Posts Tagged Australian
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September 22, 2019 by Simon Sweetman
The Vinyl Countdown # 247
Gerald Murnane, Words in Order (2018) I reviewed the album right here just recently – but now I’m celebrating its glory and existence on vinyl as is the way with this blog-series. Gerald Murnane, the great – and reclusive Australian writer – saw fit to play along with the folly of recording some of his […]Archive
September 22, 2019 by Simon Sweetman
The Vinyl Countdown # 248
Peter Fonda, Peter Fonda (2018) I have a very kind friend based in Australia who has hooked me up with some interesting vinyl from talented, if lesser known players. His philosophy is simple: connecting people with music, sharing his tastes, helping out his mates – his mates in bands and his mates that like music. […]Archive
September 19, 2019 by Simon Sweetman
The Vinyl Countdown # 249
Darren Cross, Peacer (2018) I had best intentions about reviewing this – I really like it – but time has gathered up around me and surged everything forward. Darren Cross already has another new album – all instrumental too – so I’ll review that. And soon. But meanwhile I’ll give it a wee plug here. […]Archive
February 18, 2019 by Simon Sweetman
Sam Newton: Stare Into The Dark
Sam Newton Stare Into The Dark Sam Newton/Independent Sometimes exactly what you want is a songwriter that is dialing it right back. Across three albums Australian singer/songwriter Sam Newton has been exploring that concept. Here with his latest it is almost entirely about ‘the song’. Sure he has a pleasant voice – he summons the requisite vulnerability, heartbreak, and in fact a range of emotions. He’s […]Archive
January 11, 2019 by Simon Sweetman
The Vinyl Countdown # 342
V/A, Rikky and Pete [OST] (1988) I was chuffed to find this – something I knew about for a while…it’s the soundtrack to a film of the same name (obviously). Have yet to see the film, just this trailer. But I’ll hunt it out. The songs here (mostly) come from Phil Judd, many under the […]Archive
December 17, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
The 1001 Albums Challenge # 112: The Triffids – “Calenture”
I so love the album Born Sandy Devotional that even if The Triffids did nothing else of value at all I’d still tell you they’re one of my favourite bands. Turns out they made a small handful of perfectly imperfect albums and I’m still getting to them. I hadn’t heard Calenture – which has changed […]Archive
September 4, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
Lo Carmen: Lovers Dreamers Fighters
Lo Carmen Lovers Dreamers Fighters Chiquita Records The breathy, smoky voice of Australian country-rock songstress Lo Carmen should set your world alight – or at the very least let you know whether you’re in or not – almost instantly with the opening, title track of this, her seventh album. But if you want the safest […]Archive
August 22, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
R.I.P. Spencer P. Jones
Spencer P. Jones has died. I loved so much of the music Spencer P. Jones created and assisted. For he was behind so many bands and various guises, sometimes a sideman, often out front – his songs…someone else’s songs…killer player! The Australian guitarist – best known for his involvement in The Johnnys and Beasts of […]Archive
August 5, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
Midnight Oil – 1984: Film
Midnight Oil: 1984 Director: Rob Argall Piccolo Films Pty Ltd./Madman In 1985 Tears For Fears sang that “Everybody” wanted “to rule the world” from their hit of the same name. In 1980s pop – certainly by the mid-80s – musicians were either aiming to be world-beaters or world-savers. The political climate was fraught, the threat […]Archive
July 9, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
The Vinyl Countdown # 391
Rockmelons, Tales of the City (1988) Rockmelons – or “The Rockies” in that Australian parlance of the day (and now). Fairly ordinary band, possibly dreadful. Listening to it now – well it only seems absurd. Why did I want this? I have no fuckin idea. Rockpile… Now there’s a fucking band!Archive
July 2, 2018 by Simon Sweetman