Weekend at Bernie's

As far as mainstream music writers go, Bernard Zuel of the the Sydney Morning Herald writes stuff that's neither here nor there on the I-94 Bar radar screen. Much of the time it's the latest British indie pop thing, and he has a leaning to innocuous country music. What really stands out, however, is Bernie's predilection for reviewing good looking female recording artists he'd like to, er, put on high-rotation.

The latest is "rootsy" (term used under advisement) American singer-songwriter Jess Klein (who doesn't even have an album out in Australia.) Bernie's weekend review wasn't available for online perusal, but you can see some of his finest work regarding Perth blues-rocker Abbe May here. Slip it in, indeed!

Now, Abbe's record doesn't fluff around when it talks about sex - in fact that's all it talks about - but you can see there's a long-term fixation on Bernie's part. You can't help but that think if Abbe ever wants a room, Bernie's going to be reaching for his credit card. Zuel rhymes with...?

There's nothing wrong with linking music to sex. Rock and Roll is essentially all about sex and death, but some of Bernie's more florid writings read more like a personal ad on a bad online dating site, or billboard copy for the clinics selling erectile dysfunction cures. Here's a modest sample:

When May sings, she pins you back and holds you up like some giant dangling a floppy doll: helpless and happy to be so. When she curls around a hard-nosed lyric she sends a charge through you like that first powerful crush you had on an impossible target: bring the pain, please.


Enough pain already, Bernie! And we know this line could be directed in our general direction (if Bernie cared)...

All those boys, and boy critics, in thrall to blokey "hard" bands repeating on history and themselves like some all-in burping competition would do well to shut up and see the truth. Abbe May has those bands for breakfast.


Lest you dismiss this post as a cheap shot, be aware that we're not the first people to notice. A couple of labels around town have noted that it's a waste of time sending most promotional material to BZ unless the act in question is good looking and female. Further afield, there's at least one PhD paper in the offing that references Bernard Zuel's drool.

So in honour ofT Great Man, I'm kicking off ZuelWatch, an occasional and fun space for referencing any Bernie-isms and making sure he gets a date. Even if he is married. Post comments in the usual place or email scans of past indiscretions or goss to barman@i94bar.com

6 Ft. Hick at the Old Bar tonight!

Hey freaks Brisbane's 6 Ft. Hick are playing again tonight after last nights Spooky Fest which was awesome- lots of BBQ! I took lots of photos- ill update with those when this hangover dies down.

Anyway, tonight! The Jacknives and 6 Ft. Hick and then i'm dj'ing till Joel kicks me out of his bar. Theres going to be heaps of free bbq going around so get in early and get yourself a snag.

I think it's $6 which covers dinner, good tunes and watching the Corbett brothers annhilate again.

6 Ft. Hick at the Old Bar tonight!

Hey freaks Brisbane's 6 Ft. Hick are playing again tonight after last nights Spooky Fest which was awesome- lots of BBQ! I took lots of photos- ill update with those when this hangover dies down.

Anyway, tonight! The Jacknives and 6 Ft. Hick and then i'm dj'ing till Joel kicks me out of his bar. Theres going to be heaps of free bbq going around so get in early and get yourself a snag.

I think it's $6 which covers dinner, good tunes and watching the Corbett brothers annhilate again.

London Calls Again

There's yet another legacy edition of "London Calling" coming, if it's not here already. Online magazine Quietus says something very perceptive about it:

However, the problem with London Calling is in its inconsistencies and incoherence. For what is seen as a "brave" album in the context of its time, there is little that links each track to the other in form and fluidity. The shuffling rigmarole of Vince Taylor's 'Brand New Cadillac', and the crapulous slur and turgid bass-walk of 'Jimmy Jazz', are only to be saved by the Bo Didley-like 'Hateful' at the start. It's the aural equivalent of a trifle: somewhat confused as to what it is, ingredients and influences have been thrown into a bowl with a lack of care and clarity, but a whole lot of enthusiasm that tries to cater for every taste.

"London Calling" is a sweeping, sometimes dated and occasionally ham-fisted attempt to say something to everyone. That's a strength and a flaw. I wonder if the Clash would have been given enough rope (sorry) to make an album like it in this era. They tried again with "Sandanista" and that time were found wanting.

There was something very exciting about hearing it at the time and even cultural rent boy Molly Meldrum's gibbering endorsement on Countdown (admit it - you watched it) couldn't spoil it entirely.

More of that review here.

Robert Quine's Tube Screamer (Revisited)

Sold on eBay for 41 US bucks. Just in case you were dying wondering.

UV Race Sydney shows/Mountain Fold #3 launch

** LAUNCH OF MOUNTAIN FOLD MUSIC JOURNAL ISSUE 3 **

The UV Race (Melb)

After their rowdy set at Flip Out Sydney, Victorias most popular
sun-worshiping 6 piece are back in Sydney to launch their universally loved debut LP. Idiot savant punk rock at it’s best!

Royal Headache

Four musical obsessives who channel their affection of the best
elements of punk, power pop, soul and garage to create songs that will stay with you - permanently.

Lakes (Melb)

Lakes sees Sean Bailey drifting solo across the badlands, with burnt out ragas crafted out of a tangle of instruments summoning up a fear of open spaces. Incorporating the darker side of post-punk, acid-folk and bleak eastern guitar scales with a menacing no-hoper punk rock atmosphere.

DJs: Owen (of Straight Arrows / Pee Wee) & Bad Wettin’ Bad Boys

MOUNTAIN FOLD

We are proud to announce the completion of Issue #3 of Mountain Fold Music Journal.

Issue #3 features:

- Oren Ambarchi
- Rowland S. Howard
- Pink Reason
- Release The Bats
- Sun Araw
- UV Race

Alcohol supplied by Grolsch

$12
8pm

(Can one of you Melbourne-ites bring me back a copy?)

THEN

On Saturday the UV's are playing with Bed Wettin Bad Boys, Whores and Beautiful. It's at Doledrums. I posted the flyer a few days ago- scroll down fucker.

UV Race Sydney shows/Mountain Fold #3 launch

** LAUNCH OF MOUNTAIN FOLD MUSIC JOURNAL ISSUE 3 **

The UV Race (Melb)

After their rowdy set at Flip Out Sydney, Victorias most popular
sun-worshiping 6 piece are back in Sydney to launch their universally loved debut LP. Idiot savant punk rock at it’s best!

Royal Headache

Four musical obsessives who channel their affection of the best
elements of punk, power pop, soul and garage to create songs that will stay with you - permanently.

Lakes (Melb)

Lakes sees Sean Bailey drifting solo across the badlands, with burnt out ragas crafted out of a tangle of instruments summoning up a fear of open spaces. Incorporating the darker side of post-punk, acid-folk and bleak eastern guitar scales with a menacing no-hoper punk rock atmosphere.

DJs: Owen (of Straight Arrows / Pee Wee) & Bad Wettin’ Bad Boys

MOUNTAIN FOLD

We are proud to announce the completion of Issue #3 of Mountain Fold Music Journal.

Issue #3 features:

- Oren Ambarchi
- Rowland S. Howard
- Pink Reason
- Release The Bats
- Sun Araw
- UV Race

Alcohol supplied by Grolsch

$12
8pm

(Can one of you Melbourne-ites bring me back a copy?)

THEN

On Saturday the UV's are playing with Bed Wettin Bad Boys, Whores and Beautiful. It's at Doledrums. I posted the flyer a few days ago- scroll down fucker.

Negative Guest List Zine

Just picked up Issue #6 of the Negative Guest List zine outta Brisbane.

This issue features interviews with:

-Fabulous Diamonds
-Outer Spacist
-The U.V Race
-The Stabs
-The Twerps

and 3 interviews i did with:

-Jem Moloney of Firewitch/We Empty Rooms
-Late Arvo Sons
-Woollen Kits

Also has some reviews and ads.

PUMP YR FIST

Negative Guest List


Senior Editor Brendon Annesley at his desk

Negative Guest List Zine

Just picked up Issue #6 of the Negative Guest List zine outta Brisbane.

This issue features interviews with:

-Fabulous Diamonds
-Outer Spacist
-The U.V Race
-The Stabs
-The Twerps

and 3 interviews i did with:

-Jem Moloney of Firewitch/We Empty Rooms
-Late Arvo Sons
-Woollen Kits

Also has some reviews and ads.

PUMP YR FIST

Negative Guest List


Senior Editor Brendon Annesley at his desk

Robert Quine's Tube Screamer

Someone is selling it on eBay here if it's not gone by the time you read this. Who wouldn't want to own a pedal owned by the guitarist responsible for some of the most beautifully noxious sounds committed to tape? Gracias to Steve Gregory for the head-up.

Xmas comes early...and it's Hard To Beat

In the shape of Santa suit-wearing Stooges cover band The Scrooges:

Album of the week- Niagara & the Hitmen: "St. Valentine's Day Massacre"

This took a while to come out, and then a leetle while longer for my copy to filter through. But it's here now, and it's all good.
Long story short- what you get here is Sydney's Hitmen backing gen-u-ine legend Niagara on an eight song live set that's all killer, no filler. Then the Hitmen chuck in a couple more live numbers, just because they can. Everyone sounds hot, everyone sounds like they are having a ball. It is, as the liner notes say, the closing of a circle and a fine reminder of the influence of Ron Asheton.
They don't make too many of 'em like this anymore, sadly.

More too much.

Guh. If I wasn't already fully booked for this weekend, this would've been great:

Static Age presents, at the Lithuanian Club, 44 Errol St. North Melbourne: Lightning Bolt, Grey Daturas, Primitive Calculators, Naked on the Vague, Justice Yeldham, Embers Big Band, Abject Leader, Ivans, Other Films, The Whulge, Rebeiro/Andrews and Robotosaurus
This is so big it'll be over two stages/rooms. Tickets are $40 in advance, and no one is sure that there will be any left for door sales. Kicks off at 5.00pm. I have heard good things about these Bolt boys, but sadly have not been able to experience them live.

Spooky Records Presents...

Spooky Records is having their 10 year anniversary this saturday at the TOTE- lots of bands, beer and a free BBQ!

Spooky Records Presents...

Spooky Records is having their 10 year anniversary this saturday at the TOTE- lots of bands, beer and a free BBQ!

Getting in early.

Getting these out early.
First up- just because I have a lot of time for the fine people at Spooky Records- is this:

Yes it’s no mean feat but it’s true, Spooky Records has survived 10 years in what has probably been the fastest evolving time ever in the music business. So to celebrate they’re taking over the infamous Tote, on Saturday 28th November and putting on a huge bash with most of the current Spooky bands getting up and doing a set. On the bill, SixFtHick, The Bakelite Age, The Stabs, Hugo Race and True Spirit, Kretch, Digger & the Pussycats, Sailors & Swine, and a rare performance from Gentle Ben & his Sensitive Side.
To keep it fair we’ve messed with the playing times so you’ll have to get there early cause it might just be your favorite opening the proceedings. But if not, to keep you all entertained we’ll put on a free BBQ and don’t forget to check out the merch stand cause there’ll be some wicked specials from the Spooky catalogue
Doors and BBQ are at 7pm sharp and definitely no presales so come early.

Looks like a bargain at $18.00. AND I get to grab a new tshirt, cheap.
Then after that, why not head up the road to the Old Bar?

You may miss Heinz Reigler, Lee Memorial and Ninetynine, but you will get to hear me DJing again. Til 3.00am. Don't call it an "after-party", just call it a party.

Royal Headache - Psychotic Episode

Royal Headache - Psychotic Episode

Pissing On The Mainframe Mix #1

My favourite blog Teenage Lobotomy just posted a kickass mix so i thought i'd copy them and make my own.

Go HERE to download my 21 tracker.


1. Useless Eaters - Agoraphobic
2. Dick Diver - Walk For Room(Aus)
3. Bobby Ubangi - That's Alright
4. Cheap Time - Back To School
5. Coachwhips - Purse Peekin
6. GG King - Adult Rock
7. Kitchen's Floor - Drowned Out(Aus)
8. Late Arvo Sons - Tighten(Aus)
9. Live Fast Die - Bombed Over Sixpackistan
10. Lover! - Booger In My Asshole
11. Nobunny - Give It To Me!
12. Personal & The Pizzas - I Ain't Taking You Out
13. Royal Headache - Eloise(Aus)
14. Super Wild Horses - What Started The Noise(Aus)
15. The Black Lips - Again & Again
16. Ooga Boogas - Rich 'N' Me(Aus)
17. The Stabs - The Hated One(Aus)
18. Thee Oh Sees - Heart Sweats
19. Ty Segall - Go Home
20. Tyvek - Air Conditioner
21. UV Race - Gore Orphanage(Aus)

The link expired so i took it down.

Download #2, it's better!

----------------------->>>

Pissing On The Mainframe Mix #1

My favourite blog Teenage Lobotomy just posted a kickass mix so i thought i'd copy them and make my own.

Go HERE to download my 21 tracker.


1. Useless Eaters - Agoraphobic
2. Dick Diver - Walk For Room(Aus)
3. Bobby Ubangi - That's Alright
4. Cheap Time - Back To School
5. Coachwhips - Purse Peekin
6. GG King - Adult Rock
7. Kitchen's Floor - Drowned Out(Aus)
8. Late Arvo Sons - Tighten(Aus)
9. Live Fast Die - Bombed Over Sixpackistan
10. Lover! - Booger In My Asshole
11. Nobunny - Give It To Me!
12. Personal & The Pizzas - I Ain't Taking You Out
13. Royal Headache - Eloise(Aus)
14. Super Wild Horses - What Started The Noise(Aus)
15. The Black Lips - Again & Again
16. Ooga Boogas - Rich 'N' Me(Aus)
17. The Stabs - The Hated One(Aus)
18. Thee Oh Sees - Heart Sweats
19. Ty Segall - Go Home
20. Tyvek - Air Conditioner
21. UV Race - Gore Orphanage(Aus)

The link expired so i took it down.

Download #2, it's better!

----------------------->>>

Halfheads

New kids on the block, Halfheads played their first show over the weekend at the North Melbourne Town Hall aka The Townie. Halfheads features members of Chinese Burns/Dollar Bar/Fancy Boys and Borkum Riff. They played with Sweet Dreams from Brisbane.


Couldn't catch the show myself but thanks to Patrick you can see some of it here-





To see more clips click here

Halfheads

New kids on the block, Halfheads played their first show over the weekend at the North Melbourne Town Hall aka The Townie. Halfheads features members of Chinese Burns/Dollar Bar/Fancy Boys and Borkum Riff. They played with Sweet Dreams from Brisbane.


Couldn't catch the show myself but thanks to Patrick you can see some of it here-





To see more clips click here

UV Race Sydney PARTY!!

UV Race Sydney PARTY!!

ATP NY 2010

I think i'll be going to this.

ATP NY 2010

I think i'll be going to this.

Royal Headache supporting THE BUZZCOCKS

Royal Headache supporting THE BUZZCOCKS

So great an idea they should bottle it. Oh, wait...

The idea of cross promoting wines through association with famous bands is a clever one that US company Wines That Rock have launched. No word on whether the beverage inside the bottle matches the bullshit but we can anticipate that with a retail price of about $20 in Aussie money, the stuff would be passable.

Pink Floyd and their mainstream multi-million dollar earner "Dark Side Of The Moon" has been chosen as the first band to be matched with a wine, in this case a 2006 Cab Sav. There are more varietals coming, including Rolling Stones and Woodstock dedications.

There are some endless possibilities here and it shouldn't end with a piss up over a glass or three of Pink Floyd plonk. How about a line of Iggy-branded Passion Pop? Surely Shane MacGowan deserves a range of not-too-delicate-on-the-palate gut rot that you could brush your teeth in? The magnificent Jet could have their own varietal that tastes like cheap versions of everything else, but is ultimately low-alcohol and thoroughly unsatisfying.

Revival a night no-one with half a brain should miss

Just 10 bucks to see this line-up? You'd have to be mad to pass it up if in the area. Online tix have just gone on sale here.

Klondike cuts loose

Nick Cave, Wolfmother and young bands who pose but can't play get the treatment from Aussie music Hall of Famer Chris Klondike Masuak (Hitmen, Radio Birdman, KN40, the New Christs, the Screaming Tribesmen et al) at music website Mess & Noise here. Nice one Blockster!

It's not too late

But it might be soon. The Hitmen shows at the Sando (with all new band room) this weekend are looking like sell-outs. You can score tix online here.

Main support both nights are Decline Of The Reptiles who have a new album in the can. The fantastic Snoozefests open Friday and vets Young Docteurs do the honours on Saturday.

Do you call this a Velvet Underground reunion?

Probably not but the NY Public Library's description is as vague as all get-out in regards to what they're doing. David Fricke from Rolling Stone is on the bill so it's probably a Q & A session. Reed, Yule and Tucker doesn't have the same ring to it as the Velvet Underground.

Sterling Morrison has an excuse but where's John Cale? Something tells me he may not have been invited - or wouldn't have turned up, given the presence of one other party.

Props to Stupefation for the heads-up.

Woollen Kits/School Of Radiant Living

Hey Dudes- This Sunday Woollen Kits and The School Of Radiant Living are doing an early show at the Builders Arms on Gertrude Street, Fitzroy.

Rad flyer!

Woollen Kits/School Of Radiant Living

Hey Dudes- This Sunday Woollen Kits and The School Of Radiant Living are doing an early show at the Builders Arms on Gertrude Street, Fitzroy.

Rad flyer!

Wanda is Jack's Fujiyama Grandmama

Rockabilly queen and ex-Elvis squeeze Wanda Jackson teaming with producer Jack White? There have been stranger combos. Initially, it's for a digital single, so both are probably giving things a try before they buy. More about this here.

There are still people kicking around "what if" regarding White's failure to get the Stooges production job for what was "The Weirdness". Speculation of course, but who's going to help the reformed-again band cut an album this time out? James and Ig seem keen to do something.

(There! I knew I could turn a rockabilly post into a Stooges one.)

Syl Sylvain, David Jo back on solo trail

They haven't abandoned the NY Dolls who are about to tour the UK, but both principal members will be doing their own thing as well. For Johanasen that means a one-off show in the US and for Sylvain it's work in his home studio. There's an expansive interview with Syl here.

Mike Watt correction

I mis-labelled Watt's bass in a recent post about him honouring fallen Stooge Ron Asheton by applying the guitarist's photo to his instrument (aka the Thud Stick.) Herewith a message from the Man:

barman,

you are very kind, thank you.

I have to tell you though that bass in the picture is a gibson! sorry.
I use a 1965 gibson eb-0 w/the stooges. I removed the original pickup
and added two rio grande pit bull pickups to replace it.

big respect to ron asheton.

thank you again.

on bass, watt

Rarities from the vault: Sonic's Rendezvous Band and Scott Morgan Band

The audio is from a Sonic's Rendezvous Band show from 1978, recently unearthed by Michigan multimedia producer Ed Primeau and left with him for safekeeping. The montage was done by one of Ed's employees.

And here's a Scott Morgan Band/Scots Pirates promotional clip Ed dug up:



That second one would be rarer than a piss-up around a TV set in an Amish elder's lounge room, I'd reckon.

If only every weekend was as good...

Well that was one of the best weekends i've had.

Twerps and Beaches at Abbruzzo Club on Friday.

- I really enjoyed the show being somewhere else than the usual venue thing. I got in just at Beaches were starting- one of my favourite Melb bands but i always miss their shows. It was nice to see such a good turnout for the show actually. The Twerps were great, everyone was into it. I had to run just as they finished. Love the 7!

U.V Race, Royal Headache, Deaf Wish and Breaker Morant at Ding Dong on Saturday.

- I'd been thinking about this show for ages, it was a dream line up for me. I got to the show at like 8:01 to avoid missing Breaker- i thought they were a good opening to the night. I hadn't seen them in a long while and they sounded just as good but totally different than i remembered. During Deaf Wish i was buying multiple jugs before 10:00 as they shot up from $10 to more than i could afford. They did a good set, very loud and heavy.

Royals are so good- if you don't know it yet you'll be kicking yourself when you finally figure it out. UV's did an amazing set, the whole crowd went mental- i have some nice bruised knee to show for it. I love the U.V shirt i got as well, Georgia did a bunch of different designs on them.

Sunday.

I spent tonight over in Northcote at Willow Bar as Jack P invited me to play some records and drink beer. It was a great way to end the weekend. Hope you had a good'n too.

I took the weekend off taking my camera out to just drink and party so if i find some good photos i'll throw up a link. Check the U.V LP article on Mess+Noise for punter reviews.

If only every weekend was as good...

Well that was one of the best weekends i've had.

Twerps and Beaches at Abbruzzo Club on Friday.

- I really enjoyed the show being somewhere else than the usual venue thing. I got in just at Beaches were starting- one of my favourite Melb bands but i always miss their shows. It was nice to see such a good turnout for the show actually. The Twerps were great, everyone was into it. I had to run just as they finished. Love the 7!

U.V Race, Royal Headache, Deaf Wish and Breaker Morant at Ding Dong on Saturday.

- I'd been thinking about this show for ages, it was a dream line up for me. I got to the show at like 8:01 to avoid missing Breaker- i thought they were a good opening to the night. I hadn't seen them in a long while and they sounded just as good but totally different than i remembered. During Deaf Wish i was buying multiple jugs before 10:00 as they shot up from $10 to more than i could afford. They did a good set, very loud and heavy.

Royals are so good- if you don't know it yet you'll be kicking yourself when you finally figure it out. UV's did an amazing set, the whole crowd went mental- i have some nice bruised knee to show for it. I love the U.V shirt i got as well, Georgia did a bunch of different designs on them.

Sunday.

I spent tonight over in Northcote at Willow Bar as Jack P invited me to play some records and drink beer. It was a great way to end the weekend. Hope you had a good'n too.

I took the weekend off taking my camera out to just drink and party so if i find some good photos i'll throw up a link. Check the U.V LP article on Mess+Noise for punter reviews.

Mike Watt remembers

The Stooges bassist honours fallen brother Ron Asheton every time he takes his Gibson bass on stage. You can hear him interview bandmate James Williamson here.

Something Wild - Scott Morgan Band (1983)

That's Scott Morgan singing, his fellow former Sonic's Rendezvous Band member Gary Rasmussen on bass and then ex-Stooge Scott Asheton behind the kit. Video posted yesterday by producer/engineer Ed Primeau. Blues guy Mike Katon is the talented guitarist.

Free King Khan (and BBQ)!!!

Canadian trash garage-soul genius King Khan is due in Australia next month to play the Falls Festival and a handful of dates but the news that he and partner-in-grime BBQ have been arrested on tour in the US and charged with drug possession is one bit of info right out the box. Thanks to Kopper from Garagepunk.com for the heads-up and guess you won't be seeing the pair Waddlin' Around in St Louis this weekend.

I guess that King Khan will be out of stir and a semi free man by the time the Aussie shows roll around but since he is dark-complexioned, is fond of women's wigs and was in a lock-up in a place called Christian County, Kentucky, we can't be 100 percent sure. A frequently updated blog on the subject is here.

The Original Rock Chick? I think so

It's amazing to think that Ronnie Spector's formidable album "Last of The Rock Stars" is finally getting a US release after 12 years. Laughing Outlaw released it in Australia earlier this decade and it's also been available in Europe. It made the Barman's Top Ten in 2006 and you can read the review here.

Joey Ramone, Keith Richards and members of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and the Ravonettes guested and although there's been some obvious radio sheen applied, it's one great record.

Ronnie has been dubbed "the original rock chick" by more than one writer and here.

Action all the time.

As the early summer heatwave kicks on, there's a couple of amazingly diverse but equally attractive shows on this weekend.
Veteran rock troupers the Hitmen return to the stage, behind the release of their new album "St. Valentine's Day Massacre". Recorded in Sydney last year, it see them teaming up onstage with genuine Detroit legend Niagara, for a run through some classics by the likes of Destroy All Monsters and the Stooges. The Hitmen reissue run continues too, with their 1984 live album "Tora! Tora! DTK!", coupled with 1991's "Moronic Inferno" plus a heap of added rarities, out now.

I can only imagine what a sweatbox Cherry Bar will be.
But if that doesn't do it for you, hop across the imaginary fence between Guitarland and Synthville, and catch Primitive Calculators, ZOND and others instead.

The two forms of music aren't mutually exclusive, you know. Just sayin'.

That and some cold beer should get you through the weekend.

Then early next week, there's this:

Now ordinarily, I wouldn't ask anyone to consider paying $8.00 to watch videos in a city bar. But when you figure the night includes the debut showing of Matt Givoni's clip for the Stabs' "Split Lips", it may be more enticing. Add to that the attendance of many of the (ahem) stars of said clip, and it looks like a winner.

Happy Birthday Neil

He's 64-years-Young today.

Neil's latest in the series of archival albums is called "Dreamin' Man Live '92" and is out on December 8. It's a live take on the "Harvest Moon" album in intimate mode, just before the album's release.

This shapes as Pleasant But Not Compelling, in my view. Where's the Ditch Trilogy outtakes, the stuff that was too edgy for "Tonight's The Night", for example? The "Time Fades Away" that was too Tequila-fucked to consider unleashing? C'mon Neil. Get THAT stuff out there and stop teasing.

Patti, Lou and Andy make NYC list but where are the Ramones?

The Museum of the City of New York has named Patti Smith, Lou Reed and Andy Warhol on a list of the Big Apple's Top 400 Most Important People but not one Ramone made the cut.

Great musical figures like Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane made it, as well as Sean "Diddy" Coombs. Hang on a second...

It just goes to show that lists really do suck.

Road To Russia on two wheels

The Ramones become a bike. The branding link is dubious to say the least.

Nobunny interview!!!!

Jimi and Zac wrote up some questions for Nobunny together, enjoy!

What were you for halloween?

LUX INTERIOR

I heard you started out as an elvis impersonator, did you ever go to any conventions or anything like that and how were you received by the elvis-loving community?

I've been to many E conventions. Elvis lovers don't care for much if it ain't the king, nawmean.

A lot of your artwork is a reference to other bands, any particular reason why?

I have no thoughts of my own.

Whats the best/most surprising description of your music you have heard?

"music that is stripped of all redeeming features, just a bunch of fuck ups doing the shittiest thing they can think of"


Do you have fans that have sent you really weird stuff? if so, like what?

I've had multiple dead rabbits thrown at me.

Does it surprise you that parents bring small children to your shows and how do you feel about it?

Nothing surprises me, it's 2009. Kids, dogs, grannies.... all is welcome.

I saw the "alleged worst show of 2008" video, has there been a worst of 2009 show?

You have no idea


But seriously, what's with the mask?

Usually some sweat n stink.

What is Christmas like in the Nobunny home?

homeless

Do you have any plans for the weekend?

stay alive

THANK YOU NOBUNNY!!!!!

AUSTRALIA LOVES YOU!!!!!

Nobunny interview!!!!

Jimi and Zac wrote up some questions for Nobunny together, enjoy!

What were you for halloween?

LUX INTERIOR

I heard you started out as an elvis impersonator, did you ever go to any conventions or anything like that and how were you received by the elvis-loving community?

I've been to many E conventions. Elvis lovers don't care for much if it ain't the king, nawmean.

A lot of your artwork is a reference to other bands, any particular reason why?

I have no thoughts of my own.

Whats the best/most surprising description of your music you have heard?

"music that is stripped of all redeeming features, just a bunch of fuck ups doing the shittiest thing they can think of"


Do you have fans that have sent you really weird stuff? if so, like what?

I've had multiple dead rabbits thrown at me.

Does it surprise you that parents bring small children to your shows and how do you feel about it?

Nothing surprises me, it's 2009. Kids, dogs, grannies.... all is welcome.

I saw the "alleged worst show of 2008" video, has there been a worst of 2009 show?

You have no idea


But seriously, what's with the mask?

Usually some sweat n stink.

What is Christmas like in the Nobunny home?

homeless

Do you have any plans for the weekend?

stay alive

THANK YOU NOBUNNY!!!!!

AUSTRALIA LOVES YOU!!!!!

UV RACE LP LAUNCH

Boom ya! This is going to be fucking great.



UV RACE
ROYAL HEADACHE
DEAF WISH
BREAKER MORANT

UV RACE LP LAUNCH

Boom ya! This is going to be fucking great.



UV RACE
ROYAL HEADACHE
DEAF WISH
BREAKER MORANT

The Twerps 7" Launch

The Twerps have just put out a new 7" and cd. It's kick ass, go buy it.

I have every intention to make this gig, really wanna see Beaches again!!




Pic by Ben Butcher - Long Exposure

The Twerps 7" Launch

The Twerps have just put out a new 7" and cd. It's kick ass, go buy it.

I have every intention to make this gig, really wanna see Beaches again!!




Pic by Ben Butcher - Long Exposure

Hall of Blame

Time to shut the R 'n' R Hall of Lame? So says the LA Times.

I'd rather see Rolling Stone publisher Jan Wenner shut down if the insider's claim is true that the publisher of that heap of fashion-obsessed tripe has the sort of influence on the voting process that extended to Grandmaster Flash And The Furious Five getting the nod over the admittedly harmless Dave Clark Five.

Yeah, shut the fucker. I'm not planning on going there soon.

Pretty good summation, I'd say

Former Sounds writer and NY Dolls biographer Kris Needs on "The Stooges" LP.

Pixies for nixies

Nirvana were the global break-out act of the early '90s but The Pixies (frontman Frank Black pictured) were the soundtrack of any inner-city or suburban hipster party in the closely-preceeding late '80s. Certainly that was the case in Sydney.

Personally, I wasn't fussed about or fascinated with them, either way. I owned "Dolittle", which was flogged to death on the (then listenable) 2JJJ, the youth-orientated Aussie broadcaster whose reach hadn't yet extended nationally and thus wasn't as homogenised as it is today. The Pixies were an OK listen, mainly because their guitars bristled. They were way preferable to A Flock Of Sausages, Pseudo (as in "Fraud") Echo and all those crappy Euro-synth bands, but I had my head in another musical space.

The point is that the reformed Pixies have a world tour happening, as well as a nearly sold-out run through Australia, and that'll take all those once-upon-a-time hispter kids back to their yewf and have everyone asking whether they really had a haircut like that back in the '80s. You'll also get to download each gig, or walk away from a show with a copy on a USB stick.

More immediately, there's a free download of a Paris concert here and everyone likes shit that is free, don't they? Tell me if it's any good.