Dave Anderson

Good in the face of a stranger

I'm enjoying Alex Lloyd's new and independently released album. Some have said it's a return to his Black the Sun days. It's older brother I read on his forum.

I particularly liked the space of the production, and the little things that are going on in the background. The opening 'are you ready in the studio' line, and the little intro where he walks into the pub full of people and starts playing over the top of talking pub drinkers. I was quite chuffed actually as my album has the same. Chuffed in that great minds think alike, not he ripped it from me obviously.

Many have said that Alex can be a little difficult. What a songwriter who is moody? Surely not? I guess then in a way this is almost an apology that yep he gets he is not always Guy Smiley. Hey at least it's something to write about...better than writing about a f&*ken umbrella, or whatever tripe that the Veronica's are singing about.

The thing that really threw me was this month's Rolling Stone Magazine that said the first real track 'Special' was a dud. Each to their own of course, but I couldn't disagree more. I actually thought it was one of the better tracks on the album. Slow Train is his single release, which is obviously another stand out given it's the single. I actually don't think there are many standout tracks on the album which is great. it's one of those albums you can leave in your car for weeks and still enjoy. Yes kids, album...in car...start to finish...no skipping. Epic isn't it.

As a side note, what's with songwriters and trains? Jack Johnson, David Ford, etc etc. I caught one every day for 3 years in the UK and still couldn't write anything about them. I probably did try ; )

Oh and then there is the fact that Alex has a black Cole Clark Fat Lady 3. Which as I said to him after a gig one time - 'Great guitar. The guys at Cole Clark told me I was the first and only one to have one of these custom made'. To which Alex replied - 'well you not, I have one.'

Cheers.

So in a way this album has a personal touch. Apology accepted Alex.

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I opened for Mark Wilkinson on Tuesday night, 25 Nov 08, along with Nick Latta band at the Vanguard in Newtown (Sydney). A really solid crowd turned up to the venue, with most people taking advantage of the dinner and show tix.

It's such a great room and yet it's such a shame when people talk. I figured people would talk during my set as I was up first, so I did my best to keep everyone's attention by asking for a sing along. A bit cheeky I know, but I had a review a while back that said you couldn't get the Vanguard crowd to sing along during dinner. He was probably right, but I did my best to get a sing along by saying, mid song:

"Apparently you can't get the Vanguard to sing while they are eating. I did try it at my launch but it was pretty unsuccessful. So I'm recording tonight, and I'd love to send the recording to the reviewer to prove him wrong!"

A nice sprinkling of crowd joined in. I played a short set, of only 30 minutes, after which I sat down to enjoy Nick Latta's band, as well as my steak.

Mark Wilkinson is a great singer/songwriter with a soulful voice not too dissimilar from Tracy Chapman or Jason Maraz. He has great stage presence and I was thoroughly enjoying getting lost in his stories of love, life and loss. Bridget A'Beckett a Melbourne songwriter and tonight backing vocalist/pianist, was the perfect compliment to Mark's music.

But what I just couldn't understand, and all respect to Mark as this happens in venue's all over Australia, is the table beside me still talking away. I heard on tv this morning that our attention spans have dropped to 5 minutes on average from 10 minutes sometime ago because of everyday stresses.

Now I'm not sure what these pretty young blonde things had to stress about except how many calories there was in the food, but they just didn't shut up. Don't f%&ken come to an intimate gig and not even try and listen. Please.

So whilst having to shut out the sounds of the chirping birds and bar fly's, the Vanguard patrons I thought on this night, got a great taste of the talented unsigned singer/songwriter's we have floating around Sydney.

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1. Anything Pearl Jam



Once a upon a time I took a video camera into the Entertainment Centre in Perth to film a Pearl Jam gig because I loved them so much and saw so little of them. This was back before the internet was wide spread. My footage did get in the hands of one of the biggest Pearl Jam fans in Australia, and I did have offers to film more gigs! I only did it for my own reference, and used it to trade for other rare stuff, which I think I still have in boxes at my Mum's house. But I'm sure this footage is all available now anyway online. Takes the fun out of it really.

So...

- Touring band and Single Video Theory were the first official DVD's to come out and I loved them so much I'd drink my bottle of wine with my mates, pull out the guitars and play along and then head out on the town.

- Live at the Garden is just a classic Pearl Jam gig...somewhat better than my filming ; )

- Pick of the bunch is Imaggine in Cornice. Great between song behind the scenes footage with some stunning cinematography...(great word which I think is used in the right context here. It's all I really remember from year 12 english)

2. Dave Matthews Live at Central Park



A good mate of mine, yes Eggy you, used to play Dave Matthews 24/7 and when it wasn't on the tv or CD player he would be playing it on his guitar, and nailed it to! An acoustic based singer/songwriter Dave Matthews has an amazing range of songs from sad ballads, to big acoustic stadium fillers thanks to his solid band. I had picked up stacks of his DVD's from his frequent college gigs and loved them. Then when I was in the UK, Dave was apparently about to tour the UK which he didn't do much, and the Times Newspaper had a full page article which read 'Who is Dave Matthews'. The article started out by saying, that anyway that has sold as many albums as he has, and been one of only 5 artists to play Central Park has to be pretty big in the states. And yet unknown in the UK. Well not to me!

Live at Central Park is absolutely amazing. There is probably 200,000 people there but it looks like a million. The stand out track is Jimi Thing on disc 2 which I always put on for people who don't know Dave.

Sounds like you? Go get it...unbelievable!

3. Damien Rice live at St Lukes



Ok so this isn't an officially released DVD but I just couldn't leave it out, because it captures the irish singer/songwriter at the peak of his 'o' release stardom, and it just doesn't dissapoint. Set in an old church it's the setting by which all acoustic gigs should be judged by. The haunting vocals of Lisa Hannigan, the moody and hair standing ballards of Damien Rice, backed by a small backing band.

I'm sure you could find some footage of this on Youtube. It was shown on the BBC years ago. I of course didn't record it because that would be stealing right. Hopefully this is released soon because it's brilliant.

4. Jeff Tweedy - Sunken Treasure Live (Wilco)



I never understood why people digged Wilco so much. I thought his vocals weren't that great...I mean I was comparing to Eddie Vedder, Adam Duritz (counting crows) and Gomez (nuff said). This DVD however changed everything. It's shot in a documentary style following Jeff around the US as he plays solo acoustic gigs. Of course he is normally in full band mode, and at the time he had just recovered from drug addiction. His between song comments are enough to keep you entertained without the songs! His banter is just hillarious, and his songs grow on you with each listen.

I'm now a completely converted and reformed Wilco fan. By the way his new record Blue Sky Blue is unreal. You might have to order this DVD online as it's unlikely to be in store but's it's great. Watch it a few times though!

5. To the yet to be released

As revenue's from albums decreases and there is more emphasis on TV production, I'd expect to see more DVD's being released. Here is my top, I must have DVD's, that I am absolutely hanging out for:

- Epicure: Ballarat band with stunning moody songs. Very under rated. Their live shows are great, but I'd love to see them stripped back at the Vanguard or Basement with a full DVD production. Then maybe people in Australia might get it!

- Ben Harper: Live on Mars: This was recorded as I saw it on TV ages ago but I don't believe it's been released. Probably owned by the TV company and not the record company, but either way I hope we can see it as I listened to this album almost every night or a year and it's what got me addicted to writing and singing.

- Gomez: Anyone who has seen this band live will understand. 3 singers...well it's more like 3.5 singers because Ben's voice is like a gravel driveway. You need two sets of ear plugs when you hear him sing. Plus they are just so damn entertaining. My face hurts from smiling everytime I go to their gigs.

- Bernard Fanning - Solo gigs. I love Powerfinger but I'm a sucker for acoustic gigs. Their 2nd side acoustic disk from the Vulture St release was fantastic. But I'd love to see the Tea and Sympathy gigs on DVD. I missed the shows...yep idiot, but apparently they were great.

- David Ford: He's a one man band who is just a freak. I saw him play at the Hopetoun and it was f^&ken amazing. Buy his albums, get his posters and get on board.

Here you go

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Seems my cousin Stu MacGill, has put his relative 'lack of thought' to good use plugging my music in the paper, well actually my live gig.

Do you think he's biased? Who's Ladyhawke anyway ; )

Here's the extract.

LAST MOVIE - The Kite Runner; successful adaptation of a great book. I laughed, I cried.

LAST DVD - New Order live in glasgow; particularly disc two; although it isn't new order live in glasgow. I promise that is not the reason. I have family in glasgow!

LAST ALBUM - Ladyhawke. Ladyhawke. good. good.

LAST BAND - Dave Anderson at the Vanguard in Newtown. Singer songwriter with a great voice and surprising amount of thoughtful lyrics. Surprising because as my cousin he obviously did a little better than me in the thoughtful department. www.daveandersononline.com

LAST BOOK - Rant by Chuck Palahniuk. Chuck is a very strange man. He wrote fight club which after reading his other books is a very straightforward simplistic story. I love reading his books because they are a good excuse for the confused look on my face.

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David Ford is an absolutely genius. I can't get enough of his album's 'I sincerely apologise for everything I've done', and 'Songs for the Road'. His gig at the Hopetoun a year or so ago was the best gig I've have ever seen.

Here's why!

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 Chris says...
Genius
Monday, November 17, 2008 8:57:00 PM  

 

One of my favourite bands Epicure are finally ready to leave Ballarat and hit the road in support of their anticipated 4th LP 'Postcards from a Ghost'. Juan Alban, lead singer and songwriter, has crafted a big black book of some of the most beautiful, yet utterly devestating tracks, in the past on stand out albums 'The Goodbye Girl' and 'Main St'. Seems the follow up thankfully is in the same vein, and I'm chanting at the bit to get my hands on it!

What has always intriuged me with Juan, as a songwriter myself is, where does this inspiration come from; a vivid imagination or his own heartbreaking experiences. Like many who have revealed wounds that are too deep to admit to, Juan prefers not to say what prompted the theme of Epicure's latest album Postcards From A Ghost. Suffice to say, it's personal. 'It's not really something I would like to talk about now…' He trails off. 'I guess ‘heartbreak’ kind of covers it.'

He goes on to say 'I suppose it's about a character who's left feeling like a ghost. As though they were invisible, see-through, or scarred in some way. If you send somebody a postcard, then it sort of tells them where you've been. I guess, this album is that postcard, and I like how the title conveyed that.'

'A lot of the lyrics are written from the perspective of a character who, I guess, had something traumatic happen to them and just doesn’t bounce back from it the way people probably do when they are young. This character is getting older, and a bit more slighted about things. 'I think it's our angriest record, The other albums might be sadder sounding compared with this, but there's definitely a lot of anger in this one. Lyrically, anyway. I think it's the most sinister and darkest thing we've done. But it’s also our best sounding album.'

I have no doubt that this album will be another treasure. A slow burner, that will reveal itself with layer upon layer upon layer. Those that spend time in an Epicure album, will find nice little surprises that manage to reveal themselves to you with further listen. Take the last track from Main St, Hoping It's Not Hopeless, or 12 Months of Winter from The Goodbye Girl.

What songs will reveal themselves to us this time. I'll be ready, wine in hand, ready to drift out to Australia's finest and most underated band this October. Start counting down the days.

Catch them at the following shows:

Fri 10th Oct
Sands Tavern
Plaza Parade Maroochydore, QLD
Ph: (07) 5443 7944
18+ $12 + Bf & $15 on the door
Tickets from www.epicuretheband.com
Oztix!1300 762 545!
www.oztix.com.au,!plus @ all good outlets

Sat 11th Oct
Sounds Of Spring – Brisbane, QLD
Tickets Available From:
www.soundsofspring.com.au
www.moshtix.com.au 1300 GET TIX (438 849)
+ limited tix from www.ticketek.com.au

Sunday 12th Oct
Great Northern Hotel
43 Jonson St, Byron Bay, NSW
Ph: (02) 6685 6454 $12 + Bf & $15 on the door
Tickets from www.epicuretheband.com
Abc music, Ballina 6686 2436,
Music Bizarre, Lismore 6622 3262, venue 6685
6454

Thursday 16th Oct
Wollongong Uni, Wollongong, NSW
$10 VIPs members, $12 all others – pre sale
/ $12 VIP members, $15 all others – door sale
Tickets from www.epicuretheband.com,
www.bigtix.com.au Unishop 0242218050
Redback music 4229 6169

Friday 17th Oct !
Bar On The Hill
University Dr, Newcastle Uni, Callaghan, NSW
$10 VIP members, $12 all others – pre sale
$12 VIP members, $15 all others – door sale
Tickets from www.epicuretheband.com,
www.bigtix.com.au
venue 4968 3817, The Rock Shop 4929 1856,
Billy Hydes 4965 4222

Sat 18th Oct
The Woodport Inn
207 The Entrance Rd, Erina NSW
Ph: (02) 4365 0335 $12 + Bf & $15 on the door
Tickets from www.epicuretheband.com,
www.woodportinn.com.au!

Sunday 19th Oct
Flynn’s Beach Surf Club
The Pavilion Port Macquarie NSW
$12 + BF & $18 door
Tickets from www.epicuretheband.com,
www.moshtix.com.au+Little Red Vamp Port
Macquarie

Thursday 23rd Oct
The Annandale Hotel
17 Parramatta, Sydney, NSW
$14 + Bf & $16 on the door
Tickets available from
www.epicuretheband.com,
www.annandalehotel.com and Venue 9550 1078

Friday 24th Oct
Baroque Bar
86 Bathurst Rd, Katoomba, NSW
$15 on the door
Tickets from www.epicuretheband.com,
The Carrington Hotel 0247821111

Sat 25th Oct
Manly Fisho’s
270 Pittwater Rd, Manly NSW
Ph: (02) 9977 4800 $12 + Bf & $15 on the door
Tickets from www.epicuretheband.com,
www.moshtix.com.au

Sunday 26th Oct
Brass Monkey
115a Cronulla St, Cronulla NSW
Ph: (02) 9544 3844 $12 + Bf & $15 on the door
Tickets from www.epicuretheband.com,
www.moshtix.com.au

Thursday 30th Oct
The Pub
173 Hardgreaves St, Bendigo VIC
Ph: (03) 5443 4079 $12 + Bf & $15 on the door
Tickets from www.epicuretheband.com,
www.moshtix.com.au and at the venue

Friday 31st Oct
The Karova Lounge
Cnr Field & Camp St, Ballarat VIC
Ph: (03) 5332 9122 $12 + Bf & $15 on the door
Tickets from www.epicuretheband.com,
www.boomtown.oztix.com.au,
New Generation clothing: 5333 2444 and at the
venue

Saturday 1st Nov
The Corner Hotel
57 Swan St, Richmond, VIC
Ph: (03) 9427 9198 $14 + Bf & $16 on the door
Tickets from www.cornerhotel.com
www.epicuretheband.com,
and at the venue (Mon – Sat 11am-8pm)

Sunday 2nd Nov
The Westernport Hotel
161 Marine Pde, San Remo VIC
Ph: (03) 5678 5205 $12 on the door
Tickets from www.epicuretheband.com, and at
the venue

Mon 3rd Nov (Cup Eve)
Barwon Heads Hotel
1 Bridge Rd, Barwon Heads VIC
Ph: (03) 5254 2201 $12 + Bf & $15 on the door
Tickets from www.epicuretheband.com, and at
the venue

Thursday 6th Nov
The Sandbar
45 Langtree Ave, Mildura VIC
Ph: (03) 5021 2181 $10 on the door
Tickets from www.epicuretheband.com, and at
the venue

Friday 7th Nov
Adelaide Uni Bar
Union Bld, Kintore Ave, Adelaide University SA
Ph: (08) 8303 6126 $12 + Bf & $15 on the door
Tickets from www.epicuretheband.com, and at
the venue

Friday 14th Nov
Torquay Hotel
36 Bell St, Torquay VIC
Ph: (03) 5261 2001 $12 + Bf & $15 on the door
Tickets from www.epicuretheband.com,
and @ the venue

Saturday 15th Nov
Ruby’s Lounge
1648 Burwood Highway, Belgrave, VIC
Ph: (03) 9754 7445 $15 on the door
Tickets from www.epicuretheband.com,
www.rubyslounge.com.au and at the venue

Friday 21st November
Republic Bar
299 Elizabeth St, North Hobart, TAS
Ph: (03) 6234 6954 $12 + Bf & $15 on the door
Tickets www.epicuretheband.com,
www.moshtix.com.au and at the venue

Sat 22 November
Batman Fawkner
35-39 Cameron St, Launceston, TAS
Ph: (03) 6331 7222 18+ $12 + Bf & $15 on the
door
Tickets www.epicuretheband.com,
Mojo Music: (03) 6334 5677, and at the venue

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Wow...my ears are still ringing...27 muso's, theatrics, walking through the crowd. At one point they covered Lithium by Nirvana and everyone was moshing, the girls up on stage had their hair flying around, and I thought I'd been transported back in time.

Words don't really describe this experience. I thought at one point I might end up in cult. If a cult is like this then...when can I join! Sensational!

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Playing for rent it seems

Love him, hate him or perhaps you don't know him. If you do know him you'll have an opinion. If you refer to "You Am I" a few more get it. If it still falls on deaf ears then well perhaps you've been listening to Nova too often and not visiting iconic pubs like the Annandale.

Those that dislike him perhaps don't understand him. I guess it's easy to understand why. Comments such as "this is the greatest song ever written" doesn't sit well in Australian 'tall poppy' culture. Brash, showman, arrogant, and often at times frustrating (take his Tex and Tim performance at the Annandale last year).

You're never really sure which Tim Rogers will walk onto the stage. Tonight the stage was set with candles and simple lighting, a table for his customary bottle of wine, and lounge chairs in front of stage. It seemed as though we were about to be invited into Tim's lounge room to listen to his melodies and twisted stories, but surely not...that's not the Tim Roger's we know?

Indeed last night we saw the human Tim Rogers. He was humble, in story telling mode, and at times emotional. He opened up about being a "self centered fuckwit". And take this line for instance...

"This gig is a benefit concert for my landlord. I bet Eskimo Joe don't have to play for rent".

He dabbled into a few classics with Berlin Chair and Heavy Heart but it didn't matter what he played last night because the Annandale was silent. Hanging off his every word. I couldn't help but recount my favourite gigs of all time and see if this could squeeze in there. Indeed I think it can.

I can recall 3 or 4 brilliant stories and witty anecdotes, but you know what I won't try and retell them. If your a fan of Tim Rogers you already know this stuff. If your not put Kyle and Jackie O back on. Or play your main stream classics. Perhaps even the popular flavours of the day.

Just don't come to a Tim Roger's gig and dance to the Sister Scissors...cos he's taking the piss.

I only wish that when he threatened to tell us the real story as to why he "hate's this city and this city hates me". I've got my opinions.

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 Anonymous says...
i still think he is a tosser
Wednesday, July 16, 2008 10:59:00 AM  

 Dave Anderson says...
My review made the SMH Metro Section: See below

Tim Rogers at The Annandale - reader review

You're never sure which Tim Rogers will turn up, and after the train crash of a performance with Tex Perkins last year I wasn't expecting much. This time, and in pure acoustic mode, Tim dabbled with his twisted tales including classics Berlin Chair and Heavy Heart but his brash, arrogant swagger was replaced with a genuine persona. His confessional between song stories and heartfelt delivery ensured an unusually silent Annandale crowd. I couldn't help but recount my favourite gigs of all time and see if this could squeeze in. On recollection I think it did.
By Dave Anderson, Leichhardt
Read here
Sunday, July 27, 2008 10:09:00 AM  

 Anonymous says...
I love him I love him I love him...He is everything a human should be, unsure, contradicting and fun, sexy, but stable because he knows..he just knows. Sad because you have to be and the man of my dreams because he is just him.
Friday, November 07, 2008 9:37:00 AM  

 

We are putting the final touches to the album and are expected to have everything mixed and mastered by end of next week. I found myself a little bit anxious to be honest, as it started to dawn on me that our final decisions would be set in stone, as opposed to the wet scenario mix that we've been working on.

One thing I do know is the final song list...but of course not in proper order yet:
- Write You Away
- Love is Gone
- Last Day in London
- Finding it Hard
- Half a Man
- Love is a Fairytale
- Song For Charmaine
- Promise I Made
- Sing Me A Song
- Simple Pleasures
- Will You Wait
- Who Am I To Decide.

We are close to working out an order but it's never easy. I've recently written 3 or 4 songs that I would have loved to have included but I guess this will wait for album 2. Songs like Walk in the Park, All My Devotions, Wish I Could Say How I Feel, and Maybe were reluctantly ommitted.

Anyway just can't wait to finish it and see if we can make something of it.

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Another year gone, here is the music that made my year a pleasant and insipiring one.

Best Album
1. David Ford - Songs for the Road
2. Wilco - Blue Sky Blue
3. Bruce Springsteen - Magic
4. Eddie Vedder - Into the Wild
5. Art of Fighting - Runaways


Best Gig
1. David Ford at the Hopetoun - Blog
2. Gomez at the Metro - Photo's
3. Art of Fighting at the Metro - Website
4. You Am I at the Metro - Review
4. Paul Kelly at the Domain - Blog

Unlikely to miss out:
- Bertie Blackman's album and her gig at the Annandale

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 Fi says...
Your gig at the Vanguard would definately be in my top 5, as well as your Bar Me gig which you dedicated to Charmaine.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008 7:59:00 PM  

 

The Vanguard, Newtown
Sunday 13 January

Larissa Agosti
We arrived mid way through Larissa's set and I was immediately captured by her soothing, almost husky voice. She looked quite the picture, right at home in the beautiful surroundings of the Vanguard despite the fact Larissa has barely experienced life outside her teens. I thoroughly enjoyed her set, and having been to many local gigs I found myself finally relaxing in the ambience and soothing sounds of a talented singer/songwriter.





Rupert Reid
I shouldn't be allowed to review Rupert's gigs given he plays lead in my band as well. So....playing his first gig at the Vanguard, Rupert again put on a great show. The violinist in his band is absolutely oustounding...I don't think there has been a better combination since steak and red wine. His new bass player fitted in sweetly, and drummer, gosh I think it's John, but anyway he makes it all look to easy. They all did. A great combination of fast and slow, with soaring violin solo's and easy guitar and vocals from Mr charisma Rupert Reid.

Kellie Marie
Kellie launching her EP made an impressive enterance wearing less than you would expect to see at the Vanguard. With a kind of Christina Aguilera look going on, I must admit it took a while for me to focus back on the music. Kellie had an almost country feel to her music, a good voice, and upbeat songs. Her backing keyboard player fitting in very nicely with perectly delivered hamonies. Again another young talent destined to make an impact...hopefully it's her music that does the talking! All in all an absolutely brilliant night!

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Do we really need to open the Sydney Festival with a drug spent musician who can now barely walk let alone sing in Brian Wilson.

It reminded me to much of 'Weekend at Bernies' than the opening of a culturally significant event. I admire the Beach Boys, and enjoyed their albums, but their used by date sas well and truely expired.

This is a poor reflection on our culture and music industry that we have to resort to this when we have our own homegrown hero's. Paul Kelly was brilliant on Saturday night.

And then to watch and read the reports the next day that Brian Wilson was fantastic opening the event without much mention of Paul Kelly is s*&t. They were clearly not watching the debacle that I was watching or the reporters figured that PR is more important than the truth. This just irrates me. I'm not sure if it's a new thing, a Sydney thing or what but I'm growing increasingly tired of reading the paper and hearing about Hollywood when there is plenty of real news, that actually affects us at home.

I don't want to read about Britney's problems, Paris Hilton, Nicole Ritchie or any of those tools. And stop putting those US correspondents on the morning shows...it's just embarassing.

Do us all a favour. Stop reading trash magazines, don't idealise Paris and pals, embrace our own culture rather than resort to tabloid crap.

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December 12, The Vanguard Newtown
Ladies and Gentleman Elvis has the left the building.


The last time I saw Alex Lloyd was at the Fly By Night in Fremantle with a minidisc player and a few too many red wines. I've heard the rumours that he tends to lean on the bottle a little too much as such I wasn't sure what to expect, and by the time he walked out on stage (via the front steps) he was looking a little more Elvis than I remembered.

But appearances aside we were in this 1930's chick room known as the The Vanguard to hear the songs that we've heard to often through a CD player, radio or television, and not enough out of the mouth of the man himself.

So to open with a Jeff Buckley Hullalejah rendition was odd, inspiring, confusing and fantastic. Why open with a cover with a catalogue like Lloyd's? Because you can.

Why sit and reveal very little about yourself or your songs? Because you can.

It was an intimate experience, just a guitar and a bag full of hits. But while it was intimately performed, to the point where the bar staff would cringe at a coffee order - which meant breaking the earie silence with the sound of grinding coffee beans, he kept as at an arm's length throught the night. Not a word about his insipirations.

When in song his performance was faultless. His voice - pitch perfect and majestic, soaring around the room, reaching effortless heights. Every song was a hit.

I asked everyone on our table their thoughts and they all agreed that he looked a little disinterested, like he has lost his passion. But maybe that is just him.

Would they come again, most said they enjoyed it, but no. Me on the other hand...I was captivated. Maybe it's his effortless voice and guitar, his presence and then lack of it, or maybe just because when his voice soared, I was transfixed.

Maybe it was his black cole clark fat lady 3, which I was told I was the first to ever order. Matt or polished I was asked when my girlfriend ordered it for me. I chose matt, Alex polished. I like to reveal, Alex to conceal.

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I have to be totally honest, I'm not a huge fan of hip hop. But credit has to be given to a man who lost his mother only a week ago and still manages to complete a tour.

The gig didn't start well with Kanye West starting later than scheduled (9.45pm on a school night), but once the show had ended all had been forgotten. Now half the songs I admit I had never heard before, but I guess you could gauge the performance on the three brothers in front of me who looked like they were having the best night of their life. When you combine bright lights and lasers, bass so loud that your stomach almost wants to puke, hot chicks in the crowd, and not to mention a charismatic front man, you can't go wrong really.

Surprisingly, there was a real mix of people in the crowd. At least 50% were white people which goes to show how his music somehow manages to appeal to a great range of people. With lyrics like... "Right when magazines, wrote Kanye West off. I dropped my new shit and sounds like 'the best of'" you realise that there's something quite good there...

Jules

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Friday November 16 - Metro Theatre, Sydney

There are a few things to point out before I discuss this gig.
a) I'm not a wanky reviewer...I'll just tell you how it was
b) This is not a picture of them at the last gig...I forgot my camera (revert to point a)

Having walked out of the last Tim Rogers gig at the Annandale with the very unimpressive combination of Tex Perkins, who had clearly binged on all sorts of molotov cocktails, I wasn't excepting that much from Tim and band. However You Am I is an all together different feel.

You can't help get a bit excited with the rockstar Tim Rogers swagger onto stage. Every step commands attention, and dispite the fact he is probably not the most clean cut attractive figure, he has most of the girls drawling for personal attention. On this night we brought two friends who are relatively unfamiliar with You Am I's repertoire...both girls....one from Sweden and the other, who is a little more attentive to Tim's radio friendly backlist. 3 chords in and we are dancing, pointing the ceiling and singing our hearts out...and at no stage did the cheesiness ease.

This was a good old fashioned rock show. Tim thankfully relented from telling us that every song was a "massive f*&ken hit" and instead let our singing acknowledge his presence in the Australian rock and roll hall of fame.

A few VB's into the night, and wondering if they might dry up of genius, and on rolls a strange man/woman in pink tights singing in a Led Zepplin kind of scream that had Tim highly impressed but left us wondering whether we had caught some sort of mind altering, eye faulting wonder drug. I assumed it was a guy, but it looked a lot like my friends mum, which really weighed on my mind.

In anycase this was a sensational gig. I sadly missed the accoustic treats that Tim usually supplies but you can't help but marvel at the song craft, stage presence and energy at a You Am I gig. Sorry but you can keep the Killers....this is good old fashioned, home grown, shitty carpet rock.Surely they couldn't put out another album of hits....could they?

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It always seemed like a long time between drinks with Pearl Jam. As a band that never did video's, stayed away from the media, and obviously began in a pre main stream internet world, I felt starved of Pearl Jam substance. I would have to admit I was an addict. I once took a video camera into the Entertainment Centre in Perth, and traded these video's for other rare tapes across the globe. Video was extremely rare so I managed to pick up some pretty great casette tapes but obviously it didn't seem like enough.

I guess in a nutshell I've been waiting for an Eddie Vedder solo album since the dawn of time....and here it is. I guess it's not entirely Eddie Vedder inspired solo as it's heavily influenced, or directed I should say by a movie. I've always felt that Eddie's husky baritone voice would sit nicely around a rugged campfire. You probably couldn't get anyone to play a better part for Sean Penn's movie 'Into the Wild' which is about a disillusioned twenty-something named Christopher McCandless, who dropped out of society, hitched cross-country and perished in the Alaskan wilderness, than Eddie Vedder.

It's a short album, no longer than half an hour, and each track barely over 3 minutes. It is a pretty cruisy album as one of my friends, and fellow Pearl Jam fan commented...but cruisy is what I want. 'Society' stands out for me as a classic, haunting song that just want leave me alone. 'Society...your crazy breed, I hope your not lonely, without me.' 'No Ceiling', another stand out is a simple banjo driven lullaby. Definately grab the album, and you'll find days, weeks, and potentially years of enjoyment.

10 years to long waiting for this album, but hopefully as Eddie or perhaps Ed gracefully ages we might see more folk inspired beauty.

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Dave Matthews for those that aren't familiar is one of the highest earning entertainers in the world. Relatively unknown outside of the U.S. this you would assume makes him pretty damn popular in the states.

I would have to say he is one of the most brilliant musicians, especially live which he has been built up over years of touring colleges (I believe this is what he does religiously). He also a very unique style on the guitar, playing some relatively unkown chords and his dancing....well it's funky but not quite orthodox.

Listening to him talk between songs, being so creative, having a slightly unusual dancing style...I don't think that makes autistic. Yes he is brilliant and I'm sure a number of brilliant people throughout time have been labeled somewhat 'special'.

A definition from wiki suggests:
"Autism is a brain development disorder characterised by impairments in social interaction and communication".

As somebody that can pull in excess of 100,000 people to a concert, blow them away, and leave them begging for more I would have to say he has an advanced social interaction and communication ability not an impaired one.

Don't forget he is a rock star. he has been able to live and breathe a world where people hang off everything he says and does. This allows him to take his creativity to all new levels, and to play with you more than you think...because at the end of the day he is entertaining!

I must admit I've seen him come across as somewhat different, and it has crossed my mind. What do you think?

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 John says...
As long as he's happy, he shouldn't have to change.
Friday, July 25, 2008 3:58:00 AM  

 Dave Anderson says...
Couldn't agree more.
Monday, August 18, 2008 9:04:00 PM  

 

So who the hell is Dave Matthews? I usually list him as one of my inspirations and get that very response. I was introduced to the world of Dave by a good friend of mine Nathan Eglington who religious covers his songs...not a bad way to practice cos he has a unique playing style.

Anyway my normal answer to the 'Who is Dave Matthews question' is he is one of the highest earning entertainers in the U.S. How can that be I've never heard of him? Well mostly because he tours the U.S a bit, then a bit more, and then a bit more than that. But touring is not enough unless you can entertain like he can. Watch one of his live DVD's and you'll be hooked.

Live at Central Park is possibly the greatest music DVD that I've come across, and it mostly comes down to one song "Jimi Thing". A lot of people think Dave Matthews maybe be a bit autistic...he's definately a bit strange, regardless he is brilliant. More for his live stuff than his albums which is how it should be.

Jimi Thing Live @ Central Park - part 1


Jimi Thing Live @ Central Park - part 2


Personal favourites, and songs I like to cover, include Gravedigger, Ants Marching, Stay or Leave, Say Goodbye, #41 and Big Eyed Fish. There would be more but I'm not sure I have enough time to learn all his stuff and still write myself!

Official site
www.davematthewsband.com/

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Have you had your head stuck in the sand for the last 5 years? If you haven't heard or seen Gomez then the answer is a big yes! I get a smile just thinking about how much fun their gigs are. An unusual set up with 3 singers, all with varying qualities, it's kind of hard to understand how 3 independently talented guys have been able to stick it out for so long.

Liquid Skin and Bring it On were steady openers. They won a Mercury award for one of the albums...probably Liquid Skin my guess without doing a google search and finding out, but anyway songs like Rythm and Blues Alibi, Whipping Piccadilly, Free to Run and Get Myself Arrested are stand out.

Then they release In Our Gun and get this it receives crap reviews. W.T.F. This album is a scorcher. It was with this release I saw them at Metro's City in Perth and I just about died and went to heaven. Unbelievable. I won't even bother telling you what songs off that album are brilliant.

Split the Difference I like, particularly Silence, Catch Me Up, and Sweet Virginia.

Then How We Operate....I'm not going to say anymore. I could just go on and on and on. Just buy their albums. All of them, and if they are not playing nearby...then get on a plane.

Gomez official website

Click here to see the brilliant photo's from their Metro gig in Sydney in July this year

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