Summer cutey tooties

Summer, my favourite month, is here! Ok, if you a complete stickler you'll know it's not 'official' until December 1st, but I tend to go on how warm I feel. And since I've been feeling warm all this week I believe Summer is here. Further proof is that my garden is cranking out some lovely goodies at the moment. Spinach, lettuce, celery, broccoli and spring onions are all there for the taking. I'm gonna have to wait a couple of weeks for the snowpeas but it'll be worth it.

The main garden

Snowpeas, nearly ready.

Summer always makes me think about the type of music I enjoy over this season. Strangely I don't feel the same way about particular musical themes for the other seasons, mmm I digress. My sounds of summer include guitars playing under trees, music pumping in the garden and sounds that don't distract too much from the important things like beer drinking. Actually anything with a general happy and exhuberant vibe about it works for me. Oh and cute. Don't know why but cute seems important. And speaking of cute, whilst searching for a nice little summer tune I found this wee cutie which fits perfectly into my summer soundscape.





What's on this week? HEAPS!

THURSDAY
Dukes supported by The Unfaithful Ways (LOVE this band) @ Al's Bar
HaYne go to Teletubbyland w/ Needless Cane & Dakota's Fanny @ Goodbye Blue Monday

FRIDAY
Jessie James and the Outlaws 'Price of Gum' album release @ Harbourlight Theatre
Phoenix Foundation with support Dear Times Waste @ Al's bar
Delaney Davidson with special guest Bad bad Evil @ El Santo
Von Klap Skanky Party @ Goodbye Blue Monday

3rd semi final of Roundup feat. 5th Day of May, Three Blind Mice, Sandfly Bay, Spacecake @ Dux 

SATURDAY
El Santo's 1st birthday party with The Eastern, Stompin Nick, Bad Evil, Bruce Russsel T54, Sexy animals and more!!! @ El Santo
Jessie James and the Outlaws 'Price of Gum' album release @ GBM
4th semi final of Roundup feat. Duchess Swift, Laon, Mmdelai, Von Voin Strum @ Dux
Fat Sally @ Al's Bar 

SUNDAY
Chris Gudu and Band (Afro jazz) @ Al's Bar

Ya gotta know when to hold 'em know when ta fold 'em...

As the great Kenny Rogers says, if you're a gambler "ya gotta know when to walk away and know when to run...." I'm not much of a gambler myself and therefore have little need to know when to walk away or when to run, but I have been doing ok with my bets in the RDU Roundup comp this year. It's true I'm only betting against myself, and now that I actually think about it, with nothing to lose I think that is absolutely NOT gambling... Mmmm... this train of thought is completely destroying my gambling theme for this blog.  Ah whatever... any excuse to play some Kenny Rogers AND The Muppets! Yay Kenny! Yay Muppets!

Anyways so far in this non-gambling game I've successfully picked Lupus Lunar and Sandfly Bay to get through to the semi's so now that all the Semi's are sorted who's my (monopoly) money on for the final?

These are the Semi final line-ups:


Semi Final 1 – Thursday 11th November, 8.15-11pm
8:15 Gearloose
9:00 Lupus Lunar
9:45 Coate
10:30 Bad Mouth

Semi Final 2 – Friday 12th November, 8.15-11pm
8:15 Valdera
9:00 The Guest
9:45 Masters Of Our Universe
10:30 Madfaces

Semi Final 3 – Friday 19th November, 8.15-11pm
8:15 5th Day of May
9:00 Three Blind Monkeys (formally The Sam & Eric Show)
9:45 Sandfly Bay
10:30 Spacecake

Semi Final 4 – Saturday 20th November, 8.15-11pm
8:15 Duchess Swift
9:00 Laon
9:45 Mmdelai
10:30 Von Voin Strum

My picks for the final are:
Semi final 1 - Lupus Lunar;
Semi final 2 - Valdera,
Semi final 3 - Sandfly Bay,
Semi final 4 - Von Voin Strum.

And what would I know? Fuck all. This isn't exactly an educated guess, in fact it's mostly just that second part - guess. Is your guess as good as mine? Only time will tell.

Who will be the best band in the land?

The Dux de Lux RounDUp competition for 2010 is finally getting off the ground this weekend after receiving a record number of band entries. It's great to hear that things are all set for a great competition but I do seem to recall that several months ago there was an extension for entries due to a lack of interest. (Or did I imagine that?) The event then got an even more significant extension thanks to the 4th September quake. I guess all that earth shaking and extra promotion really fired up some bands, and if you're a fan of this competition like I am, then all those delays have probably been worth it.

 

With past winners including such great bands as Sleepy Age, The  Klap, The Tiger Tones, Bang! Bang! Eche!, Slipstream, The  Undercurrents, Shapeshifter, The  O’Lovelies, The Deceivers, The  Insurgents, Heavy Jones Trio and P Bass Expressway it's clear that ROUNDUP is part of the recipe for a bands success in this city.

 

So who wants to play a game and see if we can guess who'll go through to the grand final on Saturday 27 November? Probably noone, but that's ok. I can happily make bets with myself and it won't cost me a cent that way! With 56 local bands there's a lot to choose from but my guesses for the final would be based on bands that have a good following already like Carbon Sun, HaYne and the Dance Asthmatics. I'd really like to see Lupus Lunar in there because they are a stonkingly good band, and one more - a band that I haven't seen but have heard good things about - Sandfly Bay. Yep, well I'll guess I'll just have to wait and see how I get on with those bets. That's half the fun and the other half will, of course, be heading along to the Dux to watch it all unfold. See you there!

 

DATES, TIMES, BANDS...  

(See Roundup Facebook page for updates.) 

HEAT 1 - SATURDAY 6TH NOVEMBER SCHEDULE

10:00 Custer’s Revenge
10:15 The Shallowz
10:30 Carbon Sun
10:45 Between Two Worlds
11:00 Spacecake
11:15 Mmdelai
11:30 Radar Angel
11:45 Subrosa
12:00 Ty Williams
12:15 Coate
12:30 Valdera

12:45-1:15 - LUNCHBREAK

1:30 Digital Pedestrian
1:45 Dance Monk
2:00 The Knoxx
2:15 The Sam and Eric Show
2:30 Groove Patriots
2:45 Lupus Lunar
3:00 Blood Money
3:15 Mister Pink
3:30 Secondi
3:45 Gigglepop
4:00 Charlotte and the Thump
4:15 Sandfly Bay
4:30 Villain
4:45 Bad Mouth
5:00 Haylar
5:15 Stonehurst
5:30 Triphonics

HEAT 2 - SUNDAY 7TH NOVEMBER SCHEDULE

10:00 Frankenbear
10:15 Gearloose
10:30 Albert
10:45 Masters of Our Universe
11:00 The Dance Asthmatics
11:15 The Miller Thieves
11:30 The Blue Moon
11:45 The Weight
12:00 Pandora’s Box
12:15 Neverdead
12:30 A.R.U

12:45-1:15 LUNCHBREAK

1:30 The Willow Page
1:45 The Response
2:00 Advertising
2:15 HaYne
2:30 C90
2:45 Slamming Bitches
3:00 Canterbury Rams
3:15 Loaded Victim
3:30 Thrill Collins
3:45 Hurry Up and Die
4:00 5th Day of May
4:15 Ashei
4:30 Byte Your Tongue
4:45 Duchess Swift
5:00 Supership
5:15 Madfaces
5:30 Black Sand Sprint

Semi final 1 – Thursday 11th November
Semi final 2 – Friday 12th November
Semi final 3 – Friday 19th November
Semi final 4 – Saturday 20th November
 
Grand final – Saturday 27th November

 

Time travel - take a ride with me

As I get older I get more nostalgic. In fact I think the two go hand in hand. Actually, I think it's pretty hard, or lame, or both, to be nostalagic in your youth. I moved to Christchurch from Dunedin in the early 90's and one of the things that I was looking forward to before I got here was being able to see some Chch bands and going out to some of the local band haunts like Quadrophenia and His Lordships. I remember being really excited to go to particular gigs and loving the music but finding the Chch crowds really quiet and reserved compared to Dunedin gigs. In fact I still find the quiet appreciation of a Chch crowd a bit frustrating at times.

It's almost a complete blur looking back to this time - and without today's technology to capture every nano-second of my existence in the 90s I'm hard pushed to remember anything in particular unless someone else reminds me of it first. Ya ya lame, I know. I guess that can only mean I was too busy enjoying it to document it properly - and besides that must surely be why nostalgia exists - To travel back in time and re-remember (yes, I made that up) what we once loved. (Whoa that's a bit deep. I may have hit the rescue remedy a bit hard after today's shake.)

Turns out I'm not the only one delving into the musical beauty of the 1990s in Christchurch. Bellbird Pictures is making (and perhaps even nearly finished) a doco on Squirm. The teaser looks great. Check it out.




What to do with all this nostalgia in me brain

I'm thinking about putting a gig together that will have some of my fav Chch bands from the 1990s. It's gonna be tricky to see who's around or available to travel and what bands might be persuaded to reform for a gig. I've got a few ideas, but I'd love to hear some more, just comment below. In the meantime here's another great band from days gone by...






What's on this week?

THURSDAY 21st October
The Stash - Von Voin Strum - Casiostoner @ GBM
Devils Elbow 'Sand On Chrome' Album Release @ Dux

FRIDAY 22nd October
Von Voin Strum @ El Santo
Dean Rainey and the Roadies @ Dux

SATURDAY 23rd October
Pikachunes and Secrets @ GBM
Roller Derby @ Cowles Stadium

So what's in a band name?

Last Friday Superturtle graced our fair city playing out at El Santo with The Dialtones and Loafer. Superturtle are touring their second album 'About the Sun' and according to lead singer Darren McShane they are about 8 songs into their next album - Wow! I guess that's why this turtle is a super one. I meant to ask Darren how the name Superturtle came about, and I still will, but in the meantime it got me thinking about my interpretation of their name - and also band names in general.

Superturtle at El Santo

Superturtle's music was solid and steady  - somewhat like a turtle - and what made it 'super' for me was the beautiful harmonies and catchy hooks that gathered you up and took you for a ride at a pace you weren't necessarily expecting. Great musos and great songs. They were a fantastic band to see and word is that they'll be back touring their next album once it's completed. I'd expect them sooner rather than later if their current rate of production is anything to go by.

The Dialtones did a great support slot before Superturtle. The stand out song from them was their last one - a sonic, three part, down'n'dirty mostly instrumental number which was superbly delivered. (Sorry but I was so busy watching The Dialtones I forgot to photograph them.)

Aptly named Loafer loafin about outside El Santo.

Band Comp Catch-up
A few weeks ago I rather flippantly promised to keep you up-to-date with the many band comps around town. It completely slipped my mind so here's a quick catch up:

Rapid Storm Band Competition at Zebeedees has reached the grand final and will see Hillview in Black, Midnight in Motion, Highrise Highfall, Livewire, The Overture and Show us Salvation battling it out this Saturday. (Now there's some interesting band names!)

The Dux De Lux RoundUp Band Competition was postponed following the earthquake and has now been pushed back to November with the first heats now on Saturday - Sunday 6th / 7th November.

What's on this week?

THURSDAY OCTOBER14th:

Hera @ El Santo 

Coolies Record Release @ Media Club

FRIDAY OCTOBER 15th:
Coolies Record Release @ El Santo
Disasteradio Album Release tour w Bang Bang Eche @ GBM

SATURDAY OCTOBER 16th:
Pine @ Dux de Lux
The Transistors @ Goodbye Blue Monday
Golden Axe & Secrets by Crystal Magic @ El Santo

Bella Kalolo and The Soul Symphony @ Al's bar

Softly into the week I go...

Some weeks require more effort to get back into after the weekend than others. I don't know why, nor am I even going to bother to offer an explanation for my lack of enthusiasm for this particular Monday. I just simply 'could not be asked' today. Thankfully I discovered this lovely little video release from Wellington indie country folk outfit Jessie James and the Outlaws which has gone some way to smooth out the rough edges of today. Beautifully filmed, heaps of cute factor and it's in HD. Just what the doctor ordered.

Jessie Moss and Holly Beals

This band is touring around the country in November, playing The Harbourlight in Lyttelton. They are beautifully understated, and to directly rip off their Myspace page,  are ..."developing their own modern twist on 1970’s country, folk and psychedelic rock... create[ing] a sound that is familiar yet refreshing. Each member of the band, and the project’s production team have achieved critical acclaim over recent years, together creating a formidable force. This album will go a long way."
Totally agreed. Keep an eye out for them.

UPDATE:
Jessie James and the Outlaws tour dates: 
Harbour Light Theatre on Fri 19th,
Goodbye Blue Monday Sat 20th Nov 
Albums in store on Monday 11th


Quake town is still VERY quiet

Lupus Lunar @ Dux September 30th

I was at the Dux on Thursday night to play with Loafer and was again surprised how dead town remains. It was a bit demoralizing to play to so few people but we had fun all the same. I really just wanted to mention how fabulous Lupus Lunar were. If you haven't seen them yet then you should find their next gig on their facebook page and head along. They describe themselves as 'facebook sluts' so you can be sure their page is up-to-date. Their demeanor and energy was as bubbly as their songs. They have wonderful happy tunes delivered by a very solid rhythm section, catchy melodies and sweet harmonies that will have you tapping your feet and humming along before you know it. GO SEE THEM - I can't say it enough.

Loafer @ Dux 30th September

Me and Grant enjoying Lupus Lunar... and refreshing beverages

What's on this week?

Thursday 7th October
The Cranks play "Pink Flag" by Wire @ Goodbye Blue Monday

Friday 8th October
A Hori Buzz @ Al's Bar 
Superturtle The Dialtones and Loafer @ El Santo
Sleepy Age @ 7pm New Media Club & 10pm @ GBM with Tim Moore
Alison Lake @ Dux de Lux
Johnny Possum @ Harbourlight


Saturday 9th October
GBH (UK), Sticky Filth @ Al's Bar
Magic Eye & T54 @ Goodbye Blue Monday
Annihilating Rythm @ El Santo
Gareth Thomas (Goodshirt) + Sarah Brown @ Dux de Lux

The city of rock or ghost town?

The Pickups awesome poster

I've been terribly busy and with one excuse or another I haven't been able to get out to see any live music for ages. I've been feeling sooo l-a-m-e and out of the loop that in order to get some street cred back I went out last Friday and see The Pickups on their 'Finally... An Album Release Tour 2010' with support from The Steffan van Soest Hit Machine at Goodbye Blue Monday.

The most memorable thing about this gig - and is no reflection on either of the bands - was how quiet the bar was, and in fact all of town. Deadly quiet. I would've thought that with all the bars up and running in Poplar Lane it would be business as normal, but it seems punters are staying home in their droves. I suppose it's not that surprising as people are still getting their shit together after these earthquakes but I did feel a bit sorry for The Pickups because I think if this gig was a month ago they would've packed the place out.

Finally... The Pickups

The Hit Machine played a pretty long support slot and unfortunately weren't the slick unit they usually are. The Pickups on the other hand had some great tunes and were really tight. The only problem being that I got distracted catching up with friends outside and missed a rather large chunk of their set. Oops!
They are a great band who have released this long awaited album to great acclaim.

"A quality album that is both a work of traditional integrity and a shining example of delectably inquisitive guitar pop" - Steffan Reyners, Bandwagon, Wellington, June 2010

"...this album would fit nicely alongside any number of Flying Nun bands...The Pickups have delivered an album of raw jangle pop" - Michael Flynn, NZ Musician Magazine, June/July 2010

Get your copy at Worship the Owl Records.

What's on this week?

My pic of gigs this week is going to have to be Loafer with support from Lupus Lunar at The Dux on Thursday 30th. Apologies for the shameless self promotion, but at least I know it's a gig I'll get to! This is Loafer's first gig at the Dux and we'll be playing a full 55 minute set.  Miaaow!

Thursday 30th Sep
Loafer with Lupus lunar @ The Dux de Lux - FREE!
Holly Smith @ Al's Bar


Friday 1st Oct
Dictaphone Blues Questionier Tour with Unfaithful Ways @ GBM
Oktober Onslaught @ Al's Bar

Saturday 2nd Oct
The Monotonics with Sawdust @ El Santo
Hikoikoi with support from Pacific Underground @ Al's bar