Sunday, March 16, 2008

The Catch Up

There's excuses upon excuses as to why I have been unintentionally avoiding Off The Record. I think it goes without explaining that the last year of schooling is one of the most critical years in any teenager's life, and one where a fatal era (such as ignoring work) could be disastrous. But in saying that, I've only just recently turned 18 and have been enjoying "adult" life to it's fullest. With school and social life aside though, I have found time today to put together a non-stop blabber-a-thon and music for all.


GIG PREVIEW: The beauty of being 18, is not having to worry about bouncers or security at shows, and getting in without a single hassle. It's been exactly one month since the day and I have managed to see some pretty extraordinary shows in that time (Ween, CocoRosie, The Dirtbombs, and The Nation Blue) and will hopefully continue doing so for a long while. New Buffalo, or Sally Seltman to friends, is next in line and will be playing two shows at the recently-new and loved Melbourne venue Toff In Town for some "unique performances". I've been looking forward to the day that I would witness Sally in the flesh on stage, and these upcoming shows couldn't be more of a great opportunity for she'll be in hidding straight afterwards writing and recording the follow up to last year's stunningly perfected album (and #5 on my 2007 Top 15 Albums list) 'Somewhere, Anywhere'. Hopefully (and this goes for international readers) you've all had the pleasure of taking in the delight that is New Buffalo and haven't put off seeing her live.

NEW BUFFALO MARCH TOUR
Mar 19: The Toff In Town, Melbourne (w/ Guy Blackman)
Mar 20: The Toff In Town, Melbourne (w/ Jane Badler and Sir)
Mar 22: The Factory Theatre (w/ Fergus Brown and Cloud Control)

(MP3) New Buffalo Cheer Me Up Thank You
(MP3) New Buffalo It's True
(MP3) New Buffalo Four Seasons In One Day (Crowded House Cover)


UNKNOWN TALENT: Taking things now into a completely different direction, we have Sydney's Chaingang. A reasonably new band on the block that will surely create a stir in the very near future. Starting off somewhat slowly but effectively, the band has dropped two demo tracks amongst the blogging world and have been praised for their tireless efforts nationally and internationally. The band blends together the undeniably catchy 70's punk hooks most have come to know and get familiar with, as well the throwing in a franticness likened to Melbourne-siders Young And Restless. There's no doubting whatsoever that these guys have talent and will explore it. I'm just counting down the days until they take over.

(MP3) Chaingang Get Off My Stage
(MP3) Chaingang Cut Here

She & Him - 'Volume One'

ALBUM REVIEW: I have to admit right up front, Zooey Deschanel has always been a love of mine, and always has been ever since my first viewing of the once cult classic Almost Famous. To hear that she was going to be recording music professionally was a blessing, for being a "hardcore" fan I was well aware of her unique voice and talent. But to hear it was with everybody's favorite indie-folk artist M. Ward (are Zooey and Ward a couple or what?) sort of put a damper on it all for me. It's nothing against him or his music, it's that I just haven't ever been able to get a grasp on his styling as much as other's. With all that aside, I have to say that this little album, cleverly titled 'Volume One', is adorable. It's got charm, it's got emotion, and above all it's cute. There are some brilliant familiarities within this record, mostly that of olden day AM radio and folk. Zooey has this child-like voice that's irresistibly brilliant, and it's good to see her dominate most of this album and leave the production work up to Ward. It was only through M. Ward's request that Zooey opened up her writing abilities and for that, I guess I have to thank him.

(MP3) She & Him Got Me
(MP3) She & Him Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?

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