Turn it up!!: 2011

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Future Of The Left

I have no idea why but the FOTL set from The Zoo did not turn out. The Turnpike set was fine as you will hear. But I did get the Tym Guitars in-store set which was wonderful plus a couple of videos. Enjoy

Future Of The Left - Live @ Tym Guitars In Store - 6-Dec-11

This was the best set I have ever heard from Turnpike. That seems to be the opinion of most Turnpike fans I have spoken to. The sound was excellent [Thanks Cam] Adam found the mic almost every time and the band was tight and enjoying themselves. Turnpike has the best banter.

Turnpike - Live @ The Zoo - 6-Dec-11

This FOTL video is from The Zoo show and gives you an idea of what you missed.

Merenoise Melltdown 2011

Merenoise Records is a great little label here in Brisbane who put out records by people they like. This seems to be their criteria and I'm happy if they're happy. Every now and then they throw a party. I missed The Horrortones, Hits, and Guitar Wolf when I went to The Waiting Room to check Harmony. I had every intention of getting back but didn't.

Tiny Migrants - Live @ Merenoise Meltdown - 3-Dec-11

Go Violets were wonderful. 4 girls playing pop rock who can only get better and they are good now.

Go Violets - Live @ Merenoise Meltdown - 3-Dec-11

plus a couple of videos.

Texas Tea as a 4 piece was nice.

Texas Tea - Live @ Merenoise Meltdown - 3-Dec-11

The Dangermen - Live @ Merenoise Meltdown - 3-Dec-11

No Anchor - Live @ Merenoise Meltdown - 3-Dec-11

Cannons - Live @ Merenoise Meltdown - 3-Dec-11

Standing 8 Counts are a band with a future

Standing 8 Counts - Live @ Merenoise Meltdown - 3-Dec-11

Sebadoh with Smudge

I didn't get all of the Sebadoh set. Also I didn't particularly enjoy the evening. Jason Loewenstein's pieces I didn't find very interesting and they disrupted the flow. Most of the people I have mentioned that to think I'm mad. Maybe on another night I might feel different about it.

Smudge - Live @ The Hi-Fi Brisbane - 22-Sep-11

Sebadoh - Live @ The Hi-Fi Brisbane - 22-Sep-11

The Drones

The Drones doing what The Drones do. Until the next album which apparently is different. I look forward to it. I also look forward to A Thousand Mistakes which I have purchased for Christmas viewing.

The Drones - Live @ The Hi Fi - 29 October 2011

A Room40 Spectacular - Open Frame 2011 and Lawrence English Solo

One night of the Open Frame Festival put on by the very wonderful Room40 and Laurence English. If any recordings require headphones these are them. Noise cancelling are best. I have a pair of audio-technica ATH-ANC7b and they work a treat.

Minamo - Live @ Open Frame - 29 September 2011

Our Love Will Destroy The World - Live @ Open Frame - 29 September 2011

Scott Morrison - Live @ Open Frame - 29 September 2011

Lawrence launched his new LP The Peregrine at The Judy supported by the Brisbane edition of Lonely Women’s Club. The Lonely Women’s Club recording will be up as soon as Mediafire gets its act together.

Lawrence English - Live @ The Judith Wright Centre - 17 Nov 2011

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Moon Duo then Tiger Choir and Secret Birds

Moon Duo were a lot of fun. Halfway through I realized the guitarist was from Wooden Shjips. This is the level of knowledge I take into the room sometimes. Often I go to see bands on the strength of recommendations and usually if I haven't heard the band I won't listen to them before the show. I am seldom disappointed. I certainly wasn't this night.

Moon Duo - Live @ Woodland - 1 October 2011

Secret Birds - Live @ Woodland - 2 October 2011

Tiger Choir - Live @ Woodland - 2 October 2011

aheadphonehome at The Waiting Room

Before The Drones I went to Stranded At The Drive In #1 at The Waiting Room

Silver Screens are from Toowoomba I think. I saw them once before but their equipment failed after 10 minutes. Pleasant enough music but it doesn't really go anywhere.
Silver Screens - Live @ The Waiting Room - 28 October 2011

aheadphonehome - Live @ The Waiting Room - 28 October 2011

Two Nights At The Bridge Club

Upstairs at the Irish Club. Primitive Motion helped clean up the recording of their set after equipment failure on stage in the first minute screwed up the sequence. Thanks Sandra.

Knee Chin - Live @ The Bridge Club - 2 September 2011

Primitive Motion - Live @ The Bridge Club - 2 September 2011

aheadphonehome - Live @ The Bridge Club - 16 September 2011

First time I have seen Nova Scotia since Nathan left town. Lots more space for the music to shine through.

Nova Scotia - Live @ The Bridge Club - 16 September 2011

The Scrapes - Live @ The Bridge Club - 16 September 2011

The Fancy Boys with Dick Nasty, Mollinger and Violent Soho

The Mollinger set starts a few minutes in just after Andrew breaks the Mac. Hilarity ensued.

Dick Nasty - Live @ The Waiting Room - 7 October 2011

Mollinger - Live @ The Waiting Room - 7 October 2011

The Fancy Boys - Live @ The Waiting Room - 7 October 2011

Violent Soho - Live @ The Waiting Room - 7 October 2011

Mono

No Anchor - Live @ The Hi Fi - 5 October 2011

Mono - Live @ The Hi Fi - 5 October 2011

This video is taken on my N8 on the Low Light setting and the effect is dreamy which suits Mono well. Occasional clipping but the sound is not too bad. Use headphones for best effect.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Simone Felice

Solo show for the Brisbane Festival. Songs, book readings, thoroughly engaging evening.

Simone Felice - Live @ The Powerhouse - 9 September 2011

Hugo Race

Must have been 30 people there. Such a shame because Hugo played for over an hour and the time flew.

Hugo Race & The Fatalists - Live @ The Zoo - 25 August 2011

Catching Up A Bit

A few sets that I managed to totally forget I had.

Holy Balm - Live @ Deadshits II - 28 January 2011

Caught Ship - Live @ Latrobe Tce - 30 April 2011

Tiny Migrants - Live @ Woodland - 7 July 2011
Ty Segall - Live @ Woodland - 7 July 2011

Ghost Notes - Live @ The Waiting Room - 18 August 2011

Sunday, November 6, 2011

VII Nights of No Anchor

Dreamtime Launch

Not content with 7 nights of loud heavy stuff I backed up the next night for Dreamtime and their psychedelic dream pop. Supported by The Rational Academy warming up for their upcoming tour of Japan, and Secret Birds.

All this and I actually got stuff done at work. Pretty much a perfect week.

The Rational Academy - Live @ The Waiting Room - 22 Oct 2011

Secret Birds - Live @ The Waiting Room - 22 Oct 2011

Dreamtime - Live @ The Waiting Room - 22 Oct 2011

Friday, October 14, 2011

London Cafe Oto

So in London I looked round for things to see and found Cafe OT. Great venue. Brisbane needs one. First night I saw Mathew Sawyer support Ryan Driver. Also an acapella [almost] singer Animateddog Nathaniel Robin Mann [that's what it said] whose recording I am still picking apart. I have worked out that I'm not that good at recording quiet stuff. The background sounds are too loud for the mics I use.

Mathew Sawyer & The Ghosts - Live @ Cafe OTO - 11 June 2011

Ryan Driver - Live @ Cafe OTO - 11 June 2011

Two nights later back for Damo Suzuki who I missed in Barcelona. Support were the fabulous Sobameshi & Porno who I later discover are half of Bo Ningen who I now wish to see. Also supporting was guitarist Keiichi Miyashita’s MANDOG featuring drummer E-Da of Drum Eyes/Seefeel and one other guitar. After two support sets all appeared on stage with Damo Suzuki as his backing.

Sobameshi & Porno were absolutely great and I hope the recording does them justice.

Sobameshi & Porno - Live @ Cafe OTO - 15 Jun 2011

Mandog - Live @ Cafe OTO - 15 Jun 2011

Damo Suzuki - Live @ Cafe OTO - 15 Jun 2011

Tenniscoats were wonderful and soon I will have something listenable for you.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

What? More Tym Guitars Instores? Will they never end?

I sure as hell hope not.

Solykri - Live @ Tym Guitars - 17 Sept 2011

Jason Simon - Live @ Tym Guitars - 27 Aug 2011

Lou Barlow - Live @ Tym Guitars - 22 Sept 2011

The Grates at The Hi-Fi

Quite liked Big Scary. Less so Guinea Fowl. The Grates are now a rock band and I love it. Beefier. The sound is different but still the Grates. Patience's voice takes a couple of songs to get on track but it gets there. The new material flows well in the set. Welcome back.

Big Scary - Live @ The Hi-Fi - 01 July 2011

Guinea Fowl - Live @ The Hi-Fi - 01 July 2011

The Grates - Live @ The Hi-Fi - 01 July 2011

Sorry Socrates Warehouse Party at Geebung

I was invited so I went along. They had a whole tub of smoke juice and used it all up. I don't remember what anyone looks like.

Sorry Socrates - Live @ Geebung - 05 Aug 2011

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Boris and Russian Circles at ULU 19 June 2011

London ULU and for the Russian Circles I had the levels set for Tenniscoats who are way softer. Realized this about half way through. Thus, the second half only. To make up for that I include the Tym Guitar In Store by Russian Circles last month and video of Boris.

Russian Circles - Live @ Tym Guitars -10 Sept 2011

Russian Circles - Live @ ULU - 19 Jun 2011 - 2nd half of set

Boris - Live @ ULU - 19 Jun 2011

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Batrider and per purpose at Woodland 18 Aug 2011

per purpose were great as usual.

Bat Rider - Live @ Woodland - 18 Aug 2011

per purpose - Live @ Woodland - 18 Aug 2011

Friday, September 23, 2011

A Bunch of Tym Guitars

The best show in town

Dick Nasty - Live @ Tym Guitars - 03 July 2011

Bratt Farrar - Live @ Tym Guitars - 08 July 2011

Hoss - Live @ Tym Guitars - 08 July 2011

The Vee Bees - Live @ Tym Guitars - 08 July 2011

Ouch My Face - Live @ Tym Guitars - 24 July 2011

Little Lovers - Live @ Tym Guitars - 20 Aug 2011

Jason Simon - Live @ Tym Guitars - 27 Aug 2011

Ed Kuepper

played at The Spiegletent with Mark Dawson. The early LPs Electrical Storm and Today Wonder were played and I missed only the first track of Today Wonder. Outstanding performances of outstanding records.

Ed Kuepper - Live @ The Spiegletent - 20 Sept 2011

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Words Fail Me.

Europe took more to recover from than I thought it would, work when we got back was piled higher than I imagined it could be, family grief and medical problems [not me personally, I'm OK] drained time and energy from life. Problems solved now? Mostly, but some things aren't solved, just managed.

On top of that in real life I'm an accountant and we don't write about feelings much. Creativity is something we don't actually display to the public. I wrestle with words to accompany most of the posts I make [if that isn't painfully obvious to you]

I just hope no one thought I might have stopped listening to live music. So to get over this problem from now on expect posts with few words, posts being edited later to include words I think of later but most interesting to you dear reader, more regular posts sooner after the fact. Like the Custard post that started this whole thing off.

Thank you for your patience. Music is the best.

Primavera 2011 Day 3

May 28

John Cale - Live @ Primavera - 28 May 2011

Kurt Vile & The Violators - Live @ Primavera - 28 May 2011

Dean Wareham - Live @ Primavera - 28 May 2011

This is such a good festival. I shall return probably in 2013.

Primavera 2011 Day 2 The Parc

The Parc show deserve their own entry. This is the best part of Primavera and the low numbers astound me.

Sonny & The Sunsets - Live @ Parc Central del Poblenou - 27 May 2011

Ducktails - Live @ Parc Central del Poblenou - 27 May 2011

The Fresh & Onlys - Live @ Parc Central del Poblenou - 27 May 2011

Primavera 2011 Day 2

May 27
Monochrome Set were pretty good for old guys. Drummer was the happiest person I have seen all year. Perfect hair and makeup, biggest grin all afternoon and never missed a beat. The keyboard guy had the loveliest little red cocktail dress. Guitar dude looked like an explosion in Carnaby St circa 69. Bassie was all in black and did not smile or blink the whole set. Singer wore a tasteful Nehru jacket and has a body of work that easily fills an hour slot without ever getting boring. That's entertainment!

The Monochrome Set - Live @ Primavera - 27 May 2011

Was really looking forward to Dan Melchior and I was not disappointed. He was really great.I'm sorry I couldn't get to the Parc show the next day.

Dan Melchior & Das Menace - Live @ Primavera - 27 May 2011

Kakoshca - Live @ Primavera - 27 May 2011

Jad Fair deserves to be a much bigger god.

Half Japanese - Live @ Primavera - 27 May 2011

Low - Live @ Primavera - 27 May 2011

Del Ray - Live @ Primavera - 27 May 2011

Ummmm Custard.

at the Powerhouse last night. Front Row 15ft from the front line. Possibly one of the best recording I have captured.
Also have a bunch of video shot on my Nokia N8 which are also fabulous but occasionally the sound is clipped. I'll post the better ones later tonight when they are finally uploaded to youtube or vimeo.
The end of the recording features me saying thanks to Dave when he came along the front row shaking hands and me discussing with the girl sitting next to me which set list was mine :)

Custard - Live @ The Powerhouse -17 Sept 2011

Two McCormack sets in a row. Must be a fan or something.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Dave McCormack at The Powerhouse

Happy Fathers Day. Well mine was at least. A great set from Dave McCormack on the Turbine Platform. A few songs that don't get played much and all the favourites. Nice way to round off the weekend.

Dave McCormack - Live @ The Powerhouse - 04 Sept 2011

The comment about COW after The Circle was the end of me explaining to my daughter where the song came from.

Addition

I forgot to upload the support act Tylea

Tylea - Live @ The Powerhouse - 4 September 2011

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Dirty Three at Meredith 2010

For those waiting for this one I'm sorrry to have delayed so long.

Dirty Three Live at Meredith 2010

Primavera 2011 Day 1

May 26

Again the day starts with a miss, this time Cults. The hit sounded great. Hang round for SeeFeel who were impressive.
SeeFeel - Live @ Primavera - 26 May 2011
Then down to the Vice Stage , my favourite of the Festival. The sound was generally good and the crowds relatively small and appreciative. Connan Mockasin is great. New Zealand keeps producing these guys. How the hell do they do it.
Connan Mockasin - Live @ Primavera - 26 May 2011

Suicide are confronting. 70 year old's singing about sex with anyone let alone young girls really seems to piss people off. But that has always been the way I guess. The sound is heavy as fuck and the recording doesn't do justice to the the sheer physicality of it. Best live. I missed the last song to get down the the Vice stage.
Suicide - Live @ Primavera - 26 May 2011
Part of some new San Fran garage revival along with Sunny & The Sunsets, Fresh & Onlys, Thee Oh Seees and a few others. Actually more mainstream than any of those bands but damm good anyway. First mosh I have seen at two PS's. I will see them again when I return to Brisbane in a club and I enjoyed it there too.
Ty Segall - Live @ Primavera - 26 May 2011

Primavera 2011 Poble Espanyol Shows

May 25
The venue didn't work for me really. The first day it was crowded and under resourced. Out of the crowd the sound was average. Saw the last minute of Nissenmondai who I was looking forward to. A little disappointed with Las Robertas. They were fine but reminded me of a few Australian bands like Southern Comfort but weren't that much better. Comet Gain saved the day on Wednesday.

Ended up spending so much time in the line for the toilets that I couldn't get near the stage for Echo & The Bunnymen and went home after a few songs.

Comet Gain - Live @ Poble Espanyol - 25 May 2011

Las Robertas - Live @ Poble Espanyol - 25 May 2011

May 29
Mercury Rev "Deserter Songs" is a 'cosmic americana' opus. Right?

The support bands were an odd bunch which seemed to have been assembled from a random list of bands who were available on the day.

There was a fine Spanish folk rock band [Me and The Bees] who with time will be very good especially when they learn how to structure a set rather than play Slow/Fast/Slow/Fast etc, a US indie punk band who were seriously dire [My Teenage Stride] and veteran Scottish pop rockers with a singer who for medical reasons travels with pockets full of fruit and whose stage banter reflects this way too much [BMX Bandits] You work it out.

BMX Bandits - Live @ Poble Espanyol - 29 May 2011

Where I ended up as Mercury Rev started playing the sound was average to poor and for all the world it was like six guys playing roughly the same songs but each was trying to play louder than the others. Another early night.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Showcases at Primavera 2011

One of the best things about Primavera is the sideshows. Like the Label showcases in this case at the Sala Apollo on the Monday and Tuesday nights.

May 23 - Acuarela Showcase
Nacho Umbert is in love I suspect with a girl. He sings heartfelt songs about it I think [speaking no Spanish]. I hope he gets her in the end because he puts a a lot of feeling into it. When I was very young I did much the same at the local folk club doing Leadbelly covers. Maybe he has better luck.
Nacho Umbert and La Compania - Live @ Sala Apolo - 23 May 2011

These guys sound like bad pub rock from the 70's. They look like they were doing it then as well. I have no idea why a record company paid for them to come to Spain. My son is having fun heckling them for their banter which unsurprisingly is an impression of a bunch of guys from a pub rock band on their first trip to Spain.
The Bitter Springs - Live @ Sala Apolo - 23 May 2011

This trip is starting to look like a mistake.

Wait, it's Darren Hayman ex of Hefner to save the evening. Nice guy, nice tunes and if you aren't in tears at the end of the song about the witch and her dog you obviously weren't there.
Darren Hayman & The Secondary Modern - Live @ Sala Apolo - 23 May 2011

May 24 - Heart of Gold Showcase

This is better. Girl harmony groups are fun. They are recording down the road with Eli 'Paperboy' Reed and do a set with a special guest appearance by the man.
The Pepper Pots - Live @ Sala Apolo - 24 May 2011

The mood is dulled somewhat by El Trons who are by the numbers beat pop. I am of two minds about groups that perform in a foreign language.
Els Trons - Live @ Sala Apolo - 24 May 2011

Never seen Eli before but I enjoyed his stuff. He connects with the audience unlike the Bitter Springs guys.
Eli Paperboy Reed - Live @ Sala Apolo - 24 May 2011

This was surprising. From Brazil and I was half expecting an hour of salsa which would have been 45 min too much. Instead it turns into a Brazilian funk groove thing which was very much fun.
Garotas Suecas - Live @ Sala Apolo - 24 May 2011

Best part of the two nights was being there with my son who has been teaching English in Bogota for the last two and a half years. This could be good after all.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Hello World

Been away. Now I'm back. The European Tour went really well and I'll start posting tonight. In the meantime enjoy these videos I took on my Nokia N8

Thursday, June 16, 2011

where am i anyway

in case i haven't mentioned it i am on holiday in Spain and London. Famo is perhaps the least interesting guy on the bill tonight here at cafe oto but if is pretty good. Keep watching ; July on here is going to be big.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

No Anchor launch Real Pain Supernova

Whatever you think of No Anchors recorded output (and I'm loving it) there is no doubt they deliver on stage. The launch of the LP is a case in point.

I love Dreamtime and if I ever say I'm tired of The Undead Apes you will know I have been replaced by a mindless automaton.

Dreamtime - Live @ Woodland - 13 May 2011

Undead Apes - Live @ Woodland - 13 May 2011

No Anchor - Live @ Woodland - 13 May 2011

Boomgates, Super Wild Horses but per purpose

Boomgates are great though occasionally the ties back to the members other bands is a bit strong. Super Wild Horses I enjoyed when I let the mid set change happen and just enjoyed the second half for it's own sake.

but per purpose were the standout of the night. Someone suggested that they tore a new hole in the universe the night before at The Step Inn and they went pretty close at Woodland the next night.

per purpose - Live @ Woodland - 08 May 2011

Super Wild Horses - Live @ Woodland - 08 May 2011

Boomgates - Live @ Woodland - 08 May 2011

Wonderfuls 7" Launch

Who are Wonderfuls you may ask. I did too.

akll I know is that this is Wonderfuls at a house show. Relaxed and agressive at the same time. Hope it helps.

Wonderfuls - Live @ Latrobe Tce - 30 April 2011

Stature Statue Farewell at The Zoo

I have always enjoyed Stature Statue and it is sad to see the final lineup signing off. A great show and excellent supports. Dune Rats were fun.

Velociraptor - Live @ The Zoo - 28 April 2011

Dune Rats - Live @ The Zoo - 28 April 2011

Stature Statue - Live @ The Zoo - 28 April 2011

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Tym's Guitars In-Store Shows

I have posted the Nova Scotia In-Store performance already. I've been to three more since then and missed a few.

Axxonn [Tom Hall] moved to America a few days after this set. He has taken some time off to get married but that is out of the way now and I'm sure he is readying his assault on the locals. He will do well.
Axxonn - Live @ Tym's Guitars - 18 Mar 2011

I love this band. They have pretty much written their second albums material and it will be as good as the first. This set is great for the guitar sound from John Mercer. At most shows his sound is buried in the mix but not today.
Undead Apes - Live @ Tym's Guitars - 03 April 2011

John Weise plays bass guitar. Well more like he uses a bass guitar to produce the raw sounds he then plays with on pedals and assorted gear. Great stuff.
John Wiese - Live @ Tym's Guitars - 08 April 2011

A short piece from Thrones and if I'd had the time I would have liked to go to the show to see how he developed the ideas.
Thrones - Live @ Tym's Guitars - 08 April 2011

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Keep On Dancin's CD Launch

This went pretty well.

Strange Attractors are a variation of the Velociraptor collective for want of a better description but the music is a bit more mainstream while still retaining the heavy pop sensibility. That means they're good.

Cobwebbs are new to me and play pop that after a few songs settle into more of a groove that at times reminded me of The Music which again is a good thing.

Keep On Dancin's are sort of like They Shoot Horses Don't They dancing in case you think it's going to be upbeat.

Blank Realm have been to America though you can't tell by looking at them. Always different. Always exciting.

The Strange Attractors - Live @ Woodland - 23 April 2011

Cobwebbs - Live @ Woodland - 23 April 2011

Keep On Dancin's - Live @ Woodland - 23 April 2011

Blank Realm - Live @ Woodland - 23 April 2011

New Jack Rubys & Lords Of Wong Split Single Launch

I bought the single. Lords of Wong are fun and New Jack Rubys impress every time especially Steve and Paul's guitar work.

Lords Of Wong - Live @ The Step Inn - 21 April 2010

New Jack Rubys - Live @ The Step Inn - 21 April 2010

Step Inn Front Bar for Electronic Noise and Loud Guitars

D Black back from Japan for a while starts off a night of Electronica and Noise. Ambrose Chapel and Silver Screens from Toowoomba ended up with short sets because of delays for gear problems. There was so much electronic gear on stage that it's a wonder any Electronica gig goes well. Then finish the night with Die On Planes who get better every time I see them and Rational Academy or was it White Bears of Norway tonight? not sure even they know some nights. And what did it cost; $10 or something like that. Why would you bother with TV at home.

D Black - Live @ The Step Inn - 01 April 2010

Ambrose Chapel - Live @ The Step Inn - 01 April 2010

Die On Planes - Live @ The Step Inn - 01 April 2010

Rational Academy - Live @ The Step Inn - 01 April 2010

Silver Screens - Live @ The Step Inn - 01 April 2010

Administrivia

Blogger now has Dynamic Views.

This means if you add /view to the end of the url you can pick a few different ways to see the site. Or just try
this link
The initial view is the Sidebar view but you can change it using the selection dropdown on the right side of the toolbar. If you like it bookmark it.

The downside is that at the moment none of the utility stuff on the right side of the normal page is available [though you can get a label view]. I like the Flipcard view cause it fits a lot of info on the page. The Snapshot view is nice but I don't have that many photos.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Ric's Big Backyard Festival

I hope there are more. i hope as well that the price becomes more friendly. I was there only through a ticket I won the night before. No wait, I gave that to a girl who asked nicely for it. I was the '+ 1' of a local rock personage who shall remain nameless lest his obvious lack of friends embarrasses him.

Went early to see Velociraptor. Was not disappointed.

Velociraptor - Live @ Ric's Big Back Yard Festival - 26 Mar 2011

Was there later in the evening for the last three acts

Violent Soho - Live @ Ric's Big Back Yard Festival - 26 Mar 2011

Pangaea were a hit with the crowd. A band which hasn't performed for 10 years or more had a fair contingent of front rowers singing along to every song. Hard to argue with that. I loved it. Their sense of humour and obvious fun made it easy to enjoy.
Pangaea - Live @ Ric's Big Back Yard Festival - 26 Mar 2011

You Am I are an Australian institution. The man continues to write top songs. Unfortunately when I see them I feel like I'm in a big RSL somewhere. It feels like a 'show'. I realize that at that level all acts put on a show so I guess it's just the way You Am I does it that doesn't do anything for me. Grinderman put on a show but I don't feel like there's an RSL within miles of where ever I am. Don't get me wrong, the music is great. And you will enjoy it.
You Am I - Live @ Ric's Big Back Yard Festival - 26 Mar 2011

Giants Of Science

As mentioned in the previous post I don't posts tapes that are technically bad. This happened to the Undead Apes set from this show. I have new mics and was testing them and found new ways that they didn't work. Even the GOS set posted here suffers a bit but it is quite listenable.

This is the Giants warm up show for the Flood Benefit where they opened for the Foo Fighters. Apparently that went well.

Giants of Science - Live @ Rics - 25 Mar 2011

Unfortunately there are a few sets from March that are plagued by technical difficulties which are now sorted.

The Step Inn revisited

I previously posted part of this show from December but mentioned that I didn't think the John Chantler set was worthy. He asked for a copy and he said that apart from some early parts he was a little unsure about he thought it was OK and has posted it on his own site so who am I to judge. On the same basis I post the xNoBBQx set for those interested.

John Chantler - Live @ The Step Inn - 16 Dec 2010

xNoBBQx - Live @ The Step Inn - 16 Dec 2010

I usually will only not post recordings if a) asked and b) the recording is bad for technical reasons. As these were neither I apologise to both these artists for not posting the sets. On review they seem to be the only ones treated this way.

Thee Magic Mile Club again for the very last time

It looks like there will be no more. Sad. The place had a good feel though you could see it could get too big and turn messy. But a big thanks to everyone involved for having a go.

and the sound was getting better too.

Conwae Burrell - Live @ Thee Magic Mile Club - 19 Mar 2011

The Young Liberals - Live @ Thee Magic Mile Club - 19 Mar 2011

The Onyas Aren't Dead Yet

I have no idea why this didn't post when I wrote it. A fine set by the Onyas; this was billed as their possible last show but it was news to them. Ably supported by The Sips and Lobster Prophet

Lobster Prophet - Live @ Woodland - 05 Feb 2011

The Sips - Live @ Woodland - 05 Feb 2011

The Onyas - Live @ Woodland - 05 Feb 2011

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Puppy Love at the Jubliee

A Flood Benefit for the RSPCA [Puppy Love, geddit?] that moved from the Step Inn to the Jubilee so the Bronx could use the upstairs room as Green. Not a big turnout because of Soundwave sideshows and apathy. But a good time was had by all who made the effort. Thanks to Miss Jess for her work.

Tiny Migrants - Live @ Puppy Love - 25 Feb 2011

Extra Foxx - Live @ Puppy Love - 25 Feb 2011

Undead Apes - Live @ Puppy Love - 25 Feb 2011

A Long Weekend in Melbourne

Training day in Melbourne on a Friday so we look up the listings for something to do.

Festival Hall
I decide to kick off with a bit of Soundwave that I missed in Brisbane so Thursday night arrive Melbourne Airport, race to Festival Hall, Tascam in pants cause i have been warned about pat downs, no pat downs [note to self, if trousering stuff, jockeys work better than boxers] pick up Tascam from floor, crush glasses with other foot. So far, so good.

God but Festival Hall has shit house sound. Monster Magnet then Murderdolls then stuff this for a game of soldiers Rob Zombie can't be any better [or worse] than Murderdolls. I am now over men in dress-ups and edgy makeup singing about the devil an shit and thanking us for coming along tonight an' here's a song about dead things i have crafted just for you thanks again. What is it about American satanists that they insist on being polite to their victims. Probably should have gone to see the Bronx. So early to bed cause work tomorrow

Monster Magnet - Live @ Festival Hall - 03 Mar 3011

Murderdolls - Live @ Festival Hall - 03 Mar 3011

The Old Bar
And wasn't that bit fun. Accountants are boring and so to alleviate the boring I go to the Old Bar and on the way run into Paul from MOTO who is also at the corner asking directions and he's old like me so it's easy to strike up a conversation about getting lost. We see Mere Women from sydney and they are nice, then Paul MOTO with a Spazzy drummer and an Onya bassist and they are fun then Kamakasi Trio and they rock then Kretch who are pretty good value and who are big shaven headed Croations as are half their audience and don't even ask about the men god i hope i got that right and they aren't armenian or something. Anyway they are punks who offer to be available for anal sex after the show but i have to leave early to get the last tram back to the city, eat a pizza and bottle of wine then bed. It's all in the timetable.

Mere Women - Live @ The Old Bar - 04 Mar 2011

MOTO - Live @ The Old Bar - 04 Mar 2011

Kamikazi Trio - Live @ The Old Bar - 04 Mar 2011

Kretch - Live @ The Old Bar - 04 Mar 2011

The Tote
Do stuff the next day then off to The Tote [I had imagined something bigger and a drones show would be something else in there] for Mortimer no ... wait, Montero who comprise two Crayons, the singer from Treetops named Montero believe it or not and some others i don't immediately recognize and who i enjoy but my daughter doesn't. Then Scott & Charlene's wedding who seriously kick pop arse. Across the road for a curry at the singapore curry shop which is really good and i'm pretty sure link meanie was there at a birthday party. Back for Super Wild Horses and i'm going out on a limb here and will make enemies but why do they change the whole dynamic of the set by getting the drummer up to play one note lines and sing while the guitarist who can sort of drum does her best to make it interesting. Sorry Super Wild Horses. Sunny & The Sunsets are playing Primavera in May did i mention i am going to primavera again and i'm pretty tired so i went back to the hotel. There was some wine left.

Montero - Live @ The Tote - 05 Mar 2011

Scott & Charlene's Wedding - Live @ The Tote - 05 Mar 2011

Super Wild Horses - Live @ The Tote - 05 Mar 2011

Sunday was fine and a beautiful day in Melbourne so we drank some beer at the beer place in fed square then I came home. Must do this more often.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Nova Scotia LP Launch

Arbuckle came out of retirement for this and I'm glad I was there to see them. Brisbane was blessed with some world class pop groups in the 90s and early 2000s but I missed them first time round so it's nice to get the chance. The yelps come from the singers wife I believe so she can be forgiven.

Arbuckle - Live @ The Hanger - 26 Feb 2011

Tape Off - Live @ The Hanger - 26 Feb 2011

Been waiting so long for the Nova Scotia album to arrive and it was worth the wait. The older songs are refreshed and the new stuff is up there with the classics from bear smashes photocopier and maritime disasters.
Nova Scotia - Live @ The Hanger - 26 Feb 2011

As a bonus they did an in-store at Tyms Guitars new shop in the Valley on the Sunday after. Tym is now hosting regular in store performances and I missed the second by Monarch from France but will be there tomorrow night for Axxonn and many nmore thereafter.

Nova Scotia - Live In Store @ Tym's Guitars - 27 Feb 2011

Mark Sultan & The Horrortones at The Step Inn

The Horrortones are as good as ever. I hope it isn't as long this time. I am looking forward to the triple gatefold 7" vinyl.

The Horrortones - Live @ The Step Inn - 11 Feb 2011

Mark Sultan is the ‘BBQ’ half of The King Khan & BBQ Show. As a solo act he drives a guitar and drums into the swamp, slipping and sliding all over his songs and it all gets very dirty and great.

Mark Sultan - Live @ The Step Inn - 11 Feb 2011

Thee Magic Mile Club is open for business

Smallest room ever. Free sausage sizzle. Free ice for your beer. What's not to love. And they promise to get the PA fixed before the next one which is this week so we will see won't we because I will be there.

The Chokes - Live @ Thee Magic Mile Club - 19 Feb 011

The Brats - Live @ Thee Magic Mile Club - 19 Feb 011

Sulphur Lights - Live @ Thee Magic Mile Club - 19 Feb 011

per purpose - Live @ Thee Magic Mile Club - 19 Feb 011

The Royal Family - Live @ Thee Magic Mile Club - 19 Feb 011

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Laneway 2011

Holy Fuck were the highlight for me this year. Deerhunter were great also but the sound on that stage was very average.

Stornaway - Live @ Laneway Brisbane - 04 Feb 2011

Menomena - Live @ Laneway Brisbane - 04 Feb 2011

Holy Fuck - Live @ Laneway Brisbane - 04 Feb 2011

Another HD version on Vimeo at http://vimeo.com/20971356

Deerhunter - Live @ Laneway Brisbane - 04 Feb 2011

Bear In Heaven - Live @ Laneway Brisbane - 04 Feb 2011

The Antlers - Live @ Laneway Brisbane - 04 Feb 2011

Late Arvo Sons

A crowd of approximately me avoided the other shows on in Brisbane that night and saw the Late Arvo Sons instead. I'm happy with my choice.

per purpose - Live @ The Step Inn - 12 Feb 2011

The Chokes - Live @ The Step Inn - 12 Feb 2011

Late Arvo Sons - Live @ The Step Inn - 12 Feb 2011

Flood Benefit at The Hi-Fi

A cavalcade of stars old and new.

Little Scout - Live @ The Hi-Fi Bar - 06 Feb 2011

Gentle Ben & His Sensitive Side - Live @ The Hi-Fi Bar - 06 Feb 2011

Kate Miller-Heidke - Live @ The Hi-Fi Bar - 06 Feb 2011

Screamfeeder - Live @ The Hi-Fi Bar - 06 Feb 2011

Custard - Live @ The Hi-Fi Bar - 06 Feb 2011

Regurgitator - Live @ The Hi-Fi Bar - 06 Feb 2011

Friday, March 11, 2011

The Clean

This.

The Clean - Live @ The Zoo - 10 March 2011

Seriously what can you say.

My birthday present to you all. Thanks everyone. Will be back up to date over the weekend. Stay tuned for many fine nights.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

The Return of i heart hiroshima

So nice to have them back. And Woodland sounds good with three bands whose sound doesn't get lost in the mush. Power Pop all round.

Sleepwalks - Live @ Woodland - 29 Jan 2011

Little Lovers - Live @ Woodland - 29 Jan 2011

i heart hiroshima - Live @ Woodland - 29 Jan 2011

Monday, January 31, 2011

Big Day Out Gold Coast 2011

I kept to the Green Stage and Lilyworld today and so avoided the crowds. A pleasant day almost.

But I saw Primal Scream and Grinderman so it was worth the effort. Also Matt & Kim who were surprisingly good fun and UV Race who were even more fun. Local alt-country heroes Halfway started the day off nicely. Blond on Blond got the rock on and Wunmi was very funky. And if you ever get the chance to see The Balloonatic don't miss it.

Only disappoint was Jim Jones Revue. I think I'm over rockabilly inspired rock. They good at it but I was largely unmoved.

Halfway - Live @ Big Day Out Gold Coast - 23 Jan 2011

Blond On Blond - Live @ Big Day Out Gold Coast - 23 Jan 2011

Jim Jones Review - Live @ Big Day Out Gold Coast - 23 Jan 2011

Wunmi - Live @ Big Day Out Gold Coast - 23 Jan 2011

The UV Race - Live @ Big Day Out Gold Coast - 23 Jan 2011

Matt & Kim - Live @ Big Day Out Gold Coast - 23 Jan 2011

Primal Scream - Live @ Big Day Out Gold Coast - 23 Jan 2011

Grinderman - Live @ Big Day Out Gold Coast - 23 Jan 2011

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Sunset Sounds

was very wet the first day. Only got to record Charlie Parr and The National. Did I say only?

Charlie Parr - Live @ Sunset Sounds - 05 Jan 2011

The National - Live @ Sunset Sounds - 05 Jan 2011

Day 2 was not as wet. But there was mud. Lots of mud. really muddy mud. And Junip. So it wasn't all bad.

Boy And Bear - Live @ Sunset Sounds - 06 Jan 2011

Darrah J Family - Live @ Sunset Sounds - 06 Jan 2011

The Morning Benders - Live @ Sunset Sounds - 06 Jan 2011

Junip - Live @ Sunset Sounds - 06 Jan 2011

Though this would have been the worst festival ever for audience chat. Why the hell do people pay good money to stand side on to a band playing at full volume and chat with their mate about who cares what. Singing along I am beginning to accept as part of the festival experience [if only for the generally tuneless bastards singing along] but I swear one day I am going to tell someone the STFU. Noticde I didn't swear once there. I'm getting mellow in my dotage.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Homeless Yellow

One again I post without realizing. This was a test shot at the Step Inn last Saturday night and I didn't realize pixelpipe was active.

I went to town to see Health at Woodland but first stopped in at a Metal Flood Fund Raiser because I wanted to see these guys. Glad I did. Acoustic Metal I guess. Great way to start the night.

Homeless Yellow - Live @ The Step Inn - 15 Jan 2011

The rest of the evening soon.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Gentle Ben at The X&Y Bar

Gentle Ben supported Dave McCormack. I could not stay for Dave's set but Ben is more than worthy to have his own post.

Gentle Ben & His Sensitive Side - Live @ XC&Y Bar - 22 Dec 2010

Brunswick St Manor Christmas Party

Christmas house party time. Which seems to mean 'vocals, drums, guitar ; pick two' as far as sound goes.

The Majors - Live @ Brunswick St Manor - 17 Dec 2010

Sulphur Lights - Live @ Brunswick St Manor - 17 Dec 2010

Straight Arrows - Live @ Brunswick St Manor - 17 Dec 2010

Meredith Music Festival 2010

Day 1

Who knew how much Surf music owed Mexico

Puta Madre Brothers - Live @ Meredith - 10 Dec 2010

Jeff The Brotherhood - Live @ Meredith - 10 Dec 2010

Reverend Horton Heat - Live @ Meredith - 10 Dec 2010

Day 2

Washed Out - Live @ Meredith - 11 Dec 2010

Girls - Live @ Meredith - 11 Dec 2010

Custard - Live @ Meredith - 11 Dec 2010

The Fall - Live @ Meredith - 11 Dec 2010

Neil Finn - Live @ Meredith - 11 Dec 2010

As I mentioned elsewhere a poor choice of footwear led to my being unable to stand much after Neil Finn so I missed the Sharon Jones and the Dirty Three sets. I have a recording of Dirty Three by another taper that I will post in a day or two. Also from that source are sets by Kyu, Little Red, and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble.

And late that night I heard from my tent The Field and it seemed that it was the best thing of the weekend.

Day 3

This man has lived through a lot but he has written some truly great songs about it.
Dead Salesmen Duo - Live @ Meredith - 12 Dec 2010

Sally Seltman - Live @ Meredith - 12 Dec 2010

Those Darlin's - Live @ Meredith - 12 Dec 2010

Monday, January 3, 2011

No Anchor at The Step Inn

This is out of sequence but I'll put it here before the Merideth post. No Anchor played at the Step Inn supporting John Chantler at a Bon Voyage label party.

Also featured were AMMS, who were Alex Gilles, Lawrence English, and Dan Lewis. Disappointingly I arrived in time to see the last few minutes of of this group who with my luck will never play again.

Supporting them all was xNoBBQx who cannot be described, and should not be listened to. Watching the drummer beat his kit to pieces is interesting though.

John Chantler was fine but the recording does not do him justice so I'll not post it.

Which leaves No Anchor. Did I mention that No Anchor are the best band in Brisbane at the moment.
No Anchor - Live @ The Step Inn - 16 Dec 2010

My Last Night at The Hanger

There was a later show but I was out of town for that so this was my last Hanger show. And on reflection it was probably a better one to go to. It seemed like a typical Hanger show.

Started with a band [in this case Oscar & Martin from out of town] that was new to most of the audience who started playing to a few people but attracted a lot more as they played leaving everyone with smiles and a buzz that set up the night. I loved these guys.

Oscar & Martin - Live @ The Hanger - 04 Dec 2010

Next was a group who many knew and enjoy but who visit irregularly. No Art actually did a flying visit so they could do one last show at The Hanger cause they like the venue.

No Art - Live @ The Hanger - 04 Dec 2010

Then finish it off with a local hero like Loomer returning too Brisbane from a CD Launch trip to the South.

Loomer - Live @ The Hanger - 04 Dec 2010

Something old something new etc. A belated thanks to the Hanger crew for the last few years.

My Disco with Absolute Boys and Slug Guts

I disappoint myself sometimes. I have been doing this long enough to know about how long my batteries last. But no not tonight. I have three songs from Absolute Boys [they started early/I was late], a whole Slug Guts set, and only 26min of the My Disco set. All of them very good. My Disco are near the top of my list at the moment. You will love them.

Slug Guts - Live @ The Zoo - 27 Nov 2010

Absolute Boys [three tracks] - Live @ The Zoo - 27 Nov 2010

My Disco - Live @ The Zoo - 27 Nov 2010

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Garreth Liddiard at The Old Museum

The Old Museum is a great big open space, high ceilings wide but shallow room. Maybe that is why the sound for low volume players like Garreth Liddiard is quite echoey. Even more so when recorded binaurally and played over speakers. To really hear this set you need to use earphones. You certainly need to to hear the banter [and isn't that half of why you go to see this guy?]

Gareth Liddiard - Live @ The Old Museum - 19 Nov 2010

Betty Airs and Kirin J Callinan at Woodland

Kirin visited Brisbane with support from Betty Airs a current band of Darren Cross from Gerling/The E.L.F. Kirin seemed to spend much of the set pissing off a couple of hecklers from the bar downstairs; entertaining at the time but less so in replay. When he hits it with the guitar though it is worth it. Betty Airs were interesting enough to see them again.

Betty Airs - Live @ Woodland - 13 Nov 2010

Kirin J Callinan - Live @ Woodland - 13 Nov 2010