Wil Anderson.

The Comedy Festival 2010 has begun, and the first act we see is Wil Anderson with his Wilosophy show at the Classic.  This lanky, vegetarian, jandal-wearing guy may have become my favourite Australian with his opinions on letting stupid humans fall of the face of the earth (those who run to a beach when a tsunami warning is announced), stopping children from having so many rights (and “milkachinos”), anal bleaching (“if someone is judging you on the colour of your anus, they’re the asshole”), masturbation and what drugs to take as you reach certain age milestones.

Artistic Contrasts.

Hollie Smith, back on the road, showcasing “Humour and the Misfortune of others” at Sales St on Wednesday 14th April.  If I had to pick one word to describe it: contrast.

It’s well known by now that Humour is a massive departure from her debut in terms of mood and style.  Both are philisophical and show extraordinary depth and talent for someone of her age, but the cathartic and intense nature of Humour is a million miles away from the laid back Long Player. Contrast. (more…)

Comatose Karma

Some relatively large life decisions have wrapped me up in a constricting cocoon of stress and uncertainty today.  The Massive Attack concert was a much-needed musical release that immediately chiseled through that cocoon,  blowing it away in a powerful sonic storm.  It was also a jolting and well-timed reminder of exactly how much I need regular music events to keep me balanced. (Concert photo’s here).  (more…)

I was so high.

At the end of 2009, I was set to see Josh Wink perform twice within 3 weeks. The excitement levels were high. Tickets to Summanights in Sydney for New Years Eve had been arranged along with flights and accommodation. A few days away with great friends, overseas, warm weather and dancing to my favourite DJ in the world (with a minimum 3 hour set!) seemed like a pretty damn good way to say goodbye to the “noughties” (especially the last 2 years) and bring in the new decade.

Unfortunately the dreaded “house curse” set in. We arrived at the venue (Home) around 12.30am and was surprised to see a queue for a ticketed event. A small police crew were around, and to cut a long story short, everyone waiting outside was eventually told to clear the area. AU$130 per ticket, plus flights and accommodation… Thanks to the Australian Authorities/Club owners for making us waste time and money, flying to your country and ruining the entire trip. Were you not expecting people to party on new years eve? Idiots. (more…)

The Specials

Logan Campbell Centre. The last time I recall being here was for the Massive Attack Mezzanine gig around 1998. Eleven years on, and 3000-odd fans come together for the 30th Anniversary of The Specials. A DJ provides a fine selection of dub & ska cuts as a warm up before the band launch onto stage and keep the energy on high throughout their 90-minute set.

I didn’t have to wait long before one of my personal favourites, Gangsters, kicks in and has everyone jumping around like lunatics. They work through a stream of classics including Blank Expression, Monkey Man and A Message To You Rudy. Stereotype was one of the few slower moments during their set and was split into two with a hand-clap breakdown before coming back into a “version” style with reverberated ragga vocals… The closing lines of “You’re wondering now, what to do now you know this is the end” has the crowd thinking the show is winding down, but leads nicely into the classic Ghost Town, before they leave the stage. Following raise-roofing applause, they return for an encore – starting with “Too much too young” and closing the show with Enjoy Yourself.

An amazing show all round, with the band throwing in the same amount of energy they did 30 years ago – Neville Staple skanked his way across the stage all night, while Terry Hall showcased his trademark next-to-no-movement, and often hid by the drums whenever he was not delivering on-point vocal performances.