Music news

Yeah, yeah, I know I’m late but it truly isn’t often that one has the opportunity to hear a musician that’s so blinding it takes two weeks to be able to recall the effects. The Virginia born, 23 year old Thao ‘Cat Power in Cowboy boots’ Nyugen is so much more that the title she’s acquired; taking ‘nu-folk’ and turning it into the most smile-inducing, sunshine infused, bluegrass jiggalicious whimsy this side of her first album. It was all about her sophomore album ‘We Brave Bee Stings And All’ at Barden’s however, seeing her warm the cockles of the oft-frosty London folk crowd. Highlights such as the riff ridden ‘Bag Of Hammers’ or the late afternoon in springtime warmth of ‘Geography’ say the audience, shock horror, even saw people start to dance. I know! That rarely happens at folk events right! Testament to her brilliance.
Image:Sarah Cass

The next video from prolific self promoter and part time rapper Kanye West has just hit the intertubes, and it’s a goodun’. Taken from his multi Grammy winning album Graduation, the clip is co-directed by oddball director Spike Jonze and Mr. West himself. Featuring the, er, talents of former playboy model Rita G, “Flashing Lights” sees ‘Ye delve into darker, more sinister territory than the likes of previous hit vids such as Gold Digger or Stronger. Take a look for yourself and be the judge.

Consider yourself lucky. Akin to some sort of Haley-like comet, the live experience of Cult NZ band The Renderers is dark, searing and alot bigger than you or I. It's also something that (on this side of the Tasman anyway) you don't bear witness to very often. That's why if you 're in Melbourne this week you must catch the "uncommonly dark and frazzled version of alt-something" that is The Renderers, when they play at The Northcote Social Club tomorrow. And then you must catch them again at The Tote on Saturday. Formed by Brian and Maryrose Crook in 1989, the Christchurch band's sound was an antecedent to the alt-country genre and, despite their underground status, The Renderers have fans in musical bower-birdslike Will Oldham (Bonnie Prince Billy) and ol' Thurston Moore. Not only will the shows offer the best of what has been almost two decades of work, but the band will also be testing their 5th album, tentatively titled "Monsters and Miasmas", on fresh ears. Not Sydney ears though. Just Melbourne ones.

My new favourite thing is: bands on myspace that make their tracks available for download. Let’s be honest if you can get it for free, why not listen to it before you decide whether or not to clog up your hard drive. Yes, now we’re listening again.And if it’s good, all the better for the artists. I mean. Who are these people friend requesting us anymore anyway. I’d all but deleted my own account (for good old-fashioned email), until I had to keep logging in when a band I looked up and liked had made their tracks downloadable (I knew one day there would be a purpose for the ol’ download link). I’d say I’ve spent the beginning of this year trying to find something that inspired me enough to want to let others know about it, and without question this is it. And, how can you argue with it, it is goodness wrapped up in melody with a slice of something free inbetween. Now if only the big cheeses would get off their high horses.
A particular little treasure, generously offering up her recordings, is one Naomi Hates Humans, even her version of ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ is charming and appealing, and I’m definitely not fond of Christmas and the songs that go with it, it’s just the way the christmas candle burns. My favourite, though, is Naomi Hates Humans cover of The Boss. Major kudos to the bands offering up their free recordings.

Tickets for their British selling-out tour are getting harder and harder to find. But just a few miles away, everything has to be proved again from scratch. It was the very first time that Angus and Julia Stone ever played in France. A small crowd of Parisians (and a few homesick Aussies) discovered on Monday night the Northern beaches siblings, as they are still something like a precious secret there. But not for so long it seems regarding the very warm welcome they got at the indie rock bar La Flèche d’Or. Clapping, clapping hands, encore song and a big smile on Julia’s face before the curtain fell. Are they on their way to take the world by storm? Oui, oui!!
Words by Pauline Auzou

I love Missy. Her songs always sound different but the same ya' know? Always with the jungle beat and the mid-video verse-break. I appreciate that reliability. Anyway, her new single "Ching-A-Ling" is a typical club banger but the video is something else. It's in 3D! A bit redundant if you don't have 3D glasses though so in order to let you experience the clip in all it's screen-popping greatness, here is simple instruction video on how to make your own!

Sydney party boy Sleater Brockman is launching his new clubnite venture; "Casual Bangin", this Saturday. To kick things off with a bang "indie-rock’s ultimate birthday band"; Brooklyn's Matt & Kim, will be making an appearance - as will the howlin' Cassette Kids and NSW's finest lady MC; Catcall. So If your not keen for enthusiastic bangin', but rather, some nonchalant Casual Bangin' then head to Oxford Arts this Saturday from 8pm.