new music

Posted on by bekswhoknits

There was a recent article which came out linking listening of music to depression.
But my happiness measurement is how many new CDs I have.

Recently Added, which is the last two weeks.

The Kills – Blood Pressures
The Tallest Man on Earth – The Wild Hunt
Volcano Choir – Unmap
Portishead – Portishead
Field Music – Tones of Town
Dinosaur Jr – Farm
Antony & The Johnsons – Thank You For Your Love
The Tallest Man on Earth – The Tallest Man on Earth
Pavement – Brighten the Corners
Juno Soundtrack

A sad day for Perth – One Movement festival cancelled

Posted on by bekswhoknits

It is with great sadness today that I read about the WA Government’s decision to abandon the One Movement festival which has been held the past two years in Perth.

One Movement was run over 5 days, at several venues around the centre of our beautiful city here. It was crammed full of live music, industry showcases, and opportunities for not so well known bands to be heard. It is the closest thing Australia has to a SXSW. And, in my own opinion, had the potential to become the equivalent of SXSW.

I see the cancellation of One Movement as a loss for two reasons.

Firstly personal.
One Movement is a festival entirely driven by curiosity and excitement. It’s not about the headline band, but about who you can discover. Much like SXSW, bragging rights come from ‘i discovered this band 2 years at One Movement’. There are certainly opportunities to discover bands at festivals such as Southbound, but at Big Day Out, Soundwave, On The Bright Side et al. the crowd swells towards the latter part of the day are more apparent. Only the truly dedicated are watching the first band.
One Movement was geared towards this experience and discovery.
This event was quite important not only as a music fan but as a music blogger. Last year i had tickets and couldn’t use them due to sickness. This year was going to make up for that.

Secondly there are the success stories that have come out of One Movement.
Stonefield were a particular success, who after being seen at One Movement were invited to play at glasonbury. One Movement was a perfect springboard to perform in front of so many industry professionals, and also to get advice from industry professionals.
It had an important function within the Australian music industry and deserved its spot in the calendar.

One Movement was always an overly ambitious idea for a city like Perth. And no doubt much of the criticism will focus on the stale and backwards thinking stereotype (perhaps warranted) of Perth.

Yes, apparently they were making a loss at tax payers expense. But this tax payer will happily pay for it.

Maybe that’s why there is a government enquiry. Perhaps changing the business model is the answer.
Instead of canceling why not cut it from 5 days to 3.
Or maybe try hiring less venues.
Look at Perth Festival for inspiration.
Think about the bigger picture. The tourism money that can come only once a reputation has been established. The boost that you’re doing to the music industry as a whole. The exposure that young bands can get, which can only be a good thing for the city.
Imagine if Perth became the next happening place for musicians to come, be inspired, and be heard.

Please just don’t admit failure.
Particularly when you were offering such a unique product which had the potential to become the next SXSW.

Rise Against – Endgame

Posted on by bekswhoknits

I’m currently listening to the stream of Rise Against – Endgame

I have 5 of their albums, The Unravelling, The Sufferer and the Witness, Siren Song of the Counter Culture, Revolutions Per Minute, and Appeal to Reason. So i’m not unaquainted with the band.
I saw them last year at Big Day Out and thought they rocked.
They know their stuff. I know who they’re writing for.

They’re writing for the teenage emo kids who are being bullied at school.
Every song is for them.
I never felt like it was being so blatantly rammed down my throat.
Continue reading Rise Against – Endgame

First impressions – Wolf Parade & Trail of Dead

Posted on by bekswhoknits

Wednesday afternoon just went well.
Wolf Parade – Expo 86 arrived (finally) after being lost in the mail.
So that got listened to about 3 times on repeat, before listening to their first album again.
First impressions, it’s good.
As good as their first. Continue reading First impressions – Wolf Parade & Trail of Dead

Os Mutantes (with Mister and Sunbird) – Becks Music Box (6th March 2011)

Posted on by bekswhoknits

The Becks music box is a wonderful location for live music.
Just on the swan river, it’s accessible, the summer weather has been perfect (if not a little hot), and it reminded me what I tell myself every year I need to get more involved in Perth Festival next year.

Beautifully decorated with fairy lights, silhouettes of chandeliers, and littered with cosy couches (seriously, more live music venues need couches), the design was well thought out and gave a real sense of intimacy and warmth.
The drinks lines were short, and even though there was only a few selections available I didn’t hear many complaints about the lack of selection. Myself being a Becks drinker I was happy.
Continue reading Os Mutantes (with Mister and Sunbird) – Becks Music Box (6th March 2011)

new cds make me happy

Posted on by bekswhoknits

Ive been a little splurgy over the last few week, and a few new albums from artists that I follow have come out.
So for my new listening please this week I have:

And you will know us by the trail of dead – Tao of the dead
M Ward – Hold Time
The Morning Benders – Big Echo
The Tallest Man on Earth – Sometimes the blues is just a passing bird
The Go! Team – Rolling Blackouts
The Silents – Sun A Buzz
She & Him – Volume One
She & Him – Volume Two
New Rules for Boats – The Skips On My Record
Cold War Kids – Mine Is Yours
Au Revoir Simone – Still Night, Still Light
The Decemberists – The King Is Dead

Excitement plus!!

the tallest man on earth

Posted on by bekswhoknits

Every so often, an album comes along that sweeps you off your feet.

The last album to do that to me, was the Tallest Man on Earth – Shallow Grave.

Kristian Matsson’s voice immediately resonated, his gravely tones instantly soothing and reassuring.
The melodies are so simple and yet that have a rich complexity that allows them to change every time you listen to them.

There’s something so enchanting and so engaging about this album.

It’s one of those albums that I can listen to on repeat, but really shouldn’t because it only annoys my work mates…

We Are Scientists – Barbara

Posted on by bekswhoknits

After going through some line up changes since their last album, they’ve come back with a strong album which will have you tapping your feet and nodding your head in your skinny jeans and converse.
Sounding a bit like ‘the hot lies’ (which may be a redundant comparison if allmusic.com doesn’t recognise who they are – but those who have heard the Adelaide 5 piece will agree), there’s nothing unexpected or out of the ordinary here, but what they do deliver is a reliable, enjoyable brand of indie rock.

Rules Don’t Stop is a good opener, and a good indicator of the rest of the album.
Buy it if you like cruising, good, straightforward indie.

Jack’s Mannequin – Everything in Transit

Posted on by bekswhoknits

Jack’s Mannequin is Andrew McMahon, lead singer from Something Corporate in his ‘other’ project.
It’s a simpler, less punk sound than SoCo but still manages to enchant and intrigue.
The acoustical nature of Jack’s Mannequin allows Andrew McMahon’s natural song writing ability to really shine through and the piano licks tie it all together nicely.

The end result is very pleasurable album which is easy on the ears, and feels right at home in a college dorm away full of people trying to find themselves.

Cold War Kids – Loyalty to Loyalty

Posted on by bekswhoknits

Cold War Kids have a lot to live up to after their stunning debut ‘Robbers and Cowards’. And although it’s an impressive follow up, it still manages to fall short.
Every song is complete as a song, but I felt it lacked the cohesion that made Robbers and Cowards so good.
‘Something Is Not Right With Me’ is the obvious single, but instead of creating an album around it, it stands on its own.
It’s a great album, but if you’ve never listened to Cold War Kids before, buy Robbers and Cowards first – and then you’ll have to buy Loyalty to Loyalty.