In no particular order and with the caveat that there are notable omissions because I haven’t heard the Chimers album yet and have only seen parts of the Hard-Ons documentary. Yes, it’s more than 10 but I plead undiagnosed dyscalculia (i.e. I can’t count). As for the rule of not reviewing I-94 Bar label releases or shows, it's being bent. Slightly.
The Dictators – The Dictators
It’s hard to come to grips with a Manitoba-less line-up and many of Andy's songs are re-heated versions of old material. Judged on its merits as the work of a new line-up, however, “The Dictators” is a credible comeback album that holds up to repeated listens. We need Ross The Boss' guitar roar and Andy's lyrical smart-arsery now more than ever.
In The Zone – Mick Medew and Ursula
Yes, it’s on the house label and Mine Host generally doesn’t review I-94 Bar shows or releases, but others have. Great enough to earn Mick and Ursula the Keys to Brisbane City and have digi-single “Punk Grandma” finish Number-Three in the 4ZZZ Hot 100. All hail The Zeds (and 2RRR and 2XX and 3RRR and 3D…)
Neil Young Archives 3
Seventeen albums spanning 11 years from the late ‘70s to the mid-‘80s. Neil is a blizzard of releases right now and there’s a bit of The Emperor’s New Clothes about some of them (the shakey “Fu### Up” or some of the overpriced re-issues of bootlegs) but this is rolled gold.
"Retaliate First: How One Band Smashed The Rules of Australian Rock and Roll" (book)
‘Nuff said here.
Ultimo – The Beasts
Last gasp studio recording and while some of the songs aren’t fully realised, their spirit and the enduring essence of The Beasts and The Beasts of Bourbon lives on. The bonus live record is a ball of fun, too.
The Beasts at The Metro Theatre, Sydney
Glorious, snarling guitars, pulsing rhythms and Tex leading the pack.
Charlie Owen, Cam Butler and Pete Ross and The Sapphire at Django Bar
Another I-94 Bar/SoundPressing gig but it would seem negligent not to mention it. Charlie’s engagement and performance were magic and Cam and Pete Ross and his killer band were superb supports in their own unique ways.
Starcrazy – Starcrazy
Glam rock pop? Whatever you call it, it’s great. Reviewed in full here.
Alice Cooper at Pandemonium, Olympic Park, Sydney
Somehow, it took until now to pop the Live Alice cherry – thanks to an aversion to stadium shows that even the presence of the MC50 a few years ago didn’t break. The clusterfuck nature of this event with half the line-up disappearing before a note weas played in anger made for wide open outdoor spaces in Sydney with only a few thousand present, and the gig itself was spectacular. Blondie with Clem and Debbie were also great in a measured sort of way. Bonus points for having a Sex Pistol on bass.
The Damned at Enmore Theatre
One of the best acts in the world, mostly playing songs from their halcyon “Machine Gun Ettiquite”/“Black Album”/“Strawberries” run but sounding like they were recorded yesterday. Vanian, Sensible and Rat were and are amazing.
The Saints ’73-’78 at Enmore Theatre
Yes, the stage volume was too loud but they did justice to the original line-up. Put the background rumblings to one side. Mark Arm stood and delivered without trying to be Chris Bailey.
The Strike-Outs – The Strike-Outs
Debut album from the Vines twins (Adam and Simon) and it’s killer without any filler. As bold on record as The Strike Outs are live. Catch ‘em live. True gentlemen, too.
Keeping Chaos at Bay – Pat Todd & The Rankoutsiders
Pat and his crack band do the business every time. Another keeper. If only the “Australian” tour had been more than one state. Hopefully, there’s a next time.
Under Northern Light – Little Murders and Hollywood – The Fiction
Rob Griffiths keeps delivering – whether it’s with his hook-laden punk rock band The Fiction or prime powerpop outfit, Little Murders. Lucky Melbourne.
The On and Ons
Live or on record. “Come On In”, their JEM Records debut (a Best Of, really, with some new tracks included) doesn’t make the cut because it’s technically a 2025 release, and their last long-player, “Let Your Hair Down” , was in ’23. Their wonderful French single “Looking Out Of A Mirror” b/w “Hey What's Going On?” on Rogue Records qualifies so that’s an excuse.
The Stems and New Christs at The Manning Bar, Sydney
Was it really this great? Yes it was.
Psychotic Turnbuckles 40 Years Undefeated Australian Tour
The most fun you could have had standing up. Part of the I-94 Bar stable but who cares. As Klondike says, “It’s not bragging when you’re the best”.
Jupiter 5 live and on CD
The Buckles’ Sydney cousins in spirit, if not sound. Just buy the album. I'll refund your money if you don't love it. Promise.
The Fadeaways live at MoshPit and Sydney Crowbar
Peerless garage rock from Japan. Come back soon!
Honorable Mentions
"Cowboy Logic" - Sacred Cowboys
"Live at The Marrickville Bowl" – John Kennedy and The New Originals (I-94 Bar Records)
The King Bros (JPN) live at The Bearded Lady in Brisbane
"Crawling Back To You" - Stu and The Connections
"Settle Down"– The Crankees (Evil Tone)
MoshPit Bar in Sydney
The Bawdies (JPN) live in Sydney
"Break-Out" – Pocketwatch (self released)
"Jails, Death & Institutions" – Van Ruin (Crankinhaus)
"Bright Lights & Dead Beats" – DISGRACELand (self released)
ROCKS live at Grazzafest
Cosmic Psychos and Zeke at The Metro Theatre, Sydney
