TOP 5 BOOKS I'VE READ RECENTLY

1. Steve Earle - I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive (2011)
As it turns out, Steve Earle is not only an incredible musician, but also a wonderful writer. I could not put this book down! I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive is an interesting story about an ex-doctor-turned-heroin-junkie who does black market abortions for prostitutes to fund his habit. Oh, and regularly takes advice from the ghost of Hank Williams. On completion of this book, I immediately ordered Earle's collection of short stories, Doghouse Roses, and biographies from both Steve Earle himself and Hank Williams. I'm keen to see how much (if any) of these captivating characters are based on real life.

2. Haruki Murakami - Norwegian Wood (1987)
Not your average soppy romance novel, Norwegian Wood takes three not-so-average young characters through some of life's many challenges. This was the first book Murakami wrote that had real worldwide success - it was, in fact, the first one I read. But I love his writing style and choice of words. I'll be sure to investigate his other (supposedly more twisted) works.

3. Tina Fey - Bossypants (2011)
Reading this book made me realise how much of Tina Fey's character in 30 Rock was based on her actual self. In a voice that could quite easily be lines from a Liz Lemon script, Fey uses humorous anecdotes to tell the story of her life and give her worldly advice about all things comedy. A thoroughly enjoyable and enthralling read, any fan of 30 Rock, Saturday Night Live or stand-up comedy in general will love this book!

4. Johnny Cash - Cash: The Autobiography of Johnny Cash (1997)
A heart-wrenchingly honest look at the real man, this autobiography paints the true picture of how Johnny Cash got to where he was. It is hard to believe that this book was the basis for the hugely romanticised biopic, Walk the Line, considering his own portrayal of himself show a much darker side. We are taken through his traumatic youth, the highs and lows of his two marriages, and his fall into pain-killer addiction. After reading this book, I had an even greater appreciation for the emotion behind his music.

5. Haruki Murakami - Sputnik Sweetheart (1999)
This story centres around Sumire, a passionate and spontaneous young lady who has always had a bit of trouble fitting in. And, when she falls in love with an unexpected someone, life gets even more tough. The story is told from the point of view of long time friend, K, who is, in fact, quite infatuated by Sumire himself, which makes for some interesting perspective. What follows next in Sumire's disappearance which takes the story enters a whole new level of craziness.

TOP 5 ALBUMS I'VE LISTENED TO RECENTLY

1. Dr. John - Locked Down
I was thrilled when I heard that Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys would be producing Dr. John's latest record, but I had no idea they would work together this well. Having already listened to it about fifty times, and still finding new joy with every listen, I doubt I will be getting sick of it any time soon...
Now I know that time song is not actually featured on the album, but it is such an incredible video that I couldn't help putting it down here.
Dr. John & Etta James - 'I'd Rather Go Blind' video

2. Alabama Shakes - Boys & Girls
Imagine if the Drive-By Truckers joined forces with Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings to crate a really emotional soul album filled with anguish. Now throw in one of the best new Southern voices around right now, and you have Alabama Shakes. Just take a look at this video for an example of their great sound.
'Hold On' video

3. Jack White - Blunderbuss
We'd been hearing for quite some time that Jack White was working to produce his first ever solo effort, and to me, 'Blunderbuss' doesn't sound too far removed from the stuff he was doing with the White Stripes (or the Raconteurs, or the Dead Weather.) I love this album.
'Sixteen Saltines' music video

4. Father John Misty - Fear Fun
After his brief stint as drummer in Fleet Foxes, J. Tillman has released his latest recording under a new alias - Father John Misty. 'Fear Fun' is an achingly beautiful record with simple layered harmonies and interesting lyrics. He sings with passion, straining his voice to emphasize his attachment to the lyrical content. This is an album really worth sitting down and listening to. Also, anyone casting Aubrey Plaza in a music video deserves recognition.
'Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings' music video

5. Galactic - Carnivale Electricos
The eighth studio album from Galactic mixes blues, New Orleans funk, hip hop, bounce and a dash of Brazilian Carnivale into one big happy pot. It features Cyril and Ivan Neville, Mystikal, and various members from local Mardi Gras Indian groups as guest vocalists. If you want to experience the real spirit of New Orleans music, this record is a taste of what it's all about.
 'Hey Na Na' music video

ALL THINGS PAST

It's been a while since I've written in this blog, but between organising a wedding and then actually getting married, I haven't really had much opportunity to sit down in front of a computer... This is probably an appropriate time to apologise for my obligatory bride and groom photo - but it's not often that I get dressed up in nice clothes with my hair and make-up done all pretty, so I'm going to show it off, DAMN IT. Thanks to Dark Roux for the photos. 


Now, however, with all of that done 'n dusted, I will continue on with my blog life as before, starting with a short summary of what I have been up to. And how better to summarize the last few months than with a series of Top 5's...

GIVERS and PORTUGAL. THE MAN at THE CORNER HOTEL FEB 9th 2012

I went to this gig with absolutely no expectations, and as a result had a pretty damn good time. Both bands fall into that 'indie-alternative-MGMT-meets-Phoenix' genre of sorts. Portland residents, Portugal. The Man played first, kicking off with 'So American,' one of the more accessible songs from their latest album. Everyone in the audience responded enthusiastically, singing and dancing along, but I found what happened next to be way more impressive. They moved into a much more psychedelic realm, playing experimental jams that went on forever with lots of distorted guitars but without pretentiousness. I was especially impressed by their cover of the Beatles' Helter Skelter and how well they slotted it into their own songs. I was quite surprised by how they flowed seamlessly from one tune into the next as if this was how they were meant to be listened to, particularly considering I find their latest album to be very rigid in its 'pop song' formula. I may have to go back and listen to some of their earlier stuff to really appreciate their studio work.

Sadly, half the crowd left after Portugal. The Man so they didn't get to experience the next band. Givers hail from Lafayette, Louisiana, (as we were told in just about every voice break throughout their set), but I think they were just super excited to be so far from home. They were so much fun to watch, mostly due to the way adorable lead vocalist and percussionist, Tiffany Lamson bashed away on the drums and the flirty looks she shared with other vocalist and guitarist, Taylor Guarisco. The songs were so upbeat and catchy, it would be impossible not to walk away with a massive grin on your face.

Some worthwhile linkage:
Portugal. The Man - So American
Portugal. The Man - Got it All (This Can't Be Living Now)

Givers - Up Up Up
Givers - Meantime

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BIRDMAN EATING

238 Gertrude St

Fitzroy VIC 3065

I had been recommended Birdman Eating by several of my friends for a great breakfast , and this Saturday I finally had the opportunity to check it out for myself. We rocked up at around 10:30am which seemed like the perfect time as the place got steadily busier after that until there was a line to get a table. We were a little bleary eyed from the night before so I was looking forward to a hearty breakfast and I chose the Lamb Bolognese Baked Egg off the specials board.
I wish I had taken a photo of my meal because it really was a wonderful looking dish, but when you are as positively ravenous as I was, observing and documenting your food isn't really what you're thinking about. The meat was beautifully cooked with a nicely textured egg and a gooey yolk, and the sour dough bread was a nice accompaniment for dipping.

I restaurant was quirky with birdmen hanging from the ceiling made from those wooden models you always used in art class at school. The waitstaff were polite and efficient and the food was delicious and well presented.

After the meal, we wandered next door to Northside Records for a browse through their record selection. It was a throughly satisfying way to start our Saturday.

Birdman Eating Website

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GIRL TALK at the PALACE THEATRE JAN 31st 2012

After an exhaustingly hot festival day and then a couple of long days at work, I was not looking forward to getting dressed up for another night of partying. But within moments of Girl Talk pressing play on his first mix, my toes were tapping, my hips were shaking and my jaw had dropped all the way to the floor. It is hard to find words to describe a Girl Talk show that really does justice to the experience. You really have to see, hear, and feel it for yourself.

When it comes to mash-up DJs, Girl Talk (known to his mother as Gregg Gillis) is definitely one of the absolute best. It would be easy for him to simply stand up behind his laptop, nodding his head and clicking his mouse, but this guy bounces around the stage like an freakin' energizer bunny. He seriously did not stop for the entire time he was up there. At one point he actually got up on the desk to dance around for a bit. In addition to these antics, he had some of the party-goers up on stage dancing around with him, confetti cannons showering the crowd, toilet paper guns, masses of balloons, a pyrotechnics show, and a massive screen with ever-changing images projected on it.

Girl Talk expertly mixes songs across six decades dipping into many genres including rock, pop, hip hop and dance. It was interesting to see that the most enthusiastic crowd response came from the big rock songs and not the indie dance or hip hop tracks. It felt like every person in the venue sang along to Nirvana, Bon Jovi, Weezer, and even Rick Springfield. And, this may be the only time I've heard an Adele song and not felt instantly depressed (especially since it was mixed with Metallica.)

The energy at a gig like this is incredibly infectious. I challenge anyone to go along to a Girl Talk show and not get into it. This is the dance party for people that don't like dance music.

Some links:
Girl Talk on Facebook
Girl Talk on Myspace
Girl Talk music on Illegal Art

And a couple of videos:

Play Your Part pt. 1
Oh No

xx

MARIACHI el BRONX at BILLBOARD JAN 30th 2012

Having first encountered Mariachi el Bronx in the sweltering hot box that was the Hot Produce tent at the Big Day Out the day before, I was thrilled to finally get my opportunity to see these guys in a show of their own. I've played the first album more times than I can count and the latest one is already heading down the same path. Musically the band is incredibly tight, the melody is up-beat and cheerful, the lyrics are genuine and honest, and the band members are endearing as hell.

Frontman and singer, Matt Caughthran seems like he is made for this kind of music - I find it hard to believe that these guys were a punk band first. Caughthran chats candidly with the audience throughout the show. He discusses what the songs are about, why he loves playing music, why he likes visiting our town in particular, and how much he appreciates the fans. On this particular night, he tells how the entire show represents our erotic journey with him, arousing the crowd with anecdotes of how each of the songs represent various sexual positions. It takes everything the band has keep a (reasonably) straight face.

A show like this certainly does leave you feeling pretty damn great. And, they have promised that they will be returning to Australia later in the year once the new Bronx record is complete to tour as The Bronx, with support from themselves as Mariachi el Bronx. You can be sure to find me front-row-centre singing along to every song at the top of my lungs, with at least seventy percent of the lyrics totally wrong. See you there.

Interesting links:

Mariachi el Bronx website

The Bronx on Facebook

The Bronx on Twitter

Videos worth checking out:
Cell Mates
Holy
48 Roses at Austin City Limits

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