France has so very many famous philosophers, some of whom I believe are truly superb!
They include Voltaire, Camus, Montesquieu, Derrida, the list goes on and on!
I thought I would share some quotes from two of my favourites:
Sartre and De Beauvoir have to be at the top of my list! They were this amazing, extremely important to the philosophy world, Existentialist couple!
Both of them believed that humans were free to create their own rules, there is no divine God handing down rules of what we must do and not do...with this freedom comes responsibility for our choices and actions. We cannot deny that we knowingly choose what we say and do.
Jean-Paul Sartre wrote:
"Existence precedes and rules essence."
"Existentialism is nothing less than an attempt to draw all the consequences of a coherent atheistic position. It isn't trying to plunge man into despair at all. But if one calls every attitude of unbelief despair, like the Christians, then the word is not being used in its original sense."
Simone De Beauvoir wrote: The mind-blowing feminist book 'The Second Sex', discussing and critiquing women's place in society.(READ IT!)
"No one is more arrogant toward women, more aggressive or scornful, than the man who is anxious about his virility."
"Representation of the world, like the world itself, is the work of men; they describe it from their own point of view, which they confuse with the absolute truth."
"That's what I consider true generosity. You give your all, and yet you always feel as if it costs you nothing."
"This has always been a man's world, and none of the reasons that have been offered in explanation have seemed adequate."
These quotes should be food for thought, if interested I strongly recommend reading 'The Second Sex'!
poems, thoughts, photos, art & music recommendations and reviews...a mixed bag of my (Annie Mullen's) writing for your reading pleasure...
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Cette Semaine...
I am heading to Paris in a weeks time, so this week is all about some Frenchy goodness, oui oui!
I love most French things I come across; the bakeries, the philosophers, the fashion, the accent, the cinema, and ofcourse the musique!
Serge Gainsbourg, avec Jane Birkin:
Berry:
Emilie Simon:
Phoenix: (I know they sing in English, but they are French, and fun!)
Melanie Pain:
oooh la la...
I love most French things I come across; the bakeries, the philosophers, the fashion, the accent, the cinema, and ofcourse the musique!
Serge Gainsbourg, avec Jane Birkin:
Berry:
Emilie Simon:
Phoenix: (I know they sing in English, but they are French, and fun!)
Melanie Pain:
oooh la la...
Labels: music
Berry,
Emilie Simon,
Melanie Pain,
Phoenix,
Serge Gainsbourg
Monday, December 6, 2010
A Merry Meredith To All!
Meredith Music Festival will light up our souls this weekend, in the little country town of -you guessed it- Meredith!
Am rather excited, I have pink gumboots so I am prepared for anything!
Looking forward to checking out so many of the names on the lineup, here are just a handful:
The brilliant Dirty Three, I saw them at ATP a couple of years back and was so impressed:
Cloud Control:
Spanish stud El Guincho! Am LOVING the album 'Pop Negro'! Its filled with cool, Afrobeat-inspired tunes that are perfect for Summer!
A bit of avant-garde electronica from The Field:
Sally Seltmann:
Am rather excited, I have pink gumboots so I am prepared for anything!
Looking forward to checking out so many of the names on the lineup, here are just a handful:
The brilliant Dirty Three, I saw them at ATP a couple of years back and was so impressed:
Cloud Control:
Spanish stud El Guincho! Am LOVING the album 'Pop Negro'! Its filled with cool, Afrobeat-inspired tunes that are perfect for Summer!
A bit of avant-garde electronica from The Field:
Sally Seltmann:
Labels: music
Cloud Control,
El Guincho,
Meredith,
Sally Seltmann,
The Dirty Three,
The Field
Monday, November 22, 2010
This week....
I am loving
NYC'sThe Walkmen
Arcade Fire's new album is superb!
The Tallest Man On Earth (am addicted to this man's voice!)
NYC'sThe Walkmen
Arcade Fire's new album is superb!
The Tallest Man On Earth (am addicted to this man's voice!)
Get Down!
On Sunday just gone I got down, at 'Chinatown Get Down!' at one of my favourite bars in Melbourne, FAD in -you guessed it- Chinatown!
Was a really great beer-fuelled day that included some of Melbourne's finest indie bands if you ask me! STRANGERS FROM NOW ON, THE MESSENGERS, THE THOD, THE DEMON PARADE, etc...
It reminded me of why I miss Melbourne when I am away!
Here are some pics:
Jimmy Hawk, of Jimmy Hawk and The Endless Party
Stangers From Now On
If you haven't seen these bands in action I suggest you do! Good times!
Was a really great beer-fuelled day that included some of Melbourne's finest indie bands if you ask me! STRANGERS FROM NOW ON, THE MESSENGERS, THE THOD, THE DEMON PARADE, etc...
It reminded me of why I miss Melbourne when I am away!
Here are some pics:
Jimmy Hawk, of Jimmy Hawk and The Endless Party
Stangers From Now On
If you haven't seen these bands in action I suggest you do! Good times!
Labels: music
Jimmy Hawk,
Strangers From Now On,
The Demon Parade,
The Thod
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Congrats to the Stone siblings!
Congratulatons!
Last night the softly-spoken, feather-in-hair, Angus and Julia Stone took out the ARIA award for 2010's Album of The Year for their dreamy album titled 'Down The Way'...other nominees were Sia, Birds of Tokyo, Tame Impala and Washington.
While last night's ARIA awards were a bit of a shambles (with awkward small talk inbetween awards, badly timed jokes, drunken slurring presenters, and time delays) the Stone siblings accepting their award was a lovely little moment in time. The siblings accepted shyly with a beautiful little speech thanking all the people, and pets in their lives and stressing the importance of love (all without seeming too conceited which is hard for most people!)
Their little speech and gorgeous Washington's performance of her hit 'Sunday Best' were definitely the stand out moments from an otherwise dragged-out mess of a night!
Washington's performance:
Labels: music
Album of the Year,
Angus and Julia Stone,
ARIAS,
Washington
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Today
I put on my black dress,
and my cowboy boots you liked.
I listen to Patti Smith
and prepare to say goodbye,
to remember,
to hold tight to our times together,
and to say 'I love you man'
and to whisper goodbye.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
This week....
this little selection of songs go out to an amazing friend, a beautiful man, a true music-lover and one of my most favourite people-
Brook...Love you man! I can honestly say thay the world is a better place for having you be part of it!
This is just a little selection of some bands he loved-
The Rolling Stones
The Black Keys
Monsters of Folk
The Beatles
and ofcourse, The Clash
Peace and Love!
Brook...Love you man! I can honestly say thay the world is a better place for having you be part of it!
This is just a little selection of some bands he loved-
The Rolling Stones
The Black Keys
Monsters of Folk
The Beatles
and ofcourse, The Clash
Peace and Love!
Monday, October 11, 2010
More good news!
The sun is finally gracing us with its presence in Melbourne this week, and there is more good news- the lineup for the 2011 St.Jerome's Laneway Festival!
Oh my! The indie goodness is astounding!
The 6th run of the festival offers yet another amazing lineup, including:
Washington's ARIEL PINK’S HAUNTED GRAFFITI
One of my favourite duets to come out of America, ideal for chilling out and/or Sunday morning come downs, BEACH HOUSE
The very cool four-piece DEERHUNTER
Brooklyn's dreamy trio, BEAR IN HEAVEN (you may know their brilliant recent hit 'Lovesick Teenagers, and if you don't then get onto it!)
Also, CLOUD CONTROL, THE ANTLERS, TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB, YEASAYER, CUT COPY, and the list goes on & on!
Melbourne's will be Sat 5th of Feb at the Footscray Community Arts Centre!
It will also hit up Sydney, Adelaide, Auckland, Brisbane and Perth!
See http://www.lanewayfestival.com.au/
Oh my! The indie goodness is astounding!
The 6th run of the festival offers yet another amazing lineup, including:
Washington's ARIEL PINK’S HAUNTED GRAFFITI
One of my favourite duets to come out of America, ideal for chilling out and/or Sunday morning come downs, BEACH HOUSE
The very cool four-piece DEERHUNTER
Brooklyn's dreamy trio, BEAR IN HEAVEN (you may know their brilliant recent hit 'Lovesick Teenagers, and if you don't then get onto it!)
Also, CLOUD CONTROL, THE ANTLERS, TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB, YEASAYER, CUT COPY, and the list goes on & on!
Melbourne's will be Sat 5th of Feb at the Footscray Community Arts Centre!
It will also hit up Sydney, Adelaide, Auckland, Brisbane and Perth!
See http://www.lanewayfestival.com.au/
Monday, September 27, 2010
Big Day Out 2011 set to be Huge!
The lineup for next year's Big Day Out shows has just been announced!
The headliners will be Tool, my favourite man Iggy (and the Stooges), and Rammstein! The Black Keys and Grinderman (Nick Cave's latest project) will also be in attendance!
If these guys are abit heavy for your liking never fear- there will also be MIA, LCD Soundsystem will return having only been here a couple of months ago, Lupe Fiasco, the fab CSS and Crystal Castles.
Plenty of Aussies will be there also including Wolfmother, Birds of Tokyo, Little Red and Children Collide!
As Iggy would sing, "All aboard for fun times!"
Melbourne's Big Day Out will be Sunday 30th of Jan at Flemington Racecourse.
To see the full lineup and details head to: http://www.bigdayout.com/
Saturday, September 11, 2010
This week....
Ok, so I will admit I have been a bit slow off the mark with these guys, but LOVING their stuff this week!
Why has there not been more talk of them here in Aus??
I am talking about HERCULES AND LOVE AFFAIR! Nice upbeat nu-disco tunes coming out of Brooklyn, masterminded by DJ Andy Butler.....
check out http://www.myspace.com/herculesandloveaffair
Will be playing this all Summer I predict! The track in the above 'Blind' and is rather awesome in my opinion, on the album vocals are done by Antony from Antony and the Johnsons, that version is here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpX4fJsiS1U (no embedding allowed)...
Also loving Best Coast out of California, and their track 'Boyfriend', but who isnt!?
see http://www.myspace.com/bestcoast
Why has there not been more talk of them here in Aus??
I am talking about HERCULES AND LOVE AFFAIR! Nice upbeat nu-disco tunes coming out of Brooklyn, masterminded by DJ Andy Butler.....
check out http://www.myspace.com/herculesandloveaffair
Will be playing this all Summer I predict! The track in the above 'Blind' and is rather awesome in my opinion, on the album vocals are done by Antony from Antony and the Johnsons, that version is here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpX4fJsiS1U (no embedding allowed)...
Also loving Best Coast out of California, and their track 'Boyfriend', but who isnt!?
see http://www.myspace.com/bestcoast
Thursday, September 2, 2010
This week...
As Father's Day is this Sunday coming I thought I would provide you with an insight to the music I grew up on thanks to my dear Dad, Leigh... He has rather fab taste in music, so I was lucky to be listening to the likes of
The Stranglers
John Lennon
The Who
The Police
Roxy Music (who can resist a bit of Bryan Ferry every now and then!?)
The Stranglers
John Lennon
The Who
The Police
Roxy Music (who can resist a bit of Bryan Ferry every now and then!?)
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Aunty Meredith makes me happy!
The Meredith lineup has been announced! It is rather fantastic I think! It includes The Dirty Three, The Fall, The Field, (the fab) Pantha Du Prince ,Rat VS Possum, Sally Seltman, The Heatwave, and Those Darlins! Oh! and lets not forget the rather amazing C.W Stoneking!
If these names mean nothing to you, you must have been living under a rock, or maybe you are just not indie enough and should change your radio station away from Nova and alike asap! Dust yourself off and check out these amazing bands asap, and get yourself in the ballot to get tickets! I know "indie is the new black", but only true indie cats will know these names right away!
If you miss out on the ballot, the store sales happen Sept 7th and online sales happen Sept 9th!
(Aunty will make me even happier when I get a ticket!!)
To get you started here is Rat VS Possum at The Tote:
See: http://www.mmf.com.au/ for more info!
If these names mean nothing to you, you must have been living under a rock, or maybe you are just not indie enough and should change your radio station away from Nova and alike asap! Dust yourself off and check out these amazing bands asap, and get yourself in the ballot to get tickets! I know "indie is the new black", but only true indie cats will know these names right away!
If you miss out on the ballot, the store sales happen Sept 7th and online sales happen Sept 9th!
(Aunty will make me even happier when I get a ticket!!)
To get you started here is Rat VS Possum at The Tote:
See: http://www.mmf.com.au/ for more info!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Gorrilaz set to tour Aus and NZ!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
South Solitary
South Solitary is an Australian romantic-drama set in 1927 and is the first film written and directed by Shirley Barrett. Miranda Otto plays Meredith Appleton the softly-spoken, easily 'lead astray' single woman who accompanies her uncle (who in reality is her father, Aussie star Barry Otto) to South Solitary, an extremely isolated island off the coast of Australia.
Her uncle George Wadsworth, a determined and difficult personality is the Head Lighthouse Keeper, replacing the last who commited suicide. Wadsworth is brilliant, in that he is for the audience easy to dislike; complaining about everything, treating Meredith with distain at times and constantl y giving the fellow lightkeepers a hard time.
Apart from making her uncle's cups of tea and dinner Meredith is left to her own devices, trying desperately to befriend the two other lighthouse keepers and the family that inhabit the island. "I must try to remain cheerful" she tells herself in the opening scene, but this prooves difficult.
The role of naive Appleton suits Otto and her cute pale little face. As does the role of surly, war veteran Mr.Fleet suit Marton Csokas. However the relationship that (very) slowly blossoms between the two is not overly convincing.
The film's scenery is both bleak and beautiful simulatenously. The script is at times funny and sweet, at othertimes the humour just misses slightly. While it was a sweet film, perhaps 20 minutes or so less would have made it more enjoyable. For the last 20 minutes the audience appeared somewhat restless and a few looked at their watches. The scenery photography is superb, the acting great but at times the script was a little bland.
2 and a half out of 5.
To be released the 29th of July.
Review by Annie Mullen.
This week...
there is lots to look forward to!
Washington's long-awaited debut album 'I Believe you Liar' will be released in a few days, featuring great poppy tracks like this one 'Rich Kids'!
Hot Chip are in town for Splendour and sideshows (I cannot wait to see them at Festival Hall!) I love this track 'One Life Stand' off their latest album!
Two Door Cinema Club will be here in a couple of weeks, Melbourne show sold out!
Bridezilla, packed with fantastic violin and vocals has a Melbourne show with Jimmy Hawk as support on July 31st at Ding Dong!
Washington's long-awaited debut album 'I Believe you Liar' will be released in a few days, featuring great poppy tracks like this one 'Rich Kids'!
Hot Chip are in town for Splendour and sideshows (I cannot wait to see them at Festival Hall!) I love this track 'One Life Stand' off their latest album!
Two Door Cinema Club will be here in a couple of weeks, Melbourne show sold out!
Bridezilla, packed with fantastic violin and vocals has a Melbourne show with Jimmy Hawk as support on July 31st at Ding Dong!
Labels: music
Bridezilla,
Hot chip,
Jimmy Hawk,
Two Door Cinema Club,
Washington
Friday, July 9, 2010
This week...
I have been cat-sitting for a friend, was looking after a lovely little feline by the name of Ralph, so I thought I would give you some cat-related tunes. Meow....
Love Cats
Alley Cats
Cool For Cats
Jellicle Cats(from Cats the musical)
Love Cats
Alley Cats
Cool For Cats
Jellicle Cats(from Cats the musical)
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
3.
Now you're gone.
You took with you
all your stories,
all your songs,
and all our jokes.
You are
and will be missed,
you will be loved
always.
She loved you
with all her being.
I know it, I feel it.
The sound of her tears
is deafening.
My heart
breaks with her heart.
-------------------------
For Jarlyth.
You took with you
all your stories,
all your songs,
and all our jokes.
You are
and will be missed,
you will be loved
always.
She loved you
with all her being.
I know it, I feel it.
The sound of her tears
is deafening.
My heart
breaks with her heart.
-------------------------
For Jarlyth.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Fanfarlo
Friday, June 25, 2010
This weekend...
Am digging....
Eels 'Prizefighter' have played it a few times this week. Love it! Love all their stuff really!
Dan Black's 'Symphonies' plus the clip is so cool, referencing some major moments in film history!
some Ratatat to get me revved up for a big Saturday night ahead!
this is catchy too, Groove Armada's Paper Romance. They are going in a new direction with the latest album! And I like it!
Eels 'Prizefighter' have played it a few times this week. Love it! Love all their stuff really!
Dan Black's 'Symphonies' plus the clip is so cool, referencing some major moments in film history!
some Ratatat to get me revved up for a big Saturday night ahead!
this is catchy too, Groove Armada's Paper Romance. They are going in a new direction with the latest album! And I like it!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
SSION
I will admit I had never heard of SSION from Kansas City until today, when I read an interview with the mastermind behind the moustache, one Cody Critecheloe in I-D (fab mag)....I then looked up some youtube clips, which made me cringe a little and grin alot. I really like it and dont at the same time, strange sensation...
check it out:
x
check it out:
x
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
This week:
I am rugging up warm attempting to avoid the bruntn of a Melbourne winter, and to keep me going dispite the sniffles I am listening to some...
The National, I am loving the new album like a new friend or lover- one that you instantly click with and want to spend everyday with.
some Four Tet:
also not minding some Yeasayer
The National, I am loving the new album like a new friend or lover- one that you instantly click with and want to spend everyday with.
some Four Tet:
also not minding some Yeasayer
Great Earthquake- 'Drawings'
There is no doubt that the word on the street is that Melbourne-based Noah Symons, aka Great Earthquake is a talented musician and soundscape mastermind. His first album released this month, Drawings is the proof of just how talented he is. This is his first solo-album after his work with post-punkers Flag and Forget. Drawings is an unique, energetic, crowded entanglement of interesting and beautiful sounds.
Most of the time when I listen to music I tend to instinctively focus on the lyrics and how they relate to the overall sound, but here there is very limited lyrics. The album consists of 9 instrumental tracks, with only two of these featuring any vocals. The stories of the songs instead are told only through the instruments and music alone, vocally expressed lyrics are not needed. The sounds wind and twist and speak for themselves.
Drawings is the perfect album title, the tracks sound like drawings- starting as bizarre scribbles but leading you to somehow make out faces, stories and places from these scribbles. Symons claims that part of his inspiration/influences is the hills where he lives, in outer-Melbourne you can here this in his work, you can picture landscapes from while you listen. After listening to the L.P I was not surprised to find out that Symons is also a visual artist. Here the feisty accordion, amazing drums, guitar, bells, etc are working as the crayons, pencils and paint.
The opening track ‘Clap Clap!’ launches listeners into an upbeat movement; bells chime and drum speed enhances. It’s a little frantic and as it builds up the strange abstract power these sounds process grow on you. Sometimes instrumentals like this try to build up but get stuck half-way and become somewhat boring but not here, it builds up with purpose and momentum, the word boring does not apply even for a minute. Not all the tracks are this euphorically energetic and intense as the opener, but all of them express this same amount of power in different ways and aspects.
Some tracks including ‘From A Memory’ are embedded with a touch of melancholy making them perfect for the Winter, especially a Winter to be spent in the seemingly ever-increasingly grey Melbourne. ‘Words and Images’, one of the only tracks with any vocals is joyous and sweet with vocals from Maude Farrugia, and the chirps of birds. The more upbeat and sweet tracks like this one successfully balance out the darker, more melancholy moments of the album, creating a sketchbook of different drawings.
If Drawings is anything to go by, Symons solo work as Great Earthquake is really something to keep an eye out for. I am sure the live shows would be something to see.
Drawings is out now, released by Sensory Projects.
See www.myspace.com/greatearthquake.
(This review was written by me, for www.thedwarf.com.au)
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Tell her where to go!
Recently a friend of mine asked for some ideas of bars to celebrate her birthday at. The list of options I would recommend was huge! I thought I would share a few off this list of fantastic Melbourne bars!
Berlin Bar: (East Berlin pictured)
Really unique, stylish and very cool, the bar is themed; half East Berlin and half West Berlin from back in the divided days. It has table service and a fantastic menu with very tasty (slightly on the pricey-side) cocktails!
16 Corrs Lane, Melbourne- right in the heart of the city.
Toff In Town:
This place has two sections, one with a boutique stage that frequently has local and international gigs, filled with chairs and tables for a chilled night. For example, this Sunday Tin Pan Orange will perform. The other room is filled with old carriages, where you can shut yourself off from the world with a few friends and enjoy your drinks secluded from everyone and everything.
2/252 Swanston Street (Level 2 of Curtin House), Melbourne.
Borsch, Vodka and Tears:
A little Polish restaurant and bar, known for the huge choice of vodkas from Poland and neighbouring countries. It avoids the pretentious nature of some other Chapel Street bars. It's cute and a little quirky inside, and has a handy heated area out on the street-front for the chillier nights.
173 Chapel St, Windsor.
Berlin Bar: (East Berlin pictured)
Really unique, stylish and very cool, the bar is themed; half East Berlin and half West Berlin from back in the divided days. It has table service and a fantastic menu with very tasty (slightly on the pricey-side) cocktails!
16 Corrs Lane, Melbourne- right in the heart of the city.
Toff In Town:
This place has two sections, one with a boutique stage that frequently has local and international gigs, filled with chairs and tables for a chilled night. For example, this Sunday Tin Pan Orange will perform. The other room is filled with old carriages, where you can shut yourself off from the world with a few friends and enjoy your drinks secluded from everyone and everything.
2/252 Swanston Street (Level 2 of Curtin House), Melbourne.
Borsch, Vodka and Tears:
A little Polish restaurant and bar, known for the huge choice of vodkas from Poland and neighbouring countries. It avoids the pretentious nature of some other Chapel Street bars. It's cute and a little quirky inside, and has a handy heated area out on the street-front for the chillier nights.
173 Chapel St, Windsor.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Then
I came home
carrying a present
for you
in my hands.
And found out you
were gone.
'Accident'
I saw them say,
but I heard nothing.
My eyes glazed over,
my ears blocked
their voices.
And now
I know
they were right.
The eulogy,
the flowers,
the dirt.
I gave my present
to you.
To the earth
that now belongs
to you.
Photos bring
extremes of sobbing
then numbness
then sobbing.
Memories remain strong.
Your cheeky smile,
all that laughter,
the friendship-
I carry it
in my heart.
Its all I can do.
carrying a present
for you
in my hands.
And found out you
were gone.
'Accident'
I saw them say,
but I heard nothing.
My eyes glazed over,
my ears blocked
their voices.
And now
I know
they were right.
The eulogy,
the flowers,
the dirt.
I gave my present
to you.
To the earth
that now belongs
to you.
Photos bring
extremes of sobbing
then numbness
then sobbing.
Memories remain strong.
Your cheeky smile,
all that laughter,
the friendship-
I carry it
in my heart.
Its all I can do.
But wait, there's more!
Today I am supplying you with more amazing solo female music artists for your listening pleasure, why? because I can.... ENJOY!
Santigold= FAB!
Bjork a true love of mine!
Adelaide-born, Sia
The lovelyRegina Spektor
Santigold= FAB!
Bjork a true love of mine!
Adelaide-born, Sia
The lovelyRegina Spektor
Saturday, May 22, 2010
There are women that do more than shake their butts
Last week Video Hits had a special set of clips- 'women in music', their picks were dubious. Shakira rolling around in mud talking about her breasts is not my idea of a strong female in music. Women do not have to be your typical sexual objects to be successful in music! Maybe you can be hot and smart? Sure, I know Shakira and alike have done well for themselves but I think Video Hits could have done better....
like these strong, independent women:
Amanda Palmer with 'Leeds United'
They did throw in 'Good Fortune' by Pj Harvey, which was a pleasant surprise. Here is 'Man-size'
Feist 'I Feel it all'
Cat Power 'Crying, Waiting, Hoping'
The Beautiful Aussie, Sarah Blasko 'Always On This Line'
MIA 'Sunshowers'
Bat For Lashes 'Moon and Moon'
One of my old faves, the very cool and clever, Annie Lennox
That should be more than enough to prove my point....
like these strong, independent women:
Amanda Palmer with 'Leeds United'
They did throw in 'Good Fortune' by Pj Harvey, which was a pleasant surprise. Here is 'Man-size'
Feist 'I Feel it all'
Cat Power 'Crying, Waiting, Hoping'
The Beautiful Aussie, Sarah Blasko 'Always On This Line'
MIA 'Sunshowers'
Bat For Lashes 'Moon and Moon'
One of my old faves, the very cool and clever, Annie Lennox
That should be more than enough to prove my point....
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
GAYNGS- Relayted
GAYNGS is a collective of some today’s major indie names.
“Another ‘supergroup’?” I hear you cry. Yes, another supergroup but this one has much more to offer and is much more experimental than the others formed of late. It all started with the combination of trio Ryan Olson with Solid Gold’s Zack Coulter and Adam Hurlburt. The musical family then grew to include over 25 other indie heavy-weights, including Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), P.O.S (emcee of Rhymesayer) Jack Luke (Leisurebirds) and Ivan Howard (The Rosebuds). Relayted is the debut album from the collective and was released in Australia just last week through Jagjaguwar.
Opening track ‘Gaudy side of town’ draws you in with slick beats and smooth vocals, but maybe a bit too smooth as reminded me of George Michael for a split second. Once I could get passed that brief resemblance, it is really cool and enjoyable listening; would suit a Sunday morning chill out and/or rolling around in bed naked with that special someone.
Following that is ‘The Walker’ featuring the hot, deep, gooey honey-like voice of Ivan Howard on lead vocals. Accompanying the talented Howard is wiry, winding guitar, and sweet, eerie backing vocals that make this a stand-out track. Although it must be noted that the ending of it (the last minute or so) is a little weird, with the deep voice rapping all of a sudden then a rather eighties melody leading us into the next track. Strange indeed, but not at all unpleasant, and somewhat to be expected with so many different musical minds involved on the album. It is refreshing. Another highlight of this album is ‘Faded High’ featuring lovely vocals of M. Vincent Vaughner Noyce, Katy Morley, and Maggie Wander. Also the cruisey ‘Crystal Rope’ and ‘Ride’, again perfect for a chilled and/or hung-over state.
Expect rap, beautiful vocals, jazz saxophone, some slide guitar, impressive drummers at times producing almost tribal beats; you name it this album has it all collected and collaborating! It could’ve been messy, but they have pulled it off. With their musical powers combined they have succeed in creating something genuinely exciting and some crazy, unique sounds. Listen out for P.O.S, leaving behind his hip-hop rapping antics for a moment and switching to a striking soul-inspired tenor.
Relayted is a varied, at times strange, positive experience for listeners. Ones that are indie, soft rock, R&B, and/or hip-hop fans, or those that just need a quality chilled out record to kick back to.
See www.JAGJAGUWAR.com
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
This week....
I am craving a return to Europe, so am going to focus on some French goodness like
the beautiful and unique, Charlotte Gainsbourg. I have been listening to singer/actress Gainsbourg's new album IRM and really dig it, especially the tracks 'Trick Pony' and 'La Collectionneuse' just to name a couple.
Brisa Roche, she's not very well known in Aus but is making pretty cool, cute music....
Then ofcourse there is the LEGENDARY Serge Gainsboug. I love the fantastic "Bonnie and Clyde" featuring Brigitte Bardot!
the beautiful and unique, Charlotte Gainsbourg. I have been listening to singer/actress Gainsbourg's new album IRM and really dig it, especially the tracks 'Trick Pony' and 'La Collectionneuse' just to name a couple.
Brisa Roche, she's not very well known in Aus but is making pretty cool, cute music....
Then ofcourse there is the LEGENDARY Serge Gainsboug. I love the fantastic "Bonnie and Clyde" featuring Brigitte Bardot!
Monday, May 10, 2010
More Splendid Sideshows!
Broken Social Scene will play their Splendour sideshow at The Corner in Richmond, Tuesday 3rd of Aug! Tickets on sale Friday 14th May. The Corner is not my favourite Melbourne venue, but is not the worst and this band is not to be missed!
The Corner will also have US band, Surfer Blood grace them with their presence Friday 30th of July, tickets on sale for that one Friday 14th also!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Tracey Thorn 'Love And Its Opposite'
Love And Its Opposite is the third solo album from English singer/songwriter Tracey Thorn. Thorn is the familiar voice of the once huge UK band Everything But The Girl (1982-2000). Remember they had a hit “Missing” back in the day? Now Thorn’s previous success and talent has landed her with Berlin’s talented Ewan Pearson, (known for his work with Goldfrapp, Ladytron, Delphic and M83) as producer for Love And Its Opposite.
This album is about as personal as it gets. It appears to feature songs that are the confessional stories of Thorn’s life in recent years; including marriage with the track “Long White Dress”, divorce, growing older, love and loneliness. The loneliness Thorn has clearly endured is depicted in the dark and gloomy cover of Lee Hazlewood’s “Come On Home To Me”, featuring fantastic guest vocals of Jens Lekman. There is also a great cover of little known band, Unbending Trees lovely “You are a lover”. You know you have some music-world cred’ when you’re working with Lekman. Despite these serious topics and mellow moments the overall feeling of this album is somewhat upbeat, or at least optimistically hopeful. The track entitled “Why does the wind?” sums up the feel of the album perfectly; while there is no doubt some loneliness and pain, there is still pulsating beat pushing on and the lyrics in this song end with the simple line “Why not just kiss?”.
Thorn’s voice is as strong, warm and enchanting as in the dozen albums released with Everything But The Girl and couple with Marine Girls, if not better as its much more openly highlighted here. At times in this album Thorn’s voice reminds me of Annie Lennox, strong, feminine, deep and earthy (or perhaps its just the cool British accent?). The beautiful closing track of the album “Swimming” is a definite highlight. This poppy track features a Nashville cool cat by the name of Cortney Tidwell on drums and sugary sweet backing vocals. It ends the album on a positive note and expresses the poignant point of the album; things will always be changing and ending but “let’s carry on”, from what I can gather her sentiment for this album is to look forward to swimming, even though right now life may be making you tread water.
Love And Its Opposite will be released 14th of May through Strange Feeling and Inertia.
See www.traceythorn.com
(I did this review for www.thedwarf.com, if you dont know it check it out for reviews, photos and upcoming gig info!)
Thanks to the late and great Byron!
My dear friend, Byron had SUCH eclectic music taste and would constantly surprise me- from Jack Johnson to Johnny Cash to Evanescence to Kings of Leon to Bob Marley! And one band he got me onto was the New York-based sisters The Pierces! I had never heard of them and am grateful for him sharing them with me, now I'd like to share them with you!
This is a video clip:
And this is them live (camera hand is a bit wobbly, but alright):
See http://www.thepiercesmusic.com/ if you like how they roll xx
Thursday, May 6, 2010
get some Money For Rope
I strongly suggest people check out up and coming Melbourne band Money For Rope. Having recently completed a very successful residency at Cherry, the lads' popularity is growing rapidly and they are now on the lineup for Splendour 2010!
They will play at the Espy's Gershwin Room tonight (Fri) alongside the fab Fearless Vampire Killers,on at 9pm!
If you cannot make it tonight, they are also set to play with Chromenips at Yah Yahs on Smith Street, Friday the 4th of June! I saw one of their shows at Cherry and was very impressed by their raw (drunken) rock power, shirtless thrashing of guitars, and musical talent!
See: http://www.myspace.com/moneyforrope
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
This week....
is all about the Splendour lineup! Everyone I know is either desperate for tickets (which went on sale this morning) to Splendour and the cheapest flights possible to Byron Bay, or those who cannot afford it are jumping on to the sideshow tickets!
So here are some clips from a few of the amazing acts headed our way!
The Strokes
Hot Chip
Ben Harper
Pixies yes they were just here and theyre all set to return! great news for fans!
So here are some clips from a few of the amazing acts headed our way!
The Strokes
Hot Chip
Ben Harper
Pixies yes they were just here and theyre all set to return! great news for fans!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Splendid sideshows announced!
Sideshows have been announced for some of this year's Splendour In The Grass acts!
Including an amazing double bill of LCD Soundsystem and Hot Chip. They're to play Festival Hall in Melbourne on July 29th! Limited presale tickets are available today and the rest will be on sale this Friday morning from Ticketmaster.com.au! Get on to it!
Also (the very hot lads of) Black Rebel Motorcycle Club will have a sideshow at Billboards on July 28th. Tickets on sale this Thursday 6th of May!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
This week...
Bit mellow this week, sorry guys!
Have to admit upfront my mood is like this shitty Melbourne weather- kind of grey and miserable....so here's some of what I am listening to:
Nobody does/did melancholy quite like good old Elliott Smith, this is one of my favourite songs for these rainy days
Boards of Canada, perfect for some downtime mulling over your thoughts
This is brilliant, Brian Jonestown Massacre's 'Anenome'. Love this song.
Some 90s love with Mazzy Star
Cat Power, this is not an official video but is alright all the same. Great song.
Radiohead is a must this week (my personal favourite album is Amnesiac which is blasting as I typ e this) , but all their youtube stuff cannot be embedded. This is the link for the AMAZING 'No Surprises' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbtuVoXkOFg&feature=related
Bit of Dirty Projectors for good measure
Been listening to a fair bit of Blur again, a lot of people only know Blur for 'Song 2' and are really missing out.
Have to admit upfront my mood is like this shitty Melbourne weather- kind of grey and miserable....so here's some of what I am listening to:
Nobody does/did melancholy quite like good old Elliott Smith, this is one of my favourite songs for these rainy days
Boards of Canada, perfect for some downtime mulling over your thoughts
This is brilliant, Brian Jonestown Massacre's 'Anenome'. Love this song.
Some 90s love with Mazzy Star
Cat Power, this is not an official video but is alright all the same. Great song.
Radiohead is a must this week (my personal favourite album is Amnesiac which is blasting as I typ e this) , but all their youtube stuff cannot be embedded. This is the link for the AMAZING 'No Surprises' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbtuVoXkOFg&feature=related
Bit of Dirty Projectors for good measure
Been listening to a fair bit of Blur again, a lot of people only know Blur for 'Song 2' and are really missing out.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
oh the splendour (or pain) of it all!
The 2010 Splendour In The Grass lineup has been announced and has all of us drooling over it. The 10th annual festival is featuring the likes of Grizzly Bear, The Strokes, Pixies, Ben Harper, Mumford and Sons, Florence and the Machine, Hot Chip, The Drums, the list goes on and on of amazing talent that will be heading to Byron Bay for what is bound to be one of the best festivals Australia has ever seen!
photo: Hot Chip
The painful thing is I know I cannot afford to go! arrghhhh! But maybe some more reasonably priced sideshows can be done, which is some sort of consolation prize for me and those in my (poverty-stricken) position also!
See: http://www.splendourinthegrass.com for tickets if you are richer than me and/or more info
photo: Hot Chip
The painful thing is I know I cannot afford to go! arrghhhh! But maybe some more reasonably priced sideshows can be done, which is some sort of consolation prize for me and those in my (poverty-stricken) position also!
See: http://www.splendourinthegrass.com for tickets if you are richer than me and/or more info
Monday, April 19, 2010
Books? Sculptures? Both? Melbourne artist, Nicholas Jones answers my questions!
This is an Q and A I did for X and Y magazine:
http://www.xandymagazine.com.au/x/articles/24/4/424/2010-04-15/ART:-Nicholas-Jones-XWhy/
Nicholas Jones 'X&Why'
By Annie Mullen
How would you describe your art for those yet to see it?
My artwork is intimate sculptural work made entirely from second-hand books. I address each book individually and attempt to create unique sculptural objects which highlight the poetic nature of the book as form. The viewer is confronted with a book, which has been cut, torn, folded or had some sort of operation performed on it. There is the quandary which emerges; is it a book or a sculpture?
Did you choose to be an artist or do you think that art chose you?
I would say that I definitely chose to become an artist. As a first year student of Art History at La Trobe University, I had my road to Damascus moment in the middle of a very dry lecture on Attic vases. I decided that I needed to really pursue my own creativity, rather than to study the exploits of others.
You are always working with books- what is your all-time favourite?
It is difficult to pinpoint one book which is my favourite I have worked with, but there are particular signifiers which I look for in a book. The quality of the paper, binding, typography, colour and many others things. I made a work for my Masters which was the combining of two copies of "The Story of San Michel", by Axel Munthe. Both had the same cover, but were in two different languages; English and German. I folded these books together and in a way, created a cross cultural conversation which was back to front and upside down. All the information was the same, but wasn't, very much at once. Art and Philosophy inspired by Derrida's reading of Rousseau's famous statement, "Il n'y a pas de hors-texte": There is nothing outside the text.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by life and the absurd nature of everything. Walking around the city like something of a modern day Flaneur brings a deal of inspiration. Walking through the Fitzroy gardens and looking at the majesty of tall trees and the miniature aspect of their fallen leaves and seed pods. Then wandering down Flinders Lane or Collins St and wondering at the beauty of architecture and how scurrying humanity fits into this landscape. Things need to be taken slowly.
Who inspires you?
I am inspired by my friends, who are generally very creative and driven people. Sculptors, jewellers, fashion designers, musicians. Music is greatly influential for me. People like Arvo Part, Erik Satie and other composers seem to be able to transpose thoughts into music, which is a skill I would love to have.
What do you do when you're not creating art?
I love to spend time reading and looking through junk in op-shops and bookstores. Watching movies and quality TV shows. Seeing bands, visiting galleries: the usual stuff.
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Inquiring, Francophile, Amused.
Which are your favourite galleries in Australia?
I love the NGV, AGNSW, NGA, ACCA, Heide, Craft Victoria, MARS, Ian Potter Gallery, Block Projects, TCB, Uplands and many others.
Describe the Melbourne Art scene in 3 words:
Inclusive, exclusive, confusing.
If you could give one piece of advice to emerging artists what would it be?
Keep going. Meet as many people as you can, but understand the multi-tiered nature of the art world and that hard work pays off. There can only be a few people who succeed quickly, for the rest of us it is all about persistence. Never give up.
Jones has work in the show In the Kitchen Sink that opened last week at MARS. See www.marsgallery.com.au
photo credit: Michael Clayton-Jones
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)