Back to the futu...well, the past, actually.

Hmm, another retrospective weekend. I don't apologise for this- as far as I can see, it's all part of one wide spectrum, and any part of it can and should be enjoyed by anyone.
Anyway, I mentioned the Little Murders reissue earlier this week- it's getting an official launch at the Tote on Friday.

That should be a fine sweaty night, and it's only $10.00
On Sunday afternoon, a bunch of folks are gathering at the Corner for a one-off (yeah I know everyone always says that, but I think this time it's actually true) reformation show by the Ears.

Hot on the heels of the recent "Dogs In Space" re-release, this promises to be pretty big. And it's being co-presented by Dolores San Miguel- if that's not a mark of quality for the era in question, I don't know what is.

Short, quick, busy.

The Drones open a national tour behind new album "Havilah" with shows at The Corner on Thursday and Friday, with both featuring supports from Kev Carmody and the Witch Hats. Now that's a bill that could either flop like a pancake or rise like a souffle. There's a lot of respect for Carmody in the Drones camp- they covered one of his most incisive songs, "River Of Tears" on a tribute album- here's hoping that translates across to the crowd.

While on Saturday, Crystal Thomas & the Flowers Of Evil play their first show for 2009 at Yah-Yah's in Collingwood. Their album was one of my faves from last year- it's good to see them back.

Harem Scarem- reformation.

Well, as noted previously, these boys hit the boards again recently, in front of a packed house at the Corner. Many old friends and faces there, and a great set. I got punched in the head by an over-zealous security guy when I ripped this from the stage:

even though the encores were over.
It was a great set- Chris, Charlie & Barry seemed to be enjoying themselves hugely. Mark Ferrie played bass like the goddamn pro he always is. Personally, I woulda liked to have heard some harmonica in there, and considering "Dirty" Kurt Lindner was in the crowd, and willing to step up, I'm a little puzzled as to why there was none.
Whatever, here's hoping they do it again.

Ed & the Drone Hats

Look, I know I go on about Witch Hats a bit, but trust me they deserve it. Last week's Tote show was excellent, as is their new single, "Before I Weigh", out now on In-Fidelity.
And you've got to hand it to a band who score a prestige support with the Drones for one big Melbourne date, at the Corner

and come up with their own poster:



My, Fiona Kitschin must be feeling flattered. Or should that be "flattened"?

Tomorrow (Friday) night sees a fairly special show by Ed Kuepper at the East Brunswick Club, as follows:

To celebrate the release of ‘Jean Lee and the Yellow Dog’, Ed Kuepper and the newly christened Kowalski Collective (Peter Oxley and Jeffrey Wegener), will take to the road for an extensive national tour. The EBC audience will be even more spoiled when the Collective extends to a seven piece with the addition of keyboard/cellist Jane Elliott and a three-piece horn section. Kuepper, of course, being no stranger to the use of brass having successfully experimented with the format for the Saints albums Eternally Yours and Prehistoric Sounds and using it as the centre-piece for his post-Saints outfit Laughing Clowns. And if that wasn't enough, at select shows, Ed Kuepper & The Kowalski Collective will play two sets each night. The first being a highlights package of past glories while the second set will see a run through of ‘Jean Lee and the Yellow Dog’ in its entirety.

I have a copy of "Jean Lee", and it is excellent. Details on this and more are here at the I94 Bar.

the return of La Femme

Yes, yes, I know the Celibate Rifles are in town this weekend, playing with the Double Agents at the Corner, and, yes I know that Sixfthick are playing their last Melbourne show before their European tour at the Rob Roy, but for my money there is only one show worth going to- the return of a rejuvenated La Femme.
I never saw them live back in their heyday, so I'm really looking forward to it. More details here at the I94 Bar. If you can't make the show, at least have a listen to the recently reissued album.

Thanks to Ian & Stuart for giving me that intro para, too.