The Clean - Compilation (Flying Nun Records)

It is criminal how underrated and unknown The Clean are. In my honest opinion this is THE BEST band to ever come out of that little island known as New Zealand. But still, if you ask 99% of people from NZ if they know of The Clean or even the legendary Flying Nun Record label, they will look at you with a blank and confused stare. But alas, I too am also guilty of not ever hearing of these guys - until last year when a bunch of americans put me onto them. I felt ashamed that something so great has been at our doorstep this entire time.

Wikipedia describes The Clean as an influential Indie rock band that formed in Dunedin, New Zealand in 1978. Led through a number of early rotating line-ups by brothers Hamish and David Kilgour, the band settled down to their well-known and current line-up with bassist Robert Scott. Early incarnations of The Clean included Peter Gutteridge on bass (who wrote "Point That Thing") and Doug Hood on vocals (who later worked with Toy Loveand founded the "Looney Tours" touring company). The Clean forged a distinctive and quirky sound that relied heavily on organ melodies and simple, Ramones-style chord progressions.

Basically when a bands sound or influences are described as being of 80's New Zealand indie style, then they are inadvertently citing Flying Nun records and/or their "biggest" band: The Clean. Many of the bands/artists that I listen to and write about today are in some ways influenced by Flying Nun. One well known fan was the late Jay Reatard who's solo records (especially watch me fall)are heavily influenced by the NZ label.

So where to start? Well this compilation album of the Clean is the perfect entry point. It contains most of the hits by the band during brief tenure including probably the bands most famous song Anything Could Happen - watch the video here:

After you got yourself fully acquainted with the brilliance that is The Clean, then move onto other bands of the Flying Nun Roster. I will no doubt be occasionally dropping some posts on them in the not too distant future.

Billy Two.mp3

Tally Ho.mp3

Beatnik.mp3

DOWNLOAD HERE

Home Blitz: Out of Phase

last.fm says: Home Blitz is the recording project of Daniel DiMaggio from Princeton, New Jersey. Deep cut distorted lo-fi with some slop-rock tension and a noisy edge. His jams are hook-laden and demented. 

DiMaggio decided to include Jason Sigal on bass (Lame Drivers, Great Excape), Theresa Smith on guitar, and, for the meantime, the chillest 16 year old drummer he discovered on a skate park.

While they fall under the lo-fi/garage rock category Home Blitz also have a tinge of powerpop and old school mtv style punk to their tracks. The songs are filled with the kinda dirty guitar and youthful lyrics that make you want to drink cheap beer and stick your feet out the window. Influences range from 90's midwest emo like Cap'n Jazz to the abrasive whiskey swiggin' memphis garage fuzz of Oblivians, Reatards, etc. 

I really didn't expect to like this record so much but it is slowly making its way to one of my favourite finds of this year (even though it came out way back in October 2010).

I do warn you though, the first track of this album is kinda weird, and then there is the song "Live Outside" which is from my understanding just a field recording of somebody rummaging through papers. But I guess these things just add to the band's "we don't give a shit" attitude.

Two Steps.mp3
Is Anybody There.mp3

mediafire

The Mantles - S/T (siltbreeze)

Yet another amazing act from the venerable siltbreeze label are San Francisco's The Mantles. Byron (not Brian) Coley from the Wire sums these guys up best with “… a vibe somewhere between the crisp gauze of Midwest groups associated with the early-’80s garage revival (Vertebrats, Plasticland, etc.) and the mysto-stroke of late-’80s New Zealand.”

So far they have a full LP out on siltbreeze as well as an EP titled "Pink Information" out on Mexican Summer records. Both are equally awesome and If you've managed to read this far then I suggest you go and get them asap because they will most likely be suited to your fickle musical tastes hombre.

If you still don't trust my judgement and want to hear a little something to get your whistle wet then check out this video (or lack thereof) of the single Don't Lie and your mind will be made.

Not good enough for you? want to see an actual film clip you say?? Well how about this clip for the single Cascade from the Pink Information EP? does that satisfy you, eh, compadre?


Cascades - The Mantles from The Mantles on Vimeo.

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White Fence - Is Growing Faith

Last.fm says: White Fence’s trippy, distortion-laced, psychedelic pop-influenced tunes (sounding, in other words, something along the lines of a warped cassette tape featuring The Left Banke or The Merry-Go-Round) are the brainchild of Timothy Presley (also a member of the like-minded groups Strange Boys and Darker My Love). The project’s self-titled debut was released on the Woodsist label in the spring of 2010. For the project’s next release, White Fence Is Growing Faith , Presley didn’t change much. The January 2011 album follows the same sometimes goofy, always trippily tuneful template of the debut.


I was put onto white fence a while back but never really got around to appreciating just how good they were until recently when I say a youtube video for their song sticky fruitman has faith. It basically shows some slow motion followed by sped up and slightly warped visions as well as people doing the "shake" while drinking beer and pushing each other - basically the way I would want people to act at every gig I ever go to for the rest of my life.

On Is Growing Faith  there is a healthy dose of garage pop tunes mixed with Beatles/sgt. peppers influenced psychedelic rock with a slight hint of old 60's surf rock a la The Atlantics, etc.  Listen if you like: Beatles, The Beets, The Mantles, Tame Impala, surf rock.


DOWNLOAD

Young Identities – New Trends EP

Reissue (Shake Music 1980/ 540 Records 2011)

The second piece of music from the Forest Glen recording session and savage/shake music’s fifth release was New Trends by Young Identities. This would be the last release by the band before they go on to change their name to The Kicks and what a cracker it is. Opening with title track “New Trends” lead singer Clay carries on right where he left off from the first EP with his signature bratty, snarling vocals. The guitar work is definitely more improved with better soloing and a catchy 3 chord punk rhythm. The band’s decision to use a better studio/producer pays dividends with the overall production of this record being much clearer and the songs are a lot tighter and catchier. In this reviewer’s worthless opinion this is the best EP of all the savage/shake reissues yet.

Young Identities - New Trends.mp3

Just Urbain – Everybody Loves Just Urbain EP

Reissue (Shake Music 1980/ 540 Records 2011)

Texas label 540 records continue to dig up more pieces to the puzzle that was Brisbane’s underground punk scene during the late 70’s/ early 80’s with a re-issue of Just Urbain’s second EP. After their first release, which was created out of a shared studio session with label mates Young Identities and Bodysnatchers, both Just Urbain and Young Identities travelled up to Forest Glen to record their second EP’s. If you haven’t already clued onto this, the original pressings are highly sought after by collectors and are going for ridiculous prices over on ebay, but if you’re like me and way to poor to ever cough up that kinda money but still want to grab yourself a piece of Brisbane punk history, then I suggest you snap these records up right away. This EP shows Just Urbain being a little more experimental and trying their hand at the occasional guitar solo. Title track “everybody loves” is the standout piece with a loose Stooges/Asheton style guitar solo beaming in and out from the buzzsaw rhythm guitar.

Just Urbain - Everybody Loves.mp3

Upcoming Releases

It has been a while since I have posted anything, I blame it on the economy and the fact that I have been working far too much at a job that I am certainly sick of.

Anyway, lets get down to brass tax here. There are some excellent singles/b-side/bootleg vinyl releases about to be dropped from the legendary Goner Records (probably my favourite label going around these days).

The first is by Melbourne's garage rock kings Eddy Current Suppression Ring who's LP titled "So Many Things" contains 22-tracks unreleased tracks from their years of doing the rounds. I have yet to hear the entire album but going off the track "You Don't Care" I'm sure they will be at their rambunctious best (albiet of a even more lo-fi recording).

Eddy Current Suppression Ring - You Don't Care (from the new release "So Many Things") by GonerRecords

The next is Singles 2007-2010 by Ty Segall. It seems you aren't a true garage punker unless you have a singles collection sealed on vinyl (a la Jay Reatard) and Ty is well on his way to garage royalty. I'm most excited abut this release and judging on the track "Skin", it is going to be worth the wait.

Ty Segall - Skin - Singles 2007-2010 by GonerRecords
Both these tracks were taken from the Goner Records soundcloud. There's a heap of dope tracks from bands on the labels roster so be sure to check them out.

Wax Lyrical

Finally got my record player up and running after months of procrastination. Get ready for a slew of waxed reviews to make their way onto this pathetic excuse for a blog..

dirty music from a bunch of dirty kids: MORDECAI

Mordecai are a group of noisey kids from the swampy slums of Butte, MT. Led by the brothers Holt and their good mate Gavin, these kids make the noisey punk music that you always wanted to. They seem to know what they're doing and have the musical knowledge to back their shit up. They cite the Electric Eels, Gang of Four, Iggy, VU, Vertical Slit, and a bunch of other bands you never heard of as their influences. Older brother Elijah slaps the bass (even though he's missing an E string) while younger brother Holt makes the scrawling scree of scuzzy and swirling guitar noises that lays on top and beneath the distorted spits of lyrics.

I recently interviewed Elijah for issue #29 of local Brisbane zine Negative Guest List  . Since that issue is now used to wipe up shit when you run out of toilet paper and #30 is well and truly upon us, you can read the interview over here.

The band also has an epic debut LP out over on Killertree Records, so if you dig this at all, just imagine how good something that was actually properly recorded would sound...

Also check out their Myspace here

Now Listening: Run DMT - Dreams

I'm listening to this as I type... and I'm digging it. It's mellow, psychedelic, experimental and (of course) lo-fi. Basically it's the kind of music I'd expect from a cassette tape with a tripped out 80's B-Grade sci fi picture and the words "RUN DMT" written underneath it. There are also segments of a guy talking about his DMT drug experiences, always a good mixture.

Apparently this guy was on the Underwater Peoples label (real estate, ducktails, julian lynch, etc) but nothing ever eventuated so he began his own cassette label called Culture Dealer.

Recommended If You Like: Julian Lynch, Ducktails, Real Estate, Sun Araw, or anything on the Not Not Fun label

Give it a listen anyway, what harm can it do?

Run DMT: Dreams by alteredzones

Only cool cinema in SE QLD to close...

The Tribal Theatre is probably the only cinema left in Brisbane/SE QLD where zombie cult classics like Evil Dead (1 and 2), Woody Allen retrospectives, dress up competitions and Kubrick appreciation nights are a common occurrence - all while drinking your own byo beer. 'Tis a sad day for film fans everywhere....

Read the full article here

Weird Dreams: Youth Lagoon

I acquired this album late last night after reading some praising reviews on various über hip blogs that I felt nervous visiting.  So like a hobo at a post-modern art gallery, I simply grabbed the free beer (aka music) and ran away, not looking back.

But after all that running I was tired and passed out in my bed before listening to the record. I ended up having this strange dream where I was mistaken as being Youth Lagoon by a local radio station, so I just went along with it and pretended that I was. I ended up being interviewed on radio and tv shows, everybody believed my lie at least until I had to actually play the music.

Anyway like all dreams it had no real ending, I think in the end I was stealing chicken nuggets at a mcdonalds or something. And there is no real moral to the dream (or is there?), but it did make me listen to this album in its entirety this morning, and I dig it.

Youth Lagoon is a one man project by singer and multi instrumentalist Trevor Powers who is from Boise, Idaho (aka the home of the Boise State Broncos and located right next to the greatest state in the world: Montana).

It has all the tell-tale signs of the chillwave genre; reverb-laden vocals, a faint tape hiss, and all wrapped up with a warm blanket of nostalgia. But I feel that Powers brings something different to the table that I can't really put my finger on. For some reason reminds me of all the good parts of Arcade Fire's first album, Funeral. It could be completely different for you, try it out.

DOWNLOAD HERE

or try before you buy and listen to the song CANNONS below...

Cannons by Youth Lagoon

Australian Invasion: Aussie Bands That Deserve More Credit

Believe it or not Australia has a pretty damn good amount of garage/ punk/ noise/ whatever bands brewing in garages and small clubs around the country. Yet for reasons unknown they seem to be over looked by our national y00th broadcaster and "the home of Australia's 'best' new music": Triple J radio.

While I could go on an endless rant about how JJJ is an absolute joke these days, I figured I'd take the higher road and provide some insight into some of my favourite Aussie bands around today that seem to be overlooked by Kingsmill and his cronies.

Also, considering these are local bands, and they probably can find ways to have my kneecaps smashed, I'm not going to provide album links, instead I will be using my shiny new built in media player...

UV RACE - Melbourne

Without a doubt making the biggest groundswell both home and abroad are the UV Race. Consisting of members of other Melbourne bands Eddy Current Suppression Ring and Straightjacket Nation, Dick Diver, the UV Race sound like a lost Velvet Underground album clashing with the raw proto-punk of the Stooges.

They have recently released their full length LP entitled "HOMO" both on Aarght! Records here in Australia and on the legendary In The Red Records  (The Dirtbombs, Thee Oh Sees, Demon's Claws, Black Lips, any good garage band in the last decade) over in the US. The fact that they are on ITR is both a testament to how respected this band is in the US and how RIDICULOUS it is that nobody knows about them here.

I really can't stress how awesome these guys are, if you like mid 70's proto punk a la Velvet Underground, Stooges, Eddy Current Suppression Ring, The Saints, Electic Eels then go out and buy "HOMO" asap!

note: The song I chose in no way defines their "sounds", these guys are pretty diverse, but for some reason I consistently find myself singing this when I wake up with a hangover...

UV Race - Lego Man.mp3


Royal Headache - Sydney

Royal Headache are four dudes from the 'burbs of Sydney who blast out a furry blend of powerpop-infused garage punk, along the same vein as Nobunny or Ramones but with someone who sounds as though he can actually sing. Basically their songs are catchy as fuck and I'm sure they would absolute kill it live, even if the guitar is too loud, the speakers are blown, and the lead singer is too busy pulling aerial maneuvers off the ceiling, this is punk rock, man, not some fucking Jack Johnson concert.

They are also due to be playing at the amazing Gonerfest! festival hosted by Goner records (jay reatard, oblivions, nobunny, etc) in Memphis Tennessee.

Royal Headache now have a Full Length LP on R.I.P Society Records (another awesome aussie label) which, in my opinion, is amazing. Well worth the purchase.

The following two songs are taken from the previously released Royal Headache 7" EP

Royal Headache - Girls

Royal Headache - Eloise


Circle Pit - Sydney

For some reason, these guys get a lot of hate because they're super hip and look like scandinavian junkies from the 80's. Personally, I haven't seen any pictures/videos that make me hate them, besides, their music is fucking awesome. Seriously, for two weirdo's from the scums of Sydney this shit is amazing. Some of their songs are reminiscent of Sonic Youth and early 90's grunge, other songs are slow moving bummer drone 70's style rock. Either way it's all good, and I dig, even if the guitarist once played with a dead bird hanging from his neck...

Their music can be found on R.I.P Society in Oz and on super sweet labels Siltbreeze and Sacred Bones in the US.

Circle Pit - Wave Machine

Circle Pit - Infinity


Bitch Prefect - Adelaide

These three lads from South Australia make music along the same vein of bands from the early Flying Nun days such as The Clean, The Chills, Tall Dwarves and the whole scene that was around in the 80's. But I'll delve more into that in a later post, right now I'm talking about these guys. From what little I've heard of Bitch Prefect, I've liked. It's more in the style of chilled out pop rock music that goes great with a Sunday afternoon drive. I can't say much more about these guys because I don't know much, and they have only released one EP (which you can listen to entirely here), but I'm eager to hear their LP if/when it comes out. Give them a try.

02 Holiday in America.mp3

01 Marilyn Monroe.mp3


Slug Guts - Brisbane

Slug Guts have been around for a while, at least from my memory, they have become somewhat staples of the Brisbane punk scene. They're obviously influenced by The Birthday Party and Nick Cave in general, as well as the legendary X to name a few. They're music is swampy and dirty, with dark rhythmic baselines, sparse guitar and brooding vocals. As you can tell by their band name, as well as their track names such as Hangin' In The Pisser, these guys sing about the seedier side of life, like a one dollar peep show at 3am in Fortitude Valley; rough but it's real.

They're most recent release Howlin' Gang on local label Bedroom Suck is probably their best work yet. It might not be everyone's cup of muddy tea, but I dig it.

Slug Guts - Howlin'

Slug Guts - Hangin' in the Pisser.mp3


This is only a small portion of the good australian bands floating around today, but it's enough to get you started, I might post up some more further down the track.

Irreplaceable: The Replacements - Let It Be

The Replacements were a Hardcore /Post Punk band that was most predominant during the 80's. What makes this band so good/interesting is the diversity of their songs, from slow ballads such as Androgynous (later covered by Joan Jett) to their power-pop cover of KISS's Black Diamond.


The album is also filled with post punk classics that are in the higher tempo vein such as Favorite Thing to the straight up hardcore punk style of We're Coming Out. This album has something for the entire family (not really).

Usually when a band tries to blend in so many styles it generally ends up being too overbearing and disjointed, but due to the amazing musicianship of this band they are able to pull off every style as though it's been there niche for years.

This is one of my most favourite older dig-ups of the past year, I really can't believe I had never listened to them before but then again I think the timing was right with this band.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!


DOWNLOAD

MILKY MEDICINE: MILK MUSIC

MILK MUSIC are from what seems like the new best scene in America, (or at least in the NorthWest) Olympia, Washington.

They sound like they belong on SST Records from the 90's with a heavy influence form the likes of Dinosaur Jr, Husker Du, Pavement, etc. The guitar is dirty and distorted, the drums are driving and the bass seems to hold it all together much like Lou Barlow in Dino Jr's You're Living All Over Me (One of my favourite albums of all time).

The similarities to Dinosaur Jr are one of the main reasons I like this band so much, there is something about reverb-laden distortion, twisted squealing solo's and distant vocals that get my head banging and dreaming of distant days with flannel and ripped jeans.

But those days are gone now and all we can do now is hope MILK MUSIC continue to make good music.

Beyond Living LP: DOWNLOAD

They also have a heap of free music over on there Last.fm page

Psychedelic Prescriptions: Wooden Shjips - West

After some promising glimpses in their previous album "Dos" on Holy Mountain records, Wooden Shjips have changed labels to Thrill Jockey and with that the San Franciscan psych rockers have released their most accessible record to date.

This album is full of the moving repetitive riffs, fuzzy solos and echoing vocals that you'd here in one of the original san francisco psych/acid rock bands like jefferson airplane,love, etc. It's not hard to tell who influenced these guys. I dare say even your Dad or stoner Uncle will like this record.

For fans of: any 60's psychedelic or new "neo psychedelic" band eg. Moon Duo, BJM, Dead Meadow, the Warlocks etc.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Doco of the Week: Be Here to Love Me: A Film About Townes Van Zandt

Up until about August last year (2010) I had absolutely no idea who Townes Van Zandt was and what he did, but that all changed one hazy night stumbling into a friends house at 2am in downtown Missoula Montana. I was just coming by to find a floor to sleep on, but my friend was up watching this documentary on the big screen. After some minor rambling about my late night shenanigans in the dusty dive bars of Missoula, I positioned myself on the empty couch, cracked open a fresh can of PBR and prepared to pass out not caring what was being played before me.

But as I started watching, I was drawn into it and could not sleep. I watched the entire film from beginning to end, captivated by Townes' story.

Townes had a hard life, but he always seemed cheerful. His music was straight from the soul, or the bottom of a bottle of whiskey, whatever comes first. Even if you're not a country music fan you'll enjoy this film, simply because of the story told. And if you're not a fan of Townes at the end, well then there is no hope in you.

If you are lucky enough to live in the USA and not restriced by Australia's RIDICULOUS internet laws, then you can watch the entire doco over at Hulu ( there's also ways around this but you can figure that out for yourselves).

If you want another taste of Townes, then here is a great version of "waiting around to die".

Sleep Therapy: Jürgen Müller

For those who need music to sleep like me, this album has been on high rotation on the bedside dresser playlist. This is by a man called Jürgen Müller from Germany. One of the most intriguing aspects of this album is the back story that comes with it. Basically, this was recorded in 1979 while Jürgen was studying oceanic science at the University of Kiel. After going on an underwater mission to film sea level toxicity a few miles offshore, young Jürgen was struck with inspiration to make a musical document of his experiences. He then created a mobile studio on a vessel and recorded Science of the Sea.

Whether this story is true or not I don't know, but it only adds to the romance and mystery that the music creates. Crackling synth layers and strange bubbles and pops propel you into an underwater sonic submarine and lets you drift the depths of the ocean all from the comfort of your headphones.

Give it a try next time you have trouble sleeping

Horror Punk Prescriptions: Misfits

I can't believe the amount of people who still have not listened to the misfits, sure they've seen the famous skull logo - which is now used by skate and surf brands for that authentic "punk" edge - but they've never actually listened to the band, or if they have it's their much lamer new stuff where they started going into some strange hardcore-metal style.

The real misfits lasted from 1977-1983 and were lead by the man Glen Danzig (who later went on to form his own band: Danzig). In my opinion I think their best album is Static Age, followed closely by Walk Among Us.

both these albums have the signature howling vocals that Danzig is famously known for, as well as lyrics about cult-horror films and actors.

Be sure to check out this video-clip for the song Hybrid Moments. It's grainy, black and white picture of horror films combined with the distorted haze of punk, power chords makes this the paramount Misfits song and my personal favourite.

Prescription Form:

1x Static Age

1x Walk Among Us

repeat doses until cured.

Recommended Viewing: VBS.TV's New Garage Explosion

This full-length documentary on the rising of garage rock music in the USA and around the world is the perfect starting point for anybody interested in the garage rock/punk/whatever. I remember when first watching this I had a notepad and pen by the computer to write down all the bands mentioned. There are interviews with all the main men including Ty Segall, the Black Lips, Jay Reatard (rip) and many bands you probably haven't heard but should listen to.

Highly Recommended





Also be sure to check out other vbs doco's at vbs.tv. Some of my favourites include vice guide to Liberia and Vice guide to North Korea.

Prediction: SBTRKT feat. Little Dragon - Wildfire

 I like to lay bets on what is probably going to get high rotation on certain radio stations, and probably even be played in certain trashy gold coast nightclubs, mainly for my own self satisfaction and amusement. So for my first prediction post I'm going to go with this song by UK's SBTRKT (pronounced "Subtract") featuring Little Dragon (who also have a record out soon).

This song features a thick, dubstep-esque bassline but its more broken up into a hip-hop style beat. The vocals are by little dragon.

Also, for those wondering/hating, I don't usually listen to this kind of stuff, but fuck it, music is music, in the words of wu-tang finance:
 "You need to diversify yo bonds nigga," - GZA


Doctors advice:  This song probably works well with parties, particularly if you want to get your freaky dancing on.

Listening now: V-3

V-3 probably isn't the best band to put up for my first post and for that I'm not actually recommending it per se. BUT I do actually like this record. It's not something you'd play if you were trying to get a girl, or a family road trip, or basically with anyone besides yourself or your stoned friend.

I was introduced to these guys, and the legend of Jim Shepard, from a person younger than me who's musical knowledge puts me to absolute shame, but I'm slowly catching up... I think. Anyway, to my burnt out knowledge, v-3 were around during the legendary Columbus, Ohio noise rock scene, of which Jim Shepard was a key figure.

 The recording is rough, the vocals are hidden behind a haze of static - occasionally you can pick off lyrics about some guy looking dumb in a grey suit. The guitar sounds similar to the noise a chainsaw would make if it was cutting through steel, and throughout the record is a myriad of strange beeps, screeches, static, feedback and basically just confusing sounds. But don't get me wrong, this record rocks.

Last.fm describes v-3 as:

"Mistakenly categorized as lo-fi, underground legend Jim Shepard and his mid-’90s outfit V-3 should really be termed lo-pro (for low production), as the many mumbling, sometimes droning lo-fi bands of the mid-’90s have little artistically in common with Shepard’s offbeat, organic rock. However, at a period when bands like Pavement and Guided by Voices were releasing records that practically shimmer by comparison, the production value of Photograph Burns and Evil Love Deeper are stunningly low for indie, much less major-label, releases."

The record has a dystopian feel to it, it's almost like there is no emotion - just abrasive noise and angered vocals. I'm sure he's saying something important, but I have no idea what it is.

Doctors advice: Listen to this when your feeling something different, and you want loud, messy, abrasive noise (which is probably never for most normal people).

Recommended if you like: electric eels, vertical slit, thomas jefferson slave apartments, pink reason, homostupids, clockcleaner, etc.

LISTEN HERE