Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Rowland S Howard, 1959-2009.



There is so much I want to say about this, but I can't right now. Here's something I helped write earlier today:
Australia’s music scene has lost a true icon with the reported passing of Rowland S Howard today (December 30). While no official statement has been made by management, close friends of the guitarist have confirmed reports that he lost his ongoing battle with liver cancer at Melbourne’s Austin Hospital this morning.

Howard, 50, was a former member of the Young Charlatans, The Boys Next Door (who later morphed into The Birthday Party) and These Immortal Souls. He penned ‘Shivers’, which became an underground hit for The Boys Next Door, and memorably dueted with Lydia Lunch on Lee Hazlewood's ‘Some Velvet Morning’.

In 1999, Howard released his debut solo album, Teenage Snuff Film, which quickly became a cult classic. Its long-awaited follow-up Pop Crimes was released in October this year, sparking a run of well-received shows and garnering widespread critical acclaim (it topped M+N’s annual Critics Poll earlier this month).

Howard’s ongoing battles with liver cancer recently forced the cancellation of several shows including a spot on the Homebake and Summer Tones bills. He played his last gig at The Prince in St Kilda, where it all started, on October 29. Review of the show here.

In his final interview with M+N, Howard said he was enjoying the renewed interest in his career. “It’s very gratifying,” he said. “When I play live, nobody calls out for ‘Shivers’ any more, because they are too young to have any kind of historical attachment to it … It’s peculiar in a way, it just seemed to happen on its own accord. And it’s great, because no longer do I look out from the stage and just see a bunch of ageing ex-junkies.”

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

NYE and slightly beyond.

Hmm, probably the last post of 2009, and as expected, there are a shitload of shows on for New Year's Eve. These all either a/caught my eye for serious consideration, or b/had easily-grabbed art online. Cast your eye over this little lot- a rough count tells me there are over 30 bands listed.






Do not ask me why Bama-Lama go for the landscape layout, instead of portrait. Similarly, do not ask why I couldn't find any artwork to use for Yah Yah's or the Tote.

And afterwards? Well, there are a few recovery parties and such going on...this one at Ding Dong, on Saturday, looks good:


As to where I may end up, I'm still not sure. There are a few parties to check out first, and it's usually a long night for me. Have a good one, regardless of what you do. Salut!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

The best photo of me taken this year.



Split Lips. Born Loser.

Thank you,

one and all. One of the people who gave me this psuedonym is dead. The woman who encouraged me put the breath of life back into it no longer speaks to me if she can avoid it. But many other kind folks have willingly offered me sofas, beers and cold hard cash (and yes, that is in descending order of importance) over the past twelve months.

The Barman still tolerates my antics now and again- and I owe him a beer.
But, y'know, I still love doing this thing that I do, under whatever name, at whatever time or place.

Here are the details of some things I particularly enjoyed doing/seeing/being part of this year.

Here is a pic of me and some buddies having too much fun:


L>R Rene, me, Grong, Paul Kidney.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Things we do when hungover, part 115

So, I booked a ticket for ATP NY today.

I have no passport, and haven't told my employer yet. Oh well.
Fuck your SxSW, the Scientists are doing "Blood Red River" before Mudhoney do "Superfuzzbigmuff" AND THEN the Stooges do "Raw Power". I'll be in another country getting fucked up to all that- what could possibly go wrong? There's a decent Melbourne contingent signed up already- see you there?

Friday, December 18, 2009

Dudes and preludes.

Now, Russell Street on a Friday night is usually a place to avoid. But tonight I'm going to make an exception:

The venue's own website has kindly provided copy for this:
AARGHT! records and Radical Awesome tours present the show of the year at Billboard ''The Venue'' on the 18th of December. Australian Music Prize slayers and Frankston's biggest export Eddy Current Suppression Ring will go head to head with San Francisco's Pitchfork endorsed Thee Oh Sees for a night of silly season spastacularity.
Melbourne shit-heads the Witch Hats will provide support along with local breeze pop favourites The Twerps.

On Saturday, Deaf Wish launch their excellent new album "Reality & Visions"at the Tote.

I have a copy of this, and it is a fucked-up masterpiece of noise and awesome. Supports will be courtesy of The School of Radiant Living and ’90s stalwarts/supergroup Breaking the Law. $12.00
There is all sorts of stuff happening on Sunday too, including a Kelley Stoltz show at the Workers Club, but it may be too much.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Aktion.

Hello again. Sorry for the quietude. Much occurring, on this side of the screen.
And plenty more to come.
In the meantime, Dan & Rene of Aktion Unit have started a blog, putting up both sound files and posters for a slew of their live shows- you can keep yourself entertained for a while exploring it here , I'm sure.

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Downtime.

Hmm, things are a bit quiet this week. Why not go see a movie?

Whatever you do, do not go anywhere near Latrobe St. on Sunday afternoon, or you may find yourself in The Boroughs.

Hey, if there's not much to say, why say too much?

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Album of the week- Loene Carmen: "It Walks Like Love"


A tricky one, this.
As opposed to the vast bulk of the noise that passes through my (aching, ringing) ears, this solo-with-friends album by Sydney-based singer/songwriter/actress/everything Loene Carmen is quietly forceful in a way unlike anything else I can recall hearing lately. That doesn't mean it's all shy and retiring, though. There's a a fair dose of open lovin', mingled with some sad and bitter honesty on offer here. The sound also moves across a wide range, from dusty country to howling feedback. But nothing is ever confusing- in fact, it's all pretty amazing.