Top 5 : Bryan Ferry/Roxy Music Tracks

Wow what an average year for music. I have been so uninspired I just seem to gravitate to the past all the time. So I have turned to Bryan Ferry, both with Roxy Music and in a solo capacity.

Bryan Ferry is easily one of the most dapper gentlemen ever to grace pop music. Brian Eno is probably one of the most influential and insane artists to grace the world of music. With and without Eno, Roxy Music were fantastic. The band continually reinvented themselves, starting off as an experimental beast and eventually becoming a super slick pop machine. When Ferry went solo, the quality kept on coming.

5. Oh Yeah - OK this may raise some eyebrows, but I cannot get enough of this song. Sure, it sounds like a song that the cheaply hired band would have played at a really daggy 1980's wedding. But I don't care. It is as infectious as hell and shows Roxy Music could make a pop song as good as anyone.

4. Remake/Remodel - Roxy Music emerged from the Royal College of Art in London in 1971 as a experimental prog band and created some smoking hot music, and Remake/Remodel is one of these smoking tracks. Eno is demonic on the synth, whilst the rest of the band belt out some incredible improvisation, a far cry from their later, more measured material.

3. More Than This - This is a wonderful song on its own, however after hearing Bill Murray's warbling, fractured version in Lost In Translation this song resonated so much more. It's reflective lyrics echo the distant guitar riff and Ferry's earnest crooning evokes a mood of longing inside of you, even if what you are lusting after doesn't even exist.


2. Ladytron - Brian Eno era Roxy Music material is certainly quite different from their later more pop-oriented work. This prog masterpiece reflects Eno's penchant for the absurd and experimental, with some seriously mental synth noises dueling with mentally-retarded guitars. Too bad you get 'Let's Stick Together' instead of this on classic hits radio.

1. Slave To Love - This may well be the greatest love song ever written. Its so seductive in every way. Those little guitar licks and rim ticks create images of a balmy late afternoon on the beach, Wayfarers on with a California blonde in tow. Bryan Ferry's vocals slide smoothly over the silky rhythm section, which together work to turn the lights down low and set the mood. The shadowy mystery so beautifully crafted by Ferry et al in this song is echoed in the equally dark and seductive video. It's perfect in every way.

Underwhelmed

Visually, he's never looked sharper. Musically he's never been so underdone.

You know I'd never before sat in my chair and thought to myself "I wonder what would happen if Serj didn't have Daron to slap him in the face everytime he had a boring, mundane or below par idea". What baffles me even more than asking the question is that I'd have the answer in a convenient youtube format for you all to see.

Brilliant vocals yet lacking the offset kilter Malakian brings to the fold, a droning sludge of guitars and that never ending "what about the children, can someone think of the children" bullshit that Serj is so excited to shove down our throats. Stick to what you do best Serj, System of a Down, because atleast the music is amazing enough that I can ignore your anti-establishment propaganda.

This is mediocrity at its best.



Shame Serj missed out, he could of won atleast 5 MTV music awards with this.

Run To The Hills, Run For Your Life

Monday 4th February - Burswood Dome, Perth
Wednesday 6th February - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Saturday 9th February - Acer Arena, Sydney
Tuesday 12th February - Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane

How exciting.

MP3: Iron Maiden - Run To The Hills

Ticket Info

Trashy

Yeah I know, no points for clever titles. Whatever.

I'll keep it brief as university work has me under a tight schedule. Ok I'll be honest, I haven't done very much university work at all and am only in this position due to my own obsession with the glorious round ball game known as soccer. We punished the opposition 4 nil in the season opener, thanks for asking.

Moving on to more relevant matters. Trash Yourself are the ideal artist for a guy like me. As you may be well aware I often have a preference for music that doesn't push too many of my musical horizons, you know, it's good to someones just sit back and enjoy things on a common denominator level. A mood of music listening I frequently am in.

Anyways, Trash Yourself are just ideal because they certainly aren't lowest common denominator level however for music samplers looking for that kind of a noise, they can certainly deliver as well as taking things alittle further, showing the artist within, dare I say, being creative.

Anything I come across on myspace is meant with extreme skepticism however I was quite excited to hear what they brought to the table. Fun, energetic, very danceable. They tick my boxes, let them tick yours...

Mp3: Trash Yourself and The Toxic Avenger - Song 2
Mp3: Trash Yourself - Touch

I can't pick my favourite conclusively, call me trashy but I think I love what they do with Song 2 quite a bit more ("call me trashy"... anyone for quality humour? if so look elsewhere).

There will be heat

Stereo Image is the repercussion of San Serac and former Junior Boy Johnny Dark allowing their insatiable love for everything electronic overflow with delicious consequences. The impression San Serac has made on the whiteboydancefloor crew is no secret and it seems pairing him up with a tried and tested beat maker has produced dividends. Too often the quest for stunning electronic music begins with the creation of amazing music and ceases before pen is put to paper on lyrics of any substance to accompany. I think that is exactly where a sound like Stereo Image will appeal, for fans of electronic music with some depth and real substance both musically and lyrically and in today's spoilt music climate, there are a growing number of people who no longer are content to accept a just a catchy beat when the guys next door are offering the total package, Stereo Image are the guys next door, doing everything you wish you'd thought of first. Once you've heard Stereo Image, It's difficult to tolerate the below par filth people like Kanye West try to feed you Their first single is "Red Nights" however I've decided to give you all another stunning little number called "Pack moves" which shows Stereo Image at their dynamic best.

Mp3: Stereo Image - Pack moves
Myspace: Stereo Image

V Fest - Chelmsford: Pt 2

Sunday began far too early (930 - considering the music didnt start till 1230) due mainly in part to the water, minimal space in the tent and the repeated playing of Arctic Monkeys 'Flourescent Adolescent' by a big bunch of drunken yobs in a tent near ours for the majority of the evening previous. As well as our camps Australian flag being nicked for one of the few hours we all must have been sleeping needless to say we were a little testy in the morning. Luckily for me all international music festivals seem to have herbal remedies in common and it was with a happy heart that we re-entered the site, ready for day 2.

The line to get in was much shorter than the day before, which could have been because of the wristbands, or perhaps because the people who'd kept us up all night were now having their rest (pricks) but it made the place seem much more relaxed, the perfect atmosphere in which to catch Rodrigo Y Gabriela. Its hard to imagine how two people and acoustic guitars can manage to keep the attention of an open-air main arena but they did it well. I joined the crowd standing there in amazement as these two built up a wall of flamenco/deathmetal/thrash/latin acoustica that captivated the mind and ears. Closing with 'Diablo Rojo' as the rain started pouring down (AGAIN!) left an appreciative crowd crying for more.

I dont really know what to say about Sophie Ellis Bextor. She's hot, thats for one. I only know two or three of her songs, thats another. The place wasnt exactly packed but there was plenty of room to move on the dancedirt and her set moved along merrily without much fuss. She had for some reason decided to bring a backing band out with her and while they may have in fact been playing, the backing vocals were definately mimed. Unless the dude sounds like a chick as well. But she cast a lovely picture on an ugly stage in a bright blue number that made her look like a disco ball. Either way she was the perfect way to kill time before...

The Fratellis took to the main stage with the arena absolutely packed. And I mean PACKED! Flags everywhere and loud chants before the lads came out with flags themselves and flew into it with 'Baby Fratelli'. These guys write loud, singalongable (that should SO be a word) anthems for the innebriated and hence they suit the festival stage perfectly. A horn section added delicious touches to all the right places and as the final notes of 'Chelsea Dagger' sounded out and the band walked off the stage the day just kept getting better. The weather on the other hand.. thats another story. Then it was time for the epic walk over to the second stage to get a place for Lily Allen and see if she could reinvigorate my interest in her with anything different to the usual stuff I'd already experienced twice this year.

It turns out we got there a little early as falsetto-weirdo Mika was still finishing off his set and while I'd never really given him a chance I have to raise a limp-wristed hand and say I didnt mind him at all. The only songs we caught were 'Love Today' and 'Grace Kelly' but they were both fun and during the latter a massive entourage of people dressed in disney-esque costumes came out and danced and basically would have tripped out anyone on mushrooms. If I cant say it was good, I can at least say it was fun, and my fellow wbdf members all know that a little fun goes a long way.

Mika's legions spoiled out after his set and we actually managed to get quite a good spot for Lily Allen. While waiting for the setup to be complete I was relieved to see that the entire band was back from their absence at Splendour but as soon as the place got quiet and the intro noise started I knew we were in for the same thing all over again. 'LDN' preceeded that fucking 'Window Shopper' song and it just meandered along AGAIN! But even worse than usual I must say. The words to numerous parts of numerous songs were forgotten as she mumbled or hummed along with a smile that prayed for forgiveness she then proceeded to get on her drunken pedestal and bag out Americans ("fucking fatties") which is fine, we all love to do that. Then she proposed a 'toast' to Amy Winehouse (in rehab at the time for alcohol and substance abuse) with a 'fuck you' smile on her face and a laugh at the end, and just acting like a genuine spoiled brat of pop music. It was interesting to see the day after in the London press that her toast to Winehouse was 'heartfelt' and she 'doesnt hate America' she just 'hates Bush' and shes terribly sick of everyone misinterpreting her all the time +cough+ Then the day after the press reports that shes looking into checking into a centre for 'exhaustion' +cough+ - I'd just like to say this: Every time I see Lily Allen she gets less professional. If you're going to forget the words to your songs, stop drinking on stage. If you dont want things you say to be taken out of context (even though it would appear they werent) then keep your stupid mouth shut. Hurry up and release a new album and stop playing the SAME FUCKING SET ALL THE TIME! RAAAAAAHHHHH!!!

Now that I've glued my head back together lets move on.. It was a tough call to decide on who would close my fesitval. While The Killers are a big name band who I havent seen perform well yet (thanks to average sound at the Big Day Out) I had also never seen Basement Jaxx in my life. Looking at how packed the main arena was for the Fratellis I decided if I wanted to see anything my best bet would be to go with Basement Jaxx and, as with alot of bands I see lately, I was not disappointed. I was impressed beyond belief more like. I have never seen a show like it. Its like they bring together theatre style cabaret with an electronic edge, impressive lasers, talented performers with numerous costume changes, a fat wall of sound and even an absolutely massive robot making its way out on stage for 'Plug It In'. A surprisingly great way to close one of the biggest festival experiences I've been on, despite the fact the rain refused to stop and if anything got worse. Then it was off to the buses with plentiful soreness, minor deafness, significant moistness and minor chaffage but a relative smile and security in the knowledge that I'd be having a shower in a few hours.

So what have I learned?

Pros: Apart from the bands and the obvious fact they can put more into production costs on their own continent or even the Americans playing trans-atlantic. Everything was alot bigger, more grandeur than you'd class with your festivals here. Thats not to say ours are worse, but its interesting. And of course the bands. Dizzee Rascal, The Fratellis and Basement Jaxx, all lived up to and dispensed with previous expectations I may have had coming into the festival.

Cons: Apart from the stupid Brits and the stupid weather there werent that many either apart from Lily Allens set and Amy Winehouse choosing the time of the festival to go into rehab when I was looking forward to catching her. But we cant win em all. Also the abundance of what seemed to be pop acts is something Im not used to with a festival, and I'm not sure if I like it either. And the rubbish. I kid you not the place was filthy. Worse than anything we have over here.

Will I be going back next year? Fuck no, can't afford it.

V Fest - Chelmsford: Pt 1

After smuggling my way across the world in someones Piano Accordion case (first class of course, at least, thats where the owner was sitting), I, Javid van der Piepers have come to regale you all with my recent attendence of the V Festival in Sussex, UK.

As you can see, the weather was accomodating.

The first day, however, started off with a bit of sun and after working through the masses the main arena was entered. After taking in the totality of this event (simulatenous festivals, 3 campsites at each as well as thousands of non-campers, 4 stages on a site similar to SITG but about 5 times bigger) it occurred to me that we don't have any festivals of this size here in Australia.

Just Jack happened to be performing on the main stage upon our entrance and to be honest was doing little to nothing for me. Remimded me of Mike Skinner without an edge. Like a circle. But not a nice one with a smiley face on the inside. The Proclaimers arrived as the first band I was wanting to see at the festival and they delievered a solid set of old and new tracks (most of which I didn't know, and I dont think most of the crowd did either) but they played the ones we all wanted to hear as well. And these two guys can sing. I can't see myself rushing to buy a CD anytime soon but they were a great way to start the festivities.

With a few hours to kill before my next priority act I decided to have another bit of a look at the place. Then it occurred to me that maybe I should get drunk and so, hoisting myself onto the back of about a 200m drinks line, I waited. And waited. And the line did not move an inch. Just next to the drinks tent Juliette & the Licks were playing and while the singer looked like a whorebag and cavorted and flailed about the stage like a Tooheys New advert I couldnt help thinking to myself that the drummer looked alot like Dave Grohl. I then disregarded the thought thinking that the man himself would certainly not be so silly as to associate with people like these. Needless to say I left the drink line angrily and caught the last few songs of The Editors.

Not long after it was over to one of the big tops to see someone I've been dying to catch for a while - Dizzee Rascal. The tent was packed but the vibe was fantastic. Out to the stage first walks DJ Semtex. I did not know who he was or what he does before I realised he was missing an arm and controlling the switch with his NOSE! Lets see you do that! It all kicked off with 'Just a Rascal', finished up with 'Stand Up Tall' and ticked off every box in between. Great song selection, crowd interaction and a cheeky vibe throughout made this man my highlight of the festival. For an aritist from whom I was expecting so much, he delivered and more.

Up last for Saturday were the Foo Fighters and I think it's easy to say that these guys have become one of the biggest bands in the world. Whether thats because of Mr. Grohls history or not will never be seen and while some continue to laud the possibility that the Fooeys would never have been famous if not for Cobain (of course not, he'd still be alive and Nirvana would probably still be playing you twats), I was just happy to be there. From a one man start for 'Everlong' it was a greatest hits show played with a perfect mix of cockiness and sincere gratefulness. Any song you could ask for received a rotation and though the rain was pouring it didnt matter at all, there was even a dedication for a band that Grohl 'used to play drums in' before thanking Juliette & The Licks for the chance to play earlier (I was right, unfortunately). An encore later the stage was empty, the arena was filled with that post-show feedback and it was all over.

And so it was back to the cold of the night (English 'Summer' my ass), the mud, the pouring rain, the not-so-waterproof tents, and the fucking loud drunken brits keeping everyone up. I love England......

..but at least theres always tomorrow.

Something different

Now anyone who knows me is aware I am about as hardcore Newcastle Knights / Andrew Johns supporters as they come. Before I’d even started to allow my blood to boil of kids missing school to part take in a protest as pointless as the Cronulla Riots, my mood was not exactly positive.

I had intended to spend this post ranting and raving about why I don’t like protestors and why hopeless university students with phony dreams that culminate in becoming librarians should stick to not turning up for classes and smoking the good stuff much to the sarcastic cheers of me and my arrogant entourage. Until I realized for starters the only difference between myself and those other no hopers is that I have an undeserved sense of inflated importance over and I’ll be blessed if my phony dreams are even humoured with enough good grace to result in employment whether it be librarian or otherwise.

So rather than going on some ill-informed rant on why anyone who causes waves which fill my first @ five Channel 10 news experience with useless media, I thought I’d take a chill pill and try to be a little more peace, love & all that bullshit instead.

What resulted in a more positive than usual perspective was whilst enjoying the Late Show with David Letterman and even more so his musical guest for that evenings show was Feist. Now I won’t sit here and tell you how I’ve always loved her and Broken Social Scene’s “You forgot it in people” changed my life or any of that junk. I wouldn’t even go as far to say I own a non burnt copy of her album.

Previously, Feist was nothing more than a sweet voice with a sprinkling of enjoyable music here and there. Like the rest of the world “1234” was the most I knew of this lass and really I was probably even more of an uneducated git as I had downloaded the Van She Technologic remix before I did the actual original.

Wrapping things up quickly, my point is that after seeing Feist absolutely blow me away with this live performance on the Late Show, I knew that the point to so many things was lost on me.

Whether I support the APEC Summits or even can truly sit here and tell you I know what I’m talking about is erroneous. When every politician, every childhood sporting hero, every friend, every hope and dream has abandoned you, you’ll sit in your room (provided your house hasn’t been demolished) or you’ll walk down the street and it’ll be there. And when you’ve lost it all, that little hint of rhythm in the way your walk or that irregular heart beat that tells you your cholesterol is too high, let it remind you that music is all we need. We sometimes take music too lightly, and everyone’s myspace profiles confess “music is my life” I doubt many of you fuckers even realize, it really is.

Youtube: Feist - "1234"

Feel free to disagree with me if it might make your day feel a little bit more worthwhile.

B-boys are back in town!

Xquabed dished up another delicious serving of music hot off their trip to the recording studio. While I'm alittle naive, I've been told on good authority that when 3 men love each other and they go to a recording studio, that's how love babies are made.

For anyone as yet unfamiliar, Xquabed are quite a mixed bag. All their songs relatively individual yet they never miss out on that definite Xquabed stamp. Rock with the right amount of funk supplied by the founding father of Mick Week... Mick.

Their new track "Yes Sir" displays the extended jam treats of the trio with Dean Gallagher's unmistakable vocal stylings and Mick Gallagher's bringing of the funk being held together by David Piepers on drums.

Myspace: Xquabed - "Yes Sir" is available for free download.