Music news

Aren't Mondays the worst? The wistful memories of the weekend past; the creaky re-boot of the computer; the foggy-headed clearing of emails and the promise of a post-work date with some re-heated chili con carne and the new season of Farmer wants a Wife. Waah. But if you're in Sydney your Monday needn't be so disenchanting, as this evening you can catch the very much enchanting Sui Zhen and her full band when they perform at the Hopetoun hotel as part of the Homebake incentive. A favourite of the YEN team, Sui Zhen recently played at our issue 33 launch party and through the Homebake incentive is hoping to score herself a slot at Homebake 2008 as well as a recording contract with EMI music. Entry is only $6 - which is a small price to pay fort great music and some respite from Monday-itis - so head along to the corner of Bourke and Foveaux from 8pm.

It seems as of late that pure, uninhibited rock and roll has gone a little soft - buttoning up its collar, trimming its split ends and embarking upon a life of mild mannered sobriety. That is, until anarchic Sydney band Hell City Glamours decided that those venerated pioneers of the bare-chested, foul-mouthed, nicotine-loving lifestyle weren't the kind of people to surrender without a fight. After six years of live shows and a handful of EPs, their self-produced, debut album is finally due for release on July 5th. The Glamours produce a distinct, nuanced sound, combining swelling glam rock melodies with a gritty hardness. Embrace your inner renegade, cancel your plans and head to their website for the upcoming Australian tour dates.

“Who the f**k is Lil’ Wayne??”.  That was the question so eloquently posed
to me by my girlfriend on the weekend.  There’s really no simple way to
answer that question.  On the surface he comes across as any other gruff
voiced rapper spitting over beats about chicks, cash and the po-po.  Dig a
little deeper and you’ll discover that he is quite simply one of the most
prolific, popular rappers on the planet.  Ever.  His latest album Tha Carter
III is the first album in over 3 years to sell more that 1 million copies in
it’s first week. He has been a constant fixture on the American Billboard
Charts since 1999, has collaborated with pretty much every artist from ‘Ye
to Jay and was named one of GQ Magazines “Men of the Year” in 2007. Amazingly he is still relatively unknown outside of the States with his album currently sitting at #47 on the ARIA charts.  My tip; put your feet
up, grab a bottle of Cristal and prepare to get crunk cause 2008 looks
bright for Lil’ Wayne.

A Place To Bury Strangers.

Man, the distortion weilding noiseniks that form this incredible act have been treading the stage boards for a few years now, in various incarnations and lineups. Finally they're getting the cred and attention they deserve. For these guys are not fad musicians, this is the realio dealio. In fact they're so dedicated to their craft they even handmake their own guitar pedals of which tonnes of bands in America and the UK continue to order with gusto. Like, they just made a special, signature model for The Dandy Warhols.
Even though, live, they pretty much try to saw your head off everytime with a churning wave of  sound, you shouldn't be afraid. You should be in love.

David Byrne of Talking Heads fame really had it going on in the 80's. This live performance of Psycho Killer, in all its stripped back glory, is worth the watch. The set design, simplicity of performance and that amazzzing suit, combine to create a memorable rendition of the hit. So much for all the production who ha that goes on these days. Also check out Burning Down the House and Once in a Lifetime live.

There isn't much to say about this except that yes, Snoop Dogg is a genius. If you thought  Sensual Seduction was a mindf**k then sit down for this one.  My medicine is the new single of Snoop's genre-shaking latest album Ego Trippin' and it's a country number.....with Willie Nelson. Given the line-up i'm sure you can imagine what the "medicine" in question is; as Snoop sings "the more dedicated, the more medicated". Amazing!!!!!

Known amongst party connoisseurs as bringing the most cutting-edge acts to our shores, Parklife once again delivers the goods with the announcement of its 2008 line-up. Presented by Fuzzy, Parklife 2008 will travel to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane throughout September and October - bringing with it the impossibly sexy Goldfrapp; iconic Belgian duo Soulwax and the always entertaining Peaches. Oh and did I also mention 2manydjs, Dizzee Rascal, Diplo, Does it Offend You Yeah? Blackalicious, XXXChange, Ajax, Bag Raiders.  Tickets go on sale in July and will probably sell out in the time it takes to dust off a pair of shutter shades or  high-waisted denim shorts. For more info and the full line-up head to the Parklife website.