Thriller makes the world go round

Before I begin I must apologise as this post will probably be one of the most disjointed and non cohesive posts ever. But I have quite a bit I feel inclined to post about.

Firstly, I know a lot of friends who read this are going to Splendour in the Grass and incase you haven't heard already, The Klaxons have cancelled their Australian visit. In classic b-grade rocker style, a poorly landed stage jump from frontman Jamie resulted in a badly broken ankle (or some kind of leg area) and he just had surgery on it due to the fall.

I hate The Klaxons, honestly they are the softest budge of midgets I've ever seen. Doesn't anyone remember the good old days of the Big Day Out tours where Amen would trash everything and come close to killing themselves both on and off stage but still turn up and give a ripper show despite being quite an average outfit (see any parralels to the Klaxons? *coughs* mediocrity).

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Next up, for no other reason than pure enjoyment, I give you just a few of the many interpretations of the Michael Jackson "Thriller" dance from around the world. No point to this but it's funny.







And finally, good friend and indie scene enthusiast Cameron Davidson has started a new and exciting venture called Silent Boy Records which takes a focus on doing some of the promotional leg work for quality unsigned acts who in Cameron's opinion deserve more of the industry pie than they are currently getting.

His approach seems to be in the same vein as many Sydney music bloggers, that being to get the word out about what he likes however some may prefer his approach to say whiteboydancefloor as his methods do not involve the same amount of arrogance, opinionated propaghanda that we pride ourselves on.

So I suppose, if you want the truth and nothing but as well as a chance to check out a very good stable of fresh new music, look no further than friend requesting the Silent Boy Records myspace.

The first band Cam is featuring is the very promising, Aphony.

Myspace: Silent Boy Records

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And finally, I thought I'd give the old myspace a bit better of a work out, so head over to it and check out some of the latest tour dates from some amazing Aussie acts.

Myspace: whiteboydancefloor

Oh you've been so silent Jens

Bingo Halls are now a thing of the past for Jens Lekman. When he famously claimed he was giving up the life of a musician to work in a bingo hall somewhere in Sweden in late 2005, I was distraught as I am quite a fan of his folk-pop stylings. My pain has been eased because finally he is back armed with new material. His sound and musical vision is still intact after spinning that little cage filled with balls time and time again. His charm has not muted any after being holed up in what I'm assuming was a dusty old room filled with boring elderly folk. His experiences have been channeled into his new track, and as a result he sounds as good as ever

His new album entitled Night Falls Over Kortedala will be out early September in Scandinavia, yet we have no idea when it will be out here.

MP3: Jens Lekman - Friday Night at the Drive-In Bingo

MP3: Jens Lekman - Past, Present and Future (Agnetha Faltskog Cover)

I have these punks on the ropes

Photo taken by Kristian Hawker

I heart hiroshima are delightful. With every little EP they release they ever so slowly hydrate me with another replenishing droplet of nurturing sounds. With each EP, they get better and better maturing and growing even more enchanting than a soon to be legal Emma Watson.

Lately it seems the natural progression of many Australian bands is to drop the debut EP maybe follow it up with a second if that and then dive headfirst into the realms of making the dangerous LP's. A trend I heart hiroshima seem to have bucked thus far with 3 EP's that when put together a lesser outfit would have passed as an album. Instead, making them individual entities in a larger franchise, much like Harry Potter, we are able to see a collective developing with every new release. I suppose in some ways you could say I heart hiroshima are like the ideal girlfriend, they don't give it all away on the first date but once you get comfortable with them and vice versa, they give it up like a nun just out of the habit.

However, don't think I heart hiroshima are some virginal EP machine. This teasing and taunting all culminates in August with what im sure is going to be an exciting release entitled "Tuff Teef". The first single "Punks" has really resonated with me for some unknown reason and the male/female shared vocals are just inspiring.

I heart hiroshima are touring in August with kiwis The Mint Chicks.

Mp3: I heart hiroshima - Punks

Too much time & money on my hands

Lately I've found myself in a rather strange situation. With ruined, over worked weekends comes the delight of Tuesday pay day and the ensuing trips down to JB Hifi to blow some of that not so hard earned cash. Here are my spoils.

Calvin Harris - I Created Disco
After giving this one a listen, the claim of the album title isn't far off. A simple approach to lyrics / vocal leaves Calvin to focus on the insane hooks and beats. However I don't think he spends long on either, regardless the result is stunning. Gradually the album demonstrates a very "Calvin Harris approach" to making music and it makes me question why no one thought of it earlier. Without making this an advertisement for JB Hifi, I bought the album fresh for a meager $13 which either shows JB Hifi's lacking in identifying quality or their fear that the mind numbing masses will not take to this disco on legs.

Mp3: Calvin Harris - Colours

Young & Restless - Self Titled
It's rare to see a band more aptly named. Even with the spit polish of some serious financial backing and the skills of Tom Larkin, the bite of these guys is not any less powerful. A sound full of blissful rough energy and raw energy, the debut album from Young & Restless is a treat for Australian ears. Yet another testament to the brilliance of the Australian music scene and even more so, one artist we can all be proud to champion to our overseas friends. What's not to like, great music and damn good looking kids to boot.
P.s Isn't Karina a real treasure!

Mp3: Young & Restless - Kapow!

Bang Gang Deejays - LightSoundDance
From a personal point of view, I'm not really sure there is much point in reviewing anything the Bang Gang do because quite frankly I just love it all. While I do appreciate at times even for me, that whole Bang Gang /Australian electro sound can get a bit daft (especially when inept non Parisians try to match it). But I mean Light Sound Dance rekindled everything that makes this collective second to none. Put simply: Bang Gang bring the party. Advertising again, the fools at JB Hifi are selling this double cd 50 plus track gem for a cool $22.

Head over to Big Stereo and download the mouth watering
::Bang Gang Deejays - MiniMegaMix::

Also... On a completely different topic. I made comments about the Kanye West take on Daft Punk which were very negative. One blogger was quick to point out it was only a sample and I should reserve my opinion until I'd heard the whole song (wise advice at that). However, I'm pleased to say I am glad I am a genius because the song completely blows. The longer it goes on the more I am absolutely taken back at just how poor such a master of the mic has become. If this is someone "having fun" on a mixtape, God save us from what he does when he has an attempt at real music once again.

In Daft Punk we trust. And only Daft Punk.

Stages Of Separation

Is our season over?
No four leaf clover
I feel it's getting colder now that it's late fall
Can you still remember April to November?
You and I were members of the best team in baseball


The Mountain Goats - Game Shows Touched Our Lives

The Mountain Goats - No Children

Ryan Adams and the Cardinals - My Heart Is Broken

Ozma - Baseball

The Cure - Pictures Of You

Love - Alone Again, Or



Photo Credit

Pretend Not to Love...Tigercity!

Tigercity are a name which should not sound unfamilair to anyone who has visited whiteboydancefloor in the last year and a bit. They always excited me, now they ignite a fire in me. The sleek pop polish of "Are you sensation" sent disco infused shockwaves through my body and on a personal note, 2006 could not offer a more enjoyable song.

After some exposure in Rolling Stone magazine, I had to concede that the pop sheen that "Are you sensation" offered would be too much for such a blood sucking magazine to resist. I thought with anticipation and trepidation of the world conquering journey that Tigercity had in front of them. I guess a Maroon 5 type infectious yet at times annoying tag would not have been all that bad, but really I'd hoped Tigercity were more than sell outs.

I was wrong and very surprised. Rather than going down the path of easily processed pop which could be played on the Top 40 and even at your little sisters birthday party, Tigercity took the musical high ground. The tracks which I have heard from "Pretend not to Love" include a slower more sensual rendition of "Are you sensation" and overall Tigercity have embraced the wonders of Bill Gillem's faultless falsetto. This my friends, is everything I wished my local discotheque played.

Many bands are the some of their influences, but Tigercity are more like an original tribute to the triumph of listening to the right sounds.

I'm so proud to say, Tigercity will conquer the world and for all the right reasons.

Check out Tigercity's myspace page for the new tracks. We highly recommend new track "Powerstripe"

Gay Against You

I'm cool with gay people. Gay people are cool with me from what I can gather. But still every so often, like most of us, I let slip with the whole 'Oh thats gay' like I did as a youngster when dissing something.

Gay Against You are very gay, but at the same time are not gay at all.

Gay in the sense that they there is a certain campness to their music. Its a rainbow. Colours everywhere. Flamboyant. Fabulous. Its spazzed-up fuzzed up electro-buzz pop that is equally bizzare as it is satisfying. It hits every off-beat in my heart and leaves me feeling, well, gay. Why aren't they gay? Well they aren't gay in that school-yard 'Thats Gay' sort of way that is for certain.

MP3: Gay Against You - Sooo Heat





As long time fans myself and Pix were saddened by the passing of controversial broadcaster Stan Zemanek today as the result of a brain tumour. Whether or not you agreed with his conservative views or enjoyed his abrasive style, you cannot deny he was a very funny man and a marvelous entertainer and from all reports from those close to him a very decent human being. R.I.P Stan. The problem we have now is who will tell the lazy arts students and dole bludgers where to go jump now?

I Miss being a kid: Part 3

It's that time again.

I don't know if anyone else finds these youtube posts enjoyable to watch but I bloody love compiling them. If you think of anymore don't be shy to drop them so we can hopefully squeeze out a Part 4.

























I got to say, I think Part 3 is probably my favourite. Has all the cartoons I used to watch day in day out. Enjoy time wasting.

Kenya Believe It?

Thats the face of a happy man. Happy because his goddam tickets have finally arrived, giving him entry into the one and the only Splendour In The Grass 07. For those who are still unaware the second announcement has been made and depending on who you are you'll get different things out of it. Heres how it all went down:

Saturday: ASH + THE HORRORS + LOST VALENTINOS + OLD MAN RIVER + THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS + DAMIEN RICE + WILD MARMALADE + PAUL KELLY + THE PANICS + THE HERD + SNEAKY SOUND SYSTEM + EDITORS + PLANET ASIA + OPERATOR PLEASE + HOWLING BELLS + MUSCLES + DJ sets from CUT COPY (in club mode), RIOT IN BELGIUM, PURPLE SNEAKERS DJs and SEAN CANDY aka AB.

Sunday: TEENAGER + SPIDERBAIT + GOTYE + MIDNIGHT JUGGERNAUTS + CUT COPY+ HOLLY THROSBY + MAGNOLIA ELECTRIC CO + OK GO + BUMBLEBEEZ + KISSCHASY + MELLOW GOLD ROLLING THUNDER REVUE + DJ sets from FUNKTRUST DJs, MARK MURPHY and SEAN CANDY (aka AB)

A big list to join an already formidable lineup but heres my question: for all these rumours of Bjork, The Cure, QOTSA and many more its interesting to see that no one in these announcements is of headlining potential. Weird considering the rumours and the fact that The Cure have confirmed dates in the country that point to them playing Sunday as well. Maybe there will be a third announcement? Maybe not. Either way I've got my tickets now and thats the main thing. If you were lucky enough to get some too and its your first experience I reccommend you use the site and a bit of YouTube to take the 6-part virtual tour from last year. Soak up the atmosphere.

You may remember a few months ago, I can't quite remember when but I made a statement regarding my desire for co-incidences to unfold and the Smashing Pumpkins to head down but alas it appears not to be. The album is still on the way though and the video for the new single 'Tarantula' has been released and I'm quite enjoying it. Certainly has the potential to be a killer live song. I dont quite get the clip but watch it, listen to the song and make up your own mind:

And last but certainly not least I with you with the latest tourism campaign from Kenya. Recommended watching. Just click here

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Today's post is quite a special one. Not only does it deliver something completely different to the normally trodden paths of the whiteboydancefloor crew, but it is also the inaugural post of whiteboydancefloor's newest recruit Jess.

Five Reasons for Going to a Rockabilly/Psychobilly Gig

(based on seeing Zombie Ghost Train and the Nekromantix at the Annandale)

1) If you’ve ever wanted to dance around like a fool, waving your hands around rock n’ roll style, this is the place to do it and feel like no one cares. In fact it’ll probably give you cred if you manage pull off the moves (which I didn’t, but really, considering I had never attempted to dance in this way before I reckon I did alright; no one threw anything at my head so that’s a start). If you also enjoy a sing-a-long then this kind if music is perfect without feeling like you’ve gone back to primary school, since most of the lyrics are vulgar or dirty (see the Nekromantix song Horny in a Hearse) which can only make it that little bit more enjoyable.

2) It a scene to check out others and be checked out but instead of being rated on your body type, it’s an exhibition of revamped clothes and a mix-match of styles. That’s perhaps the great part of this genre and their punters; there’s no pressure to look a certain part or dress in a particular style as long as you make it your own. I saw anything from girls in 50s styled dresses with skull prints to guys in bright pimp suit jackets and leather pants. Whatever the fashion, you are guaranteed to see some crazy and outrageous things that will inspire you to go home, get out the sewing machine and start cutting up those clothes or raid through a local op-shop.

3) Following on from the spectacle of fashion, hair styles are also a major part of this scene…please don’t think that it’s a must in order for you to be able to go to these gigs or that it’s more about the style than the music itself! Really, it’s all about the event as a whole and you’d be surprised how much of a difference a crowd can make when they are influenced by the music and reflect a style which creates an aesthetic value to the experience. For girls there’s a range of short fringes, bobs, Mohawks, pinned curls, 50s inspired waves or pin-up fringes, just to name a few. For the boys there’s Mohawks, skin head, Elvis styled fringes, tall spiked up hair and my personal favourite the flat top.

4) If you are a fan of kitsch, pulp fiction and cult classic styles than this is certainly the kind of music for you. Most bands carry a theme with them, for Zombie Ghost Train it runs along the lines of ghoulish, living dead punkers with a splash of vibrant colour. As for The Nekromantix there’s an obvious theme of all things spooky, namely death, with self reference in the title, a coffin for their double bass and haunting laughs and sounds throughout their songs. Both bands take their themes and styles very seriously with attention to detail; anything to do with the band (from flyers, websites, album covers, stage names, instruments, threads and songs) is inspired and formed around this concept. I’m also a huge lover of puns and phrases which follow such concepts; For ZGT past albums include Glad Rags and Body Bags featuring a song titled Black, White and Dead. As for the Nekro’s the list is endless with songs such as, Demons are a Girls Best Friend, Return of the Loving Dead and Life’s a Grave-Dig It!

5) And finally, if you’re like me- a sucker for slapping…double bass that is, than you can’t go any further than these guys. Forget The Living End…you haven’t seen a double bass played at it’s most extreme until you have watched either of these bands. Zombie Ghost Train’s double bass player and back up vocals, Captain Reckless, certainly rocks out in style. He plays the instrument from all angles and levels, laying down, dancing around it and balancing on top of it. Having also played a whole set in roller skates, Captain Reckless is definitely one energetic guy who will pump up the crowd and deliver the music with thrilling entertainment. The Nekromantix lead vocals and upright bassist Kim Nekroman started out with a child’s coffin for his bass but due to the poor sound it provided, he fashioned his own in order to create the perfect look and sound. Even though these guys have been around since the late ‘80s they certainly haven’t lost any rhythm and energy (or looks either, me-ow! Kim is also married to rockabilly hottie, Patty lead vocals and upright bassist for The Horrorpops) managing to play a wild 10 minute solo and then impromptu performance between the drummer, this band feeds of each others energy and puts it out there in the crowd too.

The main reason why you should go and see a rockabilly/psychobilly gig is because of all of the above- it’s an experience unlike any other; all of your senses will be overwhelmed and I promise that it will be unlike anything else you’ve done before!

Myspace: Zombie Ghost Train

Knock Knock

In the words of Darkwing Duck "Lets get dangerous!". That's exactly what Lions at Your Door are doing and in the grandest of terms, "Glass bottles" captures a young band starting to spread their collectively seasoned wings and the results are mouth watering. "Glass bottles" shows this bunch branching out and kicking some major goals in my books. I think what baffles me the most about their latest track is how they cram in the drama, the gear shifts and raw power into a mere 3 minutes 33 seconds. Lions at Your Door are fast becoming one of those love / hate bands for me where I love what I'm hearing but I hate that I haven't been able to hear the mayhem unleash on my ears live.

One day my friends, One day.

But if you get the chance to catch these guys live, do it now while you have the chance to pay dirt cheap prices. As I've said before, I don't really see them staying Sydney's little secret for long.

Mp3: Lions at Your Door - Glass Bottles
Myspace: Lions at Your Door