Monday, April 20, 2009

Tonight - Franz Ferdinand

Just another perfectly packaged indie pop collection from the popular Scottish four-piece.

This backhanded compliment might come as a shock, (yes, I mean it with mild malice) but could this band be an safer?

'Tonight' has enough high rotated hits to keep Apple commercials fresh for at least the next three months and of course enough 'edgy' one liners for all those kids on Facebook to self indulge.

Why am I so negative towards this release? Well I just think it's a possibility that never putting a foot wrong can be nothing other than boring. It's too the same, too polished, too clean.

If it ain't broke why fix it right? Wrong. I'm a firm believer in taking risks, I'm a Radiohead fan after all. I like my records to show maturity, change in direction and musical exploration.

In saying that, of course the songs aren't completely shit. They're catchy and easy, I suppose I just wanted more from their third record.


If it's the same turd every time, will the kids still buy it? Yes, yes they will. Somewhere in Scottland these four men must be laughing in all their money.

I agree with The Brag review in saying that 'Tonight' is all hairtcut and no soul.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

The Best Thing I've Seen This Week

I am no good for you but Sia might be,

Another instance of not being able to embed a clip - complete bullshit.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uvd814WG2t4

We here at OWM love a side of crazy, and the new single 'Buttons' by Sia is making for high rotation. Maybe because I can relate, but still it's quirky and catchy.

I really love that Sia, being so capable of penning the most beautiful songs can come out with something that is basically a ridiculous song. Not to mention the clip, it's white padded cell shit.

I think I can relate to upbeat mania.
I love it.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Zero

Am I the only one that doesn't like it that much?

Maybe it will grow on me?

I just don't love it yet.

I can't manage to get a video embeded, as they all won't allow it which is unfortunate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxZGYGojPeE Here is the link if you're yet to hear it.

It's catchy but.. just lacks? I don't know. I hate that I don't love it.

What do you think?

Yellow Brick Road + Other Things

Hey kids,

I've been a little slack on ye olde blog these days, it's probably because I've been spending all my free time at shows and other times well I'm asleep. :)

First thing to note would be the impressive Sydney line up at Yellow Brick Road @ Oxford Arts the past month or so. Basically any favourite Sydney indie band we love to donate out ten to fifteen dollars to once a month have headlined this terrific free night.

Just to name a few I've been able to catch new Arts residency band The Spirits, my favourite smalls fry/big sound Papa VS Pretty, the soulful Cameras and the majestic Parades. With a change of sound guy the shows are becoming more and more successful with Parades pulling one of the bigger crowds I've seen thus far and also sounding the best.

Parades normally have a bit of trouble with their sound guys, but Mark Smithers seemed to capture everything just right, setting The Gallery alight. The Sydney folks I virtually dedicate this page to have experienced an amazing response from Australian radio giant Triple J with their new track 'Dead Nationale'. I also hear it is only 4 days now before they release a new track which is supposed to be well, earth moving.

Another mention to Cameras who are playing their first big festival, you can catch these cats at Sydney's Come Together Festival. It truly makes me happy when the ball starts rolling and people start to pick up on the sounds.

An unusual place for me to hang in is Kings Cross Club 77, though last week I found myself there two nights in a row to catch my favourite grunge act The Waysiders and Central Coast indie/pop-rock outfit The Inheritors.

So turning up to the venue I'm getting flash backs of some very dank and almost embarrassing nights spent in the generally grimy club from last Winter (I may have had a StarFuckers phase, don't judge me). What I do like? You can smoke inside so it's like a real gig and essence of marijuana is lingering and the air con's on so it's cool and well the amps are fucking loud. Cold, smelly and loud.

What I don't like? Well.. The fruit flies in the toilet.. Not nice. Also the girls in Target clothes making fools of themselves. The three dollar vodka special when the Vodka tastes like fucking Tequila or toilet water.

So anyway back to the bands.. The Waysiders.. I'd marry them, but it wouldn't work out. We'd all fight about washing up or something trivial like that. Haha okay, maybe not.

So they played a new track or two but their music, it's almost too good for the undiscovered Australian scene. I think if any of the indie kids should pick up a residency it should these three boys. They just sound so good in the background, they look so good and it's new age grunge, smooth and edgy. I know I dance round my room to 'The Inferno', it just reminds me of Thurston Moore in NY 1990's with a hint of psychedelica and when you're watching it live in the deep dark room in 77, nothing is more rock 'n roll than right there and then with your best friend stoned and a fake severed head on the DJ booth glaring at you.

I'd like to see them play more shows and write more songs, I really think it's something (their vibe) is something no one else is really trying anymore and I don't know why.

Dance in your underwear and click here.

After my taste of grungy post punk fun the Thursday night before, I drag myself down to catch a friends band from the Central Coast, otherwise my home town.

I will always support music coming out of my hood, because not a lot does sparing Something With Numbers and up and coming The Lazys.

Why do I like The Inheritors? Because it's been a fucking long time since I've liked a pop-rock band and I'm not saying it because they're from the Coast, I actually feel happy when I watch them. Maybe it's all the rainbows and bare feet on stage, or the headbands or even the vests?

It's just happy and I can see it getting some solid radio play and it doesn't make me shudder for once because I think it's something anyone can enjoy.

The lads had a EP launch at local venue Woodport Inn which has housed many indie acts like British India and Evermore and such. Apparently the crowd were through the roof, the place completely covered head to toe in giant colourful rainbows, the literal and musical kind. Otherwise a complete success.

I think keep an eye on the guys, who just recently finished touring with Kisschasey and if I can recommend a song I'd say my favourite is 'Fever'.

www.myspace.com/inheritors

Other than that there is lots more to come V Fest Inclusive, though not much went down.. Just a lot of food and also some MTV Awards adventures. I know I'm a few weeks late but better late than never :)