Death Cab For Cutie are returning to Australia in August. Last here in 2006, they are touring on the back of their latest album "Narrow Stairs". The album that follows the huge success "Plans" seems to be getting mixed reviews. Which seems fair enough. It is certainly a harder sounding album then "Plans", but it is not a hugely exciting one. In fact, at first listen I was concerned that the sound was quite dull. However, after several more listens, I am liking it more and more. Not loving it, but certainly appreciating it as a solid collection of songs with staying power. Anyway, I will catching the show in Sydney and hoping they play a cross section of songs to please old and new fans alike.

Tour Dates
17 August The Palace, Melbourne
18 August Enmore Theatre, Sydney
20 August Metropolis, Fremantle
22 August The Tivoli, Brisbane

Tickets are on sale this Friday.

A rare gem of 2007 was "At Rear House" by Woods. This band out of New York was a duo, but are now a trio. Accordingly they have renamed themselves Woods Family Creeps. This might also have to do with avoiding confusion with Florida band The Woods. Anyway, they have a new release, a self titled effort. Available from Time Lag Records, it is intimate, warm, fuzzy music. Sometimes strange, often beautiful. Well worth tracking down. Here is "End to End", the first track off the album.

This week was a reminder to me of the importance of the arts in out life. Arts of all sorts. Film, painting, literature, music, etc. It is not a distraction, a frivolous time waster. It is not elitist, it is at the very centre of our existence. Last Tuesday, this argument was put together beautifully at the Opening Address of the Sydney Writers' Festival. Delivering the address was esteemed British author Jeanette Winterson. In a speech lasting nearly an hour she eloquently put forth the argument that life is not about having the biggest car or the biggest house. It is about seeking beauty in life and where better then to find that in the arts. Whether you create that beauty yourself or just enjoy the creation of it. The speech has stayed with me since, certainly reinforcing my own thoughts on life and giving them a fresh, new boost. And she also talked about the importance of digging deeper into things to find their importance. Not settling for the easiest option. Not settling for American Idol, but looking for American Beauty. Digging deeper then the latest TV fad or bad pop song. It's just so much more rewarding.

Then yesterday a trip was made to Canberra to view the Turner to Monet exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia. Seeing works by Turner, Constable, Streeton, Roberts, Monet, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Sisley and Seurat in the one room was certainly a rewarding experience. The painting above is "Boulevard Montmartre" by Camille Pissarro. This was my favourite piece, among many, at the exhibition.

Today was another Sydney Writers' Festival event. At the Sydney Theatre, Don Watson spoke about his latest book, "American Journeys". Watson, formerly speech writer for Paul Keating, was measured, erudite, witty and absorbing. His book was written after a long period of crossing the United States by rail and then trying to give his impression of that vast and powerful nation. He described the nation as being like your cousin. Somewhat alike, but a little strange and different. And the more you looked the more you become alternately repulsed and fascinated. I feel the same way. For every religious zealot from South Carolina, there is a learned scholar at Columbia University. For every Big Brother there is a Weeds. For every My Chemical Romance there is an Okkervil River. For every Bill O'Reilly (gratefully there is only one) there is an Al Franken. The same country that produced Thomas Jefferson, also gave us George Bush. A country of endless possibilities and excitement, yet also full of weaknesses and excesses.

Sunset Rubdown have just started a European tour. They played in London last night. Here is a brand new song, played for the first time live in Manchester on May 19. Despite the poor lighting, you can hear the awesomeness shining through. And Spencer on electric guitar!

For all the experiences in music that can take you on a different trajectory, a different tangent, sometimes the best experience can be the simplest. A simple tune, full of heart and soul and that all important ingredient, joy. For Langhorne Slim brings joy. In bucket loads, without reservation or hesitation. There is no, repeat no, artifice or shallowness and definitely no cynicism. These songs of Mr Slim are purely small tales of life. Of love. Of hope. Sometimes, that can be good for the soul and the mind. To fill it with a true feeling of love and optimism. This latest effort from Langhorne Slim, self titled, is another chapter in the book of Langhorne guts and glory. That's not to say that all his songs are about sunshine and puppies, some have sad topics, but all his songs are imbued with a melody and rhythm that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

This album is brisk and to the point. With only one song clocking in at over four minutes, there is no fat on this platter. It's just a romp through a palate of country, folk and blues concocted and brewed by Langhorne Slim in his New York habitat. The opening song is "Spinning Compass", where the tone is set for the album, swinging horns, jaunty acoustic and a gentle melody. Second up is the oft played "Rebel Side of Heaven", which is playful and a pure joy. It really swings, with a devilish glint in its eye. A clear expression of Langhorne Slim's writing, relatively simple but always bursting with life and its misfortunes and also good fortunes. Each song on this album has a similar feel, but each is tweaked and tuned slightly different to keep the ear satisfied. Other tracks to delight are the openly hopeful "Restless", the eternally optimistic "Sometimes", and the foot stomping "She's Gone". My absolute standout though is "Colette", a slow and purposeful song that reeks of true love and heart. "We stepped into the light and took pictures of each other...". It is a consistent album though, to be sure, with barely any filler. "Hello Sunshine" continues the trend of the singer's brand of howling country, whilst "Diamonds and Gold" is a life lesson in keeping a certain degree of optimism in your life. And in this age of cynicism, pessimism and needless destruction, isn't it nice to acknowledge the joy in this existence of ours. Langhorne Slim sees the pain in life, but then gives it a right upper cut. Placing a smile on all our faces. Truth.

MP3: Rebel Side of Heaven-Langhorne Slim
This album can be purchased from Kemado Records.

The Curse of Company are not a supergroup, but they are doing a fine job of impersonating one. The Curse of Company are a very talented group, that is for sure. Comprising Dave Rennick (Dappled Cities Fly), Sarah Kelly (the redsunband), Tim Rogers (Jack Ladder), Danny Heifetz (Mr Bungle) and Burke Reid (Gerling), they have a debut album in the works. "Leo Magnets Joins A Gang" is due for release later this year here and in the USA (Dangerbird).

If you go to The Curse of Company website right now, you can download the new single "All The Mines" for free for the next month. A clue, to find it, just click and drag for a while.

As an added bonus the band are playing a show next Tuesday night at the Hopetoun Hotel. That's the 27th May, for $8. Bargain, I would say.
Their Myspace also has a couple of more songs to listen to.

Now, here is a group comprising a fair amount of talent. Wellyn. They hail from Melbourne and have been around the scene for a while now, with different lineups. At the moment they comprise Dan Kelly, Ollie Brown (Art of Fighting), Andrew Coates (Black Cab), Danny Griffith (SubAudible Hum), Ned Collette and Chris Altmann (The Vandas). This lineup certainly shines through on the single "The White House". It is quite an aural, orgasmic extravaganza. Vocals are front and centre and really combine well, with a slowly building backdrop. Very impressive. Wellyn are set to release their debut album "An Intimate Universe" in early June and are playing two shows in Melbourne, before coming to Sydney. They are playing at Filth @ The Supper Club on June 12. One to mark in the diary, I would say.

MP3: The White House-Wellyn

Guaranteed to put a smile on your face. From the new self titled Langhorne Slim album. I love it, full of true heart and beauty and joy. Review of the album coming very soon.



Speaking of heart. If this doesn't affect your heart, then perhaps you don't own one. Simply gorgeous. Scott Avett performing "November Blue".