Insanity In Numbers

The Absolute Guide to the Top 67 Awesome Songs of 2011.

2011-12-30T02:16:00.521+11:00

That's right. None of this Pitchfork rubbish, even Rolling Stone couldn't get it right (the fact that Rebecca Black appears anywhere near a top-songs list makes me wonder why I ever used to buy RS...). Plus, on any major music website/magazine/TV show that compiles a best-of list, there's always a severe lack in 1. Anything other than indie rock, 2. Australian music, and 3. Awesomeness.

So, I compiled One Hundred and Eighty-Eight (188) of my favourite songs from the past year into a list, everything from ambient to groove metal to hip-hop to ska punk (and of course indie rock). I rated each and every one on a sliding Awesomeness scale; that is, either Good, Great, Outstanding, Amazing or Awesome. These are the Awesome songs of 2011.

(NB: To utilize the amazingness of Grooveshark, I've created a playlist of all 67 songs for anyone and everyone to listen to, if they are so inclined: http://grooveshark.com/playlist/Insanity+In+Numbers+Best+Songs+Of+2011+/65691512)

67. The Devin Townsend Project - Fly
On Ghost, released through HevyDevy Records and InsideOut Music.
Style: Ambient/Progressive Rock
Fly by Devin Townsend Project on Grooveshark

66. Star Fucking Hipsters - Ana Ng
On From the Dumpster to the Grave, released through Fat Wreck Chords.
Style: Ska Punk
Ana Ng by Star Fucking Hipsters on Grooveshark

65. M83 - Midnight City
On Hurry Up, We're Dreaming, released through Naïve Records.
Style: Electropop
Midnight City by M83 on Grooveshark

64. Frank Ocean - Swim Good
On Nostalgia, Ultra, released independently at first, then through Def Jam.
Style: R&B
Swim Good by Frank Ocean on Grooveshark

63. Strange Talk - Climbing Walls
On Strange Talk, released through Neon Gold Records and Fine Time Records.
Style: Electropop
Climbing Walls by Strange Talk on Grooveshark

62. The Antlers - Parentheses
On Burst Apart, released through Frenchkiss Records and Transgressive Records.
Style: Indie Rock
Parentheses by The Antlers on Grooveshark

61. Fitz and the Tantrums - MoneyGrabber
On Pickin' Up the Pieces, released through Dangerbird Records.
Style: Neo Soul
MoneyGrabber by Fitz and the Tantrums on Grooveshark

To see the top 60, so as not to clog up the entire page, read on through the Read More clickything just below!

60. Dropkick Murphys - Going Out In Style
On Going Out In Style, released through Born & Bred Records.
Style: Celtic Punk
Going Out In Style by Dropkick Murphys on Grooveshark

59. Social Distortion - Machine Gun Blues
On Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes, released through Epitaph.
Style: Punk Rock
Machine Gun Blues by Social Distortion on Grooveshark

58. Jay-Z and Kanye West - Otis
On Watch the Throne, released through Def Jam and Roc-A-Fella Recordings.
Style: Hip-Hop
Otis by Kanye West & Jay-Z on Grooveshark

57. Adele - Rolling in the Deep
On 21, released through XL Recordings and Columbia.
Style: Soul
Rolling In The Deep by Adele on Grooveshark

56. Foo Fighters - These Days
On Wasting Light, released through RCA.
Style: Post-Grunge
These Days by Foo Fighters on Grooveshark

55. Mastodon - Blasteroid
On The Hunter, released through Roadrunner and Reprise.
Style: Stoner Rock/Sludge Metal
Blasteroid by Mastodon on Grooveshark

54. Black Tide - That Fire
On Post Mortem, released through Interscope.
Style: Heavy Metal
That Fire by Black Tide on Grooveshark

53. blink-182 - Heart's All Gone
On Neighborhoods, released through DGC and Interscope.
Style: Punk Rock
Heart's All Gone by Blink-182 on Grooveshark

52. The Devin Townsend Project - The Mighty Masturbator
On Deconstruction, released through HevyDevy Records and InsideOut Music.
Style: Progressive Metal
The Mighty Masturbator by Devin Townsend Project on Grooveshark

51. Bon Iver - Perth
On Bon Iver, Bon Iver, released through Jagjaguwar and 4AD.
Style: Indie Folk
Perth by Bon Iver on Grooveshark

50. Mogwai - White Noise
On Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will, released through Rock Action Records and Sub Pop.
Style: Post-Rock
White Noise by Mogwai on Grooveshark

49. The Kooks - Is It Me
On Junk of the Heart, released through Virgin.
Style: Indie Rock
Is It Me by The Kooks on Grooveshark

48. The Bloody Beetroots feat. Dennis Lyxzén - Church of Noise
On Church of Noise, released through Ultra Records.
Style: Electro House
Church Of Noise (ft. Dennis Lyxzén) by Bloody Beetroots on Grooveshark

47. Papa vs Pretty - Darkest Way
On United in Isolation, released through Peace & Riot and EMI.
Style: Indie Rock
Darkest Way by Papa vs. Pretty on Grooveshark

46. The Decemberists - Down by the Water
On The King is Dead, released through Capitol and Rough Trade.
Style: Alt-Country
Down By The Water by The Decemberists on Grooveshark

45. Rival Schools - Wring It Out
On Pedals, released through Photo Finish Records.
Style: Post-Hardcore
Wring It Out by Rival Schools on Grooveshark

44. Trivium - Chaos Reigns
On In Waves, released through Roadrunner.
Style: Metalcore
Chaos Reigns by Trivium on Grooveshark

43. Black Lips - Family Tree
On Arabia Mountain, released through Vice.
Style: Garage Rock
Family Tree by Black Lips on Grooveshark

42. Destroyer - Kaputt
On Kaputt, released through Merge.
Style: New Wave
Kaputt by Destroyer on Grooveshark

41. James Blake - Unluck
On James Blake, released through ATLAS and Polydor.
Style: Dubstep
Unluck by James Blake on Grooveshark

40. The Wombats - 1996
On This Modern Glitch, released through 14th Floor Records.
Style: Indie Pop
1996 by The Wombats on Grooveshark

39. Children of Bodom - Was It Worth It?
On Relentless Reckless Forever, released through Spinefarm Records.
Style: Melodic Death Metal
Was it Worth It by Children of Bodom on Grooveshark

38. The Strokes - Machu Picchu
On Angles, released through RCA and Rough Trade.
Style: Garage Rock
machu Picchu by The Strokes on Grooveshark

37. Sublime with Rome - Panic
On Yours Truly, released through Fueled By Ramen.
Style: Ska Punk
Panic by Sublime With Rome on Grooveshark

36. Machine Head - This is the End
On Unto the Locust, released through Roadrunner.
Style: Groove Metal
This Is The End by Machine Head on Grooveshark

35. Boy & Bear - Feeding Line
On Moonfire, released through Island Records.
Style: Indie Rock
Feeding Line by Boy & Bear on Grooveshark

34. Balance and Composure - Void
On Separation, released through No Sleep Records.
Style: Post-Hardcore/Emo
Void by Balance And Composure on Grooveshark

33. The Black Keys - Lonely Boy
On El Camino, released through Nonesuch Records.
Style: Indie Rock/Blues Rock
Lonely Boy by The Black Keys on Grooveshark

32. Bon Iver - Calgary
On Bon Iver, Bon Iver, released through Jagjaguwar and 4AD.
Style: Indie Folk
Calgary by Bon Iver on Grooveshark

31. Wye Oak - Civilian
On Civilian, released through Merge and City Slang.
Style: Indie Folk
Civilian by Wye Oak on Grooveshark

30. Kurt Vile - Jesus Fever
On Smoke Ring For My Halo, released through Matador Records.
Style: Indie Folk
Jesus Fever by Kurt Vile on Grooveshark

29. TV on the Radio - Will Do
On Nine Types of Light, released through Interscope.
Style: Indie Rock
Will Do by TV on the Radio on Grooveshark

28. My Morning Jacket - Holdin On to Black Metal
On Circuital, released through ATO Records, Rough Trade and Spunk Records.
Style: Psychedelic Rock
Holdin On To Black Metal by My Morning Jacket on Grooveshark

27. Destroyer - Chinatown
On Kaputt, released through Merge.
Style: New Wave
Chinatown by Destroyer on Grooveshark

26. 360 - Boys Like You
On Falling & Flying, released through Soulmate Records.
Style: Hip-Hop
Boys Like You by 360 on Grooveshark

25. The Devin Townsend Project - Praise the Lowered
On Deconstruction, released through HevyDevy Records and InsideOut Music.
Style: Progressive Metal
Praise The Lowered by Devin Townsend Project on Grooveshark

24. Fucked Up - The Other Shoe
On David Comes to Life, released through Matador Records.
Style: Hardcore Punk/Post-Rock
The Other Shoe by Fucked Up on Grooveshark

23. blink-182 - Wishing Well
On Neighborhoods, released through DGC Records and Interscope Records.
Style: Pop Punk
Wishing Well by blink-182 on Grooveshark

22. Tyler, The Creator - Yonkers
On Goblin, released through XL Recordings.
Style: Hip-Hop
Yonkers by Tyler, The Creator on Grooveshark

21. Yuck - Get Away
On Yuck, released through Fat Possum and Mercury.
Style: Noise Pop
Get Away by Yuck on Grooveshark

20. Rise Against - Satellite
On Endgame, released through DGC and Interscope.
Style: Melodic Hardcore
Satellite by Rise Against on Grooveshark

19. James Blake - Limit To Your Love
On James Blake, released through ATLAS and Polydor.
Style: Dubstep
Limit To Your Love by James Blake on Grooveshark

18. Foo Fighters - Rope
On Wasting Light, released through RCA Records.
Style: Post-Grunge
Rope by Foo Fighters on Grooveshark

17. The Jungle Giants - Mr Polite
On The Jungle Giants, released independently!
Style: Indie Pop
Mr Polite by The Jungle Giants on Grooveshark

16. The Black Dahlia Murder - Moonlight Equilibrium
On Ritual, released through Metal Blade Records.
Style: Melodic Death Metal
Moonlight Equilibrium by The Black Dahlia Murder on Grooveshark

15. Destroyer - Song for America
On Kaputt, released through Merge.
Style: New Wave
Song For America by Destroyer on Grooveshark

14. Machine Head - Darkness Within
On Unto the Locust, released through Roadrunner.
Style: Groove Metal
Darkness Within by Machine Head on Grooveshark

13. Smith Westerns - Weekend
On Dye it Blonde, released through Fat Possum.
Style: Noise Pop
Weekend by Smith Westerns on Grooveshark

12. Rival Schools - Big Waves
On Pedals, released through Photo Finish Records.
Style: Post-Hardcore
Big Waves by Rival Schools on Grooveshark

11. Bon Iver - Holocene
On Bon Iver, Bon Iver, released through Jagjaguwar and 4AD.
Style: Indie Folk
Holocene by Bon Iver on Grooveshark

10. Dum Dum Girls - Bedroom Eyes
On Only in Dreams, released through Sub Pop.
Style: Noise Pop
Bedroom Eyes by Dum Dum Girls on Grooveshark

9. Tyler, The Creator feat. Frank Ocean - She
On Goblin, released through XL Recordings.
Style: Hip-Hop/R&B
She feat. Frank Ocean by Tyler The Creator on Grooveshark

8. Trap Them - The Facts
On Darker Handcraft, released through Prosthetic Records.
Style: Grindcore/Hardcore Punk
The Facts by Trap Them on Grooveshark

7. Mastodon - Curl of the Burl
On The Hunter, released through Roadrunner and Reprise.
Style: Stoner Rock
Curl of the Burl by Mastodon on Grooveshark

6. Balance and Composure - I Tore You Apart In My Head
On Separation, released through No Sleep Records.
Style: Post-Hardcore/Emo
I Tore You Apart In My Head by Balance And Composure on Grooveshark

5. SebastiAn - Embody
On Total, released through Ed Banger Records.
Style: Electro House
Embody by SebastiAn on Grooveshark

4. Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks
On Torches, released through Startime International.
Style: Indie Pop
Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People on Grooveshark

3. Gotye feat. Kimbra - Somebody That I Used To Know
On Making Mirrors, released through Eleven.
Style: Indie Pop
Somebody That I Used To Know (Feat. Kimbra) by Gotye on Grooveshark

2. Fucked Up - Queen of Hearts
On David Comes to Life, released through Matador Records.
Style: Hardcore Punk/Post-Rock
Queen Of Hearts by Fucked Up on Grooveshark

1. Bon Iver - Michicant
On Bon Iver, Bon Iver, released through Jagjaguwar and 4AD.
Style: Indie Folk
Michicant by Bon Iver on Grooveshark

The Best Hang-Up-On-Your-Wall Album Artwork of 2011.

2011-12-29T21:23:00.002+11:00

At this time of year every man and his keyboard literate dog types up their end-of-year reviews of the best albums, song, movies, books, animals, actors, models, beers, picnics etc. Maybe I'm not looking hard enough, but I seem to never find a list that appreciates the time and effort that goes into the album artwork that the majority of peeps eschew when they torrent the latest album to get their grubby mitts on the must-have single of the week.

When I look at album artwork, I judge it by a pretty simple standard - would it look good framed and hanging on the wall. For example, whoever made the artwork for the new Foo Fighters album is obviously quite talented, but I don't want Dave Grohl looking at me while I sleep. However, something like Californication or Kvelertak's debut from last year, where a band's name doesn't impede on the double-take artwork would look great hanging over my head.

In alphabetical order by artist/photographer name, here are my favourite album artworks of 2011.

Rival Schools - Pedals
Art managing by Jacqueline Cheng.

Mogwai - Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will
Photography by Antony Crook.
http://www.antonycrook.com/

Bon Iver - Bon Iver, Bon Iver
Artwork by Gregory Lee Euclide.
http://www.gregoryeuclide.com/

Mastodon - The Hunter
Wood carving by AJ Fosik.
http://ajfosik.com/

The Antlers - Burst Apart
Photography by Justin Hollar.
http://justinhollar.com/

Trivium - In Waves
Graphic design by Danny Jones.

Cut Copy - Zonoscope
"Waterfall" by Tsunehisa Kimura.
http://ilikethisart.net/?p=7259 to see the original

Fucked Up - David Comes to Life
Artwork by Frank Longo.

Opeth - Heritage
Artwork by Travis Smith.
http://www.seempieces.com/

Balance and Composure - Separation
Artwork by Jon Turner.
http://www.thisisjonturner.com/

2011 in a nutsack.

2011-12-24T01:49:00.000+11:00

A week before the end of the year is ample time to reflect on the past 358 days. The last seven days of the year consists of the regular holiday period, post-Xmas sales, the Boxing Day Test and bumming around, so unless our top order pulls out some stunning batting nothing much else is going to happen.

It's been interesting, to say the least. Morbidly interesting, as always, what with the destruction and chaos and deaths and tragedy and such (I've discussed this before with myself on this blog, I'm sure of it...). Technology wise we're closer to achieving immortality, Siri's telling us where our umbrellas are stashed and the physicists searching for the ever-elusive and probably imaginary God particle seem to be reaching the point where they can say "IT EXISTS". Although we won't be flocking to bookstores any time soon to buy the latest science-for-the-masses book "The Higgs-Boson Particle is not Great", due to the passing of two adored men - Angus and Robertson.

What else happened? Streaming services have blown up, Libya was blown up...

I won't continue with these terrible puns lest I connect Amy Winehouse and the Japanese nuclear plant in some extremely insulting fashion. Apologies for even considering it.

Musically, it's been a fortunate year. In an attempt to really ascertain what the best albums of the year were, I shortlisted 250 albums from every genre released this year that came up on my radar somehow, either through a snippet of a song heard on JJJ, a previous album's awesomeness, my own bias or a decent amount of good hype. There's albums on there as diverse as Rengeteg by Thy Catafalque, a Hungarian melodic post-black metal, to Mogwai's amazing Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will, to the collaborative effort of the movie-accompanying Muppets: The Green Album.

And I intended to listen to each one, until I realized that each album had an average 10 songs at an average 3 minutes 30 seconds. Which meant I'd have to listen continuously until the end of the year to get through them all. So no.

Coming up soon, I'll list my favourite albums and songs of the year, based on what I've listened to (which is a decent amount, mind you). Which means Adele's 21 won't be on the album list, and a non-single from Gotye's Making Mirrors definitely won't be on there either. Nor will anything from Thy Catafalque, but I don't think they care too much.

Here's a song to tide you over.
Foster the People - Don't Stop (Color on the Walls) [stream/download]

Mmm-mmm....

2011-10-05T12:55:00.000+11:00

Being a persistent perfectionist (and a proficient procrastinator [and a dickhead for using alliteration like that]), I've spent the better part of the past year re-organising my music collection to include proper tags. Nothing as pertinent as composers and record companies and sandwiches the band ate while tracking and mixing, but y'know, the basics. Track name, band name, album name, year of release, genre, cover art. Doesn't sound too time-consuming huh? Try doing it for 15000+ tracks. I've culled this immense amount to just the stuff I regularly listen to, deleting music that held a special place in my heart anywhere up to 10 years ago, but which now I could never listen to again (anything closely resembling screamo, live Metallica recordings, HIM, Alien Ant Farm, Backstreet Boys...). Which is still close to 9000 tracks.

So, when going through 9000 songs one by one, determining whether to label something Grunge or Shoegaze dependent on the amount of fuzz in the guitar mix, whether a drum beat makes something once thought Ska Punk to now be Skacore, one's bound to come across a song or multiple songs that they haven't listened to in a while that make you stop the entire process to spend 3-4 minutes blissfully taking it in.

So, some tracks from yesteryear, just from the last month of re-tagging (conveniently, all starting with the letter S), that have stopped me in my tracks (literally) to once again blow my mind away.

The Smashing Pumpkins - 1979 (Shoegaze/Alternative Rock, released in 1995 on the 2nd side of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness)

The Slackers - Sarah (Jazz/Rocksteady Ska, released in 1996 on Better Late Than Never)

Solillaquists of Sound - As If We Existed (Abstract Hip-Hop, released in 2006 on As If We Existed)

Excited is an understatement.

2011-09-29T15:44:00.000+10:00

Shadows Fall at Soundwave 2008 © primus74 @ flickr

The annual Soundwave festival has become a staple in the alternative music-lover's calendar, and for good cause. Offering a pleasant change from the same-y lineups of Big Day Out, and really any other Australian music festival, the festival's organisers have brought big-name bands including Placebo, Incubus, Faith No More, Nine Inch Nails, Lamb of God, The Offspring, Iron Maiden, Queens of the Stone Age etc etc, along with a slew of punk, metal, emo, hardcore and alternative indie bands to our shores every year since it's inaugural standalone festival in 2007.

I personally have attended the last 4 festivals, and although there have been some problems throughout the years (eg missing Less Than Jake and The Subways in '09 due to an inconceivable 2-3 hour entrance line, involving security checks on every single fucking person [RARGH]), the organisers have worked to fix these problems progressively. The venue that held Sydney Soundwave in '09 and '10 is currently under major refurbishments, and the move to Homebush Showgrounds, albeit a bit BDO-ish, was a great temporary replacement.

So, why am I talking so much? Well, every year I think to myself - "there is no way this year's lineup could ever be topped. Ever.". 2008 had The Offspring (my childhood sweethearts), Incubus, Mindless Self Indulgence, and Shadows Fall. No chance of beating that, right?

WRONG. 2009 - Nine Inch Nails. The Dillinger Escape Plan. Alkaline Trio, Billy Talent, Every Time I Die, DevilDriver, 36 Crazyfists and, heh, Underoath. These are just the bands I saw - plenty more great bands played that, had I known about them previously, I would have definitely seen. Can't be topped right??

2010 - FAITH NO MORE. PLACEBO. JIMMY EAT WORLD. Eagles of Death Metal. Anthrax. Anti-Flag. RX Bandits. Massive kick in the face from missing Gallows and Baroness. You get where this is going, right? Three of the biggest alternative rock bands of all time, cannot possibly be beate-

2011 - IRON FUCKING MAIDEN. Yeah. Says it all. Or.... QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE. SUM 41. MILLENCOLIN. PENNYWISE. STONE SOUR. Amongst others - Slayer, Rob Zombie, 30 Seconds to Mars, Primus, Slash, Social Distortion, Gang of Four, New Found Glory, Mad Caddies, Fucked Up, Polar Bear Club, Trash Talk. 70 bands, 8 stages, 10 hours of madness.

So the 2012 festival has a lot to live up to. And so far, they're doing it well. Festival promotor AJ Maddah hasn't even released the main headliners and I'm already saving up for a ticket. Although only 31 bands have been confirmed (approx. half of the expected full lineup), they've got my metal tongue wagging, what with the archetypal "metal stage" seemingly complete. There might be some other bands released that are at least interesting enough to check out (Dashboard Confessional, Four Year Strong, Saves The Day, CKY, Hole, The Used)... what am I kidding, unless they pull Rancid I'm not moving my arse from the metal stage. Maybe Big D and The Kids Table even. But otherwise, front and centre metal madness.

Metal Stage for 2012 (NB: some of these bands eg TDEP may play on one of the other 7 stages, but I'm hoping not...):

Coal Chamber
Mastodon - Blood and Thunder [download]
Machine Head
Trivium - Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr [download]
Devin Townsend
The Dillinger Escape Plan - Farewell, Mona Lisa [download]
Times of Grace
Shadows Fall - The Ghost of Past Failures [download]
Hellyeah
Kvelertak - Mjød [download]
Gojira
Watain
In This Moment.

For a full listing of bands confirmed, definitely not going to be confirmed and possibly to be confirmed, check FasterLouder's Soundwave 2012 page ---> here <---

A Spring Re-Start

2011-09-04T01:14:00.002+10:00

So hey, I've got two assessments and a pretty important exam coming up this week, but I think letting off a little steam (i.e. procrastinating) will do me some good. Seeing that for the past 8 months I've started posts and deleted them the day after, I think its about time that I finally smash one out and get some peace of mind.

I could just link the new Gotye video, but seeing that it's already being bastardized on Saturday night rubbish fm radio by sub-par djs, that'd be a bit too easy. Winter's over, Spring's arrived, so instead of rehashing any older ideas I may as well do something Spring-y. Not exactly summer-y hotness, still a bit of the winter chill, typified in these next few songs. Just as a note - I'm trying to move to streaming rather than downloading, so apologies that you can't listen to the tracks straightaway. Trust me, they're worth the wait.

"No! No, I don't even know these people / but I don't mind a little unfamiliarity / while I politely let go"
The Jungle Giants - Mr Polite. Heard this ages ago on JJJ, catchy little tune, great lyrics. That head-bopping driving song you've all been waiting for. They have another song available to stream/download on their JJJ Unearthed page here.

"Weekends are never fun, unless you're around here toooooooo-oohwhoohoooooo"
Smith Westerns - Weekend. If you liked Girls' Broken Dreams Club, or The Drums, or Wavves, or Surfer Blood, or Best Coast, or that whole mix of lo-fi, noisy, poppy garage rock, this'll be right up your alley. As soon as that guitar lick kicks in, it's all over, you're hooked.

"If it wasn't taped, you could escape this song / but I'm already gone..."
Kurt Vile - Jesus Fever. Like an acoustic Smith Westerns, which really doesn't give this enough justice, especially if you don't listen to the above track. All I know is that I instantly feel relaxed when this comes on, alleviates the mind or something...

And maybe a video to finish things off.

"You pinned me with your black sphere eyes / you know that all the rope's untied"
Bon Iver - Calgary.

AGAINST ME! STILL HAVEN'T LOST TOUCH

2011-02-19T02:37:00.000+11:00

First off, enough with the "IS WHAT I AM" in the post titles. Pretentious bullshit, and I apologize...

Here we go.

To start off, just some background: Against Me! are a folk-punk/punk-rock band started in 1997 by one Tom Gabel. Originally a folk punk band (that is, employing more acoustic instruments but with a punk sensibility), they released two demos and three well-received EP's before going down the full-length road. Their first album, Reinventing Axl Rose, utilised electric guitars and more band-based songwriting rather than Tom Gabel's solo output. They started to gain a huge following, but early fans were upset. They then decided to sign to a large independent label. More fans upset. They released 3 more albums, each one gaining them more fans and upsetting more at the same time, as they continuously strayed from the folk-y sounds on previous albums.

Then they signed to a major (Sire Records), hired Butch Vig (of Nirvana-producing fame) and released an album that split the punk community in half. More fans, more upset fans. Etc.

A full year ago (wow!) anticipation was starting to build for Against Me!'s new album. Was this going to be another polarizing effort, would it take them back to their earlier sound, would it be as good as any of their previous albums?

When White Crosses was released in June, the only word that could have described the album was disappointing. The production was over the top, lyrics were bland, you could hardly hear the bass in the mix and it just seemed as if the band were looking for that easy top-40 hit. Defenders called out the detractors, claiming that if you ignored their previous work and took the album for what it was, a rock album, it was one of the best of the decade. Detractors called out the defenders, claiming that even as a standalone rock album, it was still shit.

I was a detractor.

Here we are now, 8 months later. I finally get the album.

Thought definitely not as good as their previous work, I've let go of the hope that this was going to be their best yet. I'm over the fact that Gabel's lyrics are nowhere near as witty or "fluent" as those on Searching for a Former Clarity, I'm over the fact the production is even sleeker (that can't be a word) than New Wave, and I'm definitely over the fact that this really disappointed me when I first heard it.

There are definitely some songs that should've got some radio play ["White Crosses", "Bamboo Bones"], there are some that are reminiscent and could have even fit on New Wave ["Rapid Decompression", "High Pressure Low"], some that should be on a Billy Joel or The Who album ["Because of the Shame", "Spanish Moss"], and some that are still hard to take seriously ["We're Breaking Up"].

The main thing is I'm singing along without even knowing, which means either 1. The songs have saturated radio and I can't not sing along to them, or 2. They're actually catchy songs. And I know by two months later the only station that may have even said a word about the new album would've been JJJ, and a word is all they would get.

The problem was the label pushed the wrong songs. "I Was A Teenage Anarchist", the first single from the album, is Tom Gabel's ode to his previous "anarchist" life, and how he's moved away from that. Great way to tell your audience "All my previous work that you love? Yeah, I'm not too fussed anymore". It falters not only because it alienates the audience, but it just doesn't sound different enough. It's a basic alternative-rock song, but there are only 40 songs in the top-40 and you've got to write a better hit than Kings of Leon to even get near #40. And although "Bamboo Bones" is by far the best track on the album, it's still not as good as KoL's "Manhattan".

Anyways, forget the punk tags. This is a straight-up rock album, not a bad one, not one that's going to influence the next big thing and then in the Rolling Stone interview list their influences as "White Crosses by Against Me!", but definitely an underrated rock album. I know I'll be singing my fucking lungs out to "White Crosses" in May when they play at the Metro.

THE END OF 2010 IS WHAT I AM - BEST ALBUMS OF THE YEAR!!!

2010-12-31T10:39:00.005+11:00

Hey!!

Haven't been here in ages, and I apologize - things came up, stuff had to be done, saved the world etc etc.

The end of 2010. It's crazy trying to determine everything that's happened in the last year. There's been earthquakes in Haiti in January, in Chile in February, and a volcanic eruption in Iceland that affected the world in April [see wikipedia]. Two coal mine disasters have occurred, one with no survivors. We've got a new muppet as PM, with considerably more interest as it's the first female muppet to take the position of PM. The 2010 FIFA World Cup took place, with an average of 4 yellow cards per game. Wikileaks have dominated the news since the start of the year, and we're currently being taken apart piece by piece in the 2010-2011 Ashes Tests.

Lovely ey?

Sure there's been good things too, plenty of good things, probably many more good things than bad things, but there's always more readability in complaints and disasters than there is in births and holidays and niceties.

Anyways.

It's been more than a year since all the best-of 2009 lists started showing up, and during that time a whole new batch of awe-inspiring, sadly disappointing and utterly terrible albums have been released. So I may as well get started then:

Insanity In Numbers' Top Fifteen Albums of 2010!!!

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Fifteen.

Vampire Weekend
Contra

Vampire Weekend - Holiday [download]

Definitely not as good as their debut. No comparison. Vampire Weekend was flawless, every song a potential single. That's not to say this album isn't good, oh no. Just different. Almost less inspired, but when you're following up one of the best albums of the past 10 years, there's some high expectations involved. Standout tracks "White Sky", "Holiday" and "Run" are as good as any track on their first album. Overall a good album, but it's predecessor overshadows it.

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Fourteen.

RVIVR
LP

RVIVR - Real Mean [download]

Pop-punk of the orgcore strain. Featuring members of various local punk bands you've never heard of (well maybe one - Latterman. No? Ok then.), this band should be nothing special. But something inexplicably draws me towards this record. Maybe it's because of it's rawness. Maybe it's the no-holds barred duo of Matt Canino and Erica Freas, who don't sound as if they've had singing lessons or had some post-production tampering, something relatively rare in 2010. Maybe it's the distribution - the band release all their releases on their record label for free, with an option for a donation. I think it's the fact that it sounds more like real people making real music to express themselves rather than as a working job than anything I've ever heard before.

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Thirteen.

Bonobo
Black Sands

Bonobo - Stay the Same (feat. Andreya Triana) [download]

I first heard of Bonobo through some cheesy chillout album that had a Moby track as a drawcard on it. Wasn't overly impressed, it seemed to merge with every other track on the compilation. And that was that, until a couple of months ago. Bonobo aka Simon Green dropped this amazing downtempo bomb, and I'm really grateful that I got to hear this. It's a perfect blend of nu-jazz and relaxed trip-hop that makes this album so worthwhile. I half expected someone like Q-Tip to be rapping over the beats on half the tracks, Jazzmatazz style. Apart from the oriental-styled intro, the rest of Black Sands would suit perfectly as the backdrop to an indie French film, or maybe Ocean's Fourteen [think that scene in Ocean's Twelve where the Night Fox goes through the laser room]. Relaxing, not too much that you're falling asleep, but just enough to nod along to.

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Twelve.

Titus Andronicus
The Monitor

Titus Andronicus - Richard II [download]

Billy Bragg influences on their sleeves, this patriotic concept album based on what I think is the American Civil War is just epic. The combination of folk-punk, lo-fi and hipsters has never sounded so good. Just, epic.

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Eleven.

Leatherface
The Stormy Petrel

Leatherface - Another Dance [download]

Just some background history on Leatherface: formed in 1988, the punk/post-hardcore band has never really received that much attention, ever. They've released 8 albums, one of which has got some critical acclaim (Mush, 1991). However, they've been cited as a major influence for much loved and well-respected punk bands Dillinger Four and Hot Water Music, who themselves are major influences on any punk band releasing music in 2010. They released The Stormy Petrel this year on seminal punk label/distro No Idea Records, which may be why this album has got more coverage than previous albums. It's not your average four-chord oi-fest - this album is for the thinking punk, with issues covered including the death of God and political unrest. I had the chance to see these guys earlier this year, and they blew my mind - possibly the best gig I've ever been at.

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Ten.

Gogol Bordello
Trans-Continental Hustle

Gogol Bordello - Sun Is On My Side [download]

Gypsy-Punk Kings and Queens. There's no band in the world that does anything like these guys - composed of Eugene Hutz (vocalist/guitarist from Ukraine), a violinist and an accordionist from Russia, a guitarist from Israel, a bassist from Ethiopia, a percussionist/MC from Ecuador, a percussionist/dancer from Scotland, and a drummer and second percussionist/dancer from the States. They play their special amalgamation of Eastern-European folk, punk, dub and cabaret to packed out crowds, which thankfully translates onto record. If you watched the Live Earth concerts, you might remember them playing their interpretation of the traditional song "Pala Tute" with Madonna, which sets the pace for the rest of the album. The deeper meanings don't stray too far from remembering the old country or gaining recognition for immigrants and gypsies, but the album doesn't belong to the category of once you hear one, you've heard the rest. The injections of Russian and gypsy dialects just make it more entertaining; it's perfect drinking music, perfect party party party party party party party party party party party party party party (afterparty!!!) music.

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Nine.

Off With Their Heads
In Desolation

Off With Their Heads - The Eyes of Death [download]

This year was good for punk. Representing the long-suffering we had Leatherface and Gogol Bordello release two of the best punk albums of the decade, and representing the new and future of punk we have Off With Their Heads. Known for their almost nihilistic lyrics of self-depreciation and hate for the state they're constantly in, the gravelly production and constant rotating door of guest and touring musicians, this album notes a change with their move to Epitaph, most notably known as the label that re-introduced punk to the 90's with NOFX, The Offspring and Rancid. A solid line-up, clear production and a couple of songs that glimmer of hope and yearning rather than despair make this band more than just a one-trick pony but a more mature and outspoken leader of the pack. That's not to say their songs of despair are bad or depressing, oh no, they're catchy as fuck, but it's nice to hear something like "I've come too far to be this unhappy, I'm just happy right now that your arms are around me...". The bonus iTunes track "I May Be A Lot Of Shitty Things, But At Least I'm Not A Rapist Like You" is also pretty cool.

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Eight.

Gorillaz
Plastic Beach

Gorillaz - Welcome to the World of the Plastic Beach [download]

Damon Albarn has some serious pulling power. Snoop Dogg, Bobby Womack, De La Soul, Lou Reed, Mos Def, Mark E. Smith and members of The Clash all contribute to this spectacular album, made by a group of cartoon characters. Not only that, Bruce Willis is in the music video for "Stylo" as a suave bounty hunter giving chase to the members of Gorillaz. Mr Albarn, also known as the frontman of Blur, has inconceivable connections. Although retaining the group's signature of sound of electro influenced alt hip-hop, this records brings a whole new level of sound - funk. The addition of Bobby Womack and Snoop Dogg to choice tracks, coupled with some mmmmmmmmfunky beats provides slashes of groove-laden shudders to the spine. Even so, some of the best tracks on this album are classic Gorillaz tracks sung by Albarn hisself: "On Melancholy Hill", "Rhinestone Eyes", and "Broken" come to mind. The third installment to the ultimate concept band is here - "Welcome to the World of the Plastic Beach".

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Seven.

Surfer Blood
Astro Coast

Surfer Blood - Harmonix [download]

"Swim (To Reach the End)" was one of the most hyped tracks of the year, but compared to the rest of the album it's filler. Supposedly a soundtrack to surfing and the beach, Astro Coast does what Vampire Weekend's Contra couldn't do - keep to the established structure. Ten tracks of reverb-filled hipster campfire singalongs, harking back to a day when everything was easy. It's music for surfers on a rainy day.

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Six.

The Dillinger Escape Plan
Option Paralysis

The Dillinger Escape Plan - Widower [download]

Not for the faint-hearted. The Dillinger Escape Plan play the finest mathcore in the world - a mix of post-hardcore, jazz, math rock and metalcore - and Option Paralysis just asserts that they are the best of their craft. Taking obvious cues from Faith No More and Nine Inch Nails, they're touring buddies for the last 10 years, the 10-track sonic masterpiece crushes from beginning to end, with it's fair share of poppier moments and jazzy interludes. It's not just the aggressiveness of the music, but the sheer technical proficiency and understanding of musical theory - apart from a one minute blast beat breakdown halfway through "Widower", the jazz piano playing is beautiful, to the extent that if played alongside a classical composer such as Debussy you wouldn't bat an eyelid.

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Five.

None More Black
Icons

None More Black - Iron Mouth Act [download]

Like Bonobo, this is another band that I've known for a loooong time, but only recently re-discovered. That's where the comparisons stop. None More Black is a melodic punk/hardcore band with some experimental and metal influences, who know how to write a reaaaally catchy riff or eleven. Funnily enough, every time I listen to "Iron Mouth Act" I can't help but thinking of the More Cowbell SNL skit (you've got to hear the song to understand). Jason Shevchuk's fast-paced, intelligent and strikingly witty social commentary matches perfectly to the fast-paced and intelligent guitar musings. Again, this ain't no four-chord oi-fest (I quite like that analogy for punk, hence using it twice), this is progressive punk, and although Shevchuk's vocals may be confronting at first, there's only four reasons why this isn't the best album of 2010.

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Four.

Girls
Broken Dreams Club EP

Girls - The Oh So Protective One [download]

I didn't like Girls' debut. It smelled like hipster garbage and sounded only slightly better, with maybe two or three decent songs across the board. Broken Dreams Club is entirely different. I'd heard "Heartbreaker" on the radio and immediately warmed it, so I decided to seek out the rest of this masterpiece. As soon as the horns kicked in on "The Oh So Protective One", I was hooked. It's such a good opener, with a great flamenco feel defined by the strumming patterns and choral horns. And that horn solo!!! Wow...

Back on track, "Heartbreaker" is the "Laura" of Broken Dreams; a story about longing for a lost love that Christopher Owens, vocalist, doesn't hold back on. If you like Ariel Pink, you'll love "Alright", and closer "Carolina" may just be one of the best songs of the year - it's psychedelic intro steadily turning into a classic Beach Boys inspired pop song by the 4 minute mark. "Broken Dreams Club" and "Substance" are amazing too, but the other 4 are standouts.

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Three.

Sticky Fingers
Extended Play

Sticky Fingers - Juicy Ones [download]

Who? This little Sydney band is blowing up as we speak, playing at the Woodford Folk Festival, supporting Children Collide and a whole bunch of local and established artists. The band manage to encompass both the party spirit and a laidback attitude, relayed through their eclectic mix of psychedelic indie rock and reggae. On paper it doesn't work, but you've got to hear it to believe it. There's no flaws in Extended Play, the heavy bass permeating your senses while the upstrokes on the guitar send little jabs in, reminding you that there's still more to hear. I'd like to say standout track "Willow Tree" provides an example of what this band has to offer, but that's like the other song aren't up to par - far from it, I just really like that song. Each track is a standout, from the bass-heavy breakdowns of "Brother Be", to the indie anthem "Juicy Ones", to the Led Zeppelin-ish "Hell & Back", all tied together with the introspective lyrics of vocalist Dylan Frost. Sticky Fingers have started to make their enormous mark on the once stagnant Sydney scene, and they couldn't come at a better time.

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Two.

Arcade Fire
The Suburbs

Arcade Fire - The Suburbs [download]

Indie pop at it's best. These guys understand what it's all about - how to write a decent tune without turning into a douchebag. The husband-wife duo of Régine Chassagne and Win Butler have created a masterpiece of masterpieces. It's the longest album I've listened to in a while, stretching to over an hour of whimsical music about, you guessed it, modern suburbia! From "The Suburbs" ("So can you understand?/Why I want a daughter while I'm still young/I wanna hold her hand/And show her some beauty before the damage is done") to "We Used to Wait" ("Now our lives are changing fast/Hope that something pure can last"), Arcade Fire discuss the dilemmas that rock the average person, mixed in with a little social diatribe towards modernisation. "Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)" is possibly the best track of the year, and this album deserves nothing but praise.

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One.

The Flatliners
Cavalcade

The Flatliners - Count Your Bruises [download]

A blistering example of the best a punk band can offer. The Flatliners are a ska-core band (punk with heavy ska influences), but over the last two albums they've become less ska-core, more polished and much more anthemic. One of the few vinyl records I own, I unashamedly love this album, so much so that it's one of my favourite albums of all time. OF ALL TIME.
There is really nothing else I can say about this record. The production is a lot cleaner than previous records, Chris Cresswell's vocals are both raspier and cleaner, the drumming is far more intense, and instead of emulating skacore bands such as Against All Authority and The Suicide Machines, they're sounding much more like a classic punk band in the vein of Alkaline Trio and None More Black. The lyrics are heartfelt, the choruses are moshtastic, and the delivery is outstanding. Deserves nothing less than the best album of the year.

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Well that's it! Another year, another list.

I'll be posting the best songs of 2010 next year, but until then, Happy New Year!!!

A FISTBUMP-WORTHY POST IS WHAT I AM

2010-08-02T16:41:00.000+10:00

Disclaimer: This post has been heavily influenced by How I Met Your Mother, in particular the character Barney Stinson played by acclaimed actor Neil Patrick Harris; and a lack of habitual sleeping patterns caused by said How I Met Your Mother. Reader's discretion is advised when so-called "facts" are stated, as they may not be facts but rather elaborate schemes to illustrate an otherwise LEGENDARY article.

Unlike any other post, the title of this one is meant to be in caps. So largely [for a lack of a better word, as I can't seem to spell a synonym for largely that starts with H and ends with OUSLY, with a MUNG or a MONG in there somewhere] exciting is this post that I made noises I've only seen well-trained actors make [think of that moment in time that I'm sure everyone's had, where some revelation occurs while one's drinking, only to accidentally spray said drink on an inanimate or animate, or many of both, in front of them. Now think of that moment, without a drink. Yeah, it's been a while since I've written, and I apologize for the terrible array of words right there].

ANYWAYS.

I am going insane for a number of reasons - 1. No Job 2. No Study 3. No Money. And those 3 reasons have made the fourth altogether more insane.

4. The amount of amazing bands coming out to Australia.

If you think about it, there are hundreds and thousands of bands, big and small, that you and I would kill to see live. Maybe not kill, but would really like to see live. And of course, my tastes will be different to many others - for example, if Paramore were to ever come back to Australia, I would not care in the slightest. Or Green Day. Or the Wu-Tang Clan, reformed with some sort of ODB replacement. No tears shed if blink-182 never comes to Australia because Travis won't fly. I would not bat a singular eyelid if the Gallagher brothers reunited for a world tour. Arcade Fire? Nuh-uh. The Prodigy? Nope. Kanye??? Fuck no.

That doesn't mean I don't like those bands [except Paramore... and Green Day post-2003]. It's just that there are another thousand bands that I would much prefer to see.

Take for instance, Radiohead. Left leg right there. John Lennon and George Harrison are resurrected as zombies that can still sing and play guitar. Risking an incurable bite mark to see them play with Paul and Ringo would be worth it. Now, these two bands are rather mainstream, and I'm sure that if either band somehow made it to Oz there would be MILLLLLIONS of fans in attendance.

SO.

For those bands that won't have half of Australia buying a ticket, I still do get majorly excited. So, when I looked at the more promising bands on the rumour mill of upcoming tours, I did get a bit shaky.

Ultimate list of ultimateness... drumroll...

Wait for it.......

OFF WITH THEIR HEADS.

SUM 41.

ME FIRST & THE GIMME GIMMES.

THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM.

WOAH. Yeah you might be saying "who the expletive are they?", if you're not into punk, or you didn't grow up in the 90s, or you only listen to Richard Mercer and Kyle Sandilands.

WELL THAT'S NOT ALL OF IT...

This will blow your mind...

wait for it...

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE.

IRON MAIDEN.

WEEZER.

SLAYER.

TOOL.

Come on... WEEEEEZER. Come on. Weezer. Back you go to Richard Mercer if you don't know at leassst "Pork and Beans" [the biggest internet phenomenon and most watched Youtube video of 2008. True Story]. Possibly on the same bill as QOTSA, one of the biggest rock bands this century. On the same bill as SLAYER, the forefathers of Thrash and Black Metal who have the most highly lauded metal album of all time, who will be on the same bill as IRON MAIDEN, the Teenage Dirtbag band. With some hoping for Tool [Guitar Hero unlock legends].

And for bands I'm not really into but still huuuuge on the rumour mill - bad brains, new found glory, primus, rob zombie, bring me the horizon, a7x, slash etc etc...

Add to that list the bands I already shat bricks for [Against Me!, Leatherface, The Bouncing Souls, Hot Water Music, Bedouin Soundclash, Mad Caddies and Less Than Jake], and I have an amazing summer coming up.

And I haven't even looked at who's on the BDO rumour list.

What Uuuuuuuuuuup.

A POST-ROCK APOCALYPSE IS WHAT I AM

2010-03-30T00:38:00.000+11:00

Passing by

Rose and emeralds
In silence I
Stand alone

This song just knocked me off my feet. Maybe because the bands involved are less than inspiring; maybe because my sinuses are so clogged up that it's distorting the functioning of my frontal lobes [I really have no idea what that means, but it sounded alright when I thought of it... ].

What do you get if you mix a drone/sludge/doom metal band, with an experimental ambient noise band, and an alt-country singer-songwriter?

An ambient post-rock Masterpiece.

You want a song to listen to at 3am in the morning? Here it is.
You want a song for those introspective moments? Here it is.
You want a song that can calm you down? Here it is.

You want bliss? Here it is.

Sunn O))) & Boris - The Sinking Belle [Blue Sheep] [download]

AN ACOUSTIC SIDE YOU NEVER KNEW ABOUT IS WHAT I AM

2010-03-28T22:27:00.000+11:00

All that I wanted, were things I had before

All that I needed, I never needed more
All of my questions, were answers to my sins

All of my endings, waiting to begin

To those who abhor metal, to those who think it's just a bunch of dudes with long hair going "RARGH RARGH RARGH" with plenty of rage and blast beats... here's something that might change your disposition.

When I mention the band Slipknot, I assume that most people conjure images of the ninesome, masks in tow, staring down from a poster in some adolescent room of the early 2000s. Possibly their more famous tunes - "The Heretic Anthem", "People=Shit", "Before I Forget", "Wait and Bleed" etc - come to mind. There's an off-chance that someone will reminisce of that John Safran's Musical Jamboree episode [the one where he dresses up as Slipknot to gain entrance to a socialite club. You know, that one].

Certainly, thoughts of acoustic, introspective ballads wouldn't even venture near someone when Slipknot is talked about. Piano riffs? Pshhhh...

Although this kind of deviation wasn't present on their earlier releases, Slipknot's last two albums - 2004's Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses) and 2008's All Hope is Gone - have developed a softer side to the band, one that has most probably allowed them to continue touring and writing while other bands of the same field faded away.

Don't dismiss this as "ohmygodi'mnotlisteningtometal!". The tracks have an almost-indie feel, in the vein of... well, of an acoustic indie Slipknot. Slipknot with bowlcuts and chequered sweaters.

Slipknot - Circle [download]
Slipknot - Danger - Keep Away [download]
Slipknot - Snuff [download]

A TEMPORARY BREAK FROM THE NORM IS WHAT I AM

2010-03-24T00:27:00.000+11:00

Needed to vent.

Just realised that the Australian Labor Party are still going ahead with their flawed and completely unrealistic Internet Censorship scheme, and there's legislation in the works that will force internet service providers to implement the policies of said scheme. Within weeks we'll all have terminally slow internet connections, an inability to access sites such as Wikipedia, and I can still go on Vuze, or BitTorrent, or even Limewire, and download music and video illegally, albeit very slowly. And this is all to "protect the children". Bullfuckingshit.

Google and Yahoo have voiced opposition to the filter. ISPs such as iiNet refused to test-run the filter on their servers - the head of iiNet decided to use his own personal internet connection as a test-dummy for the filtering system so he could show how much of a farce the whole filtering scheme is. The vast majority of the public are of the view that the filter will not achieve it's main purpose - blocking out illegal content. Stephen Conroy is so far up his arse in the thought that what he's doing is the best for Australia that he can't see it will actually set a precedent of denying basic freedom of speech rights to individuals everywhere.

So, Labor have royally fucked up, and are making taxpayers fork out their hard-earned money so they can come home and enjoy dial-up speed illegal downloads. All the while Kevin Rudd is sitting in office, abusing staff members and getting briefed by his spin doctors of which foot to place first when he walks.

On the other hand, the head of the Opposition, Tony Abbott, is anti-abortion, anti-embryonic stem cell research, pro-at-fault divorce [meaning a spouse would have to prove adultery in order to divorce their soon-to-be insignificant other], supports the constitutional monarchy, and is apparently "a bit threatened" of homosexuality.

So in 2011, when we head to the polls, the two major parties we'll have to vote between are either:

a) A socially conservative religious Harry Potter lookalike leader, who's government has introduced an internet filter on par with China's communist system

or

b) A socially conservative religious ex-seminary leader, who's government will most likely attempt to pass legislation that could harm LBGT and women's rights.

Decisions decisions. Here's a song while you make that terrible, terrible choice... I'll stick with The Greens this time round...

The Fauves - I'll Work When I'm Dead [download]

A DRUGGLE ENTENDRE IS WHAT I AM, TIMES TWO

2010-03-22T00:33:00.001+11:00

You hit me just like heroin

I feel you coursing through my veins

I once tried to kick this addiction

I swear I'll never kick again

Just bought the new Alkaline Trio album, amongst others [Against Me!'s Searching For A Former Clarity, Tool's 10,000 Days, QOTSA's Rated R, and a couple more I already had but felt like I should finally buy]. I've only given it a couple of listens, but I know it's going to be one of my favourite albums in a few weeks time. I'm at that stage where I'm starting to discern one track from another, but the majority of the album is a mash of riffs and lovelorn vocals. For instance, I have no idea how the song I'm listening to at the moment goes, or what it's called, but I know that I've heard it quite a few times and it's a decent song [it's called "Dead on the Floor", just checked].

The album although does have standouts. The title track is a great start, with a catchy chorus soon-to-be-chanted in stadiums. "Dine, Dine My Darling", a reference to The Misfits' "Die Die My Darling", is classic Alkaline Trio, except the key change is terrrrrrrible. "Lead Poisoning", "The American Scream", "Draculina", "Piss & Vinegar" and "Those Lungs" are great, and I've still yet to fully appreciate the rest of the album. The four bonus acoustic tracks are well worth that extra 5 bucks I shelled out, and with the influx of music recently I haven't had the time to watch the accompanying DVD, but I will soon. I promise.

Alkaline Trio - This Addiction [download]
Alkaline Trio - The American Scream [download]
Alkaline Trio - This Addiction [Acoustic] [download]

Buy on iTunes!!!

Also, bassist and vocalist Dan Andriano has released some solo musings under the moniker The Emergency Room. Funnily enough, I actually prefer his singer-songwriter material than his input to the newest Alk3 album, but that's my arsehole, so I implore you to check out both.

The Emergency Room's MySpace!!!

Sadly, Mr Andriano hasn't released a physical version of The Emergency Room recordings, and for the first time in quite a while I actually like the music too much to steal it. You see the 66,000 plays? Half of that's me...

IN OTHER NEWS

Keeping on the topic of druggie punk muso's, I also recently bought the new NOFX EP, Cokie the Clown. Comprised of out-takes from the Coaster sessions, it's NOFX to a tee - inane drug references, anti-middle class America sentiments and the Mel Yell. The highlight for me isn't one of the 4 fast-paced songs but the acoustic version of Coaster's "My Orphan Year". An autobiographical re-telling of Fat Mike's loss of both his parents, the original was good enough but this just tears at the heartstrings. Eight minutes of fun and three minutes of open-heart sadness, it's a good quick listen, just enough to satiate your appunketite.

NOFX - Cokie The Clown [download]
NOFX - My Orphan Year [Acoustic] [download]

And as a final note, thought I might finish this post with a video. Here's the new video for "Cokie the Clown". It's no film-school work, but it's so much better than the video for "This Addiction". Which looks like a lot of dollars were spent to make utter shite.

A REMEMBRANCE IS WHAT I AM

2010-03-18T19:29:00.001+11:00

You're not lost, you're not lost
You're watching over us
You're not lost, you're not lost
Oh just listen to these words we're screaming out
Oh god, it's gotten so loud now
You're not lost, you're not lost

You will always be remembered
You will be celebrated
You will never be forgotten
These tears still haven't faded

I have never cried from hearing a song. Lyrics, although quite possibly emotionally moving, have never moved me to tears. Until I listened to "Eulogy" by The Flatliners.

I'm being quite frank with this - I didn't start bawling, but there are quite a few tears that I can't blink back. As I listen to the tear-jerking poetry, I stare at the two small brass figurines in my hand, symbolic of the two people who used to own them, who are so sorely missed, and it really is quite hard to counter the overwhelming sadness of memories that will never be new again.

The Flatliners - Eulogy [download]

A NEW WAVE IS WHAT I AM

2010-03-14T00:18:00.000+11:00

Let breathe new dawn this art is dead!
No signs of original thought in the mainstream.
Is there anybody on the receiving end?
We can eclipse all that came before us.

I keep on attempting to write about something new and awe-inspiring, but something else equally as jaw-dropping constantly catches my ear just as I start explaining the brilliance of the previous song. So I'm just going to do this slowly and steadily, one artist by one.

The official artwork for White Crosses

I've probably started off this way before but there's no other way to describe it: I can't stop listening to Against Me!.

I only realised that Against Me! were releasing a new album this year after I stumbled upon the blog of the vocalist, lyricist and guitarist of said band, Tom Gabel. I'm a big big big fan of their anarcho-folk-punk musings, which is why I'm a teensy bit excited.

Their last album, the commercially and critically acclaimed New Wave, is a rock masterpiece. Even though they released the album on Sire Records, a subsidiary of Warners, which goes against everything the band has ever stood for [they're self-proclaimed anarchists and freegans], and it was a major musical change from their previous records, and there's not even one acoustic song on the album, and and and. It's unbelievable. If you don't believe me, take Ben Lee's word - he covered the entire album. Oh, and if you've heard any of their earlier recordings [by earlier I mean before New Wave], you'll know that the raw energy in the music is a breath of fresh air amongst the same monotonous music you hear evvvvvvvery single day.

Preliminary artwork for White Crosses

White Crosses, like New Wave, will be released on Sire Records, with famed producer Butch Vig [Nirvana anyone?] at the wheel. Release dates are supposedly early June from first rumours.

Against Me! - New Wave [download]

Against Me! - Pints of Guinness Make You Strong [download]

Against Me! - Don't Lose Touch [download]

Against Me! - What We Worked For [download]

Ben Lee - New Wave [Against Me! Cover] [download]

Tom Gabel's blog!!!
Against Me!'s Website!!!
Buy on iTunes!!!

Oh, and their music clips are pretty cool too.

A GLORY BOX IS WHAT I AM

2010-02-28T12:41:00.001+11:00

From this time, unchained
We're all looking at a different picture
Thru this new frame of mind
A thousand flowers could bloom
Move over, and give us some room

Heard a cover of Portishead's "Glory Box" by so-called gypsy-jazz band The Tipsy Gypsies, and it's pretty amazing. A jazz cover of a trip-hop classic was never going to sound bad anyways...

Portishead - Glory Box [download]

The Tipsy Gypsies - Glory Box [download]

The Tipsy Gypsies Website - includes links to buy their album

A BOUNCING SOLE IS WHAT I AM

2010-02-24T00:10:00.003+11:00

Better yet, don't forget, leave the keys on the TV set

Hoping your gone for the corner bar

Here we are after dark

Knocking back the makers mark

Scrounging up the dollars from my buddy's car

I couldn't not chuck this in.

I've been listening to this band and nothing else for the last two days. I must look like a nutcase when I'm driving, because I'm banging along to the beat on the steering wheel and jerking my head back and forth in what I hope is tuneful singing.

I've been listening to them ever since I bought the two famed punk compilations, Rock Against Bush Vol 1 and 2, in 2004, therefore I have quite a bit of history with them.

If I had never listened to The Offspring, I would have never bought the first Rock Against Bush album, which would have meant I would have never listened to some of my favourite bands - Alkaline Trio, Anti-Flag, Against Me!, Rise Against, Rx Bandits, Strike Anywhere, NOFX, Less Than Jake and None More Black.

And if I hadn't loved that album to death I wouldn't have bought Volume 2, which would have meant I would have never listened to some more of my favourite bands - Bad Religion, The Lawrence Arms, Dropkick Murphys, Rancid, Useless ID, The (International) Noise Conspiracy, Hot Water Music, No Use For A Name, Dillinger Four, and this band.

They've just released their 8th album, Ghost on the Boardwalk, and have been playing upwards of 20 years.

So without further ado, the latest addition to your iTunes library and your new favourite pop-punk band - THE BOUNCING SOULS!!!

The Bouncing Souls - Kids and Heroes [download]
The Bouncing Souls - Lean on Sheena [Avoid One Thing Cover] [download]
The Bouncing Souls - The Pizza Song [download]

Buy on iTunes!!! Check out their Website!!! Their MySpace!!! Even their Facebook page!!!

A HEALTHY PORTION OF EXPORTED MUSIC IS WHAT I AM

2010-02-23T22:03:00.002+11:00

Just a quickie before I put up my post-Soundwave-post [like that huh??]

Read an article on the Nine News website about the annual music and media festival MUSEXPO in Los Angeles. Apparently three local and brilliant Aussie acts are heading over to play at the festival, with the intention of gaining more international exposure. And I couldn't be happier.

Firstly, the band 26. I heard about these guys aaaaages ago when I was still scouring the Triple J Unearthed website every day without fail. A great indie-rock band a-la Keane or, for the more mainstream, Snow Patrol, their songs are catchy, and after quite a while of not listening to them I can still sing along to the songs word for word.

26 - Friendly Fire [download]
26 - Let Down [download]

26's Triple J Unearthed page with 3 more mp3s

Next we have Drawn From Bees. Found these guys again via Triple J - although this time on their YouTube Triple J Unearthed channel. The vid clip is trippy, the singer is very memorable, and the one song I've heard is just great.

Drawn From Bees - Long Tooth Setting Sun [download]

Drawn From Bees' Triple J Unearthed page with 2 more mp3s

Finally, Hungry Kids of Hungary. If you've read my blog before you would know I've shown lots of love for them - I've bought both their EPs and I've seen them live. There was a stage where all I was listening to were those two EPs [Hungry Kids of Hungary and Mega Mountain], and they've had quite a few songs on medium rotation on Triple J [they're getting a bit of extra spruiking in this post, just because they've supported these 3 bands throughout their careers].

Hungry Kids of Hungary - Scattered Diamonds [download]

Hungry Kids of Hungary's Triple J Unearthed page with 1 more mp3 - CHECK THIS SONG OUT!!!

Here's the original article - NINEMSN

Check out MUSEXPO here - MUSEXPO LA

Back soon with the Soundwave cooldown.

A RETURN TO THE MACHINE IS WHAT I AM

2010-02-18T00:40:00.003+11:00

Wake up, it's a beautiful morning

Honey, while the stars are still shining

Wake up, would you like to go with me

Honey, take a run down to the beach

Well I've finally got my net working again. So without further ado, some tracks to make up for my absence - stuff I've just recently discovered, some others that have grown on me in the past month or so, and they're all awesome.

Sondra Lerche - Bluish [Animal Collective Cover] [download]
An acoustic not-so-atmospheric cover of an amazing song.

The Lawrence Arms - Demons [download]
From last year's EP Buttsweat and Tears, one of many free and legal The Lawrence Arms songs available to be download here!!!

k-os - I Wish I Knew Natalie Portman [download]
Even if they did heavily sample Phantom Planet's "California", it's still mega-catchy.

Florence + The Machine - Hospital Beds [Cold War Kids Cover] [download]
I have no words. If anyone is reading this, and they think maybe they'll download one song, pick this one.

The Drums - Let's Go Surfing [download]
OH MAMAAAAA, I WANNA GO SURFIIIIIIIIIING!!!

A TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE IDEA IS WHAT I AM

2010-02-05T23:30:00.000+11:00

I haven't been able to post recently as of internet problems etc... But they'll be rectified soon enough. Until then - YAY NO NET AT HOME!!!

Anyways, a friend showed me this, and it really does define everything that is shit in modern culture, or that modern culture and trends are completely terrible.

It's pretty much Lil Jon, mixed with a bit of Aiden/Emery/Saves the Day/any other really really really shit post-hardcore band. GET READY FOR SOME CRUNKCORE!!!

Brokencyde - Freaxxx

Enjoy if you can...

A SHORT THURSDAY IS WHAT I AM - THE 2ND

2010-01-28T21:48:00.001+11:00

Clipside of the pinkeye flight
I'm not the percent you think survives
I need sanctuary in the pages of this book
Gestating with all the other rats
Nurse said that my skin will need a graft
I am of pockmarked shapes
The vermin you need to loathe

So, again I haven't posted in a week. And I've got heaaaaaaaaaaaaps to talk about. All will come in good time though [although my "End of the Year" posts seem a bit out of date now... if Rolling Stone haven't released their best-of lists of the year yet, then I still have time!!!].

Now for the weekly short song installment!!

I'm just going to get straight to the point. I couldn't not post this track up. I've been listening to De-Loused in the Comatorium on repeat since last week, as a lead-up to the Big Day Out, because The Mars Volta were jaw-droppingly amazing live [more on that later], and because the album is breathtaking. De-Loused tells the story of a comatose man who describes his lucid dreams during his week in a coma, but eventually commits suicide soon after. This song, for me, sums up the entire album musically in its 1:35 length, and brings in "Inertiatic ESP" with a bang. Enjoy!!

The Mars Volta - Son et Lumière [download] [Buy on iTunes!!!]

A SHORT THURSDAY IS WHAT I AM - THE 1ST

2010-01-21T15:26:00.001+11:00

Ever hear a song, and think to yourself "Damn, I wish that was longer"?

I know I have.

Know of a song that you have to constantly put on repeat, not only because it's so good, but because that brief amount of time spent listening to it once isn't enough to appreciate it?

Yeah, I know you have...

I've come across this so often, in fact, that I've decided to dedicate a day every week to great, amazing, astounding, otherworldly songs that clock up two minutes or less in length. Every Thursday a new song, and it'll take less than 3 minutes or less of your time, including the downloading period, to discover a new treat.

DISCLAIMER

A large amount of these songs will be punk/ska-oriented, as is the prevalence of short songs in punk music, and the greatness of said punk music.

There is also a high prevalence of EXTREMELY short songs in grindcore/noisecore bands, with the average length being under a minute, and plenty under 10 seconds. Never fear, none of that will be posted here.

Well, to start us off I think I'll go with something possibly a bit easier on the ears. Forty-six seconds of acoustic guitar and a familiar falsetto. Damn I wish this song was longer...

Coldplay - Parachutes [download] Buy on iTunes!!!

A DISGRUNTLED [AND APPARENTLY MENTAL] DOCTOR IS WHAT I AM

2010-01-17T22:00:00.005+11:00

I keep seeing the ad for the new House season, and I'm intrigued. I haven't watched House since Season Two ended and Season Three completely and utterly destroyed my House perceptions. I remember, as a young 14 year old, spending three days during summer down the south coast, locked away with my best mate, watching the entirety of both seasons 1 & 2, including deleted scenes and commentaries. We were so awesome.

Anyways, it looks really interesting, sorta Prison Break-esque, not that same tired-and-tried routine of:

1. Intro: Aspiring-businesswoman/precocious-teenager/sports-star contracts unusual disease/ailment/malaise in flashback sequence
2. Dr. House tries to get out of GP responsibilities, encounters amusing patients and leaves them in amusing positions
3. Dr. House prescribes simple medication to aspiring-businesswoman/precocious-teenager/sports-star.
4. Aspiring-businesswoman/precocious-teenager/sports-star gets worse.
5. Dr. House enlists help from colleagues.
6. MONTAGE! [We're gonna need a montage!!! Damn I love Team America]

7. Dr. House et al discover the real cause of unusual disease/ailment/malaise [usually lupus].
8. Another MONTAGE!
9. Roll Credits.

Apparently House is admitted to a mental hospital, which supplies the aptly dubbed nickname for the series, "When the doctor, becomes the patient" [imagine that in a deep, resounding voice, pauses and stresses... it's really quite foreboding]. The song in the ad is preeeeeeeeeeetty cool as well.

Elbow - Grounds For Divorce [download] Buy on iTunes!!!

A 2-WEEK ROAD TRIP IS WHAT I AM

2010-01-16T17:50:00.003+11:00

Happy New Year!!!

I thought I should explain my two and a half week absence in the simplest way possible. So I created a timeline.
Here we go.

31st - Spent the majority of the day and night sleeping, creating a new year's eve playlist, drinking and partaying
1st - Spent the majority of the day sleeping, sleeping, and sleeping, only getting home mid-arvo, and packing
2nd - Left Sydney on a two-week roadtrip up to Byron Bay and back
16th - I'm back [Cheers? Applause? Or is that too pretentious?]

And I'm exhausted. I plan to finish off that "End of the Year" series, add some more links to free music, tell you all about a song called "Salacious Love", and analyze and assess the Big Day Out and Soundwave timetables [AHHHHH CLASHES!!!!!]. So watch out for those posts, but not just yet. I need some sleep.

For now, here's a song that I was re-introduced to by a friend a couple of days before New Year's, which I haven't been able to get out of my head for the last two weeks.

Bag Raiders - Shooting Stars [download]

Buy on iTunes!!!

PS - fileden isn't working, so I'm back to zshare again... for now... dun dun dun...

A TINGLY VOCODER IS WHAT I AM

2009-12-30T00:08:00.001+11:00

I'm up in the woods
I'm down on my mind
I'm building a still
to slow down the time.

I just thought I might slip in a quickie in between all this "End of the Year" stuff.

I sincerely regret not listening to Bon Iver's Blood Bank EP earlier this year. If I had, and if it was a full album rather than just an EP of four songs, it may have even beat The xx as my favourite album of the year, with "Woods" as my favourite song of the year.

I've had it for a couple of weeks, gave it one quick listen, wasn't really concentrating, didn't think much of it. I don't even remember why I started listening to it tonight, but I'm so glad I did.

For those not in the know, Bon Iver is the brainchild of Justin Vernon. His debut album, For Emma, Forever Ago, received unanimous critical acclaim. "Skinny Love" is one of my favourite songs of all time. So it should come as no surprise that I like this EP.

HOWEVER!!

I've just listened to it 4 times on repeat. For the past 90 minutes I've been listening to 4 songs. The songs are so simple, with the most accompaniment to Justin Vernon's voice being his piano or guitar. Even the subject matter isn't too cryptic - baby-making, pregnancy, a failed relationship, and slowing down life. But it's just beautifully arranged and made into this 4-track masterpiece.

On the last and my favourite song, "Woods", Vernon multi-tracks his voice, altering the layers with an auto-tuner, and repeats the 4 lines at the top of the page ad infinitum [not really, 4 min 45 seconds, but one can wish...]. The song is four lines, and a vocoder. But that's all it needs. The beauty of the song is that it defines itself in so little, yet has so much depth to it. The first time I gave this song a proper listen, I actually did get a bit tingly. It's an out-of-body experience if you listen to it with the lights off and your eyes closed. Completely, and utterly, nuts.

I implore you, the reader, if you are there, that if you are to download this song, please support Bon Iver/Justin Vernon. Go to his shows, buy some merch, buy his albums etc. By supporting, you'll be allowing him to create more beautiful music.

Bon Iver - Woods [download]

NB: While I was writing, and uploading, I realised I've listened to the EP for 2 hours straight.

AN END OF THE YEAR IS WHAT I AM - PART 4 OF 7 [SONGS OF 2009]

2009-12-29T19:05:00.002+11:00

I've got less than 3 days to write these last 4 posts. So I'm going to churn them out, one a day, two on the last. Here goes nothing.

As I might've said before, there's been so much amazing music released this year. Even the mainstream hasn't been too bad [at times...]. Some of the singles from the year will still be stuck in my head years into the future. So I've decided to make my own "Songs of 2009" post. Not really a best-of, not a worst-of, just songs-of.

LET-DOWNS OF THE YEAR

Foo Fighters - Wheels
I'm a Foo fan, so when I heard there was a new single out I got the shivers. But this song didn't really inspire the same Foo admiration as any of their other songs. Additionally, it was part of a Greatest Hits collection, and now apparently they're on hiatus =(. Well, at least there's the Them Crooked Vultures album to listen to, and the other new song from the Greatest Hits, "Word Forward", is preeeeeeeeeeetty good.

Gossip - Heavy Cross
I really can't stand it when I love a song, and the band release another single that sounds exactly the same as the one I love. For ages I couldn't listen to Coldplay's "Speed of Sound", ridiculing it even, because of the similarity to "Clocks". This time, Gossip have sampled their own hit "Standing in the Way of Control" to come up with a more radio-friendly version. Catchy, but I'll stick to the better song.

I could also add to this by saying that the acceptance of terrible R&B/pop/dance music in the charts has got to be the biggest letdown of the year. I'm not narrowminded enough to think that all R&B/pop/dance music is bad, but, for example, that Britney Spears song was everywhere, and compared to her earlier stuff, it is really just a terrible, terrible song.

Oh, and Green Day. They really piss me off.

SURPRISINGLY GOOD STUFF

Pearl Jam - The Fixer
When I first heard this, I had no idea who it was. I could not pick out Eddie Vedder's voice at all, but I thought wow, this song is good. Now, listening to it again, it's got all the characteristics of a Pearl Jam song - Vedder's distinctive vocals [I can hear them now!], the rhythmic grungy guitars, soft breakdown, and captivating chorus. Definitely one of my fave's of 2009.

Rob Thomas - Her Diamonds
I like this song. It's catchy, it sounds like Matchbox Twenty, I like Matchbox Twenty, I like Rob Thomas, done. Suprisingly good song.

The All-American Rejects - Gives You Hell
Is it a coincidence that these last three surprisingly good songs have all been in the top charts? Maybe that's whats surprising about them - decent mainstream-y songs. Although they might have some questionable songs ["I Wanna"], The All-American Rejects know how to write at least some good music. This song is like an above-average comedy movie - you don't really have to concentrate, but it's still enjoyable enough to not want to turn it off.

BEST SONGS OF 2009!!!

I've been trying for a while to put these in order, but it's a lot harder than the best albums of 2009 - choosing your top 10 out of 200 songs or so isn't too easy. So I've decided to just list my favourites in alphabetical order. Much easier, less time-consuming, and I don't have to choose favourites and make the others feel bad.

Runner-Ups

Lily Allen - 22
Simian Mobile Disco - Audacity of Huge
The Bloody Beetroots - Awesome
Lily Allen - Back to the Start
The xx - Basic Space
Decoder Ring - Beat the Twilight
Noah and the Whale - Blue Skies
Bluejuice - Broken Leg
La Roux - Bulletproof
Bertie Blackman - Byrds of Prey
Silversun Pickups - Catch and Release
Mariachi el Bronx - Cell Mates
Hilltop Hoods - Chase That Feeling
Lisa Mitchell - Coin Laundry
Vampire Weekend - Cousins
Arctic Monkeys - Crying Lightning
Eskimo Joe - Don't Let Me Down
Jay-Z - Empire State of Mind
Red Riders - Farewell Cruel City
Children Collide - Farewell Rocketship
Paul Dempsey - Fast Friends
Red Riders - Feels Like Grace
Grizzly Bear - Foreground
Eskimo Joe – Foreign Land
Lily Allen - Fuck You
Deadmau5 - Ghosts n Stuff
NASA feat. Kanye West, Lyyke Li & Santigold - Gifted
Muse - Guiding Light
Bob Evans - Hand Me Downs
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Heads Will Roll
Mstrkrft - Heartbreaker
Rob Thomas - Her Diamonds
Calling All Cars - Hold, Hold, Fire
Muse - I Belong to You
Mumford & Sons - I Gave You All
NOFX - I Am An Alcoholic
The Lonely Island – I'm on a Boat
La Roux - In for the Kill
Jamie T - Jilly Armeen
The Lonely Island – Jizz in My Pants
Regina Spektor - Laughing With
The Lonely Island – Like a Boss
Death Cab For Cutie - Meet Me on the Equinox
Them Crooked Vultures - Mind Eraser, No Chaser
Muse - MK Ultra
Red Riders - Never Gonna Be Enough
Them Crooked Vultures - New Fang
Them Crooked Vultures - No One Loves Me & Neither Do I
Sarah Blasko - No Turning Back
Franz Ferdinand - No You Girls
Lily Allen - Not Fair
Bloc Party - One More Chance
Paul Dempsey - Out the Airlock
Bob Evans - Pasha Bulker
Kid Cudi - Pursuit of Happiness
NOFX - Quitter
Calvin Harris - Ready for the Weekend
Muse - Resistance
Mumford & Sons - Roll Away Your Stone
Hungry Kids of Hungary - Scattered Diamonds
Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
Friendly Fires - Skeleton Boy
Passion Pit - Sleepyhead
Lady Sovereign - So Human
Bob Evans - Someone So Much
Two Door Cinema Club - Something Good Can Work
Empire of the Sun - Standing on the Shore
Hilltop Hoods - Still Standing
Lily Allen - The Fear
Jamie T - The Man's Machine
Red Riders - The Siren Sings
Paul Dempsey - Theme From Nice Guy
Red Riders - Tomorrow/Today
Franz Ferdinand - Ulysses
Muse - United States of Eurasia
Muse - Unnatural Selection
Muse - Uprising
The Very Best - Warm Heart of Africa
The Bloody Beetroots - Warp 1.9
Mumford & Sons - Winter Winds
Florence + the Machine - You've Got The Love [The xx Remix]

My Top 30

1. Phoenix - 1901
This is the song on my alarm clock. Makes for a great start to the day.

2. Jonathon Boulet - A Community Service Announcement
Really chilled, multi-layered song from the drummer of Parades.

3. Miike Snow - Animal
Bouncy and calm, funky and smooth, overall a great song from one of the most hyped albums of the year.

4. Placebo - Battle for the Sun
I get weird looks when I burst into "Dreaaaaam brotherrrrrrr, my killerrrrr, my loverrrrr" on the streets, but I can't help it.

5. Dananananaykroyd - Black Wax [download] Buy on iTunes!!!
Is it indie rock? Is it hardcore? It's Architecture in Helsinki covering Gallows, or as Dananananaykroyd like to call it, fight pop.

6. Daniel Merriweather - Chainsaw
Soulful, angsty, awesome. "Giving myself to you, is like giving myself to a chainsaw/you keep cutting me open wide, is it the only thing that you're good for".

7. Jamie T - Chaka Demus
My 2009/10 Summer Anthem. A song about just enjoying life and having fun.

8. Daniel Merriweather feat. Wale - Change
You can tell this is a Ronson-produced song, but that isn't a bad thing. The best R&B song of 2009.

9. NOFX - Creeping Out Sara
Probably shouldn't belong here, but I love it - what's better than Fat Mike detailing a conversation about drugs and lesbian tendencies with Sara of Tegan & Sara fame?

10. The xx - Crystalised
My secret lover. The best song of the year in my honest opinion. Doubled-up him/her vocals, and a catchy, catchy, CATCHY riff.

11. Bat For Lashes - Daniel
Harks back to 80's new wave - a simple drum beat, synths, strings and an impressive voice.

12. Muse - Exogenesis [Symphony Part 1-3]
This 13 minute epic had everyones mouths dropping. Not as over-top as the rest of the album, more ambitious, and probably the best progressive rock heard in a long time.

13. The Temper Trap - Fader
One can mention The Temper Trap in the same breath as Empire of the Sun and Passion Pit, and not feel like they're making an overstatement. My other 09/10 summer anthem.

14. Silversun Pickups - Growing Old is Getting Old [download] Buy on iTunes!!!
For the first couple of minutes, a simple bass kick every bar, and a pretty cool bass riff. Then, at 3:13, BAM! the song completely changes and leaves your jaw hanging between your knees.

15. Little Birdy - Hairdo
Such a sweet song, Steele explaining that "you don't need to try, I am happy just the way you are", and the acoustic guitar accompanies it so well.

16. The xx - Islands
My second favourite song of the year, and possibly sweeter than "Hairdo". "I am yours now, so now I don't ever have to leave".

17. Mumford & Sons - Little Lion Man
Whenever I hear "Little Lion Man" I start hitting the closest flat object to the time of the song. The bridge just helps the song lead into a final thump-of-fists-on-table unlike any other song.

18. Phoenix - Lizstomania [download] Buy on iTunes!!!
These French funksters really know how to get people partying. My other alarm clock song.

19. Passion Pit - Moth's Wings
If you liked Empire of the Sun, you're gonna love Passion Pit. Electro-acoustic awesomeness, complete with "la la la la la la la la"'s.

20. Red Riders - Ordinary
Channelling The Cure to a tee, Alexander Grigg and band have created a masterpiece of angular indie meets new wave rock.

21. Paul Dempsey - Ramona Was A Waitress
Foot-tapping goodness, as shown in the video clip for this great song, from the frontman of Something For Kate.

22. Them Crooked Vultures - Scumbag Blues
Dirty stoner rock, clean-cut alternative rock and revered classic rock join together to bring us a whole new experience. No bar is the same as the one before, or the one after. This is rock.

23. N.E.R.D. - Sooner or Later
Pharrell cannot sing. At all. But his songwriting abilities are next to none. A squealing guitar solo at the end of this song [is it rock? is it hip-hop? is it R&B? is it funk?] just makes me smile.

24. Jamie T - Sticks 'n' Stones
Simple premise for a song - a song about what's happening on the train. However, it becomes much much more, with Jamie T saying "your sticks n stones, I'll take them home on my own".

25. The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition
The singer really does have a great set of chords. The song washes over you, it's even kind of ethereal.

26. Philadelphia Grand Jury - The Good News
I tried not to like this song. I really did. Now I can't get enough of it. The piano riff is too cool, and the guy has a knack of writing catchy songs.

27. Grizzly Bear - Two Weeks
Another cool piano riff. The choral "aaaaaaaah"s make the song just a bit more special =D.

28. Sarah Blasko - We Won't Run
Another Australian gem. Her voice is really interesting, and there's a bit of piano in there too!!

29. Grizzly Bear - While You Wait for the Others
Not so completely different to the rest of Veckatimest, it still has a certain individuality about it that makes it the stand-out track.

30. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Zero [download] Buy on iTunes!!!
This really does make me feel "like a madman on the run". A lot more synth-heavy than their previous efforts, "Zero" is still up their with "Cheated Hearts and ""Maps" as the best of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Tomorrow, Part 5 of 7!!

AN END OF THE YEAR IS WHAT I AM - PART 3 OF 7 [BEST ALBUMS OF THE YEAR!!]

2009-12-21T12:02:00.005+11:00

Hmmm. I've never actually done this before. Never have I ever actually looked back upon the year's releases, and attempted to sort the best from the worst, or at least the better from the average. Thankfully, I haven't come across any sub-par releases from any artists [man, if that Offspring album was released this year instead of last year... Worst letdown of 2008...], and I've discovered music that will be with me for a long time. So, without further ado, here are my Top Ten Albums of 2009!

Disclaimer: This list represents my favourite albums of the year. It is not a definitive best-of, nor is this list meant to detract from other artists/bands' releases. There are many albums which may have deserved a spot on this list, however either 1. I have the album, but haven't had the chance to listen to it yet [eg Silversun Pickups' "Swoon", Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "It's Blitz!"], or 2. I don't have the album, and therefore haven't had the chance to listen to it yet [note: previously I stated that I support downloading music, as it more likely benefits the artist by giving them exposure. However, I don't endorse downloading full albums. I have downloaded full albums before, 4 times to be exact. I then went out and bought all 4 albums].

That was a lot of ado. Let's try that again.

Insanity In Numbers' Top Ten Albums of 2009!!!

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Ten.

Red Riders
Drown In Colour

Buy on iTunes!!!

Red Riders - The Siren Sings [download]

My favourite Sydney-siders released their follow-up album to 2006's "Replica Replica", sans songwriter and vocalist Adrian Deutsch. The band wears their 80's post-rock influences on their sleeves on this album, with a darker, introspective feel than their previous recordings, but the quality of songwriting doesn't waver whatsoever. Alex Grigg has taken full songwriting and vocal reigns of this sleigh, and delivers an album that could not have been made with Deutsch. Props to the entire band, but please get better live Brad Heald!!

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Nine.

NOFX
Coaster

Buy on iTunes!!!

NOFX - Creeping Out Sara [download]

As a band that's been together for over 25 years, with the same line-up for 18 years, one could assume that the realm of creativity within the NOFX camp might be starting to get a bit strained. They'd already released 10 albums of pure punk rock [not any of this sissy Green Day shit], and a bunch of EPs too. Man, all the band members are in their early 40s. Shouldn't they have hung up those studded jackets, shaved off those mohawks and settled down?? NO!! NOFX's 2009 release is just as good, if not better, than any of their other albums, with songs like "Creeping Out Sara" already fan favourites and setlist staples. Fat Mike even becomes serious for three minutes on the stand-out song of the album, ballad "My Orphan Year".

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Eight.

Bob Evans
Goodnight, Bull Creek!

Buy on iTunes!!!

Bob Evans - Hand Me Downs [download]

This album had me from the word go. I'm a sucker for a singer-songwriters, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that I enjoyed this album as much as I did. However, the whole packaging concept of the album was really quite unique. Instead of having the standard 12 page lyric booklet with a couple of home-made photos, Kevin Mitchell aka Bob Evans decided to share his recording diary, taking the reader/listener through the process of creating Goodnight, Bull Creek!. The songs are laidback guitar summer songs, with minimal drums and some doubled-up vocal harmonies, but it hits the spot.

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Seven.

Grizzly Bear
Veckatimest

Buy on iTunes!!!

Grizzly Bear - Foreground [download]

As much as every man and his blog are offering their daughters to Grizzly Bear, I've got to partially agree. The album is the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album of 2009. That eclectic, psychedelic, almost-mainstream but still retaining some underground roots album. One can see why "Two Weeks" and "While You Wait For The Others" were chosen as the two singles of the album, as they're the closest you could get to conventional indie rock. Half the album sounds like it's been recorded either underwater [a good thing, it adds a mellowness to the guitars. And yes, I did buy the album, so it's not some ripped off the radio cut]. But the instrumentation, the arrangements, the catchy catchy catchy tunes of the less ambient tracks, allow this album to earn it's place in practically every top 10 albums list of the year.

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Six.

Them Crooked Vultures
Them Crooked Vultures

Buy on iTunes!!!

Them Crooked Vultures - Scumbag Blues [download]

I love Led Zeppelin. I love Foo Fighters. I love Queens of the Stone Age. So mix them together, what do you get? A lot of love. Josh Homme channels Robert Plant on the Zeppelin-influenced tracks, such as "Scumbag Blues", Dave Grohl hits the drums harder than he ever has, and John Paul Jones' keyboard solos and chugging bass lines just keep me coming back for more. I find it hilarious that, if you're familiar with the three aforementioned bands, one can actually pinpoint the influence in a song. I was a bit letdown when "New Fang" was released as the first single from the album, as I felt songs like "Scumbag Blues" and "No One Loves Me And Neither Do I" were more representative of the album's overall sound. Still, an amazing project, and an amazing amazing album that actually has no filler tracks whatsoever.

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Five.

Phoenix
Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

Buy on iTunes!!!

Phoenix - Fences [download]

I've only recently discovered this fun album. I'd been listening to "1901" for a while, then I found out that "Lisztomania" was also by Phoenix. As in Veckatimest it's no wonder why the two singles were chosen, as the rest of the album is, comparatively, quite relaxing [give those two songs a listen, most things are relaxing compared]. Don't think that these two singles detract from the rest of the album though, oh no. Songs such as "Fences" and "Lasso" hold their own ground. And the whole classical theme - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, "Lisztomania" etc - very cute. Definitely my summer album of 2009/10.

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Four.

Mumford & Sons
Sigh No More

Buy on iTunes!!!

Mumford & Sons - Timshel [download]

Probably the quickest I've ever bought an album after hearing a song from it. After I was drawn in with "Little Lion Man" with just half a listen while playing Pictionary, this indie-folk album quickly climbed to one of my favourite albums of all time. Evocative harmonising vocals + double bass and banjo = awesome. What's surprising is that this album is a mainstream hit, with "Little Lion Man" in the ARIA charts since mid-October, and Sigh No More charting at a cool 20 for it's 8th week. And the lyrics! Wow, the lyrics... "Love, it will not betray you, dismay or enslave you, it will set you free/be more like the man you were made to be"

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Three.

Jamie T
Kings & Queens

Buy on iTunes!!!

Jamie T - Jilly Armeen [download]

Is he a rapper? Is he some punk kid? No, he's a singer-songwriter!!! Incorporating elements of hip-hop, post-punk and indie rhythms, all delivered in Jamie T's trademark Cockney accent [I'm not even sure if that's right, but it's a heavy English accent. I always get confused with English accents...]. I was addicted to "Sticks 'n' Stones" for ages, then "Chaka Demus", then "The Man's Machine", and now that I have the album I haven't been able to stop listening to Kings & Queens. "Jilly Armeen" is the closest to Jamie T singing, with a really catchy whistled tune running through the song, and a pretty cool guitar riff. The beats are pumping, the acoustic guitar work is captivating, and the social commentary of 21st Century England, in particular London, is like none other.

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Two.

Muse
Resistance

Buy on iTunes!!!

Muse - I Belong To You (+Mon Coeur S'ouvre A Ta Voix) [download]

There was nothing quite as hyped as Muse's Resistance. A thirteen minute, 3-part classically influenced masterpiece, an aboding Big Brother-esque aura, and melodies stolen straight from Queen's smash hits, combined with some excellent songwriting, allowed this album to get where it is. There is no weak track. There is no filler. There is no song that is average compared to the rest of the songs. There is just an album, that is as much a departure from Muse's previous works, as it is an indicator of their stance as one of the leading rock bands of the western world.

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One.

The xx
xx

Buy on iTunes!!!

The xx - Intro [download]

Come on. If you've ever read my blog before, you would realise that this shouldn't come as a surprise. I've bought the album both on CD and vinyl, practically every day I listen to "Crystalised". The lush melodies, MPC drum machine beats, and double vocal attack draws the listener into the mysterious world of Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim. The reason I chose "Intro" is because although this song has no lyrics, it sets the mood for the rest of the album, and is just as good as any of the other songs. What is actually quite astounding is that everything regarding the album was created by The xx. Produced and mixed by their drummer/MPCer, and art/photography shared between the members, never has a home-made album sounded so good.

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AN END OF THE YEAR IS WHAT I AM - PART 2 OF 7 [RESOLUTIONS]

2009-12-18T20:57:00.002+11:00

Major note pre-post : To Download songs - right click on "[download]", click save as. Merely clicking on the link will send you to a page where you can listen to the song. But if that's what you want to do, by all means do it.

I have a tendency to buy albums [normally on sale/bargain bin hehe], with the intent to listen to the outstanding music on the CD/s multiple times on loop. However, I get home, and chuck the CD into the bottomless pit of CDs I own, but haven't listened to. I know there's an Incubus album in there, Radiohead's "Kid A", the last Rise Against album... I even bought the Them Crooked Vultures album, and listened to it more on youtube pre-release than I've listened to it post-release.

My most recent? I bought Muse's "Showbiz" and QOTSA's "Lullabies to Paralyze" [10 bucks each hehehe] yesterday. Have I listened to them?? Have I even opened the packaging?? Nope.

I don't normally make new years resolutions, because I know within the first week they'll all be broken. Go to gym more, stop swearing, less junk food, keep room clean, dont drink as much etc etc - the usual resolutions that everyone makes. Well, at midnight Dec 31, going into Jan 1, I popped a champagne bottle of a balcony, while already quite drunk, drinking straight from the bottle. So that ticks off the "don't drink as much" box. That next day was filled with greasy food to wean off my hangover, and had quite a lot of gummi lollies at the movies. Came home to find room still unclean, swearing as I tripped over articles of clothing and guitars. And no, I didn't go to gym.

Well, anyways, this year I'm making new years resolutions. Apart from the ones I'm definitely going to break, there are a few that I really want to commit to. So here goes.

1. Eat more bacon. I tried it the other day for the first time in a roll with communist sauce [ketchup] and a fried egg. Amazing is not the word.

2. Go to more concerts, both large and small. Yeah I went to quite a lot of concerts this year, but as much as I love hearing my favourite songs belted out by a singer less than 50 metres away from me, I want to be able to hear the new guns, know what's going to be in the charts and what's going to be on JJJ/FBI.

3. Be more attentive to dates. I have such a shit memory it's unbelievable. I'll organise to do something on the weekend halfway through the week, and by Friday I'll have doubled-up plans with something else. So I'm getting a diary or a calendar or a planner or tattooing major dates over my body like Guy Pearce in Memento.

and 4. Post blogs more. I want to be able to get decent music out to the masses, so that the masses can dig into their pockets and give those creative souls the money they desperately need. Also, I've listened to so much good music this year that I've continuously forgotten to blog about.

So, in repentance for not posting as much as I should've, here's some songs that I was going to bring to the masses' attention, but just completely forgot to.

Lily Allen feat. Mick Jones - Straight to Hell [The Clash Cover] [download]

This song was part of a charity album dedicated to providing aid to war-stricken countries, with a slew of well-known bands and artists covering a slew of well-known pop songs. The album, War Child Presents Heroes, features Yeah Yeah Yeahs covering The Ramones, Hot Chip covering Joy Division, The Kooks covering The Kinks, and Lily Allen covering The Clash, with original member Mick Jones giving a helping hand. It's a decent cover, and for those not in the know, M.I.A. sampled the guitar riff of "Straight to Hell" for the backing track of the critically/commercially acclaimed single "Paper Planes". Just a tidbit of info there.

Dub Pistols - Back to Daylight [download]
Oh Mercy - Get You Back [download]

In September I received a CD sampler in the mail of new releases during the months of Sept and October. Apart from having the latest Simian Mobile Disco single, some Rodrigo y Gabriela and Noah & the Whale, the cd also had quite a few songs by bands I'd never heard of. Well, it was hard limiting the selection of great songs down to two, as almost the entire tracklist was filled with great music. However, these two are the stand out's. Dub Pistols' mix of electronica, dubstep and hip-hop is the perfect mix of chill and head-bopping rhythms. "Back to Daylight" might just be that song that bridges the gap between house-clubbers and jazz-scenesters [there'll definietly have to be a Crookers remix a la "Day n Nite" for this]. Oh Mercy is an emerging Aussie folk-pop quartet, with emotive lyrics and a harmonica to boot. I'd already heard them on Triple J playing live, and even then I found that they're wholly captivating, but "Get You Back" cemented them in my good books.

Couple of days and Part 3 - Best Albums of the Year!!!

AN END OF THE YEAR IS WHAT I AM - PART 1 OF 7 [PERSONAL]

2009-12-15T16:25:00.003+11:00

So it's finally that time of the year. Westfield's is packed with shoppers looking for the latest release or best buy for their girlfriends, boyfriends, grandparents, siblings, dogs, birds, auntie's best friend's pet rock etc etc. Christmas is round the corner, Chanukah is upon us, New Years plans are coming into effect, and for some reason there's a slew of birthdays.

Major wallet burner.

The weather's getting warmer, the realisation that you haven't toned up for the beach during the winter months has dawned on you, everything's getting a bit of a dust-off, your room is destroyed in preparation for the attempts to reorganize [it won't happen] and you kick into "interior design" mode. Resolutions are formulating, awful summer blockbusters are hitting the cinemas, and that fucking "Jingle Bells" song is running through your head through the countless hours spent at work that could be better utilised either A. at the beach, or B. for last-minute toning for the beach.

It's also a time to look back at the year, conduct an overview of sorts on the happenings and events that have occurred, both personal and worldly matters. If you actually think about it, so much goes on in a year, it's truly extraordinary.

Personally, although no-one really should care, I've had quite the interesting year. I've met the love of my life [and no, it's not ham deluxe, but jeez that stuff tastes good], formed an ill-fated jam band [lack of time and effort], took a first baby step into the music industry, met a bunch of awesome people through that baby step, gained and lost friends [including my beloved grandfather], got blind-drunk on the beaches of Thailand, did some work experience at a record label, and had a million adventures across the streets of Sydney that, although I don't remember too well, had to be some of the best times of my life.

So for the next two and a bit weeks, I'll be posting a 7-part synopsis of the year. There's no guarantee that I'll post them exactly two or three days apart, but I will try my hardest to get a good flow going. As this is part 1, I'll provide a personal soundtrack for my 2009.

A lot of these tracks involve in-jokes with those involved, and it'll probably wreck our fun if I explain everything - so enjoy the tracks, and look out in two days time for Part 2 - Resolutions.

For Nataly
Death Cab For Cutie - I Will Follow You Into the Dark [download]

For Thailand
The Eagles - Hotel California [download]

For Surfers Paradise
The Lonely Island - Jizz In My Pants [download]

For The Band
The Strokes - Reptilia [download]

For Papa
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes - Only the Good Die Young [download]

For Soundwave
The Dillinger Escape Plan - Wish [Nine Inch Nails Cover] [download]

For Top Shelf
Dub FX feat. Woodnote - Flow [Live] [download]

For TAFE
Philadelphia Grand Jury - The Good News [download]

For The Various Concerts
NOFX - Bob [download]
Coldplay - Green Eyes [download]
Rise Against - Give It All [download]
The Red Paintings - Mad World [download]
Red Riders - Mouthful o' Riot [download]

And For The Countless Adventures
Kevin Rudolf - Let It Rock [download]

PS - I was playing around with filesharing websites, all files will now be hosted at fileden. For those downloading, this means a 0 second wait for the file to appear - its one-click magic!

A FESTIVAL IN THE LANEWAYS IS WHAT I AM

2009-12-02T02:16:00.003+11:00

But it was not your fault but mine

It was your heart on the line

I really fucked it up this time

Didn't I, my dear

Didn't I, my dear.

So, this summer is shaping up to be a great season for music. I've realised that I need to work more than 2 days a week to pay for all the tickets and merch for bands well worth spending a mint on.

Don't believe me?? Here's a quick list of who's playing where.

Big Day Out - Muse. Lily Allen. Groove Armada. The Mars Volta. The Temper Trap. Calvin Harris. The Decemberists. Passion Pit. Devendra Banhart. Simian Mobile Disco. Girl Talk. Rise Against. And a slew of outstanding Australian produce [Magic Dirt, Lisa Mitchell etc].

Soundwave - Faith No More. Jane's Addiction. AFI. Placebo. HIM. Anthrax. Eagles of Death Metal. Anti-Flag. Gallows. RX Bandits. The Get Up Kids. And a slew of oustanding bands that I can't stand [Paramore, My Chemical Romance etc]

Meredith Music Festival - Animal Collective. Eddy Current Suppression Ring. Sia. Paul Kelly. Kitty Daisy and Lewis. Oh Mercy. The Fauves.

Falls Festival - Grizzly Bear. Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Moby. Rodrigo Y Gabriela. Andrew Bird. Little Birdy. Jamie T. Kaki King. Bertie Blackman. Washington. Hungry Kids of Hungary. The Vasco Era.

Peats Ridge - Lamb. Royal Chant. Leena. The Snowdropppers. Blue King Brown. Jeff Lang. All up just under 200 artists playing, most homebred.

Homebake - Daniel Merriweather. Tiki Taane. Decoder Ring. Phrase. Gin Wigmore. Jonathan Boulet. Red Riders. Philadelphia Grand Jury. Yves Klein Blue.

Summadayze - Infected Mushroom. Sebastian Leger. Josh Wink. Treasure Fingers. Sinden.

Chill Island - The Living End. Kate Miller-Heidke. Bob Evans. DubFX [CHECK OUT THIS GUY HE IS AMAZING!]

Southbound - Editors. Children Collide. Datarock. Seasick Steve. Paul Dempsey. Xavier Rudd. Hilltop Hoods.

Good Vibrations - The Killers. Basement Jaxx. Gossip. Salt N Pepa. Friendly Fires. Busta Rhymes. Kid Cudi. Gym Class Heroes.

Field Day - The Presets. Architecture In Helsinki. The Aston Shuffle. Cassette Kids. Diplo.

Pyramid Rock - Empire of the Sun. Cat Power. The Cat Empire. The Beautiful Girls. Van She. Something With Numbers. Diafrix.

Sunset Sounds - It's got to the point that if I name a band, it will have been on at least one other line-up. There's a lot of crossovers in this summer's festivals.

HOWEVER.

The Laneway Festival is a different story. Although almost a third of the bands on this line-up are appearing at various other festivals in the next 3 months, I'm willing to forgo my payments to 90% of the other festivals just to go to this one.

WHY?

A. Daniel Johnston.
B. The xx.
C. Echo and the Bunnymen.
D. Mumford & Sons.

Now, I'm not a huge fan of Daniel Johnston or Echo and the Bunnymen, not because I don't like their music, but because I haven't heard enough to truly appreciate it. Still it would be an experience to see 1. an artist who has members of the Beatles and Kurt Cobain as fans, and 2. a band that is essential to the late 70s and 80s post-punk scene.

If you've read my blog before, you'll know how obsessed I am with The xx. The only shows they're playing, when they come down to Australia, are at The Laneway Festival's in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. So, as I can't miss them, I've got to get tickets to see them.

Mumford & Sons. Ah, Mumford & Sons. There's not too many times that I've gone out and bought an album after hearing one song off the album just the once. Paul Dempsey's "Everything Is True" is one. System of a Down's "Toxicity" is another. The Offspring's "Smash" and "Conspiracy of One" [my first two albums]. Live's "Birds of Pray". Silverchair's "Diorama". That's about it. In the almost 9 years of buying albums, I've done it 7 times. Mumford & Sons' "Sigh No More" is the 7th.

Last night I heard the second half of their single "Little Lion Man" while playing Pictionary. So I couldn't completely concentrate on the music while trying to draw "Forgery". But the music really did just hit me. So I went specifically today to JB and bought the album. Didn't look for any extras, a second disc of covers, a making-of dvd. I just needed the album. And I'm impressed. Immensely impressed. It's a mix of folky rhythms, bluegrass influences, pleading storytelling and commanding vocals filled with emotional angst. Just how I like it. And the songs... don't get me started. It's the perfect music for having a cuppa to, while sitting on the porch of your backyard in a rocking chair, looking out at the rainclouds approaching quickly over the acres of farmland/grapes/crops/whatever it is you have a lot of it, and it's out in the country.

Mumford & Sons - Little Lion Man [download]

Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More [download]

Follow the blogs on their Website!!
Check out their MySpace!!
Buy their music on iTunes!!
Or alternatively buy their album at any good record store!!

NB: I'm not going to bother with yousendit just yet. I don't have the internet speed to be able to upload a song twice, and sleep. So zshare it is. I'm also going to compare and contrast festivals to see which ones give the best bang for buck. Have fun with the music, I'm-a sleep now.

A REBELLIOUS SOLDIER CHILD IS WHAT I AM

2009-12-01T01:33:00.002+11:00

Again, really sorry about the lengthy delay between posts, shit hit the fan what with end of year exams and assessments and such. Apologies. Will probably happen again, but for now, there's too much good music going round, and therefore I'm going to have to keep on posting about it. Ah, what a drag...

I've also decided that, although I haven't taken down all the mp3s from previous posts, I'm going to have to. I may put them all up again some other time in the distant future, but for now they will be gone. By Friday.

Oh, and if anyone was having trouble with downloading the songs before, I've created a yousendit account, so if zshare doesn't work [I've had a recent problem with them] then you can try yousendit.

Anyways.

I'm excited. I know this happens a lot, but I'm really excited. It's not even new news, but I'm uber excited. This supergroup thing must be a whole new craze - first it was the Finns, Wilco and Radiohead in 7 Worlds Collide, next it was QOTSA, Foo Fighters and Led Zep in Them Crooked Vultures. Now it's Kanye, Lupe and Pharrell's turn.

The idea apparently started in 2007 when Lupe Fiasco wanted to cover Thom Yorke's solo album "The Eraser". Kanye and Pharrell came on board, Child Rebel Soldier was born, and nothing much happened. BUT they released one single - "Us Placers" - which is entirely amazing.

Now I'm not normally much of a rap/hip-hop fan, unless it's good rap/hip-hop. So I'm not going to go out and buy 50 Cent's new album, or start buying into the Top 40 R&B singles. However, this is really, really, really good. Lupe Fiasco has sampled Yorke's song "The Eraser" and somehow Yorke's vocals blend magically with the rapping vibe going on.

Child Rebel Soldier - Us Placers [download]

Although the song is captivating, what initially grabbed my attention was the music video. The director didn't contact Fiasco, West or Williams, but decided to make an excellent video to go along with the excellent song. And an excellent video it is. Four child versions of Lupe, Kanye, Pharrell and Thom, with some Bob Dylan-esque cardboard sheets, and voila - over 1 million hits on youtube.

A SCUMMY VULTURE WHO CAN'T ESCAPE THE SOUND OF JOSH PYKE IS WHAT I AM

2009-11-13T09:29:00.010+11:00

In the past two weeks I've been to Melbourne [I fell in love with the city, and have made a promise to myself that I would one day move down there for a bit, say 6 months, just to get a good feel of the city], lost money on the horses, organised and executed my first gig with 3 mates [we broke even woo!], saw Fergus Brown/Gin Wigmore/Josh Pyke, discussed the 80's new wave movement with a taxi driver, been served a DMCA notice, found heaven [it's a little place called Acland Cellars in St Kilda, they stock over 600 beers!!!] and did a whole bunch of other crazy things.

Oh, and I bought The xx's debut on vinyl. Obsessed much?

Oh Oh. I swear Wu-Tang Clan were on the plane with me. 100%. Bunch of black dudes, thick American accents, one with a mini guitar, with seriously expensive headphones. They were touring around the time in Sydney and Melb as well. Had to be them [don't burst my bubble!].

Oh Oh Oh! I also finished reading “A Confederacy of Dunces” by John Kennedy Toole [highly recommended if you like weird comedies and Ben Stiller]. Sad to know that this is one of only two books he wrote, as Toole committed suicide in 1969 as he couldn't get “Dunces” published for years. However, it was finally published in 1980, thanks to his mother, and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1981.

I haven't been able to find an mp3 version of this [DMCA hah you can't get me for this one!!!] but I found a video of "I Can't Escape Myself" by The Sound. This was a song recommended to me by previously-noted new-wave-inspired taxi driver, and it's pretty damn good.

Secondly, Josh Pyke gig. Will put up some mp3s later [hah DMCA, you might get me for this one... meh, get them while you can folks!] [EDIT: NOW READY AND RARING FOR DOWNLOADABLE GOODNESS!!], but for now a quick rundown of the gig. Amazing! Fergus Brown & band were on first, and they duly impressed. With one song containing a squeezy hamburger solo [this had to be the best thing I've ever and will ever have heard, and the keyboardist who played it was so professional about it too], an over-exuberant bass player and a drummer who looked like the ex of my girlfriend's cousin, you could tell the night was going to be great.

Fergus Brown - Hot Kisses, Cold Tiles [download]

Gin Wigmore then not only duly-impressed but convinced me to buy her CD at the merch stand [with a Josh Pyke shirt =D] for the over-inflated price of $25. How dare she! Anyways, she was great, her songs were great, the guitar player looked like Jai Thistlethwaite from Thirsty Merc and the drummer looked like the ex of my girlfriend's cousin. We had a bet going that it was the same drummer, which I really didn't think it was. Until I found it was. Friendly bet though, so only my pride was hurt.

Gin Wigmore - One Last Look [download]
Gin Wigmore - New Revolution [download]

Josh Pyke is Josh Pyke [Looking back, this is a very stupid statement. Of course Josh Pyke is Josh Pyke]. Two sets, one more acoustic and laidback, the other a full band balls-in-your-face set with introspective long songs. Introspective balls-in-your-face love songs. Works ay? And he's just brilliant. Those introspective balls-in-your-face love songs are written so well, and he plays them to perfection, to the delight of screaming and jumping teenagers [funniest moment of the night: "The Lighthouse Song" has the lyrics "I'll just hold you tight and we'll not let those fuckers in". However the throng of screaming teenagers sung it as "I'll just hold you tight and we'll not let those FUCKERS in". Then there was the giggling. An audience of giggling, jumping and screaming teenagers. Sounds like a Beatles concert].

Josh Pyke - Forever Song [download]

ANYWAYS.

Thirdly, and by far the most important.

Them Crooked Vultures have released their debut album on youtube. Free to listen to, no RIAA or DMCA breathing down your neck, completely legal. If you've never heard of these guys before, that's ok. You will have heard of them now, and will check them out. And will love them. Why, you may ask?? Well because the band is made up of Dave Grohl, drummer extraordinaire [session drummer for Nine Inch Nails, Killing Joke, Tenacious D, Cat Power etc etc], Nirvana member, Probot founder and Foo Fighters front-man; Josh Homme, guitarist and singer for Queens of the Stone Age, original member of Kyuss, drummer for Eagles of Death Metal and founder of musical collective series The Desert Sessions; and John Paul Jones, Led Zeppelin keyboardist and bass player, session musician for bands from The Rolling Stones to R.E.M. to the Butthole Surfers. Interested now??

It's bloody brilliant, with that experimental-arty-stoner rock feel evident in QOTSA. I'm excited. I'm buying the album as soon as it comes out [even though a friend was kind enough to download the album and give it to me, I'm compelled to only listen to the physical version, and for the time being the youtube version], and will definitely be buying tickets to see them next year when they come to Aus. Cannot wait. Think about it - it's possibly the only chance you'll get to see a member of Led Zeppelin [wowwwwwww] playing live. Robert Plant's off doing duets with country singers and I haven't even heard of what Jimmy Page is doing.

For now, here's the really really really cool song "Scumbag Blues". It was the first song I heard of theirs, and still has the most effect on me. Just awesome. If you want to listen to the rest of the album, it's streaming on their youtube page as said before, and I highly recommend you do.

A SCARY NOTICE IS WHAT I AM [OOOOOOOH]

2009-11-12T16:56:00.008+11:00

I'm ba-ack!

After two weeks of forgetfulness, I finally remembered to check my blog, zshare account, gmail etc etc. Firstly, I noticed that one of my posts was taken down. Secondly, every song from that post [the ARIA one] had been downloaded between 65-75 times. Thirdly, I received this in the g-mail:

Blogger has been notified, according to the terms of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), that certain content in your blog is alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others. As a result, we have reset the post(s) to "draft" status. (If we did not do so, we would be subject to a claim of copyright infringement, regardless of its merits. The URL(s) of the allegedly infringing post(s) may be found at the end of this message.) This means your post - and any images, links or other content - is not gone. You may edit the post to remove the offending content and republish, at which point the post in question will be visible to your readers again.

A bit of background: the DMCA is a United States copyright law that provides guidelines for online service provider liability in case of copyright infringement. If you believe you have the rights to post the content at issue here, you can file a counter-claim. For more information on our DMCA policy, including how to file a counter-claim, please see http://www.google.com/dmca.html.

The notice that we received from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) and the record companies it represents, with any personally identifying information removed, will be posted online by a service called Chilling Effects at http://www.chillingeffects.org. We do this in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Please note that it may take Chilling Effects up to several weeks to post the notice online at the link provided.

The IFPI is a trade association that represents over 1,400 major and independent record companies in the US and internationally who create, manufacture and distribute sound recordings (the "IFPI Represented Companies").

Sincerely,
The Blogger Team

Affected URLs:

http://insanityinnumbers.blogspot.com/2009/10/minesweeper-champion-is-what-i-am.html

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!1one

Well, no, not really ahhhhhhhhhhhh. More like an ooh, someone's noticed me, I'M FINALLY SUCCESSFUL!!! C'mon, would the DMCA [I've never actually heard of these guys] really be interested in a lowly student if he wasn't heading for huge awe-inspiring leaps of amazingness? I thought so too.

However, this mean's a change is gonna come. By the end of the week, all files from previous posts will be going offline [Sorry!]!! So get in quick and get those ones you missed!

Additionally, all future posts will still have downloadable songs, but the files will only stay up for two weeks, so that the DMCA or the IFPI or the RIAA or the NRA or whoever don't catch wind.

By the way, I still completely endorse pirating music. This cease and desist notice does not change my status. Just means I have to be illegally smarter with my uploads and downloads and file-sharing and so on.

I'll be sharing all my new musical shtuffings within the next two days, just wanted to share this first. But it's almost 12.30 and I've got work in 8 hours, which is why I'm not sharing it now. Anyways, sleep time.

PS Thanks to those who downloaded the songs, and for checking out the blog =D

A MINESWEEPER CHAMPION IS WHAT I AM

2009-10-29T10:06:00.006+11:00

Ok. I've got to stop procrastinating. I procrastinate doing work at home by writing a blog, and I procrastinate writing a blog by playing game after game after game of... minesweeper. How cool am I?

I won't be able to post anything for the next week or so, tonight I'm at a metal gig that me and three friends organised [plug: Sydneysiders - 8pm at the Sando in Newtown: LOCAL AND LETHAL!!!]. Tomorrow night I'll be at Josh Pyke with my girlfriend, then the next morning I'm off to Melbourne for the races!

So, here are, finally, the files that I was supposed to put up 3 weeks ago, the best of the best of the ARIAs. Right now I'm doing this to procastinate from doing work, while at work. Again, how cool am I?

Temper Trap - Fader ***

Empire of the Sun - Half Mast

AC/DC - Rock 'N Roll Train

Eskimo Joe - Foreign Land

Sarah Blasko - We Won't Run ***

Josh Pyke - Our House Breathing

Little Birdy - Hairdo ***

Bob Evans - Hand Me Downs

Paul Dempsey - Theme From Nice Guy ***

Kate Miller-Heidke - No Truck ***

Ladyhawke - Paris is Burning

Lisa Mitchell - Neopolitan Dreams

Daniel Merriweather - Chainsaw ***

C.W. Stoneking - The Love Me or Die ***

*** means HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

And back to minesweeper. Happy punting on Tuesday, ciao for now!

A BYRD OF PREY IS WHAT I AM

2009-10-25T09:13:00.013+11:00

Next post I'll put up all those lovely mp3s from the ARIAs, but again I found something so good that it's worth postponing the posting.

I woke up really early this morning so I could suprise my girlfriend at the airport and get her some brekky [collective awwww]. So, by waking up at 6am I was able to catch a bit of Sunday morning rage, something that I hadn't done in a while [my rage viewing normally takes place really really early on sat morning]. Straight away two songs caught my attention.

Firstly, Bertie Blackman's "Byrds of Prey". I knew the name offhand, hadn't really heard more than one or two songs, knew that she was creating a bit of buzz for herself and band but wasn't too interested in finding out [the name kinda put me off, reminded me of those dodgy Bertie Beetle chocolates from the Easter Show]. But WOW this song is good. Unluckily I haven't been able to find an mp3 file, so I'm going to have to buy the album [oh no.]. Until then, the Bat-For-Lashes-inspired music video will have to make do. Come to think of it, the song is quite reminiscient of "Daniel". With a bit of La Roux mixed in. Which isn't a bad thing at all.

Next up was 7 Worlds Collide, with "Too Blue". My first thought - "isn't that from a Crowded House song?" [Distant Sun "when your 7 worlds collide, whenever I am by your side"]. Well yes, it is. However, the band has more in common with Crowded House than just a coincidental name. The band is made up of... wait for it...

Neil Finn [Split Enz, Crowded House, The Finn Brothers, Neil Finn]
Tim Finn [Split Enz, Crowded House, The Finn Brothers, Tim Finn]
Liam Finn [Betchadupa, Liam Finn]
Johnny Marr [The Smiths, The The, Electronic, Modest Mouse]
Ed O'Brien [Radiohead]
Sebastian Steinberg [Soul Coughing]
Phil Selway [Radiohead]
Lisa Germano [Lisa Germano, John Mellencamp, eels, Iggy Pop, David Bowie]
Don McGlashan [The Plague, Blam Blam Blam, The Mutton Birds]
Bic Runga [Bic Runga]
Glenn Richards [Augie March]
KT Tunstall [KT Tunstall]
Jeff Tweedy [Wilco, Uncle Tupelo]
John Stirratt [Wilco, Uncle Tupelo]
Glenn Kotche [Wilco]
Pat Sansone [Wilco]

That's The Smiths, Crowded House, Radiohead, Wilco, KT Tunstall and Augie March all in the one group. Brain Explosion. Apparently the ultra-mega-supergroup has been created for charitable purposes, with proceeds going towards Oxfam. I've been even less lucky with finding an mp3, and I can't seem to even find a good enough video to put up.

So if you want to hear the song [Johnny Marr and Jeff Tweedy on vox!], along with a bunch of others, head on over to their MySpace, "Too Blue" is the first song on their player. But if you can't be bothered doing that, here's a vid of the group covering Radiohead's "Fake Plastic Trees" - Jeff Tweedy on vocals, Johnny Marr, Liam Finn and Ed O'Brien on guitar, John Stirratt on bass and Phil Selway on drums.

I actually watched 4 songs, but those 2 were the most interesting. Not to say the other two weren't, but those two seemed a bit more special. I'll post the mp3s for them, and you can find the videos yourselves [one is a take on The Playboy Mansion, the other has something to do with fencing??]. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND getting these two songs, they are quite the amazing.

Eskimo Joe - Don't Let Me Down [download]
Grizzly Bear - While You Wait For The Others [download]

A SIXTEEN COACH TRAIN IS WHAT I AM

2009-10-21T23:26:00.009+11:00

Train I ride, sixteen coaches long
Train I ride, sixteen coaches long
Well that long black train got my baby and gone

Train train, comin round, round the bend
Train train, comin round the bend
Well it took my baby, but it never will again (no, not again)

Train train, comin down, down the line
Train train, comin down the line
Well its bringin my baby, cause shes mine all, all mine
(shes mine, all, all mine)

I really can't believe what I've done. Time-wasting, effort-filled, sleep-depriving clicks of a mouse. I wrote that piece on the ARIA awards, intending to write another every day or two. While writing, I was also going to upload songs of nominees. So what do I do? I write one long-winded piece on the best categories, wait up until 2am to finish uploading 15 or so songs [soon, soon my internet will be upgraded to upload at more than 2 kbps. To put that into perspective, it takes me about 20 minutes to load a 6 minute video on youtube.], and completely forget to link the songs to the post, or to continuously post on categories etc. I had plans, and I failed. I have no words, no excuses. Slap on the wrist.

Well, to appease both myself and anyone who read that last post and thought "hmmm, I wonder what that artist/song sounds like", I will link all songs in the next post. I'm too preoccupied with one, or maybe two, songs in particular and I really can't tear my attention away from them.

The song/s I'm raving about is/are "Mystery Train". Originally a collaboration between Junior Parker, a soon-to-be highly successful R&B singer, and Sam Phillips, an American record producer who discovererd Elvis & Johnny Cash, it was recorded and released under the band name Little Junior's Blue Flames in 1953. Elvis soon picked it up and covered it as a B-side to his single "I Forgot to Remember to Forget". Then a million other bands covered it, including The Doors, Bon Jovi and the Stray Cats.

The original is your straight and narrow R&B number, 12 Bar Blues, obligatory forgettable guitar solo, saxophone coming in once every 30 seconds or so with 3 notes. Decent, catchy, but nothing special.

Little Junior's Blue Flames - Mystery Train [download]

Then Elvis comes in, and all hell breaks loose. His version is grittier, seems to have more soul in the vocals, the guitar is more engaging and that xx--x--- [x's are claps, try it] of the drumsticks is so damn catchy. If you really listen closely you can hear the train coming round, round the bend. It sent shivers down my spine the first time I heard it, and still does now.

Elvis Presley - Mystery Train [download]

Alex Lloyd's version isn't as gritty as Elvis', but it still packs a bit of a punch. The acoustic guitars give it a completely different feel, like background music to robbing a bank and making away with chocolate money instead of gold, which is what I love in a cover. Think those long mis-en-scene's in the Ocean's Eleven series, where they're breaking into a casino, or running loose in Amsterdam. It would fit well in there.

Alex Lloyd - Mystery Train [download]

I also gave a listen to a song that apparently was the inspiration for "Mystery Train". "Worried Man Blues" by The Carter Family. I'll say it now, and I'll say it again many times in the future - I hate that really twangy country music. Bluegrass-y, Southern American accents. Just annoys the shit out of me. For those that enjoy that kind of music - kudos for you. You could not pay me to listen to a minute of it. I listened to 30 seconds of "Worried Man Blues" and deleted the file.

A SICKLY INDIVIDUAL, CONTEMPLATING AWARD SYSTEMS, IS WHAT I AM

2009-10-08T19:13:00.016+11:00

Wow. 3 Posts in 2 days. This is blasphemy, this is madness!!

Right now I should be enjoying the support act for the Slayer/Megadeth show on at the Hordern Pavilion. Instead, I'm staring at the ticket, while under the covers of my bed, trying in vain to stop the bouts of sneezing. Damn the flu.

So, to keep my mind off the fact that I've wasted 90 bucks on a ticket to a concert that I can't get to, I'm going to write something. And what better topic to write on than the recent ARIA Nominations for 2009.

I hadn't realised how many good albums had been released this year. Artists and bands up for awards include Paul Dempsey, Josh Pyke, Bob Evans, The Temper Trap, Katie Noonan, The Presets, Kate Miller-Heidke, Sarah Blasko, Little Birdy, Hilltop Hoods, Bluejuice, Empire of the Sun, Ladyhawke and, of course, ACLightningBoltDC!!

I've had a quick look over the categories and who's up for what, and I've made some guesses as to who will win what, who deserves to win etc etc. Those names/bands/artists/albums/songs in bold are the one's that I think will win.

Best Album

AC/DC – Black Ice

Empire Of The Sun – Walking On A Dream
Eskimo Joe – Inshalla
Sarah Blasko – As Day Follows Night
The Temper Trap – Conditions

Black Ice may be AC/DC's best album since Back In Black, but has anyone heard all those in between albums?? Eskimo Joe's foray into Mediterranean-influenced music may have grabbed them a few more fans, Sarah Blasko's voice and songwriting skills are top notch, and The Temper Trap's "Fader" is one of my favourite songs of the year, but it doesnt compare to the fact that Barack Obama is apparently a huge fan of Walking On A Dream [click here if you don't believe me!]. Additionally, the interpretations of what Luke Steele actually says are still running wild, with more each and every day - [A Capeeeeeeeeeella, Too careful becunwa???].

Best Adult Contemporary Album

Bob Evans – Goodnight, Bull Creek!

David Campbell – Good Lovin'
Josh Pyke – Chimney's Afire
Little Birdy – Confetti
Paul Dempsey – Everything Is True

This one... this one's a toughy. I really could not choose, and when the winner is revealed on the night I'll be both ecstatic and disappointed. Bob Evans' Goodnight, Bull Creek!, Josh Pyke's Chimney's Afire and Paul Dempsey's Everything Is True are all amazing albums. I haven't heard David Campbell's album, nor do I really want to. I also haven't heard enough of Little Birdy's album to consider it a top choice, but Hairdo and Brother are incredible songs. Look, if Little Birdy wins the ARIA, I won't be upset. I'm just going to have to buy the album, because if it's better than either of the three albums highlighted it must be phenomenal.

Best Female Artist

Jessica Mauboy – Been Waiting
Kate Miller-Heidke – Curiouser
Ladyhawke – Ladyhawke

Lisa Mitchell – Wonder
Sarah Blasko – As Day Follows Night

Not a toughy. I just feel sorry for Sarah Blasko and Lisa Mitchell, as they create beautiful music. Ladyhawke... eh, she had the limelight for 4 minutes and 16 seconds, but that song got a bit annoying after a while. Jessica Mauboy, although she's doing well for herself, should not be grouped into a category with Kate Miller-Heidke. Not only does Miller-Heidke write her music [albeit with her husband Keir Nutall [and by the way, why isn't he up for any ARIA's huh? He wrote half the music on Curiouser!]], but the music that they write is just lightyears ahead of what Mauboy's ghostwriters could ever pull off. Oh, and KMH's vocal range is slightly, just slightly more impressive.

Best Male Artist

Bob Evans – Goodnight, Bull Creek!

C.W. Stoneking – Jungle Blues
Daniel Merriweather – Love & War
Josh Pyke – Chimney's Afire
Paul Dempsey – Everything Is True

I'm not going through why Bob Evans, Josh Pyke and Paul Dempsey are highlighted again. Yes yes, Daniel Merriweather did have that incredibly catchy Chainsaw song, and he did appear on that Mark Ronson reinterpretation of Stop Me by The Smiths. Whereas C.W. Stoneking is a different story - blues and roots, voice of a black man from the 30s. Although all I've heard is his cover of The White Stripes 7 Nation Army. Still, it's Dempsey, Evans or Pyke for the win on this one.

I will continue with the categories in later posts - there's still 11 to go, not including Best Blues and Roots Album (sadly haven't heard any of the albums), Best Children's Album (The Wiggles are a surety), Best Comedy Release (Tripod!!), Best Country Album (I know nothing of this genre, and it will stay that way), and Best Music DVD (I'm just not interested when I can a) listen to better recorded versions on CD & b) go to the concerts and watch it live).

Anybody out there have their own views/guesses on which nominee/s will reign supreme?

A SCALPER-HATER AND A QUICK PUNK GIG IS WHAT I AM

2009-10-07T20:07:00.015+11:00

I'm just outraged.

Sick to the stomach.

Trying very, very hard to not burst into a tirade of swearwords and all-out rage, as it would detract from the message of this post.

I'm sick to death of scalpers. The Sydney Big Day Out went on sale today, and tickets were gobbled up by punters in no time at all. Unfortunately, I wasn't one of the lucky ones.

Besides the fact that I am ticketless, I have counted over 100 tickets on Ebay, with the average price around $280, double the original price. Although this amount is nothing compared to the actual amount of people who have bought legitimate tickets and are going to use them on the day, it still makes me feel a little murderous to see that people have bought tickets for the sole purpose of making a profit. Yes, it sounds a bit naive, but this just hits me like not much else.

Thankfully, the Big Day Out organisers have added a 2nd Sydney show, only the 2nd time in 18 years that a 2nd show has been staged in a city, which will hopefully throw a spanner in the works of the scalpers. With any luck, those 100 or so tickets will go begging now that there are thousands more available for half the price.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As I won't be able to post anything tomorrow [working then Megadeth/Slayer woo!], I'm just going to write a quick review of the NOFX/Bad Religion/Pour Habit Show.

Pour Habit were great. Lead singer is a mix between Dave Chappelle's version of Lil Jon and Fat Mike from NOFX. They really did warm up the crowd - halfway into their set the Hordern Pavilion was packed. Although hecklers were requesting the band to play "Straight Outta Compton", the band played on regardless, and finally the bassist replied by saying "we're not that black".

Pour Habit - Institution [download]

Stand-up anti-comedian Neil Hamburger came on between Pour Habit and NOFX. All I can remember is a bunch of South Americans and a bunch of what I'd like to call droogs [actual quotes "Hur hur, let's start a fight tonight!!", "Not yet, it's too early"] screaming for NOFX. Oh, and the first joke of the night - "Why did the farmer become a punk? Because he'd had enough of Hall & Oates!" [hauling oats].

NOFX were awesome. Played their greatest hits, banter between the band members were great, and they repeatedly made fun of Neil Hamburger by impersonating his trademark cough and "Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy..." before telling the audience racist jokes about Mexicans and Jews [the band is made up of 2 Jews, a Mexican and a regular white guy, hence their album title "White Trash, Two Heebs and a Bean"]. During their set they announced that Jason Whalley, vocalist from Frenzal Rhomb, was watching from side-stage. Which I thought was awesome [Frenzal are great].

NOFX - The Brews [download]

NOFX - Eat The Meek [download]

Bad Religion, although the members are of the same age as NOFX [early 40s], look so much older. Greg Graffin, vocalist and asserted authority on paleontology and life sciences, is balding and has a paunch, but that doesn't stop him from delivering a great performance. Axeman Greg Hetson, despite his age, jumped around almost as much as Pour Habit's vocalist. During Bad Religion's set Erik Melvin from NOFX sat down at side stage and intently watched 2nd guitarist Brian Baker for the rest of the night. Again, greatest hits, some banter, and all around good-times.

Bad Religion - No Control [download]

Bad Religion - Dearly Beloved [download]

Oh and yes, I bought two shirts - NOFX and Bad Religion switched designs, so that NOFX are using Bad Religion's Crossbuster design, and Bad Religion are using NOFX's album artwork from "So Long and Thanks For All the Shoes".

A VERY DISTRACTED PERSON IS WHAT I AM

2009-10-06T15:24:00.005+11:00

The title rings true - I've spent 5 hours starting this post. However, the past 5 hours have been productive, in that I've been able to learn a couple of SFK songs on guitar, jammed with my dad, started a Twitter account, researched internet plans, had a shower, an apple, a muesli bar, a shave, a double-dose of panadol, a look at what's on tv [nothing], booked some BDO tickets [WOO!!!] then realised that I still haven't put fingers to keyboard.

This is also the first time in more than a week that I've posted anything. During my leave of absence I've managed to read Anthony Burgess' "A Clockwork Orange" and Dan Brown's "The Lost Symbol" [don't look at me like that, it was an enjoyable read], saw Pour Habit, NOFX and Bad Religion [crazy fun], started a two-week holiday break, started training for the touch footy season [again, don't look at me like that], and made La Rosca's (Chilean biscuity-cake things with meringue on top) with my girlfriend. Oh, and caught a cold.

However. However however however.

During this week and a bit, I could have finished the two assessments I have due in 2 weeks, cleaned my room, sorted my CD collection, organised my online banking and debit card, and save the world from every media-exaggerated global catastrophe. But no, twitter is apparently a lot more interesting than swine flu, global warming and Kanye West combined, hence my hours spent searching for bands that I can now "follow" [teehee].

So that I can actually get back attempting to clean, I'll provide a quick review/rundown of everything that's happened.

A Clockwork Orange is an amazing book, albeit quite short [only 130 pages], and Anthony Burgess had foresight like no other author, in that he used slang in the context that teenagers would use it in 10 years later [the word "like" is repeated constantly when the protagonist Alex is directing his thoughts to the reader]. Going to read it again and again and again as soon as I get it back from my mate.

Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol is actually a decent read. Brown has this way of pulling the reader into the story, correcting posture and head-turns after every twist so that the reader can continue delving into the world of Robert Langdon, now with an all-too familiar Tom Hanks-ish demeanour. At times it's a bit contrived, what with all the referencing to social networking -

Langdon's eyelids felt impossibly heavy. "You know, I still haven't learned how to send a twitter."
"A tweet," she corrected, laughing.

Additionally, the muscle-bound 6footsomething antagonist is all too reminiscient of Silas in The Da Vinci Code.

Making the La Roscas was great fun, I've never baked or made cakes or biscuits before, so it was an experience and a half. The bottom part of the biscuit-cake is made out of your usual butter, egg yolk, flour etc, but also orange peel and cinnamon. This then becomes a dough, which is rolled into little bagel-like rolls about half the size of a palm, and placed in the oven to bake. Topped with meringue and cinnamon, we made about 30 or so. They turned out well, as my girlfriend's dad is a connosieur of La Roscas, and he liked them.

I will post a very late review of the Pour Habit/NOFX/Bad Religion gig within a day or two [hopefully], as I'll probably get distracted by something if I continue writing for much longer tonight.

Oh oh oh. I also saw Inglourious Basterds, which is an outstanding movie, and apparently Christopher Waltz, the guy who plays Landa the "JewHunter", won the Best Actor's Award at the Cannes Film Festival, one which he rightly deserved. Yes Brad Pitt was great in it, as were Melanie Laurent and Mike Myers [that cameo was great!!!], but Christopher Waltz really did steal the show, no doubt helped by the fact he can fluently speak Italian, German, French and English [all used by his character in the movie].

Ahreeverderrchee.

AN ADD-ON TO A [NOT-SO] GUILTY CONSCIENCE IS WHAT I AM

2009-09-27T21:58:00.003+10:00

Just some more sites to get some great punk/metal music from. A bit of emo in there too if that tickles your fancy [but stay well away from me then].

DownloadPunk - an online distributor of music like iTunes, emusic etc. There are thousands of bands on this website, and no clear link to free mp3s, but if you root around there's normally 1 free mp3 for every 3 albums or so. And there are thousands of albums, therefore thousands of free mp3s.

Interpunk - another online distributor. Though this one does have a page for free mp3s.

RevHQ - yet another, though more underground stuff.

Morphius Records - another distro, but also a record label [WOW!!]

Very Distro - yep another.

SmartPunk - mmhmm, distro

Jump Start Records - record label, only a few mp3s

Insubordination Records - another record label

Indecision Records - including Bleeding Through, Death by Stereo and Throwdown

Enjoy!!

A [NOT-SO] GUILTY CONSCIENCE IS WHAT I AM

2009-09-26T20:09:00.004+10:00

Let's start this off with a statement.

I Love Music.

There. Done.

Now this is where my previous statement of loving music comes into play.

I download music. [I love music.]

For free. [I Love Music.]

Quite a lot actually. [I LOVE MUSIC.]

And I wholeheartedly endorse downloading music [oh. and. I LOVE MUSIC!!!].

Although one can put forward the argument that an artist/band needs to make money through record sales, I am proof that if bands make good music, then give it away with no strings attached, the real fan will go out and buy the album. I had downloaded about 25 Bad Religion songs before I bought one of their albums. Downloaded 2 Rise Against songs and bought 3 of their albums. Downloaded 12 Anti-Flag songs and bought 2 albums. Downloaded 1 Bedouin Soundclash song, bought 1 album. And on and on.

If I had never downloaded the songs, I would have never bought the albums. Then I would never have gone to their gigs. Would have never bought any merch. If not for those 2 Rise Against songs I illegally downloaded, worth $3.38 on iTunes, I would not have spent $60 on 3 CDs, $50 on a ticket to see them live, and $50 for a tee.

$160, or $3.38.

On this note, I've compiled a very small list of websites that offer mp3s to download. These are not your normal Russian/Chinese mp3 websites full of lovely lovely viruses, oh no no. These are record labels, showcasing their artist roster by offering mp3s to the fans.

All the websites are indie punk record labels. Why?
1. As far as I know, no major label has caught on to the notion that giving away a product can generate greater revenue
2. I love punk music. Not mainstream Paramore/Green Day/Good Charlotte stuff. Although if you're looking for that sort of stuff you might find it within this list, but it won't be a band you know.
3. Record labels tend to have large rosters of bands/artists, both signed to the label and off the label.

I will update this in the future. Keep in mind that it is because of these sites I keep finding new music that I can love, and therefore bands that I can support.

Asian Man Records - including Alkaline Trio and The Lawrence Arms
Alternative Tentacles - including The [International] Noise Conspiracy
Bad Taste Records - including Joey Cape and The Weakerthans
Burning Heart Records - including Millencolin and The [International] Noise Conspiracy
BYO Records - including 7 Seconds and Rancid
Don Giovanni Records - including The Groucho Marxists
Drive-Thru Records - top right of page has a free sampler with plenty of songs on it
Epitaph Records - including The Offspring, NOFX, Rancid, Descendents, Bad Religion, Me First & the Gimme Gimmes, Parkway Drive, Pennywise, Refused etc
Fat Wreck Chords - including Against Me!, NOFX, Descendents, Me First & the Gimme Gimmes, Anti-Flag, Frenzal Rhomb, Lagwagon, Rise Against etc
Hellcat Records - including Rancid, The Dropkick Murphys, Operation Ivy, Nekromantix, Left Alone, The Slackers and Tiger Army
GC Records - including Passporte and East Arcadia
Go-Kart Records - including The World/Inferno Friendship Society and INDK
Quote Unquote Records - including Bomb The Music Industry! and Arrogant Sons of Bitches

NB: With some of these links, you may have to click on an artist, or on a release, to find the treasure.

A DOUBLE GIG REVIEW IS WHAT I AM - PART 2

2009-09-23T16:22:00.018+10:00

Continuing on from Part 1, here's the second part of my awesome weekend, filled with great live music that has come from here, Australia! By no means is it secondary to Part 1 in aspects such as music, performance, or wording of review. It's just that Part 1 occurred on Friday night, whereas Part 2 occurred on Saturday night. Completely different experiences, although both great in their own way.

Now that that's cleared up, right into it we go.

This night begins in much the same way Part 1 [now referred to as Friday night] started.
Saturday night at the Manning Bar, an extremely quick bite to eat beforehand at my place, and my girlfriend and I are awaiting the first artist of the night, Leena, to warm up the unfortunately sparse crowd [sound familiar??]. I'd seen Leena earlier this year when I went to a Kate Miller-Heidke/End of Fashion gig at The Metro, where she was supporting. At that time she was all on her lonesome on stage, and the acoustics of The Metro did nothing for her. Still, I was intrigued, and right before Kate Miller-Heidke came on I bought her EP Mean Old Clock [apparently partly produced by Josh Pyke!], signed up to her mailing list, and bought an End of Fashion tee [another story]. As I'm writing this I'm listening to the EP, which is a bit of a give-away for how her performance rated with me.

Back to the present, and I was expecting, or hoping, for a good performance that would outshine her KMH/EoF set. Luckily, 15 minutes after we entered the venue Leena wandered on stage, guitar in hand, ready to impress [as compared to Friday night's hour and a half wait from "doors open" to Hungry Kids of Hungary first song]. She has a beautiful voice, isn't too bad on the guitar either, and I was quickly bopping my head to the opener "Hell" [sadly not on the EP, as it's a brilliant song]. A second guitarist/back-up vocalist soon joined her, and the on-stage chemistry between the two made it seem like they'd been playing together for aaaaaaages and ages. Close to the end of their set one of the crew held up three fingers indicating three minutes left, to which Leena replied [and this isn't word for word but close enough]: "Three minutes? I can play a song in three minutes, all my songs are three minute songs!". Which is very, very true. Her songs are beautifully structured 3 minute pop songs, and that was just what I was in the mood for. Watch her, she'll be running up the Triple J charts pretty soon.

Leena's Myspace

Website

Buy on iTunes

Leena - Mean Old Clock [download]

Parallel Lions took to the stage no less than 20 minutes after Leena had left. The band comprises of the singer from Melbourne band Art of Fighting, Ollie Browne, and, according to their MySpace, Hamish Michael on guitar/keys/vocals and Sam Bates on drums [no idea. Although Art of Fighting's song "Free You" is amazing.]. Sadly, I was so tired from the lack of sleep over the nights beforehand that I almost dropped off during their set. It didn't help that the music they were playing was a mix of atmospheric/experimental noise and slow guitar/piano driven melodies. Now, normally, this is right up my alley. So I was surprised to find myself sitting on the steps near the bar while everyone else around me was standing. If any band member ever ends up reading this: I'm so sorry. Those first three songs were great. I was just completely, and utterly, buggered.

Parallel Lions' Myspace

Art of Fighting - Free You [download]

FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY. Paul Dempsey. Quite literally the "Man of the Moment" [a clever pun I might add, haha haha. Haha.]. The photo above is actually from his performance that night.

The Something For Kate frontman wowed and dazzled even before he broke into the first song [either "Have You Fallen Out of Love" or "Theme From Nice Guy", I don't remember...]. The backing band members were great, and you can't fault a vocalist with perfect pitch. I'm actually at a loss for words to say how amazing his performance was. The set included almost every song on his recently released debut album Everything Is True, including fan [and my] favourites "Fast Friends", "Out the Airlock", "Ramona Was a Waitress", "Bats" etc. Come to think of it, the whole album is filled with fan favourites. Dempsey + Band also chucked in a couple of covers, one by Gillian Welsh, and Television's "See No Evil" - which were played to perfection. Amid cries of "PLAY BORN TO RUN!!! PLAY BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN!!!" Paul came on by himself as an encore and played Something For Kate's Max Planck [one of my favourite songs from one of my favourite albums], which had the crowd of SFK fans singing along.

As is my normal post-concert tradition, I bought a Paul Dempsey shirt at the merch stand. I was going to buy a poster as well except the guy before me bought the last one. Damn you guy. Damn you.

Paul Dempsey's Myspace

Website

Buy from iTunes

Paul Dempsey - Ramona Was a Waitress [download]

Paul Dempsey - Time to Pretend [MGMT Cover] [download]

That sums up my super-amazing-fantastic-awesome-great-tiring weekend. I implore everrrrryone to go and check out all 6 bands, their music is exceptional and their live performances are great [except Parallel Lions because I fell asleep. But I'm sure it was exceptional].

A DOUBLE GIG REVIEW IS WHAT I AM - PART 1

2009-09-20T19:59:00.014+10:00

So. I haven't posted in a while. Been busy busy procrastinating and working. Well here's a double post. Woohoo!

This weekend I FINALLY listened to music other than The xx - the spell is broken!! I'm still a leeeeeettle obsessed with them, and I'm happy to say that they have almost 1.3 million listens on last.fm. 1.3 MILLION. That's 3 times Kate Miller-Heidke's playcount. Millions more than Josh Pyke, Pnau or Gotye. Double Little Birdy. Then again, it's not too hard to top an Australian act - a band from the UK can get played everywhere in Europe, but a band from Australia can get played everywhere in, well, Australia. Maybe a bit in Japan.

But I digress.

This past weekend, I've seen 6 of the best home-grown Australian acts around. Some of the greatest voices, melodies and hugs this land has and will ever see. Mighty good stuff.

Friday night at The Enmore Theatre, an extremely quick bite to eat beforehand at one of the numerous Thai restaurants in the area, and my girlfriend and I are awaiting the first band of the night, Hungry Kids of Hungary, to warm up the unfortunately sparse crowd. These guys are great. I'd heard their stuff on Triple J and had songs "Set it Right" and "Scattered Diamonds" on repeat before The xx took over. They're just fun, happy, all choral vocal melodies a la Beach Boys, very smart but simple pop songs. Dressed impeccably, dashing looks, they like taking walks on the beach, and there was many a foot-tapper amongst the audience. After their set I marched straight to the merch stand, girlfriend in tow, and bought both their EPs, which I have yet to listen to but plan to do so very soon.

Hungry Kids of Hungary - Set it Right [download]

By the time Red Riders came on stage, the Enmore had filled to about half-capacity. This is a band I wish were more well-known, but still want to keep them as a little secret. The Sydney-siders' debut album, Replica Replica, has to be in my top 5 favourite albums, their 2nd EP The Plan A happens to be my favourite EP, and they were the first band I saw live. Excited is short of an understatement - by the time they came on I was near shivering with anticipation [this is a lie placed for dramatic effect, although I do really like the band]. Showcasing their post-punk inspired 2nd album, Drown In Colour, the band launched straight into "Feels Like Grace", a stand-out song from the album. I was just a bit deflated when I looked around and saw that the only people singing were a bunch of kids down the front, and myself. The band ripped through songs such as A.S.P.I.R.I.N., Tomorrow/Today, C'mon, Slide in Next to Me & Mouthful o' Riot, succeeding in getting the bunch of kids and me jumping up and down, and by the time they got to new singles You've Got a Lot of Nerve and Ordinary the crowd seemed to loosen up a bit and realise who they were dealing with. Ending with the great "My Love is Stronger Than Your Love", and wanting more [they're insatiable], Red Riders were cheered off by a grateful audience. Who knows, maybe the secret is finally out. Regardless, I bought a Red Riders tee, and wore it with pride for the rest of the gig, on top of my Red Paintings tee.

Red Riders - Feels Like Grace [download]

Red Riders - My Love is Stronger Than Your Love [download]

Within the next half hour the Enmore was packed. In the standing area those who had decided to sit while they waited were getting trampled by the numerous beer-swilling patrons. My girlfriend and I decided to not intervene in the goings on of the hardcore fans, and stayed near the barricades between the standing and seated sections, which allowed for more breathing space. After what seemed an age and a half Little Birdy graced the stage. I'm not the biggest fan, I only have singular downloaded songs bar the single CD for Come On Come On [it has an awesome cover of Six Months in a Leaky Boat], but what I have heard I like. Katy Steele - lead singer, rhythm guitarist and songwriter - has such a commanding stage presence, and the audience latches on to every gesture and every word, whether it be jokes with bandmates, appraisal of Hungry Kids of Hungary & Red Riders, or just mucking around in general. Classics such as Relapse, Beautiful to Me, Better Off Alone and the aforementioned Come On Come On, as well as newer songs Hairdo and Brother had the crowd singing along like madmen, and for the requested encore Bodies had the crowd jumping up and down like, well, madmen.

Little Birdy - Relapse [download]

Little Birdy - Six Months in a Leaky Boat [download]

After the gig, I randomly bumped into Alex Grigg, vocalist and lead guitarist of Red Riders [Actually, that's another lie. I waited to the side while those same kids from the front took photos with him, jumping up and down in fanboy excitement]. Almost pulled a Wayne & Garth "We're not worthy!!" moment, but held myself back. Just. He seemed really appreciative that I had actually taken the nerve to come up to him and say thankyou for the music, and we had a less-than-3-second manhug. Cherry on the cake, icing on the top, etc - it was a great end to a great night.

My only problems were:

My girlfriend and I rushed to eat Thai food in less than 15 minutes so that we weren't late, only for the gig to start an hour after we finished. Garlic pepper chicken is not meant to be shoved down your oesophagus at lightning speed, as it then goes through your intestines at lightning speed. Picture painted.
The new guitarist for the Red Riders, who is actually the bassist for The Vines. He might be good on record, but he's FUCKING TERRIBLE on stage. Stood in the shadows and played as if he was rehearsing - no emotion, fuck-the-audience-I'm-the-only-one-here. Sorry man, but people pay for a whole show, not just music. AAAAAND...
The girl in front off us who kept on jumping on our shoes throughout Little Birdy.

Next time I post, hopefully tomorrow, I'll bestow the 2nd part of this double gig review - Paul Dempsey's & Band, with Leena & Parallel Lions. Stay Tuned!

AN OBSESSION IS WHAT I AM

2009-09-12T23:48:00.008+10:00

You've applied the pressure
To have me crystalised
And you've got the faith
That I could bring paradise

I'll forgive and forget
Before I'm paralysed
Do I have to keep up the pace
To keep you satisfied

In the past week or so I've become completely obsessed by The xx. Their music is a minimalist mixture of post-punk and triphop [think The Smiths and Portishead locked in a room], and damn it's catchy. Catchy in the way that their new self-titled album is the only thing I've listened to in the past week and a bit. I want to pack my bags with t-shirts, jumpers, hats and badges, all bearing the artwork on the front cover of their album, follow them around the world, go to all their gigs, set up an official fanpage and stalk their parents. Their music is that good.

They're a young band from London who in the short time they've been around have already inked a deal with Young Turks [a small indie label who've also released records by Foals, Holy Fuck and Jack Penate], worked with Diplo, and played at the Reading and Leeds Festivals. There is no drummer, and the majority of their songs contain the dual lead vocal strength of Oliver Sim [the guy on the left] and Romy Madley Croft [the girl on the right].

Songs such as "Fantasy" and "Heart Skipped a Beat" could send you spiralling off into a trance, whereas others such as "Crystalised" and "Night Time" have such awesome riffs you have to wonder why, and how, no other band has used them. Don't get me started on the other 7 songs, I could go on forever. It's a mishmash of songs that nothing else is like.

For the uninitiated, I wanted to put some songs up to show off their genius. However, I also want everyone to support this band, buy their album etc. So.

Buy from iTunes!!!

This is a link to buy their album from iTunes, and it comes with a bonus cover of Aaliyah's "Hot Like Fire". Alternatively, I bought my copy at JB HiFi for 22 bucks, and I got packaging and a booklet (I tend to like the little extras in hard copies).

But, if you don't want to go out in the deep end straight away, here's some tracks to dip your toes in first.

The xx - Crystalised [download]

The xx - Night Time [download]

The xx's MySpace
The xx's Homepage

A RANT IS WHAT I AM

2009-09-09T19:35:00.013+10:00

Recently, as of recent, I've discovered the loveliness of atheism. It really is lovely. No-one looking down on you for eating a satay chicken pizza. Free Saturdays. An immense sense of freedom and eagerness to study about the world, philosophy, science, history and the like. Not worrying about what happens when one of my Canaanite slaves injures a limb, or destroying that fruit tree when laying seige to Ammon or Moab.

I was never really compelled by religion, other than it gave a sense of community. When I went to the Wailing Wall in Israel, I had no inclination to pray, nor to think that the little piece of paper I shoved into the wall was ever going to be answered. I was shoving a piece of paper into a wall, what can you expect. And God? Well, I used to think I spoke with God when I played Solitaire instead of doing homework - "Let me win this game and I'll start my homework... You made me lose on purpose...".

I've only made this decision after years of asking myself existential questions. The past year has been the most productive though - I've come to grips with the idea that I am my own god. There is nothing after death. Heaven is really a tool for those who can't face a lack of existence. Not that I ever really believed in the Hollywood-esque angels in clouds with every whim sated. Nor did I ever believe in the fiery pits of eternal damnation.

Apart from all this, what really started the process was actually reading into religion. As a Jew, I'm supposed to follow 613 Mitzvot - or good deeds. These 613 Mitzvot encompass all the regulars - there is a God, rest on the 7th day, not to steal etc. It also encompasses which grasshoppers are deemed Kosher, wiping out the descendents of Amalek (?), making sure the king doesn't have too many horses, the deadliness of astrology, homosexuality and marrying out [oh no!]. I then progressed from a little study into a bit more study, which is the stage I'm at now. Two books which really changed my views, both lent to me by a friend who happens to be my non-Jewish girlfriend's brother, are Sophie's World and Ishmael, which don't even really touch religion as a subject, but opened a pandora's box of questions and answers pertaining to religion. I'm on to The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins now, which is, apart from the hard-to-read-because-it's-non-fiction aspect, quite an interesting yarn.

Along the topic of religion and atheism, there are numerous songs about atheism and a different kind of faith. So, to open a can of worms, I've selected my favourite atheist songs. Sort of an atheist musicmix. An Athmix. Anyways, here they are, in no particular order:

1. A Perfect Circle - Imagine [download]
2. Marilyn Manson - The Fight Song [download]
3. Bad Religion - Shattered Faith [download]
4. Muse - Thoughts Of A Dying Atheist [download]
5. Nine Inch Nails - Heresy [download]
6. NOFX - The Idiots Are Taking Over [download]
7. Metallica - God That Failed [download]
8. System Of A Down - Suite-Pee [download]
9. Bob Marley - Get Up, Stand Up [download]
10. Death Cab For Cutie - I Will Follow You Into The Dark [download]

VELKOMMEN, BIENVENUE, ALOHA, SHALOM, AS-SALAM ALAYKUM, PRIVYET, SAWAT DEE, WELCOME!

2009-09-08T20:26:00.010+10:00

Or as my grandparents may have put it - Céad míle fáilte!! [A Hundred Thousand Welcomes!!]

Why am I creating a self-obsessive blog, where I post things I enjoy, take pleasure in, view as amazing pieces of creativity, etc? Aren't there céads of míles of those blogs across the internet? Well, yes, there are. As to why - a place to vent, to endow my findings to others, to write paragraphs of information without having to reference according to AAP standards.

So just tune in, turn off, drop out, drop in, switch off, switch on & explode!

Well, don't explode.