Brothers, Dames.

A couple of specials on this week.

The Puta Madre Brothers are an experience pretty much unlike any other. Three guys, each with a guitar and a kick drum, just like in the picture, they make a strange, loud, howling racket. It's good to see them with an album out:
I'm pretty sure that title translates as "cheese and balls"by the way. Go figure.
Then on Saturday, you can catch what I think is the second outing, maybe the third, for the Dames, over at the Great Britain:

I have no idea what to expect from this, but given the ladies involved- Clare Moore, Kaye-Louise Patterson and Rosie Westbrook- I'd assume it'd be pretty good.

Last Tram Home presents...#4

I think this is pretty self-explanatory, isn't it?
May 8th, the Old Bar. See you there.
As the Hicks would say, "This is gonna be gooooood."

Big thanks to Jez for his very autumn-ish piece of work this time round, too.

JJJ- an apology (kinda).

Like no doubt many of you, I've often been less than complimentary about our national "youth broadcaster", JJJ. I rarely if ever listen to it, and indeed have been known to suggest (on more than one occasion) that it would be a far better enterprise if it was being run by that young, gothy-looking girl who works behind the counter at JB HiFi in Chadstone.
But- but- allow me to go on record as saying that presenter Dom Alessio is clearly someone who knows what the fuck he is on about.

Longerer weekend.

How long since these guys played in Melbourne?

They will play an in-store at Missing Link on Friday at 5pm; a solo show as A Cloakroom Assembly (Scattered Order) and Shane Fahey (Makers of the Dead Travel Fast) at Loophole Community Centre in Thornbury on Saturday, supported by Charles Ives singers, Matthew Brown and Breathing Shrine; and finally at The Toff in Town on Sunday with Free Choice Duo and Paeces.
Yes. Scattered Order for free, at Missing Link, on Friday. Sticking with the oldies theme:

I have seen the Little Murders three times this year, I think, and they have never sounded so good. If you want real power-pop/mod/new wave stuff, they are still the real deal.
Then on Sunday, you can enjoy this, at the Old Bar, safe in the knowledge that Monday is a public holiday:

Not technically "records".

It was Record Store Day again on the Saturday just past. There appears to be some sort of shenanigans/argument going on around this, which I neither understand nor care about. What was important was that I managed to hit two participating stores in the space of a few hours.
At Polyester in Brunswick St. I bought a copy of "Prayers On Fire", from Julia Zemiro, of all people. That's three I have now- red vinyl, black vinyl and CD.

Listening to it later I was struck by how well it has aged. It is monstrously good- clever, heartfelt and immensely changeable from track to track.
Then, in the afternoon, I ducked into Greville Records over in Prahran to see Warwick and Steve, and grabbed this absolute pearl:

Details and samples can be found right here. I've had volume two- sadly, there are only two volumes- of this for a while now, it's good to finally make it a pair.
So, two CDs, for a grand total of $35, requiring a cross-town trip (which I woulda been making anyway) a bit of conversation and a few beers. A good day's work all round, even better that it was all done by 5.00pm.

(think of a title later)

I'm still in a bit of a distracted state for some reason. But allow me to surface long enough to draw some fine events to your attention.


I have been seeing Intoxica and/or their predecessors for a long, long time, and they never fail to deliver. Them Jacknives are pretty good too. Both of 'em for free over at the Retreat sounds like a fine way to spend an evening.
Or if you prefer something newer and, um, "edgier":

Chrome Dome are releasing an album and a 7', simultaneously, on the same night BUT on two different labels- Lexicon Devil and No Patience respectively. That's on at the Worker's Club in Fitzroy, with supports from Lakes, Free Choice, Repairs and No Zu. Not sure what it's going to cost, but I'm guessing it won't break the bank.
I also plan to brew my first batch of beer in a long time. Which will no doubt add to my distraction in the weeks to come.
And let me just drop this out there in an oh-so-subtle plug.

Down time.

But I have been busy.
I read this
and this

And I watched the movie, too. The book is better than the movie, by the way.
I ate some of this

and this.
I drank a few Bloody Marys in a park on Good Friday, as well.

I was there at Parliament House for this, which was great.

Oh, and I bought (a print of) this

Now, back to business.
This will either be great, or fucking atrocious:

Circle Pit are, after all, a band who choose to participate in internet threads started expressly to give them shit. And for that they deserve some respect. Or interest, maybe, or a kick in the teeth. Who knows?
Anyway. Normal business has resumed. Oh, and Melburnians- or anyone who will be in Melbourne on the night- should pencil the next "Last Tram Home presents..." show on May 8th at the Old Bar into their diaries right now.

Album of the week- Digger & the Pussycats: "DIY"

Huh. They play, they break up, they tour, they fuck themselves up. And every year or so (give or take, generously) they serve up another album.
If you've heard Sam & Andy before, you'll know what to expect- a fine squawking thrash-racket and gut-rush of clever (but not "clever") tunes that fill the air like the welcome sound of an old friend with a six pack knocking on your door.
If you haven't seen them live- and surely there can't be many who haven't- you can remedy that by heading along to Yah Yah's on Thursday 1st April, where they will be launching this in fine noisy style.

All hail.

Crazy times in the daytime right now. I'm just glad that today's earthquake didn't turn out to be much.
Anyway, I'll be looking for some downtime this weekend. Like this:

Howard was a founding member of Crime & The City Solution, These Immortal Souls and Pink Stainless Tail, as well as stepping in on occasional Birthday Party guitar duty. True to his pedigree, he will be backed by Dave Graney and Clare Moore who are “back in post-punk mode”. Supports by Stu Thomas (The Surrealists) and Bad Orchestra. Cost: $7 on the door.

Although, despite some questionable aims, as a stand-alone show, this has it's charms, too:

Mainly because I plan to throw Tim Rogers in the lion cage while the lights are out. Naah, just kiddin'.

A polite reminder.

Well, I say polite, but really, you'd be a fucking idiot to miss this at the Old Bar on Friday.
Number three in an infinite series:

Yes, you read that right- Uneasy Listeners are indeed the four remaining members of the Seminal Rats, Penny Ikinger is playing with Andrew McCubbin, and Johnny Casino and the Secrets are playing all up close and personal.
As ever, feel free to say hello. I'll be there til closing.

Freaks and a festival.

Have you ever seen Telecom? No? I didn't think so.

Despite the fact they have no drummer anymore, the Old Bar are kindly letting them play this Friday night, along with Sweetmac, Daughterboy Jao and Damn The Torpedoes. One of the guys from Telecom tells me Damn The Torpedoes are pretty good, so maybe an early start and an early night is best.

Then something on the southside for Sunday:

I'm not quite sure what kind of fuckwit thinks Ripponlea is a secret. There's a goddamn train station there and everything. Still, this from a local council who issues media releases about public toilets. Anyway, there are walking tours and such , then from 3.00pm Fred Negro & Dave Mole, the Bittersweet Kicks, Frank Lee Earnest & the Empty Glasses and Spencer P. Jones are playing for free on the Lyrebird stage, at 61 Glen Eira Rd. Right by that station I mentioned earlier.

Album of the week- The Brutals: "The Honeymoon Period"

This has come along a wee bit late for me to call it "the album of the summer", which is a shame, because it would have been ideal.
Ten tracks of odd, shimmering, country-infused pop, full of naive charm and killer hooks. Here's the video for "Jeneane, Jeneane" to give you a taste. I was lucky enough to catch them live at Applecore recently, and that was even better. Still, this will do to get you through the autumn, at least. Released on the resurgent Half A Cow Records, too, by the way.

Travel time.

Well, one way or another I was always going to be on the road this (long) weekend.
For the first time ever, I'm booked in for Golden Plains:

There's a long and involved story about two friends getting me drunk and suggesting this would be an ideal way to get over my general dislike of festivals. Whatever, the line up was enough to convince me.
Who’s playing. This year’s lineup is brought to you by the letters “spirited”, “pirate” and “classic”.
PAVEMENT, DINOSAUR JR, DIRTY PROJECTORS, THE BIG PINK, MIDNIGHT JUGGERNAUTS, TAME IMPALA, SUPER WILD HORSES, OPTIMO, CALEXICO, MONOTONIX, GASLAMP KILLER, NASHVILLE PUSSY, JEFFREY LEWIS & THE JUNKYARD, THE CRUEL SEA, CRAYON FIELDS, RANSOM, ANDEE FROST, ROYAL HEADACHE, WOODEN SHJIPS, ANTIBALAS, CLAIRY BABY BROWNE AND THE BANGIN’ RACKETTES, SPACE INVADAS, JACK LADDER, SCATTERMUSIC SOUND SYSTEM, OPULENT DJs
Not all of that is essential, and there's a bit of rain forecast, but, y'know, so what?
If I was around, though, I'd be heading to Yah Yah's on Saturday night, where Brian Hooper is previewing tracks of his forthcoming album, accompanied by Mick Harvey and JP Shilo.
Odd how it looks like there's a name missing from that sentence.

Album of the week- GOD: "GOD".

If there is one band on earth who can get away with self-titling what is essentially a reissue, it's these guys.
More than twenty years after their last show, but only weeks after a version of "My Pal" brought down the curtain on the Tote, this feels very timely. Or maybe it's just about fucking time.
If you weren't around back in the day to see them, and haven't heard either "Rock Is Hell" or "For Lovers Only", this may surprise you. Regardless of whether you were or not, my tip is to play disc two first. It includes the whole of their final show, at the Central Cub in Richmond in July 1989. Thirteen tracks, unedited but remastered, that show them in all their loud sweaty glory. A must.

Competition.

There's some stiff competition for your attention this Saturday.
At Pony, Spitfire Parade are simultaneously launching their debut album...and splitting up.

Which seems to me an odd way of going about things, but there you go. Support from YIS, Deep Where All Drown and the Sunday Reeds.

But then again... Kim Salmon and the Surrealists are taking an ATP-style run through their 1988 album "Hit Me With The Surreal Feel", over at the Northcote Social Club. And that has supports from Sydney's Holy Soul, as well as Witch Hats, who are playing their last show for a while.

For a change of pace on Sunday, the National Gallery of Victoria is hosting a "Last Day Of Summer" show. Being broadcast live on RRR, it features Henry Wagon, Beaches, Crayon Fields and Ned Collette & Wirewalker. And it's free.

Worst journalist in Australia- vote now.

My friend Ben Butler has been nominated in a pissy internet tantrum that's been set up by notable Australian scumbag Dr. Geoffrey Edelsten. I'm not sure what he wrote to deserve this rant:
The title 'business affairs editor" appears under his name, but his articles display an appalling lack of any business knowledge. There is no doubt that despite his ability to confirm a proposed story as being factual, he is not disposed to do so. This allows him to write a story embellished with incorrect facts, and worsened by ommission of explanations, which instantaneously destroys the foundation of the story. The public should be aware that this 'journalist' and his editors set out to deliver a sensational story, more often than not, as a lead news story but deliberately avoid enquiring of the truth of the matter.

But Ben never wins anything- please go here and vote for him. He'd be honoured.

Full disclosure- I had stitches put in my arm at an Edelsten-owned clinic in Frankston, back in 1987 or so. The service was OK and the big screen TV in the waiting room was a blessing. Though I'm still not sure why they needed a grand piano in the middle of the room.

UPDATE- He won! Well done, Ben. Now, when will Edelsten pony up with the prize?

SLAM Rally.

Well, that was fun.
It's hard to convey just what it feels like to march down the middle of the main streets of your home town on a sunny afternoon, with 10,000 or so friends, all for a good cause. This video will give you some idea of the kinda casual, relaxed and goddam noisy nature of the thing:

This article is a great overview, even if the crowd estimate is perhaps somewhat generous.
I was very proud to be there, and to be part of the group of people I was with, even if some of the speeches at the end got a little...serious:

The organisers, the bands, and everyone who came should pat themselves on the back today, and then prepare for round two.

Thanks to Colette for that photo.

Hack hack hack.

Hmm, sorry about that brief break in transmission. Let's pile a load of stuff into this one, shall we?

If you missed AC/DC playing at Airline Stadium in Melbourne last week, then this tribute show at the Old Bar may be some small (very small) compensation:

I understand one of the Oldie's owners is celebrating his beard's 21st birthday, or something of that nature, on Friday night, too. Whatever- he's a guy who has been known to drink gin & Red Bull at times, so, y'know, approach with caution.

Then remember to set the alarm early-ish so you can get a good spot on the grass at this:

Playing times:
12.30-1.00: The Brutals
1.20-1.50: The Orbweavers
2.10-2.40: Grace Before Meals (Syd)
3.00-3.30: East Brunswick All Girls Choir
3.50-4.20: Denim Owl
4.40-5.10: Teeth & Tongue
5.30-6.10: Ned Collette & Wirewalker
6.30-7.10: Crow (Syd)
7.30-8.00: Alphabethead (NZ)
8.30-9.00: The Rebelles
9.20-10.00: Dave McCormack & The Polaroids

Last year's show was one of the best gigs of the year. Remember- BYO but no glass, don't forget the sunscreen, and only a complete arsehole would quibble about paying that entry "donation".

If you find the thought of being out doors in the evening a bit scary, you can leave early and head to the Birmy for this:

I have not seen this Taco Leg mob, but am very keen to.

Then a change of pace on Sunday:

Singer/songwriter LOENE CARMEN’s spectacular fourth album It Walks Like Love, released December last year, will receive a belated Melbourne album launch on Sunday 21st February at the Toff In Town. Carmen will perform with her live band and co-conspirators, young punks Brock Fitzgerald and Sam Pearton from The Scare on guitar and drums respectively and right hand man, bass player Sam Worrad, from garage rockers Holy Soul.

At some stage I also need to find time to check out the chinos at Chadstone. But you don't need to worry about that.

Early mail on SLAM.

I guess it goes without saying that anyone who reads this blog should try and get along to this.

On the 23rd of February, coinciding with the 34th anniversary of AC/DC’s famous ‘It’s A Long Way To The Top’ film clip shoot down Swanston St, S.L.A.M (Save Live Australia’s Music) is organising a protest in support and celebration of the music scene in Victoria where current liquor licensing laws threaten to pull the plug on live music.
We will meet at 4pm outside the State Library and make our way along Swanston St and up Bourke St to Parliament House in Spring St where we will have guest speakers from 6-7pm.
We have organised the RocKwiz Orchestra with guest performers to lead the rally, repeating the three chords from ‘It’s A Long Way to the Top’ in the back of a flat bed truck as we follow – ALL 10,000 + OF US – holding placards and instruments chanting down these ridiculous laws.
Lack of support for this precious industry has gone on for too long.
Celebrate the diversity of Victorian music – this will be a day to remember!

You can sign up here to show support and keep informed.
See you there.

Hmm.

Not 100% sure what I'll be up to this weekend. Seems like some of my usual steady standby options are not available. Time for something new?
This "Everyday People" thing on Saturday could be good:

Guy Blackman, Always, Rat Vs Possum, Keith! Party, Flying Scribble, Space Cactus, Owl + Moth, Scout! Scout!, Isle Adore, Hammocks & Honey, He Said, She Said, Loveletting And The Weeping Hearts, Fuckyouastrology, Courtney Barnett, + More To Be Announced, + Performances By Spill Collective.
All that for only $16.00, at Penny Black in Sydney Rd. Brunswick.

On Sunday, there are two distinct and mutually-exclusive choices.
A boat trip on the bay:


And a record fair/gig at Yah Yah's:


Depends on the weather and the state of my wallet, I guess.