Guess who's back, back again....

That's right it's me, and not only am I back but i am biggety biggety back with a viggety viggety vengeance! I thought to myself, what would you kids like in the first post back in the blog world? and then I thought again and realised I am sure you just want to hear about some awesome music and where I have been the past week, so here goes nothing, everything and more than that something I have not given you lately, and while you read here is a little song to get you in the mood.



So I, like most of you, am on holidays! How awesome is this you ask? 7 out of 3 that's how awesome it is! So far I have ducked away for a couple of days, stayed at friends places in Bondi and Manly, smashed some beers in the sun at The Squadron, hung out with the family over Christmas while chowing down on some sweet sweet seafood and now I am preparing for another New Years Eve celebration. Like I said, AWESOME!

One amazing thing about holidays is the time you get to just do whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and yesterday I felt like watching the beautifully crafted Into The Wild. This movie is a masterpiece and a great representation of the novel, maintaining its integrity and holding true to its original creation. The way the plot tugs on your emotions and forces a connection between the viewer and Alexander Supertramp is one of brilliance and is rarely executed to such affect. I couldn't help but feel like running away from home, ditching my car, my job, everything and just running wild for a while, meeting strangers and getting to know them just as Emile Hirsch does while representing Christopher McCandless / Alexander Supertramp throughout the film.

One thing which makes this movie so beautiful and helps create this connection is the soundtrack created by Eddie Veddar of Pearl Jam with one song being contributed by Jerry Hannan, Society. All songs help craft the shape and darw emotions throughout the film and none more than Guaranteed with its relvance and beauty.



This song picked up a Goldne Globe for Best Original Song sparking more people to buy the soundtrack after already selling around 39,000 in its first week and showed us that this soundtrack was more than your average bear, it is clearly a beautiful musical representation of this awesome movie. My personal favourites would have to be Hard Sun, The Wolf and No Ceiling, so now I have them here for you to enjoy also.







So my lovely peepety peeps, I know it was a little bit of a gap between posts from me but hopefully you enjoyed reading this and are ready for more and more entries to come because I just remembered how nice it feels to type out a sweet sweet post for you kids to enjoy. So like mangos and strawberries I am back, so look out for more sweet delights in the coming days and I will be sure to drop by your page and read read read YEOW!

Jonathan Boulet + kids doing ballet

Peepety peepety peepety peeps, good day to you. How fair you on this fine summers eve? Doth thou maiden enjoy the sunshine and subsequent lovely smiles on the peoples faces? Does it not remind you of flurescent childhood and allow sweet reminiscent dreams to take over each and every sense in your body? The smell of the flowers and the way the sea breeze just brushes the face in a seductive and sensual manner as though to welcome you in a warm embrace? I think so, and I think you know exactly what I mean... do you? Or am I totally wrong? Could go either way, seriously it could, as unlike Derek Zoolander this here boy can turn left. I CAN.

So my lovely ones, how are we today? Spectacular I hope and I hope you are ready for another installment. I have lapsed a little in the last couple of days as I have not been accessing my work computer and the one at home really does struggle with this thing, but in the worlds of Kyle's Cousin, I'M BAACCCKKK!

I want to start by having a chat with you all about Triple J's latest Featured Artist, Jonathan Boulet. What do you guys reckon? About a 7 on the scale? In my mind, he is a 7, on a scale of 3... Seriously he is a rockin 21 year old Sydney lad, which really is annoying by the way as I am now 23 and have not become a Triple J's featured artist, but man this guy can create some amazing stuff. The song most people would have heard would be this magical gift from the musical gods called A Community Service Announcement, and has an addictive tone to it with its fun, summer-love driven chorus. One of those songs you just listen to and enjoy, but then when it ends you feel you need more, so you just play it again and again and then listen to something else then again and again and again then eat a schnitzel then again.... Too much?

The song that has not been getting as much airplay but deserves it just as much is Ones Who Fly Twos Who Die and has this drum line throughout which just allows ultimate layering and evokes thoughts of Karen O and the Kids Where The Wild Things Are soundtrack, just this time with male voices. I think this is so due to the driving beat with fairy like flute of sorts, airy guitar riff, high female voice harmonies and the straight repetition, all working together to just add more and more textual deliciousness. Let me know what you think.

So I can understand why he is the featured artist and I am not, as he actually writes music, I just write about it but do you not agree that this is some beautiful stuff. Speaking of stuff, do you like it? Or perhaps ballet? Wearing the pointy shoes and pink frilly awesome things? AKA Fairy pyjamas? I hope so, because if not I just asked a bunch of questions about something you don't even like... weird... Now just as you think this post is over here is a little favourite of mine to say goodbye with, so, goodbye =)

YEOW!!!!!

Sorry like a naughty dog

So sorry my lovely peepety peeps. I just disappeared on you for two days without notice and for this I apologise. I have been lucky enough that you enjoy the lollies and sweet soda pop I throw from the cooler in my mind each day so much that you come back to read, yet I failed to inform you of my absence. ***insert sad puppy face here*** But I am happy to tell you I am back and well beyond happiness, I am just plain stoked to be here like Mick Fanning, so without further delays like those you get when buying Christmas presents, let's get crackling. While you read have a listen to this beautiful amazing song, should make you smile, I hope.



AT THE COPA, COPACABANA... This is the opening line to which famous song? Is it a song? Does it wear pants and do you like it??? Whatever the case, I have been away up the coast this weekend at Copacabana hanging out with mates from high school I no longer have the pleasure of seeing enough. WHAT A TRIP! Awesome, just playing some guuit guit guit, listening to some awesome music like John Butler Trio, Xavier Rudd and Jack Johnson, and just spending time with your mates. What a ridiculously beautiful way to spend the weekend.

Just like cake with icing, it was awesome, but I didn't realise just how awesome until I got back, unpacked and realised how happy I was just chilling out with these guys back in my life. The soundtrack the above three musicians provided for my weekend was just as pivotal as the people I was with, as it took me back to high school subconsciously and really set the tone like a good soundtrack should. Songs like John Butler Trio's Valley, with its intensifying and beautiful introduction followed by tracks like Home, a beautiful and passionate portrayal of the bands stance on refugees in Australia, and the unforgettable Peaches and Cream, an intense and melodically sweet tribute to his first born child, these took me back to the things that influenced me growing up and how these musicians have helped shape me. Like a maker of guitars, I have slowly been manipulated and shaped into a human with it's own individual shape and sound by those around me, and now while showing the current product to the people in my life I feel I can rip up a sweet sweet solo while also contributing to the overall sound of day-to-day life. Alright, a bit of a weird analogy but think about it, make it better and come back to me and I will send you a delicious treat via pelican mail.

So anyway I think what I am trying to say is though this competition is pretty hectic and there are so many people to love and read, don't forget to take a couple of little trips back into the past to look at the things which have influenced you to get where you are and spend some time reflecting. HEAVY??? Not really just listen to some music from years back and feel the love it brings to your ears and skin, each hair stands up on it's ends on those songs that reflect unique times in your life and just shimmy shimmy on down the aisle of glee it shows you.

Now just watch some of these videos if you feel like some awesome guitar and singing awesomeness. I will set you up with some more good times tomorrow morning so don't put your awesome party shoes anywhere too far away, cause you will need them in the morning YEOW!

So all you music loving, non-music hating, hat wearing, pant loving, toothpick using, underwear hanging, paper-plane making peepety-peeps! DO I HAVE A SWEET LITTLE POST FOR YOU? Perhaps, depends what you like I guess, but hey here it is anyway like that san-choy-bow you didn’t order but they place on your Susan anyway. Blam!

So this voyage has been particularly awesome so far compared to most competitions I have entered in my life, which is not many at all, but it is this way because of the open communication it allows us to have with each other. I didn’t know there were so many people who love music as much as I do, and love writing about it even more so I can say this has been a real eye opener in regards to people and the way technology has effected this. Making contact with people like smalliebigs, erino, benpitcher, stereodan, reebajeeba, jackdavo, Lee52 and Litty litty mc-litty burger has just made me appreciate this comp so much as even if I don’t win (most likely scenario) at least I have had the chance to read some awesome stuff and chat to some awesomely creative peepety-peeps.

Now another thing this has done is allow people to send me music that I like. When I posted my link to my myspace page yesterday I had an immediate response from a Triple J unearthed band I had not heard just saying “I think you will like our stuff”. This seemed fairly direct and personal, as in not some kind of spam scam, so I decided to check it out. BLAM! BLAM BLAM BLAM! Awesome. The dude was right and I did like it, ALOT. Using a gradual building guitar line to start the song, tambourine taps on the off-beat and very emotion ridden lyrics with sweet tones of sensitivity HUSKY create anticipation and thirst for more. Strange description? I don’t think so, if you listen to the first verse I think you will agree. When the piano enters with light chords on the beat it adds to the building of textual layers that take shape like a cake with the slightly harder, more aggressive caramelised chorus resting on top like a cherry. What a beautiful chorus it is too, as the harmonies come in with the lightest of ease as to not deter from the lead and really allows the lead to work the build up in a unique and far from forceful approach. Husky, Dark Sea has made me a clear fan and I know I can’t wait to hear more of their work.

So though I don’t know these guys I know I will make a point of heading to their next gig and getting you kids some sweet sweet coverage so keep your ear to the ground like running bear and I will keep you all in the loopety loop.

Here is the wonderful Mr Leonard Cohen =)

Anyways later hat-wearing spiders and you have a lovely Thursday YEOW!

King Charles Black Cab Session

Alright all, so if you haven't heard about what I am about to tell you, I feel for you as I know your cover is about to be blown... I KNOW YOU ARE AN FBI AGENT! For those who have been hiding under a rock the last year and a bit I wish to inform you of possibly the best music website I have ever seen and possibly some of the nicest live renditions of musical gems I have ever heard. Beautiful. Seriously, I wish I had come up with this idea as it makes me cry knowing someone just like me decided to take the initiative and create such a wonderful concept.

Now if you’re saying hurry up and tell me, here it is, The Black Cab Sessions. A one-on-one musical interview with some of the world’s best musicians which contributes to a website consisting purely of great live performances all created and filmed in the back of a good old English black cab. I was blown away the first time my friend past the link on to me as it is truly a unique creative idea which has resulted in a group of friends realising their dreams, where they meet and listen to their favourite musicians in a comfortable and regular venue. No pressure to perform. No awkward pauses between bad questions from interviewers. Just great music and a great, one-in-a-million vibe.

Black Cab Sessions Promo from Black Cab Sessions on Vimeo.

Now the way I really felt a personal connection with this was by being told by my mates that my exact life/body double has a recording on the site. Once told this I had to check out the site in even more detail than I originally did, and found King Charles. A seriously amazing artist and character, and to be compared was a very unique compliment. Upon review I realised some pictures do make us look the same so here goes, what do you guys think???

Now go check out the site and blow your lid because if you have a better site than this, feel free to share it, but I believe this is a one-in-a-million. Seriously hours and hours and hours of fun and you can follow them on twitter here. Love ya kids, hit me up with some feedback otherwise I hope you enjoy. Out for a picnic now in the meadows of imagination-land YEOW!

New news is way better than old newspapers...

So peepety peeps, a bit of music news to get your day going and going and going and going... etc.... Stumbled across two interesting pieces of news which I found quite amusing, distressing, exciting, tear-jerking, ecstasy-evoking and shock-worthy all at the same time.

The first, FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS NO MORE!!! I know we all knew this was coming as they were reluctant to even do a second series in the first place, but after its success I am sure you would agree there was a small David Bowie like voice in your mind singing of another season. But, all to no avail as they have decided to call it quits. Reading on Triple J news there is a quote that actually epitomises the kind of humour seen in each and every episode since its inception "While the characters Bret and Jemaine will no longer be around, the real Bret and Jemaine will continue to exist." For all you conchord lovers, here is my selection of greatest hits.

The second piece of news is that Laura Marling is coming back to our shores for a quick qhirlwind tour ahead of the release of her follow up album, “Alas, I cannot Swim”. I heard the news as the band I have been raving on-and-on about, Boy & Bear, are the support act. Check out this news feed if interested, otherwise you kids have a lovely awesome day, and quiche can cause pain in the dead of the night so approach with caution. YEOW!

LAURA MARLING Welcomes Special Guests BOY & BEAR this January!

Goodbye England, hello Australia! The new single ‘Goodbye England (Covered in Snow)’ brings Laura’s trademark dulcet tones through our airwaves, just in time for Christmas. Secret Sounds are also pleased to announce special guests Boy & Bear to join her upcoming shows in Brisbane and Melbourne. Triple j unearthed favourites, Boy & Bear bring together the talents of four former frontmen and songwriters ¬¬– Dave Hosking, Jake Tarasenko, Killian Gavin and Tim Hart – building a unique partnership that echoes Marling’s own knack for emotive, complex songwriting that sounds so effortless. Boy & Bear recently won the coveted unearthed slot on the Homebake festival, after their singles ‘Mexican Mavis’ and ‘The Storm’ garnered critical acclaim and led Richard Kingsmill to give them a five star review: “This is brilliant. Simple as that.”


Marling’s Sydney Festival appearances sold out within hours, and a second Melbourne show at the Corner Hotel January 24th goes on-sale this Thursday, December 10. Limited tickets are still available for her debut Brisbane show at The Zoo on January 20th. No further tour dates will be added.


As evidenced by the haunting swell of ‘Goodbye England’, Marling’s follow up album to “Alas I Cannot Swim” takes a darker turn. With the new album due out in early 2010, these performances will be the first time the new songs will be heard live in Australia.


Secret Sounds Presents Laura Marling With Special Guests Boy & Bear:
JANUARY 20TH: THE ZOO, BRISBANE - SELLING FAST!
Presented by Rave MagazineTickets from OzTix, Ph: 1300 762 545, or www.thezoo.com.au


JANUARY 22ND: CORNER HOTEL, MELBOURNE - SOLD OUT!
Presented by Beat Magazine


JANUARY 24TH: CORNER HOTEL, MELBOURNE – 2ND SHOW ADDED!
Presented by Beat MagazineTickets from Corner Box Office (57 Swan St Richmond 12-8 Mon-Sat), Ph 03 9427 9198, or www.cornerhotel.com ON SALE NOW

Girls rolling in flowers + New Judge YAY!

So my pretty's, how are we on this fine summer evening? Average you say? Well, expect that average to get a sweet kick up the old bee sting and be turned from an average tO SOMETHING A LITTLE BIT BETTER!... LIKE ABOVE AVERAGE... or something.... sorry for getting too excited...

So I have the flu.... Don't worry, you can't catch it by reading about it. I would never put you at risk like that, I mean without you guys, what have I got? The flu, that's what. Bet anyway as a result of said flu and his deadly masked flunkies, I spent most of my weekend on the couch... YAY!!! WOOO!!! YowZAAA! Yes that's correct these are all words you would use to describe a weekend of illness right? guess not but get excited because I at least listened to some sweet sweet musaic and went on a killer journey I wish to share with you like cake at a birthday party!

SO I started by listening to some little red because I thought their groovel-mc-50-rockin-awesomeness would wipe that sniffle from my nose, oh but to no avail. This was followed by a walk down the alley of the universe with The Mars Volta, thinking their synchopated rhythms and sweet sweet solo's would shock the bad out of my system, not to mention their super-creppy-uber-awesome-freakadelic video... Ohh the humanity, once again I face failure.... I thought all was lost when not even the the beautifully simple live recording of Ben Harper and Jack Johnson on local radio in the states bounced away from my ears as though it was allergic to my presence. The world of musical goodness avoiding me like a shy boy to the girl of his dreams. All she wants? His affection yet all he knows to give is harsh words, harsher actions and ignorance. I feel lost and divided.



I enter the Merriweather Post Pavilion. The crowd rise, the stands face near destruction from the thudding feet of my senses running intently up and down in anticipation as the mystic sounds of In The Flowers build, diminish, build, diminish then eventually speak to me in a near alien like voice. The repetition, then sudden explosion of mysterious beauty forcing my mind to voyage far, far away on the ship that is Animal Collective and be lead toward a climax of near silence and a farewell message from those visiting and frolicking in the pasture.

My body and mind have felt the relief required to ensure this flu does not stick like honey to a bee and promises light into the otherwise gloomy day that has been bestowed upon me. This light comes in the form of the next giant leap into this wild animal collective, this untamed beast hoard, this musical voyage taking control of my mind and soul. My Girls have arrived and they feel like taking me on a trip. At the end, they tell me, I will be at least 50% better than a frog in a pond. I agree to join them, and I can now tell you, no need to pack for this as they have everything you need. This album has saved me on this flu ridden day, and I am sure can save many more purple people eaters if called upon. The ease with which it sways me side-to-side, then throws me down the rabbit hole into the world unknown yet doesn't allow me to hit the ground, protecting me from the unknowns harshness.

What a trip this has been. Thank you.

Now, a moon and sun later and this young admiral is in the need of letting peeps know about it, so I hope your trip to visit me has yielded dividends and allowed you to trek deep inside the flu ridden mind of a music loving child. Speaking of music lovers, should I not mention our lovely new Judge, Mia Mcleod? With such a claim to fame as boogie-woogie-rockin it with JK? Dude, you can judge me all you like, actually you could even call me names and I would think you are awesome just for having done that. However, if I ever meet you I will request you show me the moves you taught him, and vice-versa as I think you must have some sweet dancing shoes on you to achieve such a feat! Canned heat perhaps?

Anyways my lovelys this birds gotta fly, and also has to listen to some sweet sweet music. I know it is only a shortie tonight, but some short stories are my favourite, just look at what happened with Where The Wild Things Are. Later rabbit head wearing, bicycle riding, red-riding-hood loving awesome peepety peeps. Yeow!

Weekend shinanigans! Pt 2.

Break-dancing killed this lil ol radio star, yeow!

So like a kid hungry for cartoons on Saturday morning, yearning for mums pancakes, pleading to have friends stay over after baseball and hungry hungry hungry to ensure his weekend is absolutely filled to the brim with activity, so too do you yearn for the second instalment. NEVER FEAR. I hear your cries, and feel your tears fall upon my paper. Here is the second instalment of the weekend that was, the weekend that bore fruit to such events as row-dogs uncles combie stalling on the bend, my bro putting on The final Scenario of 09 and the anticipated return of the irreplaceable Jess to the shores of Australia. “Perfect timing” I say, “you can come to The Scenario at Melt and get your b-to-the-oogie-woogie on! YEOW!!!”

Friday, 4-12-09. As I exit the combie which has stalled and spluttered its way to the Cross and parked right outside the entrance to Melt, Row-dog and I look at each other, smile and get ready for what we know will be a killer of a dessert treat after the Boy and Bear gig we just witnessed. The funked up Boom Box at the entrance lets me know I am here and ensures I am ready to witness some of the finest Hip-Hop talent in Sydney. Greeted with man-hugs from my brothers and the usual crew including Bravo, Sandy-scand-hole and el-capitan-Phil, followed by a kiss or two (Awww schmucks) from a couple’o’girlies I know, I am welcomed by the realisation that tonight isn’t just the usual Scenario crew, tonight is Battle Night... Time to watch some full on radical, flippin crazy, unmentionable and unimaginable movements by some fine fine talent on the dance floor and cast my vote by cheering and going bananas for those who I think deserve to win. Tonight, I am told we have been blessed with a guest appearance by two representatives from The Vagabonds, 2006 B.O.T.Y Winners. With Bboy Abd-L and Bboy Mounir in attendance this night was shaping up to just get better and better, and dude... These guys can dance. Check out some of their videos but I am pleased to say they didn't just walk in and destroy the guys who show up week in and week out, the faced some stiff competition and eventually made it to the final where the faced the winners of The Scenario's last battle night, and the final heated up to the last round and the Vagabond boys just threw everything at it and came out on top with some of the sweetest moves I have ever seen. Even if Hip-Hop is not your bag, briefcase or even shopping trolley you have to agree that to be able to manipulate your body in the way and with the ease with which they do so is ridiculously amazing! If you are interested The Scenario will be back first Friday of February so hit me up with an email and I will get you some info. Blam!

Now while conducting a bit of research, I had the thought, why not try and find out a little bit more about my judges and how they may be able to help. After all, they are deciding who wins this thing, and they are gods in their own right. So I started with Kate Vale (Hi Kate! just in case I do receive the pleasure of you reading this). And upon searching google I found a page which had an interview with Kate, and while reading this I realised she started her career (after an initial stint in HR at a Law Firm) at TMP Worldwide.... Wow Kate... I think you have to hire me as this is where my career started... YAY!!!! So I kept looking at some more and I realised Kate, as el-numero-uno in the digital world at Google as far as Youtube goes, I realised her personal mantra is “TEST TEST TEST! Make sure you test different creatives – different ad creatives can represent a four-to-five-times difference in your click-through and post-click conversion rates. As with keywords, the only way to know is to experiment. Do you want ads with catchy slogans, or ones providing “just the facts” of your product and price? It depends on the industry and the product. Test numerous creative approaches, and track results.” Now I thought about this and realised it is very relevant to this competition. We need to be trying different things, gauge results based on comments/profile views etc and then make changes dependant on what it seems people want to read about/watch/look at and this will enable us to win this competition. I think if people are really trying they will be replying to messages, they will be genuinely interested in other entrants not only on a competitive level but also as a music lover and as someone who values the opinion of others. Honestly, I hope it helps me win this competition but if someone uses this awesome info to beat me, well I can't complain as it would be a job well done.

Anyway my lovely coco-pop munchin kiddles, that is it for now. I will update this post with video content of the Scenario battles as soon as I get it off my flippin busted phone, so until next time, “You Stay Classy San-Diego”... YEOW!

Clickety clickety like bones on a notebook

Some things have such a distinct sound you could pick it out of the busiest street-noise soundtrack ever created, yet others just whisper past your ears and only the ears that truly seek it will find the source in the messy crowds. That’s source, as in where the sound is coming from, not sauce like tomato, BBQ, hollandaise or any other form of relish for that matter. However this being said, when your ear does pick up that source and can track it, this is an opportunity one should relish and endeavour to hold on to like a good meal with a delicious sauce.

ANYWAY!!! What I am trying to get to is some music that has been following me around the last couple of months. It has sweet undertones and it’s harmonious beauty was delicate and hard to track through the deep dark musical forest. I was however informed by our good friends trip-trip-jiggety (triple J), that the sounds I seek are indeed that of Dead Man’s Bones. As I was writing this I actually stumbled across another blog discussing these guys, and though I do not wish to copy, I feel as this site is dedicated to blogging I should not hold back in writing about that which inspires me, so Lee52, I am sorry, but I am just going to mention them quickly not go into too much deets about it as you covered them beautifully. You should all check out her amazing writing/videos also, I am jealous of her abilities and she is really good at this stuff http://www.myworldtour.com.au/member/default.aspx?mid=25440

So as I was saying these guys are awesome! They are doing a bit of what seems to be the in thing at the moment, which is using kids choirs to add texture to their tracks, but I think it is well executed and works well with their overall style. I think a personal favourite would have to be Name In Stone, awesome!

And perhaps My Bodys A Zombie For You

Anyways, as Lee52 discussed and described these guys so beautifully I will not go too far into this but I do do do really really really enjoy their music and style!

Now tomorrow I am hoping to hook you kids up with a nice review and hopefully some new pics as I am going to the final gig for “The Slightly Mexican Tour” from local Sydney artists Boy and Bear. This is the last show and if anyone is keen on going along you will also be able to see Paper Scissores and The Boat People. It’s at the Stag in Leichardt and should be a cracker. If you wanna check em out I mentioned them in an earlier blog or you can see them at http://www.myspace.com/boyandbearmusic

That’s it for now, now go check on your pancakes, they could be burning. Looks like you fogot to feed the cat too and Uh Oh! I think I smell off milk... YEOW!

What I am listening to

So upon awakening from my magical slumber this morning to the sombre realisation my phone is struggling to upload content from weekend shinanigans, I feel terribly embarrassed and sad to the point that I must give you all something to nibble upon. Nibble like a fruit bat on fruit, or the less obvious and more discrete nibbling of a rabbit with it’s latest lettuce captor. So let’s get nibbling shall we.

To kick start the festivities who here knows of an artist who you love, and could barely imagine life without, however sometimes when said artist pops up on your ipod you flick past them due to the mere fact they tend to play slow songs. Though still often powerful and energetic, the sheer speed at which the beat drives is too slow for your mood while walking or jogging to work etc? I know one of these artist who sometimes, and I am so sorry to say this about my lovely Bertie, makes me skip past and it is Bertie Blackman. Like I said I have nothing against her, only love by the bucket load, however sometimes it is necessary to skip just to get to something more up-beat to make me feel energised. This was of course until I stumbled across this little gem of a remix by CIS ( Calling In Sick) and now I can listen to her beautiful voice and the beauty of the track, just revitalised to ensure I can still feel blam blam blam super high powered with this slightly modified version.



Black Cats is such a beautiful track and is my pick for representing an artist who in the last year has achieved so much. A clear favourite to remember 2009 for in my books and as I file my music from 09 I know she will be part of the highlights package that will be the ultimate “year of the hamster playlist” which I will put together on January 10th 2010. Her voice is so distinct in its exuberant exhaling style. This could seem a strange description however I hope you can agree that you feel as though she really gets down to the bottom of her lungs and pushes from the stomach to get the sound her voice produces which is of course a beautiful and unique voice indeed.

Now another gem the mining mechanism that is the internet helped me discover recently was one with subtle beauty from the band Local Natives. These guys rock dude, they seriously made me flip when I heard this track “Sun Hands” for the first time. I mean like seriously as I was listening my body did a giant backflip and landed it! Was amazing! Once I realised this had just happened I knew the song must really be rocking my bones, as to make me achieve such a physical achievement is amazing! Anyways i thought I would show you some live versions to not only get you in the mood for this song but also the vibe which these guys create and the attention their demeanour demands on stage.




Now kids I promise I will hook you all up with some seriously random memoirs of my musical voyage dating between Friday, 27/12/09 and Saturday 28/12/09 which will highlight three different genres and three vastly different styles of musical interpretation. I hope you can all enjoy these as much as this young aerodynamic cadet did, all my hope rests solely upon technology, which is never to assuring, I have seen enough movies to prove this. But what I can promise is I will keep sending awesomeness in your direction so you can all stay super-duper-amazingly-freakishly-steven-sanchez-awesome! Until next time, a deadly ninja says what? YEOW!

Slow it down, no need to speed

So not trying to re-invent the wheel of brie or anything this morning, but if I do not show you some of this I will have to throw eggs at my own window. I know vandalism is not good but if I do it to myself I guess it would be described more as redecorating rather than starting trouble in the neighbourhood. And I would never start trouble in the neighbourhood, I love the neighbourhood.

As I meandered through the dull and desolate streets of North Sydney toward my life in a shoebox my ipod produced the soulful melodies I desired. I love how my music device knows me so well it can read me and select the remedy without a nudge of indication, producing track after track of healing. The medication I speak of on this occasion came in the form of the ever impressive and rhythmically laid back tones produced by the one and only Fat Freddy’s Drop. “Based on a True Story”, the debut album from the group still makes the rotation on my music device as their infectious melodies and soulful feel can carry me from the depths of normality and all that is everyday life, to a serene level of bliss transcending those around me. Not in a way of being better than anyone or anything, just in a way of allowing me to enter my own world where I have hired Fat Freddy’s Drop to chauffeur me wherever they feel I will have a good time!

The best known song off the album would most likely be Wandering Eye and I can see why it was the first video clip from the album. The building throughout and signature voice of Dallas Tamaira AKA “Joe Dukie” help set the mood of a relaxed yet powerful and vibrant track where rhythm is key. The horns play these funky little licks which just get our feet steppin and your mouth watering and you just want more and more.

Trying to choose my recommended track is a tough task, as after listening to the album for so long I am not confident I could discriminate against any of these as each have their own style. However I will earmark Roady and Hope as two to listen to. So here they are =)

If you are into this go youtube and check out Katchafire who are also so so beautiful.

Anyway, I really just wanted to hook you crazy kids up with some funk, soul, groove, awesomeness and just let you all know that today is a good day for jamming. I hope you all have a lovely day and remember, hook a brother up with some feedback, things can’t get better without communication and I can’t get better without having some breakfast, so send me your eggs, soldier toast and juicy-juice so I can feed my mind with your well prepared meal. So until next time, follow your ears... unless your ears are really scary and walk you down an alley filled with cats and mice playing hide and seek, then you should be careful, your ears may be tricking you into a trap, condemning you to sleepless nights and music-less days... or not... Not quite sure but stay awesome. YEOW!

The art of covers

Covers can be music's cosmetic surgery of sorts. I know this seems like a strange comment to make but when you hear a genuinely talented and gifted musician take an established piece of music and interpret in their own style it can cause more ripples than an earthquake. For anyone who bought No Man's Woman, the cover album produced by numerous talented Australian Male artists covering famous female songs such as Landslide written By Stevie Nicks but this time covered by Powderfinger, I am sure you will agree that this collaboration of covers is something more than someone playing a famous song but more like the original being tweaked and evolved into a totally different song all together. Such a good way to revitalise love for a song or artist, appreciate the meaning behind the words and not just the voice announcing them. This is an appreciation I have only recently discovered myself so I wanted to pass on a couple I really like, and yes they are generally from the awesome source of Triple J Like a Version. YEOW! Number one is just a great great cover by a great great musician in Tiki Taane, I am sure lots of people have heard this but if I were not to put it forward I would not be doing my job in bringing you the songs I love. So check it

As he states early in the interview he has totally modified it to have a reggae feel and obviously his voice is much more suited to this then the way in which the song was written by Kings of Leon and vocalised by lead singer Anthony "Caleb" Followill. But a beautiful rendition none-the-less. I would also say you have to listen to Birds of Tokyo covering Heard it through the grapevine, but I would never tell you what you have to do, only you can do that. But if you want to here it is

and you can't go past this truly unique performance by CW Stoneking with his interpretation of The White Stripes 7 Nation Army. WOW!

Anyways I this is beautiful music which I felt I could not let you not hear =) So keep on rockin, keep on chillin and just keep on keepin on. I'll be back again very soon, perhaps now =)

Wassup ant eating pilots? You ready for a post which will actually knock your pants so far down toward your socks people will think you're wearing some kind of funky new shoe? Well I am so let's get this party crankin!

Sunday, 22nd November 2009. I am standing, soaking, salivating and sweltering in 38 Degrees C heat and loving it. I have thousands of bodies pressing against mine in anticipation, driving forward to get as close as they can, like a crowd of brain-hungry zombie kids. They are driven by the desire to see, hear and be near their idols. Their musical gods. They are here to see two great names. Ben Harper, renowned for soulful lyrics and emotion driven rhythm, and the ever impressive and ever evolving Pearl Jam. Neither band need an introduction to this crowd, filled entirely with members of the music loving community which has held these names in such regard, as they are stables in the pages of the modern music loving bible. Both seen as bands who have pressed through difficult times and continued to evolve and produce tracks and creativity of such magnitude NASA at one point thought they had a real life Armageddon on their hands (like the movie).

So I stand and watch as these bands play out their cards and chords to ensure the crowd leave totally fulfilled and satisfied, as though they had just eaten Christmas lunch and had their fill of wine and beer, so much so they need no more. But knowing the fans of these bands, they would sacrifice the comfort to hear just one more track. That's why I am not surprised by the rumbling, thunderous sounds to ensure Pearl Jam play more tracks after leaving the stage for the first time. The cheers and jubilation at the site of Eddie Vedder returning to the stage to address the crowd in the first encore is second to none, and the intimate ways in which he addresses the crowd is overwhelmingly genuine. The stand out tracks of this gig had to be the rare performance of Porch off their debut album Ten, the beautiful duet of Eddie and Ben Harper on Under Pressure http://tiny.cc/t6v40 and the wondrous version of Indifference http://tiny.cc/ZxqFg

All-in-all the gig was spectacular and though the critics wrote it off as a bit of a let down due to the non appearance of tracks such as Jeremy, Daughter and Alive, I think almost every single person there would have left fulfilled and inspired by the bands they have just witnessed pour out their lyrical and musical genius. I know I did.

Anyways, that's it for this morning my lovely peeps, so until next time checkety check yourself before you wreckety wreck yourself and keep on smiling. YEOW!

Look out, BLAM! It can happen that quick

So for protection get ready to be whipped into information-shape, also known as infoshape. Speaking of shapes what's your favourite? Circle? The ever pointy triangle? Perhaps the obtuse oval? Either way I am sure your favourite shape represents you more than you realise.

Now as yesterday was remembrance day I feel it necessary and I am happy to mention that only two years ago I visited the battlefields across Europe where so many Aussies and Kiwis fell. I refer to them as purely Aussies and Kiwis as at the age most these young fellas were thrust into the war zone to protect and represent a country they had only spent a very limited time in, they would have only been young men. Most were barely twenty when their life was taken away by a man no more hungry for killing than he, but who so evenly felt the need to fight and die for the country and the cause.

Before leaving Australia for my trip I picked up a book which would eventually educate me in the area of War more than any other. It is called Somme Mud, and is an edited version of a book written very soon after the War by a young soldier who made it home. Upon returning home to Australia he wrote a book to tell his story, however at this time the last thing any publisher wanted to do was put a book on the shelves about the war. no one would read it. But, it is due to this book that upon stepping onto the battlefields in Belgium and visiting the many many memorials that I found it impossible to contain my emotions. Just thinking about it still sends shivers down my spine.

The book as well as the trip to the battle fields are two things I must recommend to all, and particularly young Aussies and Kiwis. You may not have known these lads, but where it not for them we may not be here, and even if we were, what kind of life would we be living.

For some music just for anyone interested check the links at the bottom, I will talk about them tomorrow. I hope you all have a wonderful day. Lest we forget.

http://tiny.cc/HiAOS

http://tiny.cc/Wm9RF

http://tiny.cc/z8N6e

http://tiny.cc/n00TG

YEOW!

Re-birth of the cassette

The cassette is dead! Or is it? I don't think so but I am not talking about the actual music device, I am talking about the energetically aggressive, ultra-beat-driven sounds from Cassette Kids. They are rockin-my-pockets right now and I am not even wearing any pockets! The drum and Guitar driven themes set the lower tones with the sweet voice of Katrina Noorbergen providing the upper layer in an innocent and sweet, yet strong and energy focused way. Personal favourite would have to be You Take It, but I genuinely am very much enjoying each song I have heard so far http://tiny.cc/RXskm

On a totally different vibe, like an apple compared to a packet of cigarettes, or perhaps the number 7 compared the feeling of atonement, I would say Lisa Mitchell is fairly different to the Cassette Kids, however I am still going to talk about her music right now. She makes me smile! Both internally and externally. http://tiny.cc/wbX48 Her voice has this layer of sweetness like that found in an ice-cream Sunday topped with chocolate topping and freckles.... as in the tasty freckles not the skin pigmentation's. Not saying anything bad about those kind of freckles but they just don't taste as good as the other type. ANYWAY, as I was saying about Lisa, she is just unique and so familiar at the same time. When I hear her chorus on Coin Laundry http://tiny.cc/ozX3i I think straight away of a shy, unfamiliar young girl singing the raw emotions she is feeling when first meeting her love. Beautifully raw but somehow uninhibited is how I would describe her vocal style I think. Personal favourite perhaps Alice http://tiny.cc/83Xfu or maybe Romeo + Juliet http://tiny.cc/TTbrw (Obviously a cover version by the legendary Diar Straits).

Now, I feel like I need to vent some mind mess. It is ready to pour all over the keyboard like ice-cream in the hands of a young child, the heat ensuring it melts all down their front. Not feeling the need to be inhibited by gravity the ice-cream finds a way into each and every crevice, ensuring a busy day for the mother/father to whom the child is attributed. All the while the child knows nothing of what is going on and is still confused by the taste in its mouth and why it is begging for more only hours after finishing the ice and cream based delicacy.

Watching the skyline change and the edges of the city creep further out each day like red wine spilt on the carpet, makes me think of early civilisations constantly trying to expand their territory but facing fierce opponents in the neighbours. This is no longer the case as we have conquered our lands and are free to expand as we see fit, however the unnecessary destruction we cause is obviously concerning. Some people never realise when enough is enough and just continue to want more, but these people do not find solace in anything, just constantly searching for more and more.

That is enough of that! i don't want to get you smiling kids down, and I do not want to make you frown, so look.. .IT'S A CLOWN!!!

Now I hope you all had fun reading and hopefully found some music you like, and if not, let me know who you would like me to research and I can put up a post about them or her or him or Steve? I will get you sorted. Anyways, peace out kids and have an awesome day!

YEOW!

Movember

"A moustache is the international passport to pleasure and I can walk proud with one knowing that people perceive me as a man of considerable wealth and knowledge." And with this statement thousands of men around Australia and from around the Globe embark on a mission of raising awareness, and spreading the message that Movember stands for. The message that screams "Hey look, I have a moustache. It is disgusting and embarrassing, but not nearly as hard to confront as depression or prostate cancer, so I will wear this with pride hoping that it empowers people to deal with these issues."

I know that ever since its inception in 2003 it has grown exponentially into one of the most recognised charity events of the year and has in the 6 years of its existence raised AUD$62 Million globally. That is a lot of money and a lot of moustaches. If you are interested in checking it out or participating I suggest you hit up the website and register, or donate http://tiny.cc/2efsX

Who wants a song to listen too today? Is it you? Is it the guy next to you??? Well whoever it is who wants a song to listen too, just click here. http://tiny.cc/SJ1CU Mumford and Sons are all the talk at the moment and this song is pretty much the one getting played over and over, but for any of you have not heard it, have a listen and just enjoy its Folkie feel. Bit of a language warning, as I don't want any of you kiddles to hear some of the words, but I think that this is a song where the use of bad language is absolutely necessary.

Also for anyone who has heard his music before, Bob Evans has a very sweet unique style which I find irresistible. Anyone who purchased the covers album, No Mans Woman featuring Australian Male Artists covering well know Female songwriters songs, will be familiar with his soul and tone, and know he has a unique ability to bring out beauty in the track. This is a track he recorded in the My Space studio's in Melbourne but I suggest you get out and listen to some of his music, very interesting so che-che-check it out! http://tiny.cc/z76qD

DING DING DING DING, woops, that's the doorbell. Gotta run amigos, I hope you have enjoyed and if not, let me know. If any of you are interested in giving some feedback hit me up with a direct message on twitter http://twitter.com/_egg So for now, much love peeps. Take care.

YEOW!

Quick like a ninja!

Hello lovely peeps, so first up here is a track to get you nice and chilled like an iceblock in summer, I hope you enjoy it, I love iceblocks, it inspired me to write to you actually http://tiny.cc/yyH2u

So today I have had one of those great moments when you do a music swap with someone and get to listen to some music you know you should have heard heaps before but for some reason never bought the album or made it to the gig or whatever. The Black Keys are on of those bands for me, and I have watched recorded live sets and all, just never actually gone out of my way to get the music... I am kicking myself. Love is what I have for them YEOW!

This same person, who partook in el'music swapp'o, has also pointed me in the direction of a very clean, awesome and just really cool photography website. http://tiny.cc/FlaKs The photographer is Andrew Zuckerman and this is a site dedicated to photos and films of birds and wowzers, the ways in which they have been captured are amazing. Beautiful shots and inspiring imagery. I actually spent about two hours collectively checking out the images on offer and just admiring the goodness i am tasting with my eyes.

Like I said quick like a ninja so next topic.

I just wanted to mention that today is the 20th Anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall so I thought I would share the video the Sydney Morning Herald have compiled to reflect upon this http://tiny.cc/cRB5U I found it quite intriguing and insightful as it gives you a feel for some of the experiences of inhabitants from both sides of the wall. Also just seeing the faces of the people, it shows that all were effected by its presence. Such a giant historical event which effected and touched so many peoples lives. The photos really do capture the emotion beautifully.

Alright awesome peepety kiddle-whats, that is it from me today, like I said quick like a ninja. Slice, dice and everything you once thought was awesome. Have a top weekend kids, Jeni's out YEOW!