Decomposing Trees

On Hiatus

2009-04-26T18:59:00.003+10:00

I've been thinking about this for awhile and have finally decided to put this blog on hiatus.

I started it nearly three years ago. It was mainly about music but bits and pieces about movies, politics, travel and my general opinions.

I've found that over the past few months I've struggled to find the time or the motivation to keep posting updates. Considering that I've been to a fair few gigs lately (this weekend it was School of Seven Bells on Thursday and Tim Rogers and the Temperance Union on Friday), it's a sign that maybe a break will be good.

I'll still be around commenting here and there plus you can always find me on Twitter or Last.fm.

Anyway, I'll leave you all with a Whiskeytown song that I'm really enjoying that the moment. It was never released and is from the Fucker Demos.

Hope you enjoy.

Whiskeytown - Bound To Happen (Probably Gonna)

Decoder Ring Is Back

2009-04-04T10:47:00.003+11:00

I had been wondering what happened to Decoder Ring for awhile since I hadn't heard much from them and Lenka has gone solo.

It turns out they've been recording a new album that's due out this year which is exciting. Already this year is starting to be a good one for music.

Even better is that you can download one of their new tracks, entitled 'Beat The Twilight', from their website.

They'll also be playing a secret show in Sydney in April so keep your eye out.

Jenny Lewis Show Finally Announced

2009-03-25T22:36:00.003+11:00

I'm trying to decide whether to attempt the crazy trip and back to see Jenny Lewis on Tuesday? A show just got announced at the Metro at short notice. It was probably all the fans who didn't want to go to V or see Snow Patrol. I know I sent an email asking about a Sydney show.

I said I wouldn't do the trip up to Sydney and back again after doing it for Sonic Youth but I really want to see her play. She was the main reason why I was considering going to the V Festival (I would not have minded seeing the Kills and M83 but yeah...)

Tough choice...

Still alive, just lax

2009-03-24T18:00:00.001+11:00

I've been fairly lax on the updating front this year. There's been a few shows that I've been to that I haven't talked about such as Stars, St Vincent and giving a review of St Jeromes Laneway.
(On a related note, apparently St Jeromes is closing but they're planning on having a bar in an old factory and calling it St Jerome's Preston School of Industry. I wonder if Spiral Stairs will come play.)

I've seen a few shows since I last posted, most notably Midnight Oil at the Royal Theatre in Canberra

It looks like Midnight Oil is becoming that band that keeps reuniting for charity. I wonder if they'll reunite for the next charity concert as well? There was no 'US Forces' or 'Short Memory' unfortunately. I really would've loved 'Short Memory' but I wasn't disappointed and neither were those who witnessed them.

To be completely honest, I don't know that many Midnight Oil songs. I knew about half a dozen. I will say that it was a good show with a caveat. It was a situation where I knew they were doing a really good set but I couldn't get into it. There was no connection. Maybe it was the venue or just the atmosphere, I'm not really sure. 'Beds are Burning' was the only moment where there was a flicker of something but then it disappeared.

The most recent show I went to was C.W. Stoneking on Saturday night. He played at the intimate venue of the Playhouse in Canberra. I'm actually surprised that not many other bands play there because it is really good. It was highly enjoyable show and I regret not seeing him before. I missed the support act unfortunately and got in about a minute into the first song.

One thing that did make me a bit uneasy during his performance was the racial undertones of hokum. Though I enjoyed the songs, some of the dialogue that's part of the songs plays on the stereotype of African-Americans. I don't think it was intentional, rather it draws on the style of songs from that pre-war era but it was something that I thought about after the show.

Still, I really should get his new album Jungle Blues. There are a few other albums I've also been meaning to get next time I go album purchasing.

I have a few more shows over the next few weeks. I'm seeing Darren Hanlon tonight and also have tickets to see School of Seven Bells. I'm planning on going to see the Drones and the Grates at ANU Bar. I'm also contemplating Trail of the Dead, Okkervil River (or Ratatat depending if I'm in Sydney or Canberra that weekend) and Battles.

I'm also excited about the Flaming Lips touring. I have a feeling they'll be Splendour headliners and Splendour will be the weekend between Lollapalooza and Fuji Rock Festival, meaning awesome lineup. Please tour Weezer and Animal Collective.

But yeah...hopefully more regular updates.

Should I Stay or Should I Go (To V Festival)...?

2009-02-13T17:21:00.005+11:00

It's a tough one. I'm quite torn about it.

The second lineup isn't THAT bad. It's got some acts I want to see. I mainly want to see Jenny Lewis and M83. Actually, the truth is I just really want to see Jenny Lewis since I've wanted her to tour (ideally with Rilo Kiley) for ages. I also wouldn't mind seeing the Kills. The rest I'm ambivalent about but it's much better than the first lineup i.e. the Killers, Snow Patrol and Elbow.

My understanding is that the acts I want to see won't be doing sideshows (and the only other way to see Jenny Lewis is a Thursday night Snow Patrol show). I'd love Jenny to do a Friday night show in Sydney but it probably won't happen unfortunately.

$140 for a festival ticket and a trip up for two bands that will probably do early sets...hmm...what to do...

Whenever I think of the Streets...

2009-02-06T17:58:00.000+11:00

Whenever I hear or think of the Streets, I always think of this Dead Ringers sketch that I saw years ago. It never fails to amuse me.

Is it just me...?

2009-02-05T17:23:00.000+11:00

Not that long ago I realised that after 3-4 years of frenetic concert going I've seen most of the bands I really want to see. I think I've been to over a hundred shows/festivals in my life so far. Most bands I like I want to see at least once. Unless they are a really great band I don't need to see them again. In fact, there's only a few international acts I've seen multiple times (not including festivals), namely Sonic Youth and Ryan Adams. In hindsight, that attitude seems almost mechanical, ticking off bands from a list to say that I've seen them.

There are a few bands on the list that I've had the opportunity to see but haven't such as the Black Keys, Wilco, Animal Collective, Bonnie Prince Billy, the National. It's no longer a case of I HAVE to see these bands, more I wouldn't mind seeing them. It's not exactly ambivalence but its not a necessity.

I would only list a few acts that I must see if they ever tour, namely John Cale (I am still really annoyed about missing his first Australian tour in 27 years by two days due to my overseas trip. I won't get over it for awhile), My Bloody Valentine, A Tribe Called Quest and Television

Does that mean I'm over going to concerts and seeing live music? Not exactly.

I guess it's a case of becoming more discerning about what I go to. Seeing lots of bands means that fewer shows and bands really stand out. It's the same with music generally. I don't want to go to a show for the sake of going to a show. It buys into the idea of deriving status from attending a show rather than enjoyment. I'm not really into paying $50-60 (at minimum) for status. (I won’t go into my quasi-Marxist views on the concept of ‘indie’, status and conspicuous consumption)

I don't think it helps that as festivals become more popular considering that most bands come to Australia as part of festivals. I acknowledge that festivals are a business enterprise nowadays but more recently it has meant that most festivals don't bring out more than one or two acts that I really want to see because they don’t need to.

I’ve also noticed having been to so many shows I've become less patient. I feel like I've done my time so I'd rather go to a show at a smaller venue and just relax over a drink than go to a packed out show at say the Hordern where I'm uncomfortable and stand and wait for hours. It's probably why I enjoyed All Tommorrow's Parties as a festival. (It doesn't help that I seem to be cursed with the ability to choose a spot next to annoying people wherever I stand at a show/festival)

I still enjoy the social aspect of going to a show since I usually go with friends or run into people I haven't seen in awhile. And of course when you see an amazing band it will just make your night and I will go on about them. Still, it makes me wonder whether this is all just a phase that I’m starting to grow out of such as how I used to obsessively follow rugby league or read comics many years ago.

TV On The Radio @ Metro

2009-01-26T22:55:00.004+11:00

I sometimes wonder to myself; what bands will define the music of the 2000s? Though it's a bit of a pretentious indie wanker question, I usually end up going through a list of acts such as the Arcade Fire, the White Stripes, Kanye West and always end up including TV on the Radio.

While they aren’t as well known or popular as the others, without a doubt they will be of those bands you will still be talking about years into the future, when you saw them, what they were like, how they changed everything. They are one of, if not the, most innovative and unique band around at the moment. There is no one you can compare them to and no way you can describe them other than an as amalgamation of so many different styles. The best thing to do is to get someone to listen to their music.

I’ve seen them play once before. I saw them play live was at the Gaelic Club in 2006. It was their first tour to Australia (they were on the bill for Splendour in the Grass) and played to a full house.

I remember that show because I lost my own sense of time watching them play from the upstairs balcony. I don’t think that’s ever happened to me before. They were electrifying, they just grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let go. After they finished, it turned out that they had only played an hour long set but it didn’t feel like it at all.

The following night I saw Sonic Youth at the Enmore. I’m a huge Sonic Youth fan. I’ve seen them three times since 2004 and drove up from Canberra and back on the same night just to see them last year for their Don’t Look Back show. Yet compared to what I saw the previous night I was underwhelmed. They were good but something was missing compared to the previous night. That’s when you really know that you saw something special.

As such, I was looking forward to seeing them again at the Metro Theatre. After my first listen, I knew Dear Science would be my favourite album of 2008 and this just added to my expectation.

The crowd was packed into the Metro nice and early. It had been a sweltering and humid 40 degrees during the day and was just as balmy inside. During Wolf and Cub’s set I was tempted to get some water but was concerned about keeping my spot as it had a good view of the stage. I was one step up from the floor so I could see the stage above people’s heads. I wasn’t giving that up.

Surprisingly they opened with some older songs, starting off with ‘Young Liars’ before some songs from Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes.

There’s something primal about the sound of their earlier songs. David Sitek’s guitarmanship sounds like a rickety old subway train, chugging along through Williamsburg. The blasts of distortion like the harsh breaking as it hits a station. It just keeps grabbing my attention. That and I love the fact that he has windchimes attached to his guitar.

Their live performance gives a life and energy that you don't find listening to their records. Their albums are good but it isn't the same as watching Tunde strut across the stage full of fire and energy, jumping around, his shirt covered in sweat. It was also interesting to contrast his performance with Kyp Malone’s more withdrawn stage persona.

The sound mix at times wasn’t the best, something I hadn’t experienced at the Metro before. For a few songs during the first half of the set, the instruments overpowered vocals.

Despite this, they pulled off their songs and it was all well received by the crowd. Watching the crowds’ reaction to their songs I had a sneaking suspicion that many people had only heard Dear Science as their reaction was more muted to older tracks.

They finished their set with ‘Satellite’ and disappeared for a few minutes.

Coming back on to a rancorous crowd, they played a few songs off Return to Cookie Mountain before they finished the night off with ‘Staring at the Sun’, the live version blazing and full of energy.

I exited the Metro knowing I saw a fantastic performance but wanting more. Sometimes I wish for a ‘real’ encore at shows, not the obligatory ones that there seems to be. Instead the crowd would be clapping and cheering over the background music that is supposed to usher you out until they come back on. It was one of those shows. Unfortunately it didn’t happen.

I’ll just have to hope that they come back soon.

A Reminder and Oceans Never Listen also reviewed the show

Setlist

Young Liars
The Wrong Way
Dreams
Crying
Golden Age
Wolf Like Me
Dirtywhirl
Stork & Owl
Shout Me Out
Dancing Choose
Red Dress
DLZ
Satellite

Love Dog
Blues From Down Here
Let The Devil In
Staring At The Sun

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T18:47:00.003+11:00

Death Cab For Cutie - The New Year (from Transatlanticism LP)
Buy Transatlanticism

My Top Concerts of 2008

2008-12-28T22:31:00.001+11:00

After a bit of delay, I've finally gotten around to my top concerts list for 2008. They are as follows:

1. Arcade Fire @ BDO
2. Sonic Youth @ Enmore Theatre
3. Broken Social Scene @ Laneway
4. Sufjan Stevens @ State Theatre
5. Rage Against the Machine @ Entertainment Centre
6. Lucksmiths @ Tilley's
7. LCD Soundsystem @ Enmore
8. Jens Lekman @ Vanguard
9. Final Fantasy @ Vanguard
10. Billy Bragg @ BDO

I won't go into detail about each show since I posted reviews for most of the shows over the course of this year. I'll just say in regards to No.1, "Wow". I really hope they come back soon and I can go see them in concert mode.

There are a few honourable mentions to show/sets that just missed out such as Sounds of the City, Disney Concert Hall, L.A. which had a good collaboration of artists. Amusingly I had seen three of the performers on the East Coast only a few weeks earlier.

Bjork just missed out, mainly courtesy of that teenager in front of me who got drunk and vomited into a bag and did not leave. It's not cool to make everyone else smell your puke especially when we were all crammed together.

Hopefully 2009 will be another good year for concerts. January and February are already shaping up to a be big months. I'm really looking forward to All Tommorrow's Parties. I'll just have to figure out my timetabling.

Measuring Carbon Emissions

2008-12-19T17:35:00.006+11:00

With all the discussion and debate about the Government's proposed emissions trading scheme, I've realised that I don't actually know how they will measure quantity of emissions made by a company.

Even quickly skimming through the White Paper, there doesn't seem to be an explanation of how this measurement occurs. There is just the assumption that it'll occur. It's not like you can have an emissions meter to keep track or will they?.

Does anyone have an idea about how they will be able to objectively measure carbon emissions?

My Top 10 Songs of 2008

2008-12-11T10:33:00.000+11:00

As promised earlier in the week, here are my Top 10 songs of 2008.

1. TV On The Radio - DLZ
2. Wolf Parade - Language City
3. Weezer - Pork and Beans
4. The Hold Steady – Sequestered in Memphis
5. Spiritualized - Soul On Fire
6. Be Your Own Pet - Bitches Leave
7. The Grates - Carve Your Name
8. M83 - We Own The Sky
9. Pivot - O Soundtrack My Heart
10. Beach House - D.A.R.L.I.N.G.

I should have my top concerts of the year list up after I see Final Fantasy on Friday night as that's the last show I'm seeing this year.

The Crayon Fields @ Someone's Backyard in Lyneham

2008-12-08T13:30:00.001+11:00

The Crayon Fields are one of my favourite Australian bands and highly underrated (though not by Pitchfork). Their debut album Animal Bells was one of my Top 3 albums of 2006

What better way to spend part of a Sunday afternoon than to go see them at a backyard show. I missed them when they toured with the Firekites two months ago so it was good to get another opportunity to see them.

Their 45 minute set was dominated by new songs, which I assume will be on their upcoming album. They did play 'Choir of Tiny Boys' as their second song but that was about it from Animal Bells.

Some of the new songs that they played included:

Celebration
All The Pleasures of the World
Grace
Mirror Ball
Where The Light Isn't Cruel
Disappear

Though it was the first time I've heard their new songs, it's looking like their new album will be a very good album. All were great and highly enjoyable. Early 2009 will be good, first a new album by Neko Case and now one by the Crayon Fields.

You can download their latest single 'Mirror Ball', which will be on their upcoming album All the Pleasures in the World, coming out in March 2009. You can also buy a copy 'Mirror Ball' which they have released as a 7 inch single with 'How Loved You Are' as its B-side.

My Top 10 Albums of 2008

2008-12-07T14:00:00.009+11:00

Since it's December, it means that it's end of year lists time again. Sean and Ro have both started on their albums list so I figured I should as well.

Unlike last year, my top three albums of 2008 were clear. My No.1 album was ahead of everything by a mile. I did have to take a bit more time to figure out the rest of my Top 10 however.

1. TV On The Radio - Dear Science

After I listened to this album for the first time I knew it would be my favourite album of the year.

2. Spiritualized - Songs in A&E

There's a element of fragility to this album that grabs your attention. I'm especially excited about seeing Spiritualized in January.

3. Be Your Own Pet - Get Awkward

It's a shame they've broken up but at least they finished on a high note releasing a fast paced and energetic album.

4. Pivot - O Soundtrack My Heart
5. The Grates - Teeth Lost, Hearts Won
6. Sigur Rós - Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust
7. The Lucksmiths - First Frost
8. Portishead - Third
9. M83 - Saturdays=Youth
10. Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer

I'll have my top songs list up later this week and hopefully my top concerts list up sometime in the next fortnight.

The Free Market Clapper

2008-12-06T17:03:00.002+11:00

Hilariously true.

New Neko Case Album in March Next Year

2008-12-04T17:39:00.003+11:00

March 3. A date I must note down so I can immediately go and get Neko Case's new album Middle Cyclone.

Fox Confessor Brings The Flood was my favourite album of 2006. It went above and beyond anything that was released (and is why she currently is No.1 on my top artists chart on Last.fm). I have high expectations and can only hope it can be as good as its predecessor.

I also hope a tour is in order. Pretty please.

Ten Bands That I Wish Would Tour Soon

2008-11-30T11:17:00.005+11:00

Looking through my Last.fm charts, I realised that I've seen most of the bands that I've wanted to see over the past few years. There's a few acts that have toured that I couldn't go see (mainly John Cale who toured 2 days after I went overseas last year).

There are a number of bands that I would really like to see but haven't been able to since they haven't toured here recently (if ever). Hopefully they'll come soon.

Wolf Parade

There was a lot of excitement of the rumour of Wolf Parade for Laneway. Alas it didn't turn out to be true so we're still waiting and hoping.

Wolf Parade - Language City (from At Mount Zoomer LP)
Buy At Mount Zoomer

The Decemberists

I really am surprised they haven't toured here yet. Way overdue especially considering they have major label support.

The Decemberists - Engine Drive (from Picaresque LP)
Buy Picaresque

The Magnetic Fields

The Magnetic Fields haven't toured over the last few years and are due to another tour. I've also been listening to 69 Love Songs a lot lately.

Asobi Seksu

I've been listening to the song 'Red Sea' from Citrus almost continuously over the past few months. A new album out this year is a good reason to come.

Asobi Seksu - Thursday (from Citrus LP)
Buy Citrus

Jenny Lewis/Rilo Kiley

Though I wasn't that fond of Rilo Kiley's latest album, I've been quite a fan of their past work and Jenny Lewis' solo albums. I'd love it if Rilo Kiley or even if it was just Jenny Lewis who toured.

Rilo Kiley - It's A Hit (from More Adventurous LP)
Buy More Adventurous

Apples In Stereo

After Neutral Milk Hotel, Apples in Stereo are my 2nd favourite Elephant 6 band. Fuzzy, psychedelic indie pop. I think they would be a lot of fun to see.

Apples In Stereo - Please (from Velocity of Sound LP)
Buy Velocity of Sound

My Bloody Valentine

Pretty self-explanatory. A deafening experience but I just would love to see how they bring their albums to life.

The Wrens

I'm sure I'd get agreement from a fair few people that they'd love the Wrens to tour Australia.

The Wrens - Everybody Chooses Sides (from Meadowlands LP)
Buy Meadowlands

Mission of Burma

Not many influential bands from the past that broke up can re-unite and create quality albums. They've bucked the trend (along with Dinosaur Jr).

Mission of Burma - 2wice (from The Obliterati LP)
Buy The Obliterati

Tom Waits

The constant rumours for the Sydney Festival didn't happen but there's still hope that one day they'll get him to come back to tour here.

Tom Waits - You Can Never Hold Back Spring (from Orphans LP)
Buy Orphans

Weezer

I'd just love to see them to hear them play some songs off the Blue Album. They really should make a slight detour to Australia after one of their Japanese shows.

Weezer - Dope Nose (from Maladroit LP)
Buy Maladroit

Other acts I wouldn't mind seeing would be Thurston Moore in solo mode, the Flaming Lips, Massive Attack, A Tribe Called Quest and the Handsome Family.

Far from Fair and Balanced.

2008-11-24T20:10:00.003+11:00

Okay, this is starting to get ridiculous and petty. The Daily Telegraph has essentially become the NSW Opposition (just like how The Australian is the official Federal Opposition).

The blatant attempts to tear down the Government at any cost is concerning and trying to push support for unconstitutional measures such as sacking the NSW Government and replacing it with administrators and forcing a State Election (even though Constitutionally there are fixed terms, something you can thank Clover Moore for).

They are being actively partisan in a way I have never seen before. The strong concentration of media makes it even more concerning and impossible to get any reasonable coverage of the NSW Government. It makes me wish there was an equivalent of the Fairness Doctrine for all mainstream media in Australia.

The Murdoch press should really just go form their own political party instead of sitting there on their high horse, slinging mud at Labor. Unfortunately they won't and I can only imagine them getting worse over the next two years.

The Lucksmiths @ Tilley's

2008-11-23T15:15:00.001+11:00

One of my favourite places in Canberra is Tilley's Cafe Devine in Lyneham. It's a bit of an institution. It's a cafe that has great coffee, great chips and always has good background music. It also also occasionally does shows, the Whitlams played there last month and earlier in the year so did Ron Sexsmith.

I went along to Tilley's last night as the Lucksmiths were playing a show. With no supports, they played two great two great sets. Surprisingly, it was only the second time that I've seen the Lucksmiths. The first time was at the Candle Records farewell.

I did feel a bit sorry for those who went to the Trackside festival instead since it was a cold, wet and windy day. That said, the shitty weather made being in the intimate setting of Tilley's even better.

Opening with 'Camera Shy', they played a mix of older songs and songs off their new album First Frost over their two sets. I hadn't bought First Frost yet so it was

I noticed that they had picked up a new guitarist who seemed pretty familiar. (I later realised he was from Mid State Orange, another Candle Records band).

Witty banter from a band is one thing that can really make a show enjoyable and there was a lot of it throughout the show. An ongoing joke throughout the night was about Tali being a British movie villain as he was growing facial hair for Mo'vember.

The highlights of the night for me would have to be when the Lucksmiths finished their second set. They finished with two of my favourite Lucksmiths songs, 'A Chapter In Your Life Entitled San Francisco' and 'Midweek Midmorning'. I've been listening to the latter a lot lately.

They returned one final time, playing a final song in their encore, ending a show that was thoroughly enjoyable. Next stop was the merch desk to get a copy of First Frost before I headed home. Hopefully there will be another show I go to at Tilley's sometime soon.

Christmas Mix 2008

2008-11-22T10:07:00.003+11:00

It's a bit hard to believe that the year is nearly over and Christmas is nearly upon us. The year has flown by but has been fairly good.

I finished up my annual Christmas mix last night. It's become a tradition as I've been making a Christmas mix every year since 2005 and giving them away in lieu of Christmas cards.

Anyhow, here's the tracklisting for this year:

Vince Guaraldi - Christmas Is Coming
Sufjan Stevens - Hey Guys! It's Christmas Time!
Evangelicals - The Last Christmas on Earth
Weezer - Christmas Celebration
Luna - Egg Nog
Camera Obscura - Little Donkey
Ryan Adams - Hey Parker, It's Christmas
Low - Taking Down The Tree
Emmy The Great - Christmas In Prison
Belle and Sebastian - Are You Coming Over For Christmas?
The Triangles - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Otis Redding - White Christmas

For those who are interested, here's my 2007 Christmas mix.

You Am I @ ANU Bar

2008-11-16T11:00:00.000+11:00

You Am I are one of my favourite live acts. They always do a great show and never disappoint. I've seen them at least 5 times (and then there's all the times I've seen Tim Rogers play....)

For some reason I hadn't seen them in more than a year. Every time they toured I wasn't able to make it. Luckily, they decided to play the ANU Bar on Thursday night and in contrast to the show last week, it was packed out.

Opening with 'Damage', they played a set that was dominated by songs from Convicts and Dilettantes with a few classics thrown in such as 'Trike'. While I am a You Am I fan and have both albums, I'm not as familiar with either album. It didn't detract from my enjoyment of their performance since You Am I are such great performers.

I will have to say the two highlights of the night for me were when You Am I played 'Arse Kickin' Lady from the North West', a great song from Tim Rogers and the Twin Set, and a cover of the La's 'There She Goes'.

Playing a solid 90 minute set, with Tim Roger's customary banter with the audience in between songs, they ended their set with 'How Much Is Enough', always a great song to sing along to.

They played a single encore, their encore performance beginning with a cover of Pink Floyd's 'Astronomy Domine', which Tim dedicated to Syd Barrett. You Am I really should release a covers record. I've every time I've seen them, they've done at least one cover (I've already seen them cover Teenage Fanclub and the Stooges).

The gig finished at midnight and I don't think anyone could have left not being satisfied.

The setlist for the night was as follows (courtesy of the You Am I forum):

Damage
Beau Geste
Disappearing
Frightfully Modern
Arse Kicking Lady From The Northwest
Words For Sadness
Satisfied Mind
Erasmus
Judge Roy
The Big Wheel
Wankers
It Ain't Funny How We Don't Talk Anymore
Gunslingaz
Heavy Heart
There She Goes
Constance George
Trike
Givin' Up & Gettin' Fat
How Much Is Enough
---------------------------
Astronomy Domine
Cathy's Clown
Berlin Chair
Piano Up A Tree

ABCC Rally - 12 pm - 26 November - Old Parliment House

2008-11-14T00:30:00.002+11:00

ONE LAW FOR ALL

Authorised by Sarah Schoonwater, Secretary, CFMEU ACT Branch, Badham Street Dickson ACT

WORKERS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY DESERVE THE SAME RIGHTS AS ALL WORKERS

DID YOU GET WHAT YOU VOTED FOR?

Stand Up for Your Rights on Site

26 November 2008

12pm

Old Parliament House Steps

Followed by a march to Parliament House for rally starting at 12:30pm

For more information about STAND UP—26 November 2008 call 6267 1599 or go to www.rightsonsite.org.au

How does the ABCC affect me?

Construction workers are still covered by unfair laws imposed on them by the Howard Government. Over 80 people have been hauled in for secret interrogations by the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) about everyday workplace matters. If they refuse to attend or answer questions, they can be jailed for six months. Now CFMEU Official Noel Washington faces jail because he refused to answer questions relating to a union meeting held off site in a lunch break. The penalties for breaking these laws are unprecedented in Australian workplace law, and do not apply even in criminal cases. These laws only apply to construction workers.

What can I do?

You can help to give construction workers the same rights as other workers by making sure that you are informed. You can also help by sharing that information to gain the support of your workmates, your boss, your family and friends.

Come to the rally on 26 November 2008 and demand that you are treated the same as all other Australian workers.

Stand up for your rights on Site.

theredsunband @ ANU Bar

2008-11-08T17:30:00.003+11:00

Photo from Fasterlouder

Until Thursday night, I didn't understand why so Canberra missed out on so much live music. Now I get it. People just don't turn up to events. On Thursday night, there was a fairly good lineup with theredsunband, Laura Imbruglia and Youth Group (who I didn't stay around to see) but a very...VERY empty venue (being ANU Bar). University exams were one reason but still, surely Canberra can do better than two dozen or so people? Especially for some great Australian music.

Laura Imbruglia opened the night and I have to feel sorry for her. She was playing solo to about five people standing in front of the stage. I doubt she has played to such a small crowd in awhile. She played pretty well (despite a minor hiccup with a chord change) and did an enjoyable set. She even obliged a crowd request, playing 'Washing Machine'.

As I've said many times before, theredsunband is one of my favourite Sydney bands. They were in Canberra earlier in the year. Unfortunately I got the flu that week so I couldn't see them, which really annoyed me. Luckily the joint tour with Youth Group came along and decided to play a show in Canberra.

Opening their set with 'Ol' Mexico', they played a fairly even mix of new and older songs before they finished off their set with 'The Eagle', the first single off their new album The Shiralee.. They played a solid set that lasted around 45 minutes but they were clearly distracted by the emptiness of the venue, Sarah jokingly asking how many people were students. From the crowd response, it seemed that barely half of the people were.

It really was a night of good performances but the night was let down by the disappointing crowd (or more like lack thereof). Hopefully You Am I's show next week at ANU Bar will get a much larger crowd since they deserve it and always put on a stellar show.

Looking For Change In A Job?

2008-11-07T19:49:00.001+11:00

Try here then.

My Top 25 Australian/NZ Artists for 2008

2008-11-06T20:00:00.002+11:00

It's that time again, yep...the Top 25 Australian/NZ Artists for 2008. Admittedly I had a bit of trouble after I got to about 20 but I came up with 25 in the end.

My rankings were based mainly on two factors; the quality of their musical releases for the year and whether the band had gained a much larger profile/following this year. It's always a subjective process as with most lists.

Anywhere, here's my Top 25:

1. Pivot

Pivot are one of my favourite Sydney bands that I always enjoy seeing live. I'm glad to see that they scored an international deal with Warp Records and released a pretty great album.

2. Snowman

They've changed a lot since I first saw them open for Interpol. A good rating from Pitchfork always helps.

3. Eddy Current Suppression Ring

Australia's premier independent band. Enough said.

4. The Grates

Having released another album full of fun and energy with sold out dates across the country, there's not much stopping the Grates.

5. Nick Cave

Another great album and now he's curating All Tomorrow's Parties.

6. The Drones

Probably our best current musical export. I'm surprised they're not on the ATP bill yet.

7. Baseball

The most unique and interesting Australian band out there at the moment. Definitely the best debut Australian album of the year.

8. You Am I

Australia's greatest band of the 90s is still going strong despite the ups and downs.

9. theredsunband

Another hard working Sydney indie band, they released a solid second album.

10. The Ruby Suns

The lone Kiwis in my Top 25, they released well-received quirky indie pop album. Watch out Brunettes.

11. The Audreys
12. Augie March
13. Lenka
14. Little Red
15. The Panics
16. My Disco
17. The Lucksmiths
18. Clue to Kalo
19. Robert Forster
20. Grand Salvo
21. Holly Throsby
22. Mountains in the Sky
23. Kes Band
24. Qua
25. Seaworthy

Who would be in your Top 25?

UPDATE: The aggregated top Australian/NZ artists list is now up over at A Reminder. Looks like all of my Top 10 acts made the list.