The Sydney version of the 2010 Laneway Festival was a success. Yes, I am here to report this fact. Well, except it's not in laneways anymore. The new venue on Sunday was the Sydney College of the Arts in Rozelle, a place new to me in Sydney. Set in Callan Park, the festival was in amongst beautiful 19th century sandstone buildings. Although there was the occasional traffic jam between stages, it felt fairly comfortable to navigate around between the three stages. Drinks seemed easy to get, but I think a few more food vendors wouldn't have gone astray. There was free parking and also free water stations. Both nice additions. The crowd, on the whole, was pretty good too. My day started with experimental Sydney trio Seekae. Their ambient sounds were a nice way to commence the day. My last act was Dappled Cities, who had two surprises. They played in GOLD spandex body suits and they also had the lovely Sarah Blasko join them on "Vision Bell". Also caught Bridezilla in between. They were good, but I feel like I have seen them a hundred times now. Like most festivals it was impossible to see everything, so I couldn't fit in The xx or Wild Beasts. Nor Florence and the Machine, but that was mainly because I am not interested in their brand of music. But, there was plenty of greatness in between. So...to the music that stirred and delighted me.

I had been really keen to see Jonathan Boulet live and this exciting new talent did not disappoint. At all. The debut album is great and it translated perfectly to the live setting. Songs like "Continue Calling", "Ones Who Fly Twos Who Die" and "321 Ready Or Not" are demanded to be played live. Just perfect singalong songs. Not to mention the addictive "A Community Service Announcement" which closed their short set. Boulet is an immense talent. His ability to write near perfect melodies is one to be admired.

Frightened Rabbit! Highlight of the day!!! These insatiable Scots are a passion overload live. Well, on record for that matter too. They opened with the towering "The Modern Leper" and did not let up after that. Despite a somewhat muddy sound mix, their glorious songs shone through. The closing duo of "Square One" and "Keep Yourselves Warm" was goose bumps time. That combination of jangly guitars, frenetic drumming and Scottish brogue was simply superb.

Set List
The Modern Leper
Old Old Fashioned
Nothing Like You
The Twist
Head Rolls Off
My Backwards Walk
Square 9
Keep Yourself Warm

No doubt about it. Mumford & Sons were the most hyped act of the day. Their debut album has not only connected hugely with Triple J listeners, but it has crossed into commercial radio. The crowd gathered to watch was feverish and excited to the nth degree. I would say that nearly every song was belted out word for word. But I can report that this London foursome are not just hype. Their songs, although built of fairly simple structure, are explosive and ridden with emotion. Totally perfect to hear in a live setting. Of course "Little Lion Man" was lapped up, but it was other songs that hit my ear more. The mournful "Sigh No More" was a superb starter and "Thistle & Weeds" was heavy and strongly built. They even closed with a new song that was equally impressive as the rest of the set. These guys won't change the earth, but they are very talented and I think here to stay.

Set List
Sigh No More
Awake My Soul
White Blank Page
Timshel
Little Lion Man
Thistle & Weeds
Roll Away Your Stone
The Cave
Whispers In The Dark (new song)

I saw CROWD SURFING! This long thought extinct practice broke out during the crazy and wild set from Atlanta's Black Lips. This foursome played with admirable and dazzling passion and fire. Energetic and super charged, their set flew by with dollops of charisma and bucket loads of style. Their music is pretty basic, but it is carried out with such good humour and enterprise that it is near impossible not to enjoy their music. Highlight was definitely "Bad Kids".

Set List
Starting Over
Drugs
Short Fuse
Dirty Hands
O Katrina!
Big Black Jesus Of Today
Sea Of Blasphemy
Lock And Key
You Must Be A Witch (Lollipop Shoppe cover)
Cold Hands
MIA
Bad Kids
Take My Heart

Fingers are crossed for a release sometime in the middle of 2010!

Here is a scene from Jack Goes Boating, the directorial debut for Philip Seymour Hoffman. It made its premiere this week at the Sundance Film Festival. Hoffman also stars in the film, along with Amy Ryan. I look forward to seeing this film at some point in 2010.

You WILL hear a lot about this band in 2010. Freelance Whales performing "Generator^First Floor" in a New York subway station. The band self released their debut album "Weathervanes" in 2009, but gladly for all of us French Kiss will be giving it a wider release on March 16. I love the sound of this band and am really looking forward to this album's release.

He stood at the crossroads. Hair glistening, beads of sweat dripping from a long and loose beard. He held the violin in the air before he brought it to his side. Gently he then cradled the instrument under his chin and what happened next was electric. Dynamic and dazzling. Piercing and wrought with the emotions of times passed. As he played it felt like fires were being slowly lit behind your eyes. Like the hairs that sit on your neck were slowly standing up and becoming erect. Like nothing else mattered.

Dirty Three assailed and attacked the hot and humid Enmore Theatre on Australia Day. With full and absolute effect. Playing in total their classic album "Ocean Songs" as part of the Don't Look Back Series, we witnessed a band that is ageless and timeless. One of, if not the, greatest bands that this country has ever produced. For close to ninety minutes this band of three men pushed and pulled "Ocean Songs" to places unknown. Places deep and dark, mysterious and playful. It would be possible to break down the evening into sections, into songs. But this was a total experience. It had a starting point and a full stop. With commas and exclaimation points placed strategically through out. Mick Turner was cooly efficient on guitar and Jim White massaged and assaulted a drum kit until it begged for mercy. But it was Warren Ellis who swallowed us whole. He kicked the air, yelped for the love of humanity, sweated an ocean, shredded an innocent violin and reminded us all that there is only one Warren Elllis. That there is a sea above and a sky below, that the lady at the shop might tell us to fuck off, but it doesn't matter because life goes on and is limitless and love ridden. Magical and desolate all in one brief shining moment. I saw "Authentic Celestial Music" and my life, today, is better for the experience.

Set List (for the record)
Sirena
The Restless Waves
Distant Shore
Authentic Celestial Music
Backwards Voyager
Last Horse On The Sand
Sea Above, Sky Below
Black Tide
Deep Waters
Ends Of The Earth

More Spoon, or in fact just Britt Daniel. Britt is seen here playing "Who Makes Your Money" Saturday night at a Haiti benefit at Music Hall Of Williamsburg. The show also featured Zach Galifianakis, Justin Vernon, St Vincent and Janeane Garofolo.

Oh and in other news Spoon are touring here in May. Details will be revealed in February.

The always great Spoon perform "Written In Reverse" for KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic. Taken from their wonderful new album "Transference".

May 4 will see the release of "Together", the newest album from The New Pornographers. Their fifth full-length was produced by the band and Phil Palazzolo, and recorded in Vancouver, Brooklyn, Woodstock, and Catskill, NY. The album is comprised of 9 A.C. Newman songs and 3 Dan Bejar numbers, and features the full eight-person lineup of Carl, Dan, John Collins, Neko Case, Kurt Dahle, Kathryn Calder, Todd Fancey and Blaine Thurier. Additional musicians include Annie Clark (St. Vincent), Zach Condon (Beirut) and Will Sheff (Okkervil River). This band has been remarkably consistent throughout their career, so I look forward to this with great anticipation. Once again, Matador Records will be the label of choice.

If first impressions count, well then The Decemberists made a hell of a first impression at the Metro Theatre on Tuesday night. On their first visit to Australia and playing their first club show they were hugely entertaining and massively fun. Spellbinding, revelatory and totally and utterly engaging. Worth every single cent and then some.

After years of touring these Portland players are a well oiled live machine. Not slick mind you, but very much in control of what is happening on stage, with master front man Colin Meloy leading the way. But I will get to that in a minute. They opened the night with the opening duo of songs from "The Crane Wife", which was a grand way to start the evening. Especially with the triptych of "The Island: Come & See/The Landlord's Daughter.You'll Not Feel The Drowning". This sturm und drang song blustered and thrusted with great effect before dissolving into its gentle third. Simply superb and one of the two major highlights of the night. After this we delved a bit into their past with the jaunty "This Sporting Life" and "Billy Liar". The latter song was to be the first crowd participation of the night as Colin Meloy led and divided the crowd into choruses of "ba da dum"s, which was great fun. Then the night was led into serene ballad time with the sublime "Shankill Butchers" leading the way. "On The Bus Mall" was superb as well, although Meloy seemed to momentarily forget the opening line. A brand new song was next, not sure of the title though. It was pretty good, but I think I would need to hear it again to make better judgement. It was also the only song of the night where Meloy played electric guitar. The rest of the night he would play his trusty acoustic. At this point the night was a huge success. But it got better with the mesmeric "The Rake's Song" to come next. This amazing song fairly lifted the roof, with Jenny Conlee and Chris Funk banging on drums to give the song its full thrust and delivery. This was the only "Hazards of Love" song during the night, which was a slight disappointment. Only slight though. Fully flowing by now, the crowd lapped up "16 Military Wives", which prompted another mass singalong. Then we slept during "The Chimbley Sweep". Allow me to explain. As the song closed the band slowly laid down on the stage. Then Colin asked the audience to follow suit. We all did, naturally. Before springing up again as the song finished. It's a Decemberists tradition at their shows, but for us first timers we all lapped it up with great joy. Meloy definitely knows how to play a crowd. He is a consummate performer and entertainer, regaling the crowd with 'wry observations' and keeping the humour flowing. I think he could have managed all of us to stand on our heads if he had wanted to. The band are able support too, never missing a beat at any time. Especially loved the work of messrs Conlee and Funk.

The encore topped off the night beautifully. "Eli, The Barrow Boy" was stunning and divine and then a quickly rehearsed cover followed. Thankfully this band didn't delve into cliche, instead delighting us all with a Go-Betweens song in "Bye Bye Pride". I was on cloud nine by this point. Closing with "Sons & Daughters" was a masterstroke as well. I was expecting "The Mariner's Revenge Song" at this point, but I had no complaints. Each and every one of us sung our lungs out. "Hear All The Bombs Fade Away. Hear All The Bombs Fade Away".

Set List
The Crane Wife 3
The Island: Come & See/The Landlord’s Daughter/You’ll Not Feel The Drowning
The Sporting Life
Billy Liar
July, July!
Shankill Butchers
The Engine Driver
On The Bus Mall
(New Song)?
The Rake's Song
O Valencia!
16 Military Wives
The Chimbley Sweep

Eli, The Barrow Boy
Bye Bye Pride (Go-Betweens Cover)
Sons & Daughters

A Joanna Newsom show is always a unique experience. I mean, I can count on one finger the number of Californian harp players that I know. But more than that, much more, she is supremely good at what she does. Add to that the iconic surrounds of the Sydney Opera House then Monday night was hugely enjoyable and rewarding.

A regular to our shores these days, Joanna was to bring us a batch of new tunes on the night. Her new album, "Have One On Me" is to released next month and it was quite exciting to hear these new songs live for the first time. A new one started the night in "Jack Rabbits", which was just Joanna on harp. Soft and lovely, a gentle way to start things off. Then her band members joined her for "Bridges and Balloons". Neal Morgan was instinctive and subtle on drums, whilst Ryan Francesconi was multi tasking on guitar, mandolin and banjo. Then as an added surprise for the third song Joanna was joined by a mini orchestra. Two players on violins and two with horns. They added an extra dimension to the night, especially on the mini epic "Have One On Me", which was stormy and exciting, a song with 48 different directions. Also, it was a good indication that the new album will incorporate new sounds. There was a dynamic thrust to many of the new songs, dipping into different genres and styles. All the while still retaining that unique Newsom style. Of the new tunes I really loved the melodic "In California" and "Soft As Chalk", which was one of three songs Joanna performed on piano. It actually had a ragtime feel to it, perfect for dancing if I wasn't enjoying my seat so much. She returned to the harp for the softly spoken "Autumn" which was a great delight. Then came "Emily", which was pure perfection and easily received the biggest ovation of the night. It was thrilling and astoundingly beautiful. After "Emily" Ryan led the band in an surprise rendition of happy birthday to Joanna. Which I think totally caught her by surprise. Some older tunes followed, ending with "The Book Of Right-On", putting the seal on a great night. She had played for over an hour and a half, but managed to return for an encore of "Colleen". Which was great fun and definitely left all of us with huge smiles on our faces. Huge.

Set List
Jack Rabbits
Bridges And Balloons
Have One On Me
Ribbon Bows
In California
Easy
Inflammatory Writ
Soft As Chalk
Autumn
Emily
Peach, Plum, Pear
'81
The Book Of Right-On

Colleen

Frightened Rabbit have been announced today as a late addition to the Laneway Festival. However they are only playing in Sydney Melbourne. So, if you are lucky enough to have tickets (both Sydney and Melbourne are sold out) then you are in for a definite treat as this Scottish band are great live and on record.

They have also announced two sideshows which will serve as promotion for their upcoming new album "The Winter Of Mixed Drinks" which will be released 1st March on Fat Cat.

28 January-John Curtin Hotel, Melbourne
3 February-Beach Road Hotel, Sydney

PS: If any one has a spare Laneway ticket I would love to take it off your hands.

Featured here is Ramona Falls (Brent Knopf) performing "Bellyfulla" for the wonderful They Shoot Music series. Playing with Brent are South African band Dear Reader. You can find more great videos from their website now.

One more Grizzly Bear. Here they perform "Knife" on the streets of Paris three years ago for the La Blogotheque series.

More Grizzly Bear goodness. They played a sublime version of "All We Ask" for their encore on Monday night. Sydney will not forget Grizzly Bear for quite a while.

Well, I backed up again last night for a second dose of the magnificent Grizzly Bear and it was definitely worth it. This review will be brief as it was basically the same set list, but I wanted to write about the night mainly for the record. Tuesday night they basically replaced "Lullabye" with "Little Brother" and didn't give us "Service Bell". Later in the set they played "Shift" from "Horn Of Plenty" which was lovely in so many ways. The encore was a bit of a surprise, going with "He Hit Me". Ed Droste, as usual, provided great vocals once again.

If you are able to scrounge a ticket for their remaining two shows in Sydney, then don't hesitate at the opportunity to see a band at the peak of their powers. Grizzly Bear just nail everything live. Soaring vocals, all encompassing musicianship and tremendously effective lighting make for one unforgettable experience. This band has it all and I seriously doubt I will see a better show at all in 2010.

Set List
Southern Point
Cheerleader
Little Brother
Knife
Deep Blue Sea
Fine For Now
Two Weeks
Colorado
Shift
Ready, Able
I Live With You>Foreground
While You Wait For The Others
On An Neck, On A Spit

He Hit Me

It was somewhere between Fore and Ground that I realised that this night was magic. As Ed Droste majestically intonated those words, I knew that this night was special. Unique. Incredible. Unforgettable. Forgive the hyperbole, but Grizzly Bear were just that good. I saw them directly after the perfection that was Neko Case, but somehow they were even better. Certainly a different experience, but they filled the City Recital Hall with sounds that will live long and lovingly in my memory. For. Ever.

If you release an album as glorious as "Veckatimest", then the attendant hype will come. But Grizzly Bear surpass the hype. The buzz. They are, quite simply a band of four men who are at the peak of their powers. Playing with a robust confidence that comes with the singular welding of talent and dedication. Playing with texture and subtle nuances that breathe life to each and every song. Monday night would have also represented an opportunity to just give us "Veckatimest" front to back. The audience would have lapped it up no doubt, but the band gave us the happy present of a good chunk of "Yellow House". Which I, as well as many others, lapped up with great fervour. So much greatness was on display on this night, but it was the presentation of "Lullabye" that gave me the first chills. This seminal song was stark and chilling and it segued into the eternally beautiful "Service Bell", which was sublime and about a hundred other flavours. If that wasn't enough it then segued into the stuttering beauty that is "Knife". Honestly I could have walked out then and felt totally satisfied. But there was more, much more. "Fine For Now" followed and was thunderous and raucous. Yes, these Brooklyn boys are not just softly spoken troubadours. They can play loud and fast too. "Two Weeks" came with Daniel Rossen switching to keyboards for that song's signature moment. I could go on and on. "Colorado" was stealthy and bursting with atmosphere. "Deep Blue Sea" (from Dark Was The Night) was gentle and soothing, whilst "Ready, Able" was muscular and dynamic. Another segue was coming next though. "I Live With You" was slow building and hard hitting and it melted into "Foreground" where Droste serenaded us with a voice as big as a house and as pure as snow. But there was more. "While You Wait For The Others" was a waterfall of harmonies, a stunning rendition. As it came to a close trees of light bulbs behind the band kept sync with the vocals. Oh, did I mention the lighting? As good as I have seen. Full of atmosphere and perfectly designed to give the right balance to the music. Which was sublime of course. Why? Well it is the intuitive drumming of Chris Bear, the superb instrumental effects of Chris Taylor, the voices of Droste and Rossen and one other thing above all I believe. Daniel Rossen's guitar. It sounds like no other, clear as a bell, piercing the night with strident chords. All of these factors add up to give us the unique beast that is Grizzly Bear. Oh, what's that. The encore? Well, it wasn't much. Just Rossen on guitar and Bear on drums, everyone on vocals as they serenaded us with "All We Ask" in mist shrouded light. That's all. I was near to tears.

Set List
Southern Point
Cheerleader
Lullabye>Service Bell>Knife
Fine For Now
Two Weeks
Colorado
Deep Blue Sea
Ready, Able
I Live With You>Foreground
While You Wait For The Others
On A Neck, On A Spit

All We Ask

Let's not quibble here ladies and gentlemen. Let's not mess around with words and such stuff. Let's not hesitate. Neko Case is special. Very special. Monday night at the City Recital Hall proved that. Again. Yes, I love Neko and that statement is pure fact. It's her voice, her tenderness, her humanity. Herself. It was an hour and a half of bliss out music.

Neko and her band entered the stage and charmed us from note one. The banjo on "Things That Scare Me" was a joyful start. I think the banjo is just such a great instrument. Maybe it should be compulsory for all bands to carry one. Anyway it was a delight to hear an oldie from "Blacklisted" to open the show. Of course Neko would lean heavily on her latest album, playing eleven songs from "Middle Cyclone", but the set list still gave us many highlights from her career. Such as the ethereal "Maybe Sparrow" which was second up. I love that song so much. "Hold On, Hold On" was great as well. Simply superb. But I think it was "Middle Cyclone" itself that stole my heart. This song is a swooning joy and it was stunning live. "Polar Nettles" was great as well, as well as "Prison Girls". Another definite highlight was "A Widow's Toast", which showcases with great effect the voice that is so pure. Its hush quite opening gave ample opportunity to hear her piercing reed. "Red Tide" was a pleasant surprise on the night too. I had perhaps overlooked this song on the album, but its lively pace was suitable to the live arena. It certainly captured my imagination. One more major highlight was to come though. For "Vengeance Is Sleeping" the band left the stage with only Paul Rigby left to play soft guitar as Neko belted out this gorgeous song. I think this song sealed the night for me. The band departed to great applause before returning to present us with "Knock Loud", a great end to a great night. Even though Neko is the star, her band are great as well. Especially the pedal steel of Jon Rauhouse and the vocals of Kelly Hogan. Hogan is a great foil to Neko on stage. Not only does she possess a great voice, but she is just naturally funny, providing many quips between each song that kept the whole audience amused. I think Neko was a little intimidated by the formal surroundings of the recital hall, but Kelly kept her relaxed and comfortable. Neko possesses plenty of personality herself though, being very conversational through out. She certainly doesn't give herself 'star treatment'. She always dresses as she feels, does what feels natural to her. She is a singular being. Strong of mind and will. Of huge and immense talent.

Set List
Things That Scare Me
Maybe Sparrow
People Got A Lotta Nerve
Fever
Hold On, Hold On
I'm An Animal
Middle Cyclone
The Pharaohs
Polar Nettles
Deep Red Bells
A Widow's Toast
Margaret Vs. Pauline
Prison Girls
The Tigers Have Spoken
Red Tide
Don't Forget Me
That Teenage Feeling
This Tornado Loves You
Vengeance Is Sleeping
Train From Kansas City

Knock Loud

NB: This photo is not from last night. The venue does not permit photography.

Note: Bernard Zuel had a different opinion of the show in the SMH. I respect Bernard's knowledge, but I think Neko's band is meant to be unobstrusive. I would agree that Neko had some sound issues, but I don't think they detracted from the show at all.

We saw Fantastic Mr Fox yesterday and yes, it is fantastic. I just love Wes Anderson's offbeat and wry sense of humour. Also his choice of music and attention to detail and character is something to be treasured. His adaptation of Roald Dahl's story is refreshing and very, very entertaining. I love the effort that went into the creation of this stop animation film. I truly think it taps into an older era of animation that feels more real then current animation. This behind scenes featurette gives you some idea of the work involved. This wonderful film is certainly one that adults can enjoy. I certainly did. The voice work of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray and especially Jason Schwartzman is quite special.

I know. It's everywhere. But, it's here also.

On March 9 The Besnard Lakes will release their new album on Jagjaguwar. "The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night". The label now have made available a track from the album in "Albatross". It's pretty damn great. Quite epic with great female vocals.

MP3: Albatross-The Besnard Lakes

February 23 will see the release of a new album from Eluvium. This Temporary Residence release will be the first since 2007's excellent "Copia". "Similies" though sees new development in the creative career of Matthew Cooper. This album will feature percussion, verse-chorus song structure and singing! Cooper, like previous work, wrote, performed and recorded the entire album in his own studio, Watership Downs. I await the results with interest.

Similes Track Listing
1 Leaves Eclipse The Light
2 The Motion Makes Me Last
3 In Culmination
4 Weird Creatures
5 Nightmare 5
6 Making Up Minds
7 Bending Dream
8 Cease To Know

MP3: The Motion Makes Me Last

Having seen Andrew Bird live five times in the last three years, I wasn't sure if I would surprised by a new performance. Sure, I knew it would be good, but you know. Familiarity. But Andrew Bird is no ordinary performer. He is a consummate one. He keeps all his shows fresh and interesting by giving new arrangements to many of his songs and always giving the audience a diverse and intriguing set list. So 2010 kicked off in spectacular fashion Sunday night at the iconic Sydney Opera House. For close to two hours Bird dazzled and delighted a very appreciative audience.

This performance was different for a couple of reasons though. Andrew Bird recently injured his right foot. Meaning he was unable to do his customary looping through out the show. He actually entered the stage on crutches and remained seated for much of the night. He also has three people in his band now. Which meant that it was them that were fleshing out the songs and not Bird doing it all by himself as he usually does. So, even though I missed the intricate looping that makes watching a Bird show unique the band actually added extra layers to each song. Of course Martin Dosh on drums is an instinctive and tactile drummer, but Mike Lewis on bass and Jeremy Ylvisaker on guitar were excellent as well. To begin with Bird was solo, giving us a long instrumental intro to begin with and then a sublime rendition of "The Happy Birthday Song". In these songs Bird was looping with hands, giving us a taste that I guess would have been difficult to sustain through out the night. As said, it was a diverse set list. With "Sweetbreads" being an early delight. It was actually a combination of that earlier recorded song and the more recent "Dark Matter" as he explained with his usual off kilter wit. It was great to hear "Opposite Day" as well half way through the set. He gave us a new tune as well in the shape of "The Lusitania" which he described as an attempt to weld the event that brought the USA into World War One onto a failed personal relationship. Of course the wonderful "A Nervous Tic Motion Of The Head To The Left" was very well received, but it was the sublime "Armchairs" that gave me the idea that I was at a special performance tonight. To follow with "Tables and Chairs" (my girl wished for this), was the icing on the cake. I think we would have all been content at this point. Totally satisfied. But Bird returned and gave us a cover in "Some of These Days". He was joined for this song, off mic, by his two guitarists who sung beautifully to give us all a thrill. But it got better. Bird was left alone to give us a Dylan cover followed by his classic song in "Weather Systems", which finished off the night with great splendour. Thanks to an inventive mind, great arrangements and a supreme talent, it was a night to remember. A great reminder of just how unique a performer Andrew Bird is. 2010 was off to a great start.

Set List
Intro
The Happy Birthday Song
Why?
Sweetbreads (Dark Matter)
Natural Disaster
Opposite Day
Oh No
Effigy
The Lusitania
Sectionate City
A Nervous Tic Motion Of The Head To The Left
Capital I
Imitosis
Armchairs
Scythian Empires
Tables And Chairs

Some Of These Days (Charley Patton cover)
Oh Sister (Bob Dylan cover)
Weather Systems