Album of the week- Niagara & the Hitmen: "St. Valentine's Day Massacre"

This took a while to come out, and then a leetle while longer for my copy to filter through. But it's here now, and it's all good.
Long story short- what you get here is Sydney's Hitmen backing gen-u-ine legend Niagara on an eight song live set that's all killer, no filler. Then the Hitmen chuck in a couple more live numbers, just because they can. Everyone sounds hot, everyone sounds like they are having a ball. It is, as the liner notes say, the closing of a circle and a fine reminder of the influence of Ron Asheton.
They don't make too many of 'em like this anymore, sadly.

More too much.

Guh. If I wasn't already fully booked for this weekend, this would've been great:

Static Age presents, at the Lithuanian Club, 44 Errol St. North Melbourne: Lightning Bolt, Grey Daturas, Primitive Calculators, Naked on the Vague, Justice Yeldham, Embers Big Band, Abject Leader, Ivans, Other Films, The Whulge, Rebeiro/Andrews and Robotosaurus
This is so big it'll be over two stages/rooms. Tickets are $40 in advance, and no one is sure that there will be any left for door sales. Kicks off at 5.00pm. I have heard good things about these Bolt boys, but sadly have not been able to experience them live.

Getting in early.

Getting these out early.
First up- just because I have a lot of time for the fine people at Spooky Records- is this:

Yes it’s no mean feat but it’s true, Spooky Records has survived 10 years in what has probably been the fastest evolving time ever in the music business. So to celebrate they’re taking over the infamous Tote, on Saturday 28th November and putting on a huge bash with most of the current Spooky bands getting up and doing a set. On the bill, SixFtHick, The Bakelite Age, The Stabs, Hugo Race and True Spirit, Kretch, Digger & the Pussycats, Sailors & Swine, and a rare performance from Gentle Ben & his Sensitive Side.
To keep it fair we’ve messed with the playing times so you’ll have to get there early cause it might just be your favorite opening the proceedings. But if not, to keep you all entertained we’ll put on a free BBQ and don’t forget to check out the merch stand cause there’ll be some wicked specials from the Spooky catalogue
Doors and BBQ are at 7pm sharp and definitely no presales so come early.

Looks like a bargain at $18.00. AND I get to grab a new tshirt, cheap.
Then after that, why not head up the road to the Old Bar?

You may miss Heinz Reigler, Lee Memorial and Ninetynine, but you will get to hear me DJing again. Til 3.00am. Don't call it an "after-party", just call it a party.

Action all the time.

As the early summer heatwave kicks on, there's a couple of amazingly diverse but equally attractive shows on this weekend.
Veteran rock troupers the Hitmen return to the stage, behind the release of their new album "St. Valentine's Day Massacre". Recorded in Sydney last year, it see them teaming up onstage with genuine Detroit legend Niagara, for a run through some classics by the likes of Destroy All Monsters and the Stooges. The Hitmen reissue run continues too, with their 1984 live album "Tora! Tora! DTK!", coupled with 1991's "Moronic Inferno" plus a heap of added rarities, out now.

I can only imagine what a sweatbox Cherry Bar will be.
But if that doesn't do it for you, hop across the imaginary fence between Guitarland and Synthville, and catch Primitive Calculators, ZOND and others instead.

The two forms of music aren't mutually exclusive, you know. Just sayin'.

That and some cold beer should get you through the weekend.

Then early next week, there's this:

Now ordinarily, I wouldn't ask anyone to consider paying $8.00 to watch videos in a city bar. But when you figure the night includes the debut showing of Matt Givoni's clip for the Stabs' "Split Lips", it may be more enticing. Add to that the attendance of many of the (ahem) stars of said clip, and it looks like a winner.

Boxed in.

A few things going on this weekend- in fact, there is something on tonight:

Now, I'm not a huge fan of burlesque, and I can't stand the eternal fucking arguments over what it means- feminine empowerment vs. sexist reinforcement and so on, ad nauseum- but this looks like it could be good. And I like the poster.

Tomorrow night, them Hats boys are at the Workers Club:

They were in great form last week, playing with the Stabs. And as it says there, they will have the EP available on CD and on 10" vinyl. I can't think of a better place to pick up a copy, if for some reason you don't have one already.

Although sometime soon I need to find eight or so hours to enjoy this fine recent purchase: the complete Lone Wolf and Cub DVD boxset.

Overload.

Guh.
It's been a busy few days. Lemme see if I can remember it all.
Thursday- Rowland S. Howard at the Prince of Wales.
Friday- Witch Hats and the Stabs at the Tote.
Saturday- YIS at the Tote.
Sunday- Mark Steiner & Thomas Borge at the Sporting Fox.
Monday- the first "Last Tram Home presents" night at the Old Bar.
I've been busy. Last night at the Old Bar was great- Aktion Unit played as a four piece, Crystal Thomas teamed up with Kim Volkman, and the Late Arvo Sons blew the roof off. Then I got to play old singles til 3.00am Thanks to everyone who came along- we are already planning the next one.
But now, I am going back to bed.