posted by david on Tue 23 Jan 2001 @ 10:24 PM

Rolling Stone has some info about the next release from moody popsters Depeche Mode, titled "Exciter". It'll hit shops around May and I'm hoping for something more in the vein of "Songs of Faith and Devotion" than "Ultra". It's not that I hated "Ultra", it's just that I was very impressed by "Songs". Also due in May is the new REM album "Reveal". And it's not really a new release but I guess it's kinda significant that this week sees the re-release of George Harrison's 1970 album "All Things Must Pass". Apparently Steve Kilbey of the Church is one who considers that one of the great rock albums. George is also working on a new solo album which is long overdue ("Cloud 9" was released in 1987).

posted by david on Wed 17 Jan 2001 @ 10:25 PM

I've sorta been resigned to not catching some of my favourite international performers in Australia because of the dodgy dollar and all that. But this week I've heard some good news. Tickets for Bob Dylan's latest Australian tour go on sale soon, with Melbourne tickets on sale from next Monday (22/1). In other news, the East Coast Blues & Roots Festival at Byron Bay looks pretty damn good this year with appearances by Midnight Oil, Ben Harper, Emmylou Harris, John Hiatt, Buddy Miller, Matt Walker plus many more. Actually, that sounds absolutely sensational.

posted by david on Sun 7 Jan 2001 @ 10:26 PM | read or post comments (6)

James Reyne gigs draw a funny crowd. Most turn up anticipating some classic Aussie rock with songs like "Errol" and "Reckless" from his days with Australian Crawl or perhaps "Fall Of Rome" and "Hammerhead" from his cracking solo debut. But to anyone who's tried a few of his other solo albums, it's obvious that James has broader ambitions as a songwriter and musician (I swear his cover of John Hiatt's "Stood Up" from "Electric Digger Dandy" is better than the original). This gig featured James on guitar/vocals accompanied by Mark O'Connor on piano and while some of his newer material works beautifully with that instrumentation, the crowd seemed more interested in full-on singalongs to the old classics. Sure, that was a lot of fun, but maybe one day they'll let him show off what he can really do.

see the rest...

posted by david on Thu 4 Jan 2001 @ 10:27 PM

I'm back after a Xmas break and it's time to do the "best of the year" thing. I haven't finished my list yet but the US Rolling Stone critics certainly have, as has that embarrassing music journo Mike Gee. And if you like the whole awards night thing, the Grammy nominations have been announced (there's hope in the Contemporary Folk category).