Live from Bambuser

Hi there,
We've just tried Bambuser live from an iPhone, great fun! So hopefully we can get it organised for the next session on Tuesday. Fingers crossed that the 3G network in Australia copes...

All day

While we wait with eagerness to what iTunes will do or release tonight (Streaming?!), we crank up the volume with Girl Talk's latest and FREE offering 'All Day'. The mash-up king (is he?) has done it again, another smashing album to get anyone dancing all day long (pun intended, expect to see more of that one on other sites).



I'm pretty sure, had this been in 2006 and when I first heard 'Night Ripper', I would have said something pretentious, stupid and unknowingly of the future, like this

"It's not surprising, in this day and age when we can listen to music anytime and anywhere with the help of torrents, MySpace and iPods, that there would be someone, somewhere releasing an album that goes in the same pace as we flick through the tunes on our iPod. It's the post-modern dream come to life in music."

This is barely the point of Girl Talk. The point of Girl Talk, and what Gregg Michael Gillis does best, is to throw a great party, mixing with anything he gets his hands on. And that the new album is free is neither a sign of the times we live in, rather it's an deluxe invitation to buy a ticket to his next gig that might be an ultimate party, a gig and nightclubbing combo.

Have a listen!

Beautiful Excuses

Oh my, I have you seen this?!

One of the most beautiful songs this years, with the most beautiful intro of the year Excuses by The Morning Benders has been recorded live with a bunch of Benders' San Francisco friends. This is what music should be like, big and festive! Kudos to Yours Truly who produced and directed the session.



It's a must watch! See it over here. Then come back to us and tell us who you could spot in the crowd. So far I've only recognised John Vanderslice and Christopher Owens of Girls.

And on those notes... Did you hear Girls' Heartbreaker? Or did you miss Jens Lekmans' 2010 summer mix A Summer in 3/4 Time feauturing The Morning Benders Excuses?

Long Weekend, no mad-hatters party

A short hiatus due to long weekend away in Apollo Bay. One of the most spectacular places I've seen in a long time. Obviously it was pouring down, and there were small floodings and a landslide had blocked of one of the lanes somewhere between Lavers Hill and the Twelve Apostles.



After almost being blown off the cliffs we returned to a sunny Apollo Bay and enjoyed the sunset with the latest Badly Drawn Boy, Philip Glass and Keith Jarrett.

But, enough about us and that. What we all wonder, I assume, is; Nick how's Sweden?

Finishing School, the illegitimate child of Wigan Casino

Luxury is to reach Friday knowingly that a good weekend is to begin. Heaven is to know that it will include a drink with friends, good music and a dance, especially if it's Finishing School over at Bella Union.



Andrew McClelland (there's definately an overload of c's and l's in that surname) and friends knows how to put on an old-fashioned indie/pop dance night. Half dancing, half spying out over the dance-floor it's a joy to see heads bopping up and down, beat-stomping, spins, turns and the constant feel of the floorboards swaying.

With Mr. McClelland behind the decks I cannot stop thinking that this is the sort of illegitimate child of Wigan Casino, the famous 70's/80's northern english nightclub spurring up a Northern Soul movement and dance style, that exist over the world.

It might just be in my dreams, in my mind, that I get these connotations, but I believe that the friendly and happy atmosphere, the non-stop spinning of Mr. McClelland in his suit, and the supreme location of Trades Hall/Bella Union, has something to with it. Possibly the only clue that you are not at Wigan is the alcohol and the sometimes modern music like Arcade Fire.

See you there next time, I will try to dare a Northern Soul spin if Mr. McClelland plays I Shall Not Be Moved by Barrino Brothers.

R.I.P. General

Exactly a week ago General Norman Johnson passed away. A sweet soul voice, deep, eager, desperate, sometimes painful but most of the time sweet and soulful disappeared. Left to the world is some of the finest soul songs.



I believe that for most people the first time you hear Give Me Just A Little More Time you are taken aback. You can't move, just sit still and take it all in, dream away with the hopeful lyrics of a rejected lover, wonderful choirs, trumpets and near to howling. And after, you question yourself, 'why haven't I heard this before?' and then you go on playing it on repeat for hours.

If you have heard it before, Listen again. If you haven't, Listen on repeat.

Give Me Just A Little More Time (YouTube)

You Got Me Dangling On A String (YouTube)

I'm On My Way To A Better Place (YouTube)

Obsessed, possessed

For the ones that have seen Johnnie, Johnnie and the Johnnies perform live, a word like 'possessed' seems pretty fitting to describe this 4-piece, Melbourne based, surf/a-go-go-psychedelic band. It was like an electric eel swirling away on a sandy dance floor, drinking coconut and umbrella drinks in a dusty and sweaty venue underground. It might be the music or the keyboardist Johnnie Sweet Cheek's manic jumping, skipping, dancing, keyboard banging or it might be the both. Their performances are utterly beautiful, fun and engaging.



The night we saw them was full, and long, night together with The Break and Dengue Fever brought to us by Melbourne Festival. A wonderful mix of similar-minded performers bringing their own take on surf/a-go-go-psychedelic band to the table. The Break with a bit more Space-Race twist and Dengue Fever with more a-go-go, a very tall base player and a very long beard.

Understandably there were several highlights, but I believe the highest of the highlights were the 40-something girls who sat next to us. Sharing their excitement for the music, all three bands, they were most happy to see The Break coming on stage which they showed by purchasing some The Break t-shirts before they even went on stage.

That's the kinds of passion for music you love to see.

image from Johnnie Johnnie and the Johnnies.