Musically Speaking

RIP Billy Thorpe

2007-02-28T10:23:00.000+11:00

The music industry in Australia is in mourning after hearing of the sad passing of Billy Thorpe, one of Australia's great rock and roll legends.

Billy passed away after a sudden massive heart attack around 2.30 am this morning.

RIP Billy - you can play as loud as you like in heaven!

We're back

2007-02-01T20:29:00.000+11:00

Tomorrow night (Friday 2nd Feb 2007) Two's Company return to the Oz Hotel :)

See you there :) 6 p.m Sharp!

Two's Company Back at the Hotel Oz

2007-01-28T11:08:00.000+11:00

Two's Company return to the Hotel Oz this Friday night the 2nd of February between 6pm and 9pm :)

The Oz is situated on the corner of Queensberry and Dryburgh Streets, North Melbourne.

Chris has joined us on guitar and we are looking forward to playing some new stuff together with the music you already know us for!

Come down and say hello :)

Rock of Ages!

2007-01-08T19:36:00.000+11:00

On Tuesday the 16th of January, at 8:00 pm, Apartment A, have a gig. Venue; The Noise Bar - 291 Albert Street, Brunswick.Kicks off at 8:00 pm.

Their good friends in Blown ‘57, will doing the gig with them.

To be affectionately known as, “Rock Of Ages”.

Afterwards a jam will ensue, with any players available.

Head on down to the HOE-DOWN

2007-01-08T19:33:00.000+11:00

STOP PRESS!!! - Heaven On Earth will be doing their FIRST ever show, Sunday, the 14th of January.Venue; The Noise Bar - 291 Albert Street, Brunswick.Kicks off at 3:00 pm. Love to see you there, at the HOEDOWN!!!

Vacation of sorts....

2007-01-05T19:26:00.000+11:00

We're getting ready to move house.

I am so excited.

2006 was a pretty darn good year.

"Two's Company" gigged regularly for the last quarter and will continue that regular spot into 2007.

The songwriting has started again.
Bought a house and will move into it soon. It has space for a small recording studion for Bill as well as a room so that Sarah-Jane can have her own room when she visits!
I finally got off my butt and blogged again.

Speak soon!

Gigs, Gags and Grrrrrrrrs

2006-08-07T21:25:00.000+10:00

Well on Friday, me, Michael, Andy and Geoff did our one hour set at the Oz Hotel. Seemed to go down ok - so we're going to go back again this week :) There were a few 'rough' spots - but considering we only have two and a half rehearsals - we did ok! Even the 'total disaster' was pretty good :).

Apparently our little in between song gags went down a treat too - dont' recall what they were - but we were pretty funny as well! Cool. Bonus!

After we finished at the Oz, we wandered down to South Melbourne to see Beyond Therapy at the Town Hall Hotel and while were were there, one of my least favourtie events happened....

Some kooky woman (see pic - I mean anyone who wears short pants and long boots is way off), fancied herself as a bit of a chanteuse and demanded to sing with the band. Unfortunately, she was a little (ok a a lot) chemically/or otherwise enhanced and of course she obviously thought she was queen of the place, and made a bit of a nuisance of herself.

Her demands got more and more persistent, she annoyed the band (and the patrons), finally swiping the vocalist in the face before being enticed to the back room with the promise of karaoke. It was evident that her delusions of self-importance were quite fantastic as she was quite insistent that she was going to stop that particular band from ever playing there again. Like huh...who the heck are you?

I really don't like it when people try to gatecrash other band's gigs. If you're a professional musician - its very uncool to - if your'e not a professional and you want to sing - then find a bloody karaoke bar!

It's cool if the band invite you to come up and do a song or two, but never invite yourself or ASK to do something.

Is it only me that thinks this way?

And he calls himself a friend....pt2

2006-07-26T17:30:00.000+10:00

Or should I say..."Andy" calls himself a friend...and he is the best kind.....

Andy is a legend...and a REAL friend.

My mate Andy (who you have read about previously here on my blog) has graciously offered to help out with my gig on the 4th - what a trooper!

I'm so very grateful....

Love you to bits Andy
xxxx

And he calls himself a friend

2006-07-25T20:18:00.000+10:00

Today at 07:45 a.m - my 'friend' who was to play guitar with me on the 4th August, SMS'd me the following message:

"I think I'll give it a miss I dont really like the songlist and I dont really want to learn new songs for a one off gig. Good luck with it."

I"m so disappointed. Not only in his lack of professionalism but because as a friend he's let me down with ten days to go to a gig.

About the songlist, I compromised and said yes to a few songs that both guitarists knew already, but I also stood firm on a couple of news ones that were more the style that I want to sing. I asked him to play for me because he's been wanting to do something acoustically with me for ages. Obviously I asked for too much.

I'll take my tiara off now - I've been a bit princess-ish by the sounds! So now, I will have to do the gig with one guitarist instead of two, one who doesn't really like all the songs I've chosen either but has been happy to learn the new ones anyway.

I am very sad and disappointed right now.

Beyond Therapy at the Town Hall

2006-07-22T11:49:00.000+10:00

I arrived at the Town Hall in South Melbourne last night and was treated a sensational rib-eye, a fantastic bottle of wine and the God-awful sounds of Karaoke from the back room!!! The proponent of said Karaoke was later heard to ask-

"Hey can I sing with the band? I'm really good!"

Hmm honey I really don't think so!

The sad thing about Karaoke (combined with alcohol) is that it makes people who shouldn't sing - think they can!

As usual, BT provided a great Friday night relaxo-combination of favourites in a semi-acoustic style. The punters were all chilled and not only by the temperature outside. It was bloody freezing out there - but the pub was inviting, the red wine warming and the according to 'cousin jimmy self-professed-rock-god' the girls at the front table were 'hot'!

Aaah it's nice to be appreciated.

The night was topped off by a neighbour who, (after choosing to reside in a commercial zone) came to complain about the 'noise'. There's something inherently wrong with 30-something men who wear shorts and thongs in the middle of the Melbourne winter and who would rather hear the sounds of the telly on a Friday night than music - I say get a life Mr South Melbourne! How dare he come into the pub and talk SO LOUDLY that I couldn't hear the band over the top of him! Rude! Very rude!

The Town Hall pub is a great little pub that I had never had the pleasure of being in before - superb wine list - mental note - must go back there for lunch sometime - it's just a stone throw from the office and if I park my car at work and walk - no need to worry about trying to find a car space that has longer than 2 hours nearby! (It's mostly one or two hour and permit parking around South Melb.)

Stellar Line Up for Stuart Speed Tribute

2006-07-22T11:45:00.000+10:00

The Age yesterday reported the death of a great Melbourne bass player - Stuart Speed - who died suddenly at the age of 40.

To celebrate his life, and to raise funds to help his family, there will be a gig at the Rainbow Hotel in Fitzroy featuring Renee Geyer, Hannaford, Mick Thomas, Tim Rogers and many others, this Saturday from 4pm to pay tribute to this great musician and even greater man.

For inquiries call the Rainbow Hotel on 9419 4193.

Beyond Therapy - Unplugged

2006-07-20T19:47:00.000+10:00

Friday night - Beyond Therapy are playing 'unplugged' at the Town Hall Hotel, 137 Bank Street, South Melbourne.

It's FREE ENTRY so get along and have a drink and hear some great music :)

See you there :)

Jennifer Carroll / Black and Blues Band - OZ Hotel

2006-07-18T17:50:00.000+10:00

Last Friday night I wandered off after work to hear an early acoustic set by a wonderful vocalist - Jennifer Carroll.

Jen has quite a musical history spending some years performing all over Tasmania and has just recently returned to the music scene. She has an amazing blues voice and I found myself just wanting to hear more after her very short (1 hour) set. Great stuff Jen - I'm looking forward to hearing you again on Friday :)

The OZ Hotel is promising to shape up as quite the blues venue.

The Black and Blue Band and their guests provide a great night out, quality food, great amenities and a sensational blues sound for the boys in the Black and Blue Band. Friday night we were treated to a surprise performance from Paul Norton and the band caught on with no trouble at all!

Don't forget....(as if I'd let you) I will be there Friday 4th August!

Mates of State - US

2006-07-18T17:42:00.000+10:00

Chris has spent more time at gigs than me lately and has kindly offered to review those he sees....last weekend was Mates of State at the Northcote Social Club.....

Mates of State toured "Bring it back" and I am now hoping they come back after their performance at Northcote Social Club Saturday July 15.
The husband and wife duo were expected by some to bring a band with them but it was just them. Lacking in numbers certainly didn't lack in sound or enthusiasm. Cranking out "Fraud in the 80's" followed up by "Beautiful Dreamer" were two rock solid hits that had the near sell out crowd amazed by the power of a two piece (keyboards and drums). I was thinking that hubby only played the drums and thought the album was layered with wifey's vocals a number of times, but no! He's a high singing freak too.
Stand out tracks on the night "Like U Crazy", "For the Actor", "Running Out" and "Punchlines". I'll be investigating the earlier albums.
As "Fraud in the 80's" lyrically says "You will surely find us pleasing to your ears." I certainly did, I also found her pleasing on the eye (we've already agreed on this Pierce) as no doubt the ladies found him (insert all american good looks).
Those that haven't been to the Northcote Social Club for a gig it has a great little room, about 300 capacity and best of all smoke free! You can get pretty close to the stage so you need not worry about the tallest man in the world standing in front of you as seems to happen to me just about at every gig.

Thanks for the review Chris - I look forward to publishing more reviews of your musical pursuits!

Me and the boys....unplugged

2006-07-17T17:26:00.000+10:00

We may be unplugged, but we'll still be dangerous....

I've been asked to do an acoustic set on Friday 4th August from 6-7 pm at the OZ Hotel 177 Dryburgh Street which is almost the extension of Spencer St. (I'll even get my name on the chalkboard - woohooo!!!!) I will be sensationally supported by three fabulous musicians....ok two musicians and a drummer (James and Michael on guitars, and a percussion whizz) and there will be little old me warbling and playing really bad tambourine : )

So, If you'd like to finish your week off with a nice feed and a little bit of music ;) come along.....the OZ has great bistro-type meals so you can wander up after work then be all fed and hopefully happy before I start singing! I'd like for us to be invited back - so feel free to bring as many friends as you like :)

Anyone know how to organise a flash mob?

I hope I see you there....

PS: The Black and Blues band will be playing later also....

Nifty calendar!

2006-07-12T19:04:00.000+10:00

I've added a nifty calendar to the blog....click on the gig you want more details of as it scrolls past in the ticker and it will take you to my calendar page where the listing is :) Otherwise, select a date on the calendar on the left for everything happening that day/evening. I'll try and add as much as I can over the next few days.

Enjoy :)

You Am I @ The Forum

2006-07-10T17:22:00.000+10:00

Chris kindly sent me a review of Saturday's You Am I gig at the Forum.

"It's thuggery!, It's thuggery!"
It certainly was an all amped up powerful performance by the lads on Saturday night. After starting with a big thanks for coming and mentioning that the night before gig was sold out you could be forgiven for thinking that Timmy was going to simply go through the motions and play a 75% set to the 75% filled Forum Theatre.
Instead they ripped into Convicts at break neck pace. The songs sounded like they have been part of the set for years, faultless display. "It Ain't Funny How We Don't Talk Anymore", "Friends Like You", "Thuggery"," Nervous Kid" all highlights.
Despite the efforts of said gent next to me yelling out "Damage!" at the conclusion of each song there was no "Damage!" on offer, just a very sore throat I suspect for one punter Sunday morning. Timmy gave some great insight to one such punter requesting another song,
"Listen mate when we are supporting your band in 6 months time you can tell us what to play, until then it's Timmy time."
It certain was Timmy time, and a great time for any You Am I fan. Notable corkers included, "Cathy's Clown", "Jewels and Bullets," "Good Morning", "Soldiers", "Baby Clothes", "Hourly Daily". Finally what would a You Am I concert be without a rip snorter such as "Berlin Chair".
It was black leather jacket night for the lads, obviously the Fonz e-mail didn't reach the inbox of one Davey Lane, he was wearing a lovely white suit number, certainly didn't detract from some mean guitar work. I was sceptical when they included a 2nd guitarist since "Dress Me Slowly" but Davey Lane certainly proved his worth to the sound, plus you can tell he loves playing as part of You Am I, who wouldn't? Clearly one of the best live bands going around.

Notable highlights, the end of The Vandas set that I saw and parts of The Drones , I suspect these guys haven't seen a rider this big before and treated like it was all you could eat at Smorgies!
Oh and the You Am I merchandise was ingenious, AFL footy scarfs, in all team colours, with You Am I woven into them, gold.

Chris - I want a piccie of you in your scarf...did they come in a Maroons version too?...

You Am I - Convicts

2006-07-09T17:30:00.000+10:00

Picked up a copy of the new You Am I album "Convicts" the other day.

I'm listening intently and will write a review (of sorts) when I've had a good few listens at high volumes in the car!!

Initial highlights "Thank God I've Hit the Bottom", "Thuggury" and "It Aint Funny How We Don't Talk Any More"

...but wait...there will be more!

Black and Blue

2006-07-08T10:22:00.000+10:00

I wandered over to the OZ hotel (Dryburgh Street in North Melbourne) last night to check out the Black and Blue band and was pleasantly surprised...for lots of reasons.

Firstly, beacuse I hadn't ever been to this pub before and was surprised that it was so...how to say this...clean and light!! I had previous visions of dark and dingy and the ever-present expectation of extremely sticky carpet...there was none to be had here! There was no sneaking in and standing up the back so I had to puff out my chest take a deep breath, walk in and sit right in the front!

Those of you who know me well will know of my obsession with clean toilets will also be happy to know that I was very impressed with the amenities at the Oz!

Now I got there late (well it was only 9 pm, but the band had started early!) so I only got to see one set - but they were really very good and the boys were obviously having a great time. The singer Steve has a really great gravelly blues voice and I am looking forward to hearing some more! I've not listened to a lot of the blues genre recently, but toddled off home to do some research because I liked what I heard.

I've heard all the 'popular' stuff like Zed Zed Top (hee hee the Australian pronunciation that I head last night) - apparently it it was an US-free zone last night!! No Mateweiser beer to be had either!

Black and Blue are playing there again next week (and every Friday nght) and another mutual friend Jen Carrol will join them for an acoustic set early and I must admit I am so excited to be able to hear her perform - she's a sensational vocalist.

The acoustic set will start around 6 (perfect to drop in on the way home from work) and then the boys will carry on till about 10-ish. A great way to start off your big Friday night - a meal in the bistro and some good music - you can then wander off into town and have a large night out!

I'm sure though once the boys gain a bit of a following they will play a little longer....

See you there next week :)

Soundparticles Gigs

2006-07-05T19:24:00.000+10:00

Arty sent me a list of up and coming Sound Particles Gigs...

Sun 9 July - The Spottiswoode, Spottwood - 5pm - 8pm

Sat 5 Aug - The Old Bar, Fitzroy - 9pm

Sat 12 Aug - The Spottiswoode, Spottwood - 8pm - 11pm

Fri 18 Aug - The Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick

Sun 20 Aug - The Spottiswoode, Spottwood - 5pm - 8pm

Wed 30 Aug - The Greyhound, St Kilda

Thurs 31 Aug - The Green Room, City

Sun 3 Sep - The Spottiswoode, Spottwood - 5pm - 8pm

Get thee along to one of these gigs :)

Grunge Loses Bass Player

2006-07-05T18:46:00.000+10:00

R.I.P Robbie "Rocket" Watts.

From The Age this week...

A GUITARIST in a Melbourne band that influenced grunge rockers, including Nirvana and Pearl Jam, has died. Robbie "Rocket" Watts from the Cosmic Psychos died suddenly on Saturday night after a gig in Bendigo. The band was not commercially successful but its churning high-octane rock has been cited as an influence by better-known bands, including Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Mudhoney, L7 and
Spiderbait.

UK band the Prodigy based Fuel My Fire on the Cosmic Psychos' Lost Cause. Neil Rogers, who hosts The Australian Mood on radio station Triple R, managed the band in its early days. "People here have just taken them for granted. They've never been fully recognised for the influence they've had," he said. "Without them a lot of the whole grunge (movement) wouldn't have happened."

Watts, 47, joined the band in 1990. His first album with the group, Blokes You Can Trust, was produced by Butch Vig, fresh from completing Nirvana's Nevermind.

The band began about 1982 as a foursome. In recent years, it was a trio made up of Watts, long-time vocalist Ross Knight and drummer Dean Muller.

Band spokesman Chris Oldfield said Watts' impact could be measured in the many messages received from around the world since his death.

"It's sad you don't realise how influential someone is until they're dead," he said. The father of four was a strong banjo player and busked outside football games, Oldfield said.

Cosmic Psychos Edited From their Agency Website:

The Cosmic Psychos hail from Melbourne and started around 1982 with Bill Walsh, Ross Knight, original guitarist Peter Jones and a vocalist. Previously, Bill Walsh was playing with Peter Jones in a band called ‘Spring Plains’. The line up was Steven Morrow on vocals, Bill Walsh on drums, Peter Jones on guitar, Neal Turton on bass.

Eventually Ross joined, they kicked the vocalist out in 85’ and went on as a three piece and changed the name to the Cosmic Psychos. They soon released a 5 track EP titled ‘Down On The Farm’. This was initially released on Mr Spaceman records. After that came their first full-length album of 12 tracks, being a self-titled album in 1987. Various singles were also released around this time including ‘Lead me Astray/ No Money’.

Robbie Watts replaced Peter Jones. The guitarist changed, but the three-chord barrage of in your face rock was still intact.

With a new guitarist in the band, they released ‘Blokes You Can Trust’. This was recorded in America and produced by then unknown producer Butch “Nevermind” Vig. The sound of the band was starting to get heavier and even tighter.

Early music influences include Radio Birdman, The Saints, Sex Pistols, Slade, Gary Glitter, early Kiss and early AC/DC (Bon Scott era).

Robbie, who joined the band in 1990, has a couple of kids. Being a great self taught guitarist, who seems very much influenced by Hendrix with his soaring feedback and wha-wha solos. Bill being the eldest of the bunch (around 40), only recently settled down with his girl friend. The song ‘Super Vixen’ was written about her as Bill realised that women were the ones ultimately in charge. He also works at local Melbourne radio station PBS.
And they’re no slouches to free beer. A philosophy of drink all the beer before you play, otherwise some other bastard will drink it while you’re up there playing on stage. Most of the time they seem to get out of paying for bar tabs by smiling a lot and tipping the bar staff!

They are good mates with Mudhoney, and even toured with Pearl Jam. They were booed for their 40-minute set when they played in Sydney, so it was no surprise that they bared their arses at the crowd of 37,000.

Where did the dropping the pants come from? They did a shitty gig at some pub in Germany and as a bit of fun, dropped their daks. The idea came from Ross watching Rage (Australian Music Program) one night, and this heavy metal band were holding hands and bowing. It’s taking the piss out of stadium rock acts. After they started doing it, L7 also dropped their dacks on BBC TV, afterwards stating that the Psychos showed them how to do it.

The Black and Blues Band

2006-07-05T18:39:00.000+10:00

The guys at Black and Blue let me know about a new gig for them on Friday nights...I will see you there!

Black and Blue have landed a sweet regular gig at the Hotel OZ (check their website at ), 177 Dryburgh St, North Melbourne.
There'll be an unplugged set from 6pm, followed by the full show of rockin' blues you've come to know and love from 7.30pm onwards. It all starts this Friday night, 7th July, and will be every Friday afterwards.
ALSO COMING UP -
We'll be back at the John Barleycorn Hotel, Johnson St, Collingwood, on Sunday 13th August. The Barleycorn is always a great gig and hopefully we'll have another band joining us for the occasion.
Times TBA - but whack it into your diary anyway.

Don't forget to check the gig guide on the band's website for the latest goss on where we're playing.

BLACK AND BLUE - Melbourne's Dirtiest Blues Band.

A Tour Diary

2006-07-01T19:49:00.000+10:00

I have no life.....which is why I've spent almost the entire day surfing blogspot.

Here's a tour diary for "The Counterfeits" who are doing the rounds of English pubs!

Japan's Live Music Scene

2006-07-01T15:11:00.000+10:00

I stumbled across this interesting blog today.

Ken has this to say in his "About Me" section...

Ken M - Japan Live
Location:Tokyo, Japan
I'm a foreigner in Tokyo. I often go to two or three live music shows a week in this city that is an Asian rock 'n' roll center. During my time in Japan I've discovered unforgettable bands like advantage Lucy, Orange Plankton, Plectrum, Spangle call Lilli line, Swinging Popsicle, Vasallo Crab 75, Cecil, Hartfield, Burger Nuds, Moga The 5 Yen and many others. Their music, shows and lifestyles are discussed here.

Scroll down a bit to read the article on
"A Store Called Janis" which quite possibly was the pre-techno version of Napster!

Big band...Big Music

2006-06-27T23:32:00.000+10:00

Tonight I took Mum and Dad to one of my very favourite places in Melbourne (at least on a Tuesday night anyway!)

Every Tuesday night at the Rising Sun Hotel in South Melbourne (on the corner of Raglan Street and some other street I can't remember), the 17 piece Downbeat Big Band is in residence. On alternating Tuesdays, Bobby Valentine and Andy Free sing and tonight was the night for Andy! This band is also great! All the brass you could want for your Tuesday night, plus some. It's kind of a rotating line-up so you see some different faces each week, there are a few regulars, all of them with absolutely NO personality can I say - well that's not entirely true - they're a very funny bunch! Musically, all your old swing favourites and a few modern ones thrown in for good measure.

Personally I like Andy's singing the best. (although this doesn't get me any free drinks - no matter how much I say it!)

If you like your music big and brassy - get along to the Riser on a Tuesday! Tell Andy and/or Bob I said hi!

As a bonus - the food is great too and I can recommend the Grant Burge Shiraz!

Songs Sonnets and Rock and Roll - 4 August 2006

2006-06-26T19:12:00.000+10:00

Some of Melbournes finest musicians and actors celebrating the songs of Shakespeare and the scenes that surround them. Book early - this is always a very popular event!

Cast & Musicians

Richard Piper
Paul Norton
Kate Kendall
Gerry Hale
Luciano Martucci
Greg Ham
Rod Mullinar
Sam Lemann
Julie Nihill
Wendy Stapleton
Kimberley Wheeler

Where: Hardimans Hotel, Macaulay Road tel. 9372 1340
When: Friday 4th August 2006,
Doors: 7pm, performance commences 8pm
A donation of $15 per person is asked at the door to cover costs

Words: by William Shakespeare
Music: by Paul Norton and Richard Piper
Directed: by Richard Piper.

Rebecca's Up and Coming Gigs

2006-06-26T19:07:00.000+10:00

The lovely Rebecca Barnard has a few shows coming up -

July Sunday 9th gig for Emily's List (set up to get more female polititians into the ALP) at the Hi Fi Bar Melbourne from 1.00pm with Shelley Scown
July Saturday 15th at Grand Central, Richmond with MY band doing all the new stuff
July Wednesday 26th at Bar Open Brunswick St Fitzroy with Shane O'Mara
July Friday 28th at The Palais Hepburn Springs with my band.
Coincidentally it is Shanes and Rebeccas's 17th wedding anniversary that night so there may be a little post gig celebration that you are invited to if you buy tickets to the show. (from Rebecca's website)

I'll be booking for the Grand Central show :) See you there! Of course there will be a review later :) Watch this space.

June/July at the Northcote Social Club

2006-06-26T18:55:00.000+10:00

Chris sent me the latest Northcote Social Club Gig Guide....thanks! Some excellent gigs coming up...I can feel a social life coming on!

22 June The Band Who Knew Too Much
23 June Lucid
24 June The Hot Lies
29 June Liz Stringer
30 June Kid Confucius
1 July Sodastream
2 July Sodastream
5 July Felicity Urquhart
6 July Tooth
7 July Snog
8 July Custom Kings
9 July Clare Bowditch & The Feeding Set
13 July Angie Hart
14 July Limited Express (Has Gone?) (Japan)
15 July Mates Of State (USA) - selling fast!
19 July The Audreys
20 July The Audreys - selling fast!
21 July The Fauves
22 July All India Radio23 July Don Walker & The SF's
26 July Triosk
27 July Emma Heeney
28 July Nick Murphy & Shylo
29 July Legends Of Motorsport
30 July Andy Baylor
1 Aug Carus (acoustic)
9 Aug Sara Storer

301 High St Northcote www.northcotesocialclub.com

Interesting Article from The Age today.

2006-06-20T18:52:00.000+10:00

This article in The Age Newspaper today got me thinking....

In it, Toby Creswell, rock writer and author of "1000 Songs: The Great Songs of All Time and the Artists, Stories and Secrets Behind Them" is quoted as nominating his top three songs of the 80s as Paul Simon's "You Can Call me Al", Bob Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody" and Stephen Cumming's "She Set Fire to the House". All great songs, but I have to admit they're probably not the first that come to anyone's mind as top 80's songs!

The 80s was the era of the one-hit-wonder...does ANYONE actually remember Kajagoogoo; and the makeover of previously successful artists - think Rod Stewart and Tina Turner; there were hundreds of really good songs! Please bear in mind I was a hairdresser in the 80's so the term hairdo music really sits well with me...Flock of Seagulls, Depeche Mode, Aha, The Human League, Howard Jones, Tears For Fears, I loved them all!

Now surely we can come up with songs that mean more to us as our indicator of what 80's music held for us...How about Prince - When Doves Cry, U2 - Anything from the Joshua Tree Album (all great songs) something from REM perhaps, or Paul Kelly...., Split Enz, Mondo Rock's "Come Said the Boy" was one of my favourites, the possibilities are endless!

Please add a comment telling me what YOUR top picks are for 80's music....either top Australian picks or top picks general! You choose!

I look forward to reading your lists!

We can cover other eras later!

Up and Coming at the Corner Hotel!

2006-06-20T07:50:00.000+10:00

The Corner Hotel in Richmond is a great live music venue - in fact when I first moved to Melbourne my first live gig was a SKA festival there and it was sensational!

Chris forwarded me the Corner Hotel newsletter yesterday so I thought I would list the upcoming shows here..... I think Clare Bowditch is a must see (and I like KissChasy too - will be difficult to choose just one gig that week) and I hear that the Swedish Bnad Dungen are pretty good too!

Again, if you go to any of these gigs I'd love to publish your review here :) Just email me!

16/6 The Go Set
18/6 'Remote Memory' - a tribute to Elliott Smith
23/6 Jen Cloher & The Endless Sea
24/6 Musiki Manjaro
30/6 The Beautiful Girls
1/7 Kisschasy
7/7 FourPlay
8/7 Clare Bowditch & The Feeding Set
14/7 The Casanovas
15/7 The Presets
18/7 Dungen (Sweden)
21/7 'Wrestlerock 2'
25/7 Mogwai (Scotland)
4/8 Radio Birdman
5/8 Ringworm (USA) + Mindsnare
6/8 Shane Howard + Neil Murray
19 & 20/8 All-American Rejects (USA)

Phone bookings03 9427 9198

Online bookings www.cornerhotel.com

Split Enz @ Rod Laver Arena 11 June 2006

2006-06-16T21:02:00.000+10:00

A review - kindly provided by the "The Geofman " (He called himself that!!!)

Was lucky enough to score tickets to see this awesome and underrated band! (in my opinion). I actually saw these guys way back in 1984 in Townsville ( showing my age here) and 22 years later they are still very impressive! Tim & Neil Finn still are quite a musical force to be reckoned with…..

They were supported by N.Z band Evermore, who played a great set and got a very warm response from the crowd - which was a sellout. Excellent stage and light show. The stage resembled something like looking at bacteria through a microscope, and the band came on stage under a cover which made them look like an amoeba which was whisked off and there they were in their zany, colorful outfits and opened up with shark attack, followed by poor boy.

Most of their material was from the albums Dizrythmia, Frenzy, True colors (NO Crowded House), and Corroboree, the line up from 1980-82 (Tim/Neil Finn, Eddie Raynor - Keys, Nigel Griggs - Bass, Mal Green - Drums/Perc, Noel Crombie - Drums/Perc)/

This is some of what was played:

One Step Ahead
6 Months in a Leaky Boat
Double Happy
I See Red
Without a Doubt
Pioneer
Take a Walk
Straight Old Line
Message to My Girl
Whats the Matter With You
I Hope I Never
Charlie

Their last two songs, "I See Red" and "History Never Repeats" absolutely bought the house down. It was funny that as a drummer I thought that having two drummers would have been a huge sound, but they produced a lovely rythmic balanced musical sound.

A great, tight band still rocking on!

Thanks for the run down Geoff - some of us weren't so lucky as to attend :)

For movie lovers :)

2006-06-14T20:47:00.000+10:00

Stumbled across this blog that has movie reviews for just about any movie you can think of! Great! They're quite detailed so if you don't want to be put off....probably best not to read them till after you've seen a movie! (Just to see if you agree)!

For Canberra Punters

2006-06-14T20:16:00.000+10:00

Matt sent me an email about a gig in Canberra this Friday!

The Green Room,
Altree Crt, Phillip (above O'sheas)
Doors open at 8.30,
18+, Free Entry
Embryonic 8.45-9.15 (Matt's Band)
Escape Syndrome 9.30-10
Sound Pilot 10.15-10.45
After Close 11.11-30

Four bands - free entry what more could you want :)

If you go - write me a review and I wil post it here :)

Happenings at Hardiman's

2006-06-14T20:01:00.000+10:00

Rick and Jane from Hardiman's sent a list of their up and coming events and there are a lot of gigs happening there over the next few months!

Downstairs at Hardiman's is as busy as usual with great food and entertainment on every night.
Now with enthusiasm help and support of the music industry in particular Gerry Hale, Paul Norton and Jane Clifton, Upstairs @ Janie's is evolving as the room to play. Don't miss Special Events @ Hardimans - Upstairs @ Janie,
Sundays has grown to be something extra special with entertainment starting at 4pm and continuing into the evening with Wendy, Paul, and Michael.
Tuesdays GERRY HALE'S INNOCENT BYSTANDERS with special guest every Tuesday $10. Last night Gerry special featured a Blue Grass Jam Session.
Friday the 16th June THE AUSTRALIAN VAN MORRIS ON SHOW : Tickets are $20 - not to be missed and booking fast.
Mondays in July Jane @ Janie's! Spend the evening with the fabulous Jane Clifton -tickets $15.
Friday the 3rd August Sonnets Songs & Rock and Roll

PS: Gerrys bluegrass jam session was fantastic and looks set to build into a great event every month. Hardiman's is becoming a really great music venue! And a bloody great pub to boot!

New Guitar

2006-06-13T21:33:00.000+10:00

I just won a 'new' guitar on e-Bay...actually it's an older Cort Earth 50E-NS Electric/Acoustic but my first one so I'm pretty happy with myself...will see if I like it and then perhaps next year upgrade to a newer one ;). I have to make myself practise and then I will deserve a new one...I will won't I?

My new guitar has (according to the seller) a Mahogany back, sides and neck with rosewood fingerboard which has mother of pearl dots.The machine heads are closed and chrome plated. (I have no idea what that means - guitarist out there please enlighten me!!) The top is edged with a fine 5 ply binding. It comes with a Cort CE-300 Active EQ system and pickup which enables you to plug into any amplifier, if required.

I'm so excited! I'm electrified at last!

I've also seen some lovely resonators at The Acoustic Centre, and at Beltone Guitars (you can even hear some at this site). I want one of these so badly! LHM (Littlest Household Member) loves the gold Dobro - my boy has great taste! The Acoustic Centre is luckily for me right close by my work and I can go drool over them whenever I want!

After Friday night - Bill needs to keep one of these in the boot of his car!

My dream though is to win lotto then drive myself out to the Maton factory and have a one-off-specially-designed-girlie-guitar just for me!

What the?

2006-06-12T15:02:00.000+10:00

Mark Chopper Read has his own MySpace website...it's listed under HipHop/Hardcore/Rap! What the??? Is there anything at all this man won't try - stand-up guy, artist, author, poet and now rap superstar!

Now you might be wondering how a good girl like me (where is that angelic halo when I need it???) happened upon Chopper Read's blog...I'm not quite sure, I was just checking out Top Jimmy's MySpace (nice friends TJ :o)) and followed a few links and there it was!

Bloody good read, and there are some downloads there too! So have a listen - IF you're into that sort of thing!

Usual Sunday Bliss

2006-06-12T09:31:00.000+10:00

Again, I ventured into Hardiman's for my usual Sunday night.

It's a long weekend here in Melbourne, so I took some friends with me, Geoff (drummer with Beyond Therapy), Janine from work, and I also met up with Amanda and Al.

Now, it's a very funny story how I came to catch up with Amanda after 23 years! Amanda and I went to high school together (up to Grade 10) in Tasmania. I left school and did a hairdressing apprenticeship and I'm not sure what Amanda did.

The very first night I ever went to Hardiman's, I went on my own, and settled myself in on the Chesterfield to listen to the music (not sure who it was that night). I saw this couple on the sofa across from me and the girl looked really familiar! After a while I plucked up the courage to go ask her if her name was Amanda and shock horror she said yes AND she recognised me too (which concerned me somewhat because I was really hoping I had changed A LOT)! So there you have it, 23 years later, in a small pub in suburban Melbourne I bump into an old school friend.

I'm really looking forward to Amanda and Al's birthday party soon...lots of nice new people who don't know me :)

Because of the long weekend I suspect, the downstairs bar was packed again, we managed to get a table and enjoy some yummy food (steak for me, risotto for Geoff and spring rolls for Janine), a few glasses of wine of course and the inimitable talents of Paul, Wendy and Michael to chill to.

Geoff was a first-timer and suitably impressed and has vowed to bring the rest of the band to check them out soon as well :) A job well done I think - single-handedly building the fan base of my favourite trio :)

I know I keep going on about it - but really if you like your music live and acoustic then you can't go wrong at Hardiman's on a Sunday night. Absolutely the best! Lots of stuff you will be able to sing along to (if that's your bent) and a heap of stuff that you wont know but will have to go hunt down after you've heard it! If you fancy yourself as a bit of a twinkletoes, there's plenty of dancing to be had too...really there's something for everyone!

Look forward to seeing you there!

Also it's come to my attention that lots of people are reading my blog....so please leave me a comment so I know you've dropped by!

Beyond Therapy - Unplugged!

2006-06-10T08:20:00.000+10:00

Have you ever said you would do something - then hours later wondered what on earth you've let youself in for.....?

Janine, Ruth and I were right there last night.

I promised Geoff I'd go to see Beyond Therapy play their acoustic gig at Cunnigham's in Yarra Junction. No issues there - I'd pretty much go just about anywhere to check out a band! I THOUGHT that the venue was located at the start of the Warburton Highway (might take me an hour or so to get there from the city right?...Mistake number one!

I left home around 4 pm....dropped LHM at the place where he was sleeping over (cool!), drove back into the city and picked up Janine from work at Southbank (4.45), quick cup of coffee, drove down to Albert Park to collect Ruth (with fabulous new hairstyle - 5.20) and then we made our way to the Eastern Freeway!

Geoff had kindly booked us a table for dinner at 7.45...I thought, "great we'll be early", and the three of us were starving so we were looking forward to a good country pub feed! Mistake number two...We finally FOUND the pub at around 7.35 so we weren't early at all, however the 'good country pub feed was delivered!!

The drive was a lot of fun, but the night got better from there.....

Firstly...the pub. What a sensational place. From the minute we walked in and warmed our behinds in front of the fire, till the moment we left, we had an absolute ball! There's something about country pubs that just wins you over, the location, the atmosphere, the people (and last night) the music!

Tiffany, the lovely waitress in the dining room sorted us out with some great food, Ruth and I liked the sound of chicken kiev and Janine decided on some risotto, sides of garlic and cheeses and herb bread filled us up after our trek...(I know! I know! all that garlic - but we didn't plan on kissing anyone ok!) Geoff kindly bought us a glass of red wine had a bit of a chat and then headed off to start up the band! (Actually they had to come collect him as they thought he'd absconded, when really he was just out the back enjoying a glass of red with the ladies!)

We ate dinner, drank some more wine, and missed most of the first set - bugger! (sorry guys but we really were starving!)

The very small room was choc-a-bloc of the most fabulous characters you could think of...

Al, with the biggest akubra I've ever seen, kindly offered all three of us a swag on the floor of his "snowy mountain hut" if we didn't want to drive back to the city. (Apparently we'd have to put up with the smell of horse shit because he said he wouldn't take his boots off!!!)
Jools, leather pants and the most violent foot-stomping I've ever witnessed - I worried for my toes! Jools' mates whose names I don't remember who danced all night just about and urged us to do the same!
Johnno the birthday boy and his mates, who were very untidy when mum came to pick them up at the end of the night, but they were having a ball! ( I think you know you're getting old when you look around the pub and wonder if two-thirds of the patrons (AND their mothers) are old enough to actually be there!!!)

Now to get to the important bit (poor Geoff has rather impatiently read all through the stuff above to get to this)...the band.

Acoustic is definitely the way to go in this tiny venue! Perfect! And once the lead singer (go Gary!) upped the volume so we could hear him - it was great! Geoff the percussion was really very good and Bill you really should leave the guitar smashing to the big names, it really get's expensive when you do that! (poor Bill was so enthused, his guitar came off the strap, fell and cracked the headstock)... luckily musicians' faithful "gaffa" saved the night!! No such disasters for John though!

A really good mix of oldies and newies that we could all sing to! Favourites...hard to pick, but definitely the AC/DC songs which took on an almost (but not quite) "Hayseed Dixie feel. Others included (all the pub-favourites) and in no particular order - just what I remembered in my bleary haze this morning (and no coffee yet - ran out of milk!):

Gloria / Jailbreak
Betterman
April Sun in Cuba
Hard To Handle
Mustang Sally
Walking By Myself
Run to Paradise
Jessies Girl
Boys Light Up
Summer of 69
Backstreet Pickup
Blister in the Sun
Wild Thing/Louie Louie
(edited to add a couple of Elvis songs too)

Is it just me, or is it hilarious hearing teenagers singing along to songs that were written before they were even born!?

Anyway the band was great (did I say that already?) and before I left, I made sure I told the publican exactly that, so expect to be booked again guys;) I'll remember to pack my saddlebags and a water bottle for the drive next time!

Sundays in June - Camberwell

2006-06-08T17:12:00.000+10:00

Each Sunday afternoon in June, you can pop along to Chi Wa Wa's Cafe Bar and Restaurant, have a cup of your favourite coffee (and cake of course) and hear all your jazz favourites performed by Jo Abbott; (piano and vocals) and Andy Free; (bass and vocals).

1.00 – 4.00 pm

At Chi Wa Wa’s
Café bar and lounge
212 Camberwell Road
Camberwell

Pop along for a coffee or two and say hi to Andy for me :) If you ask him nicely - he'll do requests!

By the way...

2006-06-06T06:18:00.000+10:00

A few weeks ago I was lucky to be at the Chapel on Chapel (sensational venue) to see Bruce Mathiske. Bruce is arguably one of the best guitarists in Australia. I spent two hours (right in the front seat too) mesmerised by his incredible ability....AND he played the didgeridoo at the same time!

For the most part, it was just Bruce, his Maton acoustic/electric guitar and a weird but wonderful amplified didgeridoo! No flashy set, a few lights, and a bottle of water, nothing was required to make this guy sound and look good - all eyes were on his fingers anyhow!

From the very first second he started playing, you could see this guy was just having fun, loving what he does!

He played everything from 'Eleanor Rigby', 'What a Wonderful World', Paul SImon's 'Gumboots' the haunting 'Soft Day In Athlone', 'Nightmare with Strings', some of the most beautiful 'landscape music' I've ever heard, along with Jazz, latin-influenced songs, and some good folksy ballads (assisted vocally by his uncle whose name I just can't remember - sorry unc!).

If you are a guitarist, or aspire to be, this guy is a must-see...he will blow you away with his skill and make you want to practice 24 hours a day! Check out his website - you can download a few things there and have a listen!

Damn nice bloke too!

Swinging Saturday Night

2006-06-05T18:12:00.000+10:00

This Saturday 10th June, Navilus are playing at the Clayton RSL from 7.30 till 10.30. So, if you want to dance yourselves into a frenzy (swing dancing of course) get yourself down there.

My friend Andy will be singing and he's very smooooooth!

Sunday at Hardiman's

2006-06-05T09:03:00.000+10:00

Last night was my usual outing to Hardiman's. I'd spent the entire weekend with Economics and Management Science textbooks and my pc and quite franky I needed a glass or two of red and a nice litte sit down.

Fortunately, last night at Hardiman's was "rockin" to say the least - a great tonic for the brain drain I was experiencing. Usually, the downstairs bar is not too crowded, very relaxing and quite the chill-out place, but last night the place was jam packed with people having a great time - which really goes without saying as Hardiman's really is a great pub (must be the people)!

The Norton/Stapelton/Cristian trio were there being their usual sensational selves and the bigger-than-normal crowd of twenty-somethings were very appreciative, as were the regulars (we're a little more than twenty-something) who were herded into the far corner as tables and seats were at a premium last night!

This would have to be one of the best trios in Melbourne, if not THE best and they never fail to deliver whatever it is you're looking for at the time. They play a great mix of songs to sing along to, and for two guitars and a tambourine they have a really big sound. If you like acoustic Sundays then make sure you check out Hardiman's. It's worth the trip just to see Rick's monstrous wine glass, Jane's sparklers AND to devour one of their huge parmigianas!!

Rick and Jane are the best Sunday hosts and always make everyone very welcome - just like going home for a Sunday dinner really and as I settled down on the arm of the chesterfield lounge, I thought to myself that I could have quite happily just stayed there all night.

Songs that have a lasting effect....

2006-06-04T12:27:00.000+10:00

I had a bit of a discussion last night about songs that have an 'extraordinary' effect on you....so I thought I would make a list here of songs that "do things" to me.....and the reasons why....if I know them!

Amazing Grace - a really powerful song that I have trouble singing without tears.
The Winner Takes it All - An ABBA song. I was about 15 or 16 I think and my first boyfriend dumped me to this song....on occasions depending on my mood - it still makes me teary! (I'm a girl after all!).
I Can't Make You Love Me - *sigh* read the lyrics......unrequited love at it's best!
She's Only Happy in the Sun - Ben Harper...don't know why.
Now I Can Dance - lots of reasons.....none of which I care to share here :)

Now I have successfully let you in on just how "girlie" I am...I'm going to listen to something happy!!

Songwriters Speak

2006-06-02T15:02:00.000+10:00

I ordered my copy of this book today....can't wait for it to arrive now although I did borrow a copy so I can start reading this weekend.....yes I know it's not economics...but much more interesting.

Some of the songwriters interviewed include:

Nick Cave
Deborah Conway
Richard Clapton
Joy McKean
Iva Davies
Colin Hay
Archie Roach
Daniel Johns

...just to name a few.

In the preface, Debbie Kruger writes about her book " ...this is not essentially a book about the interntational success of Australian music. It is a collection of in-depth conversations with songwriters whose work has left an indelible imprint on Australia's cultural landscape. It is an insight into the hearts and minds of some of our greatest musical poets." (page 11).

It is also sad that ill health and the eventual passing of so many of our great songwriters meant they couldn't be included in this book. Debbie tells us that Ted Mulry's passing was one of the catalysts for getting the book started...and also shares her sadness that Slim Dusty passed away before she was able to speak with him.

I was raised on country music, and I would have loved to hear what Slim himself had to say about his life and songs.

Slim was the favourite with my father. Any great long trips in the car would have dad bringing out the Slim Dusty cassette's (and now CDs). We knew all the words, and while we would never let the kids from school know we liked it - secretly I think we did. The songs were all such great Australian stories and many of them became our favourites. I know now, that my son still likes to hear his granddad's music and sings along with them too!

I recall living in St Mary's (see Teddy Bear's Picnic post) and seeing my first 'live' music gig. It was held at the St Mary's Town Hall. I saw Slim Dusty and Joy McKean, and their daughter Anne sang too - she mustn't have been much more than 10 or so. I think there were also a few others including Reg Lindsay and Chad Morgan (what a character).

I think it was that experience (and Young Talent Time of course) that propelled me headlong into a desire to entertain and I sang at every opportunity!

After quite a few years of not singing, recently I got up the courage to start again and I'm very glad I did. I didn't realise how much I missed being in front of an audience.

Debbie, I am very grateful for your hard work in allowing us to delve into the minds of those around us who have talents we can only aspire to. Thanks!

Reminiscing

2006-06-01T22:44:00.000+10:00

Geoff so kindly reminded me of the very first song I ever sung in public....I was 5 and the occasion was the St Mary's District School (Tas) concert...the song...The Teddy Bears Picnic....the words...as below!

If you go out in the woods today
You're sure of a big surprise.
If you go out in the woods today
You'd better go in disguise.
For every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain, because
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic.

Picnic time for teddy bears,
The little teddy bears are having a lovely time today.
Watch them, catch them unawares,
And see them picnic on their holiday.

See them gaily dance about.
They love to play and shout.
And never have any cares.
At six o'clock their mommies and daddies
Will take them home to bed
Because they're tired little teddy bears.

If you go out in the woods today,
You'd better not go alone.
It's lovely out in the woods today,
But safer to stay at home.
For every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain, because
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic

CHORUS

Every bear, that's been good
Is sure of a treat today
There's lots of wonderful things to eat
And wonderful games to play
Beneath the trees, where nobody sees
They'll hide and seek as long as they please
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic

CHORUS

Songwriting

2006-06-01T21:29:00.000+10:00

I'm working on the music for a song I wrote a couple of weeks ago. The motivation behind this song is of course a love gone wrong - aren't they all!

I'm having a real time trying to stop it from sounding really angry! This is probably because at the time I WAS really pi$$ed off...perhaps I should just make it a devastatingly cranky blues song and be done with it....!

What key was it that was meant to be the saddest key of all? I'll have to get the Spinal Tap DVD out to watch again!

As an aside, my little man (LHM) wrote his first song tonight - it floored me! It's really insightful and lovely and almost made me cry and I can't decide whether it's because it's great (for a ten year old - MY ten year old) or it's just a great lyric. Mind you I came back to earth with a thud when he asked me what rhymed with "snoring"!!!

I will have to teach him a lesson in knowing when to stop :)

Research

2006-06-01T20:29:00.000+10:00

I've been listening to a lot of music lately trying to get together a list of things I might like to sing....always a good thing for a singer to have handy!

Tonight I stumbled across a couple of goodies!

A really cool Melissa Etheridge song "You Can Sleep While I Drive". It's a duet with Jewel....if you get the opportunity - give it a whirl on your record player!!!

The lyrics....

You can Sleep While I drive
Written by Melissa Etheridge.(© Almo Music Corp./M L E Music.)

Come on baby let's get out of this town
I got a full tank of gas with the top rolled down
There's a chill in my bones
I don't want to be left alone
So baby you can sleep while I drive

I'll pack my bag and load up my guitar
In my pocket I'll carry my harp
I got some money I saved
Enough to get underway
And baby you can sleep while I drive

We'll go thorough Tucson up to Santa Fe
And Barbara in Nashville
says we're welcome to stay
I'll buy you glasses in Texas
A hat from New Orleans
And in the morning
you can tell me your dreams

You know I've seen it before
This mist that covers your eyes
You've been looking for something
That's not in your life
My intentions are true
Won't you take me with you
And baby you can sleep while I drive

Oh is it other arms you want to
Hold you the stranger
The lover you're free
Can't you get that with me

Come on baby let's get out of this town
I got a full tank of gas
With the top rolled down
If you won't take me with you
I'll go before night is through
And baby you can sleep while I drive

I've also been listening a lot to Neko Case, and Corrine Bailey Rae...I've got a bit of a 'thing' for the ladies lately! Hmmmmm hope that is not indicative!

If you have a song suggestion - please let me know...remembering of course I'm one half an acoustic duo!

Beyond Therapy - 10 June 2006

2006-06-01T20:14:00.000+10:00

Lucky boys (and lucky gig-goers) two gigs in one weekend for this great 80s/90s pub band!

Nyora Hotel
46 Davis St Nyora!

And it's FREE ENTRY! Bonus!

Beyond Therapy - Acoustically

2006-05-31T18:26:00.001+10:00

The boys from Beyond Therapy are playing a one off acoustic gig at a little Irish pub in the Yarra Valley on Friday 9th June! Sorry I can't remember the name of the pub but I'll post it when I remember!

Will be great! Don't miss that if you're in the area!

***Update*** (to edit DATE and LOCATION!)

Cunninghams Hotel & Restaurant 24 Warburton Hwy Yarra Junction

Don't miss it!

2006-05-31T18:26:00.000+10:00

Rebecca Barnard let me know today that she and her fabulous band (and a heap of others) will be playing at Federation Square on Friday 2nd June between 1.00 pm and 1.45 pm. So if you're a fan - get yourself down there to check it all out!

There will be bands etc all day and the event is to launch the "Sunny Day in Winter" event which is being run by an organisation called Interchange.

The musical entertainment is free :) But please visit the website and see what Interchange does in our community :)

Great Book

2006-05-30T17:43:00.001+10:00

Debbie Kruger has written an awesome book which includes interviews with 45 great songwriters, many of them Australian (with a few NZers that we claim as our own too :)

Take a look - you can order a signed copy from the website.....

I will let you know all about it when I get my copy!

Must have been mad!

2006-05-29T22:55:00.000+10:00

Saturday I made the big mistake of going to Billy Hydes (BHM) .

When I got there, I was surprised to see people CAMPED outside. Yes, you read that correctly - there were people camping outside the shop. I had seen the ads on telly for a sale, but I didn't think the sale was THAT big! Apparently it was. There were HUGE discounts on things I didn't need (drum kits, electric guitars, pianos etc). Anyhow I decided to NOT go there that day. I went Sunday instead.

All I wanted to get was bongo drums for the LHM and a tambourine for me.

A very funny experience recently when at a rehearsal, one of the guys gave me the tambourine to play, and then not two nano-seconds later took it from me. Apparently I am not that good at it. So I thought I would get one and practise! Actually the tambourine is a deceiving instrument it's not that easy to play.....that's my story and I am sticking to it!

Anyway I got a really good deal on both items and LHM is happily belting away at the bongos which is just marginally less offensive than if I had bought him a real drum kit...

Intro

2006-05-29T22:45:00.000+10:00

Welcome to my musical blog.

In it I might tell you about gigs I've been to, or sang in. I might tell you all about the acoustic duo James and I are putting together and I might let you know about things that are coming up in my home city of Melbourne (or further a field). I might also let you in on what I am listening to. No rules.

BUT it will be all about the music.

I sing.

I play the guitar...but not very well. (I am practising)

I play the tambourine, just not when I'm singing... it's bloody hard to do two things at once...I can play my guitar and sing, but the bloody tambourine gets me every time..I just forget it's in my hand!

I write the occasional song.

Stay tuned for more musical adventures of the Vintage Rock Godess!