all manner of fine tunes. I'll definitely be organising another one soon!

Here's what Cat and I played:

14 Iced Bears - Come Get Me
Super Furry Animals - Play It Cool
The Essex Green - The Late Great Cassiopia
Pants Yell! - Magenta and Green
Knight School - Pregnant Again

Urusei Yatsura - Superfi
The Ladybug Transistor - Meadow Port Arch
The Lodger - The Good Old Days
Saturday Looks Good To Me - Until The World Stops Spinning
Still Flyin' - Good Thing It's A Ghost Town Around Here

Heavenly - Nous Ne Sommes Pas Des Anges
France Gall - Baby Pop
Suburban Kids With Biblical Names - Rent a Wreck
The Legends - Make It All Right
The Brunettes - Jukebox

The Chills - Heavenly Pop Hit
Talulah Gosh - My Boy Says
The Magnetic Fields - Strange Powers
The 6ths - Falling Out Of Love (With You)
Pavement - Newark Wilder

Sleater-Kinney - Get Up
Beulah - If We Can Land A Man On The Moon, Then Surely I Can Win Your Heart
Tullycraft - Pop Songs Your New Boyfriend Is Too Stupid To Know About
The Apples In Stereo - Everybody Let Up
Me Me Me - Hanging Around

Lightning Seeds - Change
Velocette - Get Yourself Together
Shed 7 - Disco Down
Echobelly - King Of The Kerb
Teenage Fanclub - I Need Direction

Felt - Sunlight Bathed The Golden Glow
Souvenir - Au Bord Du Soleil
Anna Karina - Roller Girl
Lilys - A Nanny In Manhattan
Patrick Wolf - The Magic Position

The Zebras - Push Our Way To The Front
Tiger Trap - Words and Smiles
Darren Hanlon - Video Party Sleepover
The Lucksmiths - Untidy Towns
The Divine Comedy - Something For The Weekend

Suede - Metal Mickey
Ride - Vapour Trail
My Bloody Valentine - Paint A Rainbow
The Charlatans - The Only One I Know
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Everything With You

Pipas - Run Run Run
The Long Blondes - Giddy Stratospheres
Deerhoof - Milkman
Franz Ferdinand - No You Girls
The Radio Dept - Where Damage Isn't Already Done

The Kinks - Victoria
The Aislers Set - The Way To Market Station
Go Sailor - A Fine Day For Sailing
Maybellines - Bomb Pop
Shonen Knife - Daydream Believer

Broadcast - The Book Lovers
Belle & Sebastian - Lazy Line Painter Jane
Rocketship - I Love You Like The Way I Used To Do
Camera Obscura - Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken
The Beta Band - Needles In My Eyes

The Go-Betweens - Right Here
Sprites - Bionic Hands
Stereolab - Ping Pong
Salad - Drink The Elixir
Menswear - Daydreamer

Ocean Colour Scene - Hundred Mile High City
Mansun - Stripper Vicar
Hidden Cameras - Smells Like Happiness
Saint Etienne - You're In A Bad Way
Saint Etienne - Who Do You Think You Are

The Lucksmiths - Good Light
Pulp - Lipgloss
The Bluetones - Slight Return
Orange Juice - Blueboy
The Smiths - You Just Haven't Earned It Yet, Baby

The Aislers Set - Long Division
Blur - Chemical World

Long Division - it's tomorrow night!

2009-02-19T20:42:00.002+10:00

I've got a huge bag of CDs, some very fine vinyl, a super cute dress to wear - I'm set for tomorrow night's inaugural Long Division!

Gosh, so much shameless self-promoting going on here, I know, but I'm very excited about it! Here's a couple of tracks I will most likely spin tomorrow night...

1. Camera Obscura!

2. France Gall!

3. The Primitives!

And, oh, so much more! If you're in Brisbane, I hope you can make it along! If not, I will hope you're there in pop spirit.

the pains of being pure at heart - s/t

2009-02-16T20:48:00.003+10:00

It's less than a month and a half into 2009, and yet quite a few people have already had their socks knocked off by the debut album from The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. It's no secret how much I love this band, but I have realised I've not extolled my love of this record in great detail. As produced by the right royal Archie Moore (an aside: why don't people talk about The Saturday People anymore? That self titled record of theirs is brilliant!), it's a tight, fuzzy, noisy, catchy album full of guitars that make me dance and cry and darkly brilliant lyrics coated in hard toffee - sweet, but might just break your teeth.

My favourite tracks? Well, I love it all, but whenever I listen to it, I am always waiting in anticipation for track seven, "Everything With You", which ranks as one of the best pop singles in the last ten years. Honestly, as soon as the two minute mark clicks over and the most astronomical guitar solo hits, I disappear into the stars and whisk myself away into the most glorious pop heavenly bliss ever known. I am not exaggerating - those sort of guitar lines make me go crazy. It's one of those songs that, if I ever get to hear it on a dancefloor, it will turn it into a perfect, perfect night.

The one-two hits well and truly with "A Teenager In Love", all softly optimistic in tune but awfully, awfully dark in lyric, seemingly about someone who took their own life. There lyrics are incredibly dark - something I never quite grasped in all this listening, but it's this darkness that really provides a contrast to the beautiful, uplifting noisy pop. In thinking about this, a lot of great noisy pop has a dark undercurrent - I but think of The Painted Word-era Television Personalities and the lyrics on tracks like "Happy All The Time". Perhaps that's the contrast required - pop allows us to swallow the difficulties and awful truths of life in a way that helps to ease our troubles.

Anyway, I love the entire album - "Contender" starts the album off slowly, and over the course of the ten tracks, it builds and builds before closing with the Jesus & Mary Chain-esque "Gentle Sons". It's special, timeless and an album I am going to treasure and preach about quite a bit this year.

If you're in Australia, buy yourself a copy at Lost & Lonesome.

similarities

2009-02-14T14:33:00.004+10:00

I've spent my Saturday cleaning and sorting through piles of CDs I need to find homes for - very exciting indeed. Whilst venturing through a shoebox full of old CDs, I noticed a certain similarity...

Art of Fighting - Wires (Trifekta, 2001)

Vivian Girls - Vivian Girls (In The Red, 2008)

The cityscape artwork is where the similarities end - the Vivian Girls' noisy punky girl pop is a fair distance away from the dreamy, sublime and understated beauty of Art of Fighting's first album. It appears as though Melbourne's Art of Fighting are still around, but I don't think they will ever be able to recapture how wonderful they were truly were upon Wires's release in 2001.

on a serious note...

2009-02-10T21:11:00.002+10:00

You may have heard in the news about all the horrific bushfires that have been taking place in Victoria, in southern Australia. So far, more than 180 people have been confirmed dead, and thousands of people have lost their homes. Picturesque villages where people once made their livelihoods have been razed to the ground by terrifying infernos, travelling too fast for those desperate to escape to make their way through to safety.

It's awful thinking about what's gone on, and I feel so fortunate to have never experienced nature of that ferocity or intensity. The least I could do was donate some money to the Australian Red Cross to assist the relief effort, and I would like to encourage you to do the same. It's heartbreaking, and I feel it is our duty to do whatever it takes to support others at times like this. Even if it is just a small contribution, it will go some way to helping those who have lost everything - not just possessions, but the lives of friends and family.

WeePOP! happenings

2009-02-10T20:40:00.003+10:00

So what's new over at WeePOP!? Don't let that lovely daydreaming cat on the front page of their website deceive you - Camila and Thor have been busy preparing some new February releases to send right to your letterbox!

It's nearing Valentine's Day, and if you're wondering what to buy your sweetheart (or perhaps yourself, if you're like me), fear not, because Scotland's The Just Joans have delivered Love and other hideous accidents. Perfect V-Day sentiment, surely! With track titles such as 'Let's Not Keep In Touch' and 'I Won't Survive', it's bound to set an appropriate "bah humbug!" tone for the non-romantics out there. On second thoughts, it might not be such a good idea to buy this one for your sweetheart.

Perhaps your loved one is into sustainability and carbon neutrality? Those charming Mexican Kids at Home have you sorted, with Recycled Songs for a Happy Environment. Surely that delightful windmill on the artwork accounts for the carbon emissions from your airmail! Their cute keyboards, makeshift drums and sweet songs about deers and swans will make you want to whisk your boy or girl down to the nearest stream and sail away your weekday troubles.

But then, maybe you're like me and you just want to treat yourself to all manner of gifts and new listening delights, in which case WeePOP! can offer you the adorable Wee-Pop-Up compilation, Starting Anew, and releases from The Lorimer Sound, The Felt Tips, Little My and more. These 3" CD packages are lovingly crafted, individually numbered and adorable to boot - you can't ask for much more out of a record label. I'm off to place my order now!

live! still flyin' + laneway + primal scream

2009-02-09T19:33:00.005+10:00

As mentioned at 5.45am this morning, I have been ridiculously busy of late and, thus, had nary had time to pen some digital words. Part of my hectic schedule, however, has been squeezing in some amazing shows by some of my favourite ever bands. Lucky indeed!

1. Still Flyin' @ The Troubadour, Brisbane - Friday 30 January
One of my favourite weekends from last year involved seeing the world's best good time party band, Still Flyin', play poolside in Brisbane followed by some extra shows for maximum dance value. Once again, they returned to our shores, minus a few international guests but introducing a few new visitors, to play the Laneway festival, but also managed to slot in a Friday night spot at Brisbane's favourite loungeroom.

In support, we were treated to sets by Monnone Alone (Mark from The Lucksmiths on guitar and Stanley Paulsen, aka Fred Astereo on drums, playing fun DIY garage pop songs) and Greg Brady and The Anchors (sounding wonderfully warm and polished, like how Brisbane pop sounded in the 1990s and how it should ideally sound via a new generation today, but doesn't). Once Still Flyin' hit the stage, though, the dancefloor of four pulled out some fine, sweaty dancemoves to the best hammjamm in town. The other shy shoe shufflers? You missed out. Busting out jamms from "Never Gonna Touch The Ground", their ska-etched horns, disco basslines and group chants spelt F-U-N like fun never existed. Too much fun, too much fun - it was impossible to wipe the smile off the crowd's collective face after the show.

2. Laneway Festival @ RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane - Saturday 31 January
With a new venue (space! shade! decent bathroom facilities!) and a fairly spectacular line up, I tolerated hot and sticky conditions for a wonderful festival right in my own city. Still Flyin' hit the stage early, heavy and hungover from the previous night's festivities, but still ripped out a fine set to kickstart the day.

Later on, wandering around, I took in bits and pieces of Spiral Stairs (playing the hits for all the Pavement fans craving a reunion), Born Ruffians (Vampire Weekend rip-offs, anyone?) and No Age (who will most likely spawn a whole new cast of Brisbane duos pounding out DIY garage like every other two bit noise band round town), and also observed a veritable array of awful, awful tattoos.

However, I was far too excited about the prospect of seeing Stereolab for the first time to give much regard to these other young bands. Stereolab! A band who haven't toured Australia since 2002, and who were visiting the same state the dearly departed Mary Hansen once hailed from. With great anticipation, they came on as the sun set and played something of a greatest hits, much to my disbelief. Hearing 'Lo Boob Oscillator', 'French Disko', 'Ping Pong' and 'Cybele's Reverie' live within a 45 minute space was astounding, truly magical. Has a live band ever made you feel like you've transcended into the clouds, without any chemical assistance? Laetetia Sadier's beautiful French nonchalance, coupled with Tim Gane's indie boy head nodding and the adorable new French keyboardist, Julien Gasc, was sweeter than honeycomb and softer than fairy floss. I left feeling like I never wanted to see any other band again.

Later on, I accosted the adorable keyboardist and he brought me water from backstage. Lovely!

Clearly, little could live up to Stereolab - The Hold Steady were as solid and masculine as ever, while Girl Talk elicited cheap girls on stage whilst his email-checking-laptop mash-ups sent most of the kids into a frenzy. I didn't understand it. Oh well. I had Stereolab and Still Flyin' to treasure, at least.

3. Primal Scream @ The Tivoli - Thursday 5 February
With next to no familiar faces around, I saw Primal Scream on my own. I am certain I am not the only girl to have an unspeakably large crush on Bobby Gillespie, and seeing him appear on stage, all mop-topped like a member of The Creation, wearing a slim cut suit and leopard-print shirt, was like an apparition of beauty blinding my vision. He, with his five other smartly-attired bandmates (including Martin Duffy from Felt!! and Mani!), took a moment just to show the young bands of today how it's really done - how to blast rock and roll without overt swagger, how to blast electro without layers of fluoro, and how to do ice like it's the Teutonic ice age apocalypse.

Highlights? 'Movin' On Up' was like gospel, 'Swastika Eyes' like incredibly loud militant wailing, and new tracks such as 'Can't Go Back' like a speeding car through a midnight tunnel. Oh yeah, and 'Rocks', but I'm a bit give-or-take on that one. Of course, no 'Ivy Ivy Ivy' or 'Crystal Crescent', but that was to be expected. Bobby G has my heart anyday.

pains of excitement

2009-02-09T05:45:00.006+10:00

Hello, I've been stupidly busy lately and need to update BADLY, but what can I say? My non-pop-crazy friends are listening to The Pains of Being Pure at Heart as a result of deservedly glowing reviews - this is the start of something big!

Rocketship revival next? I sure hope so! If you are in Brisbane, come dance as I play "Kisses Are Always Promises" in a fortnight's time at my inaugural club night, Long Division. Yay!

My blurb from Facebook:

Come to the inaugural LONG DIVISION at the Alibi Room for the best (and only) indie pop dance party in Brisbane!

Pull shapes with DJs Cat and Alex as we play indiepop, twee, C86, ye-ye, mod, britpop and more.

Send us your requests beforehand and we'll do our best to drop your favourite tunes.

Momus - Man of Letters

2009-01-25T22:37:00.002+10:00

Earlier today I watched the Cherry Red released documentary, Momus: Man of Letters. Prior to watching this, I knew a few Momus songs but far more about his reputation as an oddball Scottish intellectual pop star with a penchant for a tartan eye patch. After watching this documentary, I'm not quite sure what to make of him.

Made in 1993 by Hannu Puttonen, it delves into cult of Momus to understand who, what and why he is what he is and does what he does. Cameos from Jarvis Cocker, Sarah Cracknell, Ed Ball and Simon Fisher Turner feature, and the doco entwines Momus film clips with commentary and dialogue on how words can be so confusing.

What I struggled with, though, is Momus's unending emphasis on sex in all forms, from the playful to the perverse. While I haven't listened to his albums in depth, I'm not sure if I can now - from what I can gather, he writes - nay, intellectualises - sex in all his lyrics. It is as though he can only write about what these deep feelings are, rather than actually feel them meaningfully for himself. In fact, in his discussions about falling in love with a 16-year-old Muslim girl and wanting to marry her, he came across more as a sex-crazed teenage virgin who is consumed by the longing for sex, yet is entirely scared by the prospect of the act itself. I couldn't understand it.

Listening to the music, too, I suspect he has chosen pop music as his medium for sharing his wisdom with the world. At times, it would appear spoken word may have been enough, especially in light of how dated many of his songs now sound. Please, never mention the word "folktronica" to me again.

Nonetheless, I am still intrigued. He is highly, highly intellectual - so much so it scares me somewhat - and I have much to learn from such people. However, can I truly appreciate his writing and music knowing that, deep down, he is so deeply perverse? It's challenging - somewhat sickening, too. A strange, strange man.

the metric mile

2009-01-24T16:41:00.003+10:00

The Metric Mile are Patrick Smith (keyboards and blips) and Jeff Ciprioni (guitar and vocals), hailing from the coolest place in the world right now, Brooklyn. Honestly, does this place have the highest per capita population of cool musicians in the world right now? Jeff used to play in another wonderful band, My Teenage Stride, and The Metric Mile previously featured the talents of Peggy from The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. That's pedigree!

Their single, "In Praise of Ski Jumpers", released on their own Kingsland Territories imprint, is an excursion into Field Mice dream pop, backed by drum beats that recalls the best of New Order. It's dreamy and danceable at once - not quite shoegaze, not quite electronic, but with the best elements of both in one. I'd be happy to play the A-side over and over, if the B-side "Codebreakers" wasn't similarly winsome.

Best of all, buy yourself the hard copy of the single (from here) and receive digital versions of the tracks for free! Not quite steak knives, but I'd like to think it's an even better deal.

Download "In Praise of Ski Jumpers"!

Sneaky Feelings

2009-01-20T20:51:00.002+10:00

The Sneaky Feelings were one of the classic Dunedin bands Flying Nun introduced to the world back in the 1980s. With an ear for clean pop hooks and romantically poetic lyrics that so defined similar New Zealand bands during this period, it's hard to understand why they have not achieved the mythical reputation of such other Flying Nun bands as The Bats and The Verlaines in later years. A while ago, Chris wrote a terrific piece about listening to their first album Send You for the first time in months. As a new listener to the Sneaky Feelings, I can understand why you would need to come back to these songs.

By way of introduction, I picked up Positively George Street, a retrospective of their three albums and various singles. It's interesting to hear the different styles of each of the four members, all of whom write and sing various songs. From the dark organ sounds on Matthew Bannister's "Hard Love", to the speedy rush of David Pine's "Trouble With Kay" and Martin Durrant's fine, jangly "Coming True", it showcases how different styles can all unite to produce wonderfully different, yet strikingly cohesive pop.

In fact, upon hearing "Coming True" for the first time yesterday, I was instantly caught up in its sunny optimism and sincerity. If I'd not been told this was a Flying Nun track from 1987, I'd have almost assumed it was something released on Labrador in 2003. A beautiful example of timeless pop that I'm sure many bands but wish they could build for themselves.

Download "Coming True"

2008 tweenet poll

2009-01-19T21:35:00.002+10:00

So the 2008 TweeNet poll results are out, and, not surprisingly, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart swept almost every category. Deservedly so! I think I awarded many of my votes to them. However, I want to send lots of hugs and kisses to the two people who voted for this little blog in the "best blog about indiepop" category. Yay! I didn't even have to vote for myself!

The poll is great, by the way - make sure you give all the bands a big listen and visit all the excellent indiepop blogs that made their way onto the list.

melbourne pt. 2: all those damn records

2009-01-19T20:43:00.006+10:00

Following on from yesterday's commentary on Friday night's pop show, here's where I now crap on about how many records I bought. I just can't help it - I love buying records and I love then writing all about them as they play in the background. Delight!

I didn't have very much time to trawl through lots of record stores, as much as I would have loved to. Hence, I only came away with new albums for the most part.

I really wish I'd managed to garner myself a first pressing of the Vivian Girls album, but this shiny In The Red copy will serve me very well. The t-shirt that came in the summer fun pack is also a winner, I must add, as is the single, with its Beach Boys cover and all round summer vibe. Meanwhile, I absolutely could not resist buying the two Frida Hyvönen albums on vinyl - I fall in love more and more with each listen. The first album, Until Death Comes, isn't quite as captivating as Silence Is Wild (then again, little is), but it's still full of beautiful, elegant songs that whisk me away to a truly serene place. I love her, I really really do.

I did, however, make friends with quite a few singles at Collectors Corner.

Top row: Honeybunch - "Walking Into Walls"; The Springfields - "Wonder/Tomorrow Ends Today"; My Life Story - "12 Reasons Why".
Bottom row: The Crayon Fields - "Mirror Ball"; Pitchblende/Swirlies split; Wimp Factor 14 - "Train Song"

I love love love the Honeybunch single and want to hunt down more of their songs! The Crayon Fields single is excellent - I highly recommend you secure yourself a copy, or if you'd like me to hunt one down for you, I'd be more than happy too. It's thanks to Brogues that I even picked up a copy for myself! And as for My Life Story? Well, I am a bit of a Britpop tragic, after all...

Sadly, I had to leave some excellent singles behind - both Laughing Apple 7"s, plus some Po! flexis and a couple of Brilliant Corners releases. Oh, if only.

And here's some CDs I finally picked up for myself: The Sneaky Feelings - "Positively George Street" (highly recommended!); Young Marble Giants - "Colossal Youth" 3CD reissue; Jeremy Jay - "A Place Where We Could Go"; The Hidden Cameras - "The Smell of Our Own" (I never realised what was actually on the cover until today - eek!); The 6ths - "Wasps' Nests". I love love love all of these!

Oh, so much to listen to! So much fun! And, oh, so much I had to leave behind, too.

Of course, being a typical girly girl, I bought clothes and shoes and such - a beautiful Built By Wendy dress, plus a pair of crazy German shoes by Trippen that come with a two page instruction manual on how to care for them. I love these shoes so much.

Now, I suppose, it's back to reality, but with so many more excellent tracks to listen to, I feel like I can still be on holidays. A weekend in Melbourne? More than recommended.

melbourne pt. 1: friday night pop show!

2009-01-18T21:17:00.008+10:00

Has 2009 been a good year for you so far? It's been a truly fantastic year for me - apart from one awful boy incident (which was made better by a bottle of pinot noir, lots of Long Blondes and a night of dancing last weekend), January has been having an absolute blast.

I've just returned from a weekend in Melbourne, and I am falling more in love with the city with each visit. I'll divide my weekend into two posts - the one to follow will detail all my record acquisitions, but for now all I want to write about is how much fun I had at a proper pop show on Friday night at the Birmingham Hotel, featuring Summer Cats, most of The Deidres, The Motifs and Audiobooks.

For their first show, Audiobooks made a cracking start. It didn't matter to the audience that Greg said he forgot the lyrics - all those great melodies and debut nerves added to the appeal of the set. If you like The Zebras, you should definitely enjoy the couple of songs they have on their myspace page! (I'll also admit an element of bias because all the members were formerly from Brisbane.)

Like most everyone else, I can't help but smile and feel beyond happy when I hear The Motifs, with their cute keyboards and simple melodies. It's so delightful to see these songs live because they warm me up, make me tap my feet and make me wish I could write songs with a keyboard and handclaps.

(My Motifs pictures came out blurry because I was trying a fancy different setting on my camera. I think I will just stick to standard old settings, the photography novice I am.)

Three of The Deidres have been enjoying the Australian summer, and they played a wee set with an honorary member, calling themselves Can You Say Nincompoop? I'll admit, I've not really listened to The Deidres very much, despite a million and one recommendations, but they sure played a fun set reminiscent of being around a campfire, with their feathers in their hair and ponchos recalling secret Indian charades. They even had a fake trumpet!

I loved how they sang along out of their songbooks, improvised with instruments (xylophones, kazoos, the aforementioned fake trumpet) and had a few of us singing along to "Milk Is Politics" in no time - luckily I was standing next to a newfound friend, Andy, who had the 7" at the ready to teach me the words.

As for Summer Cats? Early on in the evening, they kept warning me about how rubbish they were live and how I'd be disappointed, blah blah - all that self-deprecating rubbish I know all about. But were they? Of course not! They were brilliant! Singing Scott kept making exceptionally drunken banter (including a few regular choice words!) which brought the humour levels up, but then pulled out perfect vocals. I helped to start up a dancefloor, which surely is a necessity at a Summer Cats show - how can you stand still when songs like "Lonely Planet" and "Wild Rice" are playing? You can't!

Reverb + new songs + old hits + lots of dancing = winning Summer Cats set. If I lived down south, I'd be at every show, hands down. Oh, and I mustn't forget their cover of The Left Banke's "She May Call You Up Tonight" - brilliant!!

After the show, I had a bit of a dance to some classic Flying Nun (Look Blue Go Purple and The Clean) in between LOTS of space rock jamz. Overall, an exceptionally fun night, and one I wish I had the chance to experience far more often. Who knows - my wishes may soon come to fruition.

Expect part two tomorrow night!

ipso facto

2009-01-11T20:02:00.004+10:00

Ipso Facto are four monochromatic ladies from London making deliciously rich and menacing tunes to haunt your subconscious. Majorette drumming and brooding bass provide a suitably dark backdrop for Rosalie Cunningham's beautiful, melodramatic vocals, dripping with red wine and cherries. It's enchanting and intoxicating, and I don't want to be led out of this mysterious forest.

Their "Six and Three Quarters" single, on pure white vinyl, has had more than a number of spins on this monochrome lover's turntable. Listening to those baroque organs chase me around, it makes sense why the single was released through Mute Records - after all, it's the label that effectively defined cold, clinical menace with "Warm Leatherette" back in '78. Ipso Facto make me giddy with their allure - I am enjoying being drawn right into their cult of darkness.

(Image from Design Scene)

Plan B

2009-01-07T21:37:00.002+10:00

If you do but one thing with your day today, I recommend you toddle down to your local newsagent/bookstore/record store/magazine vendor and pick up a copy of this month's Plan B. Not only is it always a terrific read, but the January issue features a piece about everyone's favourite noisy pop wunderkinds, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, written by yours truly! It is very exciting to be published, made even better by being able to write about one of my favourite bands in the world right now.

If you don't feel like throwing on pants today, you can always order yourself a copy here.

happy new year!

2009-01-06T20:34:00.003+10:00

Happy 2009 to everyone! I hope your start to the new year has been relaxing and exciting all at the same time. A brief update on where I've been to start the new year before embracing another year of writing on all good things indiepop.

I spent the last ten days or so embarking on a 4300km road trip with my dear pal Sam that took me from my home in Brisbane, down to Sydney and Melbourne, then to the south coast of Victoria to Lorne for the annual Falls Festival. On a map, it looks a bit like this:

The festival was similar to Glastonbury - three days of camping on a secluded property with lots of popular indie bands there to entertain thousands of people spending money on overpriced beers. It was good fun, though - perhaps not a festival I'd need to visit again, but an experience nonetheless.

And the bands? Pitchfork favourites Fleet Foxes played the first day, and while the songs are quite pretty when I hear them on the radio, they came across as a second rate Wilco live. Late of the Pier played late on the first night - they were fun, but I'm just not sold on their silly electro antics. They have ridiculous lyrics and come across as entirely East London - fun, yes, but maybe not altogether lasting.

Darren Hanlon played on the second day, and it sure was charming to see him again. While I haven't really listened to his records in a long time, his live shows are magical, largely because he attracts such a dedicated and diverse audience. Everyone just wants to sing along! He had a band with him, too, and I much prefer when he plays with support than when he's strumming on his banjo or ukelele on his own.

Also on the second day, hip and sweet young things Soko and Lykke Li played - Soko polarised people like no other, while Lykke Li charmed everyone with her Vampire Weekend cover. Not sure if either artist will be around in three years from now - only time will tell, I suppose.

The final day - New Years Eve - brought some band highlights. For a couple of months, I have been secretly harbouring a crush on the Mystery Jets album 21, which I've not revealed in my posts. It's creative, it makes me dance and the songs make me want to sing out loud in the most inappropriate of places. Anyway, they played in the afternoon and I danced and sang along and enjoyed myself for their 45 minute set, wishing I could go and talk shop with them afterwards. Of course, it didn't happen and their sparkly jackets disappeared off into the chilly festival afternoon, not to be witnessed by my wee eyes again.

As the clock struck midnight and we gathered around after far, far too many bad premixed drinks, the likely Scottish lads from Franz Ferdinand graced the stage, and it's hard to think of a better party band to play into the New Year. I've not ever been a huge Franz fan, but I like them enough to get up and dance and sing along. Besides, there is no denying Alex Kapranos is a mega spunk of the highest order. Singing and dancing around with a bunch of strangers while the temperature hits 7 degrees at midnight, it sure was a top way to bring in the new year.

And so for 2009? I am hoping I can hear as many pop tunes as I can that will take my breath away, tap my feet subconsiously and make me want to shout out to everyone. I want to see more pop, buy more records and meet more like minds who want to tell me about their silly pop songs! Good resolutions? You bet!

christmas just came early...

2008-12-24T08:43:00.002+10:00

I just booked cheap flights to Melbourne for this - January looks set to be a cracking month!

100th post! best of 2008!

2008-12-22T20:06:00.002+10:00

Who would have thought that, out of all the months of the year, December would be the busiest? It's been utterly nuts this month! Thankfully, I am on Christmas holidays at last, which means lots of sleeping in, gift giving, and a big road trip down south for New Years Eve. Lots to look forward to!

There's also lots to look back upon in 2008. It's only fitting that my 100th post marks just about the end of a brilliant year for music, and a fun year for writing about my favourite pop songs. At the beginning of the year, I made a resolution to listen to as much new music as I could, because over the past couple of years I had been neglecting and missing out on an awful lot of brilliant new bands. Since then, I've astounded myself discovering bands who are making some of the most glorious music around - 2008 has been a great year for pop music. For some recommendations, I'd suggest you visit Brogues for his Monorail year end list, and Unpopular for the 2008 Advent calendar.

For me, though? I'd say The Pains of Being Pure at Heart stole my very heart more than any other band this year, and I can guarantee their debut album will be on very high rotation across many record players in quarter one, 2009. Seeing The Long Blondes in Munich back in May was one of the best spontaneous trips I've ever made, and I only wish I snuck a glimpse of The Lodger as their support band, because "The Good Old Days" ranks as one of my favourite songs of the year.

Sure, I know I'm echoing what everyone else is saying, but the rise of Slumberland like a phoenix from the flames has been a godsend to all, and all those winning podcasts will make a discerning listener of me in no time (a more than honourable mention here to the boys from I Smiled Yesterday, who made me smile and dance and run faster at the gym on more than one occasion).

I could keep on going here - Je Suis Animal, Slow Down Tallahassee, Cause Co-Motion!, Crystal Stilts, Guy Blackman, Summer Cats... it's been a terrific year, and I really can't wait to see what 2009 offers up.

By the way, that Frida Hyvonen album? It is utterly amazing. Like, more than I can possibly describe. Like the dark horse coming from the back of the pack, it couls well be the best album of 2008. It is that good.

Anyway, I wanted to offer you a special Christmas treat of my favourite seasonal songs, but it's taking a little longer than normal for me to compile. I will try to have it up in the next day or so! In the meantime, however, you can enjoy some festive plum pudding, musical style, with super downloads over at both Skatterbrain! and Hey Hey Honeypop!. I'll pour myself some egg nog and we can all enjoy the Christmas cheer together.

frida hyvönen

2008-12-08T22:08:00.003+10:00

After recommendations from both Too Much Apple Pie and Everett True, I decided to listen to Frida Hyvönen. Now I feel like I owe eternal gratitude for introducing me, like a blind date. Because songs like "Dirty Dancing" only come along on those rare occasions, like tiny flecks of gold in the ashes of coal that certain days at work feel like. Because those soaring "aaah, aah-aaahs" would not - still cannot - leave my mind, and all I want to do is play the song over and over again, with the occasional Ronettes song thrown in between plays. Because I don't expect a song to creep up so unassumingly yet consume me so quickly. In short: I LOVE THIS SONG.

I have just bought her album, Silence Is Wild, with its incredible photograph on the cover - her promo photos for this album carry me away as much as her music does. I am sure I will become equally as enamoured with an album's worth of beautiful stories as I am with track one.

Buy Silence Is Wild from Chapter Music.

bionic hands

2008-12-06T10:53:00.002+10:00

The latest from the Long Blondes camp - guitarist, mixtape maestro and all round killer cat Dorian Cox has been receiving treatment using a "revolutionary mechanical glove" to regain use of his right hand again. Isn't science great?

Read more here and here.

Thankfully, we have Sprites in the world, who understand not just about poor blogging, but about the marvels of technology too.

Sprites - Bionic Hands

Buy Sprites' Modern Gameplay here!
Buy Long Blondes records (and lots of them!!) here!

things that are great

2008-12-02T20:42:00.003+10:00

1. Crystal Stilts - "Alight of Night"
This album arrived in the mail last week with my big order from Slumberland Records, and I'm well sold on it. I gave it a couple of listens in the car yesterday and the really heavy production sound won me over. I even scribbled down some notes whilst stuck in traffic/waiting at red lights/driving along the Inner City Bypass:

- Track 2, "Crystal Stilts", has this great great organ line that hits about halfway through the track, right out of nowhere. It's fantastic.

- Track 3, "Graveyard Orbit" - perfect title for this song. It's droney and reminds me of The Velvet Underground's "Black Angel's Death Song". In fact, I read a bit about Crystal Stilts today on the Slumberland page, and I could hear all the references in their songs - apart from VU, there's 13th Floor Elevators, Jesus & Mary Chain and Meat Whiplash all mixed in.

I think I had to drive properly after this point, but suffice to say, I am enjoying the rest of the album a great deal, and it's an album I'll be recommending to a wide range of music fans. I think it has very broad appeal.

2. The new Slumberland podcast
It's called "So Hard To Beat", and you can download it here. I listened to this on the way to work this morning, and it's very catchy. Slumberland podcasts can do no wrong, in my opinion. Favourite tracks? The Scientists' "Frantic Romantic" (although I am more of a "Shake Together" fan), the brilliant Sneaky Feelings track (will definitely have to hunt down their records now), and The Jasmine Minks song, which sounds a million times better than any other Jasmine Minks track I've ever heard.

3. The Pains of Being Pure At Heart's "Everything With You" video
Now this is what cool cats look like! Love love love!

4. Britpop revivals
Comes around every couple of months for me. Right now I am reviving Sleeper, Mansun and Rialto. Not sure if I should be admitting this, but I am thoroughly enjoying the experience.

And things that aren't so great? Having to facilitate a seven-hour long supplier meeting at work today. My brain is completely fried!

comet gain - 'love without lies'

2008-12-01T19:36:00.006+10:00

I read about the new Comet Gain film clip for their song "Love Without Lies" over at Heaven Is Above Your Head, then proceeded to watch the film clip here. I really thought some valid points were made - the song sure is an absolute cracker and the film clip is a lot of fun, but, I don't know, it does look very cool. Just read what Kris has to say about it - he explains it far better than I can.

One thing that really irks me about the clip is how everyone smokes in it. C'mon, is it really necessary to try to glamorise smoking like that? I don't get it. Maybe I'm just not cool. Perhaps I'll just buy myself a copy of the 7" over at Comet Gain's myspace and practice my dance moves at home.

nodzzz

2008-11-30T20:59:00.003+10:00

I think San Francisco's Nodzzz rate as my favourite garage band of the moment. Of course, they can never really rival Billy Childish, whose fecundity in pumping out garage hits can never, ever be beaten, but they are giving him a good run for his money with their self-titled 12" on What's Your Rupture?. Can I just say that WYR? are killing it at the moment - what with the new Love Is All album as well as all those brilliant Cause Co-Motion singles they released, they'll no doubt send me broke in no time.

Anyway, Nodzzz are three San Franciscan boys making noisy garage songs slapped straight onto the 4-track like every day was Saturday afternoon out in the back room, drinking beers and jamming songs. As a big karaoke fan, I particularly like "Controlled Karaoke", but I'm also partial to a bit of "Losing My Accent". There's the power pop, Byrds-esque jangle in there but enough shaky drumming and imperfect guitar lines in there to ensure it maintains a certain shambolic charm. After all, aren't the best looks and sounds those that are a bit scruffed up?

Pick up the Nodzzz LP from What's Your Rupture? here! Hey, who needs to eat when you can buy records instead?

lloyd & michael, woelv, jeremy jay...

2008-11-29T15:24:00.002+10:00

I've had another exceptionally busy week, but it's always rewarding when it involves seeing wonderful bands that take your breath away, make you dance and wish that everyone loved the sounds as much as you do.

Last Saturday I flew down to Melbourne and was lucky enough to see Lloyd & Michael and Woelv play at the Triple R studios. I say lucky because I'd intended to see them in Brisbane last Thursday, but ended up being exceptionally ill that evening. Lloyd & Michael are Katy Davidson (aka Dear Nora) and M. Richey, playing cute songs on guitar and recorder. Totally winsome and very charming! Woelv, meanwhile, blew me away again, with her self-recorded loops - she is amazing amazing amazing to see live - watching her build a song up layer by layer is phenomenal.

(Note: I'd have taken pictures but I forgot to - argh! They were all super cute though!)

Last Wednesday, having flown in that morning, I made an effort to go to The Troubadour in Brisbane to see Jeremy Jay, straight from Los Angeles. Despite the rain, a small but select crowd turned out on a weeknight for the type of show I'd love to go to each week. The Legend! did a capella versions of Young Marble Giants, Zombies and Television Personalities, stripping everything right back and enchanting all 15 of us who'd made it there early. I feel so lucky to be able to see him in my own town, because I haven't seen anybody else in the world game enough to do half of what he does.

The Bell Divers played as tight a set as I'd seen, and they continue to sound better and better each time. Make sure you listen to their album because it is really good, and they deserve to be far more adored! Meanwhile, seeing Guy Blackman again, this time with a drummer and Adele Pickvance (who played in the Go-Betweens and now plays with Robert Forster) on bass, impressed me far more than the Powerhouse show a few months ago. In fact, I really like his songs, and seeing them live again just brought to life all those interesting lyrics - sometimes dark, sometimes wry, but always very thought provoking.

I hadn't heard Jeremy Jay until Wednesday night - he appeared on stage looking like Robert Forster circa Send Me A Lullaby and produced this hollow surf guitar sound that made me feel like I was on a deserted beach at dusk, watching the sun set as the waves crashed around me. The songs? Fantastic - the type that seep into your consciousness really slowly but then never want to escape. Everyone was charmed by his lanky stage presence, his insouciance, his way of charming all 50 of us who warmed to him in no time. I bought his 2008 demos CD, which should suit this humid weather perfectly.

el records

2008-11-29T15:14:00.002+10:00

I just read a terrific article on The Guardian website about the legendary El Records - have a read here. Up until just over 12 months ago, I didn't really know much at all about El at all - in fact, I didn't know it at all. But, thanks to a mixtape I received last year positively brimming with brilliant El artists I'd not heard before - Would-Be-Goods, Momus, Bad Dream Fancy Dress - I've been converted ever since. Like the article says, I love its inherent Britishness - being quite the Anglophile, it has this mystery and charm about it that runs through all the music.

I could easily drop hundreds of dollars buying up the El back catalogue, along with a million other gems over at Cherry Red. I restrained myself today, however, and came away with just a Momus DVD and the Shop Assistants' "Will Anything Happen?" reissue CD. The Mo-Dettes reissue was very tempting, as was the Adorable best-of - sigh, perhaps next time.

sexy kids

2008-11-21T21:19:00.002+10:00

So it seems like the most discussed band in indie pop circles this week has been Glasgow's Sexy Kids, and for good reason - "Sisters are Forever" is one of those tracks that has snuck into my consciousness and doesn't want to remove itself. It's so simple, and says it all in less than three minutes - those crashing hi-hats, those hollow guitars and oh boy, those vocals. Earlier tonight I pulled out The Royal We album, and it's the perfect progression on from where this sadly short-lived band ended off.

I'm waiting in anticipation for the "Sisters are Forever" 7" to arrive from Slumberland, but in the meantime make it your friend by downloading the MP3 here.

The Singing Bush - Do What He Says (Richard, Richard)

2008-11-18T21:22:00.003+10:00

Oh, Skatterbrain Matt delivers once again - I'm going to spend the rest of the night watching Munch videos on youtube. And, by jove, you should too! Please enjoy The Singing Bush's "Do What He Says (Richard, Richard)", because I'm going to dance around my room in pop bliss watching this again and again and again:

The Singing Bush was a side project for Mary Wyer from Even As We Speak / Her Name In Lights. This particular song is about long-time Triple J DJ Richard Kingsmill and can be found on the fantastic Indie Aid Abroad: A Little Help for East Timor compilation, which came out many years ago on Library Records. Love love love!

brisbane is as brisbane is: cut off your hands & ninetynine

2008-11-18T20:05:00.004+10:00

I managed to have my faith in Brisbane nightlife completely crushed then somewhat restored in the space of two days. Most would be aware my relationship with this city teeters on the side of utter disdain most of the time anyway, but oh boy, Saturday night did little to inspire me with confidence in Brisbane's future potential.

I made the mistake of venturing out to see New Zealand's Cut Off Your Hands. I should have known better - they're NME it-kids at the moment, and their songs are all over the radio. They have a couple of catchy songs, they played a show in New York with The Pains of Being Pure at Heart recently, and Bernard Butler produced their debut album. It was enough to pique my interest - that, and I felt like doing something, anything on Saturday night.

Big mistake. The music was tepid, uninspired anthemic indie-by-numbers, with nary an ounce of spark or magic to liven up the stage, and they played their radio hit single first up. I feel sorry for Bernard Butler at this point. The crowd was awful - I nearly fought a guy with three rats tails after his tall friend stood in front of little Ariadne and didn't want to budge, and the rest of the pack were just swarming faux-fashion hipsterettes. Urgh.

On the flipside, Sunday night presented an opportunity to see the wee Laura Macfarlane enchant the small Rics crowd with her delightful band, Ninetynine. With their amazing Casio lines and a drummer who plays like Animal from the Muppets, I was fixed from the first note.

Laura's voice soared above the sometimes krautrock rhythms, equally haunting, tribal, noisy and catchy. My highlight, however, was watching her play the marimbas - I'm awfully impressed when I see people play them. How can one be so co-ordinated to hit those keys at the same time and sing as well?

In support of Ninetynine were Brisbane's Do The Robot, and I think I'd like to see them again sometime soon. They've been compared to Life Without Buildings on occasion, but I detect a healthy shoegaze influence in there, too. Have a listen to the track "Six Dreams Counting" on their myspace page - the glasgow school, anyone? Splendid stuff!

swedish pop love: cloetta paris

2008-11-05T21:24:00.005+10:00

Swedish pop really is the best, don't you think? I've held this opinion for quite a few years now, and I'm still astounded at how often a country of eight million unbelievably attractive people can produce so much brilliant pop music. I've been playing some old Swedish favourites recently. On the train yesterday, I listened to Sambassadeur for the first time in a while, and floated away with the majesty of "Between The Lines" and "Ice and Snow" once more. Then, on my way home tonight, I played some Love Is All, who really are more amazing than words can describe. I'm still decidedly bitter about missing their Australian tour last year. Sigh. On the upside, their Myspace says they have a new album out NEXT WEEK! And they're touring with the Vivian Girls! Oh, utter jealousy.

I've now fallen madly in love with Cloetta Paris, a duo from Stockholm who are cuter than I thought was humanly possible.

Their Scandinavian cuteness is backed up by some super sweet disco house tunes, which sound like sister tunes to Sally Shapiro's delicious Italo House. If all dance music was as sweet, icy and danceable as this, I'd have no trouble spending every weekend at the disco. I love this new wave of disco - Cloetta Paris take what Saint Etienne established by pinching bits and pieces from the best of music, and give what's essentially 80s and 90s throwback beats a shiny gloss for the '08 dancefloor lipsmackers.

I'll tell you, based on the strength of "Cry Just A Little Bit" alone, I just went and bought their album from Skywriting Records, and it's a big thanks to Rob for introducing me to these amazing songs!

lost & lonesome treasures

2008-10-28T19:43:00.003+10:00

Look at what arrived in the post for me today from Melbourne's lovely Lost & Lonesome:

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, in all its blue vinyl glory, once again sends me to giddy heights of noisy pop love. Could they just be the best band of 2008? Yes? Probably. Yes. "Everything With You" is incredible, and the newly recorded version of "The Pains of Being Pure at Heart" sounds so warm and alive on the 45.

I've just finished listening to The Zebras' new EP, New Ways of Risking our Lives, and by gosh, if you loved Worry A Lot, you're sure to enjoy these five new tracks. My pick? Track 2 - "Push Our Way To The Front", which you can conveniently listen to on their myspace page. Listening to this has made me realise how much Brisbane misses them.

Still Flyin' are back with some new hamm jamms! Two tracks on this gloriously ghoulish CD - "Good Thing It's a Ghost Town Around Here" and "Drac's House" - just in time for Halloween. Who wouldn't want these cats swinging at your party? These songs make me want to dance like crazy! It seems like they can't get enough of Australia, too - they're coming back for next year's Laneway Festival, alongside the likes of Stereolab (!!!!!) and Jay Reatard.

I'll give the new Lucksmiths a spin next - a new album is always something to look forward to, and I can't wait to hear how their new songs sound on this splendid spring evening.

no more long blondes

2008-10-20T21:41:00.002+10:00

The Long Blondes have split. Read about it here.

So, there's bands I've fallen in love with and there's bands that have completely consumed my life. First, it was Blur and Pulp, back when I was about 12 years old - I spent all of 1997 listening to either "The Great Escape" or "Different Class" and it's defined my musical tastes ever since.

Then, come about 2001, Belle & Sebastian and The Lucksmiths entered the fray and I transformed into a little pop lady, dancing about, painting lines and sleeping in bus stops, wondering how I got my name and what I was going to do about it.

Come late 2006, I heard The Long Blondes' "Weekend Without Makeup" on the radio, and really dislike it. I'm not sure why - it just didn't rub me the right way. However, as soon as I heard "Once and Never Again", my thoughts changed entirely - I remember thinking, "What are they doing playing proper pop songs on the radio? It doesn't make sense!" It sounded like it had dived straight off the C86 compilation that was playing in my car at the time and into my embracing ears. I loved it - more than loved it, even.

Their debut album Someone To Drive You Home took up permanent residency in my car in 2007. It still hasn't left, nor will it ever as long as I'm driving Coldplay down the highway. There isn't a better album to keep me awake at 3am as I'm driving past the Caltex service station at Carseldine, singing along at the top of my voice to "Lust In The Movies" and "Swallow Tattoo". "Couples" has taken up residency too, as will "Singles" when I buy myself a copy very soon.

I was lucky enough to see them twice. Firstly, here in Brisbane - every single one of my friends bailed on me, so I bought myself a gin and tonic and danced the night away like no other. I ended up really dancing the night away like no other, because I met the boys in the band afterwards and talked new wave, britpop and a whole lot more with them after the show. Best night in Brisbane ever, hands down, no further questions. The second time was earlier this year, in Munich, where I flew over for two days just to see them play. That's my dedication to the band. It was a brilliant performance, and I had a crazy night drinking German beer and getting lost walking back to my hotel after the show.

It was awful to hear about Dorian's illness back in June, mainly because I had got to know him after the Brisbane show. When you hear their lyrics, it's hard to fathom how one boy could write such sassy, witty songs that pretty much summed me up.

Here are ten of my favourite Long Blondes lyrics:

1. "Now all I've got is a postcode to go on, and that won't get me laid" ("The Whippet Fancier")

2. "You fill me with inertia, but I still want to jump your bones" ("Swallow Tattoo")

3. "Looks are the first weapon, charm is the second, I reckon that she doesn't have much of either" ("Only Lovers Left Alive")

4. "Can I get it on credit or something?" (also "Only Lovers Left Alive")

5. "If you want to know me, watch how I dance" ("Fulwood Babylon")

6. "I'm still classic girlfriend material, and I'll do better than you" ("Who Are You To Her")

7. "Some boys will never have me, it's of no consequence" ("My Heart Is Out Of Bounds")

8. "I may never have a daughter because I've far too much to tell her and far too much to answer for" ("Nostalgia")

9. All the spoken word bits in "You Could Have Both" ("I feel like CC Baxter in Wilder's Apartment") and "Fulwood Babylon" ("...who want to introduce them to illicit Russ Meyer films and dance til dawn to old Kinks records...").

10. "A sweet young thing, dressed to the nines in Cacharel, oh I'm under the weather, my heels click together and following her is hell" ("Lust In The Movies")

So it's hard to take the news that The Long Blondes are no more, but I also feel incredibly lucky that I have this cache of brilliant, brilliant songs to listen to forever. And really, I still wish Dorian all the best in recovery, because really, that's the most important part of all this. xx

damon & naomi

2008-10-19T14:23:00.002+10:00

If I were to give birth to a daughter right about now, I would name her Naomi after the beautiful Naomi Yang. I've never listened much to Galaxie 500 nor Damon & Naomi, but these clips on La Blogotheque, filmed in a Paris apartment last year, are just beautiful. Perfect Sunday afternoon listening!

I think I will spend my afternoon watching Galaxie 500 clips on Youtube. "Blue Thunder" is the only song I really know - Stephen Malkmus included it when he guest-programmed Rage back in 2001. I still have it on video - have a look at his very diverse playlist and you can understand why it still warrants repeated viewings seven years later.

Enjoy your Sunday!

exciting new kicks

2008-10-17T21:06:00.005+10:00

A slight diversion from my steady stream of pop musings on this Friday night. I'm at home, having finished what turned out to be a really good week - Wednesday was my nadir, for sure, but today became my zenith. I earned myself some new letters after my name, ate a delicious profiterole at morning tea, then finished the day with a glass of wine, some boxing and a new pair of sneakers.

As I write, I'm listening to Belle & Sebastian's "Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like A Peasant", an album I haven't listened to in at least a year, if not longer. Of course, if I lived in London, I'd be dancing the night away to this album at How Does It Feel To Be Loved?'s annual Belle & Sebastian night. Alas, I'm not, and my bedroom will have to make do.

I have exciting new pairs of shoes - they are far too exciting to remain in the physical, and must enter the digital world via some amateur bedroom photography.

I've had these lovely girly sneakers on layby at Violent Gr een for a while, and I finally picked them up tonight. They're a collaboration between cute new Sydney label Maise and New Zealand footwear designer Kathryn Wilson. Bloody New Zealand has to go and produce another brilliant designer with the initials KW! I think these sneakers are super cute and toughen up this season's florals perfectly.

I am quite the Camper shoes addict - these little ladies are my seventh pair! For a while there, I was buying a pair a season, which was an expensive but ever so satisfying habit. I skipped a season, though, but I've made a stunning return with these flats. I love the mix of bright pink patent leather with yellow, grey and brown patches - perfect for summery strolls! And, because they're Camper, they're super comfortable. If you don't already own a pair, I recommend you find yourself a pair right away - you'll never look back!

I bought these crazy United Nude shoes in London earlier in the year, but I haven't had the chance to wear them. I'm dying to, though, just to see what the reaction is! Moulded rubber wedges with a little peep toe and a white leather strap - so insane, but so cool.

OK, sorry to be so self indulgent but oh, shoes are such fun! Almost as fun as records...hmm, they might even rank a little higher. It's a close battle!

objects of desire

2008-10-15T20:04:00.004+10:00

I do love a good record buying opportunity, and one of the best spots in the country to hunt down all manner of rare record beasts is Newtown's Egg Records. It's the southern sister store to the Brisbane shop, and I've previously documented some of my top finds whilst trawling its racks. Little sister in Sydney sure didn't disappoint on Saturday, especially when I found this baby under "G":

I had to contain myself when I saw this Girls At Our Best! record waiting just for me - it must have been fate, given how obsessed I've been with them lately. When I purchased it, I even told the nice man behind the counter that he'd made my weekend by having it there for me. I wanted to hug him! When I went outside I pretty much jumped up and down on the spot when showing it to Sam - I had to squeal! The record plays in mint condition, and oh, I can tell it's going to get more than a few plays.

Best of all, it came with its own "Pleasure Bag" - a printed paper pleasure bag with a sticker, little activities and a postcard! Best ever!

I was very restrained, however - I could have bought so many records, but I purchased these two lovelies as well:

I've been listening to the Triffids song "Raining Pleasure" quite a bit lately, and I heard it in a shop we went into on King Street. I think that partially influenced my purchase - well, that, and the Triffids are such a darkly sophisticated band that I can't help but want to hear all their albums. And The Rondelles? Well, that was far too good a find to pass up! It has "Drag Strip Race" and "Magazine" on it - two songs which I loved a whole lot back when I was 18. I can't wait to listen to them again - it'll get the party going in this room, that's for sure.

Sydney was terrific overall - danced the night away at Spectrum on Saturday night, drank beers overlooking Bondi Beach, then did lots of work work stuff for the past couple of days. I'm glad to be home, though - I'm exhausted!

springtime mixtime!

2008-10-10T20:23:00.002+10:00

I understand that for most people who read my blog, it's autumn and the leaves are turning every shade of gold and bronze. However, here in sunny (well, actually, rainy at the moment) Brisbane, the weather's warm, the beers are cold and it's t-shirt weather. Yesterday I wore a floral Antipodium blouse to work and told my colleagues I was the blossoming spring garden in the office. Spring is alive and what better way to celebrate the heart of the season than with ten songs to add golden rays to your day.

Download Alex's Springtime mix here!

1. Shonen Knife - "Daydream Believer" (Happy Hour, Big Deal, 1998)
2. Echobelly - "King Of The Kerb" (On, Work, 1995)
3. Girls At Our Best - "Fast Boyfriends" (Pleasure, Happy Birthday, 1981)
4. Paris - "Hey Sailor" (Yellow Eden, V2, 2004)
5. France Gall - "Le Temps de la Rentree" (Baby Pop, Philips, 1966)
6. The Motorcycle Boy - "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?" (Trying To Be Kind 12", Blue Guitar, 1989)
7. Pipas - "Cruel And Unusual" (Matinee Summer Splash!, Matinee, 2002)
8. The Radio Dept. - "1995" (Lesser Matters, Shelflife, 2003)
9. Melody Dog - "Futuristic Lover" (Futuristic Lover 7", K, 1992)
10. The Saturday People - "Twilight Story" (The Saturday People, Slumberland, 2001)

australian pride: guy blackman, the bank holidays, even as we speak

2008-10-09T21:14:00.002+10:00

Sometimes I think about how much I like Australia - you know, with our seemingly endless summers and Caramello Koalas and paying out on New Zealand, it's a good country to live in. However, it's shameful for me to admit, but the quota of Australian records in my collection to all else is, well, pretty small. I'm turning this ratio around, though, because there's been quite an influx of really, really good Australian records spinning on my stereo of late. Aside from the aforementioned Lucksmiths and Guild League records I have to look forward to, here's a few others I'm in love with at the moment:

Guy Blackman

Melbourne's Guy Blackman has been making music for ages now, but I think he will win himself a whole new group of fans with his album Adult Baby. It's an album of stories - of best friends, of mothers, of love won and love lost. This balladeer, with his deep, slightly naive vocals and beautiful old organ sounds, tells a story once and makes you want to hear it again and again. About a month ago, I saw Guy play at the Powerhouse, supported by the Sly Hats, and his performance didn't entirely win me over for some reason - it was good, but perhaps I just wasn't in the right Sunday afternoon mood. However, since buying a copy down in Sydney a few weeks ago, tracks such as "Carlton North", "Stay On The Beat" and single "Gayle" have attached themselves to me and I don't want them to go away. Well worth listening to!

Guy also runs Chapter Music, a label with a fine history and a fine roster to match. If you're keen to hear some Australian post punk from the 70s and 80s, I suggest you lay your hands on a copy of the Can't Stop It! compilation.

The Bank Holidays

For those of you in the UK and Europe who recently saw Perth's The Bank Holidays on their continental tour, then I'm awfully jealous. They're a band who have interested me for a few years now, but I've always missed their Brisbane shows when they've come to town. Shameful, really, as they're one super lovely pop group. With songs that remind me a lot of The Shins, Belle & Sebastian and Australian pop from the late 1990s, their album As A Film is 12 tracks of pretty, string laden pop that sparkles and soars at every opportunity - my definite highlights are "Oh Daylight" and "Cheating Cheating". I also love the title track from their earlier EP The Greatest Game - it's the best song you'll ever hear about badminton!

Even As We Speak
It wouldn't be a proper Australian pop discussion without mentioning one of our esteemed bands of yore - Sydney's Even As We Speak. One of the few Australian bands to appear on Sarah Records, the singles collection A Three Minute Song Is One Minute Too Long is well worth adding to your collection. They channelled pretty melodies in one song, the sound of backyard Australia in another, then captured the Sydney power pop sound in the next. Why weren't they bigger? Well, that's all explained in the liner notes, but it's a great injustice to a band who could have been so much bigger. "Blue Suburban Skies" is my favourite track on the compilation; it's a shame "Drown" wasn't included, though, because even though it does sound a little dated now, it's one of those really great early 90s pop moments. I had the pleasure of seeing Even As We Speak play in Brisbane in 2005, and it's an even greater pleasure to have these 17 tracks to love all the more.

matinee extravaganza!

2008-10-06T17:15:00.002+10:00

Whoa, if there ever was a time to ignore the global economic downturn and blow your whole pay on records, it's now, because Matinee Records have decided to release four brilliant new records! Yay!

It's a veritable feast of Lucksmiths this month, as my favourite Melbourne wordsmiths release their first album in more than three years. Recorded in Tasmania over the winter, it'll be interesting to hear how "First Frost" sounds when it's 35 degrees outside and I'm driving to Coolum to go for my first beach swim of the year. I sure hope they all grew beards for the occasion! A new Lucksmiths album is always a cause for celebration, as they are always objects of great beauty, waiting to be explored, rediscovered and reimagined in all manner of settings and circumstances. Ah, Lucksmiths, a sound for every season. (It's also available for preorder at Lost & Lonesome - while you're there, make sure you snare yourself a copy of the new Zebras EP too!)

Tali White's been particularly busy, with his side project The Guild League also releasing a new album, "Speak Up" on Matinee. Again, it's been a few years - if you haven't heard them, I highly recommend procuring yourself a copy of the first two Guild League albums, "Private Transport" and "Inner North". Both are incredible story albums, with each pop nugget delivering its own tale of travel, suburbia and much, much more. Head over to the Matinee myspace page and listen to "Suit Fits" - if this barnstormin' trumpeter of a track is any indication, it's sure to be a high-momentum ride of an album!

(In related "I hate living in Brisbane" news, The Guild League will launch "Speak Up" next Sunday at the Northcote Social Club in Melbourne, and The Lucksmiths play The Troubadour in Brisbane on November 8 - the same day I'm down the coast for a very dear friend's wedding. Complete heartbreak!)

One of the first bands I ever wrote about on here was Glasgow's Bubblegum Lemonade. It's very exciting to hear about a debut album by one of the most well-crafted bands going around. Called "doubleplusgood", it includes "Susan's In The Sky" plus eleven other jangly pop songs to etch their way into your consciousness. Bound to be a corker, I'm sure!

Lastly, the very talented Jessica Griffin and her fine cast of fellow Would-Be-Goods have returned with "Eventyr". I must admit, I haven't listened to many of their newer songs, but I am certain they exude the same elegance and sophistication as the songs from "The Camera Loves Me". It's hard to believe I only heard The Would-Be-Goods for the first time late last year - since then, I've fallen very hard for all those literate pop songs Jessica and her sister did with the Monochrome Set in the late 1980s. Anyway, no doubt I'll be impressed - it's hard not to be when your band features former members of Heavenly and Thee Headcoatees!

While you're ordering away at Matinee, make sure you include EPs from Northern Portrait and The Electric Pop Group. Come to think of it, there's natch to fault over there at Matinee - order the lot!

skateboard for sale!

2008-10-01T22:02:00.003+10:00

Apart from designing the cutie picture that greets you on this page, my super-lovely pal Catherine Insch designed a skateboard for the recent I Used To Skate Once 4 art show, held by my favourite shop, The Outpost.

It looks so good in reality - golden background, and a proper skateboard size! If you're keen, it's $150 - send Cat an email and get some skateboard art into your life!

In other exciting news, I am convinced Girls At Our Best are one of the best bands ever hands down no questions asked best amazing best. They're phenomenal! I am so in love!

jealousy is...

2008-09-30T21:19:00.002+10:00

1. Not being able to dance my peep-toes away all night long to the most incredible band in the world right now:

2. Not being as cool-as-fuck as the Vivian Girls:

3. Not being a cool-as-fuck noisy wiry girl punk babe at all:

p.s. I bought some really, really good Australian pop albums on the weekend - yay! Once it's all been absorbed and adored I'm gonna write lots and lots and lots of glowing words about some bands from my own backyard. About time!

p.p.s I also bought myself a new pair of Camper shoes, and they're pretty much the most delicious shoes ever. Pics to come!

DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD

2008-09-22T21:11:00.002+10:00

I've only just joined the podcast-listening fraternity (I'm a bit late latching onto all these sorts of things - blogging, vodcasting, black nailpolish...), but I'm now officially hooked. Download these podcasts and your ears need never be sad again!

1. New I Smiled Yesterday!

Yeaaaah! To quote:

"ISY goes P!O!P!

From Sideburns to Fringes
From Parkas to Anoraks
From Ben Sherman to stripey t-shirts
From Chelsea boots to Converse
From Pete Townsend to Stephen Pastel"

Cripes, with a description like that, you just cannot go wrong!

2. Everything over at Slumberland!
The new one, from Cause Co-Motion, is really really good - I listened to it as I left work this afternoon and it put an extra spring in my step walking over the Victoria Bridge. Also, I HIGHLY recommend Kitchen Sounds #1, as prepared by Stewart Boyracer - it's full of noisy, obscure punk songs from the 70s and 80s, all of which are entirely brilliant because they sound like they're all about to fall apart at any moment. Bit like Boyracer, eh? Makes it all the more endearing, if you ask me.

3. Hey Hey Honeypop!'s Dance around Your Livingroom!
It really is the best place to dance, isn't it? In my case, it's my bedroom but it can double as my living room, especially when I can spin it to a Professor Pez song about one of my favourite novels in the world, Papillon. And I thought I was the only one that liked the France Gall song included on here - oh boy, I've spent many an indoor night dancing about to "Avant La Bagarre". Love!

Yeah! And if that ain't enough to get you pulling shapes, then I'm afraid I've run out of remedies.

butcher boy

2008-09-21T15:30:00.002+10:00

Hello! So it's been a while again, hasn't it? Oh boy. Well, in the past few weeks, apart from being a lazy non-blog-updating-bee, I've been basking in summertime warmth - seems as though, once again, Brisbane has skipped straight from winter into summer with nary a peep from spring. I'm going to cool down a little by spinning the debut album by Glasgow's Butcher Boy.

There's those mythical club nights all around the world which seem so perfect - dancefloors full of deliciously-dressed people pulling shapes to the best indie pop and sixties soul. There's not too many of them in Australia, but the UK seems to have an abundance. Rising from the ashes of Glasgow's National Pop League (a club night I would have loved to have attended at some point) comes Butcher Boy, who make the type of dark, haunting sounds that make me first think of those other Glaswegians, Aztec Camera. I've heard they play in unusual venues - theatres and such - around Glasgow, and even though I'm yet to visit this city, I could picture these warm sounds emanating from dimly lit caverns on cold, wet nights.

Have a listen to some of the songs from their debut album "Profit Is Your Poetry" on their myspace page - the title song channels the Postcard era and, with the violin, harks back to late 80s Go-Betweens. And, in a nice tie between classic club nights, the album is being released by the brilliant How Does It Feel label, the folk responsible for the best club night in the world ever. No kidding!

my first mix: single songs

2008-08-31T21:02:00.004+10:00

I've finally made my first foray into the world of the digital mix, and I present to you my very first: single songs! I've been a single lady for more than a year now, and while sometimes it gets me down, most of the time I'm too busy being, well, busy and caught up with my own life to worry about it! Here are ten songs which, I think, cover the best and worst parts of being single. If you're in a similar situation to me, or if you're happily coupled, I hope you enjoy!

Download Alex's Single Songs mix here!

1. The Shermans - "Happy Being Lonely" (Casual, Shelflife, 2001)
"...after all, I have a career to think about..."

2. Lush - "Single Girl" (Lovelife, 4AD, 1996)
"...don't want to be in a fight..."

3. The Long Blondes - "My Heart Is Out of Bounds" (Appropriation (By Any Other Name), Angular, 2005)
"...some boys will never have me, it's of no consequence..."

4. Heavenly - "Atta Girl" (Atta Girl, Sarah, 1993)
"...cause i'm not yours, and i never will be now..."

5. Belle & Sebastian - "I Don't Love Anyone (Black Session)" (Black Session, 1998)
"...not even Christmas..."

6. The Shermans - "The Myth of Being Alone" (Casual, Shelflife, 2001)
"...things are not always what they seem..."

7. Biff Bang Pow! - "Love's Going Out Of Fashion" (The Girl Who Runs The Beat Hotel, Creation, 1987)
"...my mind turns black and blue..."

8. Blueboy - "Boys Don't Matter" (Unisex, Sarah, 1995)
"...one day, when you need me, i'll still be here..."

9. Free Loan Investments - "Kick His Balls Out" (Ever Been To Mexico?, Shelflife, 2002)
"...he's pushing you around, let him go now..."

10. The Long Blondes - "The Couples" ("Couples", Rough Trade, 2008)
"...these people have the nerve to tell me that they're lonely..."

spinning on alex's stereo: august 08

2008-08-25T13:04:00.002+10:00

It's been quite an interesting month around here of late - whether it's spinning on the turntable here in my bedroom, or blasting out through little Coldplay's car stereo, or even serenading me with sounds through my headphones on the train, I've been listening to all manner of new and old and exciting tunes. Yay! Here's five of my picks from the past month...

1. Primal Scream - Beautiful Future

Dreamboat Bobby Gillespie and co. are back, and it sounds like they've turned happy. Weird! Having barely listened to their last album Riot City Blues, I was hesitant to pick this up, but it's actually very very good. Opener 'Beautiful Future' is a chiming slice of pop which makes the band sound like they've never been militant at all, but that's all rectified with 'Can't Go Back'. Meanwhile, 'Zombie Man' completes the 2008 zombie family begun by the Magnetic Fields' 'Zombie Boy' earlier in the year, and the super charming vocals of ex-Concretes singer Victoria Bergsman make several appearances throughout the album. It's all pretty damn catchy, which I guess could be attributed to production by Bjorn Yttling of Peter, Bjorn and John fame, and it certainly makes amends for the last album's awful dirty rock blues. I just can't quite accept Bobby G can be quite this happy...and where's Kate Moss?

2. I Smiled Yesterday #4

Once again, our transcontinental friends from team ISY have compiled an amazing new mix of sixties soul, garage, discordant punk and noisy noisy pop to have you shakin' around like no other. In all honesty, these are the best mixes I've listened to in such a long time - it's opening doors to all these brilliant songs I never knew about and makes me want to find out more, which is what you want from a good mix, right? I looooooooove the Fire Engines song they've included on this one, and I can't get 'Low Grades and High Fever' out of my head. Totally addictive. (Download it here!)

3. My Teenage Stride - Ears Like Golden Bats

I've been listening to this album for quite a few months now, and it has really, really grown on me. Brooklyn's My Teenage Stride play the type of classic soaring pop - you know, 80s guitar line charmers, earnest vocals, songs that just build up and build up and build up until, in the last 60 seconds, the dancefloor's crowded and everyone's found a new favourite band. Really, really good. I'm going to hunt down more of their songs - in particular, new EP Lesser Demons, because if all their songs are as amazing as 'To Live and Die in the Airport Lounge', there shouldn't ever be a reason not to smile.

4. Comet Gain - Casino Classics

It's taken a long time to truly understand why everyone loves Comet Gain to bits. I like them, sure, but I don't think I am quite at the stage where I want to go around telling everyone to listen to them. I was like this with The Jesus and Mary Chain about three years ago, but then the 50c piece dropped and they came crashing down on me like $50 notes of noise and love. Casino Classics might just be the Comet Gain album to do this for me, with its combination of noisy boy songs and cute girly songs. It's lyrics like "you've got those French film eyes" that kill me, they really do. I could spend hours with this album, I think, if I had all those hours to spare.

5. Stereo Total - Do The Bambi

Berlin duo Stereo Total played in Brisbane on Friday night, and oh boy, you want fun? Watch and dance and sing along to Stereo Total. Playing everything from garage rock tracks through to German house and glossy electro pop, they were incredibly, incredibly fun. While I've listened a bit to their latest album Paris Berlin, it's Do The Bambi that wins me over. I was slightly disappointed they didn't play my favourite track, 'I Am Naked', but they did include a few other tracks from this, their 2004 release. Momus loves them, I love them, and so will you!

smudge

2008-08-23T21:20:00.002+10:00

Smudge are one of my favourite Australian bands from the 90s - as one of the main bands on Half A Cow (the greatest record label Sydney's ever produced), they won me over with their brilliant album titles, brilliant lyrics (courtesy of sometimes-Lemonhead Tom Morgan) and, of course, their brilliant tunes which went from rockin' pop songs to head-on indie. It's hard to go wrong with a band who write a song called "Mike Love Not War" and have similarly Beach Boys inspired single art to match:

Of course, let's not forget early single "Don't Want to Be Grant McLennan", which, while acting as something of a tribute to The Go-Betweens, didn't impress the now deceased all that much. Tom Morgan also wrote "The Outdoor Type", a song The Lemonheads took to the world, no doubt to many nodding heads. It's one of my favourite songs in the world, with its smart lyrics about really just wanting to stay inside.

The last I heard from them was back in about 1998, with their "Real McCoy, Wrong Sinatra" disc, and, being an impressionable 14 year old at the time, I wanted to learn how to play drums so I could be as cool as Alison Galloway. But, just when I, and many others, had thought they'd gone forever, it turns out their back! And they're playing in Brisbane in October! The worst part about it? Smudge are playing at a truly awful Australian music festival, where most bands represent all that I dislike in Oz music. Dilemma! I don't want to pay $70 for a half-hour Smudge set at 2pm, yet I don't want to miss seeing them. Oh, woe! I might just have to do by listening to 'Manilow' (which you can handily buy, along with much of their back catalogue, from here!).

cute! pictures + the smittens

2008-08-17T19:47:00.003+10:00

Look! I've given my blog a pre-spring clean, with all this exciting new colour and a pretty new title picture, courtesy of the lovely Catherine Insch. Isn't it just the cutest ever? Look at her website and buy some of her paintings because everything she paints is just as cute!

While we're on the topic of cute, I am totally smitten with The Smittens! It's taken me so long but, oh boy, they're my musical equivalent of hot chocolate on these windy August days. Oh, those boy-girl melodies on "Half My Heart Beats" make me smile both inside and outside, and if the video to "Gumdrops" doesn't make you giddy with pop glee, then I don't know what else could!

(It's all thanks to Skatterbrain Matt for linking this one - he's to blame if you can't get this song out of your head for months!)

If you saw them at Indietracks, then I'm really really jealous. I'm trying to order their album through Happy Happy Birthday To Me, but I don't know if I can wait so long. Might just have to try old friend iTunes instead. Ah, it feels good to be Smitten!!

the bell divers

2008-08-11T21:16:00.003+10:00

I've noticed some bands spend their entire musical lives trying desperately to sound like their heroes, falling miserably into that horrible limbo of pastiche. Others, however, nail their sound perfectly first time around, channelling the best of their heroes and adding glimmer and polish to their sparkling sound as they progress. The Bell Divers are my favourite Brisbane band at the moment, and they certainly fall into the latter category. Do you like Postcard-era Go Betweens? Those Orange Juice tracks that sound like the ones Roger McGuinn casually left behind in the studio? Everything on The Lucksmiths' "Where Were We?" compilation? Then you'll love every track on June July, their debut album.

Despite being recorded more than a year ago, yesterday marked the official album launch with a splendid afternoon show at The Powerhouse. These afternoon shows really are something to cherish - after the stellar performances by The Motifs and The Crayon Fields a wee while ago, it was a treat to hear more pop on a Sunday afternoon.

While the songs feature guitar lines straight out of the Pop Songbook and warm organ sounds and harmonies to complement, it's Clinton's darkly wry lyrics that stand out against this shining backdrop. One minute he'll be singing about self-harm, the next he'll pull out a line like, "When we pulled in to the shore, he was pulling out of me". And yet, it all works and has this charm about it that almost makes you forget the heartbreak being sung. The set featured a mix of tracks from the album and some newer songs, one of which I think was called "Pinpoint Eyes", sounds brilliant. Please record some of these newer, more upbeat songs because they are just wonderful!

I've had the guitar line from "Fallen Down" stuck in my head since yesterday - it sounds exactly like the perfect pop guitar lick should, and it ain't going nowhere until my mind can tell me where I've heard it before.

Best of all, June July is available for free download here! But really, you should buy the album so you can get David Thorley's terrific artwork in your little hands. Lovely albums like this don't come out of Brisbane too often, and it's a privilege to finally have The Bell Divers playing out of my stereo at last.

live: the breeders

2008-08-10T11:40:00.002+10:00

Some things never seem to date: Clarks Wallabees, playing frisbee in the park on sunny afternoons, white t-shirts, home-cooked roast dinners. You know the things. Same could be said, in music terms, about The Breeders - they've been kicking around now for 20 years or so, and yet, I don't think they will ever be uncool.

The Breeders played in Brisbane on Monday night. Last time they came, back in early 2003, they played at the god-awful Arena - I was 18 and probably the youngest person in the crowd. This time around, the venue was marginally better (The Zoo), and I still felt like the youngest person in the crowd. Goes to show what the kids these days know. I don't know what it is, but Kim Deal still ranks as one of the coolest people around. Forget all these dolled-up girls with their kohl eyes pretending to be the next big rock and roll star - the Deal sisters know where it's at without having to dress like model types.

So, the show sold out weeks ago, and everybody was quite excited. I haven't listened to "Mountain Battles" so I didn't know any of the songs off the album, but that certainly didn't matter. Like it ever matters. Their songs might be short, but they say it all - perfect sister harmonies, perfect noisy melodies, and a casualness that just radiates. Who else could play Guided By Voices and Beatles covers, then slip in old Amps classics and sisterly cackling laughs in between? I think I asked my friend Fergus what the song was when they played "Pacer", because it was such a great pop song. I'm going to have to listen to some Amps now. Of course, some of their other pop gems - "Cannonball" and, my favourite, "Divine Hammer" - made their obligatory appearance and sent everyone into a spin.

This time around there weren't any Pixies covers thrown in, something which didn't disappoint me because I've never been a huge Pixies fan anyway, but they did pull two encores and I left feeling pretty damn delighted.

revivals

2008-08-02T19:45:00.004+10:00

You could say I'm going through a bit of a revivalist phase at the moment. Everything I am doing or liking at the moment seems to channel something from the past, be it my own history, cultural scenes or music that's been left behind. Maybe my life is one big revivalist phase, who knows?

Last night I had a tremendous time dancing to 60s French pop at GoMA - if only I could do this all of the time. Sadly, only three of us held the dancefloor for the night, and at its peak about 20 people were dancing away, while the gallery attendees watched on for entertainment value. I was dancing because the music was brilliant and I had a huge amount of space to show off my bedroom dance stylings - if it entertained everyone, well then, glad to be of service. France Gall, Anna Karina, Jacques Dutronc, Michel Polnareff and Marie Laforet all had a spin, plus many more - I'd love to get a hold of the playlist and expand my French pop knowledge.

I think I channelled last night's 60s music feast today when I had my hair cut - it's very much a Mary Quant-esque style, and I love it. I only hope I can style it as well as my lovely Swedish hairdresser did it. Of course, I will never look as lovely as the original:

I also did a spot of record shopping today - for the most part, I didn't manage to find much indie pop, and instead opted for Lesley Gore 7"s, Gainsbourg albums and some new wave hits. However, one gem in the ranks was this delicious find:

Imagine my glee at finding this wonderful Cannanes album! Sure, it was quite pricey, but it's on amazing pink vinyl, it's in perfect condition and it's full of all those brilliant sounds of Sydney in the 80s. I wish Sydney bands were still as good as The Cannanes - all the best Australian bands come from Melbourne these days. This is my first foray into the Cannanes, and oh boy, I think I will probably fall heavily.

Earlier tonight, I also checked back in at Tullycraft HQ to finally hear their version of The Pooh Sticks' "On Tape", which I mentioned a little while ago. It's so good, and all the references have changed - Smittens albums! Darren Hayman solo! Yeah!

I'm off to watch Breakfast at Tiffany's tonight - ABC2's Audrey Hepburn season is enough for anybody to stay at home on Saturday night during these winter months.

busy, busy times

2008-07-31T19:49:00.002+10:00

Oh dear, I have been terrible with the internet of late. Did somebody say busy? Well, that's been me over the past few weeks. I wish I had more time! In the time since my last post, I have bought a bucketload of new skirts at Lush in Melbourne, talked shop with Britpop cats and danced to Adorable at Weekender, listened to Robert Forster discuss McLennan, solo albums and the Brisbane music scene, and witnessed The Legend! in concert. Phew! And, of course, tried to listen to more silly pop songs, but I think I may have failed a little bit on that part. Argh! Anyway, here's a few things I'm particularly excited about.

1. New Pains songs!

Oh my God, if there's a way to make me shout with glee and quiver with delight all at the same time, it's to hear new Pains of Being Pure At Heart tracks. Hell, it's enough for their tracks to come onto my shuffle playlist when I'm about 20 minutes into a heart-attack inducing run at the gym. Go to their Myspace and hear all these amazing new songs - Everything With You! Young Adult Friction! Stay Alive! Arrrrggggh they're all so good! My friend Ari listened to the Slumberland split 7" and told me they sound eighties in a naive, innocent way, rather than the brash fluoro way that so many bands are channelling at the moment. I think it sums the Pains sound up well - like a sweetheart Molly Ringwald character rather than, I don't know, some eighties neon trashpot. I love love love the Pains, and so should you.

2. New albums to listen to!
So there's some albums released recently that I am intrigued to hear - there's the new Primal Scream record, which I am sure will be as much of a cliche as many of their records, but there's something irresistible about Bobby Gillespie that I just can't help but like. Yeah yeah, they're just trying to be the MC5 these days, but I really don't care - Bobby will always be far more relevant to me than all these posing modern British pansy hipsters.

There's also a new All Girl Summer Fun Band record due out in September! It's a bit sad that it won't be released through K Records, and they've lost a member since 2003's "2", but it's set to soundtrack my spring, as the days warm up and I dream about jacarandas and picnics and summertime frolics. Did somebody say relevant? Then surely look no further than Jen Sbragia - what an amazing lady. I wish she and Rose Melberg would get back together and do another Softies album.

And I'm also kinda interested in hearing the Pas/Cal album. I remember hearing about them back in 2003 but I never pursued them further. Earlier this week I was bored at work, reading Pitchfork (something I try to avoid, really) and I read a review of their new album, which piqued my interest. I'm having a listen on Myspace now - sure, it's a bit revivalist, but I think this could grow on me. Besides, their influences are quite smashing, from Scott Walker and Pulp to The Left Banke and Serge Gainsbourg. Interesting!

3. New iPod listenings to fall in love with!

A few months ago, I downloaded the This Is Ivy League album, but sadly I never gave it a proper listen. Now, having made substantial use of the shuffle feature, I have discovered just how amazing they are. Two guys from New York producing the same type of glorious soaring pop gems that takes eight or so of Belle & Sebastian to make - just dreamy! I've happened upon hearing "London Bridges" as I'm walking to work, and it transports me, making me wish the footpaths I'm treading were in a glorious big city of the world, rather than ol' Brisbane. The whole album is full of similar beauties to reaffirm your faith that pretty pop songs can change this world.

I also chanced upon a song called "Tea and Cake" by The Lovelies, which I think came from the excellent I'm Not Always So Stupid blog. There's The Wedding Present, bands who wish they were The Wedding Present, and The Lovelies, who are so damn Wedding Present it made my ears do a double check. But the song is brilliant, with those rambling guitars and crisp English vowels. I'm hooked, but I can't really find out much more - can you help?

My, well that was quite a catch up. I'm awfully excited because tomorrow night I'll be attending Les Idoles: 60s French Pop Night at GoMA, which is sure to be an absolute blast. Je suis la roller girl!

(Oh, and before I forget, I also did karaoke to "Time of The Season" by The Zombies whilst in Melbourne - best ever!!)

the hollowmen

2008-07-10T20:56:00.003+10:00

The ABC's latest satirical comedy, The Hollowmen, debuted last night, and it was a corker of an episode. It's produced by Working Dog productions, who have previously brought the genius of Frontline and The Late Show to Australian viewers, and stars the inimitable Rob Sitch as a political adviser to the Prime Minister. It pinpointed bureaucracy like nothing else - all the buzzwords, shallow phrases, minions copping the blame for the ineptitude of others, etc. I'm hooked. Best of all, you can watch the episodes here!

I knew I'd be watching it without having seen a single episode, though, when I heard The Bats' "North by North" playing during the promos for the show. Turns out it's the theme! Best ever! Now, I've seen Robert Scott play solo, and I've seen Minisnap - when am I going to see the two merge and play a glorious set of their Flying Nun hits? Harrumph. Here's the original film clip for you - what a brilliant song:

Anyway, because I hold Rob Sitch, Tom Gleisner and co. in such high comedic regard, here's some classic Late Show for you, too. Champagne comedy!

tullycraft

2008-07-08T20:31:00.002+10:00

I've always been a bit of a Tullycraft fan, but I would hardly call myself an expert or a huge fan or anything like that. They're certainly not a band I would know all the lyrics to, or even all the songs, if I went along to one of their shows. One thing is for sure, though - they know how to play a damn fine cover version. Picking the best songs to cover is an art in itself, which only the best can nail (c.f. The Aislers Set, Teenage Fanclub), and I think Tullycraft are up there. Their version of "Falling Out of Love (With You)", on the flipside to the Twee 7", was truly wonderful, up there with the original. I'm yet to hear a bad version of that song, which suggests Stephin Merritt wrote a song which can nary be faulted, not even in the worst of hands. That's some achievement!

What's piqued my Tullycraft interest again - apart from hearing "Rumble With The Gang Debs" on the train tonight - is news that Happy Happy Birthday To Me have released a split 7" with Tullycraft and The Smittens as part of their singles club. Unfortunately, I haven't signed up to this, but this little gem of a 7" would be a delight to have in my collection. The Smittens do a cover of "My Boyfriend's Back", which really is one of the most perfect songs to cover, because it's just a timeless piece of music. Tullycraft, however, take it up a notch by taking on The Pooh Sticks' "On Tape" - I'm yet to hear it, but I bet it's a killer, especially with different lyrics. The recent masters of the indie-name-check take on the 80s masters of the indie-name-check - yeah!

Over at HHBTM, there are a bundle of discs and singles I'd like to acquire (Eux Autres, Bearsuit, Boyracer, Cats on Fire...) so I might have to investigate further. Tomorrow's listening, however, will come courtesy of Bored To Hear Your Heart Still Breaks, with Camila's handclap popcast. Best idea ever! Of course, if it wasn't for this delightful blog, I'd have not had reason to investigate this Tullycraft 7" further, so claps all round for being super cute AND informative to boot!

liechtenstein + a bunch o' fives

2008-07-03T20:15:00.002+10:00

Oh dear, I have been a little neglectful of late, owing to a whole load of worker bee busy-ness and a lack of time to trawl the web for new songs to listen to. Can you, dear reader, offer some recommendations to me? I've been meaning to listen to Liechtenstein for quite a while, so I might investigate them a little further and report back. Oh wait, I'm looking at their myspace now and have observed two things already:

1. Their song "Apathy" is enchanting my ears with those glorious harmonies. I could probably listen to this on repeat on a sad night. It's like the Marine Girls, 2008 style!
2. They're selling canvas totes screenprinted with buildings - I think I need one of these!

Alright, well Liechtenstein have converted me already!

Since we're now halfway through the year, I've had a chance to think about some of my favourite releases for 2008 thus far. I am head-over-heels in love with The Lodger's "Life Is Sweet", Je Suis Animal's "Self-Taught Magic From A Book" and Slow Down Tallahassee's "The Beautiful Light" - discovering these three albums alone has made my year all the more delightful. And, even though it's been receiving mixed reviews, I am very much enamoured with The Long Blondes' "Couples" - I can understand why people may have dismissed it after one or two listens, but with repeated listens, it's just smashing.

Here's five other things I'm enjoying right now:

1. Trash Video TV: Best video store ever! Watch these four french new-wave inspired advertisements, featuring all manner of Brisbane identities, and understand why we should all go to Trash for our film requirements and save the shop!

2. The Vivian Girls: I finally understand what all the buzz is about, and boy, it's like honey to my ears. Just amazing. I'm disappointed my copy of the "Wild Eyes" 7" hasn't show up yet - I'm starting to get itchy waiting for the album's re-release. I don't think anybody has a bad thing to say about them, which is just incredible - here's hoping somebody in Australia might release it and get them down here sometime soon!

3. Suede: It's been a while, but I'm revisiting my youth, dreaming about Brett Anderson and Bernard Butler. From the perfection of the first album to the glossy glamour of "Coming Up", I am enjoying every single minute of listening. I'm glossing my lips plastic at the mere thought of listening to "Trash".

4. Patricia Highsmith novels: I don't normally venture into the Crime section of the bookstore, but I'm reading "Ripley's Game" at the moment and I'm well hooked. I'm looking forward to reading "The Talented Mr Ripley" next, but I might go with watching Alain Delon film versions first, then move onto Jude Law, Matt Damon and John Malkovich versions.

5. Northern Soul: Last weekend I attended my first Northern Soul night and had a terrific time watching ex-pat Brits dancing the night away like they were at the Blackpool Mecca all over again. I didn't get up and dance, but I'm going to learn some more and hopefully next month I'll know a few songs.

live: the motifs + the crayon fields

2008-06-22T21:59:00.002+10:00

It was such a glorious winter's afternoon at the Powerhouse today - beautiful warm sunshine, a cool breeze from the Brisbane River, lemon lime and bitters and, best of all, a free show by two of Melbourne's loveliest pop outfits, The Motifs and The Crayon Fields.

the motifs

I was very keen to see The Motifs play, having listened to and fallen in love with their WeePOP! 3" earlier this year. Everything about their set seemed so unassuming, so easy and so perfect. Alexis's vocals were a pleasure to hear live - my friend summed it up perfectly when she said they sounded like Tracyanne Campbell's vocals on the first Camera Obscura album. It's so true! There's also that hint of The Softies when I hear some of the bittersweet songs - it's like looking out through a rainy window and capturing the darkened beauty of the grey skies. With their short, winsome pop songs filled with handclaps, xylophone, cute casios and extra-cute harmonies, I definitely fell in love.

alexis from the motifs

may from the motifs

While I was there, I picked up a copy of their latest album, "Cross Paths", on beautiful clear vinyl. If you have an opportunity, make sure you pick up one of these - the brown paper album cover, complete with hand painted artwork and the prettiest kitten drawings, will win you over in no time.

the crayon fields

Meanwhile, The Crayon Fields played dreamy sixties inspired pop, which seemed to declare their love of The Zombies very proudly. And why not? It was perfect lazy Sunday afternoon material - drifting away with those jangling guitars, shuffling drums and shoegaze vocals. It's almost haunting, listening to their songs after the show, late at night - it felt wistful live this afternoon, but tonight there's a shadow over their songs. It would be very easy to wrap oneself in Crayon Fields songs and let the hours pass away without worry.

Might I say, too, that it is an utter shame more pop bands don't get to play at The Powerhouse - the Turbine Hall is a wonderful setting for Sunday afternoon shows, and I would love to see the space utilised by more pop bands rather than just jazz etc. all the time.

get well soon, dorian

2008-06-19T21:20:00.002+10:00

The Long Blondes posted the following statement this morning:

On 9th June, Dorian was rushed to hospital after falling ill, and he is still in hospital in Sheffield in a serious condition. Because of this we will regrettably be canceling all our live appearances until the end of July (see below). Dorian is improving slowly and we will keep you updated on his condition. If you would like to leave a message on MySpace, Facebook, or through the website, we would be glad to pass them on to him when we visit.

Feel better soon Dors.

The Long Blondes xx

Everyone knows how much I love the Long Blondes, so to wake up to this news was quite a shock. Besides, Dorian is one of the loveliest people I've ever met ever. I sure as hell hope he is okay and recovering well - godspeed to you!

winter blues

2008-06-16T20:25:00.002+10:00

So I am still feeling a little bit glum - I can't really blame it on winter blues, because when the sun's out and it's 23 degrees during the day, it's hardly winter. Here's, I guess, three things contributing to my malady:

1. Studying. God, so sick of it.

2. Not being able to attend An Evening of Edwyn Collins/Orange Juice covers at The Social in London, which is on tonight. This would be incredible, incredible, incredible. Look at that line-up! A C86 film screening! Edwyn Collins all night long! Next time I'm at karaoke I'm going to make sure I get up and sing 'A Girl Like You'. Oh, I could cry - I wish I was going to this show.

3. Finding out that bloody stupid grrr grrr Los Campesinos! have covered "C Is The Heavenly Option". I suppose it's good more people will listen to this song, but it's not a very good cover. I will stand my by my belief that the singer sounds like Toby from Catch. No cover will ever, ever have anything on the original.

On the upside, I bought a copy of the Vivian Girls 7", which I can't wait to play to death. Otherwise, I might just put on some Nico and mope my night away. Raaaaaah.

everett true + new blogs + best tunes

2008-06-13T20:29:00.002+10:00

Just a quick update because I am feeling a little lousy tonight. Firstly, the most exciting news in a long, long time - Everett True has moved to Brisbane! I was in Trash Video tonight when Ari told me, and I yelled out, "WHAT THE FUCK?" What crazy news! And just to prove I'm not making it up, he even wrote about our tropical weather in his Village Voice blog.

Another blog to add to your reading list: One Million Kisses for One Million Girls. A super blog name, and a super blog to boot! Amy also makes the Wrap Yr Troubles In Dreams zine, which looks terrific. As far as I know, issue one has sold out, but issue two is just around the corner! I'll be nabbing a copy for myself, because I miss my days of reading and making zines.

Yesterday, I was addicted to two things: I Smiled Yesterday #3 and the Slow Down Tallahassee album. Both are really, really phenomenal. I want to hunt down copies of everything on the ISY podcast - it was wonderful to hear The Delmonas again, and I am so damn hooked on the Vivian Girls (and cursing the fact I missed out on a first pressing of their record). And Slow Down Tallahassee? I adore every single bit of it, and I had to giggle when I listened to 'Kiss Me Again' for the first time - quite possibly one of the sweetest and most deceptive songs I have heard about fucking. So good!

Oh, and a new Manhattan Love Suicides CD compilation of their recent 7"s and rarities comes out on Monday! Best ever!

popfests: one happy island + mahogany + boy genius

2008-06-11T21:28:00.002+10:00

So, this weekend heralds NYC Popfest, and it's probably best I say little more about this event, or else I will cry lots of tears of jealousy. If you are going I hope you have a brilliant time and make sure you have a biiiiiiig dance for me! Indie pop dance parties plus the most amazing bands around - my heart breaks into a million little pieces. Sigh.

Anyway, two NYC Popfest bands I really love right now are One Happy Island and Mahogany.

I've been hooked on quite a few songs of late, but one that's creeped into my conscience in a sneaky yet very welcoming way has been 'Potential' by Boston's One Happy Island. I think it's the ukelele that does it - I'm fairly certain it can win me over at any opportunity. (An aside: the first time I saw Jens Lekman, it was just him and a ukelele, and it was the best show of his I've seen.) But what else? They have this winsome charm, earnestness and sense of DIY fun about what they're doing that makes them truly endearing - I mean, they harmonise along to a kazoo! I think they have a new release coming out on WeePOP! really soon - I will have to hunt this one down for sure, because their last one has already sold out.

I know everybody has been listening and loving Mahogany for quite a while now, but, as with most things, it's taken me a little while to truly understand how magnificent they are. Last year I received 'My Bed Is My Castle' on a mix CD and was instantly taken with how deep the song was, yet how it had this haunting element that whisked me off to the clouds. I don't know how to describe it. I finally followed up this initial encounter in London, when I picked up "Connectivity". I just love this album - like 'My Bed Is My Castle', it takes me to another world almost. I know how terrible and cheesy this all sounds, but it's an amazing record, and I would really love to see how it's recreated live.

Even though they're not playing NYC Popfest, I'm still endeared to Brooklynites (is that what you call them?) Boy Genius. I wrote about them after hearing their "Eureka" EP, and now they've gone and turned out an album, "Anchorage". Yay! "Anchorage" builds on the collegiate sound introduced on "Eureka" - they've re-recorded some of the tracks from the EP, and in high fidelity and with new production, they sound well polished. I love the addition of trumpets and little subtle guitar flourishes added to my favourite track, "Radio Silence", and Jason's vocals keep getting better and better across the entire album. "Anchorage" is the type of album I would put on whilst driving back from the beach - sunburnt, sandy and with the afternoon summer breeze blowing through the car. Perfect for everyone in the northern hemisphere! I'll make do with playing it on my weekend drives to anywhere. They're playing Athens Popfest in August - yet another festival to make me envious.

I might just make do with the Alex Bedroom Popfest, then.

blog happenings

2008-06-10T19:34:00.003+10:00

Well, after a busy weekend of studying, watching rock and roll and floating away with Jacques Prevert's "Les Enfants Du Paradis", I am back on board. I have since realised that spending three weeks away from the internet, and taking another three weeks to catch up on internet happenings has left me flailing behind with a million and one pop purchases to make! Luckily I am catching up on that fairly quickly - last week I ordered Slow Down Tallahassee's debut album "The Beautiful Light" from Thee SPC, which, by all accounts, is utterly smashing and I cannot wait to listen to it myself. Besides, how can I resist a cover as lovely as this?

I went looking for a pair of seamed pantyhose in the department store sales yesterday and I could only find one pair, which were too large for me. I definitely need to hunt down a pair, as well as some delicious Dorothy-red shoes and find myself a brick lane. Oh, and I should start making myself some insanely catchy girl-group inspired pop songs, with some punky sass thrown in for good measure.

Then, just before I ordered the new Slumberland "Searching For The Now" split 7"s!

This is super exciting: #3 features sunny splits from A Sunny Day In Glasgow (covering The Pastels) and The Sunny Street, while #4 teams The Pains of Being Pure at Heart with Summer Cats. How can you resist? You can't! While you're ordering make sure you buy lots of other Slumberland stuff - I did. I bought myself a Lodger t-shirt and I can't wait to wear it out and about.

Now what else is there left to buy? For starters, there's the rest of the Summer Cats releases - a 3" on WeePOP! and a Cloudberry 7", not to mention lots of other listening treats from these two super little labels. Then, I might buy myself The Bon Bon Club 7" from Thee SPC, new Bubblegum Lemonade from Matinee....uh oh, where has all my pay gone? So much more to get, too!

Apart from catching up on all my favourite blogs, I've also found a few more to add to my reading and listening list:

Like Sugar is an indie pop and electro podcast blog from San Diego. I love how Eric mixes the best pop songs with old and new synth stuff - it's fun to mix these things up. I can't wait to listen to his summer podcast, even though it's supposedly the middle of winter here.

The Outpost is one of my favourite, favourite stores in Brisbane. Take a look on Matt's blog and you'll soon see why. If you ever have the chance to visit Brisbane, I will make sure you go there and buy yourself some of the coolest clothing and toys ever. Also associated with The Outpost is I Used To Skate Once 4, a skateboard art exhibition which seems to grow exponentially each year. The delightful Cat will be exhibiting once again, and I can't wait to see what menagerie she creates this time around.

I've mentioned it previously, but I wish I spoke other languages, particularly Spanish. When I look at 7iete Pulgadas (translated as Seven Inches), I really really wish I didn't have to rely on babel fish translators to help me understand. And, boy, what a collection of 7"s there are to share. It reminds me of Bruce's terrific Side Room Singles podcast, and I am really pleased there are people out there who are able to share their magnificent singles collection with the world.

Now, what else is there to catch up on? Ah yes, last night's episode of Skins. Yeah!

why i love brisbane sometimes

2008-06-02T21:44:00.002+10:00

Probably the best part of living in Brisbane is having access to the Gallery of Modern Art. Sure, it's trying to be more than what the city's cultural scene can support, but it's where I go to watch lots of old films for free, see hip exhibitions and loiter in one of the best bookshops around. Oh yeah, and it's two minutes from my work and right down by the river!

During the recent Andy Warhol retrospective, the Gallery featured an 'Up Late' series on Friday nights, featuring bands and discussions on Warhol-related topics - I previously wrote about seeing Caribou at one of these nights. This time around, for the Picasso exhibition, they're offering another Up Late program. Sure, not everything is to my taste, but OH MY GOD Friday 1 August: Les Idoles - 60s French Pop night. Did somebody scream alex heaven or what? I was even intending to travel to Sydney on the same night to see Devo, but little can keep me from dancing the night away to my favourite French pop.

In honour of this event (oh, just another two months away), here is a clip of my favourite favourite actress, Anna Karina, singing one of my favourite ye-ye songs, "Roller Girl".

seven inches: the besties + velour + the school

2008-06-01T19:42:00.003+10:00

I finally found some time this weekend to slow the pace down a little bit - with all this rainy weather, I've snuggled up with some new books, watched some films (I watched If.... earlier today and thought it was just incredible) and ate delicious homemade soup. Oh, and I've made acquaintances with my record player once again, and it eagerly embraced all the new 7"s I've acquired from recent travels.

Before I left on holidays, I ordered a copy of The Besties' "Bone Valley Deposit" 7", but it landed while I was away. Upon returning, its sleeve of white vinyl goodness landed on my turntable and turned my bedroom into a pop dancefloor. How good is 'Bone Valley Deposit'? Very very good, I tell you! And I really like the artwork as well. These Brooklyn kids are a whole lot of fun, and they're playing NYC Popfest. If you're lucky enough to be attending (like my Brisbane pal Fergus is - I am awfully jealous!), make sure you get your shake on just for me.

My love (and cute boy crush) on The Lodger is well documented - I'm not sure if I have mentioned yet, but their new album "Life Is Sweet" is really good, and has taken up residency in my car. Anyway, I found a split 7" of theirs whilst browsing at Rough Trade East (as you do), released last year on Germany's Noise Deluxe label. Apart from a delicious floral wallpaper cover, the split single features a killer song called "Stereogirl" from super Danish band Velour. I've been listening to the songs on their Myspace page all night and I am hooked - they're fun, cute to boot and have the perfect combination of summer melodies, 60s throwback guitar hooks and lovelorn lyrics in their songs.

Also while at Rough Trade, I picked up the "All I Wanna Do" 7" by Cardiff's The School. According to my notebook, I promised myself to write about this seven-piece back in January, but they must have slipped to the back of my writing mind with all the other pop discoveries I've had since. I'm glad I bought this pretty, fairy-floss pink single, though, because The School are just darling - with their tales of love and heartbreak against sixties girl group melodies, they're unthinkably sweet. "All I Wanna Do" reminds me of Kirsty MacColl's classic "They Don't Know" - considering this is one of my favourite songs EVER, it's high praise for The School. They have a new single out on Elefant - "Let It Slip" - which you should definitely buy. I sure will be!

on returning

2008-05-29T19:56:00.002+10:00

At last! It's been two weeks since returning to Brisbane from my European jaunt, and I have been nothing but stupidly busy since arriving back. Pray tell, what have I been doing? Terribly exciting things - uni assignments, a work trip to Sydney and Melbourne, lots of unpacking and cupboard clearing, to make way for all my delightful new stuff, and, yes, not updating my blog. Argh! So, then, here is a brief summary of highlights:

- Last time I wrote I was contemplating attending How Does It Feel To Be Loved? on my own, down in scary ol' Brixton. Thankfully, my lovely friend Leigh accompanied me, and I ended up having one of the best nights out ever. Oh boy, did I have fun or what - Amelia Fletcher DJed everything from Elastica and The Long Blondes to Tiger Trap and Bis, and when Ian played about three Belle & Sebastian songs, I danced like no other. Here is some photographic proof of my ridiculous dancing to boot:

Yup, pretty much dancing like this all night long. I made friends with a super sweet Swedish girl called Diana, who I instantly befriended because she was wearing a Nixon badge. Yay!

- The following night, I then ventured off to Chalk Farm for a super pop night featuring Zipper, Horowitz, MJ Hibbert and the Bumblebees. I must admit, it was a bit scary going to a pop show on my own in a city where I knew nary a soul, but at the same time it's kinda liberating. I suspect lots of Anoraks were at the show, but I only met a couple, including the delightful Marianthi, Tom from Indie MP3, and Pete from Horowitz, who has been kind enough to send me lots of records and zines. Of course, the bands were pretty great - Horowitz ripped through their set in fine form, while Zipper were buzzing like no other. Everyone loved them, but especially the kids from the Bumblebees up the front. I must admit, I didn't go much for MJ Hibbert - perhaps it's a very British thing, I'm not sure.

- I was lucky enough to meet up with another traveller, Andrew, who comes from Boston and plays in oh, a band I only kinda like, Pants Yell! So great! We went shopping, bought souvenirs and hung around East London on a busy Sunday afternoon. I also met his friend Lachlan, who plays in Sleeping States - I'm going to listen to them a lot more, because they sound terrific from what I have heard. Watch this space.

- Going to Munich to see The Long Blondes was one of the craziest things I've ever done, but also one of the most exciting. Somehow I managed to communicate with little more than "bitte" and "danke" under my German language belt, and really, I loved the place. The show was cracking - it was great to hear all the songs from "Couples" live, plus they played 'Autonomy Boy'!! And it was wonderful to see Dorian again - I'm now fairly well certain that the best looking boys only exist in places in the northern hemisphere, or pretty much anywhere apart from Brisbane. Speaking of which, I missed seeing The Lodger, which might be a good thing because I may well have just gawked at them all night long. I've been listening to "Life Is Sweet" a whole lot and it is up there for the best dancefloor albums of the year.

(crap, I just looked at The Lodger's website - they're playing shows in Japan but not venturing down to Australia. Siiiiiiiiiigh.)

- At first, I was concerned the Pitchfork-curated All Tomorrow's Parties would be a total beard-fest, but it ended up being a brilliant festival, mostly because of the people I was spending time with. Best bands? Of Montreal were so grand and theatrical that even when they hit the 9 minute mark of that 11-minute track off "Hissing Fauna...", I still liked them a whole lot. The Clientele were unfortunately scheduled as the first band on the Friday, and I must admit, I wanted to hear noise rather than their dreamy pop at that time of day. Jens was as charming as ever, but, admittedly, the best bands were the noisy ones I wouldn't normally listen to - Times New Viking, The Hold Steady and Deerhunter, in particular.

- After ATP, I went record shopping with Chris and found the best records ever, but I might need to spend another night writing about my recent record shopping exploits. Suffice to say, when I found a copy of "Back In Denim" at Flash Back in Islington, my heart skipped ten thousand beats.

So yes! That's it! I'm now planning all the shows I want to attend in the next few months, because short-term planning is impossible in Brisbane with nary a show to attend on weekends. Sigh.

Now, back to writing about pop songs when I find a spare moment...

travel update #1

2008-05-03T03:11:00.002+10:00

Hello blog readers!

As you may be aware, I'm on the other side of the world at the moment. I'm currently sitting in a flat in north London, having just returned from a week in Sweden. Yay! I'm currently contemplating travelling to Brixton on my own tonight, to attend Amelia Fletcher DJing at How Does It Feel To Be Loved?, but I am awfully scared about doing so.

Unfortunately, I'm not posting from my own computer - it seems to have an aversion to wireless internet and broadband networks over here. As a result, I haven't been able to upload any photos of my travels so far. Instead, a brief update of some of my travel (and music) highlights so far!

- Last Friday night I went to see Minisnap and Ghost Club at the Brixton Windmill - it was fitting to watch New Zealand bands with antipodeans on Anzac Day (a major Australian and NZ memorial day), and it was a great show. Tiny Kay from Minisnap was wearing a Magic Marker t-shirt, and if the venue wasn't so small and full, I would have danced a whole lot more. Ghost Club played Sonic Youth esque noise rock, and the songs were really terrific.

- I went to Another Sunny Day, an indiepop club in Stockholm, with one of my oldest internet friends. It was so strange and exciting to meet someone who I'd known via the internet for ten years, but had never met. Moofish Catfish played at the club, and they were a whole heap of buzzy fun, and afterwards the Swedish pop the DJs began playing certainly had some of the crowd dancing. Unfortunately we had to leave to catch the last subway home, but it was fun to hear Suede, Moneybrother, Hakke Hellstrom and more at a club night.

- The last day of April is a major day of celebration (and drinking) for Swedish students, and I was right in the epicentre, in Uppsala, one of Sweden's biggest university cities. Even though I didn't get to see any bands, it was a crazy experience to sit in the Swedish spring sunshine, drinking beer and attempting to speak Swedish. Luckily there was an American guy to share poor Swedish language skills with!

- Records? Not very many so far, but that will change this week, I'm sure.

Tonight is How Does It Feel To Be Loved?, featuring a DJ set from Amelia Fletcher. I'm a bit scared about going, but perhaps I can drag my sister along for a drink and a dance!

More updates soon, and I will share some photos when I have an opportunity to.