Dec 22, 2009
Loving: Humorous tangle anecdotes
"I keep getting my wires crossed and it's left me all mixed up
Is there a foolproof way to stop earbuds tangling?
M.G., Geelong, Vic
Enough worrying about the 2012 Mayan apocalypse, we've still got two years to prepare for that - there's a much greater global calamity facing us next Friday. In households around the world, normal people will be opening Christmas presents containing digital music devices and will initially be thrilled with their gift because it's something they've been wanting since their old digital music device became obsolete, which happens about every 45 minutes. Bt upon using this digital music device, they will be immediately stricken with a crisis of tsunamic proportions: earbud tangling or, worse, earphone-snaring or, most diabolical of all, headset grannyknotting. What mysterious forces are behind this dire wire-intertwining enigma? Some claim it's an ancient Mayan prophecy pertaining to the earphone equinox. Other believe it's technology getting smarter than us and trying to destroy us with rudimentary cord strangulation. Still others say it's just that we're yanking too much when we should be tugging gently, just generally in life. Whatever the reason, our immediate concern is urgent unilateral disentanglement, so here's some emergency solutions: you can try winding up your earbud cords neatly when you're done, coiling them around your finger like a roadie after a very small U2 concert... ...Or just be patient and wait until earbuds become wireless, which will most likely happen the day after Christmas."
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Dec 6, 2009
Listening: Interpol - Angst in Suits
It was always going to be hard choosing between two CD’s of equal relevance and quality. I refer to Interpol’s debut and sophomore releases “Turn On The Bright Lights’ and ‘Antics’, respectively. In the end, I chose “Turn On The Bright Lights”, arguably one of the finest, defining and musically poignant debut releases of the post punk era. Interpol are often referred to as the “best dressed” band in the business, (hailing from of New York I guess it's understandable) but it’s their music that sets them apart.
Interpol’s music is dark, broody and full of angst (as are most of their lyrics) yet paradoxically melodic. Carlos Dengler’s deep driving bass, harmonized by the intonation of Daniel Kessler’s rhythmic guitar layered with the lead vocals of Paul Banks, whose low deep voice has often been compared to the late Ian Curtis of Joy Division (then again which singer hasn’t?) rounded out by Samuel Fogarino’s ubiquitous snare drum beat, characterise and define Interpol’s, critically acclaimed, sound and style.
TOTBL, effectively and articulately introduces the distinctive sound of these Indie rockers, with the opening title track, aptly named “Untitled” challenging us to absorb and process the music, without the requirement for an actual track name (effortlessly aided by the extended guitar and drum intro). “Obstacle1” follows next; a favourite track played live, openly expressing an emotive quality to Paul Bank’s low vocal range. “Say Hello To The Angels” (a perfect opener to any mixed tape compilation) instantly delves into a flurry of grinding guitar riffs, which not only lay the song’s foundation but also immerse you into its melodious appeal.
“NYC”, an ode to their city of residence, an introspective reflection on life in the big apple, sometimes bittersweet and fastidious but always becoming and nurturing.” Roland” an accelerating and explosive piece, with obvious lineage to the punk genre, powers through and doesn’t disappoint those who like their music fast and loud. Then there is the somewhat ambiguously titled “Stella Was A Diver And She Was Always Down” – take time and ponder its meaning. My favourite track, “PDA”, is an appealing song that captivated me very late one night and incited my appreciation of Interpol; containing a fantastic instrumental bridge that serenades the subconscious.
The Australian release contained a bonus track “Specialist” which lyrically, is every bit as moody as Interpol can conjure musically. So as PDA claims, there are “200 couches”, so, pick one, lock and load TOTBL, assume the horizontal and assimilate in this highly enjoyable musical moment.Nov 28, 2009
Listening: Bridezilla & those Casablanca moments

Nov 19, 2009
What we've been listening to this week
of unbridled anticipation is one of the simple pleasures that the enjoyment of music brings. It marks the beginning of a beautiful journey and a moment in time, discovering and sharing an artist’s personal reflections and thoughts through their lyrics and melodic sound. Having heard Whitley’s amazing and infectious first single “Head, First, Down” from his, then upcoming, sophomore CD “Go Forth Find Mammoth” (a month out from its official release) that anticipation was well and truly set and growing.Nov 15, 2009
What we've been listening to this week

Nov 8, 2009
Your brand strikes back
Nov 7, 2009
What we've been listening to this week

The Annandale Hotel is the Geelong garage/grunge/rock band's home away from home and tonight’s concert was always going to be something special and spiritual. The band came together to pay special tribute to their fallen band mate and co founder, Dean Turner, who passed away from a rare form of cancer a few months earlier and the night was completely sold out. This however did not for one moment mean that this special occasion was going to be a sombre affair; the band rocked, charged, blazed and owned the stage from the opening song. That’s what Dean would have wanted and the only way he knew to deliver a Magic Dirt performance.
Front woman Adalita Srsen, as I have always maintained, is the most energetic, entertaining, enigmatic and charismatic female lead
singer in Australia (and among the very best within the international music industry). If there is a better woman then she must be so indie, alternate, independent and underground that she’s playing a nomadic cave somewhere in the vast Australian wilderness. Adalita rocked the stage, traversed the Annandale bar and, in a noble gesture to her hard core fans, jumped off stage into the mosh pit floor for a “meet and greet” and for a period of 5 minutes played lying on her back flanked by her adoring fans. To her credit, she never missed a chord!Drummer Adam Robertson was totally in his own zone, watching him pound those skins with complete abandon at times he looked like he was channelling late great “skinsmen” Keith Moon and John Bonham. Sweat pouring out of him, almost in synch with the beat, his handy pack of Becks ensured a source of quick liquid replenishment. Guitarist Raul was amped for a huge night, from the warm up he was ready to give all and he did; enjoyment personified, rock jamming guitar licks a-plenty and he didn’t wane for a second throughout the hour and a half set. Matt Sonic, who replaced Dean, did so with much grace and conviction - a long time friend of Dean’s there was no one more fitting and capable to fill that role, he was solid and did Dean proud.
The set-list, handpicked by the band, primarily consisted of songs that were special to Dean, which meant that they pretty much spanned Magic Dirt’s entire back catalogue and also resulted in the band playing songs like “Snow White”, which by their own admission, had not been played in a long while. For die hard fans this was a definite bonus and they lapped it up with complete insatiable gusto, which drove Adalita into a further rock inspired frenzy. Other Dean favourites that were cranked to the max were ”Dirty Jeans”, “Vulcanella”, “White Boy” and “All My Crushes”, to name just a few.

There was a brief pause about a third of the way into the night where the band stopped to honour Dean. In a hearted felt speech by Adalita, which had the crowd applauding for several minutes before she could continue (she was openly moved by this gesture), she then continuing in an emotional epilogue honouring her cofounder and dear friend. A beautiful moment complemented by an ambience and an audience that was engaged in the moment.
As Adalita eluded to earlier on, the night belonged to Dean and the incredible legacy he left behind, through Magic Dirt, his music will live for a considerably long time. An amazing band, an unforgettable night and a heartfelt goodbye… Dirty Jeans forever.
