Sunday, December 20, 2009

Triple J Hottest 100

It's that time of year again, time to place your votes for the hottest 100 songs of the year! Here are my top 10, IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER

The Middle East - Blood
Andrew Bird - Oh No
Animal Collective - In The Flowers
Flaming Lips - Silver Trembling Hands
Florence & The Machine - Dog Days Are Over
Grizzly Bear - Fine For Now
Mumford & Sons - Little Lion Man
Phoenix - 1901
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Skeletons
Atlas Sound - Shelia


damn... looks like I forgot Bon Iver... he would be in there too!!
vote now: http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/

rumours were right!

The rumour I mentioned months ago of French band, Phoenix returning to our shores has been confirmed! They will return to us in 2010, with Aussie band Miami Horror at their side. Melbourne: March 5th at Festival Hall!

Friday, December 18, 2009

Why I am excited for Falls....

Sure, the crowds last year were alittle bit too bogan and a little bit less music-fans more footy-jocks for my liking, but I am set to return to Falls again this year, due to the fantastic line up! who could resist!?

Yeah Yeah Yeahs



Grizzly Bear




Emiliana Torrini

Monday, November 30, 2009

Editors In this light and on this evening
Review by Annie Mullen



Editors are back with their third album, which is no doubt one of this year’s top indie rock releases. The opening track ‘In this light and on this evening’ is an opening indeed; dark, layered, bubbling lava that explodes into heavy drum beats and a powerful driving melody. It is not often these days that a song’s lyrics perfectly match the melody and tempo of the song, however this track’s lyrics and sound compliment each other’s sentiment perfectly. This is the perfect opening to what is more impressive than expected, and a welcomed addition to the Editors discography. This album is alive and pulsating British indie rock, with twists of almost Smiths-like lyrics and the occasional electro-rock beats. With a voice similar to that of Interpol’s Paul Banks, Editors front-man Tom Smith is brooding. Smith smoothly lets out lyrics questioning and asserting various beliefs, love, life and strength.
Don’t miss Editors at Falls Festival this year and/or check this album out. You will hear why Spin Magazine listed this album in their ‘23 Upcoming Albums That Matter Most’, this matters.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Ricky Swallow: Bricoleur

ART: Ricky Swallow Exhibition

Do yourself a favour, and put aside two hours of your weekend and ten dollars of your wage to see Ricky Swallow's latest exhibition, Ricky Swallow: Bricoleur.

The Australian-born Swallow indeed fits the description of a ‘bricoleur': he makes his living collecting, using and tinkering with objects he finds in the world around him. Yet he creates much more than your typical ‘found object' art. His work extends to a talented use of watercolours, bronze sculpture and wood carvings. Swallow expresses themes of death, life, the passing of time and love with subtle symbolism of memorials, birds, lemons and skeletons.

This exhibition is small but mighty. Each piece stands on its own with strength. It grabs your undivided attention and speaks to you in an unashamed voice about oblique images and themes.

It is a struggle to choose highlights within this incredible collection. Music lovers will certainly appreciate the ‘One Nation Underground' vibrant watercolours of 1960s rock and folk musicians, which includes a powerful depiction of Rolling Stones' Brian Jones. Make sure you take the time to appreciate the paintings entitled A sad but very discreet recollection of beloved things and beloved beings. These watercolours are of skeletons from the catacombs in Palermo. This may sound macabre, and they are to some degree, but these dark images are not frightening or ghoulish. Instead, they are honest and tender. The image of the skeleton reappears in several other of his works, including the fantastic sculpture Tusk which depicts two perfectly detailed skeletal arms with hands clasped in an ‘eternal union', creating the shape of a heart.

Swallow's precision, truth and dignity make each of the works in this collection something not to be missed. Unique, powerful, superb and inspirational, you'll be drawn back again and again.

Ricky Swallow: Bricoleur is now viewing at The Ian Potter Centre, NGV (Federation Square) until the 28th February 2010.

check this out at:
http://www.xandymagazine.com.au/x/articles/24/4/29/2009-11-07/ART:-Ricky-Swallow-Exhibition/

Friday, November 13, 2009

J and P by Annie Mullen

J and P

1.
He is a martyr, she told me that.
She speaks as if I have never met him.
I witnessed him, he was moving slowly,
always amongst the grey,
signalling a gun to his head
(“better off dead”)
with his old crinkle-cut Irish hands.

I wrote you both a generic postcard,
but she says you’re now in rehab.
Did you want to go? I feel a frown.
I thought you wanted it all to be done,
let the ground soak you up, let the soil
own your frail body. No? Who owns it?
I sent the postcard, in bad faith,
for I doubt you’ll read it.
The cataracts won’t let you down.

2.
You’re back at home, in your favourite chair.
Threads fall and disappear,
but it’s ok because you taped Coronation Street.
She loved you with all your moans, quirks
and stories of when you went to war
for a country that was not the country you lived in,
but will be the country you died in.

You got the postcard.
The story of the American with too much food
is definitely one of my favourites.
It seems relevant to how things have always been.
I feel you cover your light, which is fine,
but now her light, you smother it under your grey.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Its up!

X and Y Magazine had a fabulous launch party last night at the Trak Centre and the website is now up, and looking great! Fashion, Lifestyle, Entertainment....

http://www.xandymagazine.com.au/x/articles/24/4/29/2009-11-07/ART:-Ricky-Swallow-Exhibition/

Monday, November 9, 2009

new sound

Some of the new sounds I am digging right now:

Julian Casablancas, sounding like a fun mix of Phoenix and The Strokes with his new track 'Left&Right in the Dark'....



The UV Race... brilliant emerging Melbourne-based band, playing Ding Dong Lounge this Saturday! (the 14th)
http://www.myspace.com/the_uv_race

Bridezilla are finally releasing a debut album, cannot wait to get my hands on it! Love these girls, and guy! The album launch is November 20th at Northcote Social Club
http://www.myspace.com/bridezillaa

Atlas Sound's album 'Logos' is definitely worth a listen. This is the 2nd solo-project album from Bradford Cox! It is getting plenty of airtime on Triple R, and I can understand why.
http://www.myspace.com/atlassound

Friday, November 6, 2009

new mag launching!

http://www.xandymagazine.com.au/
will launch on Tuesday! very exciting new aussie mag with art, music and book news...including some reviews by me! i suggest you check it out!
xx

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Excited about St.Jeromes

I am very, very excited about the lineup for next year's St Jerome's Laneway Festival! It will hit us in Melbourne January 30th next year!
Featuring 'Black Lips', 80's Gods 'Echo and the Bunnymen', 'Middle East' and UK's finest 'Florence and The Machine'. These acts alone promise the makings of a great day!
The change of location is also of great delight to me, as previous years' punters would know, the set up in the city's laneways was a bit of a mess. Now it will be held at the Footscray Community Arts Centre!
Head to www.lanewayfestival.com.au for retail outlets and all the information on the line up and new locations....

Monday, September 28, 2009

A chat with Foxx On Fire's Jimmy Hawk

Sporting some of the tightest jeans and pointiest shoes Melbourne has seen, is the quiet, gently spoken and always smiling, Jimmy Hawk. He walks with a strut well-earned by years in Melbourne’s indie crowd; playing solo shows, as well as gigs as bassist with Foxx On Fire who are about to release a new E.P....
But just what lies behind that unmistakable strut? I chat with him in an attempt to find out.


Do you prefer Jimmy or James? James if we're being serious and Jimmy if we're partying.

When did you first decide you would be a musician?
I've always enjoyed listening and playing music, but when I was 22 I realised that I wouldn't be able to live with myself if music wasn't a serious focus.
Do you think of it as your destiny? Not so much destiny because I am interested in so many forms of expression, and I think in life you make your own 'destiny'. I think of it rather a passion that I'm compelled to follow through with.

Describe your perfect Melbourne night out in 3 words: Mmmm, a nice dinner with friends, followed by a gig or show, more drinks with friends, some dancing...I'll let you imagine the rest. (smiles a cheeky smile)

I am constantly bumping into you out on the town,
what do you do when your not on a big night out or gigging?
I'm usually in my studio working on paintings.

What is the best gig you’ve ever played?

And why? Mmmm, probably playing with Cold War Kids in L.A 2005, it was very spiritual.

Who do you look up to personally?
My mum.
And professionally?
Lucien Freud.

Who are you listening to right now? Brian Eno – Another Green World.

Finish this sentence:
If I could:
I can’t, but if I could I would fix all the problems in the world.
Describe your last crush in 3 words: Sexy crooked teeth.

How and when did your band Foxx On Fire start? Early, 2007 I used to party a lot with Paul Housden Foxx's lead singer and guitarist. He invited me to have a jam and the rest kind of snowballed from there.

Foxx On Fire were finalists in the UncharTED competition this year, what was that experience like? Pretty fun, the people that ran the comp Peer Group Media had a great energy, and good taste in karaoke Bars. We got on MTV and played a fun gig.
Are you a competitive soul in everyday life? I used to be, but now I'm happy enough with my own work — I don't like the idea of comparing myself to others, everyone should be happy with their own vibe.

What’s on the horizon for you guys? We have an E.P out on Oct 23, its called ‘White Sands’, its a pretty wild record. My solo E.P, ‘Born On A Mountain’ comes out the week after on Oct 31, and its a more mellow record.

Next gig? Supporting Arian Deustch for his album launch on Oct 31 at The Evelyn. The next Foxx gig is our E.P Launch on Nov 2 at the Birmingham. My E.P launch is on Nov 7 at the Grace Darling Hotel.

Your pick of the summer festivals? Meredith.



You can check out more about Jimmy’s band at http://www.myspace.com/foxxonfire
and his solo work at
http://www.myspace.com/jhawkmusic

Interview by Annie Mullen.

Now

Right now I am loving:

All the Melbourne Summer music festivals approaching especially Falls!

Leopard print stuff, eg. cardigans, dresses, bows (but I always have)!



The Melbourne Fringe Festival (til the 11th of October) http://www.melbournefringe.com.au/



Possiblity of fab side-shows from the Summer festivals, especially YeahYeahYeahs, Animal Collective and Sia!


Pixies 'Doolittle' tour announced for March 2010!



Frills! on anything really! adds a cute, sweet feminine style, especially on bikinis and knickers!;0

Friday, September 4, 2009

News of the World. By Annie Mullen

News of the World.

You say create a telos of your own,
because there is thrill to be found
in what is yet to be made.
I say I want some cheese on toast,
preferably on rye bread.

An advertisement for the CES,
is yelling at me, “Pull on some overalls!”
There is a tanned man.
Once, when I was 10, he used to surf,
now he just yells.

“I could go a shag right now”
I whisper in your poisoned ear,
as a diseased hog attacks a vegetarian.
You don’t hear me though.

You’re Highness By Annie Mullen

You’re Highness

1.
I, silent, watch you and ‘the boys’
and my nostrils burn.
I forget you are my turtle.
I despise your amazing God.

My skin launches off,
I’m crumbling crusts again.
So I am left. I sit, certain,
jealous I don’t know
how to spell ‘success’.


2.
My nostrils burn, He is taking up
too much of my beloved’s bed.
I am called ‘your’ girl
And I have to wonder
if you wish- do you wish?-
that my waist was more baby suited?

I am not the dirt of your past.
Your mouth let me in, but now
I want out. Your shell is cracked.
I’m surrounded by only your pink,
that horrid pink that is praised.
I want a coffee and a conversation,
but you’re out of both.


(this is copyrighted as property of me and jacket magazine by the way...)
this and others are at www.jacketmagazine.com

Friday, August 28, 2009

rumours...

French band Phoenix are said to be returning to our shores again in November or December! They were here just a few weeks ago and rocked my socks off at their Melbourne show, which included an amazing acoustic version of Air's 'Playground Love'.... oh I hope this rumour is true...

Sunday, August 16, 2009

20 questions with...THE GOOD CHINA

I play 20 questions with Melbourne band, The Good China to find out who they are and what they love…

1. Start with something basic; Who are The Good China?

Jag: Take 8 strangers and introduce them so they become the best of friends. Add an ever growing number of instruments (currently around 15). Then add a healthy dose of handclaps and a t-shirt that says "Pants". Set your oven to "Indie fun" and bake for 45 mins. Allow to cool and there you have it. The Good China. (Or a delicious cake shaped liked a hamburger. Depends how closely you followed the instructions... )



2. Where did the name come from?
Jag: We all brainstormed and collectively came up with about 200 or so potential names. "The Good China" is the only one that didn't suck so we went with it.



3. If you weren’t called The Good China, what do you think you would be called?
Jag: We were close to being called "Tiger Bite" for a while there until we realised it sounds like the name of a Japanese girl punk band...


Photobucket


4.What is the best gig you have ever played?
Ryan: It's hard to pick a favourite! Playing to 500 people at St Kilda Festival's New Music stage earlier this year was a rush, but having most of the Evelyn Hotel filled with dancing fans on the last night of our July residency was fantastic too.


5. Why was it the best?
Ryan: We had fun, the audience saw us enjoying ourselves and started to have fun too, and then we saw that and enjoyed it even more. The energy was terrific. We try to get that into every Good China show.


6. Finish this sentence:
When I was a child...

Mit: I wasn't allowed colouring books. My parents were insistent that I make my own. This probably explains my penchant for turning instruments into sparkly colourful spectacles!



7. Which Summer music festivals are you getting excited about?
Ryan: Meredith! But also Falls, not so much for the festival itself but for the sideshows of some great acts in early January next year. And St Kilda Festival 2010 - it'll be a real highlight to play on the main stage... if only because we'll all finally have enough room to perform scissor kicks and commando rolls while playing. Yes, we have discussed this before.



8. What are your favourite bands?
Broken Social Scene, Los Campesinos!, Radiohead, Modest Mouse, Phoenix, The National.



9. Describe them in 3 words:
Fun, euphoric, layered.



10. Describe The Good China in 3 words:
Ryan: Woo hey clap!


12. Who is the most organised in the band?
Ryan: Mit. For our St Kilda Festival performance earlier in the year she made us all individual zip-lock packs with relevant passes, parking details, set-lists and instructions. It was equal parts cute and obsessive-compulsive, I suspect.

Mit: Hey! I was just excited... Next time we play a festival and you get lost or not let in because you don't have a pass- don't blame me!



16. God is....
Ryan: Seven. But only if the devil is six. Thanks, Frank Black.



17. Life is....
Mit: Fun. Glorious. Wonderful. Most of the time!



18. Music is....
Mit: Fun. Glorious. Wonderful. All of the time!



19. We love....
Mit: With eight of us in the band, we cover a lot of things when it comes to love. Although we all love a good crowd to play to!



20. The Good China's next gig is....
Our debut EP Launch on September 17th at the Toff with the extraordinary Georgia Fields and indie popsters Swiss. We're very excited about this show! We're also playing some regional and NSW gigs - keep your eyes peeled for tour dates!

Check out their website for more information, www.myspace.com/thegoodchinaband
This interview is also up on

http://polaroidsofandroids.com/articles/interview-the-good-china/3965.html

Friday, August 7, 2009

visit the famous John Tranter's online publication:

http://www.jacketmagazine.com/

for some Australian new poetry, including some of mine in issue 37!

"I dislike a great deal of contemporary poetry -- all of the past you read is usually quite great -- but it is a useful thorn to have in one's side." (Frank O'Hara)

The Yoshimi Collective

I have started an Arts Collective for creative souls...
The Yoshimi Collective
The mission is to create a strong network of artists ( including visual artists, bands, poets, djs, etc) to SUPPORT each other, share thoughts, bounce ideas around and hopefully organise some great events together.
There are now over 40 members and growing.
The ideas and upcoming events are flowing like the dirty Yarra in a storm.
I am exicted about the enormous amout of success and fun that some collectivity can bring!

Saturday, August 1, 2009

The most disgusting and disturbing thing I've heard in a long time...

Brokencyde's album is now in stores...unfortunately.
This is actually selling, this offensive, sexist, screamo-meets-breakbeat shite is actually selling! and to a female audience!
The lyrics are equally as bad as the sound! Talking of sluts they are going to f£*k and f%*king hate...I don't get easily offended but I cannot believe these guys are actually signed up to a label. What is going on?!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Worms.

I’m not sure what you're after,
what you say doesn't make any sound.
If you held me in your pocket would you stop hurting yourself,
and just fucking stand tall?
You’re all banana skins and pie in face.
Embarrasment.
By choice.
You can calm down, this isn't about you.
Step back if you wont smile at my needs.
Step upon my doorstep with open hands and mouth.
We are just worms afterall.

Some Melbourne bands to keep an eye on.

The Good China
just finished a month's residency at The Evelyn, one of the headliners for this year's St Kilda Festival. Prepare for some amazing vocals, banjo and violin, along with everything else!
http://www.myspace.com/thegoodchina
Photobucket

The Red Tree
recently featured on Triple J, they have an album launch next Friday (the 31st of July) at The Evelyn. Ambient beauty at its finest. A real treat for your senses!
http://www.myspace.com/theredtree
Photobucket

The Curlew
equiped with new and impressive band members and facepaints. Lead singer, Dryden's voice is quirky and powerful as are their songs.
http://www.myspace.com/thecurlewlaw
Photobucket

The Process
play tonight 9pm at the Worker's Club (aka Rob Roy) with Kirin J. Callinan. Bit Nick Cave, bit Joy Divison...dark and fab!
http://www.myspace.com/processprocess
Photo by Xavier Connelly, 2008

The Prioy Dolls
their long-awaited e.p launch will happen August 7th at the Curtin Bandroom. Really something special indeed, they make me alittle dizzy- in a good way!
http://myspace.com/thepriorydolls
Photobucket

Friday, July 17, 2009

Some people have real problems (Review)

Some People Have Real Problems
Sia



Many would have heard Sia’s catchy hit ‘Buttons’ or have seen her perform it on Rove recently, yet little are aware of the true talent that this Australian indie solo artist holds to her name. Some People Have Real Problems is no exception; with 14 tracks, is soulful and wholly enjoyable. It is a great place to start in your discovery of Adelaide’s quirkiest daughter Sia Furler. She has now released five solo albums, each full of eccentricities, beauty and strength.
While the poppy ‘Buttons’ and ‘Academia’ are brilliantly uplifting and light, the album’s other tracks are much more soulful and heart-felt. The opening track ‘Little Black Sandals’ displays her voice’s depth and leads listeners into a versatile and amazing album living up to the grand reputation Sia has earned herself overseas. Backed by Beck’s fantastic band, there are a lot of favorable things to say and not many complaints I could make. Sia will surprise and warm new listeners. My suggestion is play this one on a lazy Sunday morning, relax, get a coffee and I guarantee you will not be disappointed by this peculiar poppy little piece of art.