I-94 BAR TOP TENS

Dom Mariani and Rob compare their taste in shades.

1) REIGNING SOUND – “Love And Curse”
Best album of the year. After 5 seasons the band led by Greg “Oblivian” Cartwright come back with a great album full of soul, garage and rock’n'roll.

2) LEADFINGER – “Rich Kids”
Best album from Oz. Leadfinger has a new band now and they’re fighting to conquer the world. We’re waiting for them in Europe. Soon hopefully.

3) NOT MOVING – “Not Moving”
Best reissue of the year. Not Moving were the best Italian rock’n'roll band. They formed in the early 80′s and for a decade they were black, wild and furious in the vein of X, Gun Club, Cramps and The Nuns. Especially live.This long-awaited reissue contains the Ep “Black & Wild” (the band at their best), the Lp “Sinnermen” (with the original band’s mix) and some demos. If you want to discover an obscure Italian gem from the 80′s don’t miss this one…

4) ASTEROID B-612 – “Not Meant For This World – The Au-Go-Go Years 1994-1996″
Best Oz reissue. For me the group led by John Spittles and Leadfinger was the best Aussie band  in the 90′s. Love ‘em too much!

5) TONY FACE BIG ROLL BAND – Old Soul Rebel
Italian album of the year. Tony Face is a legend: drummer for Not Moving and half dozen of other bands, fanzine maker, journalist and writer. This album is his masterpiece. Recorded with a bunch of guests, it’s the tribute to the music he loves: mod sound, R&B, hammond beat. Moody & groovy.

6) DOM MARIANI + SICK ROSE live in Rome
Power pop maestro + Italian garage kings: what a gig!

7) LYDIA LUNCH live in Rome
She’s a mistress and live she’s still a queen. Along with Gallon Drunk as a backing band, they played an unforgettable noise/blues show.

DAVID BYRNE live in Rome
I’ve always been a huge Talking Heads fan but I never had the chance to see David Byrne live so far. Well, he’s not just a great songwriter/singer, but also a great performer. He played lotsa Talking Heads classic and for a while the magic of that band came to life again.

9) I LOVE RADIO ROCK
Best comedy of the year. A movie that celebrates the UK Sixties and the best decade in man’s history. Fantastic soundtrack.

10) INGLORIOUS BASTERDS
Another Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece. Go and see it!

Dedicated to the rockin’ memory of Ron Asheton, Lux Interior, Sky Saxon, Jim Carroll, Willy De Ville and, above all , to my friend/partner in crime Gianluca.

Santa's got his list in his pocket and he's reelin' down the old skyway.

In the past year, between the news of economic uncertainty, extramarital affairs, celebrity facelifts and yet another insipid reality TV show, there’s always an old reliable method to escape. No, I’m not talking about self flagellation (sorry Dan Brown fans) I’m talking about great music.  So in short, 2009 was no different than any other year.  In order to quench your spirit, you had to do some digging to find the gold.  Here are some of my favorites, in the proverbial no particular order:

Allen Toussaint: The Bright Mississippi (Nonesuch) – What can be said about this legendary jazz / soul figure from New Orleans.  Toussaint, having had a career that has spanned over 50 years, comes back with an album that exemplifies the musical heritage of the Crescent City. Produced by Joe Henry, Toussaint recruited clarinetist Don Byron, guitarist Marc Ribot, pianist Brad Mehldau, Saxophonist Joshua Redman and many more A- List musicians for this album. If you love Dr. John or Tom Waits get this, you will slobber over it!

The Stooges: You Don’t Want My Name, You Want My Action 4 CD (Easy Action) – The folks at Easy Action really created a major stir with this release in 2009.   And justifiably so, this 4 CD set is chock full of essential Stooges live shows from 1971 at their primal proto-metal peak. Taken from audience recorded cassettes, you get two shows from the Electric Circus in New York, one from the Factory in St. Louis, and one from the Vanity Ballroom in Detroit (the first show of the tour). In addition, the attention by the Easy Action staff placed on the packaging / artwork is top shelf.

Wooden Ships: Dos (Holy Mountain) – What’s not to like about a band that has soaked up the outsider sounds of the past forty years (i.e. Suicide, Faust, Velvet Underground, Stooges) and in the process produced a mind blowing disc that validates the replenished fertile soil of independent music.

Assemble Head in Sunburst Sound: When Sweet Sleep Returns (Tee Pee) – Yet again, more outsiders from the Northern California Bay Area announcing their presence in 2009.  Melodic yet heavy, introspective but in your face, the band’s sound is a study in immaculate point – counterpoint.

James Blackshaw: The Glass Bead Game (Young God) – Signed to Young God records by Mr. Gira of Swans fame, this English virtuoso has created a haunting disc that allows you to relax but still wants to challenge you.  In a certain way, Mr. Blackshaw has picked up the mantle left by John Cale, in creating traditional music with that edgy hint of experimentation.

Sonic Youth: The Eternal (Matador) – Countless albums, countless tours, and naturally you are left asking yourself “is this band still relevant” Well, the answer is a resounding “yes”, as evidenced by this 2009 release.  The band returned with an unbridled ferocity on this disc, a collection of hard edged tracks.  As a result, the band seemed revitalized (case in point: “Sacred Trickster” and “What We Know”) with a new bassist in Mark Ibold, leaving Kim Gordon to guitar and vocals, where she offers her best offering on disc.

Mondo Drag: Holy Spirit (Self Released) – Awesome psych / hard rock.  On the CD, tracks such as “Autumn Sun”, Through the Eyes of the Serpent” and “Apple” reek of late 60’s – early 70’s hard rock experimentation (i.e. Funhouse, Sir Lord Baltimore, Hawkwind, The Groundhogs).  The band themselves recognize this and state on their Myspace webpage that their sound fits “somewhere between garage, psych, space, sludge and stoner rock”.  Either way, I am eager to hear more from this the band on their expected January 2010 release on Bomp / Alive.

The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker: Burn It Down (Thirty Tigers) – Heavy, sweaty soul / funk the way it is supposed to be.  In a career that has seen him open for such as Etta James, James Brown, Wilson Pickett and Jackie Wilson, Charles Walker is paired with a deep funk band intent on keeping the spirits of those heavyweights alive, but also creating some of their own magic.

Baby Woodrose: Self Titled (Bad Afro) – Got to hand it to Lorenzo Woodrose, he just keeps writing memorable tunes that stick with you for days.  Now that some of Scandinavian heavyweights have either disbanded (The Hellacopters, Gluecifer), or still in the process of recuperating (Turbonegro) maybe Mr. Woodrose will receive some credit due.

Lastly, the tenth spot goes to….numerous releases / reissues / live shows.

The Nerves: One Way Ticket (Bomp) – Powerpop at its finest

Death: For The Whole World To See (Drag City) – Unbelievable Detroit angst

Sugar Knives: Self Titled (Self Release) – another solid effort by Paul Stinson, and Leo K

Primal Scream: Live March 2009 – Whatever the reasons that prevent this band from touring that Little Steven commented on with this band in the NME, he is right on one count – they are fantastic live.

Dave Laing’s 2009, or bits thereof. Some random selections because I’m not exactly ‘in touch’… and kinda forgetful…

The Imperial Dogs ‘Live! In Long Beach (October 30, 1974)’ DVD

Read my rave here and order it here. If you dig the Stooges, BOC and Radio Birdman, your life is not complete until you’ve heard ‘Midnite Dog’, ‘Just Kids’, ‘Rock’n'Roll Overdose’ and the original and best ‘This Ain’t The Summer Of Love’. RIP Bill Willett.

Eilen Jewell – Sea of Tears

Boston-based country singer/singwriter with hot band adds a strong dose of early ’60s Brit rock and R&B – great covers of Johnny Kidd & Them – to create music that is dark, stormy and fabulous. Touring in March – be there.

Dwight Twilley Band – ‘Live From Agora ’77′

An absolutely screaming live show recorded inbetween first and second albums that shows these guys could rock with the best of them. Hot enough to redefine the term ‘power pop’ actually. Dwight released this himself – get it from Not Lame.

Big Star – the boxset

Worth it for the great Flying Burittos cover on the live disc, which sheds some new light on a band that’s been one of my all time favourites since Stuart Coupe hipped me to them in a Young Modern story in RAM in ’79.

Willie Nile – ‘House Of A Thousand Guitars’

New York singer-songwriter with big heart stuck on his sleeve and in love with the poetry and rock’n'roll romance of ’60′s Dylan & Lou & ’70s Patti etc. I dig how he seems to exist in a world that only still exists in old b&w photos and I guess in his head. Kinda corny in same way as Elliot Murphy’s great early records were corny. I like corny. Title track is a great anthem.

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers ‘Live Anthology’ 4CD

Super great career spanning live set timed perfectly for my annual end of year Petty binge. Great covers of ‘I’m A Man’, ‘Oh Well’ and ‘It’s All Over Now’ show them to be garage rockers at heart. And hey, Scott Thurston’s been in the band for years now, so all you Stooges completists should get it.

Wooden Shjips – new album ‘Dos’

Maybe not as great as their first songwise, but no-one does droney loud rock stuff better than these guys. Kinda like early Spaceman 3 with better dynamics maybe? They’re here in March 2010, I think, and they’re a great live band.

Magic Christian – ‘Evolver’

I haven’t heard the UK release with extra tracks, and the original US release came out in ’08 I think, but whatever… Best tracks like ‘Tomorrow Never Comes’, ‘The Real Thing’ and ‘Turn Up The Heat’  and are almost up their with the best Groovies stuff, And the Beatles cover and Who covers are great…

Jenny Dee & The Denlinquents – Shake Some Action

Done ’60s’ Motown-style! It works a treat! Jenny is Jen D’Angora of Boston’s ever-rockin’ Downbeat 5. Check em here.

Stooges

The set of ’71 recordings on Easy Action. Sounds great turned up to deafening volumes in the car.

Beatles

The late stuff is all quite new to me, having been a fan of everything pre-”Revolver” since I was a kid, and having being pre-disposed to not dig anything I thought wasn’t rock’n'roll until I grew up (which must’ve been in the last couple of years, I guess).  But I’ve finally discovered “Abbey Road” and “Let It Be”, and the remasters are of course great.

Smithereens ‘Play Tommy’

He he. Trimmed of flab, it’s a better listen than the Who’s original, and I’m a sucker for Wm.Stout cover art. Also Dennis Diken with Bell Sound ‘Late Music’ – a fabulous tribute to the glories of 60′s AM Pop from the Smithereens drummer no less. And while I’m here I may as well say I dug Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoff’s ‘Under The Covers Vol.2′ plenty too, even the Carly Simon cover.

Roy Loney & The Phantom Movers – Raven records comp

I could argue abiout the track selection – and I did – but it’s 95% there, and evidence of Roy’s immense catalogue of greatness. Most of ‘Out of After Dark’ is there – and that’s definitely one of my all time faves – but it’s some of the later stuff, which I hadn’t paid enough attention to,  that really surprises.

Johnny Casino & The Secrets – Live at 3PBS

Best thing the boy’s ever done. He nails the vocals like nobody’s business these days, and of course his guitar can’t be beat. If I had money and time, I’d bring out John Felice, Roy Loney, and Roy’s replacement in the Groovies Chris Wilson, and have Johnny & the boys back them on sets of Real Kids and Groovies tunes. And I’d be a very happy man.

Dave Rawlings Machine ‘A Friend Of A Friend’

For whatever reason, a disappointment initially, but plenty of great moments. Love the version of ‘To Be Young’, which Dave wrote with Ryan Adams, and which never struck me as much of a song till now.

Dave Alvin & The Guilty Women ‘s/t’

Loved Alvin since Blasters days, and this is his rockin’est release in ages. Great to hear Christy McWilson’s wonderful ‘Weight of the World’ again too.

‘A Man Of Somebody’s Dreams: A tribute ot the Songs of Chris Gaffney’

Dave Alvin produced this comp in tribute to his fallen friend Gaffney, one of the greatest white country soul singers ever, and a much underrated songwriter. . Great tracks from the likes of Jim Lauderdale, Alejandro Escovedo, John Doe, Los Lobos, Boz Scaggs (!!!) and a reprise of a great recording of Gaffney’s greatest song, ‘The Gardens’, by the Texas Tornados, featuring the late and great Freddy Fender and Doug Sahm. Speaking of, the Sir Doug tribute ‘Keep Your Soul’, featuring a lot of the same artists, is fantastic too.

Tom Russell ‘Blood & Candle Smoke’

Another of Dave Alvin’s old buddies, Tom released his greatest record ever this year. Recorded with Calexico backing him, the feel is Western, but with Tom it’s the word’s that count – he is about the greatest lyricist you’ll ever hear.

Ry Cooder & Nick Lowe live at the Palais late November

I like Nick much more than I like Ry, and there wasn’t enough Nick, but the whole thing was cool – stripped back 3-piece blues stuff with an easy feel like Jimmy Reed or something. But no ‘Cruel To Kind’ was kinda rough.

Moby Grape

Been a sucker for ‘Fall On You’ since I tracked it down after hearing the Groovies do it on a bootleg that came out in the early ’80s, and even more of a sucker for ‘Omaha’, since I realised that it was the same great song as the one that I thought was called ‘Listen My Friends’ that Grooveyard did on a mixed tape of live goodies that Steve Lorkin sent me in ’83 or so. I thought that song was one of the best things I’d ever heard and of course the original is even better. 2009 was the year I finally gave the rest of Moby Grape’s debut album a fair go, and it’s all aces. Actually, it’s in my handful over favorite albums ever now I’d suggest.

Hitmen

Live, they’re better than any band of their vintage has any right to be these days. The Niagara record burns, but for me the highlights are the new original ‘Another Lost Weekend’ and the long-awaited first official release of Masuak’s great ‘Death By the Gun’. ‘Tora Tora DTK’ has come up a treat on cd too, and worth if if for no other reason to have their version of ‘Suspicious Minds’. That a band schooled on the Stooges and BOC could do this song without a trace of irony – or would do it even – still amazes me, and the fact they could nail it so perfectly and soulfully , still kills me. Hell, I’m convinced Elvis would’ve loved singing it with these guys.

‘Clap Your Hands & Stamp Your Feet’

Awesome comp of great ’70s Dutch glam. Led to my discovery and immersion into the wonders of Bonnie St Claire & Unit Gloria. Check ‘em out:

‘Daptone Gold’
Great label sampler, highlighted for me by the great closer ‘Stranded In Your Love’, by Sharon Jones and Lee Fields.

Eli Reed & the Trueloves

Live, and ‘Ace of Spades’ CDEP. Live show at the Prince at the start of January was a scorcher, and confirmed how many great originals this guy has in a variety of classic 60′s soul styles. And his James Brown-style Motorhead cover, which could’ve been just a novelty, works a treat too.

Best rock’n'roll book – Stooges book by Robert Matheu, the new Bomp! book ‘Born In the Garage’…

Best ‘zine (single issue) - Brain Lapse

Best blog – Blog To Comm, The Hound Blog

I don’t tend to pick up on much music in the year that it’s released.  I usually only ever latch onto albums several years after they’ve peaked in popularity for some reason.  That said here are a few items that took my fancy in 2009.

Ivy St – Picture Machine cd
In two words, dark and intense. A Tasmanian group who possess that special something that you can’t quite put your finger on but want to get more of. A class act who have only just begun to scratch the surface.

Johnny Casino & The Secrets – Live On 3PBS cd
Top songs and a top vibe with this live set.  One of a few groups that have made me think I’d like to be playing in that band.

Liam Finn & Eliza Jane – Champagne in Seashells cd
A revelation and an inspiration live.  Opened up a whole world of performance possibilities after seeing them. I like a ‘solo’ act that can avoid the rote acoustic strum-strum for 45 minutes too.  The first two tracks on this EP are thoroughly enjoyable.  I’m also envious of artists like Liam who can play all the instruments on an album a’la Graham Coxon or Grant Hart.

Nirvana – Live at Reading cd/dvd
After years of owning a bootleg cd with half the set missing and a video with a time stamp at the bottom of the screen blocking the picture, this release was a pleasure for the eyes and ears.  A small round of applause to whoever it was that polished the footage of this set up for official release, it’s wonderfully sharp.

The Hold Steady – A Positive Rage cd/dvd
As a regular guy with one foot in his thirties who likes to play guitar loud, I thoroughly enjoy this bunch of regular guys with both feet in their thirties who use loud guitars to belt out anthems for regular girls and guys to get drunk and shout along too. I wish more rock lyricists were half as interesting with their turns of phrase as Craig Finn is. This set is a nice document of an apparently typical THS night out.

The Russell Brand Radio Show – The Best Of What’s Legal cd/dvd
Never have I enjoyed a spoilt only child running amok until I twigged to Ol’ Russ’s BBC podcasts before he got yanked off the air in ‘08.  This collects the best (legal) bits here on 3 cds.  If that wasn’t enough, all the same highlights appear again on dvd filmed by the in studio camera so you can see Russell fidget about on the mic dressed in tight black girls jeans. His schtick can wear a little bit thin after 3 consecutive cds so I recommend small doses, unless of course you can’t get enough of a verbose 30 something dressed as a pirate, behaving like a cheeky 17 year old and telling stories of his bedroom conquests. Oh behave.

Pearl Jam – Etihad Stadium 20 November 2009
Although impossible to avoid in the 90′s I wasn’t particularly interested in this bands music until their Jack Irons period and gave them another listen and kinda stuck around ever since.  50,000 people in a stadium sounds potentially awful but I’ve never seen a band more on their game or an audience give so much back to the musicians on stage as I did that night.  An incredible sense of community I’ve only witnessed at local shows with a squillionth that sized crowd.  To convert that vibe to 50,000 is impressive. A cracking Baba O’Riley to cap the night too.

Third Man Records Subscriptions - musically I particularly dug on the cover song b-sides of all the Dead Weather 7′s more than the Dead Weathers own output but all the releases by TMR are pretty quality from the product manufacture to the music.  I also like the little touches like messages engraved in the vinyl run out grooves or the random live webcam performances at Thirdman Studios and all sorts of other cool content like competitions to win Jack Whites clothes.

Nurse Jackie (TV Series) - I like interesting characters and Nurse Jackie ticks a lot of boxes for me.  The comedy is dark and the mess of contradictions that is the lead character keeps it interesting.  Ideally I’d like to be able to write 3-minute songs that involved complex characters like Nurse Jackie but Pete Townshend has already done that quite well.

Youtube links on Facebook – Viewing all sorts of amazing and random things that I wouldn’t otherwise remotely think to search out.  This clip of Hobart musician Peter Escott of Native Cats fame performing a stand up routine at the local comedy night is one such example…

Observe and Report (movie) – just kidding.  This movie was terrible. Seth Rogan should have stopped at Superbad.

A standing Patrick discusses not giving the anarchist a cigarette because they're bad for your health with ex-Deviant Mick Farren.

My top ten of the year :

1. Johnny Paycheck – Nowhere To Run/The Little Darlin’ Years
2. The Rolling Stones – Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! 40th Anniversary Edition
3. Dan Auerbach – Keep It Hid
4. Big Star – Keep An Eye On The Sky
4. Occult Detective Club – Tortures
5. Thomas Function – In The Valley Of Sickness
6. Betty Davis – Nasty Gal
7. Blakroc – s/t
8. Jim Jones Revue – Here To Save Your Soul
9. Where The Action Is – Los Angeles Nuggets
10. Powell St. John – On My Way To Houston

Top 10 movies (w/DVD releases)

1. Extract by Mike Judge
2. Moon by Duncan Jones
3. District 9 by Neill Blomkamp
4. The Friends of Eddie Coyle by Peter Yates (DVD)
5. The Hurt Locker by Kathryn Bigelow
6. A Serious Man by Ethan and Joel Coen
7. The Hit by Stephen Frears (DVD)
8. The Road by John Hillcoat
9. Baader Meinhof by Uli Edel
10. Star Trek by J.J. Abrams

Kazzer and Ron cycled out to join the crowd around the crater of a wrecked UFO one weekend in a busy year.

Where did the year go. I seem to have been awfully busy, despite having a day job for only four weeks. Good thing I booked my holiday in right in the middle of those four miserable weeks.

1. Gigs

I only saw two that I didn’t play at. Blitzen Trapper failed to live up to the hype. They fail to even meet low expectations. Dull, and unfocused. There are probably some who think otherwise.

Our holiday took us out to Seattle to pick up Greg Martens, our pal from Melbourne. At the top of his wish list was the hope to see a rare Green Pajamas gig. He got lucky, they were doing a record release party at Easy Street, in West Seattle. Great to catch up with Joe Ross and crew. The show was pretty funny. Jeff Kelly was very drunk and didn’t want to play the songs on the set list. They still played well, but I think we got shorted a few songs. Greg M seemed to be impressed that we were invited to go back to the band’s house to hang out late.

2. Travels

The Seattle trip included a stop in Missoula, and couple of days in Glacier Park on the return side. We had an incredible dinner in Missoula, as it was Kaz’s birthday. There was a lot of wine, so I couldn’t actually tell you what I ate. We got a little time at Ear Candy, the only record shop worth seeing in Montana. We were a bit too early to see all the sights in Glacier, but the lack of tourists made it a pleasant trip. I missed the trip to Yellowstone, so I missed the bear sighting. Tom Azure held his 50th at the Izaak Walton Inn, just on the edge of Glacier. Being that his birthday falls on Halloween, it was a costume party. It was surreal taking over an otherwise empty hotel. They wisely closed the bar at 11pm.

3. Outdoor Activities

We started the year with a major ski trip in West Yellowstone. The Sunday blizzard, was followed by one of the most incredible winter days I’ve ever had. Blue sky, and the snow was like skiing on a cloud. Not a soul on the Fawn Pass trail either. We managed a couple more days of skiing before the snow melted. The goal this year was to bike all summer, so we’d be in better shape for skiing this winter. Weather kept us from the spring ride in Yellowstone.

They open the park to bikes in the period after they clear the roads, and before they let the insane tourists in. Midway through summer we signed up for the Fall ride. This meant we needed to do some serious training. Bozeman is laced with trails, so there is plenty of riding in town. We also got out for two serious hikes. It was a long late spring here, which meant the trails were muddy or still had snow well into June. I think we went to Yellowstone more this year than I ever had. Angie Pepper, her sister and Max Tek asked us to take them around the park in July. This isn’t the best time of the year, but we made the most of it, and had a fabulous time over two days.

The Fall bike ride was a benefit for the YP Foundation. I insisted we not try to do the 60 mile round trip. I’d been sick for a week prior to the big weekend, and had just bought a road bike, which I’d only ridden twice. Our friend Sarah for the YPF had invited us, and knew there was a 30 mile option. We took a van into Old Faithful, and did the return leg. This proved to be a wise choice. There was a strong head wind on the last part, which might have been discouraging if I was tired. At the end, I felt like I could have gone another 3 miles. As it happens, this was the first time they’d had good weather for this event. Unforgettable.

4. Making Music

Except for the week on the road to Seattle, I worked non-stop on the Donovan’s Brain record. I had set a pretty comfortable schedule, but in the end we missed the deadline by nearly a month. Gear failure stopped everything for nearly two weeks. In the end I thought it best to take my time and make sure it was done right. Having Deniz overseeing the final mixes helped considerably. By the time we were done, the band seemed to have lost a couple of long-time members. They just quietly drifted away. Not a bad thing. Deniz brought in Bob Brown to play bass, and as expected, he was the man for the job. The drum seat remains unresolved. Mike Musburger stepped in to do some of the critical work, and reminded me I know a lot of great musicians.

As soon as that was done, I had to sit down and learn the Soul Movers set. I didn’t have time to stop and think. This would be the first time I would be playing keyboards full time. I was lucky to get two rehearsals with the band. By the second night I could finally relax and breathe. Plans for a 2010 tour are being discussed. Meanwhile some of us are doing music for the daily ski films on BridgerBowl.com

5. Movies

I know we got out a few times…. right Star Trek. Finally, a film that lives up to the series. They had better make more. Great villain, great actors, and a good story. Too bad it took ‘em a dozen tries to get it right. We went to see Zombie Land not knowing what to expect. It delivered some great Saturday Matinee laughs. Well worth the time and effort. I am reminded once again why I love cinema, on the big screen.

A film I’m in and worked on was finally released. Penny Ikinger is in it, so you do the math. It’s been a long time in the making. Where The DJ’s Roam is a documentary that tells several related stories centered around KGLT, the college/community radio station I work at. I have had the rough cut for several years. We started work on the sound track while we were working on Roy’s album. Despite watching it over and over, I never realized that Keith Lockwood had done such a great job with it.

7. Records

Don’t ask me what new bands I like. I spent the early part of the year squandering what little money I had on a quest to fill the holes in my 60′s UK 45 collection. Did it. Picked up all the Who, Move, Small Faces, Rolling Stones and a few others I was missing. I have a lot of stuff in my collection, some of it very rare. I reckon I was satisfied with US pressings on having the song on an album. Not any more. There is nothing like the sound of a rockin’ single.

New bands? I was introduced to Tony Miller’s band, Ideal Free Distribution. I liked them so much I asked Tony to sing on our record. The Norwegian band, Deleted Waveform Gathering was the other discovery. Their new release is even better.

Other than that, it was the old favorites. The new Wilco is a great one. I understand they are a band people love, or don’t. I’ve always like their sound, but since Nels Cline joined, I think have kicked it up a notch or two. Old favorites, REM had three releases this year, or is that four? The reissues of Murmer and Reckoning gave up bonus live concerts. Both are from their early prime, the one on Reckoning being my favorite of the two. I think Accelerate must have been released last year. The Live at the Olympia was recorded over five nights of live rehearsals for Accelerate. The set list was pack with old songs, some which hadn’t been played for years. The slimmed down band tears through them like they mean it. Drummer Bill Reflin finally gets to cut loose and show he is the perfect replacement for the much missed Bill Berry.

In the midsts of all this, Scott McCaughey managed to complete a new Minus 5 album and get the long overdue Young Fresh Fellows record out. Scott, Linda and Steve Wynn stopped by Career HQ on their way out on a Minus 5-Baseball Project tour. I think Scott had Robyn Hitchcock gigs as soon as he got back to Seattle. I’m sure he would have played on some Donovan’s Brain songs if he’d had been here for more than two hours.

I quite like the Soul Movers record. I had no reason to think it would turn out as well as it did. The song writing makes it. When I sat down to learn the songs, the story told finally became clear to me. Roy Loney’s new record with Senor No struck me the same way. An ep recorded a couple of years ago was good fun, but nothing on it would have lead me to expect Got Me A Hot One. Their sheer enthusiasm, and power make up for any lack of finesse. Roy had a great year. The reunion with Cyril put them both back in the spotlight.

8. Reading

Haven’t had much time to spend with a good book. There was yet another newly discovered PK Dick novel on the shelf. They promise this is the last one. I haven’t finished Voices From The Street yet, but it is classic early mainstream PKD. The other good news is Shindig on a regular schedule, six time a year, rather than once every six years. The writing is getting better and the new layout is easy on the eyes.

9. Politics.

The harsh reality that 8 years of Bush-Cheney left us with a massive pile of shit to sort out. Not an easy task for anyone. Had no reason to expect it to get better in January. The good thing is there is now intelligent discussion of real issues.

10. Food

Curry dominated the menu for most of the year. Stops in Billings for a dose of Siam Thai was always welcome. A brand new Thai in Bozeman, Lemon Grass holds promise. The switch to white wine has been difficult, but produced some real surprises. Pretty much have gone off the beer.

Postcard From London: Don't you wish you went too?

Pretty weak year for new albums, I thought, though some great reissues and archival releases made up for that. Gig-wise, it was quality over quantity, as three consecutive nights of the Mott the Hoople reunion shows in London stood far above anything else I saw this year (or most other years). Truly magical and quite emotional.  It was inspiring, as well, to play shows with some great young bands from around here (Vancouver/Vancouver Island) and be reminded that it’s not all ironic facial hair and indie rock from here on in. So, hats off to you, Pretty Vanilla (super-catchy T. Rex lovers) and Madonna Bangers (channeling Born Innocent-era Redd Kross w/ your bratty punk rock). Burn the Flame!

FAVORITE ALBUMS

Visqueen-Message to Garcia (Local 638) Rachel Flotard, leader of these awesome Seattle rock and rollers, may be the most underrated songwriter on the planet. And yeah, she’s got a whole lot of soul.

Pointed Sticks-Three Lefts Make a Right (Northern Electric) Vancouver punk/pop (the good kind) legends reunited a few years ago to tour Japan (where they’re huge!) and this album, released 29 years after their first, happily finds them sounding pretty much the same.

Young Fresh Fellows- I Think This Is (Yep Roc) More Pacific Northwest fun and a fine return from the band I’ve seen more times than any other (40 +).

Black Crowes-Before the Frost….After the Freeze 2-lp vinyl version ( Silver Arrow) They’re frequently maligned but I don’t mind.

Reigning Sound-Love and Curses (In the Red) Little disappointing at first but repeated listenings prove very rewarding.

Honorable Mentions: Cheap Trick, Walter Lure, Roger Manning, Tinted Windows

FROM THE VAULTS

Stooges-You Want My Action (Easy Action) Holy Shit.

Big Star-Keep An Eye On the Sky box set (Rhino) Sounds better than ever and a new live show to boot on the last disc.

Rolling Stones-Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out (Abkco) My only complaint would be that there must be more potential bonus material in the can than what they included here. The dvd is 28 min. but what an awesome 28 min. Great idea, too, to include the opening sets by B.B. King and Ike and Tina, as had originally been intended.

Death-For the Whole World to See (Drag City) Seemingly from out of nowhere.

Chris Bell-I Am the Cosmos (Rhino) Reissue of the 90’s release w/ an extra disc of demos, collaborations, etc. Title tune one of the best songs ever written.

Honorable Mentions: Rationals, Imperial Dogs, Ian Hunter, Neil Young

Final thought: Repeated airings of the Instant Live Recording of the first Mott Hammersmith show confirm that, yes, it was really was that great.

Jake and his fellow Snoozefests

OK, so during writing this I’ve realised i haven’t done anything with my year, So i’ll mention some shit that wasn’t from this year, but i’ve played it / loved it this year.

1. Mick Hadley & The Others performing at Notes – My band opened this night, and i purposely cut our set short so i could see Mick Hadley sooner. So glad i did. Every band was great that night, but Mick Hadley has got the goods.

2. The Frowning Clouds – In my opinion, the best current band in Australia… The ep is great, The live shows are even better… can’t wait for the album.

3. The Black Lips – 200 thousand million – This is probably the only record i’ve bought that was recorded in 2009… i dig it though.

4. The Return of Clint Eastwood to the screen in Gran Torino – He’s everything a woman wants, and everything this man wants to be.

5. Danelectro – So, it was my 21st this year, and as a present i decided to buy a 1966 Burns double six 12 string… There were many complications with shipping, so it fell through. So i bought a much cheaper Danelectro DC-12 …. which took two weeks to arrive, and when it did arrive, i opened the box and discovered they had sent the wrong guitar, they had sent me a Danelectro ’67 Hornet (guitar Pete Townshend made famous) so i complained like a renegade freight train outta hell (even though i loved the hornet) and for an extra couple of bucks, they sent me the DC-12 on top of the hornet for basically the same price.

6. Playing with the Hitmen – I forgot to bring my guitar to this show, so luckily a friend lived around the corner and got to use his 1970′s telecaster. Gonna forget to bring my twanger more often… Also, Decline of the Reptiles and Hitmen both ruled.

7. El Topo - Carrie of the Booby Traps got me onto this one… This film opened my mind more, or as much as, any drug has. Alejandro Jodorowsky even got me reading up on all kinds of junk about tarot and enneagrams that my 18-year-old self would have cringed at.

8. New Michael Marshall (Smith) book – I haven’t even read it yet, only because i have a bookshelf of junk to get through… But this guy is my favourite author and although i know it ain’t gonna be another “Only Forward” or “Spares”… i know i’ll still love it.

9. The Macguffin generator - Best invention of 2009. Happy Phlegm enterprises.

10. The Seabarers – This up and coming band are going to blow the world’s butthole apart.

Would buy a used Ramones hat from this man?

Not in any order, as usual:

1. Laughing Clowns at ATP Sydney: I wasn’t a big fan back in the day but the re-release of all their recordings on Hot prompted a major re-evaluation. If you can’t see the logical progression through the Saints to Ed Kuepper’s solo stuff via the Clowns, you ain’t looking hard enough.  This show was the highlight of ATP for mine and left the pyjama party antics of a certain Saint in the shade. Wish I’d taken the trouble to catch the return engagement at The Basement.

2. Hitmen Re-Loaded: Dave Laing of Savage Beat excelled himself with the “Tora Tora DTK” package while the “St Valentine’s Day Massacre” live recording with Niagara has the impact of a kick to the face. Live, the Hitmen’s two-night stand in Sydney at the Sauna – sorry, Sando – required super-human commitment in sweltering heat and stifling humidity, and the band pulled two shows out of the fire to come out smiling. There’ll be another 2CD package of archival gems in the racks any tick of the clock and assaults on Europe and Australia (hopefully with Niagara) loom. You can hate ‘em but you can’t kill ‘em.

3. Simon Chainsaw and Sonny Vincent: I’ll not hear better punk rock albums than “Rock and Roll Uranus” and “Sonny Vincent With Members of Rocket From The Crypt” in the same year. Two guys on different continents doing it their own way.

4. The Snoozefests: This trio of youngsters from the New South Wales Central Coast are the best new band I heard in 2009. I’d probably have a similar opinion of The Frowning Clouds from Geelong but missed their under-the-wire Sydney visit. Grab the Snoozefests’ album, “One Way Ticket To Snoresville” (it’s not) and catch ‘em live. They’re rough around the edges, apt to take the piss out of themselves, funny and fun. Thanks for the tip, Carrie.

5. Mick Hadley & The Others live: Some thought Mick Hadley and his backing band would deserve a Purple Heart for their slot supporting the Stems’ farewell gig in Sydney. They walked away with a Medal of Honour. Watch for a repeat gig or three in 2010.

6. “All Your Love” by Mick Medew & The Rumours: Album of the Year (but I’m biased – I put it out) and a top bunch of blokes.

7. The usual truckload of albums drifts in and out of the ranks of my top ten…“Stop Plus Singles 1978-86” by Little Murders is a gem…I played shit out of ”Cave Girl” by in-exile Brendan Kibble’s Austin, TX band The TexReys…”Deutschland” by the eternally underrated Kevin K…  Gloria – New Christs: It’s not “Distemper Mk II” but so what? It stands on its own legs…Dr Tek’s soul band and their “On The In Side”…a retrospective (“A Million Miles An Hour”) and a newie (“Got Me a Hot One”) from vet Roy Loney rocked da Bar…X’s “X-Aspirations” re-issue… The Interconti nental Playboys’ “Hymns Of The Flesh” was a winner, even if the street press critics are yet to wake up…Penny Ikinger’s “Fragile” EP…Kill Devil Hills’ ragged and glorious “Man You Should Explode” was a mindfuck… “The Eternal” by Sonic Youth…“Think Rational!” by The Rationals: Fusing beat-band rock with blue-eyed soul and psych….volumes two and three of “Drink Fight Fuck” (like a punk rock K-Tel collection, only better) on Zodiac Killer….”De Ja Blues” by The Pink Fits (R.I.P.)…”Makin’ It With…” – The Booby Traps…”Romance and Adventure” – The Ooga Boogas.

Mentions for some late arrivals “Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is! (Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears), “With You Right By My Side, Baby The Deal Just Can’t Go Down” (punk-gospel-rock from Sydney band The Maladies), “Damn You Ra” (a killer album from Sydney’s Holy Soul), the Daptone “Gold” collection and “The LP Is Dead” (solo album by Dictators skinsman JP Thunderbolt Patterson.) Plus the ones I’ve forgotten (and the Stooges box that’s yet to arrive.)

8. Best Fest: ATP Sydney by a country mile. Honourable mention to Flip Out! Sydney, even if a little variety might not have gone astray.

9. Best Comeback: I’m reserving judgement on the Stooges as the YouTube of their Brazil return was scratchy and a little low energy…so step up Decline of The Reptiles who were pretty close to great most times their stepped onto the green.

12. Neil Young at Sydney BDO: Stunning shit. Front row view. Skidmark (who was along for the ride) doesn’t drink and nor did I this  ‘cos the lines were horrendous but no enhancement was needed.

11. Death: As in passing away. Farewell Ron Asheton, Sky Saxon, Les Paul and Lux Interior. Not a Good Thing in a Top Ten but there had to be some way of mentioning the fallen. We will remember them.

Sophia Tsipidis photo

1. Propagandhi – Supporting Caste: they just keep getting better and better, how many bands that have been going for 15 years can we honestly say that about?

2. Thin Lizzy – Still Dangerous: yes it has most songs you can get off live and dangerous, and phil is no longer with us, but still, its Thin FKN Lizzy, and they are better than all of us

3. Black Crowes – Before the Frost/Until The Freeze – their best record in a long long time, recorded in Levon Helm’s studios 100% live in front of a select group of black crowes fans, great playing, great songs and great grooves – what’s not to like?

4. Mariachi El Bronx – Mariachi El Bronx – the bronx go mariachi = brilliant!

5. Rancid – Let the Dominos Fall – i can’t not love a rancid record, they’re always great, this is no “Out Come The Wolves” but it fucking rocks

6. Grand Fatal – Free Infractions – great record, the boys have come a long way with this one – good dudes, GREAT band

7. Clutch – Strange Cousins From The West – well it sounds like the last 3 clutch records – which still shits on most other bands…

8. Slayer – World Painted Blood – motherufcking sllaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyaaaaaaaaaa

9. Kiss – Sonic Boom - what can i say? i am sucker for Mr Stanley and co,

10. Jet – Shaka Rock: fuck the haters, this is a great record

Sir David Graney Knocking Himself Out

Wolf and Cub – Science and Sorcery. Brilliant 21st century ROCK band . The vocalist has such a great touch, like Marc Bolan.

No Through Road- WINNER (Low Transit Industries) Another band from Adelaide. Two guitars, bass, drums and a tall, shameless lead singer. Catch them live. The opening lines of “Girls are the devil…”girls are the devil an’ I wanna go to HELL!”. A lot of other great tracks including “party to survive” and ” Berlin wall”. A real unit.

Wagons- The Rise And Fall of Goodtown (Spunk) No real support from the nations youth broadcaster so they got off their asses and toured everywhere and people dig them. As opposed to most other Melbourne acts who are happy to just play to their mates.

Robyn Hitchcock and the Venus 3 – Goodnight Oslo (Yeproc) Always look forward to his stuff. the band cooks and the lyrics are superb.

Kurt Vile- Childish Prodigy (Matador) Just got this. The title says it all. Loud guitar rock, great lyrics, voice and general touch.

Bonnie Prince Billy- Beware (Spunk?) The first lines …”I am your only friend /does that scare you?” Great lyrics, the best! Soaring country rock harmonies and bending telecaster sounding notes. All great. The first time I’ve ever really tuned into him.

Kes Band 11- All instrumental. genuinely freaky talent. Unpredictable.

Flight of the Conchords- I told you I was freaky. Speaking of freaks. Loveable and hilarious.

The Holy Soul- Damn you Ra!- (Illustrious Artists) Catch this band live. They cook!

David McCormack- Little Murders (das Kong) 20 tracks and all killer. Great lyrics, voice, rhythm section, guitar sounds. First album for 4 years.

The Model School- Memory Walls. Sydney band. 5 piece.Pop rock. Great lyrics and singer. Kind of country and kind of disco.

Boz Scaggs- Speak Low. Great album of classic songs with a small jazz band. Class!

Nick Lowe- At MY Age. Classic songwriter with a minimalist album.

The Pet Rocks – Wayward Ways. NZ/Sydney band. Great songs and sounds.

The Best Believes. Sydney studio cats make a  great album of deluxe pop.

The Shower Scene from Psycho- Exploding Hits! Double retrospective.

Carrie and Bec: Coming to a venue near you

1. Mick Hadley & The Others @ Notes
2. Doin’ Backups for Mick Hadley on Gloria
3. The Frowning Clouds live @ The Hoey (R.I.P.) & Ruby Rabbit
4. The Snoozefests-Welcome to Snoresville LP
5. Reigning Sound- Love & Curses LP
6. The Pretty Things- Live in Bristol
7. Interviewing Normie Rowe & Dinah Lee for the re-birth of Born Loser Fanzine
8. Reaction Mod Club- Flinders Hotel
9. Cooks River Motor Boat Club (R.I.P.)
10. Rediscovering the genius of Jodorowsky films

(Honourable mention- Kickstarting Purple Pit Promotions as we’ve had a blast throughout the year, with more fab times to come!  Muchas Gracias Sara & Su)