Mono to tour Australia this December

Japanese post-rock instrumental group, Mono, are set to tour Australia on the back of their latest album 'Hymn to The Immortal Wind'.

Mono have been compared to the likes of Explosion In The Sky, Stars of The Lid and Mogwai. Their epic sounds have been known to hypnotize crowds and some have even said that it feels like the imaginary soundtrack to the film inside your head.

Mon are set to play on the following dates:
Dec 4 - The Hi Fi, Melbourne VIC
Dec 5 - Manning Bar, Sydney NSW
Dec 6 - The Hi Fi, Brisbane QLD

www.myspace.com/monojp

Oasis officially split up

Oasis have officially broken up. Noel Gallagher quit the band last night.

Following the Manchester band's cancelled show at the Paris Rock en Seine festival, he posted the following statement on Oasisinet.com.

"It's with some sadness and great relief to tell you that I quit Oasis tonight," he wrote. "People will write and say what they like, but I simply could not go on working with [singer, his brother] Liam a day longer."

Bloc Party announced that Oasis had pulled out of the Paris show just before they were due on stage, with organisers allegedly displaying a message explaining an "altercation" had caused the cancellation. Oasis had pulled out of V Festival a few days ago due to Liam catching viral laryngitis, sparking rumours that the band were set to pull the plug.

Earlier this month Liam revealed his relationship with his brother is so bad they no longer speak, travel separately on tour and only see each other on stage.

More to come....

UPDATE: Upcoming Australian tours

There;s a couple of national tours that have been announced over the past couple of days. We thought we'd squash them all into one little article for you. Ready?

Buzzcocks 'Another....Bites' National tour
Nov 18th - Nov 25th

Ladyhawke
Nov 5th - Nov 14th

Hilltop Hoods 'Still Standing' National tour
Oct 16th - Dec 12th

Erol Alkan (Parklife sideshows)
Oct 2nd - Oct 4th **Melb, Syd only

Metric (Parklife sideshows)
Sep 30th - Oct 2nd **Melb, Bris, Syd only

Metronomy (Parklife sideshows)
Sep 25th - Oct 1st **Bris, Syd only

Chali 2NA (Jurassic 5)
Oct 30th **Melb only

Future of the Left (Falls fest sideshows)
Jan 3rd - Jan 7th **Bris, Syd, Melb only

For more details, go to liveguide.com.au

Kings of Leon to release remix album. Pathetic.

What the hell are the Kings of Leon doing? Music Universe officially believe that they have lost the plot. In a move which will surely further alienate their original fans from their first two albums, Kings of Leon are set to follow the massive commercial sell-out success of 'Only By Night' by releasing a remix album featuring Justin Timberlake. It's sickening.

The remix album will also feature work from Pharrell, Mark Ronson and Linkin Park as well as previously released mixes of 'My Party' by Kenna and Pharell’s fellow Neptune Chad Hugo and Lykke Li’s version of 'Knocked Up'.

Drummer Nathan Followill spoke with Billboard recently about this new disaster. “It’s neat to have these people who we would’ve jumped at the chance to work with ourselves… coming to us before we even get a chance to ask them. It’s amazing to hear your song played by these people who are so creative. Most of the time it takes me two or three listens to even wrap my head around, ‘Oh man, that’s our song…’”

Followill also said that the band has “a good eight or ten ideas kicking around” for their next album. He even joked that the working title for the record is 'Aha Shake… But By Guys That Are a Little Grown-Up and a Little Better at Their Instruments' He goes on to claim that there’s “stuff that sounds like Radiohead. Please. Someone needs to pop your big head very soon. "We’re pretty much to the point now where… we can be experimental and try stuff we would’ve been scared to death to try on the first couple of records. Now we find ourselves being a little more adventurous.” Oh god.

In our heads, Kings of Leon have made two and a half albums. 'Youth and Young Manhood', 'Aha Shake Heartbreak' and 'Because of The Times' possibly. It saddens us to say this but 'Only By The Night' was not the real Kings of Leon and do not listen to it whatever you do. If you have it, burn it, throw it away, give it to your worst enemy.

A live DVD is on the way too. Filmed at London's O2 Arena in July, a fitting locale because, as drummer Nathan Followill told Billboard, "England is really the first place we broke ... We figured what better place to make a live DVD than where the fans have been the craziest for the longest?"

Oh yeah and appraently Followill is set to make a guest appearance as a judge on the tv show 'Iron Chef'. Need we say more.

For the full chat.

Them Crooked Vultures support Arctic Monkeys

We don't know why we're writing about this, it's probably because we're so god dam jealous.

Last night at the infamous Brixton Academy in London, Arctic Monkeys performed live. However, that's not the reason for our jealousy. The reason we're blowing smoke out of our ears is because newly formed supergroup Them Crooked Vultures (ft. QOTSA Josh Homme, Foo Fighter Dave Grohl and Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones) supported them. Can you imagine?

Josh Homme, of course, just produced the vast majority of Arctic Monkeys' new album 'Humbug' and is close friends with the band. Can you imagine?

Them Crooked Vultures are already in Europe and have performed surprise festival shows at Lowlands in Holland and Pukkelpop in Belgium over the past week. Can you imagine?

There is also growing speculation on forums that Them Crooked Vultures will be playing secret slots at the Reading and Leeds Festivals this weekend. Can you imagine?

Kills us. Music Universe are in talks about moving offices over to Europe immediately. There's a couple of minor hurdles to overcome first, for example CASH, so we've decided to form a fund for all our readers to donate too. We just can't come to grips with how much we miss out on over here in Australia. Please send your donations to jase@musicuniverse.com.au asap. We're desperate.

Pyramid Rock announces 1st lineup

Empire of the Sun will headline the sixth Pyramid Rock Festival, to be held on Phillip Island from Tuesday 29th December until Friday 1st January.

Set on a private coastal property on Phillip Island, The Pyramid Rock Festival is a unique festival experience with the main stage perfectly nestled at the base of a natural amphitheatre with panoramic ocean views and a refreshing sea breeze. Joining Empire of The Sun as one of the main drawcards is LCD Soundsystem in a DJ capacity. UK alt-rockers The Boxer Rebellion (just release a new album 'Union'), US funny hip-hoppers Ugly Ducklings and London electro-trio We Have Band (rated as one of the bands to watch out for in 2009 by Music Universe) are set to electirfy the crowds over New Year period.

Also confirmed for the fantastic festival are a number of talented aussie acts and some other internationals including:

The Cat Empire
The Butterfly Effect
Architecture In Helsinki
Faker
The Beautiful Girls
Blue King Brown
The Drones
Tame Impala
Baddies
Van She
Grafton Primary
Bluejuice
Something With Numbers
Bumblebeez
Kram
Dead Letter Circus
Ponytail (US)
Telepathe (US)
The Juan Maclean (US)
Phrase
The Fumes
Astronomy Class
Skipping Girl Vinegar
Cassette Kids
Bonjah
MM9
Regular John

Tickets go on sale Thursday 3rd September.

Pyramid Rock Festival
Dec 29th 2009 - 1st Jan 2010
Phillip Island, VIC

www.thepyramidrockfestival.com

LIVE REVIEW: Splendour in The Grass, Byron Bay (25-26/07/09)

Finally we've got a review on Splendour in The Grass. We know it's way overdue, but better late than never we say. We are truly sorry that this has taken so long. It's just when you rely on two guys, one who likes to think is Allen from 'Hangover' and the other is Harry from 'Harry Potter', you'd understand why the delays.

Anyway, according to us, Rich (Allen) and Gabe (Harry), Splendour in The Grass was sensational this year. The organisers seemed to have an amazing setup this year. The layout was exceptional, the sound was superb and even the security were as tight as ever. In it's 9th year of existence, Splendour is really starting to take shape as one of the best, if not the best, festivals in Australia.

We have to say, despite the organisers' suggesting gumboots were a must and that gloomy weather was a shoe-in, the atmosphere was a happy one. The crowd was filled with the usual surfie-skaties, mixed with some indie loving rockers and a couple of ravers.

Saturday
Saturday arvo brought us the likes of Manchester Orchestra, Art vs. Science and You Am I. It took Architecture in Helsinki to hit the stage before the crowd really started to get into the swing of things. Jane's Addiction had unfortunately pulled out a couple days before the festival began, so Aussie legends The Living End stepped in to cover them. Considering that the band weren't playing until two days before, The Living End played an electrifying gig. "If you want to do something right, get an aussie band to fill in" said frontman Chris Cheney. A special appearance from Grinspoon singer Phil Jamieson, who joined them on stage for a cover of 'Jane Says', really got the crowd going mental. During their energetic, pulsating set, The Living End even treated Michael Jackson fans to a little MJ tribute when Cheney started playing his guitar with a VB stubbie!

After the great set from The Living End, everyone moved to the Mix Up tent for the Midnight Juggernauts and Cut Copy boys. Cut Copy put on their DJ hats and did their best to try and release more sweat from the crowds' sweat glands. What better way to finish Saturday night off than with one of the biggest indie bands in the world - Bloc Party. From the beginning, this band had the crowd at the tips of their fingers. Clearly knowing that the temperature would raise a couple of degrees during their set, the drummer performed in boxer shorts only. Combining their classics with their new stuff, the crowd couldn't get enough of Bloc Party, dancing right up until the last guitar riff. For those that still had any energy left, The Happy Mondays were performing in the other tent. However, we certainly didn't and knowing we still had tomorrow, we called it a night.

Sunday
So, hello sunny Sunday. The blue skies had arrived and we were pumped for the final day. But not just yet. Being the lazy kids we are, we decided to sleep in and have a decent brekky, so we missed Dananananaykroyd and White Lies - but we heard they were good! We rocked up in time for Friendly Fires who friggin rocked it! We only caught a bit of Bob Evans before we moved over to catch The Doves. To be honest, we prefer The Eagles! Following The Doves, was Grinspoon. Jeeez were they sick. Jamieson, full of energy, gave a blistering set full of all the oldies and they just sounded awesome. We took a little break after Grinspoon so we could save some energy for what was coming next. MGMT took the stage at 8pm and probably drew the biggest crowd of the festival so far. Disappointingly they started off quite slow, probably because they were playing new material. However, as soon as they rolled out some of their hits including 'Weekend Warriors, 'Time To Pretend' and 'Electric Feel', the crowd really got into it and lapped them up. Ending with 'Kids' and a riping impromptu keyboard, singing and guitar solo, MGMT were able to get the whole crowd dancing, jumping and screaming right till the end.

Hilltop Hoods graced the Mix Up tent straight after, but we thought we'd stay at the Supertop tent because we knew the Flaming Lips were coming up next. We didn't know what to expect from a band we didn't know too well. Let's just say, we were blown away. Wow! What a way to end the festival. They had all sorts of weird and wacky things going on during the set. Confetti and streamers were flying around, girls paraded around in bear and gorilla costumes and then came the traditional inflatable human beach ball where the lead singer got inside and walked on top of the crowd. Just incredible stuff. That Flaming Lips set will be etched in our head for a long time to come. It was extremely memorable. As a visual, it was spectacular. Seriously, what an unbelievable way to end a fantastic festival.

Other memorable moments of the weekend included:
- Missing Bloc Party play a secret gig at the Northern Hotel on the Friday night. Morons.
- Bernard Fanning and the rest of Powderfinger busking outside the NAB ATM machines on Friday night. Are they broke?
- As Harry walked off the plane, someone asked him what time he was playing this weekend.
- According to Harry, Allen farts too much in his sleep
- According to Allen, Harry has a cute bum

Peec.

--- Contributed by Rich 'Allen' M. and Gabe 'Harry' W.

ALBUM REVIEW: Arctic Monkeys - 'Humbug'

Third albums are usually the albums where if you've made it big as a band, you tend to experiment to create a new, break away from the old, kind of sound. Most bands tend to fail and end up having to return to their old sound which made them millions of dollars and fans. Arguably, Oasis failed with 'Be Here Now', The Strokes failed with 'First Impressions' and some might say Interpol failed with 'Our Love To Admire'.

However some bands succeed. For example, The Clash succeeded with 'London Calling', The White Stripes succeeded with 'White Blood Cells', Nirvana were successful with 'In Utero' and Radiohead made 'OK Computer'. Enough said.

Well another musically genius like band, Arctic Monkeys, led by young mastermind Alex Turner, have released their third album 'Humbug'. Facing the third album blues, Alex and co. invited Josh Homme of Queens of The Stone Age (another genius) to help produce the album. On first listen, it seems like Josh is playing big brother to Alex. However, Homme doesn't actually assert any authority, instead he allows the band to be as weird, dark and inventive as humanly possible. It's not an easy first listen, but if you understand that Alex Turner is a gifted, talented musician, then you will give it a few listens in a row and will truly appreciate it.

Forget any thoughts of Arctic Monkeys' two previous albums, for this is different. Starting with 'My Propeller', this first track sets the mood early with its murky tone. 'Crying Lightning', the lead single off the album, sounds like a typical Arctic Monkeys tune but in a more gloomy sense. After a few listens to the song, it actually becomes quite addictive. It's fitting that on the next song Alex yells out "D-A-N-G-E-R-O-U-S", knowing that this album could be dangerous to their career because more than likely it won't be attracting any news fans. On 'Secret Door', Alex's swooning, dazzling voice pops up when he sings "fools on parade" over and over again.

Bypassing a couple of stoner type tracks, including one which features the vocals of Allison Mossheart from The Kills ('Fire and The Thud'), we get to 'Cornerstone'. It's not as darkly dense as the rest of the gnarled 'Humbug', making it among one the better songs on the album. Adding to the better songs on the album is 'Pretty Visitors' which is by far one of the band's most noticeable songs. That's because it sounds like it could've been off one of their previous albums thanks mainly to the hard, fast-paced firm melodies you can hear. This one will surely make any of their previous fans happy again.

We thought we'd end this review with an excerpt from The Guardian because it is exactly how we feel. "'Humbug' the work of a band with enough nous to realise they will never again be what they once were: a phenomenal success that temporarily unites everyone from people who buy LPs in Tesco to rock hacks. Once you understand that, the choice is simple. You can either keep chasing an elusive past, relying on your fans' nostalgia, or you can press on, keeping your gaze fixed forward. The first option is easier, but 'Humbug' admirably takes the second, with a confidence that suggests that if their days at the eye of the storm are behind them, Arctic Monkeys' best might be yet to come."

Rating: 8/10

--- Contributed by Jase S.

ALBUM REVIEW: The XX - 'XX'

The XX are fittingly four precocious 20 year olds (xx in roman numerals) from south west London. A band made up of two boys and two girls – who write bleakly minimal songs that are darkly romantic. We at Music Universe are a little upset that we didn't predict or foresee this band as one to watch out for in 2009.

Simply titled 'XX', the band's 2009 debut album (which was produced by the band themselves) creates such a delicate atmosphere that one can't help but fall in love straight away. On first listen, it's apparent that the mix of the male and female vocals (similar to The Kills) actually really complement each other quite nicely. It's a simple yet creatively satisfying album which leaves one captivated and wanting to play it again and again. We don't want to single out any tracks because it's the kind of album that requires you to listen to it from start to finish and not skip a single song. Have we mentioned how breathtaking the album is?

We actually can't contain our excitement. The XX have made an album that would actually make you want to walk around the city aimlessly on a rainy, gloomy day. It’s strange that such a traditional set-up (drums, bass, keys, guitars, voices) has resulted in one of 2009’s most unique debuts. We would be more than happy to shelve this melancholic, intimate and yet strangely eerie album next to the likes of Chairlift, Mazzy Star and Stars.

Do yourselves a favour and get on board The XX bandwagon. Buy the album, you won't regret it.

www.myspace.com/thexx

Rating: 9/10

--- Contributed by Jase S.

The Libertines reforming - UPDATE #543

Pete Doherty has confirmed his plan to reform The Libertines to play UK festivals in 2010.

Speaking with NME Magazine, claimers of discovering The Libertines, Pete Doherty said that he had already convinced former bandmates John Hassall [bass] and Gary Powell [drums] to reunite for gigs, and that as soon as Carl Barat agreed, dates would be finalised. Barat has previously said that he and Doherty had "left it as next year" in terms of Libertines plans.

"It's going to happen [The Libertines playing festivals], you know," Doherty said. "I spoke to John Hassall, he's well up for it." Referring to Powell, he added, "He said he would [play the shows]."

The jokester Doherty is, he went on to say that he was so desperate to play the festival shows he would even consider hiring a Carl Barat lookalike to stand in if the real one wouldn't sign up.

"Maybe I could reform The Libertines without him, like he did without me [Barat played Libertines shows without him in 2004 when Doherty was kicked out of the band for drug use]," he said. "I'll put an advert in NME: 'Carlos lookalike required'."

We're sorry Pete, but without the true Carl Barat, The Libertines just aren't The Libertines.

Pete Doherty is set to play at the V Festival this weekend (August 22-23) as a solo artist. Let's hope when they do reform, who knows when that will be, they might actually come down to Australai. They've come once before, but without Pete.

More updates to come.......

Liverpool's Ryan Babel is now a rapper

Look, we're big Liverpool Football Club fans and when we came across this news story, we just had to write about it. Some watever rapper named Sway has confirmed that Liverpool FC footballer Ryan Babel is to feature on his forthcoming album.

The grime artist confirmed that Babel raps on one track on the LP, which is provisionally called 'The Signature 2'.

"He's actually on the song with me and Neutrino," Sway told the BBC. "Yeah, Ryan Babel's a good mate of mine. He's a nice guy, he's a sick rapper. The way he flips his flow is marvellous, man, so I wanted him to do a bit - half Dutch, half British - and he really pulled it off, man. I think it's a track that people are gonna like."

Sway added that he did not think Babel needed to ask permission to appear on the track from Liverpool FC manager Rafa Benitez. Ummm....that's probably because Babel is lucky to feaure on the bench for majority of Liverpool's games.

"He's his own man, he wanted to do the track so we got together and made it happen," said Sway. "We linked up in New York as well. He's a nice guy and I have a lot of fun with him."

Considering how ineffective Babel is as a footballler, we at Music Universe think he should consider changing careers. If can rap even half as bad as he can play, it's seriously worth it.

YNWA!

19th Meredith Music Festival 2009 announces lineup

One of the best, if not the best, festival in Victoria is back. Thousands of festival goers will converge on the tiny town of Meredith this December for the annual Meredith Music Festival.

Performing for the special crowd at the 19th Meredith will be one of the best frontman's from the last twenty years. Jarvis Cocker, pom frontman of the now defunct Pulp, will be making his way downunder to treat fans to some of his new material from his latest album 'Further Complications'. Joining him will be experimental indie rockers Animal Collective. The band released one of the best albums of 2009, their 8th release, 'Merriweather Post Pavillion'(sure to make the Music Universe list at the end of the year). Pitchfork Media gave the album a 9.6 out of 10 rating, their highest score for a new release since Arcade Fire's 'Funeral' five years before.

Others of note to be making their way over to Meredith are folky-electronic, singer songwriter, Patrick Wolf (just about to release new album 'The Bachelor'), everyone's fave Paul Kelly, the delightful Sia and hard nuts Eddy Current Supression Ring.

For those wishing to see the full lineup, look below:
Animal Collective
Jarvis Cocker
Paul Kelly
City Of Ballarat
Eddy Current Supression Ring
Municipal Brass Band
Combo La Revelacion
Crocodiles
Sia
Heavy Trash
Kid Sam
Kitty Daisy And Lewis
Pharoahe Monch,
Royal Crown Revue
Akron/Family
Henrik Schwarz
Thee O Sees
The Middle East
Tumbleweed
Why
Patrick Wolf
Acht Club Djs
Bag Raiders

The 19th Meredith Music Festival takes place at the Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre, Meredith, Victoria, Australia on December 11, 12 and 13, 2009.

As for tickets, a ballot for subscribers is underway now which will be followed by store sales on September 8th and online sales September 10th.

www.mmf.com.au

Radiohead release new material!!

Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood has confirmed on the band's Dead Air Space blog, that the band are preparing to play new material at their headline Reading And Leeds Festivals shows later this month.

"So here's a new song, called 'These Are My Twisted Words'," he wrote. "We've been recording for a while, and this was one of the first we finished. We're pretty proud of it. There's other stuff in various states of completion, but this is one we've been practising, and which we'll probably play at this summer's concerts. Hope you like it."

Radiohead announced recently that they weren't interested in making an album again and were considering other ways to release new music.

For a free high quality download of the track, download it from Download.waste.uk.com.

Radiohead also recently released another new song, 'Harry Patch (In Memory Of)', on August 5, which is also available from the site.

Rumours have been circulating the net that Radiohead were set to release a new EP, however, nothing has emerged yet.

If you are one of the lucky ones to have tickets, enjoy Radiohead perform their new material at the Reading And Leeds Festivals taking place on August 28-30.

LIVE REVIEW: [Me] (Revolver, Melbourne, 15/08/09)

It’s not often that one walks out of Revolver sober and yet, still satisfied.

Melbourne’s very own [Me] offer a surprisingly refined and polished live performance. A rarity amongst the plethora of bands who spend their days fine tuning an EP only to realize their inability to translate this on a live stage. Luck has no play on stage; this troupe has some serious talent and manages to deliver right on cue.

The wonderfully dark and ominous melodies were trumped only by that of the infallible three-part harmonies and electrifying lead vocals. This, coupled with the playful, rhythmically sound drums and bass guitar, gave comfort to the crowd as they succumbed to a trance-like atmosphere.

An impromptu percussion breakdown with all band members provided a magnificent interlude, bringing back any stragglers whose attention had strayed, and with a triumphant return to the set, they truly captivated the whole room. The theatrical rock outfit managed to engulf and connect with each person as though he or she were the only one in the room.

For a band so concerned with quality of sound, that there needn’t be any acrobatics or pyrotechnics to keep you entertained, a luring visual presence bodes well. With each number, [Me]’s undeniable Queenesque sound takes the listener on a journey of epic proportion. Their ability to create a sound much greater than that of a regular quartet leaves you with a truly unique experience.

To put it simply, [Me] delivered a performance that was easy to dissect but extremely difficult to criticize: a seamless show by versatile musicians that transcends any listener from even the most questionable of venues.

The recent release of their music video, ‘Westward Backwards,’ and a hectic upcoming tour schedule, are sure to promote a bright future for these rising lads.

--- Contributed by Andy J.

Wolfmother set to unhatch 'Cosmic Egg'

Did we mention that Wolfmother have a new album? If not, forgive us, we're just a little bit more excited about other albums about to be released.

Nevertheless, 'Cosmic Egg' is hatching in just under two months (Oct 9th). As the norm goes, Wolfmother have released their first single off the album, 'New Moon Rising' with the world.

The album was recorded with My Bloody Valentine producer Alan Moulder in Byron Bay and Los Angeles. Word from Rolling Stone is that the album is strong and that the songs are ‘vintage Wolfmother [with] heavy Sabbath-esque riffs and heaving basslines mixed with the distinctive wail of Andrew Stockdale that all add up to something raucous and thrilling.’

This September, the ‘New Moon Rising Tour’ will be the band’s first Australian headline jaunt with the new personnel. Featuring in the new line up is Ian Peres on bass/keys, Aidan Nemeth on guitar and Dave Atkins on drums. They’ll be getting in practice for some of the biggest Wolfmother shows yet, alongside AC/DC in 2010.

Cosmic Egg tracklist:

Inside the Mountain
California Queen
New Moon Rising
White Feather
Sundial
In the Morning
10,000 Feet
Cosmic Egg
Far Away
Pilgrim
In the Castle
Phoenix
Violence of the Sun

www.wolfmother.com

Bob Dylan asked for ID by police

We found this piece of news quite funny and we thought we'd share it with you all.

Bob Dylan was reportedly asked for ID by a young policewoman who didn't recognise him last month.

The legendary singer was stopped by the female officer in New Jersey after he was allegedly seen "acting suspiciously" while taking an afternoon walk.

Dylan decided to go for a walk just before he was set to go on stage to perform whilst on tour his tour with Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp.

But a local resident called police when they spotted him walking suspiciously around a housing estate.

The female officer asked his name but didn't recognise him and when he was unable to prove who he was, she drove him to his hotel to get staff to vouch for him.

We knew that Bob Dylan's voice was unfortunately fading, but we didnt realise his looks were too. Shame. However, in saying that, the police officer should be stripped of her badge or at least be forced to go out and listen to his whole back catalogue. It aint a bad back catalogue to listen too.

MegaRamPage announces mega lineup

On the 31st of October, exclusive to Melbourne comes the inaugural extreme sports spectacular, Megarampage, which will welcome the largest ramp the southern hemisphere has ever seen and some of the world’s best skaters and BMX riders – the gladiators of the 2000’s.

As if that wasn’t enough, playing live are The Offspring, Good Charlotte, The Wu Tang Clan (what's left of them), Pitbull and Kelley James who will be making their way from the USA to bring in this colossal event alongside Australia’s Cog, Mammal and Shaman Son.

Also, throughout the day, Madden brothers Benji and Joel will be getting time to master the DJ decks.

At the moment, only The Offspring are expected to perform sideshows in Sydney and Brisbane.

www.megarampage.com

LIVE REVIEW: Art vs. Science (Toff in Town, Melbourne, 08/08/09)

Thumping beats and devastatingly addictive tunes are what drive this electro-pop trio and they are a fucking delight. With their self-released debut EP out mere months ago, the majority of the crowd is yet to learn each song by heart – but give it time. We’re not here, though, to enjoy a back catalogue. We’re not even here for a good ol’ fashioned singalong. We are here to be entertained, son, and entertainment is what we shall receive.

And so begins a joyous night out. The beats from the opening track, 'Friend in the Field', grab at our feet and sleazy tricks from the synth loosens hips. The atmosphere is dark, with a heavy nod to 80s New Wave, and yet you can’t help but feel that this somber mood whispers of a party to follow.

Days before their first gig at Splendour ‘08 the band penned what is their catchiest and most well-known song, 'Parlez-Vous Francais'. The same burst of creative energy inspired them prior to Splendour ‘09, and we are treated to a newbie, 'Higher'. When lead singer Dan Mac starts to teach us the chorus, we know it holds the same promise and heady joy of 'Parlez-Vous'.

The music isn’t particularly clever (or is it? What kind of talent thinks of writing a lyric that rhymes ‘Kelvinator’ with ‘chore, chore, chores’? Oh it sounds brilliant, trust me) but it is ridiculously fun; the refrain for 'Higher' simply repeats the title to an ever-increasing crescendo before climaxing at a Karate Kid-esque “HiiiiiiiiiiYAA”. This, surely, is part of the appeal of Art Vs Science; you don’t need to be an electro connoisseur to appreciate solid, addictive tunes that promise good times.

I’d half expected 'Parlez-Vous' to be their encore, but lo, midway through the set the staccato beeps of the intro tease our ears as we lean towards the speakers. Suddenly, the beat loops in and heaves us into the first verse, and the crowd lets out an appreciative roar. I heard Richard Kingsmill once describe (with tongue firmly in cheek) Art Vs Science’s music as ‘stupid, really’ and whilst you can’t ignore the simplicity of their songs, you can’t deny just how damn catchy they are. We’re a self-deprecating lot here in Straya, so any band that knows how to take the piss while having a good time is bound to generate a little more love. We still might not be able to manage those tricksy French syllables in the chorus -- you try screaming si tu peux le parlez aller tomber ta chemise after a few beers -- but we can let out a ‘Oui!’ to rival the girls of the Moulin Rouge in the call-and-response chorus.

We probably wouldn’t be kicking our proverbial can-can skirts so high if we weren’t feeding off the exuberance and effort from the band, and Dan certainly knows how to bash the shit out of his drums. Sometimes you just need a gig loud, thumping and alive, and 'Parlez-Vous' signaled the beginning of our glimpse into what is bound to be one of the great live bands of 2009. We catch our breath just as the boys grab us by the collar and throw us into space for 'Take Me to Your Leader' and some disjointed Galaga-era fun.

How can I describe what happens next. My mind pretty much exploded. I’d heard the rumours about Art vs Science’s cover song at Splendour, and a couple lines in I knew I had reached some kind of cross-genre, 90s flashback, fangirl nirvana. If you don’t know what to do after you hear the lines Yo back up now and give a brother room/ The fuse is lit and I’m about to go boom then click away immediately and download any/all of ‘Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince’. How many electro-pop bands do you know who can capably reference and honor the magic of Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince’s 'Boom! Shake the Room'? I am absolutely not exaggerating when I say that those four minutes have got to be some of the best four minutes of my life, and judging on the heaving mass that surrounded me, I am not alone.

So where do we go from here? How could anything build upon that awesome cover? We hit more of the better-known songs, and keep the rush running with 'Flippers'. We’re already used to shouting our favourite rhymes from Boom! so it’s not much of a stretch to keep our arms up to punch out the beat for this one. The energy is still high, and the keyboard/drum solo that runs the bridge between chorus and verse runs up and down our brains in the best way possible. This song is ridiculously bizarre, but its catchiness circumvents any self-conscious pretensions.

Dan Mac speaks to the crowd again, offering thanks, and then Art vs Science break into their final song. 'Hollywood' certainly has a heavy beating from the Daft Punk stick, but you couldn’t call it derivative. The Daft Punk influence will no doubt come up again, but 'Hollywood' invokes more drama and yes, we’re going there, interpretative dance. Guitars and violent movies (set to a heavy backdrop of your finest 80s keyboard and fuzzy guitar) are some of the spoken word we’re treated to; and if there was any time to drag a dramatic fingerless lace glove down your face, now is that time.

Art vs Science: I say, play on, players. I pray at the altar of the Rock Gods and ask for leniency from the Tall Poppy Brigade. The hype is already paving the ground before them (both Melbourne shows sold out and the remaining dates on the national tour are falling like dominoes) so get your dancing shoes on and get in while you can. Blink, and you’ll be paying seventy bucks (as opposed to the bargain basement $17 charged to my card) to see them perform at Festival Hall. Hells, if I can’t convince you, maybe the band can. I’ll leave the final word to Dan Mac, from 'Parlez-Vous Francais': Do it now, because you can and I think you should. Do it now, because you can and I told you to.

You heard the man.

--- Contributed by Mez Lynch

Peaches Australian DJ Tour

Peaches is returning to Australia, but this time as a DJ.

In what will surely be the sweatiest night for the lucky ones who go, Peaches will dazzle crowds with her sizzling mixture of electro, hip-hop and rock.

Also, in an oh so Peaches way, she'll be playing at some random clubs on the tour.

Catch Peaches DJ'ing at the following venues:

16 Sept - Capitol, 393 Murray St, Perth
18 Sept - Roxanne Parlour, 2 Coverlid Place, Melbourne
19 Sept - Home, Tenancy 101 Cockle Bay Wharf Wheat Road, Sydney

www.peachesrocks.com

La Roux announce Parklife sideshows

Another one off the 'Hype for 2009' Music Universe list earlier this year, is La Roux. Not only will they be performing at the Parklife festival touring across the nation, but they'll also be performing two intimate shows, one in Melbourne and the other, Sydney.

La Roux exceeded expectations as they unleashed their electro soundscape on the music world, affirming their place as this year’s brightest stars. La Roux's lead female singer, Elly Jackson is also known for her wild hair and sexy looks.

The release of La Roux’s critically acclaimed self-titled debut album saw them collect a Mercury Prize nomination and headline performances at some of the world’s greatest festivals. They've released two killer tracks off the album so far, 'In For The Kill' and 'Bulletproof' and will surely be in people's best tunes of 2009 list already.

Please note, these tickets will sell out in a matter of minutes.

29 Sept - The Gaelic, Sydney
1 Oct - Prince Bandroom, Melbourne

www.laroux.co.uk

Les Paul "Father of Electric Guitar" dies

If you're a guitar fan, you'll be saddened to hear about the following news.

Four time Hall of Famer, pioneer of the shift from acoustic to electric guitar and inventor of multitrack recording, Les Paul, a virtuoso guitarist who shaped the sound of rock 'n' roll, has died in New York state.

Gibson Guitar company's statement called Paul "one of the foremost influences on 20th century sound and the Father of the Electric Guitar."

Reading through his bio, Les Paul was born Lester William Polsfuss in Waukesha, Wisconsin on June 9, 1915. Paul was a child guitar prodigy who dropped out of school at 17 to play with Sunny Joe Wolverton's Radio Band. He played jazz and hillbilly picking, made his first recordings in 1936, and in 1938 moved to New York to star on national radio. By his mid-30s, Paul was one of the country's most sought-after guitarists in a career that saw him play alongside greats like Nat King Cole and Louis Armstrong.

Combining jazz, western swing and hillbilly sounds, he formed the Les Paul Trio, a regular guest on Bing Crosby's hit radio show. His first number one record, 'It's Been A Long, Long Time', topped a million sales.

His biggest achievements, though, were in the technical realm, where he helped pioneer solid-bodied electric guitars and multitrack recording, a technique allowing groups to record different parts at different times, then mix them together. In honour of this maestro, Gibson Guitars began making the Les Paul model in 1952 and the guitar soon became a rock music standard. Some of the more notable Les Paul guitar users include Clapton, Page, Beck, McCartney, Townshend, Zappa, The Edge, Gilmour, Hetfield and Slash.

Les Paul also held the unusual honour of being the only person to be inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, the National Inventors Hall of Fame, and the National Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

He was 94.

www.gibson.com

Soundwave 2010 announces first lineup

Every year the Soundwave Festival gets bigger and better. Come February 2010, Soundwave will once again play host to some of the finest alternative, hard-rock, punk acts in this universe.

Announcing their reformation in early 2009 and touring the big festivals across the other side of the equater, Faith No More will be headlining Soundwave.

After having to cancel their Splendour in The Grass gig, Jane's Addiction will be doing their best to not get sick again and co-headline the festival. My Chemical Romance were last here more than two years ago and will no doubt be bringing their black parade to the stage.

Other notable acts to join these monsters on stage include Eagles of Death Metal (for their 458th tour of the country), AFi, HIM, Alexisonfire, Taking Back Sunday, Anti Flag, Reel Big Fish (nice to have some Ska sounds on stage) and many more. However, the camp at Music Universe are devastated that Jimmy Eat World (crossed our fingers for 12 mths) weren't mentioned. Kills us!

For full lineup details and dates, click on the 'click here to read more' link below.

Faith No More
My Chemical Romance
Janes Addiction
Afi
Paramore
HIM
Alexisonfire
Taking Back Sunday
Trivium
Sunny Day Real Estate
Eagles Of Death Metal
The Get Up Kids
Anti Flag
Reel Big Fish
Meshuggah
All Time Low
A Day To Remember
It Dies Today
Escape The Fate
Clutch
Isis
Gallows
A Wilhelm Scream
The Weakerthans
Emarosa
Anvil
The Devil Wears Prada
Comeback Kid
The Almost
Dance Gavin Dance
Four Year Strong
You Me At Six
Whitechapel
The Aquabats
Rolo Tomassi
Baroness
Rx Bandits
Maximum The Hormone
The Creepshow

Soundwave 2010 will take place on the following dates:
Saturday Feb 20 – Brisbane
Sunday Feb 21- Sydney
Friday Feb 26 – Melbourne
Saturday Feb 27 – Adelaide
Monday March 1- Perth

www.soundwavefestival.com

Kasabian hit Australia with swine flu

Tom Meighan of Kasabian jetted down to Sydney yesterday for a promotional visit, and was then rushed to hospital after exhibiting swine flu symptoms.

Bandmates – guitarist Serge Pizzorno, bassist Chris Edwards and drummer Ian Matthews – have also been left bedridden after coming down with the same symptoms.

‘We’re all sick as dogs,’ Pizzorno told British tabloid The Sun, ‘It’s pretty terrible. It’s a bit of a virus that we picked up in Japan. It’s so tough. I am confined to my hotel room and I look out and see the Opera House and the harbour and so want to be out there in it all.’

Ironically, the band's last gig in Japan was played in front of an audience entirely dressed as doctors and nurses. The band arrived in Australia on Monday and have been bogged down with interviews to promote hit album 'West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum'.

Serge explained: "I have discovered the joys of audio books so I am just sitting here and listening to these old dudes read classic books out loud to me."

The band have been forced to cancel all shows in Australia. After such a highly anticipated wait for Kasabian to hit Australia, looks like fans are going to have to wait that tiny bit longer. Word is that they will be back very soon for a proper tour. Falls? Big Day Out? Either way, we at Music Universe will be counting down the days.

Empire of The Sun headlines Full Noise Music Festival

PNAU's Nick Littlemore and The Sleepy Jacksons' Luke Steele’s sensational project, Empire Of The Sun, has been announced as the headliner for a brand new festival set to take place in Townsville this October. Empire of The Sun have come on leaps and bounds since releasing their debut album and despite reports that Littlemore won't play live with the band, they could be one of the best live performances of the year.

Full Noise Festival was dreamt up by brothers Karl and Mark Vass who hope that the event will fill “…a very real need in the market, the need for music lovers throughout North Queensland to see and celebrate live music, to experience new bands and sound creators, and importantly, for the emerging and established artists of the area to play with and alongside the country’s best”.

The one day-event will be held at the Townsville & District Rugby Union Club and is set to feature a numberof big-name Aussie acts. Old schoolers Frenzal Rhomb, Melbourne indie band British India and WA's psychedelic wonder kids Tame Impala will all be taking stage at the festival.

The full first line-up for Full Noise:

Empire Of The Sun
Frenzal Rhomb
British India
Bluejuice
Tame Impala
Koolism
Ajax
Numbers Radio
Act Yo Age DJs
Killaqueenz
Low Budget

Full Noise Music Festival
Saturday October 24, 2009
Townsville & District Rugby Union Club, Hugh Street, Currajong, Townsville
Early bird tickets on sale now for $85.00 through Oztix

Woodstock 40 year anniversary

August 15 marks 40 years since the infamous Woodstock festival. Billed as "An Aquarian Exposition", held at Max Yasgur's 600 acre dairy farm in the rural town of Bethel, New York. When initially organsing the festival, planners expected only 5000 people to attend. That got changed to 50,000 as the day drew nearer. We all know now that 500,000 people attended and over 1 million people couldn't get in.

Legendary acts Jimi Hendrix, Joe Cocker, Joan Baez, Santana, Grateful Dead, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Janis Joplin, Sly & The Family Stone, The Who, Jefferson Airplane and Crosby Stills Nash & Young all performed at the three day festival. Stupidly, The Doors, Bob Dylan, Jethro Tull, Joni Mitchell and The Byrds all declined invitations for one reason or another. Morons.

Amazingly, only one reporter made it into Woodstock, Barnard Collier of The New York Times. He was almost continually pressed by his editors in New York to make the story about the immense traffic jams, the less-than-sanitary conditions, the rampant drug use, the lack of "proper policing", and the presumed dangerousness of so many young people congregating. Collier recalls: "Every major Times editor up to and including executive editor James Reston insisted that the tenor of the story must be a social catastrophe in the making. It was difficult to persuade them that the relative lack of serious mischief and the fascinating cooperation, caring and politeness among so many people was the significant point. I had to resort to refusing to write the story unless it reflected to a great extent my on-the-scene conviction that 'peace' and 'love' was the actual emphasis."

To coincide with the 40th anniversary, director Ang Lee has produced the movie 'Taking Woodstock' scheduled for release on August 28th. It's based on the book 'Taking Woodstock: A True Story of a Riot, a Concert, and a Life' by Elliot Tiber and Tom Monte. Elliot Tiber volunteered his family's motel to be the home base for Woodstock concert organisers which would take place on a nearby farm owned by Max Yasgur.

Also, a Woodstock six-cd Box Set is also being released titled 'Woodstock: 40 Years On: Back to Yasgur's Farm'. The most significant aspect of this set is that it contains tracks by almost every single artist who appeared on the Woodstock stage in their proper sequence.

Hockey to release 'Mind Chaos' on August 24th

Music Universe talked about Hockey earlier this year as being one of the breakthrough acts in 2009. (read here) Well, this American new wave band from Portland, Oregon are about to release their debut album 'Mind Chaos' on August 24th.

The band comprises singer Benjamin Grubin, guitarist Brian White, bassist Jeremy Reynolds, keyboardist Ryan Dolliver and drummer Anthony Stassi, and have been compared in their sound to bands such as The Strokes and LCD Soundsystem. They count Passion Pit, Fleet Foxes and Friendly Fires as some of their closest peers.

They released a catchy tune 'Too Fake' earlier this year which earned them spots on the Glastonbury, T In The Park and upcoming Reading/Leeds festivals bills. Just recently another single came out from the band titled 'Learn to Lose' which will keep your feet tapping. Other notable demo tracks that have made it onto the internet and are worth hunting down are '3am Spanish', 'Song Away' and 'Work'. Let's hope they all make it on to their debut album 'Mind Chaos'.

When asked in a recent interview if life in a band was everything they had expected, Brian responded with "It's a lot busier than I expected it to be, you're away from where you live like 99% of the time. Maybe it's changed over time, maybe it didn't used to be like that. Bands would would just tour for two months at a time. Now it's a nonstop touring fiasco!" Anthony went on to say "everything's pretty new to us really. We don't even know the extent of what being in a band is. We've only been doing this for six months in a professional sense."

Jeeez are we looking forward to this album being released.

www.hockeyband.com

Julian Casablancas to release solo album 'Phrazes For The Young'

'Phrazes for the Young' is the title for Julian Casablancas' debut album expected to be released late September.

Cult Records (Julian's label) confirmed that the album will be an 8-song album, recorded in Nebraska, LA and, of course, New York. Tentative song titles included songs that no doubt cull the New York City street culture include 'River of Brake Lights', 'Glass', 'Ludow St', '11th Dimension' and 'Out Of The Blue.'

Whilst on hiatus, The Strokes men have delved into their own personal time to produce solo albums and critically acclaimed new acts. Albert Hammond Jr. released a well-received solo album, Nikolai Fraiture has been hard at work with band Nickel Eye and Fabrizio Moretti has his side-project Little Joy.

According to an interview found on his personal website, Julian says that he is trying to blend styles from throughout history. "I'm trying to capture the catchiness of modern music but at the same time the power and seriousness of classical music and older music. In general, the goal is to inspire. I guess that's what art is supposed to do."

Casablancas goes on to list his favourite bands of the moment as Beirut, Telepathe, Dirty Projectors and Beach House. As for a new Strokes' album, well apparently the band have been seeing each other every now and then and that we hopefully can expect something in 2010. That would make it only four very long years since their last album 'First Impressions of Earth.'

To watch a preview of his work and the complete interview go to juliancasablancas.com

Alex Turner gets cute on 'Humbug'

Lyrical genius, Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys) has written a song for girlfriend Alexa Chung. Cute.

Alex and Alexa. Even more adorable.

The Arctic Monkeys frontman penned the heartfelt track, 'Fire And Thud’ - for the band’s new album 'Humbug’ - in which he sings about the pain of discovering the British TV presenter was moving to New York.

The lyrics include: 'If it’s true you’re gonna run away/Tell me where, I’ll meet you there.'

Alex has been dating the British beauty since July 2007 and decided to move to New York with Alexa and the couple recently bought an apartment in Brooklyn.

Alexa hosts her own MTV show 'It’s On with Alexa Chung’ and recently revealed she in awe she is of her 23-year-old boyfriend’s songwriting skills.

The 25-year-old former model said: 'Alex is so wise, it’s ridiculous. I don’t know where it comes from. Especially when he hasn’t even experienced some of the situations he writes about.' Couldn't agree with you more Alexa.

'Humbug’, the Arctic Monkeys’ third studio album, is released worldwide this month.

**We at Music Universe have already listened to the album and initially we thought 'what tha', but after a number of listens, we've realised that it actually isn't such a bad album. It's different to the two previous albums, vastly different. However, you have to realise how much of a genius Alex is to truly appreciate the album, as well as giving it a number of listens in a row.

www.articmonkeys.com

Radiohead to quit making albums

Mayday Mayday!! Radiohead may not make another album. I'll repeat that. Radiohead may not make another album.

Frontman Thom Yorke has revealed that their last LP nearly 'killed' them. "The band aren’t ready or willing to throw themselves into the 'creative hoo-ha' of recording a follow up to 2007s 'In Rainbows’."

He said: "None of us want to go into that creative hoo-ha of a long play record again. Not straight off. I mean, it's just become a real drag. It worked with 'In Rainbows', because we had a real fixed idea about where we were going, but we've all said that we can't possibly dive into that again. It'll kill us."

Relax though, the band aren't quitting the music industry, they're just working out how to release their music in a different format.

The band did just release a new track via their website last week in tribute to the last British World War I veteran to pass away, Harry Patch, who died aged 111 last month. All proceeds raised from the song, titled 'Harry Patch (In Memory Of)’, will be donated to the Royal British Legion – the UK’s leading military charity.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, Thom said: 'I had heard a very emotional interview with him a few years ago on BBC Radio 4."

"The way he talked about war had a profound effect on me. It became the inspiration for a song that we happened to record a few weeks before his death. It was done live in an abbey. I very much hope the song does justice to his memory as the last survivor. It would be very easy for our generation to forget the true horror of war, without the likes of Harry to remind us. I hope we do not forget."

'Harry Patch (In Memory Of)’ can be downloaded from Radiohead’s website www.radiohead.com/deadairspace

Mumford and Sons sign with Island Records

Mumford & Sons, one of our hottest tips for bands to look out for in 2009, have just signed with Island Records UK. They will release their highly anticipated debut album 'Sigh No More' in early October. 'Little Lion Man' will be the first track to be released off the album.

Forming in 2007, London born folk group Mumford & Sons have gathered a great deal of hype in recent times. Playing at a variety of festivals in Europe this summer, the band have been described as sounding "like Coldplay reincarnated as hillbillies", but they insist their influence go far beyond folk and Americana.

Speaking to The Edinburgh Paper recently, bassist Ted Dawne had this to say. "The greatest thing about making music in this day and age is that there is so much to draw influence and inspir-ation from. Each member of the band listens to different music and its the collaborative nature of Mumford and Sons that makes it so much fun. We don't fight our influences but instead embrace them and blend them into something fresh."

Mumford & Sons have released a couple of EP's already. In 2008 they brought out two EP's including their self titled debut EP featuring the heart wrenching track 'White Blank Page' and the 'Love Your Ground' EP featuring the track 'Little Lion Man' Earlier this year they released another EP titled 'The Cave and The Open Sea'. Backed by bluegrass-tinged indie-folk laced with banjos and mandolins, lead singer Marcus Mumford's emotive vocals carry the songs on the band's three EP's to new heights. Let's hope the debut album is as good if not better.

Beautiful, captivating and gorgeous are just three adjectives we can use to describe Mumford and Sons' music.

www.myspace.com/mumfordandsons

Jamie T makes rookie mistake

Jamie T has made a rookie, potential life-threatening mistake. He is kicking himself after deleting his entire iTunes library.

The singer/songwriter said he accidently wiped all his songs and lost £6,000 worth of tunes in the process.

He admitted that it was his own fault - he was too busy watching TV and not paying attention about moving them to a hard drive.

Talking to the Sun newspaper, he said: "I was trying to put my music on a hard drive because my computer was getting too full. I wasn’t concentrating because I was watching Martin Scorsese's blues documentary on TV and I must have deleted it off both the hard drive and the computer."

And he said that when he realised what he'd done, it felt like one of "those moments in your life when you can't even scream".

Been there, done that Jamie and we know it hurts, oh god does it hurt.

Lisa Mitchell's headline tour of Australia

Some might remember Lisa Mitchell from Australian Idol back in 2006. Others might know her from her very recognisable single 'Neopolitan Dreams' from considerable airplay on Australian radio stations Triple J and Nova.

Miss Mitchell just released her debut album 'Wonder' a week ago and is also making a dent into the international music industry. She recently played at the infamous Glastonbury music festival.

Now Lisa has returned to Australia for her own headline tour in support of the new album. Within 24 hours of being released, the iTunes deluxe version of 'Wonder' reached number 1, while the standard version reached number 4 on the Australian iTunes Chart.

Showcasing stunning tracks including her amazing new single 'Coin Laundry.' She’ll be joined by supports acts Oh Mercy and Whitebirds & Lemons.

Tour Dates and Tickets:
26 August - Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
27 August - Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast
28 August - The Zoo, Brisbane
29 August - Sands Tavern, Maroochydore
2 September - The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
4 September - Barwon Club, Geelong
5 September - Karova Lounge, Ballarat
6 September - The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
10 September - Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
12 September - Capitol Bar, Perth
16 September - The Loft, Warnambool
17 September - The Pub, Bendigo
18 September - Republic Bar, Hobart
19 September - Hotel New York, Launceston
23 September - ANU Union Bar, Canberra
24 September - Wollongong Uni
25 September - Metro Theatre, Sydney
26 September - Mona Vale Hotel
27 September - Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle

www.lisamitchellmusic.com

Southbound Festival January 8-10th

If you hadn't hear yet, some smart little fella on the east coast hacked into the Falls Festival website last week and discovered the line-up. Western Australia's Southbound festival shares much of the Falls bill, so here it is for all those that are thinking of heading over there in January.

First announcement line-up:

Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Moby, Hilltop Hoods, Grizzly Bear, Xavier Rudd, Rodrigo y Gabriella, Editors, The Temper Trap, Sarah Blasko, Midnight Juggernauts, Little Birdy, Major Lazer (Sound System), Seasick Steve, Emiliana Torrini, White Rabbits, Chairlift, Art vs Science, Yves Klein Blue, Urthboy, Liam Finn, Andrew Bird, Lisa Mitchell, Lyrics Born, The View, Future Of The Left, Kaki King, Patrick Watson, King Khan & The Shrines, DJ Yoda, Philadelphia Grand Jury plus many more to be announced

January 8 - January 10 2010
Sir Stewart Bovell Park, Busselton, WA

Tickets: Pre-sale registration open Monday, August 10, at 9am WA time. Tickets on sale to general public September 9th through Moshix.

www.sunsetevents.com.au

Sunset Sounds festival is back

Moby, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Editors, Grizzly Bear and Andrew Bird are just some of the international artists set to appear at next January's Sunset Sounds festival.

Joining them are some of the other Falls Festival inclusions such as Hilltop Hoods, The Temper Trap, Emiliani Torrini, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Lisa Mitchell and Sarah Blasko.

Australia’s newest, hottest, summer music festival Sunset Sounds made its first appearance last year and sold out very quickly. Returning to the stunning Brisbane Botanical and City Gardens over January 6 and 7, get ready to get your wallet out come September 24th so you don't miss out.

Complete lineup:
Yeah Yeah Yeahs (USA), Moby (USA), Hilltop Hoods, Grizzly Bear (USA), The Temper Trap, Xavier Rudd, Editors (UK), Sarah Blasko, Rodrigo Y Gabriela (Mexico), Seasick Steve (USA), Emiliana Torrini (Iceland, Kaki King (USA), Andrew Bird (USA), Yves Klein Blue, Lisa Mitchell, King Khan And The Shrines (Germany), The John Steel Singers, Art Vs. Science, The Middle East

Sunset Sounds
Jan 6-7th
City Botanic Gardens
Edward St & Alice St
Brisbane
QLD

www.sunsetsounds.com.au

Shins drummer, Jesse Sandoval, got fired!

It was back in May that Shins frontman James Mercer announced that drummer Jesse Sandoval and keyboardist Marty Crandall were leaving the band. At the time, Mercer said it was an "aesthetic decision," whatever that means. Mercer went on to say, "I'm on good terms with those guys, I hope to maintain that. I wouldn't say I'd never work with them again. I love working with those guys." According to Sandoval, that ain't the exact truth.

In an interview with the Portland Mercury newspaper, Sandoval broke his silence and gave his version and let's just say it's not the same story as Mercer's. In the Mercury interview, Sandoval shared feelings about leaving the band-- or, as he puts it, getting fired. "I unequivocally got fired," he said. "And it kind of confuses me why [Mercer] has a hard time saying that. I understand he's probably doing it out of respect for me reading interviews. It might be hard for him to say it, but I got fired. There's no other way of looking at it."

Sandoval said that he knew it was coming. "James had mentioned that he wanted to blow up this band a long time ago; he was frustrated. And I don't know if it was him being creatively frustrated or where he was in his space and mindset to say that, but when I reflect, the fact that I wasn't a slick drummer played a huge part in it. I did my fair share of beating myself up over whether or not I was a good drummer-- and of course I have people on my side saying, 'You're a great drummer!' and I know James has people on his side, probably saying, 'It's a good decision for your career.'"

"When I think about this, probably if James really had complete say in it, he would have killed the Shins. I definitely believe management's like, 'You know, you can't start over, you built a name, people recognize you--why would you want to start all over?' And so, the only thing he had left to do was to really make a drastic change. "

However, Sandoval doesn't want fans to take out their frustrations on the music. He said, "A lot of people have been saying, 'I'm never going to buy another Shins album again! How can James Mercer do that?' And I have my reasons to be angry at James, but I don't want to be a part of any sort of movement where everybody's against the Shins."

Sandoval hasn't gone on to join or form any other band since, he's actually started up a Mexican food cart business in Portland called Nuevo Mexico. Now that's what we call a 'drastic change'.

To read the whole interview click here

Falls Festival lineup leaked!!!

The lineup for this years Falls Music & Arts Festival has been leaked and let's just say it is sensational!

Moby, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Editors and Grizzly Bear set to play at the festival.

The full line-up so far for Lorne is (awesome acts are in bold):

Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Moby
Hilltop Hoods
Grizzly Bear
Rodrigo Y Gabriela
The Temper Trap
Xavier Rudd
Emiliana Torrini
Little Birdy
Midnight Juggernauts
Andrew Bird
Lyrics Born
Chairlift
King Khan and the Shrines
Editors
Philadelphia Grand Jury
Kaki King
Sarah Blasko
Art Vs. Science
DJ Yoda
Liam Finn
Lisa Mitchell
Major Lazer (Soundsystem)
Patrick Watson
Seasick Steve
The View
White Rabbits
Future of the Left
Killaqueenz
Yves Klein Blue
The John Steel Singers

Punters are able to subscribe for a ticket ballot to increase their chances of access to tickets. For info on how that works, go to the falls website.

More news to follow......

Falls Festival
Lorne, VIC
29th December - 1st January
www.fallsfestival.com

Javis Cocker Australia 'Further Complications' tour this December

"She came from Greece she had a thirst for knowledge, she studied sculpture at Saint Martin's College, that's where I caught her eye." How many time have you sung this line??

Well, for those that love Pulp, the former frontman Jarvis Cocker is going to tour Australia this December and let's hope he plays a couple of Pulp tunes.

The Brit-pop king released a string of critically acclaimed albums throughout the Brit-Pop era (80s-90s) with his main band Pulp. Forming in 1978, Pulp went on to sproduce seven full-length albums, the last one being 'We Love Life' back in 2001.

Whilst rumours circulate and fans continue to demand a Pulp reunion, Jarvis Cocker has been busy working on his solo career. In 2006 he released his first solo album entitled 'Jarvis', which was followed by his 2009 release 'Further Complications'.

The tour kicks off in Brisbane on December 5th before winding through Sydney, Perth and finally Adelaide on December 10th. There is no Melbourne show as yet, possibly suggesting that Jarvis might be headlining the Meredith Music Festival. Imagine.

Dec 5th - The Hi Fi Bar, Brisbane QLD
Dec 7th - Metro Theatre, Sydney NSW
Dec 8th - Metropolis Theatre, Fremantle WA
Dec 10th - HQ, Adelaaide SA

Tickets go on sale Friday August 14.

www.jarviscoker.net

Harbourlife 2009 announces Holy Ghost!

According to Fuzzy promoters, since its conception in 2003, Harbourlife has been the essential Sydney party experience, remaining different to every other event on offer. Fuzzy believes its due to the unique location, brilliant music and it being a straight up, no nonsense, proper opportunity to dance your feet off!

Martin Solveig, Stanton Warriors, Holy Ghost! and Bag Raiders are the first lot of talent announced to showcase their stuff on the shimmering Sydney harbour.

HARBOURLIFE 2009
Saturday 21st November 2-10pm
Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquarie's Chair
(adjacent to the Royal Botanic Garden )

TICKETS: $120 + $7BF = $127 NO HIDDEN COSTS
LIMIT OF 2 TICKETS PER PERSON

www.fuzzy.com.au

Peats Ridge Festival announce lineup

The first line-up for the annual Peats Ridge festival has been announced and it's looking mighty fine indeed.

The festival, which takes place from December 29, 2009 to January 1, 2010 in the breathtaking Glenworth Valley, is known for its lively atmosphere and friendly environment. This year, the ARIA Award winners The Panics, reggae-roots group Blue King Brown, Liam Finn and the always-inspiring Bertie Blackman.

Other artists on the bill include: Sarah Blasko, Whitley, Dappled Cities, Ash Grunwald, Leader Cheetah, Jeff Lang, Jack Ladder, Astronomy Class, Jen Cloher, Diafrix, Deepchild, The Bird, The Nomad, Mark Pritchard/Harmonic 313, The Tongue, The Jezabels, Tijuana Cartel, The Kin, Steve Poltz, Dead Letter Chorus, The Last Kinection, Declan Kelly, Circle Of Rhythm, Sherlock's Daughter, Spoonbill, Deep Street Soul, Zennith Boyz, Young Heretics, Thundamentals, Ghoul, The Bakery, Lions At Your Door and Ember Swift.

The second round of artists will be announced in November and the final release tickets will go on sale at 9am on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at OzTix.

www.peatsridgefestival.com.au

Red Hot Chili Peppers back in studio soon

Chad Smith, drummer of Red Hot Chili Peppers, has revealsed to Billboard Magazine that he has October circled on his calendar for the Red Hot Chili Peppers' return to active duty.

"That's the plan," Smith tells Billboard, noting that what was announced as a one-year break turned into two for the quartet after finishing up their last tour.

"Everybody was like, 'Y'know, I really like having this time off, not being a Chili Pepper and doing other things...It'll be two years in September, so now we're ready. You can't force people to play when they don't want to play or aren't ready to play or whatever -- not in our band, anyway."

Smith expects bassist Flea and guitarist John Frusciante may come in with some musical ideas, but the group will mostly likely "do a lot of improvising and jamming and songs will come out of that, too. That's what we usually do. I don't know why it would be different."

No prospective release date has even been considered yet, and Smith says he and his bandmates also "haven't talked about" who will produce, though he acknowledged that Rick Rubin, who's produced the group's last five studio efforts, "always ends up being the guy...but we haven't discussed it."

Red Hot Chili Peppers have not released anything since their 2005 double album 'Stadium Arcadium'.

More on Billboard.com

Modest Mouse to release Heath Ledger directed 'King Rat' video

Modest Mouse are releasing a new music video tomorrow on their myspace. The song 'King Rat', was directed by Heath Ledger.

According to a press release, the animated clip is a visual plea against "the illegal commercial whale hunts taking place off the coast of Australia." While the clip was "fully conceived" by Ledger, it was unfinished when he passed away in January 2008. After Ledger's death, the film and music company the Masses, which counted Ledger as a member, finished the video with support from Modest Mouse frontman Isaac Brock.

Proceeds from the video's iTunes sales will benefit non-profit Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

www.myspace.com/modestmouse

Parklife second lineup announcement

Parlife has announced their second artist lineup. Joining the likes of La Roux, Empire of the Sun, Tiga, Junior Boys, The Rapture, Erol Alkan and more are the following:

JOAKIM
THE STAFFORD BROTHERS AND TIMMY TRUMPET
MIAMI HORROR
PURPLE SNEAKERS DJS
AFRO DIZZI ACT
YACHT CLUB DJS
THE CAIROS
SAMPOLOGY
BABY GEE
ANIKI
TIM FUCHS
ELKE
JUNKBEATS
CHARLIE HUSTLE
MITZI
EMBER
YOUTH
FANS DJS
DZ
YOKOO
OPERON
DUBMARINE
THE LOOPS OF FURY
TIGERMOTH
LOWKEY+NUDE
DOOM DOOM

Tickets are selling fast so buy them as soon as you've finished reading this.

www.parklife.com.au

The Libertines reforming - UPDATE

Peter Doherty has revealed that he and Carl Barat have been discussing the reformation of the Libertines.

The Babyshambles frontman said that he and the former Dirty Pretty Things star have discussed the possibility of touring and performing once again.

Speaking to The Times, he said: "Basically we had a good couple of hours. We were up all night together. Yeah, it was amazing really.

"I think we’re gonna make a record, and tour. Get the Libertines to take it to the next step, next stage. Next year."

Carl Barat is yet to comment on his claims.

Blitzen Trapper to play Australia in November

US band Blitzen Trapper will head out on tour to Australia later this year.

Critics and fans have compared their music to just about everything; there have been calls to even coin a new genre. Blitzen Trapper's Pavement-meets-Southern rock sound, grabs influences from The Grateful Dead, Neil Young, Big Star and Frank Zappa while playing in a scene that spawned The Shins, Fleet Foxes and Elliott Smith.

After self-releasing 'Wild Mountain Nation' in June of 2007, the group ventured beyond the West Coast for the first time to tour extensively in Europe and North America. 2008 saw the release of 'Furr', though Sub Pop/Stomp. 'Furr' made our 'Best Albums 2008' list and really woke us up to the fact that Eric Earley (lead singer) sounds like the modern day Bob Dylan. Especially evident when the harmonicas get a mention throughout the album. 'Furr' is a dead-set must listen for everbody.

Blitzen Trapper will be playing the following dates:
Wednesday 11th Nov - The Hi Fi Bar, Melbourne VIC
Thursday 12th Nov - Metro Theatre, Sydney NSW
Friday 13th Nov - The Hi Fi Bar, Brisbane QLD

www.blitzentrapper.net

Aimee Mann finally tours Australia

We like to think that Aimee Mann is the female version of Thom Yorke. Well, she has just announced her first tour of Australia after being in the music business for well over a decade now.

She first raised our eyebrows with the stellar album 'Bachelor No. 2' back in 2000. After being told that the album wouldn't sell well by various major labels, Mann decided to go at it alone and sell the album online. It became one of the first albums to be successful with only online sales. It was then that the record labels began to take notice and realise their mistake of doubting Mann's abilities. She was finally picked up by a label and this kick started an illustrious career.

Following this, Mann went on to record the sombre 'Lost in Space' in 2002 and the conceptual 'The Forgotten Arm' in 2005. In 2008, Mann recorded her must critically appraised and highest chart topper album '@#%&*! Smilers'. Her soulful, empathetic voice just oozes rays of sunshine across the album and you can't help but fall in love with Aimee.

Aimee Mann will be touring Australia this September. Don't miss this one. Tickets on sale now.

Thursday 3rd Sept - Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane QLD
Friday 4th Sept - Enmore Theatre, Sydney NSW
Saturday 5th Sept - Palais Theatre, VIC

www.aimeemann.com

Pearl Jam to tour with Ben Harper in Australia this November

Seattle grunge veterans Pearl Jam, are returning to Australia this November for a series of shows. Last here three years ago, Pearl Jam is coming back to promote their ninth album 'Backspacer'.

Scheduled for release on September 20th, guitarist Mike McCready describes it as “a tight, concise rock ‘n roll record”. Australian fans should feel privileged to know that they'll be among the first to hear the new songs live. 'The Fixer' is the first single from the album. Listen to it now by scrolling down.

Joining the 2009 tour is frequent visiter and close friend of Eddie Vedder's, Mr Ben Harper, who’ll bring his Relentless 7 band with him again. Ben Harper and the Relentless 7 were last here only in April for the Blues n Roots Fest. Joining the big heavyweight bands is an Australian heavyweight name, the young aspiring Mr Liam Finn.

With all this talent under a summery, starry night sky, how could you not want to be there?

Pearl Jam, Liam Finn and Ben Harper & the Relentless 7 will play the following venues in November. Tickets on sale 9am Monday 17 August.

Saturday 14 November – Members Equity Stadium, Perth
Tuesday 17 November – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Friday 20 November – Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
Sunday 22 November – Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Wednesday 25 November – QSAC Stadium, Brisbane

www.pearljam.com