2011 would seem to me to be a great year in film. Many quality films (Submarine, Take Shelter, Melancholia, etc.) didn't even make my top ten, so I think that pays testament to those that did. It also seemed to be a down year for Australian movies. My favourite local film was Red Dog, which was very enjoyable but hardly revolutionary cinema. Of course Hollywood continued to push out the 'comedies' and sequels, many of which proved to be uninspired and uninspiring. The year started with a poor decision in the shocking win of The King's Speech at the Academy Awards. A solid and enjoyable film to be sure, but hardly in the league of the remarkable The Social Network. February's awards should honour the landmark film of 2011 in The Tree of Life. Should I say, but no doubt a much safer pick will prevail. Which is a pity because Malick's visionary masterpiece towered above the pack in 2011.
Happy new year and here's to a great 2012 in film! 


1. The Tree Of Life, directed by Terrence Malick.
This is not film as we know it. It transcends film and all other film makers. Beguiling, confusing, sublime, luminescent, cryptic, emotional, stunning. All words to describe this masterpiece. Terrence Malick makes films like no others and I am truly grateful. In a nutshell, The Tree of Life concerns the life of a family in 1950s Texas. Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain play the parents of 3 boys who are alive to the experience and lessons of life. In fact I don't think I have ever seen a better portrayal of burgeoning adolescence. But this film is much more than that. Coupled with flashbacks, flash forwards and voice over and an extended sequence on the earth's creation it tries, very successfully, to imbue us with the feeling and pain and joy of life. There is not much plot here, rather it is a million tiny images of life. It is feeling and meaning rather then exposition. If you like easy viewing steer clear. If you desire blinding originality then see this wonder at least three times.

2. Moneyball, directed by Bennett Miller.
Superb film about the true story of the economics of baseball. Brad Pitt plays Billy Beane with deft humour and great humanity. Beane tries to shake up traditional ways of baseball thinking by introducing stats and science to picking players. A supremely intelligent film that is superbly written by Aaron Sorkin and expertly directed by Miller. His direction is in fact seamless as the film as an effortless flow that superbly picks up the shades and nuances of life itself.

3. Black Swan, directed by Darren Aronofsky.
Ambition, ambition, ambition! That's what makes a great film and this most assuredly is one. Director Aronofksy has crafted a compelling and near flawless film that grips you from start to finish. Totally captures the mind battle that lead ballerina Nina is undergoing. Her psychological battles are intense and totally disturbing. Natalie Portman has never been better in the lead role. Her journey is quite remarkable.The ballet scenes are handled beautifully and evoke, to a novice, a wonderful reality. Only slight drawback is the rather one dimensional character of the ballet company director. The score by Clint Mansell is also superb.

4. Drive, directed by Nicolas Winding Refn.
Brutally stylish and stylishly brutal, Drive is a thrilling and cerebral journey of determination and betrayal. Ryan Gosling is stunning as 'the driver' who becomes entangled in a violent game of cat and mouse. This is the ultimate genre piece, it dissects and lays bare human nature and weaknesses. A slow burn of a film, it erupts into violent acts in the second half. Precise direction, superb cinematography and flawless acting make for a exhilarating ride.

5. The Fighter, directed by David O. Russell.
A surprisingly wonderful film. Great performances and brutal honesty lead to a rich and rewarding experience. Christian Bale is sublime as the hopeless brother who holds back his more earnest sibling. David O. Russell evokes classic Scorsese, with long panning shots, gritty dialogue and instinctive use of music. Cliches are on the back burner here and thankfully even the boxing scenes are bearable. A film with great heart and humour, it will totally involve you from start to finish.

6. Howl, directed by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman.
An avalanche of words becomes a paean to the power of poetry. Simply, Howl is the story of Allen Ginsberg and the obscenity trial of his famous poem Howl. But this is much more then that. With its brave and unique style of animated poetry, court room scenes, flashbacks and interviews it weaves a stunning portrait of the 1950s. Of liberalism, censorship, art and creation. Franco is great as Ginsberg and there are nice cameos from Daniels and Parker. This is a short film, but there is much packed in its beautiful screen time.

7. True Grit, directed by Joel and Ethan Coen.
The Coen Brothers do not make bad films. Fact! Very often they are masterpieces. True Grit is not one, but it is a very fine film that is entertaining and at times engrossing. The story of the young girl teaming up with the grizzly old man is timeless and classic. With fine performances all round, the Coens play it remarkably straight. The dialogue is crisp and witty and the story arc is well rounded. Beautifully shot in New Mexico and Texas this is exemplary film making.

8. Catfish, directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman.
Utterly fascinating and ultimately moving doco about the web of modern relationships. Nev, a New York photographer, builds an online relationship with a Michigan family. At first he befriends the 8yo daughter, but soon he becomes close with the entire family. I can't reveal much more, but I can say that the film will touch you to the core and become a sad and insightful peer into the human mind and heart.

9. The Ides Of March, directed by George Clooney.
This film has quite possibly the best cast of actors seen in recent memory. Thankfully they are aided by tight direction and astute writing to form an intelligent, timely expose of the grubby and dark side of politics. Men with essentially good ideals compromise their beliefs to meet their political ends. This is film making that is prescient and thought provoking. Gosling shines and, if possible, Hoffman yet again shows that there is no finer actor in the world today.

10. We Need To Talk About Kevin, directed by Lynne Ramsay.
Startling, unsettling and quite unique, this film unravels with gripping tension and sheer dread. The story of a family dealing with a problem child/adult is told with utmost care and attention and no sensationalism. Tilda Swinton is astounding in this superbly directed and edited film.

Films I plan to see in 2012-
War Horse
The Iron Lady
Hugo
The Descendants
J. Edgar
Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Spy
The Artist
Shame
My Week With Marilyn
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
50/50

As 2011 quietly and quickly comes to a close it is a good time to reflect on the year just past. A year of exploration and discovery, fun and enjoyment. Pain and beauty. Joy and ragged edges. Trends and movements. Disappointment and surprise. Elation. Sometimes. Many albums were purchased, yes I still do that, and some exceeded expectations.
Some didn't.

One album though met and exceeded all expecations. The cover told a story. Through faces, homes, planes and mountains we peered into the depth of humanity. From within voices glistened and instruments sounded the memory lines of music. Fleet Foxes showed that it is still possible to make music that matters. That can lift you up and sometimes calm you down. It was a triumph to be sure. There were many others as well. Although I would consider 2011 to be a solid year in the scheme of things. I would suggest that there were perhaps two or possibly three classic albums. However there were an awful lot of very good to great albums. Many good albums failed to make my list in fact, but you need to draw the line somewhere. So without further ado, here they are!

1. Helplessness Blues-Fleet Foxes
From the very first second I heard the the title track my ears were tingling. My anticipation was set at high. Thankfully the remainder of the album lived up to the hope (hype?). This is music at its purest. Most serene, most quixotic. Most everything. More expansive, possibly darker, than the astounding debut, this album caresses and comforts. It is fun too. But in an important way. It lives and breathes. Tender moments explode into life continually. Oh harmony and melody!
MP3: Helplessness Blues

2. Take Care, Take Care, Take Care-Explosions In The Sky
The Texan quartet tried something different but still managed to deliver more of the same. That is, bonecrushing power and inescapable beauty. If you ignore trends and fads and concentrate on what is great I think it is impossible to deny the greatness that exists here. This music resonates like few others, sending me to places unknown. Guitars and drums flex their muscle with great effect. The magnificent "Postcard From 1952" is worth the price of admission alone.
MP3: Trembling Hands

3. Akron/Family II: The Cosmic Birth and Journey of Shinju TNT-Akron/Family
Quite a journey this one, but it is truly spectacular. Warm guitars wash over sublime harmonies with ease. Folk, rock, trance all combined into one glorious stew. This band has been on a roll for quite a while and there appears to be no stopping them yet. Emotionally charged music that hits a raw nerve with its honesty, directness and sincerity.
MP3: So It Goes

4. Bon Iver, Bon Iver-Bon Iver
Justin Vernon and company I think trumped the spectacular debut. These are glorious sounds, evoking memories and feelings that sit long in the mind. There is a warmness and almost sensual feeling that emanates almost through the entire album. Deep as a river and considerably consequential this release manages to improve with every single listen.
MP3: Calgary

5. Father, Son, Holy Ghost-Girls
A fantastic record. A fantasy. A unique experience. I never bought the hype before. In fact I was a little turned off. But this sledgehammer of an album turned me on. It sounds like The Beach Boys met Led Zeppelin in a seedy bar and decided to record an album. There are killer tracks everywhere, especially the superb "Vomit" and the heartfelt "My Ma".
MP3: Vomit

6. Organ Music Not Vibraphone Like I'd Hoped-Moonface
Sparse, spectacular music from the incomparable Spencer Krug. After the shock of losing Wolf Parade and maybe Sunset Rubdown, we waited for Krug's next move. Moonface was it. Five songs of cathartic power and stark emotion. Recorded on organ these songs grow and collapse onto themselves. I can not wait to see what Spencer does next.
MP3: Fast Peter

7. Burst Apart-The Antlers
2011 marked my awakening to The Antlers. I had owned "Hospice" and it was good. But this year I suddenly awoke to its greatness. So their new album was heavily anticipated. "Burst Apart" proved to be a mature, weighty, intelligent album, dripping with meaning and intent. Sad but never depressing this album packs a huge punch to the heart.
MP3: I Don't Want Love

8. I Am Very Far-Okkervil River
Batten down the hatches, here comes Will and company. All guns blazing, sabres rattling. This is a noisy, clattering album but it is also great. Fiery, passionate, literate. Yes, all those things that Okkervil River do so well. Long may you write songs Mr Sheff.
MP3: Wake And Be Fine

9. Slave Ambient-The War On Drugs
A complex, sophisticated, glittering album. These songs just reek of greatness and elan. When I listen to this album I just want to dive in and luxuriate in the tones and gentle shifts. Adam Granduciel's voice is luxurious and inviting, just like the music.
MP3: Come To The City

10. Wolfroy Goes To Town-Bonnie 'Prince' Billy
There is only one Will Oldham and another year on and another record released I am truly grateful for this. There is a quiet beauty to this album, it unfolds and informs, glueing together the wonder strains of American music. Glorious, just glorious.
MP3: We Are Unhappy

11. Smoke Ring For My Halo-Kurt Vile
Hard to separate this from number 9. Of course it is, Vile was a former member of The War On Drugs. The melodies, textures and subtle shifts and changes are a total delight.
 
12. No Color-The Dodos
 Vibrant melodies abound with great effect. Back as a duo and stronger then ever. Doesn't hurt either to have the services of the great Neko Case.

13. Tomboy-Panda Bear
If not the total masterpiece that was Person Pitch, then this was still an excellent record in all departments. Noah Lennox is quite a visionary.

14. Sound Kapital-Handsome Furs
Dan and Alexei delivered album number three and it was just so much fun. Leaning even heavier on the keyboards, this was industrial and ecstatic.

15. Megafaun-Megafaun
Straddling several genres and styles this band continues to deliver impressive music with heart, soul and intelligence.

16. Metals-Feist
It felt like a long wait, but it was well worth it. Leslie Feist gave us an album that was more expansive, more weighty then her previous. But just as enjoyable.

17. Fuck Death-Blackout Beach
Fuck Death indeed. Carey Mercer proved yet again there is no one quite like him. A treatise on life, death and love delivered as only he can.

18. The Whole Love-Wilco
After a couple of albums that were worthy if  just a little lacklustre Wilco returned with their best album in years. Inventive and exciting.

19. Mirror Traffic-Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks
A hugely enjoyable platter from Malk. Perhaps a couple of tracks could have been trimmed, but this was loaded front to back with great songs.

20. Oh Fortune-Dan Mangan
I'd slept on Dan Mangan before 2011, but this album awoke me totally. Earnest, sombre, fun all in one package. Fairly dripping with heart.

21. The Harrow & The Harvest-Gillian Welch
Talk about long waits. It felt forever, but it was worth it. The queen of bluegrass sent us a subtle, delicate exploration of roots music.
 
22. Outside-O'Death
I loved this album. It rages with spirit and heart. Urban meets country in a explosive way that is captivating and intoxicating.

23. The High Country-Richmond Fontaine
Willy Vlautin and company deliver a concept album and succeed greatly. The story of deception and love in a logging community is handled with great care. The chainsaw sea!

24. Degeneration Street-The Dears
Pretty much bad mouthed and forgotten but I'm not really sure why. Sure, it's overwrought but that doesn't really matter when it rocks so hard.

25. Let England Shake-PJ Harvey
A great reminder of the unique talents of PJ. Stark and unforgiving, this drips with intelligence and fierce desire. Seeing her in January. Very excited!

26. Apocalypse-Bill Callahan
Bill returned and reminded us of his considerable talent. That voice, those songs. If not a classic then still a great collection of cerebral songs.  

27. Provider-Bry Webb
I literally only started listening to this album this week. Webb's voice is just so great. This is stark, heartfelt music of the highest order.
 
28. Go Tell Fire The Mountain-WU LYF
There was the mystery and the hype, but they lived up to it. I really enjoyed listening to this record. It was urgent, angry and full of fire and guts.

29. Departing-The Rural Alberta Advantage
Speaking of urgency, this album fairly rocketed along. If not quite as great as their debut it was still a hugely enjoyable slice of Canadian Indie rock.

30. The Rip Tide-Beirut
The buzz might have dissipated, but this album was sumptuous, smooth and utterly delightful.

31. Sun And Shade-Woods
One of my favourite bands delivered another slice of skewered pop.

32. In Loving Memory-The Paper Scissors
My favourite Australian album of the year. Raucous, fun and funky.

33. Diaper Island-Chad VanGaalen
A generous, spirited album of angular melodies and sounds.

34. Strange Hearts-Secret Cities
A band I have come to love. Charming and totally infectious.

35. Celebration,Florida-The Felice Brothers
The brothers returned with an eclectic chunk of rock and roll.
 
36. Kaputt-Destroyer
There was gold here, but some of this synth just got me down.

37. The King Is Dead-The Decemberists
A return to roots meant an album full of good times and smiles.
 
38. Believers-A. A. Bondy
Deliberate, soulful, slow. A serenade for hard times.

39. American Goldwing-Blitzen Trapper
Probably a bit overlooked, I found it an enjoyable ride.

40. We Can Take Care of Ourselves-Roadside Graves
For "Hank Williams" alone this was worth listening to.

41. Black Up-Shabazz Palaces
For what it's worth, the hip hop album of the year. Incendiary. 

42. Keep Away The Dead-Siskiyou
A new discovery, this album was a total pleasure.

43. The Year Of Hibernation-Youth Lagoon
Quiet, reflective, contemplative. Look forward to seeing him in 2012.

44. Days-Real Estate
Not quite as good as the debut, but some glorious moments here.

45. Lonely Twin-Hospital Ships
Oddball, off kilter pop that tugs at the heart strings.

46. Parallax-Atlas Sound
Bradford Cox just keeps producing the goods.

47. I Want That You Are Always Happy-The Middle East
Sombre, dark and great. Pity they called it quits.

48. Tamer Animals-Other Lives
Another slice of great Americana.

49. New History Warfare Vol 2: Judges-Colin Stetson
Hard work in parts, but ultimately unique and rewarding.

50. Last Summer-Eleanor Friedberger
I love her voice. What more can I say!

Another year livin' the dream. Another year of coming face to face with my musical heroes. Sometimes I feel very fortunate indeed to be able to have a lifestyle where I can witness first hand on stage the live majesty of so many great artists. For the fact of Australia being seemingly so far away we do all right. Especially living in Sydney, the first port of call for most touring bands. Hey, it's not New York but we do all right.

Once again there were many great moments on the live scene. And there were two great festivals. Well three, I forgot the always impressive Sydney Festival. But Laneway was once again great, with Deerhunter, Local Natives and Menomena killing it live. Then in November we had the very first Harvest Festival, which proved with a monster lineup a great success. The National, The Walkmen, Phosphorescent and The Flaming Lips all proved their greatness. But there was one band which stood alone.
They are from Austin, Texas. 

1. Explosions in the Sky @ Metro Theatre
Serene beauty, heart stopping power. A symphony of kinetic emotions. There truly is no one like this band. A sight to cherish and behold. Spiritual.

2. Okkervil River @ Metro Theatre
Maybe their best show yet. A thundering apocalypse of rock and roll. Then add in a touch of heart, spirit, passion and joy.

3. Menomena @ Factory Theatre
Longed to be my number show until late developments (see above). Despite losing Brent Knopf they didn't lose a beat. Truly intoxicating and bedazzling.

4. Will Sheff @ Toff In Town
A truly special weekend in Melbourne was topped off by seeing one of this generation's great songwriters in an intimate space in the great city of Melbourne.

5.The Books @ Seymour Centre
2011's most unique show. A masterful display of ingenuity and originality. A cosmic collision of words and sounds that has stayed with all year.

6. The National @ Enmore Theatre
Their victory lap. Self assured, confident. Emotionally connective.

7. Kurt Vile @ Oxford Art Factory
The hype was there. But this was great. A man to be reckoned with.

8. Modest Mouse @ Enmore Theatre
Flying under the radar perhaps, but greatness still lives.

9. The Felice Brothers @ Annandale Hotel
A ramshackle night of America came to the 'dale.

10. Sufjan Stevens @ Sydney Opera House
Wow! There is NO ONE like Sufjan. No one.

11. Beach House @ Beck's Festival Bar
They subtly get under your skin. Victoria is something else.

12. Charge Group @ Kings Cross Hotel
Australia's finest rocked a great new venue. Also killed it at Goodgod.

13. Grinderman @ Enmore Theatre
On a hot and sweaty night we worshiped at his feet.

14. Grinderman @ Factory Theatre
Little were we to know that there would be no more.

15. Built to Spill @ Metro Theatre
Legends to me, greatness never sounded so good.

16. Sebadoh @ Metro Theatre
Heroes of the 90's return triumphantly.

17. Grouplove @ Oxford Art Factory
Fun, fun and then just a little more fun.

18. Deerhunter @ Metro Theatre
Always a imposing presence live. Confounding but mesmeric.

19. The Paper Scissors @ Kings Cross Hotel
Always, always killer live.

20. Owen Pallett @ Famous Spiegeltent
A timely reminder of his huge talent.

Deepest Bison are a late, great discovery in 2012 for me. Thanks to a recent Rawkblog post I have become bedazzled and entranced by his music. I can't tell you a lot about the artist except that his name is Kyle and the five tracks contained on "Haunted Tea Party" are all stellar.

 

I recently read a current musician's opinion on the 'glory' of pop music. The idea went something like this. Pop music is great because it crams so much into each and every second. Every second of each 'great' pop song is produced to the nth degree. Stylized and massaged to produce a product that is supposedly great. But I think this is the problem with most modern commercial pop music. There is so much production and refinement that the very life and joy is squeezed out. I like songs that feel rough around the edges, feel lived in. Ones that you can see and hear the spaces. There should be room for depth and light. There should be quiet and loud. Grit and crackle. Now of course there are always exceptions. As to every rule. But hopefully you see where I am going here.

Now in 2011 I don't believe there was a standout song. A signature moment. But I have picked a song for number one that I believe encapsulates all that goes into making a truly great song. It should hopefully be some sort of epic journey. It should thrill you and also touch you emotionally. It should definitely be original. "Vomit" by Girls fits that description I believe. It is a thunderclap of modern music.
What follows is a Youtube essay of my favourite songs of 2011.



 

Young Sydney band Bearhug have just released a new single. It's called "Angeline" and it features, as you would expect great melodies and jangly guitars. This song will feature on their debut album to be released in early 2012 on Spunk Records. The album was recently recorded at Sydney's Big Jesus Burger Studios.

  Bearhug - 'Angeline' by SpunkRecords

Moments in time. Moments in space. Unbridled elation. Joy. Awe. Wonder. Awe and wonder. A thousand words will not possibly, can not possibly describe the experience that is an Explosions In The Sky show. It is beyond that. Feelings explode, hearts are stretched to their breaking point. The ONLY disappointing aspect of one of their shows is that they have to end. They end and then we return to the mundane existence of life. Knowing that they passed through our hearts and minds, holding us close and dear, sharing with us the sonic ecstacy of a night in their existence.

The curtain falls back and they enter. Celestial being Munaf Rayani thanks us and they start to play. From the opening  notes of "The Only Moment We Were Alone", we all feel something special. A connection. An emotional harpoon to our heart. How does a band that doesn't use words impart so much emotion into each and every note. But they do. And how. By the end of their opening song I am trembling with joy and excitement. A song of such power also contains moments of breathtaking quietness. There is nothing quite like this song in the live arena. Fortunately the night continued to give and give. Until there was nothing left to give. Huge chunks of 2011 release "Take Care, Take Care, Take Care" were offered to us and we gladly accepted. I was particularly moved by "Postcard From 1952", a song of sublime excellence. Also great was "Let Me Back In", with its distinctive guitar riff. Of course everything played pretty much existed on the greatness level. Everything. But special mention should be given to closer "The Moon Is Down", which built and built to epic proportions. I simply closed my eyes and went along for the ride. Thankfully I opened them long enough to see Munaf have his guitar laid flat on the stage, while he proceeded to wail on it. Munaf is a unique character. The music flows through him on stage. At times he does an almost sensual dance whilst he plays his guitar. It is a sight to behold. All the band members also are affected by the music. They sway and writhe, shove and push their guitars. I think this is one of the primary reasons I love them so much. The music I believe means as much to them as it does to us. Perhaps more so. Although the quiet reverence that enfolds the sold out Metro Theatre perhaps shows that the love is evenly spead between stage and floor. As it ends the band thanks and departs. No encores. None needed. This is music. This is life. This is us.  

Set List
The Only Moment We Were Alone
Last Known Surroundings
Catastrophe and the Cure
Postcard From 1952
Greet Death
Your Hand In Mine
Let Me Back In
The Birth and Death of the Day
The Moon Is Down

Tuesday night at the Oxford Art Factory I dipped my toe into the pool of American music. It felt so good I soon dived all the way in. Kurt Vile and his Violators practice a music that is timeless and classic. American beauty. Guitars ring and chime, vocals drift on the air. Music that is effortlessly good and sublimely graceful. It can also pack a punch.

Vile is currently touring Australia for the first time. By all accounts he is impressing and delighting all who see him. By my first hand account last night he delivered one of the finest shows of 2011. He strode on stage with his trusty acoustic, sans band, and subtly engaged us with the mesmeric "Blackberry Song". His guitar playing is classical and concise, giving off warm and rich tones. Soon his band of 3 joined him on stage and the guitars chimed and thrilled through "Runner Ups". This great song would be many through the night that he plucked from his outstanding 2011 release in "Smoke Ring For My Halo". The Violators were great in support as they traversed from slower tunes to all out rock songs that came with a 60s sludge vibe. This was evidenced on the back to back sledgehammer of "Hunchback" and "Freak Train". As great as these moments were it were quieter acoustic numbers that Vile played solo that truly stood out. You could hear a pin drop as Vile charmed us with "Peeping Tomboy", which was followed by an 'oldie' in "My Best Friends (Don't Even Pass This)". I was also truly delighted that he closed with the greatness that is "Society Is My Friend". Vile's voice bears mentioning as well. It is quiet and reflective, more a drawl than a voice. It is certainly distinctive and totally suits the music. The encore was sublime too. Vile played us "Baby's Arms" solo and this could have easily been the highlight of the night. Then he closed off the wonderful night with the Springsteen cover "Downbound Train" and the powerful "Laughing Stock", both of which recently appeared on his just released EP in "So Outta Reach". A great night.
A privilege to be there.

Set List
Blackberry Song
Runner Ups
Jesus Fever
On Tour
Freeway
Ghost Town
Hunchback
Freak Train
Peeping Tomboy
My Best Friends (Don't Even Pass This)
Puppet To The Man
Society Is My Friend

Baby's Arms
Downbound Train
Laughing Stock

Bowerbirds return in 2012 with a new album. "The Clearing" will be album number three and will be released on March 6 on Dead Oceans. The new album was recorded with Brian Joseph in Wisconsin's treasured new studio, April Base, and with the help of some righteous microphones in a tiny, battered North Carolina cabin. It was mixed by Nicolas Vernhes in New York's Rare Book Room. The track available for preview is a thing of beauty.

MP3: Tuck The Darkness In-Bowerbirds

The Clearing Track Listing
1 Tuck The Darkness In
2 In The Yard
3 Walk the Furrows
4 Stitch the Hem
5 This Year
6 Brave World
7 Hush
8 Overcome With Light
9 Sweet Moment
10 Death Wish
11 No We Hurry On

One of my favourite bands in the world, and they should be yours are well, are returning with a new album on February 28, 2012. "The End of That" will be album number 3 for Montreal's very wonderful Plants and Animals, released once again by Secret City Records. Recorded and produced in Montreal and Paris, this album is definitely one of my most anticipated releases of 2012. Please listen to the first track available for preview below. It's pretty damn special!

The End of That Track Listing
1 Before
2 The End of That
3 Song For Love
4 Lightshow
5 Crisis!
6 2010
7 HC
8 Why & Why
9 Control Me
10 No Idea
11 Runaways

  Plants and Animals - Lightshow by SecretCityRecords

Nick Cave doesn't so much perform. Doesn't just sing. Is no mere entertainer. He instructs us. He destroys us. He tears us apart. With ferocity and bewitching charisma. He is unique. He is, quite simply, incredible. His four man pack of wolves came to a small place on Thursday night and for an hour or so Grinderman assaulted us and inspired us. To feel. The burns in our throats. The ripped apart hearts.

The man, Mr Cave, comes to us in dapper suit and clear intent. He owns us. He is not one of us. A specimen, a throbbing whip of clear purpose. To see it clearly, there was a man on stage by the name of Warren Ellis. A deity unto us all. I barely noticed him. Mine eyes were carried by the glory of Cave. He entered us upon "Worm Tamer", staying around for "Get It On". He teased and delighted us with "Kitchenette", he slaughtered us with delight with "No Pussy Blues". Oh, I could go on. About this and that. About amazing rhythm sections, about tribal guitar sections. About mundane things. It don't matter. You had to be there. GRINDERMAN!!!!!  

Set List
Mickey Mouse And The Goodbye Man
Worm Tamer
Get It On
Heathen Child
Evil
When My Baby Comes
What I Know
Honey Bee (Let's Fly To Mars)
Kitchenette
No Pussy Blues
Bellringer Blues

Palaces Of Montezuma
Man In The Moon
When My Love Comes Down
Love Bomb
Grinderman