QUEENSL AND'S HIGHEST CIRCUL ATING STREET PRESS
WEDNESDAY 29 DECEMBER 2010 ~ ISSUE 1508 ~ FREE
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PSR-E323
YRS24B Australia’s favourite e student recorder Durable ABS resin construction. ction.. Easy to play and keep clean. n. Includes fingering chart and d bag.
The perfect beginning for anyone learning music 61 touch sensitive keys giving piano playability and added expression. Learning music is fun and easy with Yamaha Education Suite lessons and 102 preset songs.
YRS20B
AUDIOGRAM 3
Have fun with Yamaha’s rainbow coloured recorders
Recording with yourr computer has neverr been so easy!!
Made of ABS resin which is strong, durable and easy to keep clean. Available in translucent green, pink or blue.
YDP-S31 Slimline, compact, high-quality piano - a perfect addition to your home!
Featuring one mic/instrumentt input and bundled with Cubasee AI recording software thee AUDIOGRAM 3 makes it easy to o record your music on the go. PC C and Mac compatible.
Authentic sound, weighted keys and an absolute joy to play. Only 30cm cabinet depth with keyboard cover and 3 pedals. Built-in recording features and metronome make this instrument ideal for piano lessons and practicing. Optional piano stool available.
POCKETRAK C24 Pocket full of sound The POCKETRAK C24 is a light and portable recorder that is capable of recording both 24bit/96kHz high quality audio and compressed MP3 audio. Audio files are stored directly to the 2GB internal memory or optional microSD card and files can be transferred via USB directly to your computer. Bundled with Cubase AI recording software.
PSR-E223
DGX-640W
The ideal way to start
Incredible value and great style for the whole family to enjoy
61 keys and 100 different accompaniment styles. Remarkable sound and amazing value.
88 weighted keys that feel just like a real piano. 305 built-in song set ups and the ability to download more from Yamaha’s Music Finder Plus website. Includes stand, sustain pedal and power supply.
P95B The ideal portable solution
Dynamic sound and natural piano touch packed in a slim, exceptionally affordable instrument that’s perfect for home, school or the rehearsal room. Includes music rest, sustain pedal and power supply.
GIGMAKER DRUM KIT G P Play Pl on the brands th h pro’s demand the
DTXPLORER
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Loud or silent - it’s your choice
PST3 PACK A complete starter package Brass copper based alloy 14” hi hats, 16” crash and 20” ride.
Excellent value for the begin beginner nner or hobbyist. With 100’s of traditional, traditional, electronic and exotic drum um sounds, s you can build your own drum m kit and play along to your MP3 or to the 22 preset songs gs to recreate a live concert rt in your headphones.
CS40 C S40
CG142S
F310P
FG700
FGX720SCA
PAC012
RBX270
Built especially for younger players
Exceptional value solid top classical guitar
Become the future of rock
Modern features at an affordable price
This full-size classical guitar gives lots of bold balanced tone. The nato neck, back and sides provide the force behind this instrument’s tone, bringing out the deep sound of nylon strings.
Excellent quality entry level acoustic solid top guitar with deluxe features
Awesome acoustic electric guitar
A great sounding 3/4 size guitar. Available in natural gloss finish. Limited stock.
Impress your party guests and start playing guitar now
This solid spruce top, thin neck and low action guitar, adds value to the classic FG series with the inclusion of an in-built tuner and pre amp. Available in natural gloss. FGX720SCABL black finish - $649 and FGX720SCABS brown sunburst finish - $649.
This excellent quality guitar is the perfect choice for future rock stars! Available in three great colours: black, dark blue metallic and red metallic.
This model features a pick-up system that provides a variety of tones from jazz to blues to rock. Available in black, mist green, red metallic, yellow natural satin or silver. Limited stock.
Everything you need to get started, featuring a great quality guitar and all the accessories: gig bag, strap, strings, string winder, capo, pitch pipe and picks. Available in natural gloss finish.
VT+ SERIES Seize the power and sound famous fast! Introducing the new Valvetronix+ Series amps, all featuring a 12 AX7 tube for true valve tone, 99 readyto-play presets, 25 in demand effects, plus an all-new Power Level control to increase or decrease volume. Available in 20, 40, 80 and 120 watts. VT20+ $249 and VT40+ $349.
Features the same design concepts as Yamaha’s premium high-end guitars. Available in natural gloss or matte finish. FG700MS - $349.
PATHFINDER 10
AMPLUG CABINET
Little yet loud
Mini headphone amp stack
Powerful 10 watt amp that is perfect for home practice, backstage warm-up and recording.
Equipped with a 3” Vox speaker and 0.7 Watts of power, the amPlug Cabinet is compatible with all amPlug models, so you can use a variety of amPlugs with a single amPlug Cabinet. Limited stock. AmPlug not included.
AMPLUG Plug in, rock out Vox’s pint-sized headphone guitar amp available in different styles. All models feature Gain, Tone and Volume controls along with an AUX-IN jack so you can jam along with a CD/MP3 player. Limited stock.
QUEENSLAND Arties Music
Shop 64, Aspley Hypermarket, 59 Albany Creek Road
ASPLEY
4034
07 3263 7966
www.artiesmusic.com.au
Artie’s Music Townsville
99 Charters Towers Road
HERMIT PARK
4812
07 4771 4486
www.artiesmusiconline.com.au
David’s Musical Centre
Shop 2, 38 Tank Street
GLADSTONE
4680
07 4972 7177
Ellaways Music Kedron
315 & 337 Gympie Road
KEDRON
4031
07 3359 8266
www.ellaways.com.au
Ellaways Music Underwood
39 - 45 Compton Road
UNDERWOOD
4119
07 3290 5656
www.ellaways.com.au
Gallin’s Musician’s Pro Shop Fortitude Valley
59 Barry Parade
FORTITUDE VALLEY
4006
07 3831 5898
www.gallinsmps.com.au
Gallin’s Musician’s Pro Shop Mermaid Beach
2590 Gold Coast Highway
MERMAID BEACH
4218
07 5504 5644
www.gallinsmps.com.au
Gallin’s Musician’s Pro Shop Southport
Shop 3 / 1 Young Street
SOUTHPORT
4215
07 5561 1106
www.gallinsmps.com.au
Green Brothers
72 William Street
ROCKHAMPTON
4700
07 4927 3088
www.musicalshack.com.au
Guitar World Queensland
1, 22 New Street
NERANG
4211
07 5596 2588
www.guitar.com.au
Instrumental Music
Suite 21, 200 Moggill Road
TARINGA
4068
07 3871 1333
www.yourmusicstore.com.au
Kerry’s Keyboards
Corner Main Drive & Nicklin Way (Opp BP)
WARANA
4575
07 5493 4888
www.kerryskeyboards.com.au
Lawrences’ Musicland
363 Mulgrave Road
CAIRNS
4870
07 4033 1363
Mooloolaba Music Centre
Nicklin Way
MINYAMA
4575
07 5444 8889
www.mooloolabamusic.com
Music Express
2048 Logan Road
UPPER MOUNT GRAVATT
4122
07 3849 7088
www.musicexpress.com.au
Music Express
Shop 2001 Garden City Shopping Centre
UPPER MOUNT GRAVATT
4122
07 3849 2588
www.musicexpress.com.au
Music Express Robina
Shop 2, 76-84 Robina Town Centre Drive
ROBINA
4226
07 5593 0488
www.musicexpressrobina.com.au
The Best Music Shop
Shop 24A , Homemaker City, 38 Goggs Road
JINDALEE
4074
07 3376 5454
www.bestmusicshop.com.au/yamaha
The Keyboard Shop
Dalrymple Service Road (down from Sam’s Warehouse)
CURRAJONG
4812
07 4779 4660
www.thekeyboardshop.com.au
Ultra Music
51 Main Street
PIALBA
4655
07 4128 2037
Vivace Music
Shop 8, 62 Pinelands Road
SUNNYBANK HILLS
4109
07 3344 1880
www.vivacemusic.com.au
Yamaha Music Mackay
Corner Victoria & Chain Street
MACKAY
4740
07 4951 3437
www.yamaha.net.au
Promotion commences 1st November 2010 to 31st December 2010 at participating dealers. Not all products listed in this catalogue are available at all Yamaha dealers. # These products are listed at normal RRP and are not part of this special distributor’s promotional offer. † The “value” specified for the bonus offers is Yamaha Music Australia’s recommended retail price of these products. *Price drop of 40% applies to selected product only. Visit yamahabackstage.com.au for full terms and conditions.
GIVEAWAYS Featuring cameos from the likes of Alice Cooper, Iggy Pop, Moby and Henry Rollins and starring Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange), Suck already has star-power behind it, but then add its plotline – the tale of a struggling band that succumbs to the temptation of vampirism – and you’ve got yourselves the workings of a cult film set to become a perennial favourite. Released on limited run in cinemas now’s your chance to catch it. Loaded with interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, thanks to Universal Pictures we have five copies of the film on DVD to give away! Subject Line: SUCK DVD
For handyman and ex-con Arkin a quiet home and a family on vacation is an opportunity. For inside the house is a jewellers safe and inside the safe is a gem – his only hope for repaying a debt to his ex-wife and keeping what’s left of his family intact. Unfortunately for Arkin inside the house is also a box containing the latest addition to a collection catalogued in blood, bone and tears – a human specimen packaged as “bait”. A second criminal has also targeted the property, and rigged it with a series of deadly traps. As the seconds tick down to midnight Arkin becomes a reluctant hero trapped by a masked Collector while trying to rescue the very family he came to rob. The Collector is from the writers of Saw IV, V and VI. Thanks to Roadshow Entertainment we have five copies of the DVD up
for grabs! Rated R, entrants must be 18+. Subject Line: THE COLLECTOR Thanks to EMI Music we have five copies up for grabs of Grinderman 2, the very awesome follow up to Grinderman’s (Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds side project) 2007 self-titled debut. The album features a diverse range of sounds and includes the singles ‘Heathen Child, and ‘Worm Tamer.’ Subject Line: GRINDERMAN 2 Chita’s music is a fresh take on modern pop… a fusion of pop and dance sounds mixed with edgy tribal elements and her resonating voice. Chita’s songs are upbeat, catchy and unique. Her “tribalpop” sound is featured on her debut EP titled Eyes on You. Thanks to Soul Rebel Entertainment we have five copies of the EP up for grabs! Subject Line: CHITA CD
There is no doubt that Altiyan Childs has the X factor. Altiyan’s X Factor ride was a hardfought competition, loaded with thrills, drama and exhilaration all the way down to the wire. Thanks to Sony Music we have five copies of his debut album up for grabs, comprising of studio recordings of the 11 tracks he performed on the Channel 7 series, including ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’, ‘Never Tear Us Apart’, ‘Hey Soul Sister’ and ‘Lady In Red’. The album also features the single ‘Somewhere In The World’, a track already familiar to the millions who watched Altiyan perform it on the X Factor Grand Final. Subject Line: ALTIYAN CHILDS
HOW TO ENTER:
SPRINGWOOD RD, SPRINGWOOD PH: 3208 4444
Email: give@timeoff.com.au with the designated Subject Line. Entries MUST include your full name, address and contact phone number in Body of Text. Please note our Giveaways policy: Email before Friday 3pm unless stated otherwise. If you have won a prize you will be notified by email. One entry per person/per competition. Prizes must be collected from the Time Off office during business hours with the presentation of ID. Prizes must be collected within 10 working days from email notification unless stated otherwise. Prizes are not transferable, exchangeable or redeemable for cash. Failure to collect the prize within the time specified will result in it being forfeited. Deadlines for entering and collection must be strictly adhered to.
CONTENTS
ISSUE 1508
TIME OFF
Get the year’s most prominent music industry news from The Front Line Lowdown has the final tour announcements of the year The people have spoken. We take you through the top ten Albums of the Year Best song? Best artist? Best website? Best film? We judged it all, see the results. So here they are, our individual Writers’ Polls for 2010 We know what was big in Brisbane, but what about other areas of the country? We check in with our sister publications to get a full wrap up It’s been a big year for the arts, find out what did well in the Front Row polls
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We love Brisbane and Brisbane loves us. Take a look at some of the biggest moments in our city for 2010 We run you through a few of the finer upcoming local events in our Live section Dan Condon’s got the 2010 blues, read about it in Roots Down Adam Curley meets friends and strangers in The Breakdown Lochlan Watt hails Satan and sacrifices virgins in just another instalment of Adamantium Wolf Sarah Petchell is going to Wake The Dead in 2011 Make your New Year’s the best yet with some help from our Gig Guide Boxing Day sales not doing it for you? iFlog.
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CREDITS EDITORIAL Group Managing Editor: Andrew Mast Editor: Steve Bell Front Row Editor: Daniel Crichton-Rouse Editorial Assistant: Dan Condon Contributing Editor: Adam Curley
Front Row: Mandy Kohler, Kohler Lauren Dillon, Dillon Adam Brunes, Matt O’Neill, Mitch Knox, Jessica Mansour, Guy Davis, Rowena Grant-Frost, Danielle O’Donohue, Helen Stringer, Alice Muhling Photography: Stephen Booth, Kane Hibberd, Alex Gillies, Silvana Macarone, Brad Marsellos
ADVERTISING Advertising Account Executives: Melissa Tickle, Adam Reilly
EDITORIAL POLICY The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. No part may be reproduced without the consent of the copyright holder. ©
DESIGN & LAYOUT Designers: Stuart Teague, Matt Davis Cover Design: Matt Davis ACCOUNTS & ADMINISTRATION Administration: Leanne Simpson Accounts: Marcus Treweek CONTRIBUTORS: Time Off: Lawrence English, Ben Preece, Dan Condon, Craig Spann, Daniel Johnson, Chris Yates, Matt O’Neill, Alex Gillies, Richard Alverez, Mark Beresford, Emma Heard, Andrew Haug, Stu Harvey, Adam Curley, Daniel Wynne, Lochlan Watt, Roberta Maguire, Kenada Quinlan, Carlin Beattie, Bill Johnston, Tyler Jones, Tyler McLoughlan, Mitch Knox, Sam Hobson, Rachel Tinney, Tony McMahon, Benny Doyle, Lily Luscombe, Jake Sun, Sarah Petchell
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INDUSTRY NEWS
A YEAR IN THE INDUSTRY JANUARY
Things didn’t start well for the folks of Pyramid Rock, as a storm lashed the main stage on New Year’s Eve causing the cancellation of sets from Empire of The Sun, Grinspoon, Van She and The Butterfly Effect. Things got worse for the Melbourne music scene when it was announced staple music venue The Tote would be closing its doors. “I can’t afford to keep fighting Liquor Licensing,” owner Bruce Milne said. “I can’t afford the new ‘high risk’ fees they have imposed,” referring to the category the venue had been placed in by the Victorian Government’s clampdown on alcohol-fuelled violence. The venue did close but the silver lining was that it would prove to be the catalyst for one of the industry’s finest moments, the SLAM Rally. Meanwhile, triple j leaked the winner of the Hottest 100 (Mumford & Sons) and Paul McCartney felt a little left out that Dave Grohl had asked John Paul Jones to play bass in Them Crooked Vultures.
FEBRUARY Australian music fans felt like something had been taken away from them when Justice Peter Jacobson found Men At Work guilty of plagiarism, claiming that a “substantial part” of their track Down Under was reproduced from the children’s classic Kookaburra Sits In The Old Gum Tree, that is, the flute solo. Tragically, Ruby Hunter passed away suddenly of heart failure in the arms of partner Archie Roach, surrounded by family in their Victorian home. The Australian Music Prize nominations were announced, and nominee Urthboy questioned the motives behind a lack of hip hop acts.
MARCH
Lisa Mitchell
Then Chief Executive Officer of ARIA and the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia Stephen Peach announced he would be retiring after eight years. Staying on until August to help with the changeover, it took longer than that to fill the role, which turned out to be less soughtafter than anticipated. Lisa Mitchell controversially won the Australian Music Prize with Wonder, while Oh Mercy picked up the previously announced the Red Bull Award. The MusicOz awards descended into chaos with ticket mix-ups and collapsing on-stage scaffolding. Mark Linkous, aka Sparklehorse, took his own life aged 47. The album he had completed with Danger Mouse, Dark Night Of The Soul was tangled up in EMI legal issues but following this was released properly later in the year and Alex Chilton of Big Star also departed the mortal realm. OK Go had had enough of EMI’s video-embedding policy and left the label for independence while Whitley decided he’d had enough of the industry as a whole. Distribution and sales company Other Tongues launched in Sydney and the same city’s The Drum Media celebrated 1,000 copies with a collectors issue and retrospective pull-out.
APRIL Powderfinger called a press conference at Sydney’s Annandale Hotel to announce their final – and most extensive – tour. Guitarist Darren Middleton told The Front Line, “We no longer need to be lying to our friends.” Low Transit Industries wound up, New Justice Records started up and Rubber Records ceased selling CDs. Sydney’s Vanguard was put up for sale as owner John Cass came to the end of his reign. An Icelandic volcano proved to be a nuisance for flights in and out of Europe, California’s Coachella suffering from the cancellations. Live Nation announced it would be setting up offices to Australia, U2 would be its first project later in the year.
MAY
Hey Hey It’s Saturday was back and topical once more, Gyroscope’s frontman Dan Sanders ended their live performance on the show by turning his back on the camera to reveal a “Warner Sux” message, the band upset that their former label had released a ‘best of’ unbeknownst to them. Karnivool were stars of the WAMi Awards and Pivot were forced to change their name to PVT after an American nu-metal band took legal action. Australia had the most wins outside of America in the International Song Competition. The metal world mourned the loss of Ronnie James Dio, who succumbed to stomach cancer at the age of 67. The biggest international news was EMI’s ongoing struggles. This month private equity owner Terra Firma had to inject further funds into the business to avoid Citibank taking it over. EMI’s debts to the bank were reported to be as high as £3.2 billion.
JUNE The future of The Tote was looking up after new owners announced their intention to bring the venue back to the live music scene. The warning signs for Shock Entertainment Group starting ringing louder as the One Stop, Shock Exports and Shock Music Publishing branches were all closed down. Shock General Manager said at the time, “These three business that were closed were completely separate and autonomous entities to Shock Entertainment.” Empire Of The Sun, Eskimo Joe and AC/DC all received two APRA Awards and MIA took so much offence to a NY Times Magazine cover story that she posted the phone number of journalist Lynn Hirschberg on her Twitter account. The recordings that MIA released suggested the Sri Lankan artist may have had a point. Medical issues to Andrew Stockdale forced Wolfmother out of planned European dates and The Scare announced plans to split. Street Press Australia contributor, former record store owner and Sydney-scene good guy Adam D Mills tragically passed away at just 29 years of age.
JULY George Ash took up the Australasian president’s reign of Universal Music while Moshtix formulated their submission to the Government’s review into ticket scalping though their own survey. The decision came down that composers of Men At Work’s Down Under would have to pay five per cent of earnings to Larrikin Music for breach of copyright. After working with VIVID Live, Fergus Linehan took up the roll of Head Of Contemporary Music at the Sydney Opera House. Vampire Weekend were being sued to the tune of £1.3 million by Kirsten Kennis, the model who appeared on their cover of their album Contra, claiming she never gave permission for the image to be used. The saga is still ongoing, the band now suing the photographer. Wollongong venue Oxford Tavern closed its doors and Kings Of Leon cancelled a show in St Louis after being shit on by birds. Street Press Australia (Time Off’s publishers) announced that they would be launching their Sydney dance and lifestyle magazine, 3D World in Melbourne and Brisbane in August.
AUGUST Fears were realised when Shock Entertainment – recently sold to Regency Media – entered into voluntary administration. In the creditors listing obtained by The Front Line, the organisation’s debts totalled $4.2 million. Soon after, the Stomp group was sold to new company Surrealus. Soon enough, the Stomp name had been replaced by new distributor Élan, but not before they’d lost both personnel and clients. While the Woodfordbased event was regarded as one of the festival’s best ever editions, Splendour In The Grass announced its intentions to return to Byron Bay in 2011 and they submitted the application to move to their Yelgun site to
the State Government. Meanwhile, Richard Ashcroft spat the dummy at the festival and walked off after a smaller than expected crowd came to his stage. It was announced Homebake wouldn’t be happening this year, promoter Joe Segreto telling The Front Line that the “planets hadn’t aligned.” Queensland’s Bam! Festival was cancelled, its unique ticket selling method – bands sell tickets, the quantity of sales determining their billing – failing. Kanye West accumulated over 100,000 followers on Twitter just nine hours after his first post, in a matter of days he was up to 350,000. The Harbour Agency lost a fair chunk of their top-end roster after top agent Brett Murrihy started new stable Artist Voice with Matt Gudinski, the agency remaining part of the Mushroom group. In American Warner’s financial status was downgraded from “stable” to “negative”. Legendary punk band Descendents posted on their website that they’d be touring Australia for the very first time, heading a then rumoured-only festival that turned out to be No Sleep Til. Meanwhile, the Soundwave line-up was leaked after a camera-phone photo of the line-up was circulated on social media sites. Ou Est le Swimming Pool’s frontman Charles Haddon died after jumping from a mast in the car park area at Belgium’s Pukkelpop festival.
SEPTEMBER
The Getaway Plan
Warner President and CEO Ed St John was removed from his post, which also meant that his position as the ARIA Chairman would have to be relinquished. Sony’s Denis Handlin was given the ARIA post, which he’d previously held, a few weeks later. ARIA, meanwhile, were being sued for $1.1 million by promotion agency Three Degrees Marketing on the claim of unpaid bills. Julia Gillard decided to re-shuffle her front bench, which meant that the underwhelming Peter Garret handed over the Arts portfolio to Simon Crean. MusicNSW Executive Officer Eliza Sarlos raised concerns to The Front Line about his support for contemporary aspects of the industry. “He’s said he’s passionate about ballet and opera – we’ll be interested in seeing how his appointment impacts contemporary arts practitioners,” she said. INXS were also underwhelming in their performance at the first AFL Grand Final. Rumours were abounding that The Getaway Plan were to reform. Now unconnected to the band, their ex-tour manager John Raymond Zimmerman pleaded guilty to rape charges in the same month. The Front Line got its first read of Michael Chugg’s biography, Hey, You In The Black T-shirt, and therefore the cocaine exploits of Fleetwood Mac, which would be released in October. Models, The Church, The Loved Ones, Johnny Young and John Williamson were announced as this year’s Hall Of Fame inductees while on the eve of releasing his album Harlem River Blues, Justin Townes Earle checked into rehab in order to curb his ongoing struggles with addiction.
OCTOBER The ARIA and PPCA driver’s seats were finally filled, Dan Rosen the new face. Meanwhile the new General Manager of Élan Media Partners (Stomp re-branded) Craig White told The Front Line in regards to the bad taste left by Stomp’s unpaid bills, “I literally have chosen to take no interest in it. I came on after the acquisition and I’ve not spent 30 seconds worrying about what the process is.” Perhaps unsurprisingly, more labels would leave Stomp/ Élan this month. The ARIA Awards’ revamp was revealed,
Wednesday 29th December New Columbia Lost of Love
Thursday 30th December
BOYS AND GIRLS Fire of Waco Milestones A Strobelight Summer $12 tickets on door $10 host list
Friday 31st December 648 Ann Street Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 www.xandybar.com.au
8
NYE Under the sea @ X&Y bar Butterz ANIKI Danny Cool
event promoter Mark Pope telling us the changes come because they “had to move forward”. Cloud Control and Dan Sultan celebrated being the cream of the crop at the Independent Music Awards, while Philadelphia Grand Jury swapped their drummer again. There was also a shake up in American with industry powerhouse Live Nation Entertainment, their Chairman Barry Diller ousted after bringing the ‘Hollywood’ mentality to the company. Torrential rain forced the cancellation of the Bellingen Global Carnival’s final day of activities and UK dub punk pioneer Ari Up passed away. Rupert Murdoch’s News Limited launched Foxtix in a collaboration with Moshtix. In good news for the Sydney scene, the Oxford Art Factory’s council dilemmas proved to be a mistake. The IMMEDIA! office, the publishers of the Australian Music Industry Directory, was sold and closed in order to allow for Phil Tripp’s retirement. The magazine and other assets were bought by Street Press Australia (publishers of Time Off ) the following month.
NOVEMBER The backlash for the new ARIA Awards format was widespread and scathing, the night rating worse than last year’s disaster. Presenters (Jessica Mauboy, Lara Bingle especially) were considered mistakes, as was the disorganisation of the night. It was a stark contrast to the ARIA Hall Of Fame industry-only night, held in Sydney after moving from Melbourne this year, which was considered a rousing success. Indie touring companies Civil Society and Handsome Tours merged, and will operate under the latter’s name as of Jul 1 next year, bringing together two strong client lists. Laneway Festival announced that they will be visiting Singapore next year, co-founder/promoter Danny Rogers telling The Front Line, “when I mentioned Singapore, that really helped me get a lot of the bands.” In Sydney, the Black Mass metal festival was cancelled after an online Christian lobby protested to the venue and in another genre dance festival promoters We Love Sounds went into liquidation. A New York City judge ordered the cessation of filesharing platform Limewire’s activities after being found guilty of a “massive scale of [copyright] infringement”. Staple Brisbane venue The Troubadour was forced to close and The Annandale Hotel was looking for an investor. After being absent at the Hall of Fame induction Models’ James Freud passed away suddenly. EMI’s woes worsened as court cases between Terra Firma and Citibank came down in favour of the bank as Queen also left the label’s aging ranks this month. Film Victoria provided a grant towards the making of the documentary, Rowland S. Howard: Autoluminiscent. Brisbane’s Time Off celebrated 1,500 issues with a commemorative issue, masterfully put together by the editorial team involved.
DECEMBER After being announced Channel [V]’s Oz Artist Of The Year, Short Stack’s guest-edit of the station’s website ended in farce after it was revealed that bassist Andy Clemmensen had plagiarised a review of Kanye West’s album. The review was made up of sections of other reviews from the likes of Pitchfork and The Sydney Morning Herald. The Seabellies celebrated the end of their Melbourne residency by being bashed on Brunswick Street while Descendents were able to break curfew at Melbourne’s No Sleep Til thanks to NOFX’s Fat Mike running around to raise $20,000 – no confirmation on whether the money was raised or the event fined. Qantas back flipped on their policy regarding to carry-on musical instruments after a growing backlash from the industry, Modular boss Stephen Pavlovic was announced as the next VIVID Live curator – after Brian Eno and Lou Reed – and the Government inquiry into scalping said that the climate was okay, and this it should be dealt with by the industry. Highly influential musician Captain Beefheart succumbed to the effects of multiple sclerosis at the age on 69.
Saturday 1st January BAR CLOSED
Sunday 2nd january This Dog Bites Aniki
Monday 3rd January BAR CLOSED
Tuesday 4th January Trash Queen Pandora’s Heros Cutloose
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DOWN IN THE VALLEY May of 2011 will see the welcome return of the Valley Jazz Festival to the streets of our city’s entertainment precinct and the first list of acts to be performing has just been announced. You can’t get a first announcement much better than Vince Jones, pictured, the indisputable voice of Australian jazz. For many a year Jones has been one of Australian jazz’s most celebrated crossover artists, playing not only jazz but delving into blues, folk and pop styles as well. He’s a consummate performer who never lets us down and is a welcome headline act for the festival. No less incredible is the announcement of the Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra with Kristin Berardi. Certainly Australia’s premier big band, the orchestra is made up of some of our country’s most innovative improvisers. There are still more acts to be announced so keep your eyes peeled; the festival happens from Wednesday May 25 to Sunday May 29 and you can get all venues and times from valleyjazzfestival.com.
ACE UP THEIR SLEEVE What can we say about Motörhead? No, seriously, what can we say? They are just about the most legendary heavy rock’n’roll band in the history of the world, they’ve been killing everything in their path for the past 35 years and while the line-up has changed a little bit, the core trio of guitarist Phil Campbell, drummer Mikkey Dee and founding member, figurehead and the guy Dave Grohl likes to refer to simply as ‘God’, Ian ‘Lemmy’ Kilmister, remains. They still rock ridiculously hard too – their recent visits to Australia have proven this, as has their latest record, their 20th, 2010’s The Wörld is Yours. The band are finally coming back to Australia on the back of this release and you can see them stopping by the Gold Coast Convention Centre Friday Apr 1. Tickets are available from Ticketek right now.
DO THE BUS STOP
THE FINEST FUSION
Here is a quick note to any of you who are planning on heading to the awesome No Years festival that is happening at the Brisbane Powerhouse on Friday night. Organisers have decided to put on some busses for those of your crazy cats who want to kick on in picturesque Fortitude Valley after the show; all you need to do is hit the car park any time between 12.30am and 3am and there’ll be a bus there to take you down to the Valley where you can resume the partying that you started so vibrantly at the show. Speaking of the festival, there are still some tickets available from the venue but you’ll want to get in quick!
One of the most exciting acts to be announced for next year’s WOMADelaide festival is the incredible Afro Celt Sound System. The act are one of the real heavy hitters in the world music realm and have been since their formation almost 20 years ago. It has been a full decade since they were last on our shores, so their return is certainly a welcome one from the perspective of many world music fans around the nation. You can catch this supergroup showcasing their irresistible fusion of West African rhythms, Irish traditional folk, big dance beats and mystic groove at The Hi-Fi on Tuesday Mar 15. Tickets are available from the venue and Moshtix for $66 + bf.
PACE YOURSELF One of the biggest pop music acts of the 1960s are making their way back to Australia early next year for shows that promise to be a thrill for the whole family. In their heyday Gerry and The Pacemakers had 12 hits in the Top 40, six of them making it all the way to the Top 10, and songs like Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying and Ferry Cross The Mersey remain classics to this day. The band will front up to Jupiters Theatre Wednesday Mar 16 and then drop by Kedron Wavell Services Club on Thursday Mar 17. Tickets are available from the venues.
MAKE SOME NOISE As the frontman for Noiseworks he became the rock idol of many people all around Australia. As lead singer of INXS he wasn’t quite so popular, but that has done nothing to sully Jon Stevens’ reputation as an incredible performer. A true legend of the Australian rock scene, Stevens has lent his amazing voice to any number of projects, not least a very successful solo career. He has been working on a new solo record – his
A PLEASANT SENTIMENT Los Angeles really is a hotbed for great indie-rock talent at this point in time. Well, we guess it’s always been a pretty strong scene, but it seems that now is an especially strong time for the area. Some of the freshest faces to be seen at this time are Foster The People, a band who have been heralded as the feel-good band of the summer with their chirpy lo-fi rock replete with buoyant baselines and surf guitar. Their single Pumped Up Kicks became an underground hit in no time and before long they became an internet sensation as well, notching up over a million YouTube views in a very short amount of time. The band are going to be heading out to Australia for the first time in their short career early next year to support their brand new EP which will drop in Australia in January; you can see them playing The Zoo on Sunday Feb 13. Tickets are available through the venue, OzTix and outlets for $44.90.
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first since 2005’s The Works – down at Byron Bay’s Rocking Horse Studios and hopes to have it released early in the New Year. Stevens will be in our part of the country in February, stopping by the Tempo Hotel Friday Feb 4, the Gold Coast’s Lone Star Tavern Saturday Feb 5 and Noosa Tewantin RSL Sunday Feb 6.
THE JETS ARE IN GEAR Excited for Mystery Jets’ upcoming Brisbane club show? We certainly are! But we really need to tell you, whatever you do, do not show up to The Hi-Fi on Thursday Jan 6 if you want to see their cool brand of British indie. We are well aware that your ticket may have that date on it; but they are not playing then anymore. The show has been moved to Friday Jan 7 – tickets for the original date are still valid so all you need to do is show up on the right date!
ON THE MOVE When the inaugural Karavan Gypsy Music Festival happened in Melbourne early in 2010, it was sold out well in advance and hundreds of keen punters danced the night away to what we are told was a fantastic night of the finest in gypsy music. So successful was the show that the organisers have decided to bring the show up to Brisbane in 2011. The bill for this year is monstrous, with Istanbul’s Harem de’ and Prague’s Gipsy.CZ the international component, showcasing their diverse takes on the gypsy genre while Australian acts Lolo Lovina, Arte Kanela, Babaganoush and DJ Systa BB will all be there as well, showing that the scene on our own country is also particularly strong. You can help them prove this fact by getting yourself along to the show when it hits The Hi-Fi on Friday Mar 4. Moshtix have got your tickets for $45 + bf.
A CHILDS IS BORNE Do you like Toni Childs? If you do then you must be pretty damn stoked that she has seemingly decided to call our country her second home of late. It seems as if she’s always here. Anyway, she is lingering around the place at the moment and is playing one show in our general vicinity early in the New Year, dropping by the Mullum Civic Hall on Sunday Jan 9. This is Childs’ sixth tour of our country in the past three years since the release of her highly emotive fourth studio record Keep The Faith and who knows when she’ll get jack of us and decide to never return, so don’t miss any opportunity you get to see this unstoppable artist. Tickets are available from OzTix, Mullum Books, Barebones Bangalow and All Music & Vision for $40 + bf or for $45 on the door. Talullah Rendall supports.
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Writers’Poll2010
Welcome to the third annual TIME OFF writers’ polls, in which we commission our motley crew of scribes to cast their eyes and ears back over the past 12 months to let us know what tickled their fancy (and what left them dead inside) during 2010. We then tally up their votes and arrive at definitive lists of artists and releases that we have decreed to be the year’s best. Enjoy the read, have an awesome festive period, and we’ll see y’all in 2011 for more weekly music-related shenanigans...
BEST SINGLES OF 2010
BY CHRIS YATES
1.The Suburbs ARCADE FIRE JUST OUTSIDE TOP TEN 11. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasty KANYE WEST
12. The Age Of Adz SUFJAN STEVENS 13. Heligoland MASSIVE ATTACK 14. Escapades HUNGRY KIDS OF HUNGARY 15. I’m New Here GIL SCOTT-HERON 16. All Day GIRL TALK 17. Passive Me, Aggressive You THE NAKED & FAMOUS 18. Church With No Magic PVT 19. Fifteen SUPER WILD HORSES 20. Teen Dream BEACH HOUSE PREVIOUS WINNERS: Veckatimest GRIZZLY BEAR (2009), Havilah THE DRONES (2008)
1. Runaway KANYE WEST
After performing a shorter version on Saturday Night Live featuring bad-ass gangsta Pusha-T and a swarm of ballerinas, Kanye’s finest moment becomes not only the best song of the year, but probably the entire decade. So what if he’s an egomaniac douchebag? So was Picasso.
2. Power KANYE WEST Even though it was only a teaser for what was to become the best album of the year, Power immediately dispensed any speculation that maybe his best moments were behind him and he was too caught up with his own demons to bring the goods to the table. I could have also added the tracks Monster and So Appalled to the list, but didn’t want to get too carried away.
3. Rohypnol CHINESE BURNS A Brisbane/Melbourne/Bundaberg/Gladstone band so self-conscious of their own genius that they didn’t believe my gushing praise until it started to come in spades from every US garage rock blog and critic worth listening to.
4. Dancing On My Own ROBYN Very hard to single out what the best single was from Swedish songstress Robyn’s Body Talk album series, but this one is proper pop heaven. Insanely danceable, kitschy and classy all at once.
2. High Violet THE NATIONAL
5. Diamond Eyes DEFTONES
= 8. Innerspeaker TAME IMPALA
5. Empire State Of Mind (Feat Alicia Keys) JAY-Z Even associations with the mindless slappers from Sex And The City can’t diminish the power and grace of this worldwide singalong anthem of the year. It also proves that there really can’t be too many songs about NYC. I panned Blueprint 3 when it first came out; sorry Jigga, everyone makes mistakes – you did that whole U2 tour thing after all.
6. And The Lovers Make A Scene HEINZ REIGLER
3. Contra VAMPIRE WEEKEND
6. Crystal Castles II CRYSTAL CASTLES
= 8. Sea Of Cowards THE DEAD WEATHER
Brisbane’s favourite Austrian’s ‘comeback’ single was a triumph of artistic proportions, celebrating Brisbane’s bohemians with the maximum amount of reverence and beauty that could possibly be wrung from them. The artwork for the 45 itself was equally as ambitious and amazing, but the music is a whole extra treat.
7. Round And Round ARIEL PINK’S HAUNTED GRAFITTI The Haunted Graffiti go relatively mainstream without selling out or even coming close to sucking, making the undeserved success of Vampire Weekend (whose label re-released his catalogue) kind of worth it.
4. Strange Tourist GARETH LIDDIARD
E
clectic Canadian outfit Arcade Fire became huge favourites amongst the Australian indie scene pretty much immediately when they released their debut album Funeral back in 2004, and there was a huge air of expectation surrounding the arrival of their third album The Suburbs at the beginning of August. The album – ostensibly a treatise on frontman Win Butler’s childhood in the urban sprawl of Houston – is both sentimental and nostalgic, but still with subtle memories of the grandiose flourishes that endeared their previous albums to so many. Time Off made The Suburbs Album Of The Week in issue #1488 (Aug 11, ’10), stating; “the album is a sprawling, multi-faceted beast that moves in leaps and bounds... once you notice the subtle themes unfolding it’s hard to resist... While The Suburbs isn’t outright oozing with grandeur as per Funeral or Neon Bible, it’s an intoxicating listen that reaches for something more subtle, something that shines so brightly that it’s Arcade Fire’s best effort yet.” The band’s bassist Tim Kingsbury explained to Time Off in issue #1487 (Aug 4, ’10), “When we did Neon Bible it sort of had this grandiose feel to it, we had the massive pipe organ and the large Hungarian men’s choir and a large orchestra – we sort of went pretty
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7. Harlem River Blues JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE
= 8. Tourist History TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB
big on that record – so I think with this album right off the bat I think all of us were feeling, ‘Alright, let’s do something a little more simple this time. I think that’s reflected in the record – I mean, there’s still the same six or seven of us working on it all the time, so I think our method often is to throw a lot of ingredients in and then to start taking stuff out afterwards. Our goal this time was definitely to make it a little more simple and, for lack of a better word, minimal.” A resounding success...
Liddiard – a collection of songs that rewards repeated listens if there ever was one. Sacramento veterans Deftones proved that they still have many admirers in the world of heavy music with their sixth album Diamond Eyes, while more Canadians snuck in in the form of Crystal Castles, whose second self-titled album (known commonly as II ) cemented their growing reputation. Justin Townes Earle will become an honorary Australian if he spends much more time here, and his third album Harlem River Blues shows just why that’s not such a bad proposition, while real Aussies Tame Impala continued their psych-drenched global assault with their debut album Innerspeaker – they tied in eighth position with Jack White’s newest project The Dead Weather’s second record Sea Of Cowards and the debut from Irish trio Two Door Cinema Club, Tourist History (they’ve started their own local tourist history by wowing crowds at Splendour and mow returning for Laneway and a Byron sideshow).
As per usual the remainder of this year’s Top 10 is a bit of a mixed bag, with a myriad of musical styles making the cut, and representing artists from all over the globe. Ohioan quintet The National romped into second place with their sterling album High Violet, building on the slow-burning success of their previous two efforts and cementing themselves a place in the upper-echelon of indie bands on the global circuit in the process. New York’s Vampire Weekend made short shrift of the ‘difficult second album syndrome’, with their sophomore effort Contra again endearing them to the indie cognoscenti. The highest Australian entry in the poll was Strange Tourist, the stunning debut solo album from The Drones’ venerated frontman Gareth
Overall 162 different albums were voted for by the Time Off music crew, showing categorically what a great year for music 2010 actually was (plus the fact that we all have totally differing musical proclivities).
8. Best Band In Sydney/ Worst Band In Sydney BED WETTIN’ BAD BOYS A bunch of kids who make filthy punk that sounded like The Replacements when they actually were a punk band is not what you expect from the rock’n’roll wasteland of Sydney, but they fucking nailed it.
9. Only The Young BRANDON FLOWERS It’s fucking embarrassing enough to admit that The Killers are not a piece of shit band with no substance, but to listen to Flowers’ solo album with the idea of possibly writing a painfully demeaning diatribe about the audacity of him making an album on his own, and to then unable to stop listening to that record for about two weeks straight is downright preposterous, and I’m indescribably ashamed of myself.
10. Enter The Ninja DIE ANTWOORD It’s no mean feat to go from being a hilarious internet meme to becoming no doubt the most famous South African rap group ever. The whole ‘I am a butterfly thing’ is really fucking weird and the rapping is unbelievably juvenile and naïve, but it comes together so flawlessly and with such genuine passion that it hurts, and not just in the side-splitting, knee-slapping way.
T A E LIV O
P M E T
AGE T S N I MA
JONSON STREET BYRON BAY
NEW YEARS EVE SOLID GOLD FRI 31 DEC
FLYING LOTUS MON 3 JAN
ORKESTRA DEL SOL TUE 4 JAN
SHIHAD WED 5 JAN
FREESTYLERS THURS 6 JAN
BLUEJUICE FRI 7 JAN
TUMBLEWEED SUN 9 JAN
THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS
WED 12 AND THURS 13 JAN
JIMEOIN SAT 15 JAN
JASON COLLETT
(BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE) SUN 16 JAN
TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE www.thenorthern.com.au
M 6PM O R F C DE 9 2 D E W LEX JONES
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THLUTRER3EG0OS
TUE 4 JANUARY w/ Carnifex
A WIND UP DOLLS + THE Y
MYSTERY JETS (UK)
FREE ENTR
FRI 7 JANUARY w/ Tin Can Radio
ROM 6PM F C E FRBIRO3O1KDSY’S BIGSH WITH
THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS
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SAT 15 JANUARY w/ The Chemist
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FRI 21 JANUARY w/ This Version (NZ), Darky Roots & more
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THE TEMPO HOTEL 388 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley. 18+ ID Required. Management reserve the right to refuse entry.
(HED)P.E (USA) FRI 28 JANUARY w/ The Havknotz
COMING O IN SOON... OON AVALON DRIVE – 5/2 ANDREW MCMAHON – 10/2 PHD – 11/2 THE GETAWAY PLAN – 12/2 18+, 13/2 U18 DOVES(UK) – 15/2 LAMB(UK) – 18/2 KATE NASH(UK) – 19/2
GANG OF FOUR(UK) – 25/2 IMELDA MAY(IRE) – 3/3 SWANS(USA) – 11/3 AFRO CELT SOUND SYSTEM(UK) – 15/3 FINNTROLL(FIN) – 24/3 SPARKADIA – 8/4 SUICIDAL TENDANCIES(USA) – 13/5
JUST ANNOUNCED NN N
IN FILTER – 26/2 KARAVAN / GIPSY.CZ(CZ) & HAREM’DE(TR) – 4/3
TIX+INFO T IX INFO
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Writers’Poll2010
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
KANYE WEST It’s simple, Kanye West owned 2010. He embraced everything he should embrace, as such he had the media and the public latched onto his every word and every move and then he capped it off by releasing what has already been heralded as one of the most devastatingly incredible hip hop records in history with My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Proclaiming himself the king of Twitter before melting down on the social networking platform in front of his millions of followers, becoming buddies with Justin Bieber, apologising to Taylor Swift, featuring in nude photos on the Internet, giving away a new song every week, bringing in the finest guest stars one could dream of, making a ridiculously long film clip and getting refused entry to a Sydney nightclub were just a few small examples of why he was such a media darling and an exciting figure in the oft-homogenised world of popular music. And that record sure is good. Runners-up: Arcade Fire (2), Tame Impala (3), The National (4), Sufjan Stevens (5) Previous winners: Kid Cudi (2009), The Drones/ Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds (tied 2008)
props from Bryan Ferry in a recent interview with UK magazine The Word). It was on the live front, however, that Tame Impala impressed Time Off writers the most this year – whether it was their Big Day Out performance in January, their sizzling set at Splendour In The Grass or one of their own national headlining slots, they really seemed to strike a chord with punters and critics alike. Of course their live show was honed considerably on their numerous international forays, the band touring the States with MGMT – and later on their own – as well as hitting the UK for a run of well-received shows, culminating in a slot at Reading Festival. Not bad for such a young band, probably not a bad year by anyone’s standards really... Runners-up: Violent Soho (2), Philadelphia Grand Jury (3), Dappled Cities (4), Paul Kelly (=5), Cloud Control (=5) Previous winners: The Drones (2009) and (2008)
SONG OF THE YEAR Runaway KANYE WEST
We first heard about Runaway early in September, when Kanye tweeted that he was in Prague working on a film and couldn’t get a doe to keep still. We should have known something was up... The movie that accompanied Runaway ended up being a gorgeous 35 minute-long epic that is well worth watching; but that shouldn’t overshadow the song itself. Runaway is a taut, beautifully soulful tune that is almost proof in itself as to why Yeezy’s latest is genius. The guest appearance from Clipse’s Pusha T is tasteful and given he’s the only guest its one of the better indications of the fact that is still is Kanye behind this masterpiece. Plus, you’ve got to admit that hearing West sing “Let’s have a toast for the douchebags/let’s have a toast for the assholes.” at the MTV VMAs was pretty sweet. Runners-up: Bloodbuzz Ohio The National (2), Thee Oh So Protective One Girls (3), I’m Appalled Kanye West (=4), Power Kanye West (=4) Lullaby #1 (Mercy) The Chemist (=4) Previous winners: Sweet Disposition The Temper Trap (2009), The Minotaur The Drones (2008)
RADIO SHOW/PODCAST OF THE YEAR 2010 – TRIPLE J
TV SHOW OF THE YEAR SOUTH PARK/EASTBOUND & DOWN Two fantastic comedy vehicles from the opposite end of the laugh spectrum tied for best show on the small screen for 2010 – the evergreen South Park, whose awesome satirical bent just seems to get sharper and more scathing each season, and the amazing HBO vehicle Eastbound & Down, which somehow blends pathos with the filthy and often macabre (as those of you have downloaded season two will attest) with gut-busting results. Kenny Powers is the ultimate anti-hero, but somehow you just keep on rooting for him (to use the appropriate US vernacular). True Blood was another show that polled well, but we reckon there has to be a vampire backlash sooner or later because it’s getting pretty annoying, while last year’s tied winners Dexter and It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia were once again near the top of the pile. The advent of cable television seems to have made the quality of available shows so much better, which makes the fact that the average doofus watches so much ludicrous reality TV quite hard to fathom. I mean for fuck’s sake – RBT? It’s a fucking breathalyser! That’s not entertainment, it’s fucking evil, and watching it makes you a moron. Agh, don’t get me started... Runners-up: True Blood (3), Dexter (=4), It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia (=4) Previous winners: Dexter/It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia (tied 2009)
FILM OF THE YEAR INCEPTION/THE SOCIAL NETWORK
Fucking Facebook. Unbelievable. Of all the amazing sites out there in the vast world of the interweb people still spend the most time putting photos of themselves on inane walls and giving each other imaginary cyberwristies. At least it wasn’t fucking Twitter. Nathan Barley is like our generation’s 1984. Plus the people who voted for Google need to be slapped, it’s a bloody search engine! It’s totes functional but how can it be your favourite website? Who knew the worldwide web could make someone so angry? Should I ask Jeeves? At least some of the writers seem to have a political bent because Wikileaks polled quite well, or maybe people just like other people fucking shit up. And people are either liars or have very eclectic taste in porn sites because it boggles the mind that no filth made the top ten... Nah, just joking, Facebook is awesome. Add me as a friend, please?
There’s that Facebook again – you have to admit, you can’t keep a good social network down. The Social Network was a real life version of Revenge Of The Nerds, except no-one was playing Booger. Early reports that preview screenings were prefaced with strict warnings to not under any circumstances discuss the movie on social networking sites until the embargo date were pretty funny, and there were some pretty cool performances (especially Justin Timberlake as that annoying guy, a role he seemed pre-destined for). Inception, on the other hand, was a psychological thriller where people can nick stuff off other people in their dreams, sort of like if Freddy Krueger used his mad skillz for fiduciary gain rather than wanton carnage. Apparently the whole movie is a metaphor for the potential malaise caused by some sort of societal construct, but we figure that most of our voters went because it had that guy from Titanic in it. Two awesome and far less weighty movies came in next – Kick Ass and Scott Pilgrim Vs The World – proving that there is still room out there for righteous lowbrow cultural artefacts in modern society. Chalk it up!
Runners-up: Wikileaks (2), YouTube (3), Mess & Noise (4), Twitter (=5), Google (=5)
Runners-up: Kick-Ass (3), Scott Pilgrim Vs The World (4), Enter The Void (=5), Exit Through The Gift Shop (=5)
Previous winners: Facebook (2009), YouTube (2008)
Previous winner: Inglourious Basterds (2009)
WEBSITE OF THE YEAR FACEBOOK
Richard Kingsmill’s 2010 program which occurs weekly on our national yoof broadcaster – on Sunday evenings between 6-9pm – has taken out the position of top radio program amongst our venerable Time Off scribes. As its annually-changing name suggests the show broadcasts three hours of new music each week, making it a fine way to keep up-to-date with the latest tunes from both Australia and abroad. The fact that there really are shows out there for everyone in radio-land is validated by the absolute slew of shows nominated from both triple j and Brisbane’s own community radio pantheon 4ZzZ, who this year celebrated the 35th anniversary of their first transmission of righteous music. Ricky Gervais’ awesome podcast is as popular as ever, as is the old chestnut ABC Grandstand for their awesome cricket coverage in the summer. Runners-up: Wake And Bake – 4ZzZ (2), Ricky Gervais podcast (3) Previous winners: Short.Fast.Loud (2009), Full Metal Racket (2008)
INTERNATIONAL GIG OF THE YEAR MUSE
AUSTRALIAN GIG OF THE YEAR TAME IMPALA Young Western Australian psych exponents Tame Impala had an incredibly strong 2010, releasing their debut album Innerspeaker in May which garnered them a swag of ARIA nominations as well as picking up triple j’s prestigious J Award for album of the year (and even got them mad
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Bombastic English prog-rockers Muse liked Australia so much this year that they visited our shores twice, firstly as one of the headliners of the 2010 instalment of the Big Day Out festival, and then again earlier this month as they continued to drag their immense The Resistance Tour all over the planet. Always one for massive live shows, the band just keeps on getting more popular and their live shows just keep on getting more powerful and overblown – think skyscrapers, movable podiums and breathtaking lightshows. Like fellow arena kings U2, you wonder where they’re going to go from here as each tour strives to outdo the last one... Runners-up: Pavement (=2), The Strokes (=2), Biffy Clyro (4), Meshuggah (=5), Passion Pit (=5), The Mars Volta (=5) Previous winners: The Hold Steady (2009), Wilco (2008)
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STEVE BELL TOP TEN ALBUMS
1. Strange Tourist GARETH LIDDIARD 2. Hippies HARLEM 3. The Suburbs ARCADE FIRE 4. Harlem River Blues JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE 5. Heaven Is Whenever THE HOLD STEADY 6. Majesty Shredding SUPERCHUNK 7. That’s How We Burn JAILL 8. The Monitor TITUS ANDRONICUS 9. We Used To Think The Freeway Sounded Like A River RICHMOND FONTAINE 10. Destroyer Of The Void BLITZEN TRAPPER
BEST SONG
1. Thee Oh So Protective One GIRLS 2. Mirrors CROCODILES 3. Modern Man ARCADE FIRE 4. Ghosts Of Syllables ADMIRAL RADLEY 5. Old Fangs BLACK MOUNTAIN
ARTIST OF THE YEAR 1. Pavement 2. Gareth Liddiard 3. Smudge 4. The Hold Steady 5. Violent Soho
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST PERFORMANCE 1. Pavement @ The Palace, Melbourne 2. The Avett Brothers @ Bluesfest 3. Wilco @ Factory Theatre, Sydney 4. Calexico @ Great Northern, Byron Bay 5. Black Lips @ Laneway Festival
BEST AUSTRALIAN ARTIST PERFORMANCE
1. Paul Kelly A To Z Show @ Brisbane Powerhouse 2. Gareth Liddiard @ Old Museum 3. Weddings, Parties, Anything, The Gin Club, The Fauves @ The Palace, Melbourne 4. Smudge @ The Troubadour 5. Giants Of Science, Dollar Bar, Texas Tea @ Taringa Rovers
BEST RADIO SHOW/PODCAST 1. Wake And Bake 4ZZZ 2. Moloch Horridus 4ZZZ 3. ABC Grandstand 612ABC
BEST TV SHOW 1. South Park
Writers’Poll2010 LOCHLAN WATT
2. Eastbound And Down 3. Treme 4. Simpsons 5. That Mitchell & Webb Look
2. Defamer 3. The Abandonment 4. Robotosaurus 5. I Exist
BEST MOVIE
BEST RADIO SHOW/PODCAST
1. Scott Pilgrim Vs The World 2. Kick-Ass 3. Zombieland 4. SixFtHick: Notes From The Underground 5. Robin Hood
BEST ONLINE DESTINATION 1. Saintsational 2. Herald Sun 3. CricInfo 4. Red Meat 5. Pitchfork
THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES AWARD (MOST OVER-HYPED) Oprah. Just make it stop.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR
Saw Pavement 11 times in six countries. Many from side of stage. Saw Built To Spill in three countries. Wilco and Calexico three times, Guided By Voices twice, JTE twice, Blitzen Trapper twice, Superchunk, Harlem, Residents, FOTL, Mission Of Burma, Chavez, Leonard Cohen, The Decemberists, Sonic Youth, Black Lips, King Khan, Grant Hart, The Weakerthans, so many more great bands. Ten festivals. Caught heaps of great Oz acts, plus a slew of fine Brisbane releases making 2010 a memorable year for music.
QUOTE OF THE YEAR
“I’m actually not supposed to talk about it according to my legal counsel, but as soon as I get the criminal case over with I’ll tell you all about the fucking cocksuckers.” Justin Townes Earle not discussing his recent legal dilemmas.
SOCIAL MEDIA FUCK-UP OF THE YEAR
Sports people unable to comprehend the pitfalls of social media. Monaghan, Warney, Stephanie Rice etc etc
PREDICTION FOR 2011
Every year I predict Pavement will reform and St Kilda will win the flag - how fucking close was I this year? Next year I’m going for something completely different - Archers Of Loaf will reform and St Kilda will win the flag. Bring it on!
BRYGET CHRISFIELD
1. The Punk Show 4ZZZ 2. Full Metal Racket TRIPLE J 3. Short.Fast.Loud TRIPLE J Coerce
TOP TEN ALBUMS
1. Anthropocentric THE OCEAN 2. Deep Blue PARKWAY DRIVE 3. Cursed ION DISSONANCE 4. Disambiguation UNDEROATH 5. Wormwood THE ACACIA STRAIN 6. Option Paralysis DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN 7. A Determinism of Morality ROSETTA 8. Ephemeral THE ABANDONMENT 9. Split Album ROBOTOSAURUS/COERCE 10. III: The Series of Unfortunate Events THE TONY DANZA TAPDANCE EXTRAVAGANZA
BEST SONG
1. Dunamis COERCE 2. Heaven TV THE OCEAN 3. A Room Full of Light THE ABANDONMENT 4. The Hills Have Eyes THE ACACIA STRAIN 5. Risk and Reason FIRES OF WACO
ARTIST OF THE YEAR 1. The Ocean 2. Parkway Drive 3. Coerce 4. Palm 5. Envy
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST PERFORMANCE 1. Shai Hulud 2. Meshuggah 3. The Black Dahlia Murder 4. Cancer Bats 5. Coffins
BEST AUSTRALIAN ARTIST PERFORMANCE 1. In Trenches
BEST TV SHOW 1. South Park 2. Breaking Bad 3. East Bound and Down 4. The Clone Wars 5. United States of Tara
BEST MOVIE
1. The Expendables 2. Inception 3. Predators 4. Shutter Island 5. Space Battleship Yamato
BEST ONLINE DESTINATION 1. WikiLeaks 2. Facebook 3. Gmail 4. Lambgoat 5. Hyperdia
THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES AWARD (MOST OVER-HYPED) Attack Attack!
HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR Spending a total of 36 days in Japan over the course of two trips.
QUOTE OF THE YEAR
“Aha! Whitesauce!” Yoshiyasu Morita of Palm during a drunken cross-cultural and language-barrierhampered conversation about masturbation.
SOCIAL MEDIA FUCK-UP OF THE YEAR 50 Cent’s Twitter account in general.
PREDICTION FOR 2011
At the rate it’s currently going, I expect to be almost completely bald by the end of 2011.
BEN PREECE
BEST AUSTRALIAN ARTIST PERFORMANCE 1. Hugo Race & The True Spirit 2. CW Stoneking 3. Tame Impala 4. Dan Sultan 5. The Scare
BEST RADIO SHOW/PODCAST 1. Home & Hosed TRIPLE J 2. Super Request TRIPLE J 3. Mornings With Zan TRIPLE J
BEST TV SHOW Gorillaz
TOP TEN ALBUMS
1. Plastic Beach GORILLAZ 2. Heligoland MASSIVE ATTACK 3. Grinderman 2 GRINDERMAN 4. Record Collection MARK RONSON & THE BUSINESS INTL 5. Innerspeaker TAME IMPALA 6. Crystal Castles CRYSTAL CASTLES 7. Frond POND 8. This Is Happening LCD SOUNDSYSTEM 9. Tourist History TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB 10. Sea Of Cowards THE DEAD WEATHER
BEST SONG
1. Tightrope JANELLE MONÁE 2. Runaway KANYE WEST 3. After Dark THE COUNT & SINDEN (FEAT MYSTERY JETS) 4. She Said PLAN B 5. I <3 U So CASSIUS
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
1. Gorillaz 2. Dan Sultan 3. Tame Impala 4. Them Crooked Vultures 5. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST PERFORMANCE 1. Gorillaz 2. Kasabian 3. George Michael 4. Metallica 5. Ben Kweller
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1. True Blood 2. Rock Of Love Bus 3. Weeds 4. Mad Men 5. Married To Rock
BEST MOVIE
1. Inception 2. Alice In Wonderland 3. The Runaways 4. How To Train Your Dragon 5. Hot Tub Time Machine
BEST ONLINE DESTINATION 1. YouTube 2. Facebook 3. NME 4. Discogs 5. Hype Machine
THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES AWARD (MOST OVER-HYPED) Washo
HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR
Local Natives
TOP TEN ALBUMS
1. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy KANYE WEST 2. The Suburbs ARCADE FIRE 3. Gorilla Manor LOCAL NATIVES 4. Halycyon Digest DEERHUNTER 5. Teen Dream BEACH HOUSE 6. Big Echo THE MORNING BENDERS 7. Sail Becomes A Kite THE BANK HOLIDAYS 8. Odd Blood YEASAYER 9. Before Today ARIEL PINK’S HAUNTED GRAFFITI 10. Contra VAMPIRE WEEKEND
BEST SONG
1. Airplanes LOCAL NATIVES 2. Pumped Up Kicks FOSTER THE PEOPLE 3. Bang Bang Bang MARK RONSON 4. Lullaby # 1 (Mercy) THE CHEMIST 5. One Life Stand HOT CHIP
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
QUOTE OF THE YEAR
Vampire Eric Nortman (from True Blood): “You know I love you more when you’re cold and heartless.”
1. Arcade Fire 2. Sia 3. Yeasayer 4. Miike Snow 5. Jay-Z
SOCIAL MEDIA FUCK-UP OF THE YEAR
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST PERFORMANCE
Gorillaz first Australian tour
Jessica Mauboy’s “de-butt” debacle
PREDICTION FOR 2011
The opposite of Bieber and Willow Smith, geriatric recording artists. Older than Susan Boyle even.
1. Hot Chip @ Splendour 2. Eels @ The Tivoli 3. The Dead Weather @ The Tivoli 4. U2 / Jay-Z @ Suncorp Stadium 5. Phoenix @ Brisbane Convention Centre
BEST AUSTRALIAN ARTIST PERFORMANCE
1. The Gin Club, Gentle Ben & His Sensitive Side, Texas Tea, Edward Guglielmino, Los Huevos, Cori, P-Uke @ The Troubadour’s final show ever 2. The John Steel Singers, Hungry Kids of Hungary, Ball Park Music @ The Hi-Fi 3. Paul Kelly at One Movement 4. The Vines @ Splendour 5. Powderfinger @ Mackay Showgrounds
BEST RADIO SHOW/PODCAST 1. 2010 TRIPLE J 2. Xposure with John Kennedy XFM 3. Morning Becomes Eclectic KCRW
BEST TV SHOW 1. Dexter 2. True Blood 3. 30 Rock 4. Walking Dead 5. Chuck
BEST MOVIE
1. Inception 2. The Social Network 3. Kick Ass 4. Scott Pilgrim Vs the World 5. Easy A
BEST ONLINE DESTINATION 1. Facebook (sad but true) 2. Google 3. YouTube 4. Collapse Board 5. Pitchfork
RACQ proud supporter of Ford Fiesta Moonlight Cinema Upcoming Movie Wild Target - Friday, 7 January 2011 Pack your picnic, get your friends together and experience a night like no other under the stars. s. First 50 RACQ members to show their RACQ membership card on arrival receive free entry. * Plus, RACQ members have the chance to win one of two season passes! * Gates open 6pm for 7pm start. *
Terms and Conditions Apply.
For more information, including reviews, stories tories from conditions the RACQ Member Movie Buff and terms and conditions,
FRIDAY 7TH JAN BRISBANE THE HI FI SUPPORT TIN CAN RADIO
visit racq.com/moonlight
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ADAM CURLEY Jay Reatard
Writers’Poll2010 BENNY DOYLE
3. Cloud Control 4. Bluejuice 5. Angus & Julia Stone
2. Matthew Brown 3. Beaches 4. Scott & Charlene’s Wedding 5. Kitchen’s Floor
BEST RADIO SHOW/PODCAST
BEST RADIO SHOW/PODCAST
1. The Ricky Gervais Podcast ITUNES 2. Sunday Night Safran with Safran and Father Bob TRIPLE J 3. 2010 with Kingsmill TRIPLE J
1. Local And/Or General RRR 2. Local Fidelity FBI 3. The New Release Show 4ZZZ
BEST TV SHOW TOP TEN ALBUMS
1. Heart That’s Pounding SALLY SELTMANN 2. Para Vista Social Club SCOTT & CHARLENE’S WEDDING 3. Pieces & Portions Vol 2 CRUMBS 4. Gemini WILD NOTHING 5. Teen Dream BEACH HOUSE 6. The Fool WARPAINT 7. Fowl HEIRS 8. Stem PIKELET 9. Little Joy MY DISCO 10. Violent Soho VIOLENT SOHO
BEST SONG
1. Swimming Pool (JM Re-edit) CATCALL 2. Temple RAT VS POSSUM 3. I’m Appalled KANYE WEST 4. Sleep (Brain Children remix) ROMY 5. Buddy Bradley ADAM GREEN
ARTIST OF THE YEAR 1. Jay Reatard 2. CRUMBS 3. Sally Seltmann 4. Straight Arrows 5. Kanye West
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST PERFORMANCE 1. The Strokes 2. Clipse 3. First Aid Kit 4. Hanwnay Troof 5. Julian Casablancas
BEST AUSTRALIAN ARTIST PERFORMANCE 1. The Crayon Fields
1. Bored To Death 2. 30 Rock 3. The Big C 4. Cougar Town 5. The United States Of Tara
BEST MOVIE
1. A Single Man 2. William S Burroughs: A Man Within 3. The Social Network 4. Greenberg 5. Animal Kingdom
BEST ONLINE DESTINATION 1. Missing Link Digital 2. GrooveShark 3. FYI Or Die 4. New York Times 5. True Panther Sounds
THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES AWARD (MOST OVER-HYPED) Washington/Canberra.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR The output of Sydney’s RIP Society Records.
QUOTE OF THE YEAR
“I think Jesus was a compassionate, super-intelligent gay man who understood human problems.” Elton John, the internet. “I thought it was gum,” Paris Hilton, the internet. Possibly about the same thing.
SOCIAL MEDIA FUCK-UP OF THE YEAR Anyone who talks about or analyses social media postings IRL. FMRL.
PREDICTION FOR 2011 They’re all real, baby.
MITCH KNOX PVT
TOP TEN ALBUMS
1. This Is The Second Album Of A Band Called Adebisi Shank ADEBISI SHANK 2. American Ghetto PORTUGAL. THE MAN 3. Friendship THE REDNECK MANIFESTO 4. Forgiveness Rock Record BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE 5. The Age of Adz SUFJAN STEVENS 6. The Suburbs ARCADE FIRE 7. Mines MENOMENA 8. Expo 86 WOLF PARADE 9. False Priest OF MONTREAL 10. Dear God, I Hate Myself XIU XIU
BEST SONG
1. Genki Shank ADEBISI SHANK 2. I Walked SUFJAN STEVENS 3. Window PVT 4. The Dead Dog PORTUGAL. THE MAN 5. What Did My Lover Say? (It Always Had To Go This Way) WOLF PARADE
ARTIST OF THE YEAR 1. Sufjan Stevens 2. Portugal. The Man 3. Xiu Xiu 4. Muse 5. Broken Social Scene
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST PERFORMANCE 1. Sunny Day Real Estate 2. Glassjaw 3. Brand New 4. Muse (Big Day Out) 5. The Get Up Kids
BEST AUSTRALIAN ARTIST PERFORMANCE 1. PVT 2. Dappled Cities 3. Seekae 4. Tame Impala 5. Cloud Control
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BEST TV SHOW The Gaslight Anthem
TOP TEN ALBUMS
1. American Slang THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM 2. Crystal Castles II CRYSTAL CASTLES 3. Acolyte DELPHIC 4. Diamond Eyes DEFTONES 5. By Limbo Lake SEABELLIES 6. Further THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS 7. Tourist History TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB 8. Barking UNDERWORLD 9. Down The Way ANGUS & JULIA STONE 10. Infinite Arms BAND OF HORSES
BEST SONG
1. This Momentary DELPHIC 2. Stay Lucky THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM 3. Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves) WOMBATS 4. New Skin THE MISSION IN MOTION 5. Baptism CRYSTAL CASTLES
ARTIST OF THE YEAR 1. Powderfinger 2. Deftones 3. The Strokes 4. Them Crooked Vultures 5. Delphic
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST PERFORMANCE 1. Biffy Clyro 2. The Stokes 3. Alexisonfire 4. Delphic 5. Silversun Pickups
BEST AUSTRALIAN ARTIST PERFORMANCE 1. Cog 2. Philadelphia Grand Jury
1. Modern Family 2. The Big Bang Theory 3. Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation 4. How I Met Your Mother 5. Man Vs Wild
BEST MOVIE
1. The Social Network 2. Toy Story 3D 3. Scott Pilgrim Vs The World 4. Get Him To The Greek 5. Inception
BEST ONLINE DESTINATION 1. YouTube 2. Splendour In The Grass 3. Triple J 4. Live Guide 5. eFestivals
THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES AWARD (MOST OVER-HYPED) Kanye West
HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR Seeing Dave Grohl, Josh Homme and John Paul Jones on stage together.
QUOTE OF THE YEAR
“Sarah Murdoch’s faltering stammering apologies last night reminded me of Garth, when Wayne left him to host by himself.” Paul Verhoeven
SOCIAL MEDIA FUCK-UP OF THE YEAR
The De-Butt Incident. Jessica Mauboy showing Australia she just isn’t that smart.
PREDICTION FOR 2011
New Avalanches album... To once again not appear.
CHRIS YATES BEST TV SHOW
1. The Venture Bros. 2. It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia 3. Psych 4. Boardwalk Empire 5. The Walking Dead
Kanye West
BEST RADIO SHOW/PODCAST 1. Wake And Bake 4ZZZ 2. The International Pop Underground 3RRR 3. Friday Lunch FBI
BEST MOVIE
1. Kick Ass 2. Iron Man 2 3. Scott Pilgrim Vs The World 4. Alice In Wonderland 5. Toy Story 3
BEST ONLINE DESTINATION
BEST TV SHOW TOP TEN ALBUMS
Hamish and Andy.
1. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy KANYE WEST 2. Before Today ARIEL PINK’S HAUNTED GRAFFITI 3. Majesty Shredding SUPERCHUNK 4. All Day GIRL TALK 5. Tron Legacy Soundtrack DAFT PUNK 6. Grave ConsequencesUNDEAD APES 7. Hurley WEEZER 8. Latin HOLY FUCK 9. Self Destruct MATT BANHAM 10. Fifteen SUPER WILD HORSES
HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR
BEST SONG
1. Uncyclopedia 2. deviantART 3. Cracked 4. Wondermark 5. Dinosaur Comics
THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES AWARD Graduating from my post-grad journalism course with distinction.
QUOTE OF THE YEAR
“By the way, the Commonwealth of Australia; it’s not a country. It’s a corporation, registered with the Securities Stock Exchange Commission in New York, by the way. So, this corporation [points] this, all of it, the whole lot owned by the Rothchilds, by the way. Because they own everything - IMF, World Bank. They own everything; BP, and all these criminal organisations that are devastating Mother Earth. But watch out, because 2012’s going to sort that out. 21st of December, 2012, when the Sun finally goes through the galaxy’s equator and we go to the other side, and all you lying bastards, you corporate, evil MFs - you’ll go down.” Santos, busker who I interviewed for a video project in Melbourne’s Bourke St Mall
1. Runaway (Featuring Pusha T) KANYE WEST 2. So Appalled (Featuring Jay-Z, Pusha T, RZA, Swizz Beatz, Cyhi the Prynce KANYE WEST 3. Pretend The Devil Isn’t Real MEMORY TAPES 4. Is This On Me? ELITE GYMNASTICS 5. Rohypnol CHINESE BURNS
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
BEST MOVIE
1. Exit Through The Gift Shop 2. The Social Network 3. The Runaways 4. Machete 5. The A-Team
BEST ONLINE DESTINATION 1. Hot Chicks In Star Wars Shirts 2. Televised Revolution 3. This Is Why You’re Fat 4. The Alt Report 5. Facebook
THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES AWARD (MOST OVER-HYPED) Eminem’s comeback.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST PERFORMANCE
“Nervous? In 5 billion years the sun will burn out and nothing you did will matter. Feel better?” twitter.com/shitmydadsays
1. Pavement @ Palace Theatre 2. RZA @ Prince Bandroom 3. The Avett Brothers @Prince Bandroom 4. Raekwon @ Prince Bandroom 5. Autechre @ Hi-Fi Bar, Melbourne
PREDICTION FOR 2011
BEST AUSTRALIAN ARTIST PERFORMANCE
Scientists will up their efforts towards achieving what everybody, at the bottom of their hearts, wants them to achieve: Hover bikes.
1. It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia 2. The Simpsons 3. Q.I. 4. Ideal 5. The Office
1. Kanye West 2. Pavement 3. The Avett Brothers 4. Deaf Wish 5. Memory Tapes
SOCIAL MEDIA FUCK-UP OF THE YEAR Steph Rice gets offensive on Twitter; loses lucrative contracts, dignity
3. Deaf Wish @ The Tote ‘Final Gig’ 4. Anonymye, Brain Drain, Penguins @ Empress Hotel 5. Royal Headache @ Golden Plains Festival
1. Eddy Current Suppression Ring @ Palace Theatre 2. The Onyas @ The Tote ‘Final Gig’
Kanye West’s Awesomely Beautiful Dark Twisted Awesome Fantasy Of Awesomeness
QUOTE OF THE YEAR
SOCIAL MEDIA FUCK-UP OF THE YEAR Myspace/Facebook mash up. What the fuck is with those cupcakes??
PREDICTION FOR 2011
Stephen Fry will say even more witty things about very interesting subjects using whatever technological means become available.
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DAN CONDON TOP TEN ALBUMS
1. The ArchAndroid JANELLE MONAE 2. I Learned the Hard Way SHARON JONES & THE DAP-KINGS 3. You Are Not Alone MAVIS STAPLES 4. Invisible Girl KING KHAN & BBQ SHOW 5. Full House Head ENDLESS BOOGIE 6. Heaven Is Wherever THE HOLD STEADY 7. I’m New Here GIL SCOTT HERON 8. King of the Beach WAVVES 9. Hippies HARLEM 10. The Monitor TITUS ANDRONICUS
BEST SONG
1. California Gurls KATY PERRY FEAT. SNOOP DOGG 2. You Are Not Alone MAVIS STAPLES 3. Thee Oh So Protective One GIRLS 4. Taxes UNDEAD APES 5. Better Things SHARON JONES & THE DAP-KINGS
ARTIST OF THE YEAR 1. Janelle Monae 2. Justin Townes Earle 3. Wavves 4. Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings 5. Kanye West
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST PERFORMANCE
1. Buddy Guy @ Bluesfest 2. Wilco @ The Tivoli 3. Black Lips @ Laneway 4. Pavement @ The Tivoli 5. Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings @ The Tivoli
BEST AUSTRALIAN ARTIST PERFORMANCE 1. AC/DC @ QSAC 2. Crowded House @ Bluesfest 3. Violent Soho @ The Zoo 4. Vegas Kings @ The Troubadour 5. Hoodoo Gurus @ The Hi-Fi
BEST RADIO SHOW/PODCAST 1. Wake and Bake 4ZZZ 2. Sound Opinions PRX 3. This American Life WBEZ
BEST TV SHOW 1. The Office 2. Eastbound and Down
Writers’Poll2010 MATT O’NEILL
3. Louie 4. Lateline 5. Masterchef
BEST MOVIE
1. Resident Advisor Podcast RESIDENTADVISOR.NET 2. XLR8R Podcast XL8R.COM 3. TEDTalks ITUNES
BEST TV SHOW
BEST ONLINE DESTINATION 1. The Scriveners Fancy 2. League HQ 3. Twitter.com/RealBigDell 4. TOMB 5. I Can’t Believe I Ate The Whole Thing
THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES AWARD (MOST OVER-HYPED) Lady Gaga
HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR
St George finally winning the NRL premiership, tied with losing my mind in the greatest way possible on a farm in the middle of Tennessee, with the company of Stevie Wonder, Flaming Lips, Ween, Jay-Z, John Fogerty and countless other amazing bands. Never, ever deny yourself the opportunity to take a musical pilgramage.
QUOTE OF THE YEAR
“They better leave Willie the fuck alone, man,” Snoop Dogg in relation to Willie Nelson’s arrest for cannabis possesion. He followed with, “Willie Nelson is my people,” he added. “If you got a problem with Willie Nelson, you got a problem with me.”
SOCIAL MEDIA FUCK-UP OF THE YEAR
Media Watch host Jonathan Holmes posting his personal mobile phone number on Twitter, realising his mistake, yet still taking ages to delete it.
PREDICTION FOR 2011
Dragons will win two in a row, Wendell Sailor will attempt to go into politics, Nathan Hauritz will aimlessly walk barefoot around the country before settling down in a caravan in Archerfield. Hosts of Wake and Bake (4ZzZ Friday mornings 6am - 9am) will finally get the recognition, money, women and power they so clearly deserve. New Twitter will still suck.
3. No Crown THE MERCY BEAT 4. Power KANYE WEST 5. Baby JUSTIN BIEBER (FEATURING LUDACRIS)
TOP TEN ALBUMS
1. Hidden THESE NEW PURITANS 2. Escapades HUNGRY KIDS OF HUNGARY 3. Everybody Knows THE YOUNG GODS 4. Church With No Magic PVT 5. There is Love in You FOUR TET 6. Option Paralysis THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN 7. Cosmogramma FLYING LOTUS 8. The Out of Money Experience THE OPTIMEN 9. Absolute Dissent KILLING JOKE 10. Where Did You Just Go? HRDVSION
BEST SONG
1. Power KANYE WEST 2. Odessa CARIBOU 3. Weak4 65DAYSOFSTATIC 4. Problematic RE:ENACTMENT 5. My So-Called Life VENETIAN SNARES
ARTIST OF THE YEAR 1. Wiley 2. These New Puritans 3. Topology 4. Re:Enactment 5. Hungry Kids of Hungary
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST PERFORMANCE
1. Emily XYZ @ Judith Wright Centre 2. Grouper @ Brisbane Powerhouse 3. Metallica @ Brisbane Entertainment Centre 4. Nadja @ Brisbane Powerhouse 5. KK Null @ Brisbane Powerhouse
BEST AUSTRALIAN ARTIST PERFORMANCE 1. Topology @ Brisbane Powerhouse 2. Topology @ Brisbane Festival
Mickey Avalon
1. Gareth Liddiard 2. Kanye West 3. M.I.A 4. Nathan Williams 5. Janelle Monae
TOP TEN ALBUMS
1. Violent Soho VIOLENT SOHO 2. Sea of Cowards THE DEAD WEATHER 3. Strange Tourist GARETH LIDDIARD 4. Living With You is Killing Me HITS 5. Brothers BLACK KEYS 6. Deathwish THE GIN CLUB 7. Suburbs ARCADE FIRE 8. King of the Beach WAVVES 9. Maya M.I.A. 10. The Descent of Man BAD RELIGION
BEST SONG
1. The Difference Between Us THE DEAD WEATHER 2. Muscle Junkie VIOLENT SOHO
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TOP TEN ALBUMS
1. Violent Soho 2. SixFtHick 3. The Young Liberals 4. Gentle Ben and His Sensitive Side 5. The Mercy Beat
BEST RADIO SHOW/PODCAST
BEST SONG
BEST TV SHOW 1. Dr Who 2. The 7.30 Report 3. Lowdown 4. True Blood 5. Caprica
BEST MOVIE
1. Animal Kingdom 2. Tomorrow When the War Began 3. I’m Still Here 4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt 1 5. Inception
BEST ONLINE DESTINATION 1. Wikileaks 2. Facebook 3. My Life is Twilight 4. Sad Keanu 5. What Would Tyler Durden Do?
1. Inception 2. Kick-Ass 3. Toy Story 3 4. The Men Who Stare at Goats 5. Up in the Air
BEST ONLINE DESTINATION 1. Cracked 2. Facebook 3. Wikipedia 4. Allmusic 5. Five Eight Forums
THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES AWARD (MOST OVER-HYPED) The Arcade Fire
HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR Interviewing Jaz Coleman
QUOTE OF THE YEAR
“This is twitter? This isn’t what I wanted at all. What’s the one where you watch strangers masturbate?”-Soren Bowie, Twitter.
SOCIAL MEDIA FUCK-UP OF THE YEAR Chat Roulette. If I wanted to see pathetic men masturbating, I’d use a mirror.
PREDICTION FOR 2011
A panoply of piano playing penguins praying pertinence will pervade their proclamations prior to their parochial party.
2. DJ NIKK C Presents: ENTER THE TERRORDOME, The Fort 3. Oh Snap!!, Creamfields 4. Toxic Lipstick, Step Inn 5. The Only, The Met
1. My Brother, My Brother and Me MBMBAM.COM 2. NFL Rants & Raves NFLRANDR.COM 3. ABC World News with Diane Sawyer ABCNEWS.GO.COM/WN
1. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy KANYE WEST 2. Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son Of Chico Dusty BIG BOI 3. Free Gucci (Best Of The Cold War Mixtapes) DIPLO 4. All Day GIRL TALK 5. Trillwave THE HOOD INTERNET 6. Trunk Muzik YELAWOLF 7. Crystal Castles CRYSTAL CASTLES 8. Recovery EMINEM 9. $O$ DIE ANTWOORD 10. King Night SALEM
1. Locked In 4ZZZ 2. Hack JJJ 3. Wake and Bake 4ZZZ
BEST MOVIE
BEST RADIO SHOW /PODCAST
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST PERFORMANCE
BEST AUSTRALIAN ARTIST PERFORMANCE
1. The Good Wife 2. Damages 3. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia 4. Dexter 5. Lost
CARLIN BEATTIE
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
1. Biffy Clyro 2. Elliott Brood 3. Mumford and Sons 4. The Dead Weather 5. Mariachi El Bronx
3. Lawrence English @ Brisbane Powerhouse 4. Re: Enactment @ Lofly Hangar 5. Re: Enactment @ The Troubadour
BEST RADIO SHOW/PODCAST
1. In The Loop 2. Kick-Ass 3. The Social Network 4. Animal Kingdom 5. You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger
HELEN STRINGER Violent Soho
Topology
1. No Love EMINEM FEATURING LIL WAYNE 2. Drop The World LIL WAYNE FEATURING EMINEM 3. Big In Japan DIRT NASTY 4. Get It Get It GIRL TALK 5. Sexy Bitch BROKENCYDE
ARTIST OF THE YEAR 1. Kanye West 2. Dirt Nasty 3. Yelawolf 4. Nicki Minaj 5. Freddie Gibbs
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST PERFORMANCE
1. Mickey Avalon & Beardo, Coolangatta Hotel 2. Buck 65, The Spiegeltent 3. Fukkk Offf, Empire 4. Health, The Step Inn 5. Sage Francis, The Step Inn
BEST AUSTRALIAN ARTIST PERFORMANCE 1. Potato Masta, The Zoo
BEST TV SHOW
1. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Season Six 2. Tim & Eric Aweome Show, Great Job!, Season Five 3. TMZ 4. The Hills, Season Six 5. Community, Season Two
BEST MOVIE 1. Enter The Void 2. Let Me In 3. Inception 4. Kick-Ass 5. Winnebago Man
BEST ONLINE DESTINATION 1. Kanye West 2. Tumblr 3. NBA.com 4. NFL.com 5. TMZ
THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES AWARD (MOST OVER-HYPED) Dwight Howard
HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR Yeezy Taught Me
QUOTE OF THE YEAR “Where the fuck is Kanye when you need him?” Eminem, No Love
SOCIAL MEDIA FUCK-UP OF THE YEAR John Mayer quit Twitter
PREDICTION FOR 2011 Lover Gonna Love
DANIEL WYNNE I Am Kloot
Writers’Poll2010
3. Philadelphia Grand Jury - The Hi Fi 4. Powderfinger - The Riverstage 5. Re:Enactment - The Troubadour
BARRIE MORGAN Foals
1. Z-Grade 4ZZZ FM 2. Dark Essence 4ZZZ FM 3. The Frog and Peach 4ZZZ FM
1. Tame Impala - Splendour 2. Temper Trap - Splendour 3. Clare Bowditch - Irish Club, Toowoomba 4. The Cat Empire - The Tivoli 5. Robert Forster - Brisbane Powerhouse
BEST TV SHOW
BEST TV SHOW
1. The Mighty Boosh 2. South Park 3. Flight of the Conchords 4. The News 5. Insight
1. Curb Your Enthusiasm 2. Modern Family 3. The Inbetweeners 4. Community 5. Breaking Bad
BEST MOVIE
BEST MOVIE
BEST RADIO SHOW/PODCAST
TOP TEN ALBUMS
1. Sky at Night I AM KLOOT 2. Passive Me, Aggressive You THE NAKED AND FAMOUS 3. What We Made BILLY WHIMS 4. Hope is for the Hopeless PHILADELPHIA GRAND JURY 5. Erland and the Carnival ERLAND AND THE CARNIVAL 6. Swings and Roundabouts THE SUNBURYS 7. Good Bones STEPHEN CUMMINGS 8. Between the Colours LIAM GRIFFIN 9. The Speed of Sound THE JIM ROCKFORDS 10. Loose Manifesto PEABODY
BEST SONG
1. Ambling Alp YEASAYER 2. Young Blood THE NAKED AND FAMOUS 3. The Good News PHILADELPHIA GRAND JURY 4. Problematic RE: ENACTMENT 5. Northern Skies I AM KLOOT
ARTIST OF THE YEAR 1. I am Kloot 2. The Naked and Famous 3. Philadelphia Grand Jury 4. Re:Enactment 5. Inland Sea
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST PERFORMANCE
1. Cat Stevens - Brisbane Entertainment Centre 2. Passion Pit - Splendour in the Grass 3. The Lemonheads - The Zoo 4. The Eels - The Tivoli 5. Die! Die Die! -Alhambra Lounge
BEST AUSTRALIAN ARTIST PERFORMANCE 1. Dappled Cities - Lightspace 2. You Am I - The Hi Fi
1. The Human Centipede 2. American: The Bill Hicks Story 3. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World 4. The Lovely Bones 5. Inception
BEST ONLINE DESTINATION 1. Wikileaks 2. Things Bogans Like 3. Weebl’s Stuff 4. Thinkexist 5. Goodreads
THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES AWARD
(MOST OVER-HYPED) National security, and how it’s “threatened” by everthing from wikileaks to boat people.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR The Australian Slam Poetry finals at the State Library of Qld
TOP TEN ALBUMS
1. The Suburbs ARCADE FIRE 2. Tourist History TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB 3. Total Life Forever FOALS 4. Heligoland MASSIVE ATTACK 5. Write About Love BELLE & SEBASTIAN 6. The Age Of Adz SUFJAN STEVENS 7. Odd Blood YEASAYER 8. High Violet THE NATIONAL 9. Broken Bells BROKEN BELLS 10. Go JONSI
BEST SONG
1. Black Gold FOALS 2. Coversation 16 THE NATIONAL 3. The Age Of Adz SUFAN STEVENS 4. Ready To Start ARCADE FIRE 5. O.N.E. YEASAYER
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
“You’re worse than the plane crash that killed the Big Bopper, because the music’s just died again” - My friend David, after I accidentally switched off his media player.
1. Arcade Fire 2. The National 3. Yeasayer 4. The Foals 5. Sufjan Stevens
SOCIAL MEDIA FUCK-UP OF THE YEAR
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST PERFORMANCE
QUOTE OF THE YEAR
Facebook giving me a very vague, unspecific warning about some very vague, unspecific breach.
PREDICTION FOR 2011
Me getting out of the house a little more.
TONY MCMAHON The Holy Sea
4. The Holy Sea 5. RSVP
1. Muse - BEC Brisbane 2. Passion Pit - Splendour In The Grass 3. Manic Street Preachers - The Hi-Fi 4. Massive Attack - Brisbane Riverstage 5. Florence & The Machine - Splendour In The Grass
Arcade Fire
1. Believer Benedict MOLETA 2. There Be Dragons Here THE HOLY SEA 3. Sugarcane THE HIRED GUNS 4. King Of Palm Island THE HOLY SEA 5. I’m Using You Too Much For My Songs UNDERMINERS
ARTIST OF THE YEAR 1. Underminers 2. Benedict Moleta 3. The Holy Sea 4. Penny Ikinger 5. The Bon Scotts
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST PERFORMANCE 1. The Fall 2. Taking Back Sunday 3. Mumford and Sons 4. Albert Lee 5. 1974 AD
BEST AUSTRALIAN ARTIST PERFORMANCE 1. Benedict Moleta 2. Underminers 3. The Bon Scotts
1. True Blood 2. Breaking Bad 3. Bored To Death 4. Mad Men 5. Rake
Long story but it involved an S&M party, a bottle of Jack and a certain Prodigy song. Hilarious.
QUOTE OF THE YEAR “Those Chinese fuckers are trying to rat fuck us.” K-Rudd
SOCIAL MEDIA FUCK-UP OF THE YEAR Mel Gibson
PREDICTION FOR 2011
Cosmic allignment, death of capitalism and maybe even a little alien invasion thrown in for good measure, I dibs being Will Smith.
3. Coming Around HUNGRY KIDS OF HUNGARY 4. In a Hurricane BLAME RINGO 5. Last Boat MONTPELIER
1. DZ 2. Jinja Safari 3. Philadelphia Grand Jury 4. Hungry Kids of Hungary 5. Charlie Mayfair
1. Wikileaks 2. Mess and Noise 3. Indie Initiative 4. The Age 5. Sportsbet
BEST RADIO SHOW/PODCAST
THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES AWARD
1. Breakfast - Tom & Alex TRIPLE J 2. 2010 TRIPLE J 3. The Brisbane Music Show 4ZZZ
(MOST OVER-HYPED) Muse
BEST TV SHOW
HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR Underminers at The Grace Darling, launching their album, Heart Part of Your Mind
TOP TEN ALBUMS
Wikileaks. Apparently closed down for a time, mirror sites popped up everywhere. People power in action.
1. Contra VAMPIRE WEEKEND 2. The Suburbs ARCADE FIRE 3. Fire Romance Fire MY FICTION 4. Dear Darkly THE BOAT PEOPLE 5. Tangalooma THE JOHN STEEL SINGERS 6. Passive Me, Agressive You THE NAKED AND FAMOUS 7. Down the Way ANGUS AND JULIA STONE 8. Tourist History TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB 9. Escapades PHILDELPHIA GRAND JURY 10. Midnight Remember LITTLE RED
PREDICTION FOR 2011
BEST SONG
Iron Maiden to play a secret gig at Yah Yahs on their tour here
HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR
BEST AUSTRALIAN ARTIST PERFORMANCE
BEST ONLINE DESTINATION
SOCIAL MEDIA FUCK-UP OF THE YEAR
(MOST OVER-HYPED) Twitter - no-one gives a shit about what you’re doing, right now, all the time.
1. Florence and the Machine 2. Lady GaGa 3. Phoenix 4. The Strokes 5. Two Door Cinema Club
1. Monsters 2. The Human Centipede 3. Zombieland 4. The Runaways 5. Red Hill
“We just did an interview with another street press guy and he said he thought it was one of the worst band names he’s ever heard.” Robert Zimmerman, from The Bon Scotts, musing on the peanuts/monkeys hiring practices of Time Off
THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES AWARD
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST PERFORMANCE
BEST MOVIE
QUOTE OF THE YEAR
1. BBC 2. Facebook 3. Metacritic 4. Pitchfork 5. The Guardian
1. Hungry Kids of Hungary 2. The John Steel Singers 3. Arcade Fire 4. Gorillaz 5. Washington
BEST TV SHOW
BEST SONG
BEST ONLINE DESTINATION
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
1. Film Buff’s Forecast RRR 2. Life Matters ABC 774 3. I Do Not Play No Rock‘n’Roll 3CR
1. Timesheet BENEDICT MOLETA 2. Heart Part of Your Mind UNDERMINERS 3. Ghosts of the Horizon THE HOLY SEA 4. To Dreamers KELLY STOLTZ 5. Malk SALTWATER BAND 6. You Know Something THE HIRED GUNS 7. Penny Ikinger PENELOPE 8. The Book of Ships DARK CONTINENT, COLD CENTURY 9. Beautiful World RICH WEBB 10. Nothin’ To Lose ZENNITH
1. Inception 2. Exit Through The Gift Shop 3. A Prophet (Une Prophete) 4. The Social Network 5. Toy Story 3
RACHEL TINNEY
BEST RADIO SHOW/PODCAST
TOP TEN ALBUMS
BEST AUSTRALIAN ARTIST PERFORMANCE
1. Cousins VAMPIRE WEEKEND 2. Rock It LITTLE RED
1. Offspring 2. Talking About Your Generation 3. Good News Week 4. Spicks and Specks 5. The IT Crowd
BEST MOVIE
1. Girl with the Dragon Tattoo 2. The Social Network 3. Toy Story 3 4. Harry Potter 5. Exit Through the Gift Shop
BEST ONLINE DESTINATION 1. Facebook 2. Twitter 3. Topshop 4. Urban Outfitters 5. eBay
21
Writers’Poll2010
DANIEL CRICHTON-ROUSE The National
Receiver @ City Recital Hall 2. Cloud Control supporting Vampire Weekend @ Hordern Pavilion 3. Washington @ Oxford Art Factory 4. The Jezabels @ Tegan and Sara 5. Creepers @ Gladstone Hotel
JAKE SUN Porcupine Tree
BEST RADIO SHOW/PODCAST
BEST RADIO SHOW/PODCAST TOP TEN ALBUMS
BEST TV SHOW
BEST SONG
BEST ONLINE DESTINATION
1. Heavy In Your Arms FLORENCE & THE MACHINE 2. Bloodbuzz Ohio THE NATIONAL 3. Runaway KANYE WEST FEATURING PUSH T 4. Window PVT 5. King Night SALEM
ARTIST OF THE YEAR 1. The National 2. Kanye West 3. Muse 4. Washington 5. Salem
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST PERFORMANCE
1. Muse @ Acer Arena 2. Antony & The Johnsons @ Sydney Opera House 3. Taking Back Sunday @ Metro Theatre 4. Surfer Blood @ Manning Bar 5. Black Lips @ Manning Bar
BEST AUSTRALIAN ARTIST PERFORMANCE 1. Australian Chamber Orchestra performing Jonny Greenwood’s Popcorn Superhet
1. Party Down 2. The Trip 3. Lowdown 4. The IT Crowd 5. Newswipe with Charlie Brooker
BEST MOVIE
1. The Social Network 2. Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows, Pt. 1 3. Scott Pilgrim vs The World 4. Exit Through The Gift Shop 5. Fish Tank 1. Twitter 2. Touch Arcade 3. Design*Sponge 4. Shoe Box Blog: Chuck & Beans 5. Tumblr
THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES AWARD Short Stack
HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR
The Libertines reforming to play Reading/Leeds, which I, as a true fan...watched online.
QUOTE OF THE YEAR
“A million dollars isn’t cool. You know what’s cool? A billion dollars.” The Social Network
SOCIAL MEDIA FUCK-UP OF THE YEAR
“Rugby League Player Goes To The Dog.” You know what I’m talking about.
PREDICTION FOR 2011 Assassination! Corruption! Product placement! And a new Bond film
TYLER MCLOUGHLAN The Jezabels
1. Return to Zero COMBATMUSICRADIO. COM/RETURNTOZERO/ 2. The Jazz Show 4ZZZ 3. War is Peace 4ZZZ
1. This American Life NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO 2. Tech Weekly THE GUARDIAN 3. By Design RADIO NATIONAL
1. High Violet THE NATIONAL 2. Dark Night Of The Soul DANGER MOUSE AND SPARKLEHORSE 3. King Night SALEM 4. Sleigh Bells SLEIGH BELLS 5. Church With No Magic PVT 6. Zeroes QC SUUNS 7. Take Me To The Five And Dime Bobby Dee Bobby Dee BENJY FERREE 8. Fifteen SUPER WILD HORSES 9. Carl Barât CARL BARÂT 10. Small Craft On A Milk Sea BRIAN ENO WITH JON HOPKINS AND LEO ABRAHAMS
4. The Jezebels, @ Lightspace 5. The Snowdroppers @ The Troubadour
TOP TEN ALBUMS
1. Oversteps AUTECHRE 2. Trinity HARVESTMAN 3. Departum LISA GERRARD & MARCELLO DE FRANCISCI 4. My Father Will Guide Me Up a Robe to the Sky SWANS 5. Social Network Soundtrack TRENT REZNOR & ATTICUS ROSS 6. Go JÓNSI 7. Thing TRANS AM 8. Diamond Eyes DEFTONES 9. Eviga Riket CULT OF LUNA 10. Where Did the Night Fall U.N.K.L.E
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST PERFORMANCE
1. Porcupine Tree @ The Tivoli 2. Meshuggah @ Soundwave 3. Isis @ The Hi-Fi 4. Mono @ The Hi-Fi 5. The Mars Volta @ Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
BEST AUSTRALIAN ARTIST PERFORMANCE 1. Decoder Ring @ Big Day Out
BEST SONG
1. Lullaby #1 (Mercy) THE CHEMIST 2. Bloodbuzz Ohio THE NATIONAL 3. Undertow WARPAINT 4. The High Road BROKEN BELLS 5. Mace Spray THE JEZEBELS
ARTIST OF THE YEAR 1. The National 2. The Jezebels 3. Tame Impala 4. The Vasco Era 5. Best Coast
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST PERFORMANCE 1. Concrete Blonde @ The Hi-Fi 2. Rise Against @ Big Day Out 3. Jonsi @ Splendour 4. Band Of Horses @ Splendour 5. The xx @ Laneway
BEST AUSTRALIAN ARTIST PERFORMANCE 1. Tame Impala @ The Tivoli 2. The Vasco Era @ The Tivoli 3. Ball Park Music @ The Hi-Fi
22
THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES AWARD (MOST OVER-HYPED) Oprah. Whilst Gillard busts her balls to welcome her to Australia.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR
VIC recognising the need to reform licensing laws for live music venues, whilst QLD protested the midnight lockout.
QUOTE OF THE YEAR
“Eat a hot bowl of dicks.” Ice T to Aimee Mann on Twitter after she criticised his acting skills.
SOCIAL MEDIA FUCK-UP OF THE YEAR When Mates Dog Mates: Joel Monaghan’s mates out him as a dog lover.
PREDICTION FOR 2011
Bernard Fanning releases sophomore solo album whilst the rest of Powderfinger become John Farnham’s backing band for The Last Time tour.
1. Sacred-Profane 2. Neurot Recordings 3. Boing Boing 4. Newsarama 5. The Robert Anton Wilson Website
(MOST OVER-HYPED) Tim Burton
HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR
Coil and Throbbing Gristle appearing on the soundtrack of Gaspar Noe’s third film, Enter the Void.
QUOTE OF THE YEAR
“I want to go home” - Karl Pilkington
SOCIAL MEDIA FUCK-UP OF THE YEAR Wikileaks
PREDICTION FOR 2011
We explore space, both inner and outer, together
SCOTT FITZSIMONS Miles Away
BEST AUSTRALIAN ARTIST PERFORMANCE 1. Horsell Common @ Spectrum 2. The Nation Blue @ The Sandringham 3. Halal, How Are You @ Oxford Art Factory 4. Coerce @ Hermann’s Bar 5. The Amity Affliction @ UNSW Roundhouse
BEST RADIO SHOW/PODCAST 1. ABC Grandstand 702 ABC SYDNEY 2. Radiant FBI 3. Weekends 702 ABC SYDNEY
BEST TV SHOW
BEST MOVIE
1. Mess+Noise 2. Pitchfork 3. Fasterlouder 4. The Music Network 5. Last fm
1. Enter the Void 2. Sentimental Engine Slayer 3. Inception 4. The Burning Plain 5. Cemetery Junction
THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES AWARD
1. Peter Christopherson 2. Harvestman 3. Autechre 4. Swans 5. Omar Rodriguez Lopez
1. Blue Mountain State 2. The Hard Times Of RJ Berger 3. Dexter 4. RocKwiz 5. Weeds
BEST ONLINE DESTINATION
BEST MOVIE
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
BEST TV SHOW
1. Animal Kingdom 2. The Social Network 3. I’m Still Here 4. Exit Through The Gift Shop 5. Tomorrow When The War Began
1. Curb Your Enthusiasm 2. The Office (US) 3. Peep Show 4. An Idiot Abroad 5. Southpark
BEST ONLINE DESTINATION
1. No Words/No Thoughts SWANS 2. Grow till Tall JÓNSI 3. Rush Minute MASSIVE ATTACK 4. Rano Pano MOGWAI 5. Rocket Skates DEFTONES
1. 2010 - Richard Kingsmill TRIPLE J 2. FBi’s Beforecast FBI 3. Hack TRIPLE J
1. High Violet THE NATIONAL 2. The Suburbs ARCADE FIRE 3. Be My Thrill THE WEEPIES 4. Avi Buffalo AVI BUFFALO 5. Escapades HUNGRY KIDS OF HUNGARY 6. Innerspeaker TAME IMPALA 7. Phoenix Propeller SIANNA LEE 8. Lucille THE VASCO ERA 9. Crystal Castles CRYSTAL CASTLES 10. Weathervanes FREELANCE WHALES
BEST TV SHOW
BEST SONG
BEST RADIO SHOW/PODCAST
TOP TEN ALBUMS
2. Space Invadas @ Splendour in the Grass 3. Tigermoth @ The Step Inn 4. Morgan Macmanus & Omegachild @ X&Y Bar 5. Secret Killer of Names/Greg Reason @ Beetle Bar
TOP TEN ALBUMS
1. I’m New Here GIL SCOTT-HERON 2. Endless Roads MILES AWAY 3. The Union ELTON JOHN/LEON RUSSELL 4. The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night THE BESNARD LAKES 5. True Love Cast Out All Evil ROKY ERICKSON 6. Harlem River Blues JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE 7. Pioneer Saboteurs MICAH P HINSON 8. Total Life Forever FOALS 9. Ciencia de los Inútiles EL TRÍO DE OMAR RODRÍGUEZ-LÓPEZ 10. Latin HOLY FUCK
BEST SONG
1. Power KANYE WEST 2. Spanish Sahara FOALS 3. Further CHEMICAL BROTHERS 4. Chicago Train THE BESNARD LAKES 5. Youngbloods THE AMITY AFFLICTION
ARTIST OF THE YEAR 1. The Amity Affliction 2. Omar Rodriguez-Lopez 3. Tame Impala 4. Katy Perry 5. Short Stack
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST PERFORMANCE
1. Slow Music Night @ The Sydney Opera House 2. The Mars Volta @ The Hordern Pavilion 3. Foals @ The Manning Bar 4. Daniel Johnston @ Laneway 5. Polar Bear Club @ The Annandale Hotel
1. Eastbound And Down 2. Entourage 3. South Park 4. Letters And Numbers 5. Top Gear
BEST MOVIE
1. Scott Pilgrim Vs The World 2. The Sentimental Engine Slayer 3. Beneath Hill 60 4. The Social Network 5. Toy Story 3
BEST ONLINE DESTINATION 1. AllMusic 2. iRacing 3. Foxsports 4. NetBank 5. Football Anarchy
THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES AWARD The Internet
HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR
Discovery of The Oak Barrel’s whiskey range.
QUOTE OF THE YEAR
“Fuck my victims. I carried them for 20 years and now I’m doing 150.” Bernie Madoff overheard in jail regard his massive Ponzi scheme.
SOCIAL MEDIA FUCK-UP OF THE YEAR
50 Cent’s management allowing him control of his Twitter.
PREDICTION FOR 2011
A shake-down amongst festivals that’ll see better line-ups and better experiences
Writers’Poll2010
MARK BERESFORD Tame Impala
2. Big Scary 3. Howl 4. British India 5. Regurgitator
RICHARD ALVEREZ Xiu Xiu
BEST RADIO SHOW/PODCAST 1. The Hip Hop Show TRIPLE J 2. The Racket TRIPLE J 3. Byte Into It TRIPLE R
BEST TV SHOW TOP TEN ALBUMS
1. Bright Victory CABINS 2. Burning Your House Down THE JIM JONES REVUE 3. Sea Of Cowards THE DEAD WEATHER 4. Innerspeaker TAME IMPALA 5. Diamond Eyes DEFTONES 6. Contra VAMPIRE WEEKEND 7. Strange Tourist GARETH LIDDIARD 8. Periphery PERIPHERY 9. Imperfect Harmonies SERJ TANKIAN 10. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy KANYE WEST
BEST SONG
1. Already Won THE VASCO ERA 2. Beat the Devil’s Tattoo BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB 3. As We Enter NAS & DAMIEN MARLEY 4. Fo Yo Sorrows BIG BOI 5. China Will Wait HUNGRY KIDS OF HUNGARY
ARTIST OF THE YEAR 1. Tame Impala 2. Cloud Control 3. Deftones 4. Kanye West 5. Parades
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST PERFORMANCE 1. Faith No More 2. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club 3. The Mars Volta 4. Eagles Of Death Metal 5. The Strokes
BEST AUSTRALIAN ARTIST PERFORMANCE 1. Cabins
1. The Walking Dead 2. Dexter 3. Community 4. True Blood 5. Swamp People
BEST MOVIE
1. Kick-Ass 2. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World 3. Get Him To The Greek 4. Machete 5. Animal Kingdom
BEST ONLINE DESTINATION 1. Google 2. Ultimate Guitar 3. Cricket Australia 4. HipHopDX 5. Fox Sports
THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES AWARD
(MOST OVER-HYPED) Three way tie between Justin Bieber, Words With Friends, and Collingwood
TOP TEN ALBUMS
1. Homeland LAURIE ANDERSON 2. Dear God I Hate Myself XIU XIU 3. Self-titled SHRINEBUILDER 4. Harlem River Blues JUSTIN TOWNS EARLE 5. Self-titled INTERPOL 6. Diamond Eyes DEFTONES 7. Blue Album BARONESS 8. Snakes Of The Divine HIGH ON FIRE 9. Grave Consequences UNDEAD APES 10. Self-titled TEARGAS
BEST SONG
Seeing Mike Patton’s Penis
1. I DON’T 2. Have ANY 3. Songs THAT 4. Stand OUT 5. I Listen TO ALBUMS
QUOTE OF THE YEAR
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR
3. Teargas @ Burst City 4. Them Crooked Vultures @ Brisbane Riverstage 5. Mark Lanegan @ The Zoo
BEST AUSTRALIAN ARTIST PERFORMANCE 1. Teargas @ Burst City 2. Violent Soho @ The Zoo 3. You Am I @ The Hi-Fi Bar
BEST RADIO SHOW/PODCAST 1. Breakfast ABC RADIO NATIONAL 2. ABC NEWS RADIO
BEST TV SHOW
1. Mythbusters 2. 7.30 Report 3. SBS News 4. James May’s Big Adventures 5. Last Chance To See With Stephen Fry
BEST MOVIE
SOCIAL MEDIA FUCK-UP OF THE YEAR
1. Boris 2. Laurie Anderson 3. Xiu Xiu 4. The Nation Blue 5. John Frusciante
PREDICTION FOR 2011
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST PERFORMANCE
1. Book Depository 2. Dictionary.com 3. Bereau Of Meteorology 4. Southern Lord 5. Collapse Board
“I am going to come and burn the f--king house down” - Mel Gibson, Court Exhibit B
Joel Monaghan giving a dog a bone via Twitter The Strokes finally release their new album and Chris Judd goes back to back in the Brownlow.
1. Boris @ The Sydney Opera House 2. U2 @ Suncorp Stadium
1. The American 2. Sixfthick: Notes From The Underground
BEST ONLINE DESTINATION
SAM HOBSON Sufjan Stevens
1. The Tiger & Me 2. Papa vs Pretty 3. Paul Dempsey 4. The Holidays 5. Bang Bang Boss Kelly
BEST RADIO SHOW/PODCAST
1. Hollywood Babble-on SMODCAST.COM/BABBLEON 2. The Ricky Gervias Show RICKYGERVAIS.COM 3. The Treatment KCRW.COM/ETC/PROGRAMS/TT
BEST TV SHOW TOP TEN ALBUMS
1. The Suburbs ARCADE FIRE 2. High Violet THE NATIONAL 3. Contra VAMPIRE WEEKEND 4. Have One On Me JOANNA NEWSOM 5. The Age of Adz SUFJAN STEVENS 6. Death is Silent KNO 7. The Way Out THE BOOKS 8. Go JÓNSI 9. Blackjazz SHINING 10. Blue Sky Noise CIRCA SURVIVE
BEST SONG
1. Suburban War ARCADE FIRE 2. I Think Ur a Contra VAMPIRE WEEKEND 3. Fisheye SHINING 4. All For Myself SUFJAN STEVENS 5. Runaway KANYE WEST
ARTIST OF THE YEAR 1. Sufjan Stevens 2. Arcade Fire 3. Kanye West 4. The Tiger & Me 5. Hungry Kids of Hungary
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST PERFORMANCE 1. Xiu Xiu 2. Muse 3. Marina and the Diamonds 4. Metallica 5. Soilwork
BEST AUSTRALIAN ARTIST PERFORMANCE
1. Eastbound & Down 2. Boardwalk Empire 3. Treme 4. Modern Family 5. The Walking Dead
BEST MOVIE 1. Howl 2. Enter the Void 3. Inception 4. Fantastic Mr. Fox 5. True Grit
BEST ONLINE DESTINATION 1. Chud 2. Rate Your Music 3. Slant Magazine 4. Rotten Tomatoes 5. Badass Digest
THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES AWARD
(MOST OVER-HYPED) Pitchfork, circa Kanye West’s new album release.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR
Discovering Roger Ebert’s million-a-day tweets.
QUOTE OF THE YEAR
“I’m not fucking around.” Sufjan Stevens, on not fucking around. From I Want to be Well from his album The Age of Adz.
SOCIAL MEDIA FUCK-UP OF THE YEAR
Wikileaks. Any further explanation may get me in trouble.
PREDICTION FOR 2011
The death of Clint Eastwood, most likely. That guy’s got to run out of elixir soon.
23
Writers’Poll2010
THE 2010 POLL: A NATION DECIDES
No hung results here. The national stable of Street Press Australia staff and contributors has made clear choices in this fourth annual countrywide, end-of-year poll. And, for the first time we include the national results of our viewing habits as well as our listening habits - because we just know you wanted more. Look on as ANDREW MAST makes a thorough inspection of all the polls he could get his hands on from Inpress (Melbourne), The Drum Media (Sydney and Perth) and Time Off (Brisbane). 5. Plastic Beach GORILLAZ Not surprisingly, most of the support for this album came from cities that the band’s tour had already hit by the time of voting, Perth and Melbourne. And the album does make so much more sense now that it’s been witnessed in a live context. What initially seemed like a grab bag of studio ideas at first, worked to perfection as a kinda update of the old-style revue tour - “Now Damon’s gonna introduce you to...”. Ahhh... we see what you were doing there, Mr Albarn... so you ummm... gonna tour Blur now? We Said At The Time: “Gorillaz swim with the sharks.” Bryget Chrisfield.
6. Heligoland MASSIVE ATTACK
ALBUM OF THE YEAR 1. The Suburbs ARCADE FIRE
Arcade Fire seem to have survived that moment in the twenty-zeroes when all things Canadian were as cool as all things Swedish are now. This album saw them join the indie crossover charge into the US mainstream, debuting at number one there. It also topped album sales charts in Canada, Ireland, the UK, Portugal, Norway and Belgium. Here it peaked at six but more importantly was the top choice for our Brisbane writers, number two in both Perth and Sydney but a lowly eight in Melbourne. We Said At The Time: “An intoxicating listen... best effort yet.” Ben Preece. Previous winners: Because Of The Times KINGS OF LEON (2007); Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!! NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS (2008); Veckatimest GRIZZLY BEAR (2009).
2. High Violet THE NATIONAL The Ohio band’s fifth studio reccy resulted in another slice of majestic alt.adult rock. They too were a part of the indie assault on the US mainstream (along with Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend, Grinderman, et al) in 2010, late night talk shows welcomed them and the album debuted at three there. It also helped legendary indie label 4AD have one of its grandest years to date (along with releases from Ariel Pink, Deerhunter, Serena Maneesh, Stornoway and Twin Shadow). The album topped the Sydney poll and placed top five in all other states. We Said At The Time: “If you’ve known hurt, this album will speak to you.” Ross Clelland.
3. Innerspeaker TAME IMPALA Viewed suspiciously by many local music press elitists, this Perth outfit seemingly sprung from nowhere in 2009 with a Modular contract, a timely psych rock sound and no end of triple j hype. In reality, the young lads had honed their talents in the West’s ridiculously healthy jam scene (type Mink Mussell Creek into your friendly neighbourhood search engine and see if that helps allay your worries) and releasing their junior space epics via Canyons’ Hole In The Sky label (you should have brought the Fred Cherry remix of The Sun back in 2008). While there is even better bubbling away in Perth (Pond and French Rockets to name but two), Tame Impala were the ones who landed in the right place at the right time with the right tunes and right amount of talent. And hey, our national stable of writers reckons it was the best local release of 2010. Was the top choice of writers in both Perth and Melbourne while ranking only eight in Brisbane and missing the Sydney top ten altogether. We Said At The Time: “Gets into every fibre of your body.” Tyler McLoughlan.
4. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy KANYE WEST Ooooookay... so, we reckon West has released the year’s best R&B album. Or, as the believers would have it, the year’s greatest album to transcend the R&B tag despite The Roots, Janelle Monae and Gil Scott-Heron making pretty darn good efforts to that effect themselves. But who needs Scott-Heron’s when you can catch a quick sample of the man of West’s set, alongside other cred-gaining grabs from the likes of Bon Iver. Landed this lofty position on Melbourne votes with the set not figuring in other states’ top tens (Stat Fact: Was voted Album Of The Year in sister publication 3D World). We Said At The Time: “A motherfucking headkicker of a record.” Chris Yates.
24
Yeah, we didn’t see this coming either. Album five from the band who were Bristol’s most-famous until stencilling became hipper than trip hop, found Massive Attack delivering. An almost Gorillaz-worthy rolecall of guests included Hope Sandoval, ex-LCD man Tim Goldsworthy and the Gorillaz’ own Damon Albarn amongst many others. It may also be their last album as such. Struggling to come to terms with a shifting market, the band are contemplating not releasing the material they are currently working on as an album but rather as a series of EPs. Will this mean the introduction of an EP Of The Year category next year? We Said At The Time: “A pleasant relief to hear them once again sounding so vital.” Adam D Mills.
7. Diamond Eyes DEFTONES Having shelved their planned Eros long-player after their bass player Chi Cheng’s car accident that left him in a coma, the heavy Cali rockers set about recording a new album with a replacement bassist (they intend to complete Eros once Cheng has recovered). The band went for ‘optimistic’ and went away from ‘studio perfection’ (no Pro Tools). It seems to have paid off, rejuvinating their career. It worked on our Sydney massive, as Diamond Eyes high ranking is thanks to their heavy show of support.
Runners-up: The National appear again, here with Bloodbuzz, Ohio, followed closely by another boundary-shifting US R&B artist Janelle Monae with Tightrope and then, the man, Kanye West with both Power and Runaway. It’s only after these that a cluster of locals fight it out for fave Aus song of the year, with Sia just pipping the rest on Clap Your Hands. The local tracks just behind are Lullaby #1 by The Chemist, Plans by Birds Of Tokyo, Rock It by Little Red and Loveless by Children Collide. It’s the first year a local hasn’t topped this category in the annual poll. Previous winners: Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!! NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS (2008); Sweet Disposition TEMPER TRAP (2009).
ARTIST OF THE YEAR THE NATIONAL Despite Kanye West topping the Artist category in Melbourne and Brisbane, The National had enough across-the-board support to hold him from top spot (there goes their chance of being sampled on his next album). Perth’s top choice was alt.groovers Flying Lotus. With a tour by The National getting underway in the coming weeks we can safely speculate they will be in the 2011 year-end poll in the International Artist Gig category. We make the big calls here. Runners-up: Having kept them from the top Album spot, here roles are reversed and Arcade Fire are delegated to second spot. And these indie types would approve of this sharing of category wins too. Less likely to approve of sharing category-wins is Kanye West, third place just ain’t gonna cut it considering all the hard work he put into the year. He tweeted his ass off – or his finger, or whatever it is he uses to tweet. The Aussie contingent rounds this out with Tame Impala fourth and Sia fifth, continuing the
trend of locals struggling to take out this title unless they are internationally adored as well (see below). Previous winners: RADIOHEAD (2007); NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS (2008); LADY GAGA (2009).
ONLINE DESTINATION OF THE YEAR FACEBOOK Is Facebook (or FB as adults trying to be hip with the kids like to call it) more popular than ever now that everyone knows it was actually Jesse Eisenberg who created it? Who knew the goofy kid from Zombieland and Adventureland (the actor that producers used to call on when Michael Cera was unavailable) also knew his HTML formatting from his torrenting passwords, let alone could bring the world together online? Can FB sustain another year in popularity? Will Eisenberg’s heist caper 30 Minute Or Less, with Danny McBride, be a hit? Runners-up: Two years ago YouTube threatened Facebook’s ruling of the roost here but without a big Hollywood webbiopic about its sleepy kittens and AutoTuned news stories (hmmm... sounds like a job for David Lynch and Michael Cera), YouTube has slipped way down our annual poll rankings. Hell, soon iView and Vevo will be bigger destinations. This year also saw the leakier of the Wikis take over in the wikistakes, leap-frogging the ‘Pedia (maybe that pic of Wikifounder Jimmy Wales that was bannering every page you opened proved his face just isn’t as appealing as Eisenberg’s) to become our go-to-Wiki (but only coz the Wikiporn site is pathetic). It was a resounding win for FB, atop the polls in three states, with only Perth bucking the trend and giving preference to Pitchfork. Anyone remember MySpace? Friendster? Previous winners: Facebook (2007); Facebook (2008); Facebook (2009).
We Said At The Time: “punishing and majestic.” James Dawson.
8. Grinderman 2 GRINDERMAN We worship Saint Nick in these parts. So despite the inevitable backlash that greeted this album, we stand by our Cave man. We Said At The Time: “This is a band of four men who have gone back to their tailor and found a better fit of stovepipe blues and are ready to shake the shit out of it.” Alex Gillies.
9. Halcyon Digest DEERHUNTER As mentioned earlier. it was a good year for 4AD artists. We Said At The Time: “Ah, what glorious sounds to absorb.” Bryget Chrisfield.
10. Total Life Forever FOALS Where Foals grew up and went from being a hip name to drop whether you’d heard them or not to people actually buying and listening to their recordings. We approved. We Said At The Time: “A record to devote your ears to.” Sevana Ohandjanian.
SONG OF THE YEAR Fuck You CEE-LO GREEN
Green delivered the sweetest middle finger flip ever set to music. With radio playing a censored version of the song, this was the year’s breakout viral success with everyone turning the webz to hear the song in full flight: “I see you driving ‘round with the girl I love and I’m like, ‘Fuck you’.” All done in an old school soul style that made the song’s message all the more potent. It was also a nice ‘fuck you’ to an industry that says you can’t be a chart-topping pop star if you are an overweight black man wearing flamboyant coutre, especially one not working with Will.I.Am or David Guetta. This was Perth’s choice as Song Of The Year, ranking second in Sydney and fifth in Melbourne (no show in Brisbane where this category was in the grip of Kanye fever). Sydney’s top choice was Fool’s Day by Blur while Melbourne went for Janelle Monae’s Tightrope and Brisbane went for West’s Runaway, of course.
INTERNATIONAL ARTIST GIG OF THE YEAR
moving coffin shaped lighting rigs, flames-a-plenty.” Rod Hunt.
With an overwhelming win in Sydney, The Metallica Laser Light Spectacular has managed the top International Tourist spot without ranking in any other states’ top five. Melbournians preferred Pavement while Bris Vegans settled for Muse and Perthonians for Gorillaz. But in a year of major arena shows landing on our shores, Metallica out-arena’ed even the likes of U2’s claw and Muse’s sheer stadium-sized self-worth.
Runners-up: As in previous years, the top spots are held by the tried and trusted of the touring set – no Joanne-come-latelys for our crack team of music appreciators. We adored Pavement’s return just a little less than Metallica (although one staffer took to stalking them around the globe in the hope that his dedication could land them top of the tourists in our poll - close but no Cuban, hand-rolled cigar). Of course, Muse were just behind, followed by just-left-the-country Gorillaz’ roadshow and, back-in-favour, The Strokes.
We Said At The Time: “Ear bleeding volume coupled with clarity, a series of incredible looking,
Previous winners: WILCO (2007); RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE (2008); NEIL YOUNG (2009).
METALLICA
Writers’Poll2010 AUSTRALIAN ARTIST GIG OF THE YEAR TAME IMPALA Tame Imapala were Brisbane’s number one local giggers and were also rated in the top fives of Melbourne and Perth. Cloud Control topped the Sydney poll with PVT the favourites in Perth and Eddy Current Suppression Ring favoured in Melbourne. The timid-looking and untidily demeanoured types in Tame Impala produce a show far from the high-end productions of our international favourites. The Tamies (bet that won’t take on) are all about being in the moment, disappearing into their spacious grooves and monument-building hooks. They now stand on the threshold of arena-beckoning fame, and we await to see if they follow their Modular labelmates Wolfmother into the imploding world of too-much-too-soon or take a detour to creative longevity. We Said At The Time: “There are no downer moments, and dancing with abandon is on the menu.” Bryget Chrisfield. Runners-up: What? A Drones-free zone! With The Drones taking 2010 a little quieter, our team found time to scour the gig guides for alternative options. The sounds that grabbed our attention and accolades included the Blue Mountains pop of Cloud Control, the party rockin’ of Sydney’s Philadelphia Grand Jury, the Melbourne garage of Eddy Current Suppression Ring and the post-math stroking of the-expat-band-once-referred-to-as-Pivot, PVT. Previous winners: THE DRONES (2008); NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS (2009)
TV SHOW OF THE YEAR TRUE BLOOD (Season 3) It’s all about the vamps, werewolves, various shapeshifters and fairies (we don’t just mean Lafayette and his magick-meddling boyf) of Bon Temp. After True Blood’s second season lost its way in the shock tactics of maenad orgies (she quivered, they fucked), this year’s story was back to basics - a science fantasy soap. And so, Melbourne and Brisbane placed this at number one. Runners-up: And then there’s Mad Men (Perth and Sydney’s first choice) which amazingly hasn’t lost its way at all. We’ve watched the nicotine-stained Don Draper resist racial equality, feminism, homosexuality as an acceptable lifestyle and pop art as he’s battled the bottle, divorce, age and an exhibitionist daughter. All why witnessing his carefully fabricated back-story getting tripped up at every turn. At least he embraced the British Invasion though, tickets to The Beatles were a key element to season four as was his agency’s UK import Lane who fast became the season’s heart and soul (Lane’s face-off with his father’s cane was definitely this season’s vaseacross-the-head-when-you-least-expect-it moment). And
FILM OF THE YEAR INCEPTION Proving himself away from the Batman franchise, alt. blockbuster director Chris Nolan took it upon himself to make the film the Wachowskis should have made instead of the two Matrix sequels. Nolan not only harked back to his days of gimmicky storytelling in Memento (it had two plotlines, one running chronologically and the other unfolding in reverse), he also revived the quasimysticism of his conjurer epic The Prestige (except this time Johnny Marr was brought in for heritage rock cred not David Bowie - and Marr stayed behind the scenes). Inception became one of the few cases where fanboi viral hooplah translated into real box office business (instead of just topping the Most Torrented charts). The $160 million dollar budget flick took in over $800 million in cinemas alone. It justified Leonardo DiCaprio’s starbilling (it’s his first real zeitgeist hit since Titanic back in ‘97). Having just come off the Scorcese-goes-Shyamalan Shutter Island, Hollywood suits were concerned DiCap had chosen another style-over-sensible-story project. He had. But unlike Scorsese, Nolan at least gave the appearance of presenting audiences with a new kinda style and didn’t completely insult his faithful with a trite explanation just before the final credits. Actually, Inception proved that the megaplex flocks can handle an open-ended final scene (the humans don’t always have to walk off into the Na’vi sun/moon/starset to live in harmony with he natives), in fact it’s been reported that people went back for multiple Inception viewings in attempts to uncover further clues to the film’s open-tointerpretation ending. On top of all this, Nolan became
if we couldn’t get enough meth-cooking action from the redneck werecats of True Blood, we were still jonesing for Breaking Bad. Season three of the mid-life crisis drug-dealing drama had some low points (Yikes to that ‘fly in the lab’ two-hander episode) but more than made up for it by casting real-life crims (Luis and Daniel Moncada) as the Santa Muerta-worshipping gangsters on a mission to kill the show’s protagonist (and now with Dexter all Santa Muerta... is adulation of the skeletal saint the new voodoo for TV writers?). But it wasn’t all about made-for-cable dramas. We were also madly downloading or streaming US ‘ensemble’ sit-coms Community and 30 Rock. Both suffer unjustly at the whims of local programmers, making it a dedicated fan who can actually track the shows and watch them in chronological order. Both shows drop in and out of schedules without warning and can appear almost any night of the week, usually screening hours after their scheduled air times. US comedies dominate just outside the top five too, with It’s Always Funny In Philadelphia, South Park, Eastbound & Down all garnering strong poll support. The closest a local production got to a nod from us were some random votes for Spicks & Specks.
the poster-boy of blockbuster purists by not marking the 3D box when filling out his pre-production form. A blockbuster’s explosions should make you drop your jumbo Coke Zero on your lap through good old-fashioned physics, stunts and CGI not by making you think that schrapnel is about to slice through your eye. Sheesh. Can you imagine auteurs like Alfred Hitchcock messing with 3D... What? Oh. Ummm... look, a new Batman film. Runners-up: It seems when not rewatching Inception (which was voted Best Film in each state), our troops were allowing Hollywood to turn a mirror to their online habits. The Social Network re-hipped Facebook just as a backlash against the site was gathering alt.user support. Making the site cool again was director David Fincer’s best big-screen surprise since he put Gwyeth Paltrow’s head in a box (ah, if they only they’d thought of that as a twist ending to Iron Man 2 ). But we also championed the career revival of Jacki Weaver in local gangster hit Animal Kingdom. And hey, Weaver deserves her time in the spotlight again, afterall she was married to Derryn Hinch... TWICE. [Not be outdone, Hinch also returned to acting in 2010... in City Homicide.] But while we don’t like our blockbusters in 3D, we do like our animated sequels in 3D as our writers were tweaking over the return of the Woody/Buzz in the latest Toy Story (but were less excited about the pussy and ass double act that was Shrek The Third). And what’s a year-end movie top five without a Michael Cera film? One that sees him with a role call of Hollywood hipsters from Keiran Culkin and Jason Schwartzman through to cameos by the likes of beyond-hip type Don McKellar. So Scott Pilgrim Vs The World was a shoo-in (plus there were lots of women kicking butt which we always approve of here).
RADIO SHOW OF THE YEAR
2010 (Richard Kingsmill), triple j It’s only natural that the national broadcaster dominates our poll once the votes are gathered from our state-specific polling. Each state’s writers tend to lean toward their local community stations in this category. But with those shows never carrying across the various borders that separate our offices, by the time all states’ votes are combined, it’s always triple j who comes out on top. Station music director Richard Kingsmill rises to the top this year with his Sunday evening new release show 2010, proving our writers don’t just troll Gorilla Vs Bear for their new release research. It’s also no wonder that our tally of top albums of the year bare more than a few similarities to 2010’s listener poll (Arcade Fire at the top, Tame Imapla, The National, Kanye West and Gorillaz not far behind).
Runners-up: We also turn to the network for our local new release updates, as Dom Alessio’s Home And Hosed (9pm, Monday through Thursday) ranks second amongst our writers’ fave radio listening. And again, his influence possibly hangs over our own poll results, as his album of the year from Tame Impala is our top local album of the year as well. His top ten selections of 2010 also includes Cloud Control, My Disco and Gareth Liddiard, all just-outside-the-top-ten votemagnets here as well. While in third spot is perennial favourite Short.Fast.Loud. The country’s most influential punk show, hosted by Stu Harvey every Wednesday at 10pm, is always a high place-getter in our end-ofyear poll, even nabbing the top position back in 2007 and 2009. Short.Fast.Loud was still the firm favourite in Sydney with Melbourne more inclined towards Home And Hosed. It was 2010 everywhere else. Previous winners: Short.Fast.Loud, triple j (2007); Full Metal Racket, triple j (2008); Short.Fast.Loud, triple j (2009).
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2010 WRITERS’ POLL
FRONT ROW WRITERS POLL RESULTS
It’s been an amazing year across the board for arts in Australia, across theatre (August: Osage Country at STC, Malthouse’s The Trial, LaBoite’s Hamlet) to film (Animal Kingdom, Tomorrow When The War Began, Red Hill), and amazing exhibitions (Tim Burton at ACMI, Melbourne, Peggy Guggenheim at Art Gallery of WA, Perth, Annie Leibovitz at MCA, Sydney, and Valentino Retrospective at GoMA, Brisbane). The iPad launched, which brought with it another portable gaming console (its larger screen to the iPhone making it a great port for electronic board games), as well as a means to dive into the endless resources of the internet in new ways. Galleries, such as MoMA in New York, the Venice Biennale, and the Melbourne Museum all have iPad apps that engage with their audience, and are fantastic extensions of the institutions.
RED DEAD REDEMPTION
FRONT ROW WRITERS’ TOP FIVE FILMS: 1. The Social Network 2. Kick-Ass 3. Animal Kingdom 4. Scott Pilgrim vs The World 5. Inception But we have digressed. The annual Front Row writers’ poll has once again provided interesting results. In the film world, David Fincher’s masterpiece The Social Network reined supreme, proving that either Front Row writers spend too much time on Facebook, or – more likely – that the culmination of a masterful director, a tight script from Aaron Sorkin, and incredible performances across the board, but in particularly from Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg and Andrew Garfield as Eduardo Saverin, resulted in the year’s most compelling film. Meanwhile, the superhero was still alive in 2010, and whilst the likes THE SOCIAL NETWORK of Spider-Man and Batman were nowhere to be seen, and Iron Man 2 failed to capture the zeitgeist in the way that the first film did, two relatively indie titles, Kick-Ass and Scott Pilgrim vs The World made their mark with reviewers. Shaun Of The Dead/Hot Fuzz director Edgar Wright’s first foray into America resulted in the more-than-excellent adaptation Scott Pilgrim vs The World, an explosion of pop culture that in lesser hands would’ve made for a mess, its titular character the slacker’s superhero, whilst the British film Kick-Ass made a name of its Hit-Girl, Chloë Grace Moretz, who also starred in Let Me In, the Englishlanguage remake of Let The Right One In (which topped our writers’ poll last year). Animal Kingdom was the Australian film on everyone’s lips – and rightly so, being one of the bolder local films in memory – and Inception, Christopher Nolan’s intellectual pitstop between Batman films, rounded off the poll.
FRONT ROW WRITERS’ TOP FIVE TV SHOWS: 1. True Blood 2. Doctor Who 3. Breaking Bad 4. Mad Men 5. The Walking Dead
TRUE BLOOD
26
From the big screen to the small, only one point separated first and second place for best TV show of the year, and a further one point was the only difference between second and third place. But in the end it was that ol’ vampire melodrama True Blood that came out on top, followed by the fifth season of Doctor Who – the first with new Doc, Matt Smith. Whilst TV station HBO has reined supreme in past years with the likes of The Sopranos, The Wire, and True Blood, 2010 was all about the lesserknown AMC, which produced the last three of Front Row’s top five TV shows of the year. Having gone from obscurity to, er, less obscure thanks to the breakout success of Mad Men, it quickly followed that success with teacher-turned-methproducer drama Breaking Bad, and in 2010, the zombie-apocalypse series The Walking Dead, starring British actor Andrew Lincoln (Teachers, Love, Actually).
BACK TO THE FUTURE
ANIMAL KINGDOM
FRONT ROW WRITERS’ TOP FIVE DVDS/BLU-RAYS: 1. Back To The Future Trilogy (Blu-ray box set) 2. Alien Anthology (Blu-ray box set) 3. Doctor Who (various instalments of the fifth season) 4. Kick-Ass 5. Metropolis: Reconstructed And Restored / Toy Story 3 DVD picks were largely nostalgia-driven, as the studios continued their Blu-ray box set releasing of older, seminal films. The Back To The Future trilogy on Blu-ray came out as our writers’ favourite release of the year, while the awesome Alien Anthology Blu-ray box set, featuring all four films and a seemingly endless supply of extras came in a close second. The fifth season of Doctor Who cemented the reputation of our writers as Doctor Who tragics, whilst the UK-only (so far) release of the newly restored Metropolis interestingly made an impact on our writers.
FRONT ROW WRITERS’ TOP FIVE STAND-UP PERFORMANCES: 1. Rhys Darby 2. Bill Bailey / Hannah Gadsby 4. Robin Williams 5. Tripod vs The Dragon On the live stand-up front New Zealand actor and comedian Rhys Darby, best known for his role as Murray the band manager in Flight Of The Conchords, resonated most with writers, whilst old favourite Bill Bailey and local lass Hannah Gadsby tied for second spot. Hollywood superstar Robin Williams came in fourth – although sceptics might be so bold as to suggest this is more to do with who he is rather than what he said – and Tripod vs The Dragon rounded off the top five. Finally, Rockstar Games’ western Red Dead Redemption was by far the standout video game of the year, it transcending the ‘GTA with horses’ expectation most put on it before the release. The abundance of add-on packs within the first six months of the game’s release certainly helped keep the game fresh in our minds. Honourable mention must go to Fable III and Fallout New Vegas.
2010 WRITERS’ POLL SCOTT
FITZSIMONS
5SPROCKET
TONY
TOP FIVE VIDEO GAMES
TOP FIVE FILMS
The Axis of Awesome Jimmy James Eaton
F1 2010
Monsters The Human Centipede Zombieland Bran Nue Dai
Fallout: New Vegas
Red Hill
FIFA 11 Red Dead Redemption
TOY STORY 3
TOP FIVE FILMS Toy Story 3 The Social Network Beneath Hill 60 Sentimental Engine Slayer Scott Pilgrim vs The World
TOP FIVE TV SHOWS Eastbound And Down Entourage South Park Letters And Numbers Top Gear
TOP FIVE DVD/BLU-RAY RELEASES Back To The Future Trilogy Band Of Bothers Blu-ray box set South Park: Complete Seventh Season Inception Combo Pack Beneath Hill 60
TOP FIVE LIVE COMEDY PERFORMANCES Steve Hughes Dom Irrera Pajama Men Reginald D Hunter Rhys Darby
HELEN
NBA 2K11
Animal Kingdom Inception Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Pt 1 A Prophet I’m Still Here
TOP FIVE TV SHOWS The 7.30 Report Doctor Who Caprica True Blood Lowdown
TOP FIVE DVD/ BLU-RAY RELEASES Doctor Who: The Cybermen box set Beauty And The Beast Blu-ray Back To The Future Trilogy box set Avatar Blu-ray box set Predator Trilogy (with mask packaging)
TOP FIVE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS Hamlet (La Boite) Claire Marshall’s Slowdive Where The Heart Is (Expressions Dance Company) West Side Story Macbeth (Brisbane Festival)
TOP FIVE ART EXHIBITIONS Ron Mueck at GoMA The Ipswich line graffiti Go Font Ur Self at Nine Lives Two Needles One Yarn at Jugglers Art Space
TOP FIVE TV SHOWS
BEST ARTS FESTIVAL
True Blood Breaking Bad Mad Men Bored To Death
Art Month Sydney, for trying to blur the divides between the perceived levels of creativity in Sydney.
BEST ARTS PODCAST/ RADIO SHOW
Rake
Canvas on FBi.
TOP FIVE DVD/BLU-RAY RELEASES
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN ARTS
Inglourious Basterds Iron Man 2 Joffa The Movie 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Best Goals, Best Saves, Top Players
Discovery of unknown works by Picasso and the resulting dispute of legitimacy and ownership.
QUOTE OF THE YEAR “I do hope you’re kidding, looks like shit. What the hell is he doing, printing that from a jpeg? Motherfucker needs to be using tif files, dude. My face looks all computery and fuckin’ pixelated.” - Kenny Powers, Eastbound And Down
MOST ANTICIPATED ARTS EVENT OF 2011 Finding time to finish Jonathan Franzen’s new book Freedom.
HOW THE ARTS CAN BE IMPROVED IN 2011 Take TV programming away from the commercial stations.
STRINGER
TOP FIVE FILMS
MCMAHON
Grace
TOP FIVE FILMS I’m Still Here Fish Tank Jackass 3D Kick-Ass Toy Story 3
TOP FIVE TV SHOWS Dog Squad Pyramid All 4 Kidz
BAZ
TOP FIVE FILMS
BEST ARTS FESTIVAL
Kick-Ass Four Lions Buried The Disappearance Of Alice Creed Scott Pilgrim vs The World
BEST ARTS PODCAST/ RADIO SHOW There’s arts radio?
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN ARTS Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Campbell Newman authorising an Anthony Lister mural be painted over in clean, white paint simultaneously providing a brand new canvas for aspiring public artists and confirming Brisbane’s reputation as an arts wasteland. Apparently he’s an elected official...
QUOTE OF THE YEAR “Franco, just Franco”. James Franco introducing the fictional character of himself on U.S. daytime soap opera General Hospital. Performance art hilarity ensued.
MOST ANTICIPATED ARTS EVENT OF 2011 James Franco’s imminent return to General Hospital. Performance art has never been more entertaining, relevant, or for that matter, tolerable.
HOW THE ARTS CAN BE IMPROVED IN 2011 Canapes. All exhibition openings are judged by the quality of free food on offer. The stomach, and not the eyes, is the doorway to the soul.
Transforma Ladder infomercial Embarassing Bodies
TOP FIVE DVD/BLU-RAY RELEASES The Goonies Blu-ray (with pirate map) World on a Wire Metropolis: Reconstructed And Restored (Masters of Cinema) Letters from Fontainhas: Three Films By Pedro Costa (Criterion) Che (Criterion)
MCALISTER
Douglas Kirkland at GoMA
Ron Mueck at GoMA. Walking amongst giants and midgets so perfectly rendered - every detail, blemish, hair, and freckle accounted for with terrifying accuracy - was an unexpectedly humbling experience.
TOP FIVE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS
I’M STILL HERE
TOP FIVE TV SHOWS The Walking Dead Breaking Bad Caprica Survivors Lost
TOP FIVE DVD/ BLU-RAY RELEASES
Film Buff’s Forecast
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN ARTS Red Hill’s Tommy Lewis playing a ‘psychopathic’ Aboriginal killer whose actions turn out to be completely justified.
QUOTE OF THE YEAR ‘I love England but so many people want to leave there because it’s overrun with immigrants and refugees.” Pauline Hanson, abandoning her plans to move to England where she would have been, well, an immigrant.
MOST ANTICIPATED ARTS EVENT OF 2011 The new, as yet untitled, novel from The Secret History author Donna Tartt, only her third in two decades.
TOP FIVE LIVE COMEDY PERFORMANCES
HOW THE ARTS CAN BE IMPROVED IN 2011
Andrew O’Neill Mat Govoni Anthony Menchetti
More funding for stories that speak to what a profoundly racist country Australia has been and continues to be.
MITCH
KNOX
Robin Williams at BEC
Red Dead Redemption
Des Bishop at Brisbane Comedy Festival
Super Meat Boy
Greg Fleet
Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock
TOP FIVE VIDEO GAMES
Fable III
Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN ARTS
Red Dead Redemption Splinter Cell: Conviction Fallout: New Vegas Mass Effect 2 Fable 3
BEST ARTS FESTIVAL
TOP FIVE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN ARTS
Tripod vs The Dragon at Brisbane Powerhouse
BEST ARTS PODCAST/ RADIO SHOW
TOP FIVE VIDEO GAMES
Brisbane Comedy Festival - It’s young, it’s raw, but it’s building character. Give it a year or three and this festival will really be hitting its straps
TOP FIVE LIVE COMEDY PERFORMANCES
Pieces: Suicide the Aftermath. Launched by Patrick McGorry, this exhibition consisted entirely of pieces by those who had lost a family member to suicide. Moving, profound and surprisingly beautiful.
Sammy J and Randy at Brisbane Comedy Festival
Kick-Ass An Idiot Abroad Frankie Boyle Live 2: If I Could Reach Out Through Your TV And Strangle You I Would Inception Ricky Gervais Live IV: Science
Hamlet (La Boite) Daniel Kitson’s 66A Church Rd Stockholm (La Boite) The Escapists’ boy girl wall at Metro Arts Shanghai Lady Killer (Brisbane Festival)
Ghetto (VCA) At the Sans Hotel (Theatre Works) Little Mercy (Sisters Grimm) The Grönholm Method (Red Stitch) Mommy and the Minister (Sisters Grimm)
BEST ARTS FESTIVAL
BEST ARTS PODCAST/ RADIO SHOW Adam and Joe on XFM
It kind of has to be Hit Girl’s big entrance. I cannot adequately express in words just how cool this was. I hadn’t felt so amped up, rebellious and devil-may-care about a movie since Fight Club in ‘99.
QUOTE OFTHE YEAR “Okay, you cunts... let’s see what you can do now.” - Hit Girl. A gamechanging quote if ever there was one.
THE VENTURE BROS.
TOP FIVE FILMS Kick Ass Iron Man 2 Scott Pilgrim Vs The World Alice In Wonderland Toy Story 3
TOP FIVE TV SHOWS The Venture Bros. It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia Psych Boardwalk Empire The Walking Dead
TOP FIVE DVD/BLU-RAY RELEASES Batman: Under The Red Hood Justice League: Crisis On Two Earths Kick Ass Toy Story 3 Iron Man 2
3D makes a comeback as a viable extension of the film medium and experience as opposed to an entirely cheap gimmick used for wow factor. For now.
QUOTE OF THE YEAR Dragoon: “I am staying in the car! We! We are staying in the car.” Red Mantle: “We haven’t been outside in 30 years! I’m old and I’m afraid of everything!” Dragoon: “I’m afraid the streets are overrun by teenage gangs!” Red Mantle: “Teenagers are cruel and they will undoubtedly taunt us because our trousers are not in style any more.” Dragoon: “And we are two heads on one body. That has never, ever been hip!” - The Venture Bros. S04E05, “The Revenge Society”
MOST ANTICIPATED ARTS EVENT OF 2011 Green Lantern. Despite the decision to make the entire costume CGI and cast Ryan Reynolds - who would be a WAY better Kyle Rayner - as Hal Jordan, I am psyched for this.
27
2010 WRITERS’ POLL BETHANY
SMALL
TOP FIVE FILMS Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child I’m Not Here Heartbeats Piranha 3D Easy A
TOP FIVE TV SHOWS Mad Men True Blood Keeping Up with the Kardashians MasterChef Gossip Girl
TOP FIVE DVD/ BLU-RAY RELEASES
DANIELLE The Nothing group show (Chalk Horse) David to Cézanne: master drawings from the Prat Collection, Paris (Art Gallery of NSW) Selina Ou: Beside Myself (GRANTPIRRIE)
BEST ARTS FESTIVAL The inaugural Art Month Sydney in March was big and shiny and new; it got really good participation from a whole spectrum of museums and galleries and ‘spaces’ and opening them up a little to the non-art-dork public. It also provided a bunch of parties full of people I found, for the most part, quite interesting and/or useful and/or hot.
Metropolis: Reconstructed And Restored (Masters Of Cinema) House (Hausu) Modern Times (Criterion) Fullmetal Alchemist Deluxe Complete Collection Antichrist
BEST ARTS PODCAST/ RADIO SHOW
TOP FIVE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTIN ARTS
August: Osage County (STC) The Hour We Knew Nothing Of Each Other (NIDA/Legs On The Wall) W;t (New Theatre) La sonnambula (Opera Australia) Namatjira (Belvoir)
The opening of The Big Bang at White Rabbit. August: Osage County. Mark Kimber and Polixeni Papapetrou at Stills Gallery. Darryl Frank at Roslyn Oxley9. Weird book talks at Oxford Art. Jokes about Inception. Brook Andrew’s giant inflatables.
TOP FIVE ART EXHIBITIONS
QUOTE OF THE YEAR
Angelica Mesiti: Natural History (Gallery 9) Polixeni Papapetrou: Between Worlds (Stills Gallery)
R O B E RT
Ooh! Radio National please. Whatever they classify under Arts or Books and Writing, but mainly Artworks and Lingua Franca. Canvas on FBi is also good.
“I hate intellectual conversation with intellectuals because I only care about my opinion, but I like to read very abstract constructions of the mind. It’s very strange.” - Karl Lagerfeld
LUKINS Change (MUMA) Luminous Cities (NGV) Jude Walton, by hand and eye (Sutton Gallery)
BEST ARTS FESTIVAL I AM LOVE
TOP FIVE FILMS American: The Bill Hicks Story Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 I Am Love The Social Network Animal Kingdom
TOP FIVE TV SHOWS An Idiot Abroad The Annoying Orange Breaking Bad The Ricky Gervais Show ABC News
TOP FIVE DVD/BLU-RAY RELEASES Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyers Cut) Four Lions A Single Man Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Back To The Future Trilogy
TOP FIVE ART EXHIBITIONS Emily Ferretti’s Studio, Open Day (Gertrude Contemporary Art Space)
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Amococo: Architects Of Air at Adelaide Fringe Festival
SCOTT PILGRIM VS THE WORLD
TOP FIVE FILMS Scott Pilgrim vs The World Animal Kingdom The Social Network Fair Game Toy Story 3
TOP FIVE TV SHOWS Gossip Girl Doctor Who Walking Dead Being Human IQ
Taryn Simon’s An American Index of the Hidden and Unfamiliar at CCP. It was sick and wonderful and made me go home and have a beer in the shower.
BEST ARTS PODCAST/ RADIO SHOW Radio National Arts subscription, as always, can’t be beat.
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN ARTS The Coalition election victory in Victoria; Big Ted and a general backsliding in courage is going to squeeze out some fun and angry stuff.
QUOTE OF THE YEAR “Yes, this election is rubbish, and it represents the lowest point in policy debate since, probably, 1980 ... but bad luck – it’s your fault.” Bernard Keane.
MOST ANTICIPATED ARTS EVENT OF 2011 The Idler, 2011 Annual Periodical
HOW THE ARTS CAN BE IMPROVED IN 2011 Fewer festivals, less money, more bass, richer muffins; all you need is love.
TOP FIVE LIVE COMEDY PERFORMANCES Hannah Gadsby at Sydney Comedy Festival Tripod vs The Dragon at Sydney Opera House Charlie Pickering at Sydney Comedy Festival Tom Gleeson at Sydney Comedy Festival Tom Ballard at Sydney Comedy Festival
BEST ARTS FESTIVAL Tim Burton: The Exhibition at ACMI, Melbourne
TOP FIVE DVD/ BLU-RAY RELEASES Toy Story 3 Alice In Wonderland Iron Man 2 Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs Faces Of America
TOP FIVE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS Ute Lemper: Angels Over Berlin at Sydney Opera House Uncle Vanya (STC) Eddie Perfect: Songs From The Middle at Sydney Opera House The Man In Black at Sydney Opera House
MANDY Taryn Simon: An American Index of the Hidden and Unfamiliar (CCP)
O’DONOHUE
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN ARTS Seeing Animal Kingdom tick over at the Australian box office, then head off overseas for the same reaction. Hopefully now, after its AFI success, it scores Jacki Weaver an Oscar nomination.
QUOTE OF THE YEAR “You’ve done some bad things, sweetie” - Jacki Weaver as Smurf Cody in Animal Kingdom.
HOW THE ARTS CAN BE IMPROVED IN 2011 By Jacki Weaver winning an Oscar in 2011.
KOHLER
TOP FIVE FILMS Kick-Ass Inception Scott Pilgrim vs the World The Social Network How To Train Your Dragon
TOP FIVE TV SHOWS Doctor Who The Walking Dead An Idiot Abroad Glee Gruen Nation
TOP FIVE DVD/ BLU-RAY RELEASES Doctor Who: Complete Fifth Season Survivors Zombieland Kick-Ass Inception
TOP FIVE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS Stockholm (La Boite) boy girl wall (Metro Arts/The Escapists) Daniel Kitson’s 66a Church Road Tripod vs the Dragon Grimm Tales (QTC)
TOP FIVE LIVE COMEDY PERFORMANCES Robin Williams at BEC Daniel Kitson (World Theatre Festival) Sammy J & Randy at Brisbane Comedy Festival Liz Skitch/Fiona McGary in Skitch
Tease and Wake Up Fi! Des Bishop (Brisbane Comedy Festival)
ALEKSIA
BARRON
TOP FIVE FILMS Inception The Road The Social Network Toy Story 3 Four Lions
TOP FIVE TV SHOWS Mad Men True Blood Community MasterChef Caprica
TOP FIVE DVD/BLU-RAY RELEASES Hilltop Hoods: Parade of the Dead The Hurt Locker Mad Men: Complete Third Season Zombieland True Blood: Complete Second Season
TOP FIVE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS Waiting For Godot (His Majesty’s Theatre) Spirit Fingers (Blue Room Theatre) How Satan Got His Groove Back (Wild West Comedy Festival) Eat My Monologue (bamBOO) The Myth of Julian Rose (Blue Room Theatre)
I hope Margaret and David’s At The Movies counts...
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN ARTS The departmental reshuffle will no doubt have an impact. We may not have seen it yet, but we will... for better or worse.
QUOTE OF THE YEAR “Your boyfriend doesn’t own your vagina.” “No, but he’s renting it.” Elisabeth Moss as Peggy Olsen in Mad Men.
MOST ANTICIPATED ARTS EVENTOF 2011 Wicked visiting Perth will no doubt be a highlight.
PIAF can become a year-round festival of cultural deliciousness. Hey, what’s life without a dream?
M AT T
O’NEILL
MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS
Toy Story 3 Kick-Ass Up In The Air
TOP FIVE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS Room 328 (FreeRange, Metro Arts) of earth and sky (Bangarra) Boiling Point (JWC/Phluxus2) Grimm Tales (QTC) Little V’s Terrible Tea Party (Dead Puppet Society)
BEST ARTS FESTIVAL Existence at the Judith Wright Centre - lovely blend of visually stimulating work and confronting performances and ideals.
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN ARTS
Locally, Wicked is going to be huge. On an international scale I guess you can’t beat the last adventures of a specky wizard.
Or well and good, Laurie Perry. For the first time, I bought art.
Rhys Darby at Regal Theatre Jacques Barrett at Althenaum Theatre
The Moth. Stories told live without notes. Everyone has a story and here they tell them well.
MOST ANTICIPATED ARTS EVENT OF 2011
BEST ARTS FESTIVAL
HOW THE ARTS CAN BE IMPROVED IN 2011
BEST ARTS PODCAST/ RADIO SHOW
“You have part of my attention - you have the minimum amount. The rest of my attention is back at the offices of Facebook, where my colleagues and I are doing things that no one in this room, including and especially your clients, are intellectually or creatively capable of doing.” Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerburg in The Social Network
Bill Bailey at Perth Convention Centre
TOP FIVE LIVE COMEDY PERFORMANCES
Tim Burton: The Exhibition at ACMI, Melbourne. Seeing Burton’s work as a biography of his life shows how creative he is, and has been from very young, but also how prolific. Burton’s output is staggering.
QUOTE OF THE YEAR
Michael Workman: The Ogre at Wild West Comedy Festival
BEST ARTSPODCAST/ RADIO SHOW
BEST ARTS FESTIVAL
The damn top spinning at the end of Inception. It was a conversation starter that everyone had an opinion on.
John Robertson: A Nifty History Of Evil at Wild West Comedy Festival
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN ARTS TOP FIVE FILMS Inception Kick-Ass Toy Story 3 The Men Who Stare At Goats Up In The Air
TOP FIVE TV SHOWS The Good Wife Damages Always Sunny in Philadelphia Dexter Lost
TOP FIVE DVD/ BLU-RAY RELEASES The Good Wife Damages
The Bathers at Brisbane Festival. Countless strangers randomly getting their kit off and taking a sauna behind a theatre to an avant-garde electro-acoustic soundtrack - and the council paid for it. Fucking awesome.
MOST ANTICIPATED ARTS EVENT OF 2011 The works of the La Boite Scratch artists - specifically Gen Trace’s next piece.
HOW THE ARTS CAN BE IMPROVED IN 2011 Better coverage, less funding for top-tier institutions and more funding for intermediate level and artist-run institutions. Really, people should just give Metro Arts a blank cheque and get ready to applaud.
2010 WRITERS’ POLL ALICE
MUHLING
TOP FIVE FILMS Animal Kingdom Micmacs
Valentino Retrospective (GoMA)
Xavier: Renegade Angel - watch this aggressively surreal and disturbing animation from the makers of Wonder Showzen and you too will bellow to the heavens “What doth life?”
Scott Pilgrim vs The World
Rhys Darby at The Tivoli
TOP FIVE TV SHOWS
Sean Micallef at Brisbane Powerhouse
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia 30 Rock The IT Crowd
I bought a Shag print from Outré Gallery in Melbourne - does that count? It’s pretty sweet.
Melinda Buttle as part of Women Of Letters
BEST ARTS FESTIVAL
TOP FIVE DVD/ BLU-RAY RELEASES
Beastman at Nine Lives. Refreshing, low-key, informal, lively colour and perfect technique.
BEST ARTS PODCAST/ RADIO SHOW LET ME IN
TOP FIVE FILMS
Hot Tub Time Machine
BEST ARTS PODCAST/ RADIO SHOW
Inglourious Basterds
Conversations with Richard Fidler
Let Me In
The It Crowd 4.0
Away We Go
TOP FIVE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS When The Rain Stops Falling (QTC) Gwen in Purgatory (La Boite) Hamlet (La Boite) While Others Sleep (Expressions Dance Company) Betrayal (QTC)
TOP FIVE ART EXHIBITIONS Beastman: Brave New Worlds (with Luke Taaffe) at Nine Lives Semi-Permanent Tom Evangelidis: Façade (Brisbane Powerhouse)
LIZ
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN ARTS
Fantastic Mr Fox
Inception/Shutter Island (DiCaprio’s mind-bending one-two punch)
QUOTE OF THE YEAR
QUOTE OF THE YEAR
TOP FIVE TV SHOWS
“If you don’t take their money, they can’t take your soul, kid” - Bill Cunningham in Bill Cunningham New York
Community/30 Rock
GIUFFRE
Eastbound & Down/Bored to Death Luther/Sherlock Mad Men The Inbetweeners
TOP FIVE DVD/ BLU-RAY RELEASES
Stop locking US Blu-rays to region A!
CONNORS
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 Red Hill Goemon
Four Lions Scott Pilgrim vs The World Joan Rivers: A Piece Of Work The Ghost Writer Toy Story 3
TOP FIVE TV SHOWS Community Doctor Who Glee Gruen Transfer/Nation Spicks And Specks
TOP FIVE DVD/ BLU-RAY RELEASES The Men Who Stare At Goats Gavin and Stacey box set Community: Complete First Season Spicks and Specks World Tour Doctor Who: The Specials
TOP FIVE LIVE COMEDY PERFORMANCES Hannah Gatsby at Sydney Comedy Festival Brendan Burns at Sydney Comedy Festival Sam Simmons at Sydney Comedy Festival
Adam Hills/Wil Anderson (they are the same guy, right?) at Sydney Comedy Festival
BEST ARTS FESTIVAL
Winter’s Bone
TOP FIVE TV SHOWS True Blood Dexter Mad Men
Tim Burton: The Exhibition at ACMI, Melbourne. Just gorgeous.
Glee
BEST ARTS PODCAST/ RADIO SHOW
TOP FIVE DVD/ BLU-RAY RELEASES
TOFOP - the little podcast that could (and a proper insight into secret men’s business in the arts).
Law & Order: SVU
Alien Anthology Black Books (Leather Bound Edition)
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN ARTS
Back To The Future Trilogy
iOTA combining Do Re Mi and Peaches while in semi-drag at Late Night Live at the Opera House midyear is a tie with Rufus Wainwright appearing onstage with Carrie Fisher (both in Princess Lea hair).
Goemon
QUOTE OF THE YEAR
Rhys Darby at Enmore Theatre
“It’s a good day for redheads.” - Julia Gillard to Kerry O’Brien during her first interview with him as Prime Minister.
HOW THE ARTS CAN BE IMPROVED IN 2011 Filming Doctor Who in Australia and enlisting street press writers as special guests...
X-Men: First Class, Matthew Vaughn’s 1960s-era take on the Marvel Comics’ franchise with James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender.
Grindhouse Blu-ray (region one)
TOP FIVE FILMS
DeAnn Smith at Sydney Comedy Festival
MOST ANTICIPATED ARTS EVENT OF 2011
Trick ‘r Treat
Kick-Ass
TOP FIVE FILMS
“We are Sex Bob-omb and we’re here to make you think about death and get sad and stuff! 1-2-3-4!” Scott Pilgrim vs The World
HOW THE ARTS CAN BE IMPROVED IN 2011
Alien Anthology
A N I TA
DOCTOR WHO
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN ARTS
Scott Pilgrim vs The World
The Social Network
World Theatre Festival at Brisbane Powerhouse or Carsten Höller’s slide installation at Queensland Art Gallery
I’m kinda digging Wil Anderson and Charlie Clausen’s TOFOP podcasts, actually.
Sony rebooting the Spider-Man franchise.
La Boite’s Indie season.
MOST ANTICIPATED ARTS EVENT OF 2011
WELLS
BEST ARTS FESTIVAL
Bill Bailey at QPAC
Dexter
Dexter: Complete Fourth Season
JAMELLE The Darjeeling Limited/The Thin Red Line (Criterion Collection)
TOP LIVE COMEDY PERFORMANCES
Breaking Bad
DAVIS
Eugene Richards: The Blue Room (Brisbane Powerhouse)
A Single Man
Inception
GUY
The Killing: Season One/Season Two
TOP FIVE LIVE COMEDY PERFORMANCES Stephen Fry at Sydney Opera House Bill Bailey at State Theatre Ricky Gervais at Wembley Arena, London Robin Williams at SEC
BEST ARTS FESTIVAL Céleste Boursier-Mougenot at the Barbican, London. It was nothing like
ANIMAL KINGDOM
TOP FIVE FILMS Animal Kingdom In The Loop Greenberg Avatar Bran Nue Dae
TOP FIVE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS Diary Of A Madman (Belvoir) August: Osage County (Steppenwolf Theatre Company/STC) Long Day’s Journey Into Night (STC)
TOP FIVE TV SHOWS
Party (Invisible Dot for Sydney Festival)
The Deep End Shameless Mad Men 30 Rock United States Of Tara
TOP FIVE ART EXHIBITIONS
TOP FIVE DVD/ BLU-RAY RELEASES Mad Men: Complete Third Season Doctor Who: Complete Fifth Season The Most Dangerous Man In America Crash The Office: Complete Sixth Season
JASON
Jersey Boys (Theatre Royal)
17th Biennale Of Sydney Circa 1979: Signal To Noise (Sydney Festival) Olafur Eliasson (MCA) Archibald Prize (Art Gallery of NSW) Bear Witness (Sydney Festival)
BEST ARTS FESTIVAL Three weeks of spectacular music, dance, theatre and visual arts pulled together by new Festival
KENNY
anything I had seen or experienced before; the French artist had set up a musical, walk-through aviary with 40 zebra finches flying freely unruffled by their human visitors and obliviously to many strategically positioned electric guitars, cymbals, and amps about the room.
TOP FIVE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS
TOP FIVE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS
Lebensraum (The Brainbox Project)
The Society (PIAF) The Myth Of Julian Rose (Mondo Di Corpo at Blue Room Theatre) Daniel Kitson’s 66a Church Rd Mummy Loves You Betty Ann Jewel (Aleela Creatives at Blue Room Theatre)
Sweet Charity (Theatre Royal Haymarket, UK)
BEST ARTS FESTIVAL
Oliver! The Musical (Theatre Royal, London) Uncle Vanya (STC)
THE GHOST WRITER
Perth International Arts Festival - oh, the variety!
Waiting For Godot (Theatre Royal Haymarket, UK)
TOP FIVE FILMS
August: Osage County (STC)
The Ghost Writer
BEST ARTS PODCAST/ RADIO SHOW
BEST ARTS PODCAST/ RADIO SHOW
Exit Through The Gift Shop
The one on RTRFM.
So Wrong It’s Right (Radio 4, London)
Inception
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN ARTS
TOP FIVE TV SHOWS
Kerry O’Brien stepping down from The 7:30 Report.
30 Rock
QUOTE OF THE YEAR
Castle
The Social Network Animal Kingdom
Rake Spectacle SBS World News
“With no power comes no responsibilities.” Dave Lizewski/Kick-Ass (Aaron Johnson) in Kick-Ass
TOP FIVE DVD/ BLU-RAY RELEASES
MOST ANTICIPATED ARTS EVENT OF 2011
Spectacle: Elvis Costello With...
Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris, at the Art Gallery of NSW.
Donnie Darko (Blu-ray) Back To The Future Trilogy 30 Rock: Complete Fourth Season Stones In Exile
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN ARTS That satirical performance piece from Canberra that passed as an election campaign.
QUOTE OF THE YEAR “Mummy, mummy, look it’s a little boy in a bed with a pig... or a dog... or something...” an increasingly confused and scared 6 year old running around the Patricia Piccinini exhibit
MOST ANTICIPATED ARTS EVENT OF 2011 The 40th anniversary of A Clockwork Orange.
29
2010 WRITERS’ POLL DANIEL
CRICHTON-ROUSE
TOP FIVE FILMS 1. The Social Network 2. Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows, Part 1 3. Scott Pilgrim vs The World 4. Exit Through The Gift Shop 5. Fish Tank
TOP FIVE TV SHOWS 1. Party Down 2. The Trip 3. Lowdown 4. The IT Crowd 5. Newswipe with Charlie Brooker
TOP FIVE DVD/ BLU-RAY RELEASES 1. Alien Anthology: Limited Edition 2. Exit Through Through The Gift Shop: Special Edition 3. Back To The Future Trilogy (Blu-ray) 4. Metropolis: Reconstructed & Restored (Masters Of Cinema) 5. Inception (Combo Pack)
BEST ARTS FESTIVAL Tied: Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Sydney Film Festival
FAVOURITE ARTS PODCAST/ RADIO SHOW This American Life (NPR)
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN ARTS Animal Kingdom’s Sundance win (World Cinema Jury Prize Dramatic) was significant, setting off a chain of positive events, with actor Jacki Weaver currently cleaning up at foreign press awards ceremonies, and the film cleaning up at the AFI Awards (with 10 wins).
C U LT U R A L
FISH
MOST ANTICIPATED ARTS EVENT OF 2011
to consume is at an all time high, when the lights of the camera often seem to fall on those with few discernible talents. There’s no doubt it’s backwater exploitation, the beauty of course being that Korine is exploiting himself and his friends. But ultimately it is a film with a heart, heart that’s admittedly obscured by furry sleaziness, the overwhelming wrongness and meaningless violence and stupidity, but ultimately I don’t know whether it’s due to intent or simply duration, but after a while the film begins to take on almost transcendental qualities.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s 25th anniversary
HOW THE ARTS CAN BE IMPROVED IN 2011 More funding, of course, is a good place to start; the introduction of an 18+ certificate for video games; a dedicated cinémathèque in Sydney; more regular D.I.Y events such as Kino Sydney/Adelaide building community around an artform – in their case, a monthly film night.
TOP FIVE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS 1. August: Osage County (STC) 2. Measure For Measure (Belvoir) 3. Uncle Vanya (STC) 4. Furious Mattress (Malthouse) 5. Hamlet (La Boite)
TOP FIVE STAND-UP COMEDY PERFORMANCES 1. Tim Key at Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2. Rhys Darby at Enmore Theatre 3. Bill Bailey at State Theatre 4. Adam Hills at Melbourne International Comedy Festival 5. Jeff Green at Melbourne International Comedy Festival
TOP FIVE VIDEO GAMES 1. Red Dead Redemption (PS3/Xbox 360) 2. Heavy Rain (PS3) 3. Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 (PS3/Xbox 360) 4. Reckless Racing/FlickKick Football (iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch) 5. Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 (iPhone)
TRASH HUMPERS
WITH BOB BAKER FISH There is a man. He is old. Two other elderly people are watching him intently. They’re in a seedy nondescript laneway. He sidles up to a rubbish bin and begins rubbing his genitals on the cold black plastic. Pretty soon he is thrusting aggressively. Later he pulls down a branch from a tree and simulates oral sex with it. This is the best film Fragmented Fish saw this year. It is, of course, the latest opus from Harmony Korine, the writer of Kids and Ken Park and director of such box office failures as Gummo and Julien Donkey Boy. His previous film, Mister Lonely, was his most commercial yet, a tale of celebrity impersonators who retreat from a cold dark uncaring world to a utopian Scottish commune and featured name actors such as Samantha Morton. It seemed our Harmony, our
CRINGE
WITH MANDY KOHLER Two thousand and ten. It sounds like such a small number. Every year we hear about the billion dollar profits of banks, we hear about the hundreds of thousands of people affected by natural disasters, we take stock of the endless everyday tragedies that flash across the news bulletins, and we watch the Earth’s population expand in mimicry of the universe itself. By comparison, two thousand and ten seems like such a small number. We might feel a little more advanced if this was the year four billion, but this is how we mark time, counting up from Anno Domini, and this year I’ve started to think that collectively this
is about what we’re worth. Maybe a mark of 2,010 out of 4,000,000,000 seems a little harsh, but that only means there’s plenty of room for improvement. Two thousand and ten seemed like a hold steady year when we held our breaths and waited for the world not to implode, and it didn’t. We’re still here, still kicking, still fighting the same old battles big and small. If we could only get on the same page and fight those battles together we might actually get stuff done but, in a binary of contrasts, the diversity that makes us worthwhile is also the thing that means we will can’t be fully united in our approaches to the myriad problems of the world. We are all individuals.
deeply troubled Harmony, a young man who has been banned from The Late Show With David Letterman due to his erratic, possibly drug affected performances, had finally made a move towards the mainstream. Trash Humpers is his answer to those sick pathetic thoughts. Shot on a crappy old VHS camera and edited on video, it looks terrible. Fuzzy, ill defined, the shots at night could be anything. But if feels like an antidote, a rally to restore sanity to the HD 3D Blu-ray obsessed industry determined to capture in widescreen glory the bacteria on the pimple on the face of the model desperate to be an actor pretending to be a cop on your favourite TV show. In fact it’s just Harmony, his wife, and a couple of mates with old-persons makeup, drunk on wine and drugged on glue (maybe?) being vandals and idiots. Destroying televisions, lighting firecrackers, and just generally being elderly delinquents.
THE Personally this year has been an odd one. In October I was involved in a minor emergency that saw me helping out a stranger when I wasn’t expecting it. It’s not the emergency bit I wasn’t expecting, moreover it was the helping bit.
IT LOOKS SO SMALL FROM THE MOON...
30
FRAGMENTED
In an age of paranoia I always expect an emergency, but I’ve always thought that there would be someone around better qualified for a catastrophe no mortal could quell. However I was there and I was handy, and I’d never felt so useful. It felt good. I even made the paper. QWeekend published a story called ‘Little Givers’ a couple of weeks ago in which journalist Trent Dalton documented acts of kindness, big and small. Dalton said that, after writing a spate of hard-hitting stories, he wanted to write something that was uplifting. I think he succeeded. Even though my evaluation of the year that has been is a tad bleak, it’s been impressed on me that the diverse ways that people bring light into the world is priceless. Yarn bomber Sally Shipman, I love your work. I’ve also seen a glimpse into the lives of people who are useful all the time and decided that I want a little more of that. It’s usually around this time that, rather than setting New Year’s resolutions, I reflect on the failed resolutions past but be glad that it is the festive season and a new year is upon us. There’s enough room for improvement for all of us and I’m ready to put this hold steady year to bed.
It should be boring. After all, he gave it away in the title, but the first seven minutes of copious refuse thrusting is nothing short of side-splitting hilarity. Everything about it is wrong. What kind of sick fool would film this madness? In fact, if it was solely 120 minutes of random rubbish bin rooting Fragmented Fish would be more than satisfied, however Korine expertly reels in a bunch of eccentric randoms from his neighborhood, bringing racist jokes and very long toenails to the party. One duo joined at the head even eats food coated with dishwashing liquid. It’s nonsensical and base, weirdo slapstick that disturbs and annoys but also confuses. The jokes aren’t obvious, most of the humour stems from the audience’s pain, but you can’t look away. Who knows what they’ll do next. It’s definitely a film of our times, our thirst for manipulated reality
Trash Humpers isn’t a film, it’s an experience. After playing in the Melbourne International Film Festival it hasn’t made it back to Australia, even on DVD, it’s just too unfilmlike. According to Korine it’s meant to be the kind of strange poorly labeled video cassette that you find in a dumpster, take home and freak over. So my advice is to find this film, take it home and freak out everyone you know with the best film of 2010. Your friends and family will hate you. Otherwise Roberto Rodriguez continued his Grindhouse obsession with Machete, which is better than his most recent opus Planet Terror. It’s actually quite incredible that Rodriguez is now in a position to make big budget exploitation, reigning in name actors like Lindsay Lohan, Don Johnson, and Robert De Niro. Last time Hollywood pumped out the big bucks for sexploitation, the result was Showgirls and a strangely aggressive reaction from the cinema-going public. Yet both Machete and Planet Terror are so much fun, taking a nostalgic, reverential and outlandish delight in the seediness, that this time it feels like everyone is along for the ride. Let’s hope this is just the beginning.
LOOKING GLASS
WEEZER
WITH HELEN STRINGER With 2010 coming to a swift end I could wax lyrical about the year that was, dishing out gratuitous compliments with unfettered abandon. It crossed my mind to continue my year-long spree of vitriol against Lord Mayor Newman’s “Graffiti” Reduction Unit or even Twilight. But whilst both gratuitous compliments and unrestrained vitriol are no doubt due, it seems a rather dishonest way to end the year. Art in 2010 was - and I say this without any hyperbole - life altering. It wasn’t a particular exhibition or event that permanently heightened my ability to appreciate art, but rather a two-part revelation that changed the very way I experienced it. The first part of my revelation came to me unbidden on a particularly unpleasant Friday morning. Suffering a metaphysical hangover of suicidal proportions, I was saved by the shuffle feature on my iPod and inadvertently unearthed
the world’s most effective antidepressant: Weezer’s Blue Album. By the end of My Name Is Jonas I’d ceased lamenting that my last comprehensible words had been “It’s Jaeger time, bitches”; by the final strains of Undone - The Sweater Song there was a veritable party in my mind. The second part required some directed interference, but constitutes a genuine revelation nonetheless. Using highly developed powers of scientific methodology, a hypothesis was posed: the Blue Album would measurably increase the capacity of the average human being to enjoy art. Not shying away from the accurate accruement of empirical data, I began with the worst the River City has to offer: Lord Mayor Newman’s public art. A particularly offensive mural has been plastered on a bridge in Toowong depicting our proud Indigenous nations welcoming colonial settlers with didgeridoos
in hand; every imaginable racial stereotype is covered in but a few metres of bad portraiture and historical inaccuracies. Whilst thematically incongruous, Say It Ain’t So proved an eye-opening accompaniment to this unpalatable shit; layers of irony our venerable Council Members had surely not intended unfolded before my eyes. The hypothesis was thus duly tested and still it held. High art was next. Ron Mueck’s giants and midgets beckoned from GoMA. A humbling experience even in funereal silence, Mueck’s world of hyper-real humans came disconcertingly alive the moment In The Garage began. Lonely, misunderstood monsters seemed to be begging to be put back in their figurative garages where they could feel safe, protected as they would be from anyone wanting to interfere with their individual ways. 2010’s “Blue Album Art Appreciation Method”- as it’s now been coined proved so therapeutic that if Rivers Cuomo had responded to my many requests to waive copyright in the name of public health, the proceeds from the patent would have seen me typing this from a room made out of solid gold. But in the spirit of Christmas - and yes, I’ll concede, because Rivers is yet to respond to my patent proposal - I’ve decided to forgo the possible riches and give away this cure for everyday melancholy, this revolution in art appreciation for free. Happy Christmas.
frontrow@inpress.com.au POLL 2010 WRITERS’
TRAILER
TRASH
WITH GUY DAVIS Liam Neeson said in one of his 2010 movies “I love it when a plan comes together”, and I too have been known to utter those words in regards to the year in cinema that’s just occurred. (Like Mr Neeson, I’ve also been known to bellow “Release the Kraken!” Only on the third date, though.) You see, it’s great when every element of a production works in perfect conjunction, resulting in an exemplary big-screen experience. But that doesn’t always happen. So, you take your pleasures where you find them – maybe it’s a nifty line of dialogue, a scene-stealing performance by a supporting actor, an unexpectedly bang-on musical cue or an impressive piece of cinematography that takes hold of your imagination. That’s what I’ll be celebrating in this here Trailer Trash column: the fragments, the bits, and the pieces that stood out from the cinematic crowd over the last 12 months. Prevailing trend in 2010 action movies: the douchebag white-collar villain making life hell for our heroes. You see, there were three highprofile men-on-a-mission flicks this year: The A-Team (where the Neeson quote came from!), The Expendables, and The Losers. (You could maybe include Red as well, but the presence of Helen Mirren – even if she was impressively busting .50-calibre caps – kinda disqualifies it. Amirite, fellas?) And while it was never in doubt that our heroes would emerge victorious, it was really the bad guys that walked off with the movies in their pockets. Eric Roberts brought some of his distinctive oiliness to his role as a coke-dealing CIA scumbag in The Expendables, while the normally white-bread Patrick Wilson clearly had a ball indulging his inner frat-boy tool as he took on the A-Team. (“Your code name is Broadsword?” he said to some macho mercenary. “Cool.”). But the best of the bunch was The Losers’ Jason Patric, bringing a nice line in fey Val Kilmer-style weirdness to his portrayal of nefarious powerbroker Max, a soft-spoken sociopath who just wants America to be numero uno again. Most valuable actor of the year: Richard Jenkins. I’ve dug this guy for a while now, the lanky, sad-faced character actor who’s always proven reliable playing henpecked husbands, sad-sack cops and the
vampire movie Daybreakers. Date Night’s Tina Fey speculating on what the pretty girl across the room is saying to her date: “That’s amazing, Jeremy, but I’m gonna go home now and fart into a shoebox.” Whether it was Stanley Tucci complimenting his daughter by comparing her to “a high-end stripper – you know, for governors or athletes” or Patricia Clarkson declaring her love for The Bucket List, it was clear that Easy A’s Emma Stone had The Coolest Parents Ever. Gitmo meets Disneyland in Exit Through the Gift Shop. Rose Byrne, the true comedic secret weapon of Get Him To The Greek, shunning the innuendo and revealing just what her song Ring Round My Rosie is all about. The look on Craig Robinson’s face as he breaks the fourth wall to say the title of Hot Tub Time Machine. The vibrantly, almost tangibly scummy Sean Harris in Harry Brown. Sam Rockwell’s soft-shoe shuffle in Iron Man 2 – Rockwell’s dance moves are normally the apex of cool; here they show how second-rate he is next to Tony Stark. Kick-Ass’ Big Daddy – Nicolas Cage, using his powers for good for a change – dispatching a warehouse full of bad guys. The thoroughly disturbing mix of shyness, sexiness, and utter fucking craziness Robin McLeavy brought to The Loved Ones’ Lola. Piranha 3D proving that long hair and an outboard motor don’t mix. In one of the most impressive WTF moments of the year, Robert Pattinson monsters the pre-teen mean girls who bullied his beloved little sister in Remember Me (it was a good year for brats getting theirs – I heard one or two people cheering when Robert Downey, Jr slugged an annoying 12-year-old in Due Date). “I’m six-five, 220 pounds, and there are two of me.” Don’t mess with The Social Network’s ‘Winkelvi’. Not really ‘Young’ MC anymore but still able to bust a move – an unexpected but marvellous cameo in Up In The Air. And Pixar’s annual assault on your tear ducts: the toys, facing incineration, join hands and face the furnace together. This’ll probably scar about as many psyches of this generation’s moviegoers as the death of Bambi’s mum did decades earlier.
THE A-TEAM
like but who has occasionally pulled a swifty and done heart-rending work in a lead (see The Visitor, seriously) or hilarious work in a broad mainstream comedy (see Step Brothers, for real). This year, he popped up in three movies, bringing a big heart and a reality check to the platitudes of Eat Pray Love, delivering a moving performance in a tricky role in the potentially treacly Dear John and, best of all, expressing years of sorrow, regret and devotion with little to no dialogue in Let Me In, the remarkable Let The Right One In remake. Most valuable actress of the year: Marion Cotillard. European actresses have been catching the eye of Hollywood casting directors for decades, but often something – whether it’s the language barrier or just that certain je ne sais quoi – will keep a magnetic German or Spanish or Italian performer from really making it big on the world stage. (Case in point: Carice van Houten, spellbinding in Paul Verhoeven’s WWII drama Black Book, relegated to wife roles in US productions like Valkyrie
and Repo Men.) Her Oscar win for playing Edith Piaf in La Vie En Rose ensured French actress Cotillard a shot at some high-end Hollywood stuff but while she acquitted herself well in Michael Mann’s Public Enemies in ’09 it seemed that she could easily go the way of, say, Emmanuelle Beart if things didn’t go her way. The film adaptation of the Broadway musical Nine seemed like a safe enough bet – join an international cast of heavy hitters under the direction of the guy who made Chicago? Sure, why not? But while the movie was an ambitious misfire, Cotillard’s passionate performance as Daniel Day-Lewis’ neglected wife hit all the right notes. And following it up with a pivotal part in the blockbuster Inception as Mal, the “shade” haunting Leonardo DiCaprio’s dreams, confirmed that Cotillard isn’t going anywhere for a good while to come. Music of the year: The eye candy of Tron: Legacy will surely get a lot of people into the multiplexes over the next few weeks but the soundtrack by French duo Daft Punk – driving,
bombastic blockbuster sounds combined with their trademark electronica – will be the thing that really sticks in their heads after they leave. (It’s akin to Hans Zimmer’s atmospheric Inception score, minus the eardrum-rattling BRAAAAWWWWMMMs.) Alexandre Desplat, one of my current favourites when it comes to soundtrack composers, did some great stuff for Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr Fox, although he was bested by Jarvis Cocker contributing an improvised number that prompted the immortal line “That’s just weak songwriting! You wrote a bad song, Petey!” Much love also to Scott Pilgrim vs The World’s line-up of tunes, and to John Powell for track 11 on the How To Train Your Dragon soundtrack, Test Drive. If I had that 2.36 on constant loop in my head, I could outrun cars and punch through brick walls. Unexpected badass of the year: Okay, this is where Red’s Helen Mirren gets her moment to shine – she looked scarily at home with her finger on the trigger of that .50-cal machine gun. And even though
the movie itself was an ungodly piece of shit, Legion showed that Paul Bettany could cut it as a terse, no-nonsense butt-kicker. Character guy Jeremy Renner followed up his Eastwood-esque performance in The Hurt Locker with a convincingly hair-trigger turn in The Town, Ben Affleck’s solid follow-up to Gone Baby Gone. Terrific newcomer Jennifer Lawrence brought understated steel to her starring turn in the great backwoods noir Winter’s Bone (and wiry character actor John Hawkes was every bit her equal as the quietly terrifying Uncle Teardrop). But the most surprising display of don’t-messwith-me came courtesy of Adrien Brody, who strapped on some extra kilos of muscle and added a tinge of gravel to his voice to become a worthy adversary to the extraterrestrial big-game hunters in Predators. And finally, here are some moments that I liked over the last 12 months: The vicious circle of feeding and healing that closed out the Australian
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Well it’s the end of 2010 and if we want to still be in a pub after 3am then we still have the right to be. It has been a weird year, a good year for the most part, but every bit as strange, if not stranger, than we could have imagined.
2010 LOCAL ROUND-UP PRESENTS
Sunset Sounds kicked of a big 2010 for Brisbane with international headline acts like Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Moby, Grizzly Bear and Editors, big time Aussies Hilltop Hoods, The Temper Trap and Xavier Rudd wowing crowds while visitors like King Khan & The Shrines, Seasick Steve and Jamie T won new fans, as did locals DZ, The John Steel Singers, Hungry Kids Of Hungary and Mckisko. Two of Brisbane’s most renowned musical figures in Chris Bailey and Ed Kuepper showed that the alleged animosity between them might not be as intense as has been reported. The two creative forces behind the original line up of The Saints reunited again for a series of sold out duo shows at The Troubadour in May. It was set to be a music nerd’s wet dream, but the curse of festival over-saturation and a lazy attitude to buying tickets meant that the inaugural Lost Weekend festival didn’t eventuate in the end. The cancellation did result in intimate sideshows from Dinosaur Jr, Nashville Pussy, Lou Barlow, Tumbleweed, Wooden Shjips and more. Another ill-fated festival was the much publicised Bam! Festival, an event which copped an awful lot of flack – particularly online – for its methods of operating; namely convincing the bands to sell the tickets themselves and offering generous bonuses to those who sold a lot. It seemed the line-up didn’t pique the interest of very many people and it was deemed financially impossible to go ahead. Some festivals obviously still went ahead, some in brandspanking new surrounds. Bluesfest moved to beautiful new grounds at Tyagrah Tea Tree Farm and the weather was onside for the whole of Easter, making the five days an absolute pleasure as fans were treated to an incredible array of acts including Buddy Guy, Crowded House, Buena Vista Social Club, Dr John, The Avett Brothers, Justin Townes Earle and Old Crow Medicine Show. Splendour In The Grass was also looked on kindly by the weather gods for their first Queensland event at the picturesque Woodfordia as July rolled into August, and a massive turnout was thrilled by acts such as Pixies, The Strokes, Band Of Horses, Florence & The Machine, Ben Harper, Mumford & Sons plus an awesome meltdown by Richard Ashcroft. And other festivals just stayed at their same location and dazzled us by the quality of their roster – the 2010 instalment of the long-running Big Day Out franchise kept its reputation intact in January with sets by bands such as Muse, Powderfinger, Fear Factory, The Mars Volta, The Decemberists and Devendra Banhart. January also found the Laneway Festival in fine mettle, thrilling indie lovers with sets by bands such as Black Lips, The xx, Florence & The Machine, Mumford & Sons and the mercurial Daniel Johnson. In February Soundwave put on their biggest event yet at RNA Showgrounds, with acts such as My Chemical Romance, Placebo, Paramore, Faith No More, Sunny Day Real Estate and The Weakerthans making lovers of all things heavy happy as pigs in mud. The inaugural Brisbane leg of the new No Sleep Til... didn’t fare so well with the weather, eager punters having to brave inclement weather only a couple of weeks ago to see acts such as Descendents, Megadeth, Parkway Drive and Dropkick Murphys ply their trade in the rain. Probably the most fucked up thing to happen to Brisbane this year has been the loss of some of our best venues, most prominently The Troubadour. The Troub was a beacon in the middle of the, often quite ‘difficult’, Brunswick St Mall. There’d always be a friendly face, a cold beer and music that more than likely didn’t completely suck. Unfortunately due to landlord issues it has left a gaping hole physically in the mall as well as a metaphorical one in the local scene. She will surely be missed. We also lost The Hangar, a beautifully unique space in Red Hill that boasted a strong DIY ethic (in the most casual of ways) and programmed some amazingly diverse and intriguing shows. We almost lost The Globe Theatre too, but let’s not talk about that in case we jinx it. We did gain some pretty cool cultural infrastructure in the form of the newly-crowned The Go Between Bridge which links Milton to West Brisbane, obviously named in honour of our own iconic act The Go-Betweens. There was a fittingly excellent concert on the bridge to mark its opening in July, featuring the man himself Robert Forster as well as a host of other big name acts. One of the things that we are personally particularly proud of in 2010 is the number of Brisbane-centric covers that have adorned our magazine over the past 12 months. Ten of our covers have featured bands from our area, while we dedicated another three to issues that us Brisbane folk hold close to our hearts (and one where we celebrated a little milestone of our own). For Violent Soho life in the USA had clearly brought them even closer together; those who witnessed the band
in full flight at their sold out show at The Zoo in the middle of the year will attest to the fact that it was almost as if we were seeing a completely different band to the one who had cut their teeth on suburban and inner-city stages for years prior. Their Gil Norton-produced eponymous record was another local highlight for the year and saw them attract the kind of national attention that we’ve all known they deserve for so long now. SixFtHick celebrated 15 years in the game with the release of a double A-side seven-inch single as well as the premiere of a documentary about the band that was fi lmed while they embarked on a European tour a couple of years ago. Here’s hoping the incendiary live act and local scene mainstays decide to keep at it for a long time to come. Byron Bay’s Parkway Drive cemented themselves as one of the biggest heavy bands on the planet with the release of their third album Deep Blue. The band sold out enormous shows all around the country and toured the world yet again on some massive bills. They memorably played to a huge crowd at the Brisbane Riverstage in eerily stormy conditions in 2010; the inclement weather just adding more punch to their ferocious live shows. The Amity Affl iction were another heavy band to make a splash in 2010. The band had just about reached veteran status by the time their 2010 album Youngbloods, but it saw them connect with the wider public stronger than ever before. No doubt they’ll be looking at cracking some international market come 2011. One of the newer bands to spring up was Hungry Kids Of Hungary – already a live favourite of many a Brisbane punter, the band took it to the next level with their debut long player Escapades, which debuted at number 20 on the ARIA charts when it was released back in October. One of Brisbane’s most consistent ensembles, The Gin Club, once again proved they can pull together a cohesive set of tunes despite their sprawling membership with the release of Deathwish, their fourth LP, in April. As is their wont, they jetted (and continue to jet) all across the nation in support of the record and its
members are still seen springing up at just about every quality singer-songwriter show around town.
exciting to go back and read old issues to see just how much it’s changed over the past 30-odd years.
Then there was Powderfi nger. What can really be said about this band that hasn’t been said already? They showed their ubiquitous popularity more than ever in 2010 when they announced they would be disbanding. Hundreds of thousands of people flocked to catch them one last time as they hit every capital city and regional area that could handle their massive Sunsets tour, before calling it a day with one last special performance at the Brisbane Riverstage.
The proposed 3am lockout was an issue that we took particularly seriously when it was floated towards the beginning of the year. So vehemently opposed to it were we that we dedicated a large amount of time, effort and space in the magazine trying to show both the powersthat-be and the general public why such draconian measures would not achieve the desired positive impact if put in place. Th is was certainly our most talked about cover of the year!
The Gold Coast’s Operator Please well and truly shirked their ‘band of kids’ tag with the release of their Gloves set back in May. They’ve continued to play plenty of big shows around Australia since then and we’ll no doubt hear plenty more of them in 2011.
And of course there were some other amazing releases from local bands over the course of 2010 apart from those that made the Time Off cover – these include The John Steel Singers’ Tangalooma, Halfway’s An Outpost Of Promise, The Stress Of Leisure’s Soft Approach, Andrew Morris’ Shadow Of A Shadow, We all Want To’s self-titled debut, Seja’s We Have Secrets But Nobody Cares, The Boat People’s Dear Darkly, Undead Apes’ Grave Consequences, Axxonn’s Let’s Get It Straight, The Sunburys’ Swings And Roundabouts, Rocketsmiths’ The Bones, The Wilson Pickers’ Shake It Down, Drawn From Bees’ Fear Not The Footsteps Of The Departed, Numbers Radio’s Final Day, Dubmarine’s Depth Of Sound, Liam Griffi n’s Between The Colours, Nikko’s The Warm Side, The Jim Rockfords’ Moving At The Speed Of Sound, Shellfi n’s Secondhand Family, Mt Augustus’ self-titled effort, Blame Ringo’s Too Strange For Avery, Astriaal’s Anatomy Of The Infinite, Saint Surly & Monster Monster’s Out Of The Woodwork, JJ Speedball’s Southside Worldwide, Scott Spark’s Fall Like You Mean It, My Fiction’s FireRomanceFire, The Mercy Beat’s How To Shampoo A Yak, Epithets’ self-titled debut, The Good Ship’s Avast! Wretched Sea, Screamin’ Stevie’s Australia’s Just Want To Be Friends, The Driving Conditions’ Full Throttle, Katie Noonan & The Captains’ Emperor’s Box, Spitfi reliar’s self-titled debut plus undoubtedly a slew more that we’ve forgotten because we’re basically idiots.
For a great example of a hardworking local-lads-donegood story, you need look no further than Dead Letter Circus. Slogging it out for years on the local scene and jumping in the tour van as much as possible was clearly a good option for the band as they earned their stripes both as performers and songwriters, before blowing minds with their debut album This Is The Warning, which earned them the top spot on the ARIA Albums Chart. The annual BIGSOUND industry conference and its associated showcase series were bigger and better than ever this year, with a great mix of young and old talent playing, speaking and generally mingling all inside the Fortitude Valley area. Community radio station 4ZzZ notched up 35 years on the air this year. They celebrated with a huge series of events including an eye-opening exhibition of treasures from their archives, a slew of awesome gigs and events that sought to bring the entire Zed community from the past and present together again. We celebrated a little milestone of our own this year, with our 1500th issue hitting the streets two months ago. While none of us were here when the paper fi rst started, it was fascinating to hear about peoples’ memories – both good and bad – of our magazine and particularly
So there you have it – 2010 was undoubtedly a great, great year to be a music fan in Brisbane and its surrounds, here’s hoping that 2011 is even better!
33
BYE BYE MICK
Sad news, people. Mick O’Malley’s in the CBD is closing its doors for a couple of months early in 2011. But there are two very good things to come out of this; firstly, the venue will be reopening better than ever in March and secondly, they are throwing one massive party on New Year’s Eve to send the old girl off in fine style. Punchline are one of Brisbane’s most loved party acts, playing all of your favourite tunes with the utmost of professionalism. They’re so well suited to New Year’s Eve it is somewhat sickening, so you will not want to be anywhere else but O’Malley’s on the big night when they hit the stage, with renowned local solo artist Abby Skye along for the ride. So don’t miss your final chance to smash a couple of coldies in the bar that has been so good to you over the years.
WAR OF NUMBERS The boys from Cola Wars are undoubtedly familiar faces to most fans of good honest Australian pop-punk, considering a couple of the members were formerly members of the much-loved Bodyjar back in the day. But the band are making a real name for themselves with their new sound that isn’t all that far removed from their previous band but still offers something new. Early in 2011 the band are going to pack up the van and head out on the road for a dual-headline tour alongside Brisbane’s very own Numbers Radio, who continue to wow crowds with their live shows and have radio announcers scattering their brand of punk rock all across their respective playlists. These two bands are going to be an unstoppable touring force and you can witness them rocking mighty hard at the Lifeboat Cruise Australia Day Eve Party on the mighty Brisbane River on Tuesday Jan 25, the Tewantin Noosa RSL Thursday Jan 27, the Beenleigh Tavern Friday Jan 28 and the Runaway Bay Tavern on Saturday Jan 29. Tickets for the cruise are available from Rockinghorse and OzTix will sort you out for the other shows.
SLIP SLOP SLAP Hot? Hungover? Bored? In need of some fine indierock music on a Wednesday afternoon? Well then you ought to get yourself down to the Ithaca Pool as soon as you possibly can because this afternoon there are two great local bands setting up at said venue to play a massive pool party show. Feathers have been playing quite a lot lately and have picked themselves up a few fairly high profile support slots over the past year as well; the kids just can’t get enough of their psychedelic dreamy pop. Stag on the other hand are just kicking off their life as a band, bringing their noisy pop to local audiences only a couple of times since their inception. Get along and see what they’re all about from 3pm this afternoon (Wednesday); entry will set you back $4.50 which is basically just how much it costs to go to the pool anyway and they’re saying there are no shirts allowed, which is kind of disturbing.
CAN’T STOP KIM It’s not likely that 20-year-old guitarist, singer and songwriter Kim Churchill is going to forget 2010 in a hurry, it has, by far, been his most successful to date. But that doesn’t mean he’s taking his foot off the pedal when the New Year rolls around, oh no, he has every intention of continuing on his hardworking ways. Churchill has already taken his brand of rootsy music to some of our country’s biggest festivals as well as to Japan, Canada and the USA, has appeared on primetime television and sold thousands of CDs along the way. Th is young fellow’s dynamic live show really needs to be witnessed to get an idea of what a promising young talent he is; luckily you’ll be able to do just that when he embarks on a mini tour of our area early next year. He hits the Gold Coast Arts Centre Thursday Jan 6, the Globe Theatre Friday Jan 7, Joe’s Waterhole, Eumundi Saturday Jan 8 and The Brewery, Byron Bay Sunday Jan 9.
YOUTUBE OF THE WEEK Grinderman – Evil
What the fuck is wrong with Grinderman? Seriously, that Heathen Child clip from a couple of months ago was fucked up in so many ways, now they’ve come out and released a clip for their tune Evil and it’s almost as bizarre and unsettling. Close ups of an orange bird and a vampire squid (which is one of the most fucked animals we’ve ever seen) set to the evilly pulsating tune makes for a very weird experience. Enjoy.
SUPPORT THE DEF The upcoming Brisbane show featuring the great Mos Def is undoubtedly one of the most exciting hip hop shows to hit our city is quite a while, as a hip hop artist there are few who can touch him at this point in time and his celebrity star seemingly just keeps rising. The support acts for the show, which hits The Tivoli on Thursday Jan 13, have just been announced with old favourites 2 Dogs manning the decks before the great man steps on the stage and kick arse up and comers Seven and Crate Creeps, pictured, getting things started earlier on in the night. It’s particularly exciting for those couple of acts as they have both put out brand new releases in 2010 and this will be a great opportunity to get their awesome brand of hip hop out to a wider audience. Tickets are still available from Ticketek for $62.30.
Wishes you a
HAPPY NEW YEAR! And returns January 12 2011. 34
ON THE DOWNLOAD: PARTY EDITION New Year’s Eve is just days away and, as much as we love those World’s Greatest Beer Songs compilations, you’re going to want a bit of fresh material for the old stereo when you’ve got those good looking hipsters from across the road hanging out drinking your VB throwdowns. Here are a couple of tracks you can grab for free, so long as you’ve got an Internet connection. If you want to party hard, then the new Girl Talk album we told you about a few weeks ago cannot be passed up. It’s called All Day and it’s pretty much the usual Girl Talk fare; popular songs mashed up against other popular songs to make them sound kinda funny or cute or annoying, depending on how you look at it and
how bitter you may be. [illegalart.net/allday] Aussie party masters Cut Copy will have a new record out early in 2011 and while they’re over in Chile bringing in the New Year, you can pretend that they’re in your lounge room with Take Me Over, an awesomely smooth first taste of their new record, which is to be called Zonoscope. It is up on the Modular SoundCloud page now for your enjoyment. Should you want more than the four minutes of gold that’s dished up there, then you can check out the Tim Goldsworthy remix that is doing the blog rounds at the moment, it stretches it out to beyond ten minutes and will undoubtedly have your guests up and boogying. [soundcloud.com/modularpeople]
Well after the frivolity has peaked and your guests are dropping off, turn the lights down low and impress all of the sad kids with a track from the forthcoming Bright Eyes record. Conor Oberst and his crew are hitting back with their first record in years The People’s Key, something that has no doubt pleased a large percentage of the indie-rock loving population. The team at Saddle Creek have offered a free download of a new Bright Eyes track for the holiday season, Shell Games is the name of it and it sees Oberst continue on his coolly dark bent with that killer pop kick that has made him so adored over the years. [saddle-creek.com]
A ROYAL ENGAGEMENT There is simply no need for you to be stuck for something to do in Brisbane on New Year’s Eve. If you do find yourself at a loss then the good old Royal Exchange Hotel (The RE) in Toowong might have the kind of thing you’re looking for. On this night of nights they’ve enlisted Coastie hip hop heroes The Winnie Coopers to drop some of their most valuable knowledge, 3am to get you shaking on the dance floor and Joel Turner to blow you away with his always adept skills. While all this is happening in the beer garden you’ve got DJ David Nedved ripping it up in the main bar; oh, and one other thing... it’s free! Yep, not a cent will you pay should you wish to enter. So get along and rip it up.
FIGHT TO THE DEATH
If you’ve ever been to Irish Murphy’s then you may have spent some time wondering who would win in a battle between Jabba and Berst, the great cover bands that play at the venue so frequently. Well this New Year’s Eve, for the second year running, we’re going to find out as the two bands engage in a special Battle of the Bands at the aforementioned venue. Each band has picked up a booze sponsor who will be giving away a bunch of free shit and the band will be playing all the hits for you fine people from 5pm. There will be a free BBQ and DJ Hoops Hooper will be there dropping bombs like you’ve never heard him before. Get along and cheer on your favourite cover band!
DON’T PALM THEM OFF If you’re looking for a bit of blues while you’re up the north coast in January then the Palmwoods Hotel is, as always, the place you ought to be. They’re kicking off 2011 with a couple of pretty awesome shows, and the very fi rst day of the year is set to be an absolute cracker. The masterful Mojo Webb will be bringing his gritty tunes and fantastic interpretations of the classics to the venue again to kick off the year. He’s always well-received up the coast so this is one that can’t be missed .For the second show of the month, the organisers have grabbed three very different artists in the interest of diversity. Wiley Reed, pictured, is a mainstay of the Brisbane blues scene and has been for many a year, the singer, pianist and band leader has been playing all around Australia since the early 1970s but next month will see him make his Palmwoods debut. Alongside him will be Claude Hay, an artist who has been touring non-stop for quite some time now and reaping the rewards both at home and overseas. Opening things will be youngsters Apollo Inperil (formerly No Problem) who are just getting better and better and word is they are sounding great with their new vocalist. Th is massive show hits the bar on Saturday Jan 15. Entry for both of these shows is free and there are shuttle buses available as well.
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Hardcore and punk with Sarah Petchell. Email punk news to www.wakethedead@timeoff.com.au For me, 2010 has been an excellent year when it comes to the punk and hardcore parts of my life. There have been more shows than ever, and scoring this little gig in the closing minutes of the game has definitely been one of the highlights. I’ve had a great time, but when it comes to pinpointing defining moments, it becomes a bit difficult. But let’s see how we go…
BEST RELEASES For me, the best album that got released this year was the Robotosaurus/Coerce Split LP that came out mid-2010, and talking to the bands in various interviews has cemented this for me. These two Adelaide bands are among the best acts doing the rounds in Australia at the moment, and I stand by that. Since day one, Robotosaurus’ brand of schizophrenic hardcore and noise has impressed every audience they lay it upon. And as for Coerce – man, in a scene where the cookie-cutter approach to music is latent (that’s not necessarily a diss either), Coerce are writing some of the most original, angry and intense music I’ve ever heard. This split is the perfect representation of this, and the thing I like the most about it is that both bands are taking their sounds in slightly different directions. If this is the direction they’re moving in, then I can’t wait for new, individual full-lengths! My other standout albums this year were Trash Talk’s Eyes & Nines and Ceremony’s Rohnert Park. Eyes & Nines is fast, fun, angry and full of so much groove that makes this band one of the must-sees on next year’s Soundwave line-up. As for Ceremony, everything about this album is an indictment of modern-suburban America and I can definitely appreciate that. In parts it’s fast (Sick) and in parts it’s slow (The Doldrums). Then there are the parts that blow your mind, like the opening track Into The Wayside Part I.
BEST GIGS Two of my favourite bands also toured this year, Converge and The Dillinger Escape Plan, so they’re obviously going to make the list. Both bands have yet to disappoint me yet, but I guess
being that prolific means you become masters of your art. Converge especially, even though it was only their second time here, I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited to see a band in my life. They’re accomplished musicians, amazing performers and Jacob Bannon is one of the best frontmen this side of Greg Puciato.
SADDEST BAND BREAKUPS This year totally sucked for band breakups. It saw the likes of Ruiner, Lewd Acts, Crime In Stereo, These Arms Are Snakes and locals Dropsaw announcing that they would no longer be making music together. Then there was the inevitable “indefinite hiatus” announcements, most notably Poison The Well who are one of my all-time favourite bands. There is an epic sad-face right there! In the case of The Banner, the band spent the year producing more merch and working on a final album, so it will be interesting to see if they are actually breaking up.
NEW BANDS There are two standout bands that are going to get a mention here – internationally, Kvelertak, and locally, I Exist. In the case of I Exist, I don’t know how they’ve done it, but they’ve managed to merch everything I love about heavy music (hardcore, doom, sludge, metal, etc) into a sound that is as much about head-banging as it is about having fun. These guys are not taking themselves too seriously, and yet had kids moshing to a Sleep cover at Hardcore 2010. I can’t wait to see where their musical escapades take them next. As for Kvelertak, these guys produced possibly the most talked about debut in 2011. A little birdy tells me that they’re in talks to do a run of shows out here in 2011 and if their live show is anything like their music then I’m so psyched! The biggest test for them will be album number two. With a debut as ridiculous as it is, it will be interesting to see how exactly they follow it up. Will it be as strong or stronger? Or will it fall down? I certainly hope it’s not the latter.
So the horror of Christmas is finally over and we now approach a calendar event worth celebrating – the turn of a new year! Australian metal only seems to be getting stronger, and the most obvious sign of that in 2010 was the success of Parkway Drive. Their third album Deep Blue reached number two in the ARIA album charts, and would have hit number one if it weren’t for that pesky Eminem dude releasing his latest album that same week. Love them or hate them, when has an Australian metal band, not to mention one that utilises almost entirely brutal vocals and blast beats, ever before reached such dizzying heights of commercial success? The answer is never. And they did it all through the power of independence and brought the year to a close unintentionally upstaging Megadeth, at least in terms of crowd response, on every night of the recent No Sleep Til Festival. Now although the above band were certainly the recipients of the most attention, there was no shortage of solid Australian metal releases this year from all the wonderful, colourful sub-genres said word embodies. Here’s a list, in no particular order, of some damn solid home-grown albums and EPs (too many demos to bother) quite possibly worthy of adding to your collection: Signal The Firing Squad – Earth Harvest (deathcore) Encircling Sea – Ecru (black metal/post-rock)
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Justin Townes Earle
well. Bluesfest gave us the chance to see greats ranging from Buddy Guy (who delivered his best Australian show of at least the past decade) to Dr John to Peter Green to Galactic to Taj Mahal and so many other great names in between. Jon Cleary didn’t leave us alone, nor did Harry Manx; we got a couple of doses of Lil’ Band O’ Gold and even Todd Rundgren brought his Robert Johnson show out.
Well we’ve made it to the end of another year. Hopefully it’s been a good one for you, but not so good that you haven’t had the need to sit down with the poison of your choice and sink your soul into some quality blues. And what a year it has been for blues and roots music; great shows, great records, sad times, celebrations... So here’s a quick attempt at wrapping up what has happened over the past 52 weeks.
Then there are the sad parts. We’ve lost a lot of great artists over the past 12 months. The death of Solomon Burke was a massive blow to the blues, soul and rock’n’roll community. His spirit will surely live on, but it’s tragic that we’ll never have a chance to see one of his empowering live shows again. The legendary Willie Mitchell produced Burke’s last record Nothing’s Impossible, but passed away before he could see it released.
Some great records were released this year in the blues and roots vein; Andre Williams, Solomon Burke, Mavis Staples, Gil Scott Heron, Sharon Jones and Buddy Guy all put out really solid records this year, proving that some of the elder torchbearers still have plenty to offer. The younger talent coming through is obviously very exciting as well, it seems as if blues and roots music is really as popular as it ever has been among young performers, particularly here in Australia, with a new blues act or travelling troubadour revealing themselves just about every week. I mentioned in this column a few months ago how important it is to embrace the youth in blues and roots music, because we do not want this music to die as the veterans of the game pass on. Justin Townes Earle impressed again this year with a tour just prior to the release of his incredible Harlem River Blues set, the fantastic Joe Bonamassa blew us away (and he must have had fun as he’ll be back soon) and Aussies like The Wilson Pickers, Ray Beadle and Chase The Sun gave us new records and worked their arses off playing them to different audiences each week.
The loss of Alex Chilton was perhaps even more shocking. Obviously he’s well known as one of the genius songwriters in Big Star, but his early career as a teen star in blue eyed soul group The Box Tops ought to be remembered as well. Teddy Pendergrass, Marva Wright, Bobby Childs and Kate McGarrigle, just to name a few, also left us this year.
We’ve been blessed by plenty of wonderful big name tours in 2010, most of them here on the back of a festival or two, but often making their way around the country to play sideshows as
But we look onward to 2011, a year that already looks like it will be even better than this one as far as witnessing international acts goes. The Bluesfest line-up is phenomenal, there are a few massive tours already announced with a couple more to come, reportedly. Sideshows from the Golden Plains festival have also got us very excited and perhaps best of all is the smaller festivals in areas like the Blue Mountains, Mullumbimby, Beechmont, Echuca-Moama and Windsor – to name a very select few – that are bringing blues to regional areas but still keeping it accessible to the city folk. Get excited about blues and roots in 2011, go out and support your local jam nights as well as the international blockbusters and email me if you see or hear something you think I should know about. Thanks for reading this year and, remember; blues is a natural fact.
Pop culture therapy with Adam Curley
Metal with Lochlan Watt Parkway Drive
Blues ‘n’ roots with Dan Condon rootsdown@timeoff.com.au
Disentomb – Sunken Chambers Of Nephilim (death metal) The Abandonment – Ephemeral (metalcore) StarGazer – Great Work Of Ages (black/death/ experimental) We Lost The Sea – Crimea (post-metal) Astriaal – Anatomy of The Infinite (black metal) Beyond Terror Beyond Grace – Our Ashes Built Mountains (grindcore) The Red Shore – The Avarice Of Man (death metal) Samsara – Instinct Over Influence (metalcore) Akaname – Akaname (experimental death/grind) Shellfin – Second Hand Family (stoner rock) Widow The Sea – Novella Of The Ocean (melodic death) Lord – Return Of The Tyrant (power metal) Five Star Prison Cell – Matriarch (tech metal) The Fevered – Vestige (melodic death) Cauldron Black Ram – Slubberdegullion (black thrash) At Dark – Beyond The Black Hills (post-metalcore) Adrift For Days – The Lunar Maria (doom metal) Universum – Mortuus Machina (melodic death) Thy Art Is Murder – The Adversary (deathcore) Silver Ocean Storm – Architect of The Dying Sun (progressive metal) The Omen – Room Five (thrash metal) Bane of Isildur – Black Wings (melodic death) I Exist – I: A Turn For The Worse (sludge/hardcore) Heirs – Fowl (post-rock/metal) If you care to track some of these bands down and check them out, Adamantium Wolf asks that you please avoid the blogs, torrents, file-sharing forums and such, and if you can’t, at least buy the releases that cause your head to uncontrollably bang. Absolutely none of the above recordings were released with the support of any kind of big business – in fact almost every single one was put out independently or by a bedroom operation, and physical sales are falling with each passing year, meaning that this is becoming financially more and more difficult to do. Pay for the Aussie metal you want to support and let’s keep at it for an even more fruitful year in 2011.
gone-wrong that couldn’t be explained. Or, not that it couldn’t, just that it couldn’t. Basically, the sheer stupidity of it all, and perhaps the relief that we were able to again realise we weren’t alone.
We’d moved from the front bar into the beer garden after a silent mutual recognition that neither of us were intending to make an excuse for an escape. It had been some years and, even though we weren’t testing the existence of our friendship, we were making tentative moves as if we’d both conceded there had to be a trial period after that long apart – a pot to begin with, then, if something real could be latched onto in that time, a pint. We were onto our second, and so a relocation to somewhere more permanent had been called for. Still, as we talked about jobs and women and men and the series of fallen mutual friendships, there were jittery gestures from both sides of the table. A lighter was rotated, cigarettes rolled and smoked in a loop, beer glasses stacked and offers of rounds before the last had been finished. Then, hunched over the table, with the glass tower growing, we caught each other and the conversation turned to what the speedy natter of jobs and women and men and fallen friendships had been hinting at. It had been a tough year so far, and the painful restlessness – the same from way back – had returned. I’d run away for a bit, back to my childhood home, I explained. He’d just started therapy again, he said, and was fighting with his mother about why she hadn’t recognised his need for it sooner. It could probably all have then easily turned to condolences and a miserable relaying of facts, although, in my experience, that isn’t really how these things tend to go. Instead, we laughed and dug deeper into the horrifically comedic awkwardness of past months: the date that had ended in a silent drop-off; the sickness and fleeing that had accompanied a scheduled public reading or gig; the accumulation of blame for a scenario-
We moved onto other topics as the evening turned to night and the beer garden filled up around us, and decided to stay as long as we liked. That’s when we were approached by a man who introduced himself as Gary and asked if he could sit down. He was in his mid-40s, at a guess, and was holding a wine glass in each hand, and quickly launched, in stuttered, disjointed sentences, into why he was there. He was living in a house his mother had organised for him, he said, and had come to be around people and see some live music. “I get very restless at home,” he explained. “Sometimes I just need to be in a crowd and see a band to calm down.” We tried to fill Gary in on our conversation, but he couldn’t concentrate long enough to follow. “Are you sure you don’t mind me sitting here?” he kept asking. “I just get very restless.” We changed tack and asked him questions about himself. He’d been a professor, he said, before he had to go to hospital. Now he gets restless, he added for the eighth time, but music helps. “Are you sure you don’t mind me sitting here? I can go if you want.” Eventually we all moved into the band room, where Gary ordered two more wines and settled into the corner. We watched for a song or two then slipped out the side door into the street. The night had been long enough and we were out of money. We didn’t say goodbye to Gary; the potential for repeated agonising was too much to bear. We said our own goodbyes, though, and I walked off in the direction of the floor I’d be sleeping on, past more doorways lending glimpses of people watching bands or propping up bars; each person there for their own reason, but everyone there together. Before he’d gone, my friend had elbowed towards Gary’s hidden being and said, “God, I hope I don’t end up like that.” Through the doorways, though, it was easy to see that we already were. We all were. And thank the gods for the music.
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WED 29
Alex Jones The Tempo Hotel Card Houses, Galaxy, Videomatics Club 299 Iretro Elephant & Wheelbarrow Mace Fibber Magee’s, Toowoomba Noel Parlane Caboolture Sports Club Open Mic The Music Kafe Pool Party, Stag, Feathers Ithaca Pool Rapskallion Railway Bar, Byron Bay The Bowery Hot Five With Mal Wood The Bowery Tyson Faulkner Fiddlers Green Woodford Folk Festival Woodfordia
THU 30
Adrian Keys Tinbilly Travellers Alter Egos, The Wind Up Dolls The Tempo Hotel Armada In The Dusk, All My Friends At Sea, Take Us To Vegas, The Last Outlaw Rosie’s Ballad Boy Loving Hut Blues Jam Broadbeach Tavern Boys And Girls, Fires Of Waco, Milestones, A Strobe Light Summer X & Y Bar Casey Fogg Story Bridge Hotel Commercially Sound, No Right Turn The Music Kafe Eddie Charles Caboolture Sports Club Jazz Under The Stars Cloudland Killer Queen Live Wire Bar, Treasury Casino Lambda: Lunch Tapes Alhambra Lounge Livewire Royal Exchange Hotel Nick Hollamby Limes Hotel Nik Phillips Victory Hotel Rob Black Ryan’s Bar, Treasury Casino Stewart Fairhurst Hamilton Hotel The Satellites The Bowery Tyson Faulkner Burleigh Heads Hotel Woodford Folk Festival Woodfordia Woody Elephant & Wheelbarrow
FRI 31
Afterglow The Breakfast Creek Hotel Billionaire: Th is Collision, Torn Asunder, Burn Down Hollywood Rosie’s British India, The
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Delta Riggs, Fuzz Phantoms Suncorp Piazza Brooksy & Co, Plan B The Tempo Hotel Cleveland Blues, The Red Eye Junction Kawana Surf Club Coast Folk Palmwoods Hotel Comicbook Hero Hamilton Hotel Double Trouble Kedron Park Hotel Downlode Broadbeach Tavern Duck Duck Goose, Justus Soiree Bowler Bar Duplicates, Ganggajang Live Wire Bar, Treasury Casino Elke & The Black Moon, Herd Of Turtles, Nothing But Trouble The Music Kafe Frazer Goodman Centenary Tavern Friday Knock Off s Jubilee Hotel Hawaiian Beach Party Hard Rock Café Hodads Varsity Lakes Tavern Jan Lennard Wilson’s Boathouse Restaurant Jan Lennardz J’z Jazz Crew Vida Amor Restaurant Jason McGregor Ryan’s Bar, Treasury Casino Jeff Carter Victory Hotel Jericho, James Brennan Beerwah Hotel Jimi Beavis Locknload West End Kaos Edinburgh Castle Hotel Killer Queen Caboolture Sports Club Livewire Newmarket Hotel Miguel Gold Coast Arts Centre Mr Perkins Albany Creek Tavern New Years Eve Concert: European Holiday QPAC Concert Hall New Years Eve Party The Joynt No Years Festival: Shout Out Louds, Neon Indian, The John Steel Singers, Jonathan Boulet, Seekae, Parades, Seja, Oh Ye Denver Birds, Little Scout, Love Connection, The Honey Month, Rocketsmiths, The Belligerents, Velociraptor, Mitzi, Lion Island, Bleeding Knees Club, Mr Maps, Dead Beat Band, Vasy Mollo, Moses Gunn Collective, Kate & Max Brisbane Powerhouse NYE Battle Of The Bands, Jabba, Berst, DJ Hoops Hopper Irish Murphy’s Brisbane Rapskallion, Evan Manttari, Scott Teelow The Loft Chevron Island Rock Solid Jimboomba
Country Tavern Silver Ocean Storm, Azreal, Shifting The Paradigm, Erase The Thought, The Green Sinatras Miami Tavern Spencer P Jones, Mary Trembles, New Jack Ruby’s, Sabrina Lawrie & The Hunting Party, Captain Sledgehammer, Galapogos The Beetle Bar The Andrew Sisters, Decahedron, Sun City Stompers Brisbane Jazz Club The Beam Petrie Tavern The Blu Experience: DJs From Mars, Flygirl Tree, Mind Electric Warner Street, Fortitude Valley The Butterfly Effect Twin Towns The Depot New Years The Zoo The Geoff Green Trio The Point Restaurant The Kate Mackie Quartet Gertie’s Restaurant And Bar The Replicants Elephant & Wheelbarrow The Winnie Coopers, Joel Turner, David Nedved, Benjam Royal Exchange Hotel Th ird Degree Story Bridge Hotel Venus Envy Surfers Paradise Beer Garden Viper Room Hinterland Hotel We Want More Victoria Point Sharks Woodford Folk Festival Woodfordia
SAT 01
Bowler Bar Bowler Bar Contagious Victoria Point Sharks Cover Story The Tempo Hotel Dave Kemp Gertie’s Restaurant And Bar Industry Of Kool Beerwah Hotel Mandy Wragg, No Right Turn The Music Kafe Michelle Brown Duo Pine Rivers Bowls Club Mr Perkins O’Malley’s Irish Bar, Mooloolaba Palmwoods Got The Blues, Mojo Webb & Band Palmwoods Hotel Recovery Party, DJ Rose Great Northern Hotel Byron Bay Stairway Victory Hotel Vertigo Broadbeach Tavern Viper Room Surfers Paradise Beer Garden Woodford Folk Festival: The Cat Empire, Kate MillerHeidke, Katie Noonan and The Captains, Blue King Brown, Tim Freedman, Mama
Kin, Jeff Lang, Lior, Microwave Jenny, Dubmarine, Felix and The Phoenix, Hermitude, Marshall and The Fro, Cumbia Cosmonauts, The Barons of Tang, Basement Birds, The Break, Tin Pan Orange, Vika and Leah Bull, Christa Hughes and The Honkytonk Shonks, Flap!, Tijuana Cartel, Drawn from Bees, The Chemist, Leah Flanagan, Kooii, Laneous and The Family Yah, Radical Son, Jackie Marshall, That 1 Guy, The Little Stevies, Shane Howard and his band, Yeshe, You Am I, Arrested Development, The Dynamites Feat. Charles Walker, Katzenjammer, Baskery, Daara J Family, Tom Fun Orchestra, Jill Barber, Dan Mangan, Matthew Barber, Passenger, Love in the Circus, Woodfordia
SUN 02
Andrews & Bing Christmas Swing Tribute Kedron Wavell Services Club Benny Walker Beach Hotel Built To Spill, Nova Scotia The Zoo Chad Shuttleworth Palmwoods Hotel Flying Lotus, The Gaslamp Killer, Hudson Mohawke The Tivoli Green Room Ghenki Café Hodads Broadbeach Tavern Jabba Royal Exchange Hotel Janice J Beerwah Hotel Michelle Brown Duo Coolum Beach Surf Club Mr Perkins Miami Tavern Rapskallion Peregian Originals Sophisticat, Jazz By The Sea Alexandra Headlands Surf Club Sticky Fingers Great Northern Hotel Byron Bay Stu Barry, Tnee Era Bistro Sunday Solo Session The Tempo Hotel The Book Club Boutique Belongil Treehouse, Byron Bay The Butterfly Effect Kings Beach Tavern The McMenamins, Triplickit, Nothing But Trouble The Music Kafe The Satellites The Bowery Tyson Faulkner Burleigh Heads Hotel
MON 03
Benny Walker The Music Kafe Bluejuice, Philadelphia Grand Jury, Purple Sneakers DJs Yamba Bowling Club Flying Lotus, Hudson Mohawke, The Gaslamp Killer Great Northern Hotel Byron Bay Future Of The Left, Further The Zoo
TUE 04
Bluejuice, Philadelphia Grand Jury, Purple Sneakers DJs Ballina RSL Born Ruffians, Toy Balloon The Zoo Darkest Hour, Carnifex, Lynchmada, Signal The Firing Squad The Hi-Fi Escalate The Tempo Hotel Kim Churchill, Justin Carter, Ashleigh Mannix Pacific Hotel Yamba Orkestra Del Sol, Barons Of Tang Great Northern Hotel Byron Bay The McMenamins Ric’s
WED 05
Bluejuice, Philadelphia Grand Jury, Purple Sneakers Djs Kings Beach Tavern Card Houses, Galaxy, Videomatics Club 299 Joe Robinson Joe’s Water Hole Eumundi Shihad, Electric Horse, Helm Great Northern Hotel Byron Bay Soula’ Flare Glass Bar & Restaurant Sticky Fingers, Colourfide, Electrik Lemonade, Rob Sawyer The Loft Chevron Island Sunset Sounds: Interpol, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Klaxons, The Living End, The National, Angus and Julia Stone, Tame Impala, Public Enemy, Ladyhawke, Cold War Kids, The Soft Pack, Sleigh Bells, Peaches, Paul Kelly, Kitty, Daisy and Lewis, The Cool Kids, Daara J Family, Hot Hot Heat, Ash Grunwald, Children Collide, The Middle East, Cloud Control, Boy and Bear, Yacht Club DJs, Washington, Charlie Parr, Junip, The Morning Benders, The Bamboos, Tijuana Cartel, Chris Baio, Charlie Mayfair, Ball Park Music Riverstage And Botanical Gardens The Bowery Hot Five With Mal Wood The
Bowery Tyson Faulkner Fiddlers Green
THU 06
Abbie Cardwell And Her Leading Men Railway Bar, Byron Bay Ballad Boy Loving Hut Bluejuice, Philadelphia Grand Jury, Purple Sneakers DJs Coolangatta Hotel Caulfield, Burning Brooklyn Rosie’s Dan Mangan, Matt Corby, Spookyland Buddha Bar Dan Parsons, Steve Grady The Joynt Earthless, No Anchor, Feathers The Zoo Freestylers, Freq Nasty Great Northern Hotel Byron Bay Jazz Singers Jam Night Brisbane Jazz Club Jazz Under The Stars Cloudland Joe Robinson, Hussy Hicks Spotted Cow Kim Churchill, Carter Rollins, Ashleigh Mannix Gold Coast Arts Centre Kim Churchill, Justin Carter, Ashleigh Mannix The Arts Centre Gold Coast Rapskallion Sheoak Shack Shihad, Electric Horse, Helm Surfers Paradise Beer Garden Sunset Sounds: Interpol, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Klaxons, The Living End, The National, Angus and Julia Stone, Tame Impala, Public Enemy, Ladyhawke, Cold War Kids, The Soft Pack, Sleigh Bells, Peaches, Paul Kelly, Kitty, Daisy and Lewis, The Cool Kids, Daara J Family, Hot Hot Heat, Ash Grunwald, Children Collide, The Middle East, Cloud Control, Boy and Bear, Yacht Club DJs, Washington, Charlie Parr, Junip, The Morning Benders, The Bamboos, Tijuana Cartel, Chris Baio, Charlie Mayfair, Ball Park Music Riverstage And Botanical Gardens The Barons Of Tang, Orkestra Del Sol, Haba Dudes The Loft Chevron Island The Satellites The Bowery
FRI 07
Abbie Cardwell And Her Leading Men The Joynt Bluejuice, Philadelphia Grand Jury, Purple
Sneakers DJs Great Northern Hotel Byron Caulfield, Burning Brooklyn The Fort Dan Mangan, Matt Corby, Spookyland Old Qld Museum Joe Robinson, Hussy Hicks Gold Coast Arts Centre Kim Churchill, Carter Rollins, Ashleigh Mannix Globe Theatre Lord Finesse, Boogie Blind, Ozi Batla Step Inn Luke Escombe & The Corporation, N, R & D, Troublekarmaflow, Jess Ribeiro The Loft Chevron Island Monstrothic, High Plains Drifter, Humality, Sciamachy, The Fevered Rosie’s Music By The Sea Festival, Geoff rey Fabila And Samjjana, Bagadijay Sandgate Town Hall Mystery Jets, Tin Can Radio The Hi-Fi Ramjet Broadbeach Tavern Rapskallion, A French Butler Called Smith Soundlounge Currumbin Shihad, Electric Horse, Helm Fusion Villa Noosa Stairway Lansdowne Tavern Stairway Surfers Paradise Slsc The Barons Of Tang, Orkestra Del Sol, Chocolate Strings, Rude Kat Sound System The Zoo The Geoff Green Trio The Point Restaurant The Quadratic Contingency Brisbane Jazz Club Venus Envy Surfers Paradise Beer Garden Viper Room Hinterland Hotel
SAT 08
Baskery, Jungal, Cheap Fakes, DJ Sarah Howell Globe Theatre Caulfield, Burning Brooklyn Miami Tavern Shark Bar Dan Mangan, Matt Corby, Spookyland The Loft Chevron Island Downlode Broadbeach Tavern Joe Robinson Brisbane Powerhouse Visy Kim Churchill, Carter Rollins, Ashleigh Mannix Joe’s Water Hole Eumundi Luke Escombe & The Corporation Locknload West End Luke Escombe & The Corporation Royal Mail Hotel Goodna Matty B, Rukus Crew, Azov + Recon Club Envy
Michelle Brown Duo Maroochydore SLSC Music By The Sea Festival: Samjjana, Mark Cryle And The Redeemers, Stringmansassy, Whitetop Mountaineers, Dva, Lucie Thorne, Concrete Flamingo, Sue Wighton & Wayne Jennings Sandgate Town Hall Ramjet Surfers Paradise Beer Garden Rapskallion, A French Butler Called Smith The Brewery Shihad, Electric Horse, Helm The Zoo Stairway Fisherman’s Wharf Tavern The Beautiful Girls, The Chemist Yamba Bowling Club Trip Kicks Indoor Festival Great Northern Hotel Byron Bay
SUN 09
Comicbook Hero Victoria Point Sharks Hodads Broadbeach Tavern Jabba Royal Exchange Hotel Kim Churchill, Carter Rollins, Ashleigh Mannix, Joe Robinson The Brewery Luke Escombe & The Corporation The Joynt Michelle Brown Duo Sunshine Beach SLSC Saideira, Larissa and Kadu, The View From Madeleine’s Couch, Malagueta, The Jason Machado Group, DJ Paprika, DJ Pepe Sol Coolum Civic Centre Stairway Jupiters Casino The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, The Keep On Dancin’s The Zoo Toni Childs, Talullah Rendall Mullumbimby Civic Centre Tumbleweed, Dropping Honey Great Northern Hotel Byron Bay
MON10 Whitetop Mountaineers, Hussy Hicks The Cavern Bar & Café
TUE11
A French Butler Called Smith, Rapskallion Soundlounge Currumbin Kitchen’s Floor, Thee Oh Sees, Sulphur Lights Woodland
FRI 7TH JAN
KIM CHURCHILL + ASHLIEGH MANNIX + JUSTIN CARTER $10+BF PRESALE, $15 DOOR SAT 8TH JAN
BASKERY + JUNGAL + CHEAP FAKES + DJ SARAH HOWELLS $15 DOOR
SIGN UP NOW!
THU 13TH JAN
NOXIOUS + THE IRRITS + THE CILIKIS PROGRESSIO PROJECT $12 TICKETS FRI 14TH JAN
THANK F**K IT’S FRIDAY + F1 ELEVENS + SONS OF THE SOIL + HOMELESS YELLOW + STONECHIMP $12 TICKETS
321 BRUNSWICK STREET MALL, FORTITUDE VALLEY WEDNESDAY 29 DEC LE PARTI SOUL WITH DJ REDBEARD (8PM) THE PEEL STREET BAND (9.30PM) QUIET STEPS (8.30PM)
FRIDAY 31 DEC
SPOOK HILL + JAK + THE BUZZBEES + DIRTY LIARS
FLASH COBRA (9.30PM) TRIPLICKIT (8.30PM)
SATURDAY 1 JAN
NEW YEARS EVE
HAPPY NEW YEARS!
DJ VALDIS (8-LATE)
DJ VALDIS (8-LATE)
DJ CUTTS (8-LATE)
DJ CUTTS (8-LATE)
SUNDAY 2 JAN
MONDAY 3 JAN
DOWNSTAIRS:
SAT 15TH JAN
THURSDAY 30 DEC
UPSTAIRS:
DJ VALDIS (8PM-LATE)
$12 TICKETS
TUESDAY 4 JAN THE MCMENAMINS (9.30PM) + LANEWAY (8.30PM)
DOWNSTAIRS: UPSTAIRS:
BRENT MCMULLEN (9.30PM) + BITY BOOKER (8.30PM)
FREE LIVE MUSIC AND INDIE DJS
WANT TO PLAY? EMAIL
BOOKINGS@RICSBAR.COM.AU
WWW.RICSBAR.COM.AU 39
ALHAMBRA LOUNGE Thursday Lambda: Lunch Tapes
BOWLER BAR Friday Duck Duck Goose, Justus Soiree Saturday Bowler Bar
BRISBANE POWERHOUSE Friday No Years Festival: Shout Out Louds, Neon Indian, The John Steel Singers, Jonathan Boulet, Seekae, Parades, Seja, Oh Ye Denver Birds, Little Scout, Love Connection, The Honey Month, Rocketsmiths, The Belligerents, Velociraptor, Mitzi, Lion Island, Bleeding Knees Club, Mr Maps, Dead Beat Band, Vasy Mollo, Moses Gunn Collective, Kate & Max
ELEPHANT & WHEELBARROW
Friday Silver Ocean Storm, Azreal, Shifting The Paradigm, Erase The Thought, The Green Sinatras Sunday Mr Perkins
QPAC CONCERT HALL Friday New Years Eve Concert: European Holiday
RIC’S Tuesday The Mcmenamins
ROSIE’S Thursday Armada In The Dusk, All My Friends At Sea, Take Us To Vegas, The Last Outlaw Friday Billionaire: This Collision, Torn Asunder, Burn Down Hollywood
SURFERS PARADISE BEER GARDEN
Wednesday Iretro Thursday Woody Friday The Replicants
Friday Venus Envy Saturday Viper Room
GREAT NORTHERN HOTEL BYRON BAY
Friday Spencer P Jones, Mary Trembles, New Jack Ruby’s, Sabrina Lawrie & The Hunting Party, Captain Sledgehammer, Galapogos
Saturday Recovery Party, DJ Rose Sunday Sticky Fingers Monday Flying Lotus, Hudson Mohawke, The Gaslamp Killer Tuesday Orkestra Del Sol, Barons Of Tang
HARD ROCK CAFÉ Friday Hawaiian Beach Party
IRISH MURPHY’S BRISBANE Friday Nye Battle Of The Bands, Jabba, Berst, DJ Hoops Hopper
JUBILEE HOTEL Friday Friday Knock Offs
MIAMI TAVERN
THE BEETLE BAR
THE HI-FI Tuesday Darkest Hour, Carnifex, Lynchmada, Signal The Firing Squad
THE TEMPO HOTEL Wednesday Alex Jones Thursday Alter Egos, The Wind Up Dolls Friday Brooksy & Co, Plan B Saturday Cover Story Sunday Sunday Solo Session Tuesday Escalate
THE TIVOLI Sunday Flying Lotus, The Gaslamp Killer, Hudson Mohawke
THE ZOO Friday The Depot New Years Sunday Built To Spill, Nova Scotia Monday Future of The Left, Further Tuesday Born Ruffians, Toy Balloon
X & Y BAR Thursday Boys and Girls: Fires of Waco, Milestones, A Strobe Light Summer
NEXT WEEK
BRISBANE POWERHOUSE VISY THEATRE
Saturday Joe Robinson
COOLANGATTA HOTEL Thursday Bluejuice, Philadelphia Grand Jury, Purple Sneakers DJs
FISHERMAN’S WHARF TAVERN Saturday Stairway
FUSION VILLA NOOSA Friday Shihad, Electric Horse, Helm
GLOBE THEATRE Friday Kim Churchill, Carter Rollins, Ashleigh Mannix Saturday Baskery, Jungal, Cheap Fakes, DJ Sarah Howell
GREAT NORTHERN HOTEL BYRON BAY Wednesday Shihad, Electric Horse, Helm Thursday Freestylers, Freq Nasty Friday Bluejuice, Philadelphia Grand Jury, Purple Sneakers DJs Saturday Trip Kicks Indoor Festival Sunday Tumbleweed, Dropping Honey
MIAMI TAVERN SHARK BAR Saturday Caulfield, Burning Brooklyn
ROSIE’S Thursday Caulfield, Burning Brooklyn Friday Monstrothic: High Plains Drifter, Humality, Sciamachy, The Fevered
STEP INN Friday Lord Finesse, Boogie Blind, Ozi Batla
SURFERS PARADISE BEER GARDEN Thursday Shihad, Electric Horse, Helm Friday Venus Envy Saturday Ramjet
THE ARTS CENTRE GOLD COAST Thursday Kim Churchill, Justin Carter, Ashleigh Mannix
THE HI-FI Friday Mystery Jets, Tin Can Radio
THE ZOO Thursday Earthless, No Anchor, Feathers Friday The Barons Of Tang, Orkestra Del Sol, Chocolate Strings, Rude Kat Sound System Saturday Shihad, Electric Horse, Helm Sunday The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, The Keep On Dancin’s
Online andprint classifieds
WOODLAND Tuesday Thee Oh Sees, Kitchen’s Floor, Sulphur Lights
iFlog.com.au MELBOURNE SYDNEY BRISBANE
40
Feel Presents
p u r e l l Fi
l th is su m m er ee F h it w d a ro e th On
Built to Spill + Nova Scotia
SUN 2 JANUARY - THE ZOO
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion + Keep on Dancin s
TUE 11 JANUARY - TH HE ZO OO
Cat Power
BIG DAY ART DESIGN OUR COVER
AND WIN BIG! READERS’ CHOICE AWAR Vote for your favourite artwork D in the Readers’ Choice vot Check out the entries exhibit e. summerfestivalguide.com.aued at vote via Twitter. More details and soon!
TO ENTER: Competition opens Tuesday 2 November. Create your impression of an artist on the current Big Day Out schedule and upload your entry at summerfestivalguide.com.au (go to the Big Day Art section). WIN: Time Off cover art. Artist profile. Double pass to the BDO Festival. A cd prize pack – the latest releases from BDO artists. Design software for each state winner. Free entry to a CATC Workshop for each state winner. ENTRIES CLOSE FRIDAY 7 JANUARY
MELBOURNE SYDNEY BRISBANE
FRI 27 7 JANUARY -BRIS SBANE POWERHOUSE THEATR RE
The Lloyd Cole Small Ensemble
THU 10 FEBRUA ARY - THE OLD MUSEUM
Swervedriver
WED 16 FEBRUARY - THE ZOO
Also Touring: Joan Jett and The Blackhearts Caribou Four Tet
For tickets info visit our new website
www.feelpresents.com 41
ADMINISTRATION Guitarist, wanted to join established Brisbane based band playing original electro groove rock, pop and soul type tunes.. CD in production with recording available, video shot and mixes by US and European and Oz producers. Band has management and gigs. iFlogID: 9710
NOT AVAILABLE FOR FREE ADS. CL Bass Player needed for originals electro rock, pop and soul established AV band. Recording in production and southern management. Share stage with dynamic diva, swampy guitar synth and power drums/mc. Email links for links. Great tunes. iFlogID: 9969
NOT AVAILABLE FOR FREE ADS. CL Keys Player/Composer to join established band, good original repertoire recorded & in production. Can contribute to that & next album. Electro rock/pop/soulful sound, dynamic diva & emcee. Video shot & a track mixed US due out soon plus gigs & management iFlogID: 9846
ADVERTISING / MEDIA Photography for Woman (18+) Try something different and contribute to an internationally respected,artistic project. All shapes, ages and sizes encouraged to apply! Earn $500+ cash - on your own terms and with full creative control. Amy - 9495 6555 iFlogID: 10174
ENTERTAINMENT Australia’s leading online employment and news website dedicated to backstage. The website is free to search and join with out any hassles of membership fees. www.backstagejobs.com.au iFlogID: 9953 LOCK & LOAD MELBOURNE: NOW HIRING! We service the entertainment & events industry. We need crew for the Xmas/ New Year period. Award rates paid weekly. Hurry! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this dynamic industry! Website applications: lockandload.com.au iFlogID: 10170
FOR SALE AMPS David Eden 4x10 XLT, 700 watt 8 ohm version. In good condition, sounds amazing never pushed as it was so loud $900 0402265768 iFlogID: 9984 Fender Super Reverb. 1969 Vintage 4 x 12” combo. Minor cosmetic damage. Great amp. $2895 or near offer. Call Frank 0434 686 755 or 02 9740 8333. iFlogID: 9809 Line 6 Flextone 2 combo. 2 x 12” speakers. Good condition with full pedal board. sell $795 or near offer. Call Frank on 0434 686 755 or 02 9740 8333. iFlogID: 9805 Markbass Studio Pre500 amp. Top of the line unit, used on 3 sessions, still under Warranty. Retail $4395...Sell $2500 o.n.o. Call Frank 0434 686 755 or 02 9740 8333 iFlogID: 9803 Marshall 2x12 cab up for sale! 2x 65watt celestion speakers both brand new, 4 screw in wheels carry handles , great quality , $350 or best offer,so if your interested call us on 0435510600 iFlogID: 9915 Marshall AVT150 150WATT combo
amp,digital fx,4 channel,valve preamp includes 6 way footswitch 15hrs use, new condition, $900 iFlogID: 10162 P.A AMP. 1800 watt split mono “CARVER” USA made with BOSE controller.rack mount style in case.will run 2 by 4 “W” bins.very powerfull.VGC.cost over $2500 sell $750. Ph.0428744963 Cooroy. iFlogID: 10225 PEAVEY BANDIT 11 80 watt 12” combo guitar amp.USA made.2 channel footswitchable.reverb,saturation etc. great fat tones.VGC.$350 Ph. 0428744963.cooroy. iFlogID: 9913 Trace Elliot V8 Bass Amp, very rare made in the UK edition, 400 watt all tube bass head. In perfect condition, only ever used in half power, and not used in 2 years, $3000 0402267568 iFlogID: 9982
BASS Ernieball Musicman Stingray 4 Blue Dawn (LTD Colour), PC, 1 owner since new, used as backup, played maybe 100 times, $2000, 0402265768 iFlogID: 9980 Gibson Thunderbird IV 2004 Sunburst, GC, has been gigged however, well taken care of. Hasn’t been played since 2008. iFlogID: 9976 Warwick Streamer II 5 String Bass Guitar. As made famous by Dirk Lance of Incubus. As new condition. iFlogID: 9774
DRUMS 8,10,12,14,16” rack toms, 4x13 snare, 22” bass. Electric Blue. PLUS six Dixon double braced stands. PLUS Janus hihat/ dble bass pedal. Everything powder coated black! PLUS cases for all drums. Everything in excellent cond. $5950 iFlogID: 9929
NOT AVAILABLE FOR FREE ADS. CL Roland TD9 Electronic drumkit. All mesh pads, Pearl pedal and stool, active coaxial monitor speaker, headphones. Hardly used in excellent condition. Over $5k worth gear, sell for $3,200. iFlogID: 9960 Roland TD-12 V-Drum Kit. Includes Tama Iron Cobra double kick pedals, HiHat stand and drum throne. Also, Roland PM-3 Sub and Amp box with 2 rack-mounted satellite speakers. All in excellent working condition. $5000 ono. 0404 084 854 iFlogID: 10263 Tama swingstar shells, good cond. Black with purple pearl, 3 mounted toms,2 floor toms and kick drum + mounts,leather rock bags. $700.00 call Ben on 0408484696 iFlogID: 10138 Win a Pearl Forum drum kit with cymbals. Drummers Paradise are celebrating their 21st birthday by giving away a Pearl Black Forum 5 piece kit with cymbals. Just go to www.drummersparadise.com.au to enter. Prize is Drawn Dec 21st a noon. iFlogID: 9939
GUITARS Brand new Maton M225 acoustic guitar in unopened plastic wrapping. Outer cardbox packaging opened for inspection. Year manufactured: 2009. $550 Pickup location: Brisbane CBD iFlogID: 10026 Electric guitar and amp package perfect for beginner to intermediate players. Squire Bullet Stratocaster & Fender Frontman amp $250 with lead and strings included call or text 0421162665 for photos. iFlogID: 10106 Epiphone LP Special (Vintage Sunburst) plus Epiphone 10 watt practise amp both in as new condition.Top beginner kit - $385.00 iFlogID: 9974
FENDER SRATOCASTER. PINK PAISLEY. genuine early 80’s.with hardcase.all origional.plays great.beautiful tone and sustain.very rare.suit collector. exellent condition. $2500. Ph 0428744963 iFlogID: 9815 FENDER STRATOCASTER DAN SMITH 1982. RARE MOCHA BROWN. ORIGINAL BODY AND PARTS. IN FENDER CASE. EXCELLENT CONDITION. CALL 0432 224 799. FOR MORE INFO. iFlogID: 9895 MATON accoustic steel string 3/4 guitar. model F 11.dated 10/73.no 1591. all australian timbers.good origional condition.suit collector.$500. Ph 0428744963. Cooroy iFlogID: 9811 TASCAM 8 track digital studio recorder. 2 mike and line inputs, record 8 tracks mix down professionally and burn to cd in one unit. Perfect condition used only a handful of times $750.00 call on 0419 705 169 iFlogID: 9986
MIXERS Mackie Onyx 1620 analog mixer w/ SKB Mighty Gig Rig on wheels (Complete mobile PA / recording system can be racked in this rig). 8 preamps w/ direct recording out. iFlogID: 9850 Sell Control Surface Digidesign Control 24 (Focusrite) in excellent condition, $5000. Selling because moving overseas. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions and in order to discuss the price. iFlogID: 9736
OTHER Male Siberian Husky 6 month Pupp Pure Bred Certificates Vaccinated, Chipped + Wormed Perfect for Breeding or a Great Guard Dog Very Affectionate 0425 820 547 iFlogID: 10273 Quested F11.. 2 way active near field monitors. Pro grade quality. Good Condition. $1395 or near offer. Call Frank 0434 686 755 or 02 9740 833. iFlogID: 9813 XIO NOVATION SYNTH FOR SALE NEVER LEFT BEDROOM STILL GOT BOX $300 NO LESS A SYNTH/SOUNDCARD/AND/ MIDI CONTROLLER CITY LOCATION 0404221049/MARK iFlogID: 9777
PA EQUIPMENT PA speakers - EAW KF-550 powerful and large PA speakers (2x). 2x15” 1x12” 1xhorn horizontally oriented. Three-way. Includes stands. Make an offer! Call or email for specs, or visit http://bit.ly/kf-550. jeremy@thebennett.org or 0400 404 919. iFlogID: 9936
MUSIC SERVICES BAND MERCHANDISE NOT AVAILABLE FOR FREE ADS. CL - PRO QUALITY BACKING TRACKS! MIDI or MP3 - Any song you want - Send me the song today, Get the MIDI file the next day! - $25 for MIDI / $35 for mp3 EMAIL: vangelis2133@yahoo.com PHONE: 0449672435 iFlogID: 9706
BOOKING AGENTS Gig Launch is Australia’s first online booking agency. Gig on a Japanese Boat for 6 months at AU$3000 per month, Submit your music to feature films, Play at any of the Scorcherfest festivals and Apollo Bay! Just head to www.giglaunch.com.au iFlogID: 10004
DUPLICATION/ MASTERING Deluxe Mastering: Melbourne’s premier mastering specialists for CD, vinyl and online release. Service-focused, relaxed atmosphere, decades of experience in all genres, custom analogue signal path. Noobligation quotes & mix evaluations. See website for credits. w: www.deluxemastering.com.au e: adam@deluxemastering.com iFlogID: 9854
EP RELEASE EVERY SONG - RADIO READY! SPECIAL PRICE avail for singer/songwriters until end of January 2011...Have 5 songs produced, mixed & mastered for ONLY $499 per track!!! Email info@nathaneshman. com for more details as conditions apply. Visit www.nathaneshman.com for audio examples iFlogID: 9963
HIRE SERVICES For as low as $100, you get a professional PA system with a sound mixer with operator. Suitable for weddings, pub/club band gigs, private parties etc. infovision@ yayabings.com.au Contact Chris 0419 272 196 iFlogID: 9834 INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED PRODUCER! Credits include: Marcia Hines, Candice Alley, Ex-Toto frontman Fergie Frederikson. Have every song produced at radio standard...under every budget. Visit www.nathaneshman.com, email info@ nathaneshman.com or call 0403 498 103 for package prices...from demos, to singles and full albums. iFlogID: 9965
OTHER Heavy Metal Music Community. Upload And Promote Your Metal Music Online Free. Create your own band page. Heavy Metal, Black, Thrash, Death Metal, Hardcore, Gothic, Grindcore and many more. Australian owned. Join now! www.onlyheavymetal.com iFlogID: 10031 Lisa J Aston presents offers career consultancy to musicians. With over 30 years in the Australian Music Industry, we offer advice on every aspect of your career and also do one on one projects. Contact Lisa J Aston 0411094197 iFlogID: 10168 www.ozjam.com.au is free to join, and with over 4500 members its fast becoming the largest online music community in Australia! If your looking to join or form a band, find a band member, or get exposure check Ozjam out today! iFlogID: 9941
RECORDING STUDIOS Bedlam’s intimate two room studio is fully equipped with the latest in pro audio and provides a landscape for creative brilliance. Bedlam offers a wide variety of tracking, production and mixing solutions to cater from demos to complete releases iFlogID: 10010 SINGER/SONGWRITERS have a home studio and require a producer to help polish your tracks? High-end recording studio with the convenience and universal application of the Internet.World class session musicians work with you every step of the way- more information www. rockethouseproductions.com iFlogID: 9842 Studio Recording and musician services. iFlogID: 9862
REHEARSAL ROOMS Via Studios ph:32521127 10 high class, spacious, airconditioned studios built with
the musicians needs in mind! Flat Load, Backline for hire and lockable storage. Come see what the fuss is all about www. viastudios.com 50 Abbotsford rd Bowenhills Ph:32521127 iFlogID: 9440
REPAIRS ROCKIN REPAIRS - GUITAR TECH RESTRINGS-SETUPS-UPGRADES-REPAIRS Do you live to play? Whether you’ve bought a new guitar or a favourite is feeling faded, we’ll rejuvenate it! We work hard to give you the feel/sound you want! 0405253417 tara@rockinrepairs.com www.rockinrepairs.com iFlogID: 9342
TUITION SAX TUITION--------------Easy way to learn saxophone for students of different ages (from kids to adults) and different levels (from beginners to advanced). $35/ hour Lorenzo 0410041979 iFlogID: 9911 SINGING LESSONS Certified Speech Level Singing (SLS) Instructor. Learn the Technique of over 120 Grammy award winners. Extend your Range. No more Breaks/Flips. Develop Strength. All Styles. Eastern Suburbs. www.myspace.com / mazvocalstudio - Contact Maz: maz@ mazmazak.com iFlogID: 9795
Influences: Mercyful Fate, Judas Priest, Metallica,Iron maiden,Kalmah,Dethklok Blake 0403138542 iFlogID: 9836 SESSION GUITARIST available to play on your next track remotely via the internet. Great quality tracks without the expenses of studio time and travel. Perfect for producers/songwriters Excellent equipment,tone and touch, 20 years experience. For examples further informationwww.rockethouseproductions.com iFlogID: 9844
OTHER SAXOPHONIST AVAILABLE-----Experienced saxophonist based in Sydney is looking for bands and studio sessions. Jazz, funky, afro, reggae, latin, rock, folk. If interested contact Lorenzo at 0410041979 or lorenzo_colombo@tiscali.it Cheers. iFlogID: 9909
MUSICIANS AVAILABLE BASS PLAYER NOT AVAILABLE FOR FREE ADS. CL looking for keen and creative drummer to start playing live and wanting to make it big. Must want to make originals and be dedicated. Please get in contact if interested, Sam, 0431953894 iFlogID: 10252
DRUMMER Pro level drummer with good vocal ability available for gigs, sessions, tours etc. Good gear, good attitude, own transport. Can play many styles, specialising in Rock and Funk. Based on the Sunshine Coast. Call Paolo on 0404054743 iFlogID: 10012
GUITARIST Pro guitarist / singer available iFlogID: 10022 Credits: Marcia Hines, Candice Alley & Fergie Frederikson (ex-Toto)... Nathan Eshman is available for online guitar sessions. Email him your guide tracks & you’ll receive tracks recorded in a pro studio without leaving home. Contact info@nathaneshman.com or visit www.nathaneshman.com ANY BUDGET! iFlogID: 9967 Experienced Guitarist looking for good Sydney Cover Band. At 23 I have been playing for over 10 years, have 4 years professional touring experience, Pro Gear (Fender, Gibson, endorsed by Mesa/ Boogie). Email anthony at anthony320chmiel@hotmail.com No Time wasters please. iFlogID: 9720 Lead guitarist looking to form/join a heavy metal band,on the central coast.
GUITARIST GUITARIST WANTED FOR SYDNEY ROCK BAND. PREFERABLY AGED BETWEEN 18-25. WE ARE SUPPORTING CHOIRBOYS IN MELBOURNE IN JANUARY AND WE ARE LINING UP MORE GIGS IF YOU WANT MORE INFO THEN CONTACT US... 0404 166 433 pippincopps@yahoo.com.au iFlogID: 10029
GUITARIST WANTED TO TEACH
Guy (26) with singing in his blood. Need music in my life.I’ll give my all and be myself.Definitely a performer/frontman. Got lots of energy, inspiration and can write lyrics.I believe that the right band will find me. iFlogID: 9882
MUSICIANS WANTED BASS PLAYER Bass player , experienced for original trio iFlogID: 10016 Bass player needed to complete 8 piece soul and reggae type band. Playing mostly covers but working on originals, plan on showcasng band mid Feb so no time wasters please! jon@low-gear.com iFlogID: 10260 Female bass player wanted for Brisbane rock dance band. Must be 18 - 35 years, photogenic, reliable. Inf: RHCP, RATM, P!nk, Suzi Quatro, Alanis Morrissette and more. Ph: 0437 428 859 or 3267 6789. iFlogID: 9932 Next Exit are looking for a Bass player that can drive any bass-line. We are a rock coverband. Professional attitude a must. Call Peter 0412669292 iFlogID: 9893 NTL. TOURING GRP WITH AGENCY & UK/ US DEAL W/AU DISTRO NEEDING BASSIST NOW! ‘ROCK N ROLL/INDIE/NEW WAVE’ MUSICALLY PROFICIENT, MANY GENRES AS BONUS. DO NOT CONTACT IF U NO PLAYING WEB (must have myspace etc.) - newplaying@live.com iFlogID: 9880
DRUMMER Drummer experience required iFlogID: 10018 Drummer needed for indie rock band. Influences: early KOL, Bloc Party, Radiohead. myspace/tierraoutlaws. Contact Andrew 0408255644 iFlogID: 9927
We seek guitar players who are looking to earn money teaching guitar. Training and teaching materials are supplied. Teach from one of our schools or your own location. Limited positions available. Visit www.g4guitar.com.au for details. iFlogID: 7447 I am a good singer with quality studio lookin for guitarist who likes radiohead jeff buckley damien rice style stuff to write with I have good contacts,i do pop as well/covers iFlogID: 9779 Lead Guitarist wanted for rising original band Novakayn. Rock/Pop commercial sound. Serious musicians only,no druggo’s or boozeheads. We support World Peace & expect u will too. iFlogID: 10239 National touring band require professional guitarist. Age 18 -25. Must be proficient in all forms of Rock, Blues, Roots. Involves backing high profile artists. Show operates out of Queensland. For further details email marty@thewindupdolls.com or phone 0408 010 789 iFlogID: 9925 Rhythm/Lead guitarist required for 80’s Glam Hard Rock Cover/Concept show. Playing Motley,Gunners,Bon Jovi, etc. Good gear,own transport,learn new songs quickly & ability to sing back up vocals. We’re ready to gig NOW. Call Phil 0425 219 109 iFlogID: 10209 Working covers band seeks lead guitarist. Any age, but thinking late 20s to late 30s). MUST be: professional, reliable, flexible, rehearsable, a clown(good harmony vox a bonus). MUST NOT be: a primadonna or a thief. Call 0414-369-286. iFlogID: 10134
KEYBOARD
Drummer wanted for weekly jams with view for fun improv, song writing, strange rhythms, gigs, money. Reference points include: Phish, Gojira, Tom Waits, Fishbone, Primus. mrmoolking@yahoo.com iFlogID: 9992
National shows, recording and management backed. Need versatile keyboard/ synth. From vintage B3 and Rhodes to giant arpeggiator and melodic synth. We have a keyboard, you need to a basic knowledge of chords and willingness to learn songs. thebabyseal@gmail.com iFlogID: 9884
Drummer wanted. solo act wanting a drummer to finish off trio. check out www.myspace.com/arrywilson for current release iFlogID: 10101
Piano/Keyboard Player needed to join folk/rock outfit. Gigs booked. Recording soon. Some back up singing required. Age 25-39 Ph Chris - 0407 620 744 iFlogID: 9856
Female drummer wanted for Brisbane rock dance band. Inf: RATM, RHCP, P!nk, Suzi Quatro, Alanis Morrissette. Must be 18 - 35 y.o., photogenic and be ambitious. Ph 0437 428 859 or 3267 6789. iFlogID: 9934 Hey all With a Clenched Fist is looking for
CAUSTIC ATTACK are a Sydney based Grindcore band in search of a vocalist. This vocalist must listen to: Napalm Death Carcass Morbid Angel Repulsion Celtic Frost Discharge Doom Crass If you’re interested
AM AMP HEAD TOUR CASES
top lid models, front-rear lidded models with rackmount option
KEYBOARD & SYNTH CASES standard roadcases & full custom trolley cases. NOT crazy oversized multifits!
Hi, I’m looking for a great male vocalist. To sing only one dance song. Thanks iFlogID: 9860 Indie/electronica/dance producer looking for singers/songwriters to collaborate. Looking for vocal style like Passion pit, MGMT, The Empire of the sun, DOM, Wolfgang. For more info mail to reigovilbiks@ gmail.com iFlogID: 10130
MA AL L & BRIEF CASES SM
standard roadcases or full tour cases with all options available
MOST AROUND
$80-$350
SERVICES GRAPHIC DESIGN Professional Band and Business Websites: Videos, audio clips/jukebox, Photogallery, Gig Dates, About Us, Contact Us and much more from $399 fully hosted. See www.bizwebsites.com.au or contact info@bizwebsites.com.au today! iFlogID: 9840 providing unique designs at affordable prices. Our services include logos, web design, banners, business cards posters and many more services listed on our site. Prices start from as low as $140. Mel 0402 7796 254 www.melissahowarddesign.com Qualified and experienced designer. iFlogID: 10185
OTHER Do you have an Iphone? If yes, please download my free app, radio bondi, cheers iFlogID: 9653 Is your life a cluttered mess? Unsure of where you are headed? Unsure how to identify your strengths, your values? Visit www.tisi.me and find out how a life coach can help you. Free DVD. Xmas gift vouchers iFlogID: 10124 Launch My Label by Chic Petite Events provides a platform for emerging artists/talented people wanting to launch their label. A quarterly event, we’r looking for emerging fashion designers/performers/models. Helping talented individuals gain deserved exposure in a competitive market,assisting with PR/marketing. iFlogID: 10243
WANTED
to matt damon.. and the 7foot something guy from the yha.. does anyone know you?? i keep trying to ring the places where i think you’d be to no avail..i know its been years.. please call.. iFlogID: 9741
HEY!Pro HEY! ProAudio AudioShop ShopMgr! Mgr! lower prices, huge range of ready made cases, extensive custom case shop, WE WANT YOUR BUSINESS wholesale@cases.com.au
MOST AROUND
MIXING CONSOLE CASES
huge range for camera’s, audio viz gear, techs & equipment
Require a strong professional female singer with cover band experience for high end Corporate and Private Functions Party Covers Band and agency backed! Send CV/bio to info@techwebdevelopers. com on receipt I will send applicable band website, setlists, songs etc iFlogID: 9838
$390-$900
MOST AROUND
$390-$900
jjust mention i TIME OFF*
Female Vocalist Wanted for Corporate/ Club Act An established Corporate/Club act is looking for a Female Vocalist, good vocal versatility, own transport, reliability. Constant work, great conditions, pay for the right applicant. Email/Call Steven s-rowden@onthenet.com.au 0417728754 or www.grooveinc.net.au Gold Coast/Brisbane/Sunshine Coast iFlogID: 10212
OTHER
SINGER
INSURANCE COMPANY??
10% DISCOUNT
contact us via myspace. www.myspace. com/causticattack iFlogID: 9870
Require a strong professional female singer with cover band experience for high end Corporate and private Functions Party Covers Band and agency backed! Send CV/bio to info@techwebdevelopers. com on receipt I will send applicable band website, setlists, songs etc iFlogID: 9714
SINGER
VIDEO / PRODUCTION MUSIC VIDEOS offer a great way to gain exposure. Immersion Imagery has worked with over 20 artists and strives to offer quality creative Music Videos at an affordable price. Visit www.immersionimagery. com or email info@immersionimagery. com iFlogID: 10054
a drummer all welcome though someone with a Punk/Hardcore/Metal back ground prefered contact us via myspace www. myspace.com/withaclenchedfist or txt on 0450493385 iFlogID: 10085
$200-$1500
GO-RAK 14u $590 rrp
GO-PAK 350 $599 rrp
MOST AROUND
sales@cases.com.au
PLASMA CASE lowest $$ GO-Drawer 4 $850 rrp 19 leonard cres brendale 4500
1300-85-4620
Online mastering. Upload your mix to our secure servers, we’ll master the audio, then you can download the finished master. matthewgraymastering.com
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For a limited time. Free online and print classifieds Book now, visit iflog.com.au
*cannot be used with any other offer
EMPLOYMENT