Stained Sheets Issue 3.1, never say d.i.y

Stained Sheets is 3.1 is being launched on thursday at:
- Sunshine & Grease
- 9 Queens Parade, Clifton Hill.
- Stained Sheets

Stained Sheets Issue 3.1, never say d.i.y

Stained Sheets is 3.1 is being launched on thursday at:
- Sunshine & Grease
- 9 Queens Parade, Clifton Hill.
- Stained Sheets

Think Special Art - Magnus Mctavish

Magnus' exhibition "Think Special Art" is on Friday April 2nd at: 

66 Maltravers Rd, Ivanhoe. 7pm. B.Y.O

Go to http://mags1.net/ 

Then email for his phone number and buy a piece before they all sell

Think Special Art - Magnus Mctavish

Magnus' exhibition "Think Special Art" is on Friday April 2nd at: 

66 Maltravers Rd, Ivanhoe. 7pm. B.Y.O

Go to http://mags1.net/ 

Then email for his phone number and buy a piece before they all sell

Album of the week- Digger & the Pussycats: "DIY"

Huh. They play, they break up, they tour, they fuck themselves up. And every year or so (give or take, generously) they serve up another album.
If you've heard Sam & Andy before, you'll know what to expect- a fine squawking thrash-racket and gut-rush of clever (but not "clever") tunes that fill the air like the welcome sound of an old friend with a six pack knocking on your door.
If you haven't seen them live- and surely there can't be many who haven't- you can remedy that by heading along to Yah Yah's on Thursday 1st April, where they will be launching this in fine noisy style.

R.I.P Drunkdriver

To quote PopJew from her post about the recent news of Drunkdriver breaking up,

"Unfortunately, this amazing band has come to an untimely end based on reasons I have no desire to repeat nor the will to comment on. But one thing's for sure, I loved seeing Drunkdriver and the world of music will miss them."

I've been caining the Born Pregnant LP, the Fire Sale 7" and mostly the Knife Day 7". I'm really keen to hear this new record which was supposed coming out April 14th on LOAD Records but they have since decided not to release it. Head to Mishka Blog to get the scoop then head to Washington City Paper to read about Load's recent decision. I'm really bummed to hear about the band breaking up. Can't help but think it's only a matter of time till Pygmy Shrews suffer the same fate. Really wish i'd had the chance to see Drunkdriver.

-I found this interesting, Kevin from Pink Reason said this on their facebook,

"If you happen to be privy to the controversery surrounding the band Drunkdriver, you should know that I support both Jeremy and the band and if you do not, please, add Pink Reason to your list of bands to boycott, we do not want your business."


This seems to be happening to a few of their records at the moment...

R.I.P Drunkdriver

To quote PopJew from her post about the recent news of Drunkdriver breaking up,

"Unfortunately, this amazing band has come to an untimely end based on reasons I have no desire to repeat nor the will to comment on. But one thing's for sure, I loved seeing Drunkdriver and the world of music will miss them."

I've been caining the Born Pregnant LP, the Fire Sale 7" and mostly the Knife Day 7". I'm really keen to hear this new record which was supposed coming out April 14th on LOAD Records but they have since decided not to release it. Head to Mishka Blog to get the scoop then head to Washington City Paper to read about Load's recent decision. I'm really bummed to hear about the band breaking up. Can't help but think it's only a matter of time till Pygmy Shrews suffer the same fate. Really wish i'd had the chance to see Drunkdriver.

-I found this interesting, Kevin from Pink Reason said this on their facebook,

"If you happen to be privy to the controversery surrounding the band Drunkdriver, you should know that I support both Jeremy and the band and if you do not, please, add Pink Reason to your list of bands to boycott, we do not want your business."


This seems to be happening to a few of their records at the moment...

Put another dime in the jukebox, Obama

Jackie Fox of the Runaways (who's now a lawyer) reckons Obama is a doppleganger of Joan Jett. Now who says the legal fraternity s out of touch? I like this piece. Thanks for spotting it, Retro Kimmer!

All hail.

Crazy times in the daytime right now. I'm just glad that today's earthquake didn't turn out to be much.
Anyway, I'll be looking for some downtime this weekend. Like this:

Howard was a founding member of Crime & The City Solution, These Immortal Souls and Pink Stainless Tail, as well as stepping in on occasional Birthday Party guitar duty. True to his pedigree, he will be backed by Dave Graney and Clare Moore who are “back in post-punk mode”. Supports by Stu Thomas (The Surrealists) and Bad Orchestra. Cost: $7 on the door.

Although, despite some questionable aims, as a stand-alone show, this has it's charms, too:

Mainly because I plan to throw Tim Rogers in the lion cage while the lights are out. Naah, just kiddin'.

Happy Hate Me Nots

Happy Hate Me Nots were a Sydney band that didn't ever receive much commercial success. A 2CD collection of songs was released on Feel Presents in 2006. This band should do some reunion shows soon. I found a link for a download of one of their albums. Post a comment if you want me to find it again.

HAPPY HATE ME NOTS

Okay sports fans, go to SHOTGUN SOLUTION to download some of the early singles by the band. I know i did. Enjoy!

Happy Hate Me Nots

Happy Hate Me Nots were a Sydney band that didn't ever receive much commercial success. A 2CD collection of songs was released on Feel Presents in 2006. This band should do some reunion shows soon. I found a link for a download of one of their albums. Post a comment if you want me to find it again.

HAPPY HATE ME NOTS

Okay sports fans, go to SHOTGUN SOLUTION to download some of the early singles by the band. I know i did. Enjoy!

Exile on Deluxe Re-issue Street

I hate to be a street team for the Abko label but this may be very special. One disc contains a bunch of unreleased songs.

BEN FROST - CONFESSIONS OF A MODEL CITIZEN

Ben Frost is a Sydney based artist. He has a new show opening tomorrow at Gorker Gallery in Fitzroy, Melbourne. His work is tongue-in-cheek and often shocking with use of common logos and well known advertising examples. Juxtaposing good and bad with sex and violence, humour and criticism.

To check out more, go to http://www.benfrostisdead.com/

BEN FROST - CONFESSIONS OF A MODEL CITIZEN

Ben Frost is a Sydney based artist. He has a new show opening tomorrow at Gorker Gallery in Fitzroy, Melbourne. His work is tongue-in-cheek and often shocking with use of common logos and well known advertising examples. Juxtaposing good and bad with sex and violence, humour and criticism.

To check out more, go to http://www.benfrostisdead.com/

If you need to ask Who? you're reading the wrong blog

Nice interview with Strait James in Pommy rag The Guardian here.

E.C.S.R - Rush To Relax

This is fast becoming my favourite E.C.S.R song

E.C.S.R - Rush To Relax

This is fast becoming my favourite E.C.S.R song

Puerto Rico Flowers

John Sharkey III of Clockclean er has a new band called Puerto Rico Flowers

This should be interesting...

Puerto Rico Flowers

John Sharkey III of Clockclean er has a new band called Puerto Rico Flowers

This should be interesting...

Kim Fowley and the Art of Girl Band Management

I have no idea if the new Runways bioipic is any good but you can't deny reviews like this, involving manager Kim Fowley, attract attention:

Fowley likes the marketing potential of Jett’s all-girl rock band and starts putting together the package. Soon, he becomes their preposterously self-important guru and sleaze-ball Svengali: “Not women’s lib, women’s libido,” he screams. Fowley puts them through his version of rock ’n’ roll boot camp, teaching them to scream “I want an orgasm” while tossing dog turds and bottles at them to prepare them for hostile audiences.

Yes. Sounds like compulsive viewing. The Barmaid's gonna love this one. More here. I'm off to spin Fowley's wonderful "Outrageous" album.

PBS FM, tonight 2-6 AM

Me and my buddy Ruby are gonna be on the radio tonight on

PBS - 106.7FM

We'll be playing tracks, shooting the shit and playing it off legit.

Call the station and say hi or request a song even on:

03 8415 1832

PBS FM, tonight 2-6 AM

Me and my buddy Ruby are gonna be on the radio tonight on

PBS - 106.7FM

We'll be playing tracks, shooting the shit and playing it off legit.

Call the station and say hi or request a song even on:

03 8415 1832

Hall of Lame: Final Thoughts

Let's bask in the reflected glory of the Stooges' induction one more time and consider some news that recently popped up. A read of The Hounbdblog's latest entry reminded me that I'd seen these kernels a few days ago on the unofficial Stooges forum:

1. Rhino Handmade will be issuing the first Stooges LP with more alternate takes and the unheard song "Asthma Attack". Twenty six tracks, it's said.

2. The same label has a Live at Ugano's tape in their possession.

I'll let The Houndblog have the last word on the Hall of Lame broadcast. I watched a download but he got to watch it with Danny Fields.

Wednesday at OLD BAR, yeah dude

Tonight (Wednesday March 17th) i'm Dj'ing at the Old Bar with Jimi O Crack.

Bands playing are:

Wil Wagner & The Smith St Band
Breaker Morant
Chaos Kids
Jess Shulman

Put down the sangria and come stare at me from a dark corner.

now i'm leaving my house to go drink free liqour at ACCA.

Wednesday at OLD BAR, yeah dude

Tonight (Wednesday March 17th) i'm Dj'ing at the Old Bar with Jimi O Crack.

Bands playing are:

Wil Wagner & The Smith St Band
Breaker Morant
Chaos Kids
Jess Shulman

Put down the sangria and come stare at me from a dark corner.

now i'm leaving my house to go drink free liqour at ACCA.

A polite reminder.

Well, I say polite, but really, you'd be a fucking idiot to miss this at the Old Bar on Friday.
Number three in an infinite series:

Yes, you read that right- Uneasy Listeners are indeed the four remaining members of the Seminal Rats, Penny Ikinger is playing with Andrew McCubbin, and Johnny Casino and the Secrets are playing all up close and personal.
As ever, feel free to say hello. I'll be there til closing.

The Good Guys win

Yes, I do want a limited edition deluxe version of the Raw Power re-issue

At $A67 it seems like a reasonable deal. All those bonuses. But there's a sting in the tail and you don't get to know about it until your're 90 percent through the order process. Sixty bucks shipping to Australia? Don;t worry folks, there will be a "budget edition" and it's going to set you back considerably less on Amazon.

Whatever gets you through the concert

Rock and roll is all about things that occur from the waist down. A good show has been known to move grown men to tears, although this guy's reaction to a Jimmy Barnes show might take some beating. It puts a different spin on the title of one of Barnes' recent albums. "Double Happiness", anyone?

Freaks and a festival.

Have you ever seen Telecom? No? I didn't think so.

Despite the fact they have no drummer anymore, the Old Bar are kindly letting them play this Friday night, along with Sweetmac, Daughterboy Jao and Damn The Torpedoes. One of the guys from Telecom tells me Damn The Torpedoes are pretty good, so maybe an early start and an early night is best.

Then something on the southside for Sunday:

I'm not quite sure what kind of fuckwit thinks Ripponlea is a secret. There's a goddamn train station there and everything. Still, this from a local council who issues media releases about public toilets. Anyway, there are walking tours and such , then from 3.00pm Fred Negro & Dave Mole, the Bittersweet Kicks, Frank Lee Earnest & the Empty Glasses and Spencer P. Jones are playing for free on the Lyrebird stage, at 61 Glen Eira Rd. Right by that station I mentioned earlier.

Wooden Shjips

After performing at Golden Plains over the weekend, the Wooden Shjips played a set of songs at PBS in Collingwood. I was doing some volunteering when they came in so i took a few photos.

Also, you can listen to their set here > http://www.pbsfm.org.au

- You just have to register as a new user to PBS then go to the LISTEN LIVE page, then click on RADIO ON DEMAND and go to the show CITY SLANG and enter MARCH 10th 2010.

Wooden Shjips

After performing at Golden Plains over the weekend, the Wooden Shjips played a set of songs at PBS in Collingwood. I was doing some volunteering when they came in so i took a few photos.

Also, you can listen to their set here > http://www.pbsfm.org.au

- You just have to register as a new user to PBS then go to the LISTEN LIVE page, then click on RADIO ON DEMAND and go to the show CITY SLANG and enter MARCH 10th 2010.

How to Fix The Hall of Lame

That's the title of this thoughtful Village Voice piece. As the Voice notes, it's all about context.

The committee picking inductees does itself no service with some bizarre omissions and downright lame inclusions. Do you want them spelt out?

Meanwhile, the Stooges are about to be inducted. Don't care? The Ig remains sceptical - understandably so after seven unsuccessful shots. As Stoogeologist and ace photographer Robert Matheu said in an email yesterday, en route to the ceremony: "Having the Stooges in gives them some credibility now- you can quote me on that!"

Album of the week- The Brutals: "The Honeymoon Period"

This has come along a wee bit late for me to call it "the album of the summer", which is a shame, because it would have been ideal.
Ten tracks of odd, shimmering, country-infused pop, full of naive charm and killer hooks. Here's the video for "Jeneane, Jeneane" to give you a taste. I was lucky enough to catch them live at Applecore recently, and that was even better. Still, this will do to get you through the autumn, at least. Released on the resurgent Half A Cow Records, too, by the way.

Powertrane no more?

The word is that Powertrane, the Real Rock and Roll band led by Michigan's Scott Morgan, is in the past tense.

No official announcement but Scott is said to be focussing on his solo band and forthcoming release on Alive. A pity to see Powertrane go after a nine-year run but here's something to remember them by, from Don Was' online music TV channel.

Raw Power on Aussie breakfast TV

Did anyone see media whore/breakfast TV weatherman Grant Denyer on Sunrise yesterday wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with Mick Rock's Iggy shot from the cover of "Raw Power"? It looked like a designer knock-off (read: bootleg) and I'll bet my right one that the clueless celebrity has no idea.

The Hellmenn

Sydney's finest, The Hellmenn have decided to put out a cd of rare and unreleased recordings. This looks fantastic. I noticed it on display at Missing Link when i was asking about the Royal Headache 7"(which! is STILL on it's way...). So anyway, this cd looks like it'll have a lot of love in March.

Here's what Missing Link have to say on it,

"Second, and very exciting for us, the first release on our new reissue label JUNKYARD RECORDS has hit the shelves! Sydney's HELLMENN have a legendary reputation for their high volume, high energy, ear bleeder live shows and vinyl platters, and this Thermo Nuclear Sonic Burn Out CD compiles tracks from 87-93, including their first 2 EPs and various rare and unreleased tunes. This is very exciting for us, especially considering we just put the GOD CD on the shelf last week! Great to see Australian r'n'r from that period getting it's due!

JUNKYARD is a reissue label we run out of the store now that is primarily focused on digging through the refuse of Australia's vinyl past and making certain forgotten and neglected moments in our rich history get bl'asted again!"

The band is doing 1 show only at Monster Session- (if only i could afford to do the trip to Sydney and see this...)

Check out the Monster Session line-up:

BUY TICKETS(!)

The Hellmenn

Sydney's finest, The Hellmenn have decided to put out a cd of rare and unreleased recordings. This looks fantastic. I noticed it on display at Missing Link when i was asking about the Royal Headache 7"(which! is STILL on it's way...). So anyway, this cd looks like it'll have a lot of love in March.

Here's what Missing Link have to say on it,

"Second, and very exciting for us, the first release on our new reissue label JUNKYARD RECORDS has hit the shelves! Sydney's HELLMENN have a legendary reputation for their high volume, high energy, ear bleeder live shows and vinyl platters, and this Thermo Nuclear Sonic Burn Out CD compiles tracks from 87-93, including their first 2 EPs and various rare and unreleased tunes. This is very exciting for us, especially considering we just put the GOD CD on the shelf last week! Great to see Australian r'n'r from that period getting it's due!

JUNKYARD is a reissue label we run out of the store now that is primarily focused on digging through the refuse of Australia's vinyl past and making certain forgotten and neglected moments in our rich history get bl'asted again!"

The band is doing 1 show only at Monster Session- (if only i could afford to do the trip to Sydney and see this...)

Check out the Monster Session line-up:

BUY TICKETS(!)

The Doors to Schools of Learning Might Remain Closed

Dateline: Florida, 1963. Thanks to the folks at Mojo (the magazine) there's evidence that the pre-Doors Jim Morrison was not a crash hot actor. This appears to be some sort of public education film telling teens that the university place of their dreams doesn't await them unless they knuckle down and study.

Jimbo, soon to be a Lizard King, was then just the 20-year-old son of a US Navy Admiral who made it into film school at UCLA. Someone now needs to uncover a long-buried anti-drugs public service ad and life will be complete.

Lou Barlow instore today at Missing Link

Mr. Lou Barlow of Sebadoh/Dinosaur Jnr fame is playing a free show today.

Missing Link, 5pm!

He's also playing some tunes at some point during Golden Plains....

Lou Barlow instore today at Missing Link

Mr. Lou Barlow of Sebadoh/Dinosaur Jnr fame is playing a free show today.

Missing Link, 5pm!

He's also playing some tunes at some point during Golden Plains....

Travel time.

Well, one way or another I was always going to be on the road this (long) weekend.
For the first time ever, I'm booked in for Golden Plains:

There's a long and involved story about two friends getting me drunk and suggesting this would be an ideal way to get over my general dislike of festivals. Whatever, the line up was enough to convince me.
Who’s playing. This year’s lineup is brought to you by the letters “spirited”, “pirate” and “classic”.
PAVEMENT, DINOSAUR JR, DIRTY PROJECTORS, THE BIG PINK, MIDNIGHT JUGGERNAUTS, TAME IMPALA, SUPER WILD HORSES, OPTIMO, CALEXICO, MONOTONIX, GASLAMP KILLER, NASHVILLE PUSSY, JEFFREY LEWIS & THE JUNKYARD, THE CRUEL SEA, CRAYON FIELDS, RANSOM, ANDEE FROST, ROYAL HEADACHE, WOODEN SHJIPS, ANTIBALAS, CLAIRY BABY BROWNE AND THE BANGIN’ RACKETTES, SPACE INVADAS, JACK LADDER, SCATTERMUSIC SOUND SYSTEM, OPULENT DJs
Not all of that is essential, and there's a bit of rain forecast, but, y'know, so what?
If I was around, though, I'd be heading to Yah Yah's on Saturday night, where Brian Hooper is previewing tracks of his forthcoming album, accompanied by Mick Harvey and JP Shilo.
Odd how it looks like there's a name missing from that sentence.

Album of the week- GOD: "GOD".

If there is one band on earth who can get away with self-titling what is essentially a reissue, it's these guys.
More than twenty years after their last show, but only weeks after a version of "My Pal" brought down the curtain on the Tote, this feels very timely. Or maybe it's just about fucking time.
If you weren't around back in the day to see them, and haven't heard either "Rock Is Hell" or "For Lovers Only", this may surprise you. Regardless of whether you were or not, my tip is to play disc two first. It includes the whole of their final show, at the Central Cub in Richmond in July 1989. Thirteen tracks, unedited but remastered, that show them in all their loud sweaty glory. A must.

No News is good news

For those of you not in Ostralia, the local media has been flooded this past week with horror reports from Whitney Houston's train-wreck local tour.

Tales of an unwell Whitney scarcely able to hit a high note and taking 15-minute "costume change" breaks have been contrasted with images of pissed-off fans walking out in protest after forking out 200 smackers a ticket.

As the tour became more of a disaster, the louder were the screams of defence from the promoter, who was desperately justifying why Houston should be given a "fair go".

Prompting similar thoughts about the way Baby Boomer icons on their last career legs are toured in out-of-the-way (i.e. Not The USA) countries in the hope of turning a buck comes the news that Huey Lewis and The News are non-starters for an Australian tour. Huey (why do I laugh when I type that name?) is citing the pressing need to finish a new album. Must be one important record.

On the other hand, near non-existent ticket sales would have nothing to do with this, would they? Or maybe the wails about Whitney are forcing a re-think about audience gullibility.

Huey fans, flame away.

Golden Plains Festival March 6-8

Golden Plains festival is this weekend in Meredith

This is the 4th Golden Plains festival and it's looking like it'll be pretty rad.

If you were planning to come to Melbourne this would be a good time as theres heaps of sweet shows on.

This years line up:

Saturday, March 6

2-2.05pm Opening Ceremony
2.05-2.40pm Royal Headache
3-3.45pm The Crayon Fields
4.05-4.45pm Clairy Baby Browne And The Bangin Rackettes
5.05-5.45pm Monotonix
6.15-7:05pm The Big Pink
7.35-8:45pm Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra
9.15-10.35pm Pavement
11.05-12.25am Dinosaur Jr
12.35-2am Andee Frost
2-3.30am Ransom
3.30-6am Scattermusic Sound System
6-10am Silence Wedge

(Interstitial soundtrack by Mohair Slim and Brain Children)

Sunday, March 7

10.10-10.45am Super Wild Horses
11-11.15am Why Music Is Good For Your Brain
11.20am-12:00pm Jack Ladder
12.20-1.10pm Jeffrey Lewis & The Junkyard
1.40-2.30pm Wooden Shjips
2.50-3.40pm Space Invadas
4.05-4.55pm Nashville Pussy
5.25-6.25pm Dirty Projectors
6.55-7.45pm Tame Impala
8.15-9.30pm Calexico
10-11pm The Cruel Sea
11.30-12.30am Midnight Juggernauts
12.45-2am Opulent Sound
2-3am Gaslamp Killer
3-5am Optimo
5am Silence Wedge
1pm Gates Close

DICKHEAD POLICY:

"Essentially this is a self-policing policy whereby 'the dickhead' is not celebrated at the festival. Dickheads or people involved in dickhead behaviour will usually find that a solid citizen will firmly but politely inform them that their dickhead behaviour is not admired or appreciated. The Dickhead will usually realize they are being a dickhead and pull their head in. If not, our Helpers or Staff or even Security might make a discreet intervention.

So if you are a Dickhead, this festival isn't for you."

Golden Plains Festival March 6-8

Golden Plains festival is this weekend in Meredith

This is the 4th Golden Plains festival and it's looking like it'll be pretty rad.

If you were planning to come to Melbourne this would be a good time as theres heaps of sweet shows on.

This years line up:

Saturday, March 6

2-2.05pm Opening Ceremony
2.05-2.40pm Royal Headache
3-3.45pm The Crayon Fields
4.05-4.45pm Clairy Baby Browne And The Bangin Rackettes
5.05-5.45pm Monotonix
6.15-7:05pm The Big Pink
7.35-8:45pm Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra
9.15-10.35pm Pavement
11.05-12.25am Dinosaur Jr
12.35-2am Andee Frost
2-3.30am Ransom
3.30-6am Scattermusic Sound System
6-10am Silence Wedge

(Interstitial soundtrack by Mohair Slim and Brain Children)

Sunday, March 7

10.10-10.45am Super Wild Horses
11-11.15am Why Music Is Good For Your Brain
11.20am-12:00pm Jack Ladder
12.20-1.10pm Jeffrey Lewis & The Junkyard
1.40-2.30pm Wooden Shjips
2.50-3.40pm Space Invadas
4.05-4.55pm Nashville Pussy
5.25-6.25pm Dirty Projectors
6.55-7.45pm Tame Impala
8.15-9.30pm Calexico
10-11pm The Cruel Sea
11.30-12.30am Midnight Juggernauts
12.45-2am Opulent Sound
2-3am Gaslamp Killer
3-5am Optimo
5am Silence Wedge
1pm Gates Close

DICKHEAD POLICY:

"Essentially this is a self-policing policy whereby 'the dickhead' is not celebrated at the festival. Dickheads or people involved in dickhead behaviour will usually find that a solid citizen will firmly but politely inform them that their dickhead behaviour is not admired or appreciated. The Dickhead will usually realize they are being a dickhead and pull their head in. If not, our Helpers or Staff or even Security might make a discreet intervention.

So if you are a Dickhead, this festival isn't for you."

Kitchen's Floor 7" tour

Kitchen's Floor 7" tour