...bits and pieces that don't fit anywhere else
by steve phillips
article written in january 1998
published in "sadness is in the sky magazine" issue 5
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included in this issue's "Other Stuff" section -
| - stereolab live at the prince of wales in melbourne - 1998 | |
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Seldom do international acts who really tread the musical waters with eclecticism and cool non-consciousness for fad end up this far from home.
Making records for some 10 years, Stereolab are too contemporary to be kitsch, a little kitsch only adding to their contemporary style, carefully crafted tunes which tweak, bleep, groove and float, often times with the beauty of experimentation and the most brilliant of "pop" hooks.
2 shows at the Prince of Wales in Melbourne, 2 sold out nights on the way 'round following a tour in Japan. A multi-national 6 piece, Stereolab are apparently huge in Japan, but were similarly adored here in Australia by eager fans and disillusioned |
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librarians country-wide, most of which held short cropped hair and plastic hair clips for all to see.
Onto the show. Their first show bcak in months, The Paradise Motel managed to impress a very Stereolab-focused uadience. New tracks from their "Flight Paths" record sounded fresh, almost airy, with a little less string than much of their earlier material from the "Still Life" album and numerous EP's. The dulcet tones of Merida Sussex were strong and inspired, a slinky dress appeared the only thing between her and her ecstacy at times. BJ Austin, organist, continued his resplendant habit of looking a million miles from the organ whilst Charles Bickford played almost minimally, attacking the strings of his accoustic guitar like a crossed psychotic. A great prelude to the overseas guests!
Most anyone who has ever listened closely to a Stereolab record must wonder if they could reproduce their work live, and if so, how so?
Taking nonchalantly to the POW stage, Stereolab appeared genuinely nervous even though the previous night had apperently gone down a treat with all the audience. Demanding no particular visual attention, nor appearing to crave it, all members absorbed themselves into the task at hand. Vocalists Laellita Sadler and Mary Hanson suitably recieved much of the focus, especially as the majority of the set was from the terrific recent LP "Dots & Loops" and 1996's "Emperor Tomato Ketchup", moments with wondrous vocal heights and magnetic appeal. Without hesitation though, the sceptics were in attention and I overheard 2 of them, bespectacled and all, 'discussing' the poor reproduction and the disappointing slacker style with which they percieved Stereolab were insisting on delivering. But I digress! On tracks like "Brakhage", "Percolator" and "Miss Modular", their live interpretations were carefullyreconstructed yet obviously affected by the sponteneity of being live. If i wanted to hear the records in bifocal quality, I'd be spending all my money on expensive stereo equipment, not concert tickets. The awesome "Metronomic Underground" was aired and was brilliant, as were feisty "Spark Plug" and the elongated "The Flower Called Nowhere". The poly-rhythmic work of the drummer, and monosylabic bassist Duncan Brown, both totally preoccupied throughout the entire ahow with wheir tools, was at times inspirational, their sustenance reeking of old CAN/Kraut-rock performances of the late 60's, early 70's. There were tunes from early Stereolab releases which were aired and these caught the attention of each audience member being as Stereolab brilliantly laid out their talent for writing obscenely fine pop gems. A twenty odd minute explorational experimental 'tune' allowed for massive wig-outs especially from Stereolab's guitar madman and 'founder' Tim Gane.
Stereolab live was an impressive and cheerful event. The simplistic nature of their records is not denied live, it is flaunted, which only compounds their effectiveness in reproducing all of their finest moments, and creating a few more. More a show for pure enjoyment than of technical wonderment, I had flashbacks of seeing Luscious Jackson at the same venue some years back, which was equally 'groovy'. Stereolab, not afraid to show their Moog!
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- LP review - slow river recordings "Diversion" compilation
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| A record label out of the USA, Slow River Recordings, has ammassed a considerable catalogue of releases in it's four year history. "Diversion" is a compilation oftracks from various Slow River releases and begins with "Mr Blue" by Charlie Chesterman, a renowned (kinda)-country-man with an ear for a great prime ribbed tune. I automatically get gushy & overwhelmed when i talk of Sparklehorse (or Mark Linkus), whose track here "Heart of Darkness" is a remix of the same track from their incredible debut album of 1996 "Vivadixiesubmarine.......". As predicted, sublime and wonderful! The Buckets and their moment here "Brand", is stuck somewhat neatly between the angst of friends The Dambuilders and tougher R.E.M. Very Fine. As for more eclectic bands on Slow River, "Lonely Days" by Future Bible Heroes |
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is a kind of very close for comfort ode to '80's English new romantics The Thompson Twins. Believe it! One of the more renowned tunes on "Diversion" is "Driving On 9" by Ed's Redeeming Qualities. Recorded by The Breeders for their LP "Last Splash", it's Ed's biggest claim to fame even though it's a song they did not have a hit with! Their lovely moment "Va Vacca Va" is also here and is a beautiful loopy messed up instrumental of swamp rock proportions. Grace Braun is a name pretty unfamiliar to me, but a name that i will be interested to hear more of, similarly Lauren Hoffman whose track "Fall Away" is brooding country-tinged pop at its best. "New Jesus" by Purple Ivy Shadows is reminiscent of the off beat lo-fi sound typical of Swell , Liquor Giants or even Eric's Trip, with sparkling chords and shimmeries, only further showcvasing the scope which Slow River explores, admires and releases. One of my favorite tracks "Mainland China by Juicy again reeks of the beauty obtained by bands like The Dambuilders, and is a musical momentyou'll swear you've heard before. Symbolic to the whole purpose to which "Diversion" serves, Juicy denote that "...you can start a fire..." which is exactly what Slow River have done by nurturing bands like Juicy, Purple Ivy Shadows and Sparklehorse, who are just off-key enough to have evaded large deals with majors, but deserve all the attention they will gwt. From the humble beginnings of putting out 7" singles to the position Slow River now find themselves in, "Diversion" is full of eclectic music that deserves no categorisation.
"DIVERSION" is available in Australia through Mushroom/White records.
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| - stereophonics - live in melbourne april 1998
On a weekday evening to a smallish crowd, Welsh trio Stereophonics proved that their records are not where their style ends.
A crisp pruduction with respect for lyrical and musical traits is the call on their debut LP, and these elements were reproduced to the applause of the small but attentative crowd of punters.
A bold depth in the guitar sound and a fine level of 'oomph' behind the vocals helped Stereophonics compliment impressively their individual take on a UK sound.
featuring predominantly in the set list were tunes from Stereophonics'debut LP as well as a number of B-sides and new tracks. A very reasonable live entity, Stereophonics duefully and subtly delivered and impressed.
| Stereophonics debut LP is out via V2. |
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| - shellac's LP "terraform" review in miniature |
Albini, Trainer, Weston. 3 Chicago gents under the alias SHELLAC release their 2nd LP following the essential "At Action Park" record and some of the most amazing 7" singles ever to have been pressed. "terraform" is another perfect example of wht vinyl shall NEVER die. Grainy, muddy, and requiring space between sounds, SHELLAC compliment this format beautifully, simply by utilizing simplicity. Highlights are throughout this album, but particulary i like "rush job", "this is a picture", "mouthpiece" and the painterly quality of "canada". Add in the great ode to space artwork and "terraform" is a worthy addition to any vinyl collection. |
| "terraform" is out on TOUCH & GO records. |
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| - the dirty 3's LP "ocean songs" purchase recomendation of the issue |
Purveyors of everything that exists in beauty, and anything that is tragically beautiful. For lovers who believe in dying in unison. The strains of an inextricably diffucult life in a breathtaking landscape. Distant like the space between the sufferers and the sypmathetic ones among us. Another unexplainable Dirty 3 album for memories of yesterday, today and next week.
| "Ocean Songs" by The Dirty 3 is out Anchor & Hope/Shock. |
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| - in the mail- "this is hardcore" single by pulp |
I was yet to be convinced of the brilliance of PULP, musically or otherwise, UNTIL "This Is Hardcore" which is a piece of grandiose, orchestral wonderment, a serious dish. "You can't be a spectator..." oh no, once the guitar kicks into overdrive and the vocalist Jarvis Cocker unleashes some more overt myths about love, a spectator you will no longer be. PULP's seductive trip hop beats slammed into their strings and minimal (bur full impact) piano lines that are haunting and glorious, bold & beautiful. "Is this the eye of the storm?" It appears it may be! Find "This Is Hardcore" on the brilliant new PULP LP of the same name.
| "This Is Hardcore" by PULP is available through Island Records. |
| - on the seen - good stuff that's happening in the world |
- The brand new LP by Mr Barry Adamson is now available as of June 1st via Mute/Liberation/MDS. It is magnificant and is reviewed in SIITS issue 6!!.
- The Dirty 3 have recorded some music for the up-coming film version of Andrew McGahan's novel, "Praise", a movie which will star Thespian upon Renaissance man CROW's Peter Fenton.
- A new record by the wonderful SPARKLEHORSE is currently being recorded in America and release should be some time late 1998 or early 1999.
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