Posts Tagged Australian
Archive
May 2, 2021 by Simon Sweetman
Things I Know To Be True: Theatre
Things I Know To Be True Direction: Shane Bosher (written by Andrew Bovell) Circa Theatre; Circa One (April 30 – May 29) Andrew Bovell has here created the sprawling epic family drama that is a distinctly Australian version of the big theatrical experiences we so often associate with American playwrights – from Tennessee Williams on […]Archive
November 18, 2020 by Simon Sweetman
Remembering The Time I Asked Rowland S. Howard If He Had Any Plans To Tour And He Said He Doubted It Since He Was Dying – A Month Later He Wasn’t Even Close To Wrong
In another lifetime (his!) I spoke to Rowland S. Howard. I didn’t know it at the time – neither did he, though he had far more of an idea than I did – he’d be dead in less than two months. He was dying when he made his last album, the brilliant Pop Crimes. I’ve […]Archive
April 14, 2020 by Simon Sweetman
The Vinyl Countdown # 134
Hoodoo Gurus, Mars Needs Guitars! (1985) I don’t know a whole lot about Hoodoo Gurus – but I guess all you really need to know is that they knocked it out of the park with their first two albums – and had some highlights after as well. I bought the first two albums on vinyl […]Archive
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