The Finest Things I've Missed

As I start this post it's about 4pm in the arvo and I've got a tonne of awesome music I've been meaning to share with you.

Enjoy your weekend... bastards.

Download: Emma Davis - Machine
In my humble opinion Emma Davis is one of the most endearing and lovable artists in the country. Technically she isn't a homegrown Aussie but I think it works in her favour, she can deliver the sweetest vocal substituting that Clare Bowditch / The Waifs Aussie twang with an enveloping sound of a smokin' female Londoner. "Machines" typifies Emma Davis, unassuming, softly spoken yet pertinent and thought provoking. If you don't listen carefully you might miss the point and I think that is precisely the point, she's not singing about lollipops in space or what there is between tea and toast. "Machines" does centre on the cliche of has mankind really progressed at all but as always it's sprinkled with that Emma Davis divinity that I love.

Emma Davis will be launching her self titled album @ The Empress, Melbourne 16th October & The Red Rattler, Sydney 29th October

Check her Myspace for more details.

Download: Lior - Tumbling into the Dawn
Look I wouldn't say I've ever been in the Lior fan club but really you're a bit of a prick if don't at the least have enormous respect for his melody construction. When I heard his "Rivers" collaboration with Passenger, I was highly impressed; classic, vocally sublime, faultless. So I revisited Lior and finally had what we call in the teaching profession the ahh haa moment. Lior is a tremendous talent and you need look no further than his perfect chorus falsetto is complimented by the crispness of the acoustic snaps which underpin the vocal. Often you'll find artists like Lior happy to rest on their vocal ability but really all that would be lost without his songwriting prowess.

Lior will be touring nationally on the back of Tumbling in the Dawn which is out now through Inertia. Check his Myspace for full tour dates.

Download: The Holidays - Broken Bones
I've been a bit slow on the uptake with The Holidays. "Broken Bones" is a delightfully hazy number, it's a track that can only exist somewhere high in the air. The fuzz is slashed to pieces by some guitar spurts which wouldn't look out of place in the next installment of Debbie Does Dallas. I will concede there is a lot of this type of shit flying around at the moment, Chris won't bunch it as glow wave, I don't know but as cliche as it might seem, there is a real freshness to The Holidays. When I listen to "Broken Bones" I really do feel like I'm on the musically equivalent of being on holidays. Ahh the sweet sway of marimba!

The Holidays will be on the road with more fine whiteboys Papa vs Pretty head over to their Myspace for all the dates and info.
 

Download: Antonio Paul - City Dreams
You won't get any prizes for guessing this duo are teenagers. The youthful energy and exuberance almost makes me feel tired just listening but these good lookin' young chaps fit the bill for success. They're an emerging act with plenty of promise who certainly aren't shy of pounding your brain with the odd pop music hook. Again it's just my humble opinion but I don't think "City Dreams" represents their best work by any stretch, the track "Monsters" off their Treasures EP is by far and away the standout. None the less check out "City Dreams" and if that grabs you, go and get the rest! An act with a big future.

Antonio Paul Myspace

Youtube: John Steel Singers - Overpass

John Steel Singers were undoubtedly a Splendour highlight and here is their latest film clip.  They are Australia's finest party band. They just sound like the best kind of trouble you could possibly get yourself into it. It's horse headed ballroom dancing is soooo in right now!

Youtube: Delta Spirit - Bushwick Blues

Delta Spirit represent one of the best albums from any artists I've never blogged about. Their guitars awaken my soul from the over done, over hyped snythy indie crap we mostly hear. I don't want to scene to get back to The Jets and The Datsuns but more guitar like this, YES PLEASE! I'm at a loss at why this song hasn't taken over the world yet.

Download: Eminem / Don Diablo - Lose Yourself

Just a Pendulum-inspired cheesy banger. I like it.