Music conquers all

One of the main reasons I want to get this blog going again is to bang on about my love of music, concerts and Triple J.

If you know me, you know that I am a vocal supporter of music I love and I try to get to as many concerts as I can.

Having said that, the first half of this year was quite slack for concerts.

The second half of this year includes: Metallica, Regurgitator, The Tongue, Powderfinger, Metallica (again), Muse, U2.

Another reason I wanted to post is because the ARIA Award Nominations are up again.

I have enjoyed commenting on previous awards and nominations as you can tell…

So, it’s time to comment on this years nominations, and I must say I am pleasantly surprised.

Gone are the days that new Australian music was dominated by Neighbours stars, dodgy guitar bands or Farnsy coming back (oh wait, he’s got a new album. WTF!?)

It seems that new music is being dictated by hard working indie (sometimes) bands and artists rather than the major label pushed carbon copies that we’ve seen in the past. This is great news for artists like Angus & Julia Stone, Tame Impala, Washington and Lisa Mitchell.

Just check out the noms for Best Album!

Album of the Year

Angus & Julia Stone – Down The Way – These guys have been so damn impressive since I first heard their EP about 4 years ago. I finally saw them live on a big stage at a festival in England and they were one of the highlights of the whole 3 days. Not just for me, but many others. Beautiful voices and very VERY talented.

Birds of Tokyo – Birds Of Tokyo – I have been torn on these guys. Their first album came out when I was in the US, so I didn’t hear it till the hype and died down and I thought they were just a little bit commericial and had that dreaded ‘Pop Rock’ vibe. A’la Nickelback, Creed etc.. Then I find out that the lead singer is Ian Kenny, of Karnivool fame. What the hell is he doing fronting this ‘soft’ rock band? This made me listen to them a little more, but still, I find it hard to get into them. They sound like a mix of Silverchair and INXS. Obviously the commercial tilt of their music helps get gigs on Sunrise and The Footy Show, so I can’t begrudge them the success, but still, not really my cup of tea.

Sia – We Are Born – What can be said about this woman. She’s done a lap of the world and now comes back to Australia to conquer with this amazing new sound. This album almost never happened as her record company wanted her to continue to release the slow, croony atmospheric music that she’s been known for. Instead she gets out of her contract, releases her poppiest album ever and blows us all away. Love the new stuff. Love the old stuff. Love Sia.

Tame Impala – Innerspeaker – If you are happy to be transported to the decade of the 1970’s, the era of wah-wah guitars, bong smoke and reverberating vocals, then you will love Tame Impala. They have been a slow burner with me. I heard their early stuff and was only slightly impressed, but after witnessing them on-stage at this years Big Day Out and then hearing their new album my eyes have opened wider to them. Not only for their new take on an old genre, but the epicness of their sound. I am happy to see them nommed here. They could have very easily been wisped away in clouds of hemp…

Washington – I Believe You Liar – Anyone that saw Megan Washington on Spicks and Specks earlier in the year would have immediately understood that this woman is going to go far. She has the charisma, personality but most importantly THE VOICE to take the world by storm. For a band to come from being unearthed by Triple J in November 2008 to being nommed for Best Album within 2 years is impressive to say the least! Admittedly I haven’t listened to this album enough to really appreciate it, but great to see them nominated.

I wonder if there are people out there that have not heard of any of these artists. I could understand if Tame Impala and Washington may not be widely played on commercial radio across the country, but I would be very disappointed if people had not heard of Sia, Birds of Tokyo and the Stone siblings.

The fact that all 5 bands are heavily rotated on Triple J is not a fluke. They are the biggets supporters of Australian music in the country. It’s almost become a machine in itself, the Triple J unearthed machine. It’s so massive that I guess you can never give exposure to every talented artist in the country, but at least, bit by bit, they get airplay, exposure and the chance to show their stuff.

The rest of the noms: (my tip to win has a ✓)

Single of the Year

Angus & Julia Stone – Big Jet Plane (Original Matters/EMI)

Birds of Tokyo – Plans (EMI)

Sia – Clap Your Hands (Monkey Puzzle/Inertia)

The Temper Trap – Love Lost (Liberation Music)

✓ Washington – How To Tame Lions (Mercury/UMA)

So hard to pick a winner in this category. They are seriously all excellent songs. I went for Washington simply because I think it’s a little bit above Big Jet Plane and Clap Your Hands in my mind. Would really be happy for any of them to win though..

Best Female Artist

Clare Bowditch – Modern Day Addiction (Island/UMA)

Kylie Minogue – Aphrodite (Mushroom Records/Warner Music)

Lisa Mitchell – Oh! Hark! (Warner Music Australia)

✓ Sia – We Are Born (Monkey Puzzle/Inertia)

Washington – I Believe You Liar (Mercury/UMA)

Have we had a stronger bunch of women nominees in recent history? I don’t think so! Great to see Clare Bowditch get a nom, as well as Kylie even. I would love and am going for Sia to claim this award, but I reckon Washington will get it.

Best Male Artist

Dan Kelly – Dan Kelly’s Dream (Shock)

✓ Dan Sultan – Get Out While You Can (MGM)

Guy Sebastian – Like It Like That (Sony Music)

John Butler – April Uprising (Jarrah Records/MGM)

Paul Dempsey – Fast Friends (EMI)

Have you heard of Dan Sultan? He sounds like Frank Sinatra Elvis Presley (oops) and looks like Adonis. Seriously, he’s got ALL that. The moves, the voice, the poses and the charisma. A deadset legend and I hope he gets this award although If Paul Dempsey got it, I would not be disappointed.

Best Group

Angus & Julia Stone – Down The Way (Original Matters/EMI)

Birds of Tokyo – Birds Of Tokyo (EMI)

Powderfinger – Golden Rule (UMA)

Tame Impala – Innerspeaker (Modular Recordings)

✓ The Temper Trap – Love Lost (Liberation Music)

Again, I would not be upset if any of these bands won, even Powderfinger, even though their last album doesn’t cut the mustard, would be worthy winners of their 16th ARIA (thanks LaLa). I am picking Temper Trap to take this one though because they have really taken the world by storm in the last year or so and it would be worthy recognition for all their hard-work. I would love Angus & Julia Stone to get it as well, but they will get their chance..

Best Independent Release

✓ Art vs Science – Magic Fountain (Green/MGM)

Dan Sultan – Get Out While You Can (MGM)

Eddy Current Suppression Ring – Rush to Relax (Suppression Records/Shock)

John Butler Trio – April Uprising (Jarrah Records/MGM)

Sia – We Are Born (Monkey Puzzle/Inertia)

Eddy Cuz get a nomination for their kick-arse album. I would love to see them get up, but I think Art vs Science will get it for their seriously awesome song, Magic Fountain. Listen to it once and it’ll be stuck in your head all day…

Best Adult Alternative Album

Angus & Julia Stone – Down The Way (Original Matters/EMI)

Basement Birds – Basement Birds (Basement Birds)

✓ Clare Bowditch – Modern Day Addiction (Island/UMA)

The Cat Empire – Cinema (EMI)

Washington – I Believe You Liar (Mercury/UMA)

Whitley – Go Forth, Find Mammoth (Dew Process/Universal Music)

Adult Alternative? What the hell is that? Is that for all us oldies that remember when Alternative music was Nirvana, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam? In any case, I hope  Clare Bowditch picks this up. Not only is it a great album, but she’s a great bird and I believe in sharing the awards around 🙂

Best Dance Release

Art vs Science – Magic Fountain (Green/MGM)

✓ Miami Horror Sometimes (EMI)

Midnight Juggernauts – The Crystal Axis (Siberia/Inertia)

Pendulum – Immersion (Warner Bros UK)

Yolanda Be Cool and Dcup – We No Speak Americano (Sweat it Out/Central Station Records)

Miami Horror should win this hands-down. They’ve had a massive year and have really exploded onto the local and international scene with this album. If Pendulum or Art vs Science win, I’d accept it..

Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album

Airbourne – No Guts, No Glory (EMI)

✓ Dead Letter Circus – This is the Warning (Warner Music Australia)

Parkway Drive – Deep Blue (Resist Records/Shock)

The Amity Affliction – Youngbloods (Boomtown/Shock)

Violent Soho – Violent Soho (Liberation Music)

Airbourne? I haven’t ever heard these guys. Are they any good? What do they play? I didn’t even realise they were Australian. Some solid competition in this category. Parkway Drive could win for pure Metal brilliance, but I would love to see Dead Letter Circus win to recognise their tireless touring and quality album.

Best Pop Release

✓ Bluejuice – Head of the Hawk (Dew Process/Universal Music)

Empire of the Sun – Half Mast (EMI)

Guy Sebastian – Like It Like That (Sony Music)

Kylie Minogue – Aphrodite (Warner Music Australia)

Sia – We Are Born (Monkey Puzzle/Inertia)

Bluejuice, muthafuckas! So awesome that they have a nomination for their fantastic Head of the Hawk. I hope they win just for the simple fact that their acceptance speech will be awesome.

Best Rock Album

Birds of Tokyo – Birds Of Tokyo (EMI)

Cloud Control – Bliss Release (Ivy League Records/Universal)

Eddy Current Suppression Ring – Rush to Relax (Suppression Records/Shock)

Powderfinger – Golden Rule (UMA)

✓ Tame Impala – Innerspeaker (Modular Recordings)

At least they’ve separated Rock and Hard Rock now. Not sure how Cloud Control are Rock though. Throw this in the air and see who wants it the most. If it knocks out Bernard Fanning, he’s too old and then hand it to Tame Impala.

Best Urban Album

Bliss N Eso – Running on Air (Illusive Sounds)

Lowrider – Round the World (Illusive Sounds)

M-Phazes – Good Gracious (Obese Records)

Space Invadas – Soul-Fi (Invada/Inertia)

✓ Urthboy – Spitshine (Elefant Traks/Inertia)

My man Urthboy HAS to get this award or I will track down the voters and slap them. Legend album and legend dude.

Breakthrough Artist

Amy Meredith – Restless (Sony Music)

Cloud Control – Bliss Release (Ivy League Records/Universal)

✓ Philadelphia Grand Jury – Hope is for Hopers (Normal People Making Music/Boomtown/Shock)

Tame Impala – Innerspeaker (Modular Recordings)

Washington – I Believe You Liar (Mercury/UMA)

Hey, how did the Philly Jays get in here? I thought they’d been forgotten! I think they deserve to pick up this award. Sure, Washington will probably get it for their breakthrough stuff, but the Philly Jays have had a massive year and deserve some recognition.

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There we go. My yearly wrap-up of the nominees. If you made it to the end, I commend you!

Give me your take on the nominees and who you think should win. After-all I am just speaking out of my butt most of the time..

ARIA Noms 2009.

The ARIA Nominations came out today and I am always interested in seeing who the ‘Industry’ sees as the hottest thing right now.

Best Album :

AC/DC – Black Ice : Seriously? As good as Acca Dacca were back in their heyday, is this album really worthy of a nomination? No.

Empire of the Sun – Walking on a Dream : This years ‘Presets’ will probably scoop the pool for their dancey, trancey hit of 2008/09. Talent oozes from these guys.

Eskimo Joe – Inshalla : As much as I have loved the ‘Joe’ in the past, I was a bit meh about this album. There are a couple of standout tracks, but mostly it seemed to be a ‘new direction’ album gone wrong and that’s after their ‘Black Fingernails’ album was a new direction album gone right.

Sarah Blasko – As Day Follows Night : I have to confess I have not listened to this album yet, but am a big fan of Blasko’s work. I am sure it’s pretty and lovely.

The Temper Trap – Conditions : The breakthrough band of the year deserve to have their debut band nominated. They have receive critical acclaim world-wide for their tightly produced album and I think they’re a dark-horse here.

It’s an interesting mix of albums. Almost like it was meant to be like that. I hope The Temper Trap win, but I expect Empire of the Sun to take the mantle from their cohorts, ‘The Presets’.

Best Adult Contemporary Album :

What the hell is Adult Contemporary anyway? I must be an adult though cause I like the nominations in this category

Bob Evans – Goodnight, Bull Creek! : The Jebediah front man comes back with an awesome album. Love his voice and love the feeling on this album.

David Campbell – Good Lovin’ : Barnesy Jr? Well, I think this is probably what Adult Contemporary is all about. But no, I have not heard this album so will refrain from commenting…

Josh Pyke – Chimney’s Afire : I am an unashamaed Pyke fan. This album is almost as good as his debut and that’s saying a lot. He’s a good guy with a good voice and even better song-writing skills. I hope he wins.

Little Birdy – Confetti : Infectious melodies and that cutesy voice are enough to get my hooked. Have always liked Little Birdy and happy to see them nominated here.

Paul Dempsey – Everything is True : It’s a relatively new album and I haven’t heard it all yet, but what I have heard, I like. He’s a heart-felt guy, that Paul Dempsey. Makes you want to listen to your old Something For Kate albums..

Who will win this category? I think it’s a toss-up between Josh Pyke and Little Birdy, but really as long as Barnesy doesn’t get it, I don’t mind who wins

Best Group :

AC/DC : Only if it’s still 1979

Empire of the Sun : Shouldn’t there be a duo category?

Eskimo Joe : Alt rockers turned commerical. Not this year.

Hilltop Hoods : Yes please. ‘State of the Art’ should have been nommed for best album.

The Drones : Wow. Impressive nomination, but more token than anything I’d say.

Best Breakthrough Single and Album :

Mauboy, Temper Trap, Ladyhawke (WTF? Isn’t she a Kiwi?), Bluejuice, Art vs Science, Lisa Mitchell.

A plethora of young talent there and I would LOVE to see Art vs Science or Bluejuice win it. ‘Broken Leg’ is the sing-a-long hit of the year! I dare-say Mauboy will win for her sheer popularity and family friendliness…..oh and maybe a little talent.

Best Rock Album :

AC/DC, Eskimo Joe, Jet

Temper Trap, The Drones

You can split them into these 2 categories and then ignore the 2nd lot because I don’t think they’ll get a look in unfortunately. I wouldn’t be surprised if AC/DC win this one.

Best Urban Release :

Astronomy Class, Hilltop Hoods, Horrowshow, Pez, Phrase

It’s a Triple J playlist creators dream. Any of these bands are worthy of this prize, but i daresay the ‘Hoods’ will smash the opposition in this one.

Best Single :

Empire of the Sun – Walking on a Dream

Hilltop Hoods – Chase That Feeling

Kate Miller-Heidke – The Last Day On Earth

Ladyhawke – My Delirium

The Temper Trap – Sweet Disposition

The big one. The Single of the Year. how can the Hilltop Hoods get nominated for this, but not album of the year? I love their song, but I think any of them have a chance. Still, if Ladyhawke win, then we can assume that we can nominate Dave Dobbyn and Scribe as well? C’mon!

Awards given out on November 26 to lots of very drunk Australian Music Industry people.

The King is Dead

Ever since I heard ‘Scallops’ by The Herd, I fell in love with this Aussie Hip Hop collective.

They are never afraid to be political, and have come out with such classic lyrics as

Wake up – this country needs a fucking shake up
Wake up – these cunts need a shake up

77% – The Herd (2003)

I have seen them live 3 times and they rank as one of my favourite live bands EVA.

They have just released a new single as they prepare to release the new album ‘Summerland’ on their own label.

It’s called, ‘The King is Dead’ and it represents the fall of John Howard. Very close to my heart and very cool lyrics.

Go and download it NOW!

We danced like new years eve
We danced from sheer relief
Everything must change

The people that you projected as
We were nothing of the sort it sold us all short
Put down the champagne
No toast to the legacy(no way)
And all the propaganda of prosperity
That’s what a machine does and they don’t need therapy
You turned us into a nation of haters
Far right appeaser
believer in whatever get you leader
Dog whistle through the speakers
see who bites it
I noticed a hell of a lot of people liked it
An ethical choice is simpler if you price it
Conquer by dividing
that’s why you admired him?
unless pushed we would never have retired him
Fuckin pirate history will damn him
once it seemed like nothing can damage him
[UNKLE HO MANDARIN – ??]
Crook, you got your arse played in Mandarin

Finally the King is Dead,
we cried off with his head
Everything must change, Everything must change
We danced like new years eve
We danced from relief
Everything must change, nothing stays the same
Nothing stays the same oh, Nothing stays the same oh

Yeah Cats I know are feeling just like the rapture
I can tell who this mood is failing to capture
It’s like somebody finally did light that match up
And burn down the parliament, learned from the argument
Can’t be non-partisan, when you’re an artist
And you put your heart in it,
and that’s not even the half of it
Like my man said, we’re talking butter and bread
Better if his words were never uttered again
Mostly vindictive, who could have predicted
Just a few tax breaks to keep us all addicted
The dickhead dictator leader imitator
Made me feel immature when I said “I hate ya”
Did you read the paper the day after and hear the laughter?
I’ll read it to you, it starts with M McKew and ends with you
No broader view from the people on your ship that you used to call crew
Huh! That’s typical, now I guess it’s difficult
For the type of person who only thinks of individual
No residual, you’ll see our resilience
Take your bat and ball and head for the pavilion

Finally the King is Dead,
we cried off with his head
Everything must change, Everything must change
We danced like new years eve
We danced from relief
Everything must change, nothing stays the same
Nothing stays the same oh, Nothing stays the same oh

Just promise me this,
no rose petal glasses,
quickly confine him to part of the past

The 2007 J Award – Preview

The 3rd annual J Awards are going to be announced on Friday (Wolfmother – 2005, Hilltop Hoods – 2006) and there are some mighty contenders for the prize this year.

One category. One Winner. The best Australian Album of the year.

I like the fact that the J Award will go to a band that has had the biggest influence on the Australian music scene during the year and not who sold the most records.

I will be announcing my annual top 5 albums of the year soon, but until then….

The J Award:

The criteria:
The J Award is for an album of outstanding achievement as an Australian musical work of art – for its creativity, innovation, musicianship and contribution to Australian music.

I haven’t heard all the nominated albums this year, but most of them and here’s my thoughts..(in red)

	John Butler Trio Grand National Amazing Album. Great Band. I think it’s their best album yet and the live show was outstanding.
	Josh Pyke Memories & Dust Personally, this is one of my favourite albums of the year as well. Josh Pyke has a habit of making me smile. I listen to this when I am in a good mood.
	Young Modern Silverchair A huge return to form for this Aussie trio. This album has a bit of everything and a lot of what we come to expect. They outshone the Finger at their concert too.
	Oh We Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside The Vasco Era Haven’t heard the album, but have heard their singles. I like their sound, but I think they’re a bit green and not really my favourite style
	Places Like This Architecure in Helsinki These guys are out there and that’s what makes them great. Haven’t heard the whole album, but love their main single. Think of The Avalanches and then twisted it 90 degrees 🙂
	Guillotine British India Love love love these guys. New band. Killer album. They were next crop artists on Triple J 2 years ago and now have a sweet album and a Homebake/BDO show coming up. yes yes yes!
	Dystopia Midnight Juggernauts Where the hell did these guys come from? First I hear they’re playing the One Night Stand in Cowra and then they’re taking over the country. Awesome album. They are going to be HUGE. Very addictive sound.
	What’s Happening Katalyst This internationally acclaimed producer has been around the traps for a while, and this album gives you more of the slick dancy grooves you are used to. Love the first single. Lots of great collaborations on this.
	The Signal Urthboy This offspring from The Herd has grown into an addictive fun filled Aussie Hip Hop romp. Am annoyed that I missed his gig here recently, but will make sure I see him at the BDO!
	Cruel Guards The Panics Must admit I have not heard hardly any of their new stuff, except for the single. Not bad though.
	Alibis and Other Lies Grinspoon Aaah, the grinners. Phil’s off the ice and the band takes a big step forward. They self-proclaim that their last album was shit and this one is much better. I agree.
	Prince Umberto & The Sister Of Ill Bumblebeez The Braidwood duo of Chris and Pia Colonna have made this album fun and fresh. Haven’t heard it all, but damn it makes you move.
	PNAU PNAU They’re back! Pnau blew me away about 8 years ago with their first album and this one has so far kept up to expectations. Catchy hooks, driving beats, easy listening electronica. Very cool. Seeing them at BDO too!

There we go. I like most the artists nominated and it’s a great eclectic mix I reckon.

My tip? I think that that you can cross off JBT, Silverchair and Grinspoon almost straight away. All top albums, but nothing very innovative or different there.

I think the rise and rise of Midnight Juggernauts will get them the gong. They truly deserve it after a huge huge year.

British India will come close, but they are still a bit too fresh. I’m sure their 2nd album will have more pull.

Next week I will pull out my favourite 5 albums of the year. Still weighing them up right now 🙂

—–

Edit: The Panics surprised me by winning with their album Cruel Guards. I am disappointed with myself that I have not heard it! Better remedy that!

Peace, Love & Respect

I saw The John Butler Trio last night, outdoors at the Uni of Canberra.

It was a concert that had been postponed since August after one of the trio was unwell.

And no wonder one of them was sick. This is one hard working band. They have been playing gigs almost constantly this year, since releasing ‘Grand National’. And in the next month or so they are doing a hectic ‘Good Excuse’ tour of North America.

Check out these dates:

NOVEMBER

1               Indianapolis, IN        Vogue Theatre
2               Nashville, TN           City Hall
3               Milledgeville, GA       Sweetwater Festival 2007
5               Atlanta, GA             Variety Playhouse
6               Washington, DC          9:30 Club
8               Baltimore, MD           Sonar
9               Philadelphia, PA        Electric Factory
10              New York, NY            Terminal 5
11              Boston, MA              Orpheum Theater
13              Toronto, ONT            Kool Haus
14              Pontiac, MI             Clutch Cargos
16              Chicago, IL             Riviera Theatre *
17              Madison, WI             Berrymore Theatre *
18              Minneapolis, MN         First Avenue
21              Kansas City, MO         VooDoo
23, 24          Denver, CO              Ogden Theatre
26              Tucson, AZ              Rialto Theatre
29              Anaheim, CA             The Grove of Anaheim
30              San Diego, CA           4th & B Concert Theatre

DECEMBER
1               Los Angeles, CA         Orpheum Theatre
2               San Francisco, CA       Warfield Theatre
5               Bend, OR                Domino Room
7               Seattle, WA             Moore Theatre
9               Portland, OR            Crystal Ballroom

That’s just 8 days free on a 38 day tour.

And this map: (yes, I did spend time making this up myself)

Not a bad trek around the country!

It’s a dream of mine to do a tour like this. You get to see a country, play music, make money and have a bloody awesome time.

Mind you, I am sure you’d be buggered after it.

It was a fantastic show. ‘Peaches and Cream’ was amazing. ‘Pickapart’ went off, and ‘Funky Tonight’ finished the night off well.

The crowd was interesting. Lots of people who probably don’t get out to concerts much. The talking during some of the songs was annoying, but everyone was quiet for Peaches and Cream, which was nice.

Shannon Birchall on bass and Michael Barker on drums are just outstanding musicians. I was mesmerised by Michael on drums. He just does it so effortlessly. And of course, when Shannon did his big solo on his double bass, I was awe-struck. They can all play so well. I am damn jealous… I’ll never be that good, but I wish I could just transform into their bodies for a night.

So, if you’re in the US and have never seen JBT live, treat yourself. You won’t be disappointed!

ARIA. Another Reason (to) Ingest Alcohol.

The ARIA Awards were run and won last night in Sydney and I was pretty happy with the results.

Seems that most of the attendees were pretty happy to get smashed. Damn. Wish I was there getting smashed with them…

Winners?

Album of the Year
Silverchair – Young Modern (Good Album. Deserved winner)

Best Group
Silverchair – Young Modern (Would have preferred Wolfmother or Eskimo Joe, but oh well. It’s the Chair’s year )

Off our heads much?

Best Male Artist
Gotye – Mixed Blood (Awesome choice against tough opposition. He really starred last night. If you didn’t know who he was before last night, I hope you do now!)

Yes. He does look like a dork, but a very talented dork.

He also looks scarily like a not so talented dork, Samuel Gordon-Stewart

Best Female Artist
Missy Higgins – On A Clear Night (They shared the prizes around. Missy = popular = winner.)

Single of the Year
Silverchair – Straight Lines (Would have rather seem JBT up there again, but oh well)

Best Pop Release
Sarah Blasko – What The Sea Wants, The Sea Will Have (Not sure how Sarah is Pop, but she deserves the win.)

What’s wrong with the shoes, LaLa? It’s the butterfly that is wrong.

Best Independent Release
The John Butler Trio – Grand National (Hilltop Hoods must have been close, but JBT deserve this. They were awesome live, can’t wait to see them TONIGHT!)

Best Urban Release
Hilltop Hoods – The Hard Road Restrung (But they did share the awards around. Nice job)

Best Comedy Release
Dave Hughes – Live (I think he was drunk as a skunk last night, but hey…onya Dave.)

Best Country Album
Keith Urban – Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy Thing (Country? So WHY Was he playing with JBT?)

Breakthrough Artist – Single
Operator Please – Just A Song About Ping Pong (Nice. I have a bet with LaLa. These guys are going to be HUGE. (and no, I am not talking about the baby fat :)))

Breakthrough Artist – Album
Sneaky Sound System – Sneaky Sound System (Yeah..they’ve exploded in the last year. Fair enough.)

Best Blues and Roots Album
The John Butler Trio – Grand National (No brainer, but Xavier Rudd would have deserved it as well.)

Best Children’s Album
The Wiggles – Pop Go The Wiggles (How do they pick which one when they release 2 or 3 a year?)

Best Dance Release
Sneaky Sound System – Sneaky Sound System (Guess that was obvious. Whatever happened to Madison Avenue?)

That dress is just wrong. I didn’t think anything could be bigger than her hair.

Although, Chrstine Anu’s hair is competing well

Highest Selling Single
Silverchair – Young Modern (Do people still BUY singles??)

Highest Selling Album
Damien Leith – The Winner’s Journey (Yawn.)

Best Music DVD
You Am I – Who Are They, These Rock Stars? Live At The Mint (Cool. You Am I are still around…only in DVD format.)

Best Rock Album
Silverchair – Young Modern (Although, this album contains a lot of NOT rock.)

Best Adult Contemporary Artist
Josh Pyke – Memories & Dust (Awesome. Legend. Well deserved.)

Announced at Nominations event on September 19, 2007:

Best Cover Art
Aaron Hayward & David Homer (Debaser) – Powderfinger – Dream Days At The Hotel Existence (Universal Music)

Best Video
Paul Goldman & Alice Bell – Silverchair – Straight Lines (Eleven/Virgin/EMI))

Engineer of the Year
Wayne Connolly – Josh Pyke – Memories & Dust (Ivy League Records)

Producer of the Year
Wayne Connolly & Josh Pyke – Josh Pyke – Memories & Dust (Ivy League Records)

Announced at ARIA Fine Arts Awards on October 15, 2007:

Best Classical Album
Richard Tognetti, Australian Chamber Orchestra – Bach Violin Concertos (ABC Classics)

Best Jazz Album
Mike Nock & Dave Liebman – Duologue (Birdland/Creative Vibes)

Best Original Soundtrack/Cast/Show Album
Choir of Hard Knocks – Choir of Hard Knocks (ABC Classics)

Best World Music Album
Zulya – 3 Nights (Unstable Ape)

Other Random Photos:

Now…Natalie..I am usually a fan, but WHAT is with that lipstick??

They just look…wrong.

He self-inducted the Bad Seeds and then fucked off as promised. Nice Mo. Little early for Movember though.

Ben. Lose the apricot suit jacket and wear a balaclava or something. I don’t care if you play music, you are one ugly mofo.

Anyone go? Any juicy stories? I bet the after-parties are fun.

Let’s Go Back In Time

Way back….To February.

It was nearly 8 months ago that I was stoked to be seeing The Gurge at the Gaelic.

But, as the history books (aka blogs) will tell us, that didn’t actually happen. Instead, something even better happened.

So, 8 months have passed. That something better has turned into something fantastic, but yet, I still haven’t seen The Gurge live for 2 years.

Tonight. That will change!

I have been thrashing their awesome new album, “Love and Paranoia” (review coming soon) and am itching to see Quan, Ben, Pete and new member Seja (on keyboards).

HAPPINESS is a KONG FOO SING!