SPOTLIGHT: Delorean

Delorean started making open minded pop that sounded on equal parts to the softness of Seam with New Order's use of synths. Like a mix of the darkness from The Cure with Elliott Smith's paleness. All this had as a result the band's first cd "Silohuettes" (2000) on Underhill Records. The record had to be repressed and the band started touring spain. Extensive touring across Europe made the band grow and earn respect and credibility from everyone.

This new found confidence made them evolve into a more mature sound and attitude. Their sound in their second album, "Delorean" (BCore, 2004) is darker, the synths are more present, their guitars are more atmospheric than ever, their coldness is evident, and all of this offers us a record with a sense of rhythm and dancing absolutely awesome. Put simply, its like dance music made by punks such as Kraftwerk and The Cure - eighties sinister dance pop revisited by a new wave of punk attitude.

You could find the Delorean guys playing in the smallest squat or dancing and sweating and having sex at Studio 54. In 2005 a new EP was released giving the definitive sound that the band is today showing. "Metropolitan death" (BCore, 2005) is even more danceable, more electronic and groovy and contained five remixes. And in 2006, third album "Into the plateau" confirmed the absolute devotion for the dancefloor, in eight new tracks inspired by 80's beats, with their classical atmospheric guitar layers and post-punk attitude.

Ekhi, Unai, Tomás and Igor have just released their 4th installment. The fourth album "Transatlaantic KK" brings us a more serious, sober and balanced approach to their music. The combination of 80's beats, house and trance with guitar textures close to The Police, the darkness of The Cure and the attitude of Radio 4, !!! or The Rapture results in seven mesmerizing tracks, intense and nocturne, that each day run further the pop song concept to concentrate in dancefloors. Originally released in the Spring of 2006 on Bcore Discs from Barcelona, this new version of the album has been reconfigured with a new exclusive track "Apocalypse Ghetto Blast" recorded especially for Simple Social Graces Discos.

The music of Delorean recalls the dance funk music of Factory Records. Their precise rhythmic technique and compositional ability demonstrates various musical points. They have some clear musical references such as Underworld, New Order, The Cure and Daft Punk but the way they arrange and transcend their influences is what makes them so special. Hailing from Zarautz in the Basque Country and living in Barcelona now, Delorean is connected to the vibrant Spanish underground scene but have also reached far beyond to Japan, Germany, the UK and parts of the U.S. dance underground. Their live show is an overwhelming dance mind melt and listening to their records on your headphones on the subway, you can't help but dance like one of those dorks on the ipod commercial.

Look for tour information all over the world in 2008 and continued precise musical destruction.

http://www.myspace.com/deloreandanz

Babyshambles's Pete Doherty is a thief

Once again Pete's in the papers. However, surprisingly it's for his music this time. Although it's not for the right reasons. Babyshambles rocker Pete Doherty is facing accusations he stole a tune from a musician - and then failed to credit him.

Wayne Kenyon - a former pal of Babyshambles guitarist Mik Whitnall - insists the song Baddie's Boogie is based on a composition he penned in 1997 on tour with rock group The Ferrymen. Whitnall was playing in the band at the time.And the incensed rocker has now launched action against Babyshambles.Kenyon says, "Baddie's Boogie is a tune I wrote for The Ferrymen. I have footage of me playing it at three gigs in Germany in 1997."I have written to Babyshambles' record company and they said they were passing it on to their lawyers. But I have heard nothing since."The guitarist claims Whitnall promised he would mention him on their album Shotters Nation, but only the Babyshambles star was credited in the sleeve.

Meanwhile, Doherty is also facing claims he used lyrics from punk poet Nick Toczeks on Baddie's Boogie without permission.

The Kills to release 'Midnight Boom'

Whilst speaking exclusively to Xfm, rock duo The Kills' first lady Alison Mosshart gave an insight into their new album 'Midnight Boom'.

"I'm so happy with the the record, but it was such a long journey getting the final result. Along the way we wrote three records, went broke and fled to Mexico somewhere in the middle of figuring it all out."

And turning to the title itself 'Midnight Boom' she continued, "It means the evening, from midnight to 6am. That's the glory time of creativity and secrecy... the hours we were keeping throughout the writing process."

As for the themes and inspirations behind the record? "A lot of it was inspired by my inner city playground songs, seven year olds jumping rope and hand clapping games."

'Midnight Boom' is released on March 18.

Moby set to release 'Last Night'

'Last Night' will be Moby's sixth studio album. He calls the album "a love letter to dance music in New York City. What I love about the New York approach to dance music is the eclecticism and the open-mindedness on the part of the musicians, the djs and the people in the bars and clubs."

The concept behind 'Last Night' is condense a night in NYC down to an hour. In making 'Last Night', Moby says "I essentially tried to make a long 8 hour night out in NYC and condense it into a 65 minute long album."

The album was recorded at Moby's home studio in Manhattan. Guests included 70's MC Grandmaster Caz, who was one of the writers on 'Rapper's Delight', Sylvia from Kudu, UK MC Aynzli and the Nigerian 419 Squad.

'Last Night' will be released on March 10th, 2008. There is a special free christmas download of some of his album at moby.com.

Jack White plays Elvis in 'Walk Hard'

Jack White, from The White Stripes, is making a cameo appearance in the upcoming movie 'Walk Hard' starring as Elvis 'The King' Presley. 'Walk Hard' is a parody of Johnny Cash's biopic 'Walk The Line' about a rockabilly singer called Dewey Coz, played by John C Reilly. White previously acted in the Oscar-winning 'Cold Mountain' and the arthouse 'Coffee and Cigarettes.'

Elbow set to release "The Seldom Seen Kid"

Elbow are back. Following a two year hiatus since their last UK tour in February 2006, the band return to the live circuit with a comprehensive set of UK dates in April 2008.

The band have been busy recording their 4th studio album, 'The Seldom Seen Kid’, which is released in March 2008 through Fiction Records. As with predecessor 'Leaders of the Free World’, they recorded the new album at Manchester’s Blueprint Studios but with keyboardist Craig Potter taking on production and mixing duties.Elbow are indisputably one of the UK’s most important acts of the last 10 years with Mercury nominations for debut 'Asleep in The Back’. In addition they have received a Brit Awards nomination for Best New British Act. The band can also number such luminaries as John Cale and Chris Martin as members of their hugely loyal fan base.

These shows will be a first opportunity for fans to hear tracks from the new album in a live context and the band are looking forward to getting back on the road. They are currently in live rehearsals and are promising their most spectacular shows yet.

Lily Allen is pregnant with a Chemical baby!

Lily Allen has confirmed that she is expecting a baby with Ed Simons of the Chemical Brothers. I wonder if they call it 'Alfie'??

Sources say they the 22-year-old pop star and her boyfriend, 37-year-old Chemical Brothers member Ed Simons, are "obviously both thrilled by the news."

According to the singer’s spokesman, Allen is still expected to release her as-yet untitled second album in 2008.

Rolling Stone, Camel set to be sued

A really messy saga took a fairly expected turn this week as bands Xiu Xiu and Fucked Up filed a class action lawsuit against Camel cigarettes' parent company R.J. Reynolds Tobacco, Rolling Stone, and the magazine's parent company, Wenner Media, according to a Daily Swarm report.

The suit was filed December 17 on behalf of 186 artists whose names appeared in Rolling Stone's "Indie Rock Universe" feature, tucked conspicuously within a fold-out advertisement for Camel's indie-friendly "The Farm" campaign in the magazine's November 15 issue. It accuses the defending parties of "unauthorized use of artists' names; unauthorized use of artist names for commercial advantage (right of publicity); and unfair business practices."

Xiu Xiu and Fucked Up essentially claim that Rolling Stone created and presented their feature with full knowledge that it would appear part and parcel with the Camel ad. The plaintiffs ask that the magazine print a follow-up feature equal in size to the original clarifying that artists' names were used without consent. They're also seeking financial recompense for damages: Rolling Stone alone, the Daily Swarm suggests, could be forced to pony up as much as $195.3 billion if found guilty.

While this marks the first time Rolling Stone has found itself the subject of legal action following the ad scandal, nine states' Attorneys General have already filed lawsuits against Camel for using cartoons to sell tobacco products.

For more information check out the Daily Swarm article

http://www.thedailyswarm.com/swarm/indie-rock-universe-fucked-and-xiu-xiu-file-class-action-lawsuit-against-camel-and-rolling-stone/

Otherwise you can have a look at what pitchfork have to say about things
http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/47505-camel-irolling-stonei-under-fire-for-indie-rock-ad

Ian Brown tours Australia

Ex- Stone Roses’ Ian Brown is embarking on an Aussie tour for his latest release “The World is Yours”.

TUESDAY 11 MARCH - Hi Fi Bar, Melbourne VIC
WEDNESDAY 12 MARCH - The Govenor Hotel, Adelaide SA
MONDAY 17 MARCH - Tivoli, Brisbane QLD
WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH - Metro, Sydney NSW

Tix on sale WEDNESDAY 19th DECEMBER

Mr Brown will also be appearing at the West Coast Blues & Roots Festival, East Coast Blues & Roots Festival and Playground Weekender Festival.

Bloc Party new album

Bloc Party have admitted that their recent hit single will not be a reflection of what their forthcoming third album is like.

Frontman Kele Okereke clams the track 'Flux', which has given the band a new dance edge, has allowed the four-piece to broaden their horizons. But he warned that the band will not be going in the same direction for the follow up to 'A Weekend In The City'.

He told BBC 6 Music: "'Flux' isn't an indication at all about the next record. The important thing about this record for me was that it showed we could do anything we wanted, we weren't going to settle for being any other guitar band of 2007. Luckily it was successful."

Drummer Matt Tong added: "I think one crucial thing about that song was it was radically different from anything we attempted before and I think it was important in terms of opening up... broadening our horizons".

New album is due out sometime in 2008.

SPOTLIGHT: Best Albums 2007

Phew.....at last.

Music Universe has finally compiled their list of the 25 best albums of 2007. It was (as usual) a very tough year of narrowing them down, but alas, the list is ready for you. I am aware that some of the albums listed you might disagree with, however, as you all should know by now, Jase Knows Music.

So, without further adieu, I bring you the 25 Best Albums of 2007.

(please click on the link)
http://jasonschattner.googlepages.com/jaseknowsmusic-bestalbumsof2007

Coldplay new album "Prospekt" ?

Coldplay's new album has turned frontman Chris Martin into an insomniac. Chris is determined to make the British band's fourth studio album - which is due to be released next February and expected to be called 'Prospekt' - as successful as the group's hit 2005 LP 'X+Y' and has been furiously working round the clock on new material.

An unknown source named Prospekt has written on the band's official website:

"Chris just keeps on writing. He has shown me five new songs in the last two days. I seriously don't know when he sleeps."

Prospekt also revealed the group have begun working on set designs for a tour to accompany the release of the album and emotions are running high as they near the end of the project.

He said: "The ups and downs come thick and fast at this point in proceedings.One minute we're over the moon about a new artwork idea. The next we're all gloomy at slow progress on designing the live show. So, as you can gather there is a lot going on. We're trying to pull all the threads together and get these songs (and all the hoopla that goes with them) ready to present to the wide world."

Future Music Festival announce more

Datarock and Chicks On Speed have been announced as the new acts on the Future Music Festival lineup.

They will join the likes of Chemical Brothers, John Digweed, Roger Sanchez, Who Made Who, Diplo and Aesop Rock.

Mar 1 Brisbane

Mar 2 Perth

Mar 8 Sydney

Mar 9 Melbourne

Mar 10 Adelaide

Tix on sale through ticketmaster.

Playground Weekender 2008 announced

A 3-day camping and music festival, Playground Weekender, will be on during the March 7-9th weekend. It will be held at Dio Rio Riverside resort, Wiseman's Ferry on the Hawkesbury river in NSW (1.5hrs from Sydney).

The first batch of acts announced include Kruder and Dorfmeister, Ian Brown, Maximo Park, Crazy Penis, Ben Lee, Josh Pyke, The Wombats, Tiefschwarz, Tom Middleton, Norman Jay, Dappled Cities Fly, Kid Kenobi and Blue Juice.

Tix on sales at playgroundweekender.com.au and inthemix.com.au

Jack Johnson tour 2008 sells out!!

Hawaiian modern day folkster Jack Johnson is set to return to Australia, playing venues that prove his popularity hasn't dropped an inch. It's been three years since Jack last toured Australia (although he was on the Sydney leg of the Live 8 shows). News just came in that most of his concerts are now sold out, however, Jack has just announced another Melbourne concert on the 26th. Lucky for those living in Melbourne.

His latest single is 'If I Had Eyes' and it comes from his fourth studio album 'Sleep Through The Static'. The album will be released in Australia just in time for the tour, on February 2.

Check him out at:

MARCH
13 – WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
15 – Centennial Park, Sydney
16 – Avica Resort, Gold Coast SOLD OUT
25 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne SOLD OUT
26 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne
27 – Memorial Drive, Adelaide
29 – Members Equity Stadium, Perth

Young & Restless win triple j's Unearthed award

The staff are Music Universe would like to publicly congratulate Young & Restless for winning the triple j inaugural 'Unearthed' award. Without a doubt, Y&R have been the find of the year amongst the new artists/bands emerging from below the surface. 2008 surely looks to be like a big year for the crew from Canberra, now based in Melbourne. Hopefully, they can head into international waters asap. Everyone should have a copy of Young & Restless' self-titled album in their hands.

Congrats Y&R!

Rodrigo Y Gabriela tour Australia

Ireland's ex-pat Mexican acoustic guitar duo return in March, after stunning audiences here in 2006 on their first tour. Theirs has been a word of mouth success story both here and overseas. Their current set includes everything from jazz standards, covers of Metallica's 'Orion' and Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven' plus a host of world music jaw droppers and a few surprises which feature their unique blend of Spanish guitar, Latin rhythms, heavy metal and jazz.

Sydney Wednesday 26th March – Enmore Theatre
Melbourne Thursday 27th March – The Forum

Also appearing at West Coast Blues & Roots Festival, East Coast Blues & Roots Festival and Point Nepean's A Musical Experience Festival.

Caribou tours Australia 2008

Caribou, formerly known as Manitoba, will be hitting our shores in January 2008.

Caribou recently released his second album under the Caribou name, 'Andorra'. Known mainly for his exceptional live shows, where he plays the percussionist and the set includes complex video projections on a large screen. In a recent interview Caribous was quoted in referring to his music, "I will have an idea to put some different sounds together or a melody that meshes with a chord sequence or a sonic mood, I'm not the type of person who takes physical things apart and plays around with them, but I like taking mental ideas apart and playing around with them."

Dates:

Jan 16 The Bakery, Perth WA
Jan 17 Sydney Festival, Hyde Park Barracks, Sydney NSW
Jan 18 GoMA, Brisbane QLD
Jan 19 East Brunswick Hotel, Melbourne VIC

Mars Volta reveal 'The Bedlam In Goliath'

Mars Volta have revealed that their new album "The Bedlam In Goliath" will be released on Jan 29th 2008. The follow up to 2006's "Amputechture" was produced by guitarist Omar Rodriguez Lopez and includes contributions from Red hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante. The first single released on iTunes is 'Wax Simulacra'.

Bixler-Zavala explains in an MTV News article that the main theme of Bedlam is the band's attempt to artistically reverse their perceived bad luck which they attribute to an object purchased by Rodriguez-Lopez during a trip to Jerusalem. The object itself was described as an ancient equivalent to a modern Ouija board and the band casually referred to it as 'The Soothsayer'. "

"We used to get the band to play it a lot after we'd play shows in the middle of nowhere, with nothing to do. It serves the same function as a Ouija board, but it's just a little more archaic," Bixler-Zavala elaborated, adding that the band discovered a number of poems attached to the board. "This version of it had a sort of love triangle that was attached to it — the poems we found with it sort of described a mother-daughter-and-other-man love triangle, and what I came up with from it was we were being contacted by at least three people on the board that would come up as one person. We wrote down a lot of the messages they gave us, and we used it in the lyrics, and we also tried to fasten the lyrics into sort of like a good-luck charm, by putting positive elements into it..."

"After a while, we started having a lot of bad luck happen to us, and we kind of got rid of the thing. The album is basically a sort of ... it's like the Ghostbusters, when they want to catch a ghost, they throw out this little trap on the floor, and they open it. The record serves as a bunch of little traps, so when the record comes out, people will have those traps, and they can play the game and try to reverse the bad luck we've had come from it".

The National tour Australia

"The atmosphere of Joy Division and the delicate twang of Wilco. Inspirational." (Time Out).

The National formed in 1999, when five friends from Cincinnati, Ohio met again after all of them had relocated to Brooklyn, NY. For years, the band had received critical praise but it wasn't until 2005's 'Alligator' that a wider audience finally discovered them.

Drawing similarities to Interpol, The National also mixes guitar, bass, piano and drums and festooned with brass, woodwinds, backing vocals, strings, and organs. Their latest album is titled "Boxer" and their Australian tour is through Civil Society. Their first show in Melbourne sold out almost instantly and a second one has been announced. If you know what's good for you, you will get along to see these guys play live.

Dates in January:
15th AUCKLAND, NZ - The Studio
17th BRISBANE - The Zoo
18th MELBOURNE - The Corner Hotel SOLD OUT!!!
19th MELBOURNE - The Corner Hotel
21st SYDNEY -City Recital Hall Angel Place
22nd SYDNEY - City Recital Hall Angel Place
23rd SYDNEY - City Recital Hall Angel Place

Calvin Harris tours Australia

Calvin Harris is another one of those artists to have been found on the internet (myspace) ie. Arctic Monkeys, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, etc. His first album 'I Created Disco' was released on 18 June 2007. The album contained uptempo electrotrash songs that were influenced by music from the 1980s. To promote I Created Disco, Harris embarked on a tour of the UK, supporting Faithless and Groove Armada. His first single off the album 'Acceptable In The 80's' reached the top 10 on the UK singles chart, remaining there for 15 weeks. He has worked with Kylie Minogue and Sophie Ellis-Baxtor. Catch him live during the Good Vibrations festival or at one of his sideshows.

Dates:

Feb 8 Hi Fi Bar, Melbourne VIC
Feb 9 Good Vibrations Fest, Melbourne VIC
Feb 10 Good Vibrations Fest, Gold Coast QLD
Feb 14 The Forum, Sydney NSW
Feb 15 Good Vibrations Fest, Sydney NSW
Feb 16 Good Vibrations Fest, Pert WA

The Rapture tour Australia 2008

One of my favourite indie-disco bands of recent times, The Rapture, turn it on down under for a couple of shows and festivals. The Rapture have come along in leaps and bounds since the release of their latest album, 'Pieces of The People We Love'. With smashing singles all over the album, there's no excuses for standing still when listening to them. Include some of their old jingles such as 'Out of the Races and onto the Track', 'House of Jealous Lovers, 'Sister Saviour', 'I Need Your Love' and 'Olio', and it's a sure bet that you will want to jump onto the stage and start hitting the cowbell along with them.

They hit your town for the Good Vibes fest and a couple of sideshows soon:

Sat Feb 9 Good Vibrations Fest, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne VIC
Sun Feb 10 Good Vibrations Fest, Doug Jennings Park, Brisbane QLD
Thurs Feb 14 Prince Of Wales, Melbourne VIC
Fri 15 Metro Theatre, Sydney NSW
Sat 16 Good Vibrations Fest, Centennial Park, Sydney NSW
Sun 17 Good Vibrations Fest, Heirisson Island, Perth WA

Andrew Bird tours Australia 2008

Andrew Bird will be performing on tour next month. He recently released his 10th album, 'Armchair Apocrypha', which I believe is another stroke of Bird's genius orchestral sounds. He has been compared to the likes of Jeff Buckley, Thom Yorke and Rufus Wainwright. The word 'wow' is all I can think of when I think of Andrew Bird live.

Jan 6-8 Sydney Festival, Sydney NSW
Jan 10 The Zoo, Brisbane QLD
Jan 11 The Corner Hotel, Melbourne VIC
Jan 12 The Rosemount Hotel, Perth WA
Jan 15 The Classic Comedy Bar, Auckland NZ
Jan 16 Mighty Mighty, Wellington NZ

Shihad tour again in 2008

It's official. Shihad are back!

A new album is set for release in April 2008 titled 'Beautiful Machine'. To coincide with their 7th album release, Shihad will be going on tour for their first time since 2005. 'One Will Hear The Tour' will be a 6-week tour of the East Coast of Australia during Feb/Mar. Fans won't have to wait too long to hear some new material though. Their first single off the album, 'One Will Hear The Other' will be on the airwaves in January.

'One Will Hear The Tour' supported by Horsell Common and The Galvatrons:

Wednesday February 6 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
Thursday February 7 – The Beachcomber Hotel, Toukley NSW
Friday February 8 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney
Saturday February 9 – Woonona Bulli RSL, Woonona
Sunday February 10 – Sodens Hotel, Albury
Wednesday February 13 – The Pub, Bendigo
Thursday February 14 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
Friday February 15 – The Corner Hotel, Richmond
Saturday February 16 – Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads
Sunday February 17 – Ruby’s Lounge, Belgrave
Thursday February 21 – ANU Bar, Canberra*
Friday February 22 – The Mona Vale Hotel, Mona Vale
Saturday February 23 – Caringbah Bizzo’s, Caringbah
Tuesday February 26 – Orange Ex-Services Club, Orange
Wednesday February 27 – The Oxford, Bathurst
Thursday February 28 – Capital Saloon, Wagga Wagga
Friday February 29 – The Edge Hotel, Buronga
Saturday Mar 1 – Pretoria Hotel, Mannum
Sunday March 2 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide (licensed/all-ages)
Wednesday March 5 – Hallam Hotel, Hallam**
Thursday March 6 – Village Green Hotel, Mulgrave**
Friday March 7 – 21st Century, Frankston**
Saturday March 8 – Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Gully**
Sunday March 9 – Westernport Hotel, San Remo
Wednesday March 12 – The Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour
Thursday Mar 13 – Hotel Great Northern, Byron Bay
Sunday March 16 – Sands Tavern, Maroochydore

Bondo do Role cancel tour and breakup

After calling off their Australian tour only yesterday, Bondo do Role have regrattably announced the departure of MC Marina Vello.

In a statement from their myspace website:

"Due to several internal problems between us, we had to cancel a lot of our shows from the European tour, and we also had to cancel the scheduled Australian tour (everyone knew how excited we were about it!). For that we’re really really sorry."

“And we also announce that Marina is no longer with us, due to these internal problems. We wish her all the best in whatever she decides to do with her future, and she can always count on us as friends. We are working these issues [out] right now as we speak, and we hope we can make it up to everyone who we let down this year, in the most awesome way we can!”

So, Bondo do Role will continue, but under a different format. Will the new format work as well as the old? Only time will tell.

Jase Knows Music - Best Albums of 2007

Phew.....at last.

Music Universe has finally compiled their list of the 25 best albums of 2007. It was (as usual) a very tough year of narrowing them down, but alas, the list is ready for you. I am aware that some of the albums listed you might disagree with, however, as you all should know by now, Jase Knows Music.

So, without further adieu, I bring you the 25 Best Albums of 2007.

(please click on the link)
http://jasonschattner.googlepages.com/jaseknowsmusic-bestalbumsof2007

Black Keys cancel Australian tour

Unfortunately, The Black Keys won''t be making their 897th appearance in Australia this year. The Black Keys have cancelled their upcoming Australian tour due to "family health complications".

Fans who held tickets to the shows can seek a refund at the point of purchase.The band regret any inconvenience caused. Pyramid Rock Festival will still go ahead down on Phillip Island over New Years Eve.

White Stripes to quit?

The White Stripes may never tour again following Meg White's recent bout of ill-health, it has been claimed.

The rock duo pulled all their scheduled 2007 gigs earlier this year, when the drummer was diagnosed with acute anxiety. Jack White has now suggested the band may follow the lead of The Beatles in the '60s and stop playing live, depending on how it affects Meg. Speaking about the upcoming touring plans, The Stripes' leader said: "I don't know. I guess it's up to Meg. The Beatles did it. I'm joking, but if we didn't ever tour again it wouldn't matter to me", Jack told the Los Angeles Times. "If something isn't working for you and it's detrimental to you, then you have to figure out a new way to attack it, a new way to look at it. I think that's what Meg's doing", he explained.

Led Zeppelin reunion concert

This report came straight off the desks at NME and into my hands.

Led Zeppelin played a storming show at their first UK in 19 years at the 02 Arena in London tonight (December 10). The long-awaited performance was the headline slot at a tribute show for Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun, who died earlier this year and was instrumental in building the band's career in the 1970s. Frontman Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page and bassist John Paul Jones were joined by Jason Bonham on drums - son of John, the band's original drummer who died in 1980 signalling the end of the original band's 12-year career.

There had been brief reformations before - including Live Aid in 1985 - but tonight was the first full set the group had played since headlining Knebworth in 1979. An estimated nine million people applied for the 18,000 tickets, and despite the quiet sound there was mass hysteria as the band performed their classics before a crowd including Paul McCartney, Oasis' Noel and Liam Gallagher, Pink Floyd's David Gilmour, Lulu, Arctic Monkeys, Kate Moss and Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl.

The 16 - song set kicked off at 9pm GMT prompt - included classics such as opener 'Good Times Bad Times', 'Kashmir', 'Ramble On', 'Black Dog', 'Dazed And Confused', 'Whole Lotta Love' and rousing closer 'Rock And Roll', during the second of two encores. There were also a few surprises thrown in - the disco funk of 'Trampled Under Foot' from 1975's 'Physical Graffiti' made an appearance, as did 'For Your Life' from 1976's 'Presence' - the first time the band have ever performed the track live.

Plant spoke little during the show, but when he did it was mostly to pay tribute to Ertegun, who he said after first encore 'Whole Lotta Love' "ran the best label in the world" in Atlantic Records. After playing classic 'Stairway To Heaven' the singer exclaimed: "Ahmet, we did it!" He also said before 'For Your Life' - "The past few weeks have been full of a thousand emotions for Ahmet, for bringing Jason (Bonham) in." He also individually introduced each other member of the band during the course of the two-hour performance. The four-piece, dressed almost entirely in black except for Page's white shirt, played in front of a massive video screen which featured straight shots of the band at first, but then exploded into psychedelic colours for 'Kashmir', the best received song of the evening. Before that track, Plant delcared: "There are people from 50 countries here. This is the 51st."

Led Zeppelin played:

'Good Times Bad Times'

'Ramble On''Black Dog'

'In My Time Of Dying'

'For Your Life'

'Trampled Under Foot'

'Nobody's Fault But Mine'

'No Quarter''Since I've Been Loving You'

'Dazed And Confused'

'Stairway To Heaven'

'The Song Remains The Same'

'Misty Mountain Hop'

'Kashmir'

'Whole Lotta Love'

'Rock And Roll'

The Wombats tour Australia

Liverpool indie band The Wombats should have no problem fitting in in Australia if their namesake is anything to go by. The guys are bringing their liverpudlian sounds and windswept hairdos to Oz for the first time, so hurry up and get tickets before they're denounced for not being underground enough when they get really popular!

THURSDAY 6th MARCH - HI FI BAR, MELBOURNE VIC
FRIDAY 7th MARCH - THE ZOO, BRISBANE QLD
SATURDAY 8th MARCH - THE FACTORY, SYDNEY NSW

Tix on sale Dec 13.

‘A GUIDE TO LOVE, LOSS & DESPERATION’ out now through Warner Music

The Longnecks tour in 2008

According to label, Dew Process, The Longnecks are a three piece band with a heart based somewhere between the suburbs of Melbourne and the council flats of West London. There is a real air of mystery surrounding this band and just in case the hype is true, don’t waste any time and take your opportunity to catch them live while you have the chance.

The Longnecks have a long history with the Australian public, stretching over ten years of good times and big parties. Much like their namesake, The Longnecks have been a hit, with no bitter aftertaste, just the right amount of head and an ability to quench your musical thirst. The Longnecks will be exclusively playing new material from their forthcoming album - due out in mid-2008 - to a very select crowd at intimate venues around the state.

Tour dates:
Wed Feb 06, 2008: The Council Club, Wangaratta
Thu Feb 07, 2008: The Palais, Hepburn Springs
Fri Feb 08, 2008: Karova Lounge, Ballarat
Sat Feb 09, 2008: The Barwon Club, Geelong
Sun Feb 10, 2008: St Kilda Festival, Melbourne
Wed Feb 13, 2008: Westernport, San Remo
Thu Feb 14, 2008: Ruby’s Lounge, Belgrave
Fri Feb 15, 2008: The Pub, Bendigo
Sat Feb 16, 2008: Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne

All tickets $12+b/f (on sale now) or $15 at the door if available. Al shows supported by Yves Klein Blue.

Jens Lekman announced for Golden Plains

Music Universe is excited to announced the following information.

The line-up for Victoria’s annual autumn festival Golden Plains is already looking like one of the best for 2008, but it looks like they’ve found room for a few more big names.

After winning the triple j J Award for best Australian album of 2007, The Panics are bringing their well-oiled show to the Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre for the first time. Turntablist extradonaire Kid Koala has been invited back after rocking Meredith in 2006, while Swedish indie-popster Jens Lekman will show why he’s a superstar back home.

The three shining new additions join Sharon Jones And The Dap Kings, Ween, The Vines, Iron And Wine, Beirut, Optimo, The Bang Gang Deejays, The Dirtbombs, British India, The Bamboos, South Rakkas Crew, Buffalo Tom, Jay Reatard, Scientists Of Modern Music, Future Of The Left, Jane Badler and Sir, Kamikaze Trio, Pikelet, The Sea And Cake and many more.

8-10 March, 2008 – Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre, Meredith, Victoria

27th Anniversary of John Lennon's death

Yesterday, December 8th 2007, marked the 27th anniversary of the murder of John Lennon. To mark the occasion, John's widow Yoko released the following statement.

"I miss you, John. 27 years later, I still wish I could turn back the clock to the Summer of 1980. I remember everything - sharing our morning coffee, walking in the park together on a beautiful day, and seeing your hand stretched to mine - holding it, reassuring me that I shouldn't worry about anything because our life was good.

I had no idea that life was about to teach me the toughest lesson of all. I learned the intense pain of losing a loved one suddenly, without warning, and without having the time for a final hug and the chance to say, "I love you," for the last time. The pain and shock of that sudden loss is with me every moment of every day. When I touched John's side of our bed on the night of December 8th, 1980, I realized that it was still warm. That moment has haunted me for the past 27 years - and will stay with me forever.

Even harder for me is watching what was taken away from our beautiful boy, Sean. ?He lives in silent anger over not having his Dad, whom he loved so much, around to share his life with. I know we are not alone. Our pain is one shared by many other families who are suffering as the victims of senseless violence. This pain has to stop.

Let's not waste the lives of those we have lost. Let's, together, make the world a place of love and joy and not a place of fear and anger. This day of John's passing has become more and more important for so many people around the world as the day to remember his message of Peace and Love and to do what each of us can to work on healing this planet we cherish. Let's: Think Peace, Act Peace, and Spread Peace. John worked for it all his life. He said, "there's no problem, only solutions." Remember, we are all together. We can do it, we must. I love you!"

Yoko Ono Lennon

From the desk of Jase Knows Music - we still miss you John.

The Panics win The J Award 2007

Well, I've said it before and I'll say it again.........Jase Knows Music.

As a true, never-listens-to-anything-else, triple j fan, Jase Knows Music has been tuning in all year and hearing all about the 2007 J Awards. Nominations have been flowing, albums have been featurig and songs have been airing all year. Of the 13 fantastic nominations this year, Jase Knows Music took a punt and believed that The Panic's album, Cruel Guards, would win this years title.

Alals..........the winner of the 2007 J Award is.........The Panics!!!!

The Panics take over the J Award from the Hilltop Hoods, who won it last year for their album 'The Hard Road'. 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. The judging panel is made up of triple j hosts and producers. The Panics ' Cruel Guards' is in Jase Knows Music's top 25 albums for 2007 (coming soon - stay tuned) and rightfully deserves the accolades it receives from the music industry.

The Panics beat off competition from:

John Butler Trio - Grand National
PNAU - PNAU
Josh Pyke - Memories and Dust
Silverchair - Young Modern
The Vasco Era - Oh We Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside
Architecture In Helsinki - Places Like This
British India - Guillotine
Midnight Juggernauts - Dystopia
Katalyst - What's Happening
Urthboy - The Signal
Grinspoon - Alibis and Other Lies
Bumblebeez - Prince Umberto & The Sister of Ill

I would again like to outline the most fundamental point of this entire posting. Jase Knows Music. Period. "Just don't fight it, don't fight it" - great line from a great song on The Panics newbie ' Cruel Guards'.

Spoon announce Australian tour

Spoon announced their Big Day Out sideshows today.

Jan 24 - Annandale Hotel, Sydney NSW
Jan 26 - Soundscape Festival, Hobart TAS
Jan 29 - Corner Hotel, Melbourne VIC

Rumours suggest that they may be supporting Arcade Fire on some of their sideshows.

Stay tuned.

Arcade Fire announce Australian tour

Arcade Fire have announced their Big Day Out sideshows - Finally!!!

Only 2 dates have been confirmed, but strong rumours that the other 2 dates shown below will be announced straight after the first concerts sell out in 2 minutes.

Jan 22 - Enmore Theatre, Sydney NSW

Jan 23 - Enmore Theatre, Sydney NSW (to be confirmed)

Jan 29 - The Forum, Melbourne VIC

Jan 30 - The Forum, Melbournew VIC (to be confirmed)

AND.......supposedly Spoon will be supporting at least the first shows in each city.

Stayed tuned for updates on when tickets are on sale (I think its either the 12th or 13th Dec) and for further announcements on confirmed extra shows.

Midnight Juggernauts to tour March 2008

The Midnight Juggernauts have become one of the most talked about acts in the dance music world over the past couple of years, and now you have a chance to see why. Touring with the likes of Justice and Digitalism, Midnight Nuggernauts make a triumphant return to their home shores in 2008.

The band will embark on an east coast tour of Australia at some of the country's most renowned venues.

Check them out in March at:

11 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
12 – The Forum, Melbourne
14 – The Tivoli, Brisbane

Good Vibrations sideshows

Dance and hip hop festival Good Vibrations was announced a while back, but a few of those bands will be playing shows for their fans only.

Unfortuantely for the rest of the country, the shows will only take place in Melbourne and Sydneyand all tickets are on sale next Wednesday (December 13).

Dates are as follows:

Calvin Harris (cost: $45 + b/f)

FEB 8 – HiFi Bar, Melbourne

FEB 14 – The Forum, Sydney

The Rapture (cost: $45 + b/f) - Bring out the cowbells and get ready to shake urself!

FEB14 – The Prince of Wales, Melbourne

FEB 15 – The Metro, Sydney

Thievery Corportation (DJ Set) (cost: $40 + b/f)

FEB 15 – The Basement, Sydney

K-OS (cost: $35 + b/f)

FEB14 – Gaelic Club, Sydney

All of those bands and many more will be at Good Vibrations on:

FEB (cost: $120 + b/f except Brisbane, which is $99 + b/f)

9– Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne

10 – Riverstage in the City Gardens, Brisbane

16 – Centennial Park, Sydney

17 – Heirisson Island, Perth

So who's the frontman?

Toronto-based indie-rock collective Do Make Say Think is enchanting the audience at its November show at the Echoplex. Cheers erupt between songs. But the crowd is otherwise quiet. Fans sway gently, eyes closed, listening. But no one sings along.

There aren't any lyrics to sing. Trumpets blare, drums pound, a violin wails. It's a rock show all right. And yet, the mood of hushed attention recalls a Quaker church service, people gathered silently, seeking communion, but encouraged to find their own meaning.

The scene might seem unusual if Do Make Say Think wasn't one of dozens of increasingly popular bands making equally arresting instrumental rock. This year's Coachella music festival in the US saw well-received main stage performances by Austin, Texas-based indie-rock emotionalists Explosions in the Sky and Brooklyn, N.Y.-based electro-rock duo Ratatat, with a set of its ecstatic dance-rock anthems. New York's avant-rock quartet Battles is earning buzz for its playfully cerebral electro-rock romps, while Los Angeles-based quintet Red Sparowes has performed its powerful ambient rock epics around the world.

So, have instruments replaced the frontman? What would Beethoven be thinking?

For more information regarding this, read the LA Times article here

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/music/la-ca-indierock2dec02,1,915549.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

SPOTLIGHT: At The Drive-In

During their short but influential career, At the Drive-In crafted musically complex songs laced with cryptic and strongly metaphoric lyrics. Influenced equally by music from the likes of Pink Floyd, Fugazi and The Smiths, the band was founded in 1993 by guitarist Jim Ward and vocalist Cedric Bixler-Zavala. ATDI's first studio recording was 'Hell Paso', an EP issued in 1994. Much touring would quickly develop a following as intense in loyalty as the band was on stage. This reputation for hard work, the release of perhaps their best-known album, 'Relationship of Command' and their minor hit radio single 'One Armed Scissor' received positive attention in the rock press towards the end of their career.

In January 2001, ATDI traveled to Australia for the Big Day Out. While performing in Sydney, they left partway through their set after telling the spectators in attendance to calm down and observe the safety rules (I was one of those moshing and it honestly felt like I was going to die). After the refusal of the crowd, frontman Cedric Bixler-Zavala told the crowd, “You're a robot, you're a sheep!” and proceeded to baaa at them several times before the band left the stage around 10 minutes into their set. "I think it's a very, very sad day when the only way you can express yourself is through slam-dancing," he proclaimed. Later that day, teenager Jessica Michalik died of asphyxiation during a crowd surge in the now infamous Limp Bizkit's Big Day Out set.

Later in 2001, at the peak of their popularity and following a world tour, ATDI broke up, initially referring to the split as an "indefinite hiatus."

A combination of excessive hype, relentless touring, artistic differences, and Rodriguez-Lopez & Bixler-Zavala's drug habits all contributed to the demise of the band. Cedric Bixler-Zavala took responsibility for the breakup of the band, saying repeatedly in interviews that he felt almost as if ATDI were holding him back, and that he didn't want his music to be confined to 'punk' or 'hardcore' - that it should encompass many different genres and be even more progressive, alternative, and "against-the-grain". Bixler-Zavala and Rodriguez-Lopez had stated that they wanted their next album to sound like PInk Floyd's The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, while the other members of the band were intent on progressing in a more typical rock direction.

Following the break-up of ATDI, Bixler-Zavala and Rodriguez-Lopez started The Mars Volta. This project was a departure from their previous work, as it pursued the prog-rock sound that they had been interested in. Meanwhile, the other members of ATDI—Jim Ward, Paul Hinojos and Tony Hajjar—started the band Sparta. Hinojos has since left Sparta to join Bixler-Zavala and Rodriguez in The Mars Volta. Both bands have been very successful in their own right; Sparta's music exchanged the rapturous post-hardcore sensibilities of ATDI for a more mellow yet anthemic sound, while The Mars Volta embarked on a more experimental route, transforming into a progressive hard/Latin rock group.

The music of ATDI is very complex and sometimes unwilling to find in a single genre. The amount of influence early emo and post hardcore had on their sound is undeniable, but it also includes a blend of almost classic and progressive rock sounds. 'Relationship of Command' has to be one of the most intensely insane albums of the last 10 years. It will no doubt be a timeless album for those who love to rock. The end of ATDI was and still is a very sad day in music history.

Antony and The Johnsons third album

The December issue of Harp magazine features an interview with Antony Hegartyabout the forthcoming third Antony and the Johnsons album. According to a post today on Antony's website, the album is called The Crying Light, and it'll come out on in the spring. Exciting!In the interview, he said that "a lot" of the 25 songs he tracked for the record "are just piano songs." He also explained the album is "a little more experimental structurally. But some of [the songs] are really normal... I'm hoping to weave things together so it will be a little more of a collage of songs."

Antony expanded the 'I am a Bird Now' follow-up's to something a little broader: "It's about landscape and the future. I guess I'm thinking about those things a lot-- about the natural landscape of the world and the landscape inside each person. On my last record, everything was sort of sad and redemptive. And this one, it's more extreme in both directions. Some of the songs are much more joyful, and some of the songs are much less redemptive. And then some of the songs are more thoughtful-- more philosophical. I think this record is just about sitting with things."

Beck's Festival Bar Sydney 2008

Beck's Festival Bar is back in 2008 with one of the biggest and best line-ups in its history. For 15 nights, Hyde Park Barracks will be pulsating with the sounds of electro, breaks, house, reggae, dancehall indie, hip-hop, soul and Baile funk from a selection of leading-edge local acts and international artists from Jamaica, Brazil, France, USA, Canada, New Zealand and the UK.

BECK'S FESTIVAL BAR

Hyde Park Barracks Museum, Sydney NSW

January 6-26

(Must see acts in bold)

ANDY WEATHERALL / AMP FIDDLER / BABYLON CIRCUS / BATTLES / BONDE DO ROLE / BUNNY RUGS / BUSDRIVER / CARIBOU / CHROMEO / DE LA SOUL / DEXTER & GRRILLA STEP / GAZ MAYALL / GIRL TALK / HARMONIC 313 / KLUB KOORI / KORA / KRAFTY KUTS / LADY SAW / MAD RACKET / MONOBLOCO / MOODYMANN / PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS / PERCEE P / PIVOT / SON VENENO / SPANK ROCK / STEVE SPACEK / UBER LINGUA SOUND SYSTEM

Broken Social Scene tour Australia

Broken Social Scene are coming! Broken Social Scene are coming! I don't think you understand or can hear the excitement in my voice.

BSS will be touring down under for the Laneway festival and performing at a string of sideshows along the way. BSS are known to be an indie-supergroup, having an 11-piece collective, which includes members from bands such as Stars, K-Os, Metric, Do Make Say Think, The Dears and Feist. It's a god dam Canadian rock ensemble! They really hit the scene with their sophmore effort, 'You Forgot It In People'. It actually won a Juno for "Alternative Album of the Year" in 2003. They released a b-sides/rarities album in 2004 titled 'Bee Hives' and then a third album - self titled - was welcomed by the indie cohorts in 2005.

This year, BSS released a strange kind of album. 'Broken Social Scene presents: Kevin Drew - Spirit If.....'. It appears to be a solo album for Drew, however, many members of BSS and other bands have contributed. Either way, BSS continue to roll out the punches.

I look forward to seeing them play live in Australia in 2008.

Laneway festival plus the following sideshow dates:

Wed 27 Feb - Corner Hotel, Melbourne

more to be announced soon...........

Feist to tour Australia

Part-time member of Canadian indie group, Broken Social Scene, Feist is travelling downunder to support the Laneway festival and perform some sideshows of her own.

Feist has produced two albums and collaborated with the likes of Peaches and Kings Of Convenience in the past, but more recently is known for her solo album - The Reminder - released earlier this year. It was this album which took Feist to another level. The album features "1234", which was co-written by Australia's New Buffalo singer - Sally Seltmann. It was a surprise hit to Feist, but not to others, as it was picked up by Apple and used for its Ipod Nano commercials. Other notable songs on the album included "I Feel It All" and "My Moon My Man", which will no doubt be highlights of her gigs.

Looking forward to seeing you Ms. Feist. Maybe we wil lsee you at Broken Social Scene's gigs too!!

Along with the Laneway festival shows, Feist will be performing:

Tuesday 26 February - Prince of Wale, Melbourne VIC

Friday 29 February - Metro Theatre, Sydney NSW

Okkervil River return to tour

Indie kids of the nation rejoice! Okkervil River has announced sideshows adjunct to their St Jerome’s Laneway Festival appearances. The dates will mark the Texan five piece’s third trip downunder.

Okkervil River has long been a favourite with Aussie indie music fans since emerging on the scene nearly a decade ago. With the band’s latest album The Stage Names being described as genre defining, these tour dates should mark very special appearances indeed.
Having spent the last two years touring off the back of their previous effort Black Sheep boy there is little doubt that the band will be looking forward to showcasing tracks from their latest album.

Band member Will Sherrif: “This is my favourite album we’ve done. I think of it as a message to myself, from myself, to keep going. And I also think of it as an expression of love and alliance with people who kept going even when they knew it was all over.”

St Jerome’s Laneway Festival

Saturday 23rd February – Adelaide

Sunday 24th February – Melbourne

Saturday 1st March – Brisbane

Sunday 2nd March – Sydney

Side Shows

Tuesday 26th February – Corner Hotel, Melbourne

Wednesday 27th February – Manning Bar, Sydney

Morrissey to sue NME

The UK's tabloid loving, lack of knowledge, back-stabbing magazine, NME, have been shown up by the once former frontman of The Smiths, Morrissey. He is suing British music mag NME after what he says they "deliberately tried to characterise me as a racist in a recent interview I gave them in order to boost their dwindling circulation". In an official statement from his website, Morrissey proclaimed "to anyone who has shown or felt any interest in my music in recent times, you know my feelings on the subject and I am writing this to apologize unreservedly for granting an interview to the NME. I had no reason whatsoever to assume that they could be anything other than devious, truculent and unreliable. In the event, they have proven to be all three."

Morrissey was shocked by the lack of music knowledge of NME's writer Tim Jonze, who was sent along to interview him. "It was difficult for me to believe that the best writer from the "new" NME had never heard of the song 'Drive-in Saturday'; I explained that it was by David Bowie, and Tim replied "Oh, I don't know anything about David Bowie." I wondered how it could be so – how the quality of music journalism in England could have fallen so low that the prime "new" NME writer knew nothing of David Bowie, an artist to whom most relevant British artists are indebted, and one who single-handedly changed British culture – musically and otherwise" Morrissey said.

He finished off with a word of warning for other acts to beware of the new NME editorial policy. "Here is proof that the "new" NME will twist and pervert the views of any singer or musician who'd dare step into the interview ring. To such artists, I wish them well, but I would advise you to bring your lawyer along to the interview".

Never mess with Morrissey.

Scott Weiland charged with DUI

The sudden postponing of the Velvet Revolver tour looks like it has something to do with singer Scott Weiland's latest wows. He has once again been charged with DUI.

The Australian tour was suddenly pulled last Friday without explanation. A statement on behalf of the band from the promoter of the Australian tour said "Velvet Revolver regrettably announces that their Australian Tour which was due to kick off in Brisbane next Tuesday, has been postponed until early next year".

Today it has emerged that Weiland has once again been charged for driving under the influence after crashing his car in Los Angeles on November 21. Reports today state that the singer refused to take a blood or urine test and was arrested. He will face court in Los Angeles on December 13.

The Australian tour was due to start in Brisbane tonight (December 4th) and end in Adelaide on December 9th.

Portishead return

Portishead have confirmed that they will release a new album next year – their first in over in a decade. And there’s sure to be a lot of fans very happy about this news.

10 years after their self-titled second record, Geoff Barrow, Beth Gibbons and Adrian Utley finally look set to return with new material. According to reports, the currently untitled LP will hit stores in March. There are no other details, although it is expected to come out on Island Records.

They plan on playing a one-off hometown show at the Bristol Academy, UK on Dec 15. it will be their first non-festival appearance in 10 years. The show will follow an appearance at All Tomorrow's Parties festival in Minehead, UK over the Dec 7 weekend - which they are actually curating.

Welcome back guys.

Sex Pistols to headline Isle Of Wight Festival

The Sex Pistols have confirmed they’ll be headlining next years Isle of Wight Festival on Saturday 14 June. The punk foursome’s recent comeback, including packing out the Brixton Academy, has whet the appetite for more of their punk classics next summer.They’ll join old adversaries, The Police, who are headlining on the Sunday.

Who’d have predicted that 30 years ago?

DJ Shadow vs. Cut Chemist are back!

Following in the footsteps of their now-legendary "Brainfreeze" (1999) and "Product Placement" (2001) sets, DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist have outdone themselves.

Their new, all-45 show, entitled "The Hard Sell," incorporates eight turntables and two guitar loop pedals, allowing tricks and complexity rarely attempted by a DJ duo. As with the two previous sets, the pair eschew their own material in favour of an amalgam of music from all eras and styles, providing for amusing and provocative mash-ups; rap mixes with fiddle music, doo-wop with new wave, and everything in between...all while avoiding the obvious, "been there, heard that" stuff you get from most DJs.

The last time "The Hard Sell" was performed, was in the United States in front of 15,000 people at the world famous Hollywood Bowl...so you know it's going to be special. In the words of Shadow himself, "we want to play something to make everyone smile...and then send them running for the exits!"

Dam you Londonites!

Thursday 13th March London Roundhouse

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah tour again

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah are returning to our shores to play Laneway Festival and headline shows around Australia.
CYHSY made quite an impression when they released their eponymous debut a few years back. The band are notable for achieving their initial fame and commercial success via the Internet rather than through a record label.

They will be joined on tour by Manchester Orchestra.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah Tour Dates
Friday Feb 22nd METRO CITY Perth (CYHSY only)

Saturday Feb 23rd LANEWAY Adelaide

Sunday Feb 24th LANEWAY Melbourne

Monday Feb 25th THE HI FI Melbourne

Wednesday Feb 27th METRO Sydney

Thursday Feb 28th THE ZOO Brisbane

Saturday Mar 1st LANEWAY Brisbane

Sunday Mar 2nd LANEWAY Sydney

Brand New announce tour

As the rock scene reaches saturation point, bands are finding they have a lot to prove to stay in the game; and none have risen to the challenge quite like Brand New. Having formed in 2001, the Long Island four-piece has built a massive cult following based on notorious live shows, relentless touring and three jaw-dropping albums.
After nearly three years of self-imposed silence Brand New finally emerged in late 2006 with their hotly anticipated third album, The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me. Australian fans were rewarded for their patience and persistence as Brand New performed a string of brilliant concerts up and down the East Coast. All shows sold out within a matter of days with thousands of fans left pondering what could have been. For those fans lucky enough to score tickets they were treated to one of the most electric and moving performances of 2007.Recently announced on the massive Big Day Out lineup, Brand New will also be performing select one off shows in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

TUESDAY 22 JANUARY - BRISBANE, THE TIVOLI - 18+

THURSDAY 24 JANUARY - SYDNEY, ENMORE THEATRE – Licensed All Ages

THURSDAY 31 JANUARY - MELBOURNE, THE METRO – 18+

MONDAY 4 FEBRUARY - PERTH, METRO FREO– 18+

Australian Idol flops again

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!! Australian Gaydol (vomit) has done it again.


First week sales for 2007 Australian Idol winner Natalie Gauci (Tina Arena??) have been a disaster. Gauci has not only become the first Idol winner to not top the chart with the winning song. The song has sold less than 8000 units, including physical CD and downloads.

'Here I Am' sold 7463 units and came in at number two. Timbaland's number one song 'Apologize' sold 12,063 units.

The song was available for download not long after the winning announcement was made. Only 3,271 units sold via download.
Enough is enough Channel 10. Australian Idol is a farce and an embarresment to the music industry. Please listen to the Australian public and PULL THE PLUG!!! Go find the next Australian Idol in a local pub/bar near you. There's thousands better than those that go on tv.