Congratulations is the second full length album the American duo MGMT have released under that name. It follows on the heels of 2007’s hugely popular Oracular Spectacular.

The album will not have any single releases, in order for it to be seen and experienced as a whole. Perhaps the band saw the popularity of the big singles on Oracular Spectacular as a hindrance in the quest to get their message across. I see it as indicative of the pretences that are apparent all over this album.

Points need to be given to the boys for their use of different genres and sounds throughout the album, some in a seemingly experimental way. Having said that, there is nothing here that we haven’t heard before. Tracks like Song For Dan Treacy (complete with fake British accent), It’s Working and Congratulations are massively derivative. Honestly, you’re better to go back to the source and experience where this music really came from. I completely understand that all contemporary music is bound to be influenced by other music, probably in many ways, but there comes a point where it’s hard to understand the justification for producing something in addition to this source material. …read more

After a lot of gossip flying about 2010’s Splendor In The Grass lineup, the list is finally here. As usual, the lineup is excellent so if you can spare the cash and get yourself there, you’re sure to have a ball. Featuring The Strokes, Pixies, Band of Horses, The Temper Trap, Mumford & Sons, Florence and the Machine, Grizzley Bear, Passion Pit, Midlake, Broken Social Scene, We Are Scientists and Goldfrapp this year’s Splendor is sure to impress. For the full lineup and ticket details check out the official website.

The Icelandic band, Sigur Rós, has a very loyal group of followers scattered throughout the word, so when lead singer, Jón Þór Birgisson, announced he was to create a solo album, there was understandably some reservations held within that camp. Well, that album is now here. Released under the name of Jónsi, we have the album, Go.

Firstly, I should mention that I am one of those Sigur Rós fans. I also should mention that I really enjoyed their latest album, Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust, which was criticized for being too commercial. In any case, I was also concerned, as I always am when a lead singer goes out on their own, as to how this album would turn out. Would it be nothing like the band’s music and difficult to connect with, or, paradoxically, would it be so similar to their material that there would seem little point in not just creating the album for the band. I think that Go actually manages to tred that fine line, as it is both easily recognisable as Jón Þór Birgisson, but is enough of a departure from Sigur Rós, for it to stand up on its own. …read more

Stone Temple Pilots have just released the tracklisting for their sixth studio album, Stone Temple Pilots, which is set to be released on March 25th. After reforming in 2008, Stone Temple Pilots, have been writing ad recording this album as well as getting in a few shows. With more northern hemisphere summer shows lined up for after the record’s release, perhaps we’ll see the band heading down south for our summer. …read more

In March of 2008 Zooey Dechanel and M. Ward, together known as She & Him, released their optimistically named, debut album Volume One. Now, almost two years to the day comes the follow up, Volume Two.

I love Volume One. Even two years after its release, it is regularly played from start to finish at my work and home. Volume Two offers more of the same; delightful indie folk tunes with a retro twist. And while Volume One has a couple of those songs, that while not unlikable, you could easily skip, Volume Two has no such tracks, making it a great boppy album that perhaps even surpasses its predecessor.

The first single In The Sun, is a lovely, bright, melodic song, which includes backing vocals by Tilly and the Wall. The album also features covers of both NRBQ’s Ridin’ in My Car and Patience and Prudence’s Gonne Get Along Without You Now. Both of these songs slot in beautifully with the original tracks written and recorded for the album. …read more

Jónsi, lead singer of the Icelandic band Sigur Rós, is set to release his first solo album. The release date for Australia is April 1st 2010 and will feature 9 songs that have been developed over his years with Sigur Rós and arranged with the help of composer Nico Muhly.

Details of a world tour will be announced tomorrow, February 1st 2010.

Check out jonsi.com for more details.

I hate cats - plain & simple, I just don’t like them.

They sleep, they eat & they shit - they’re me with slightly more fur & I think that this world ain’t big enough for the two billion odd of us.

Having said that, I need keyboard cat in my life - nay, I can’t live without the little fella. Put it down to ranga solidarity, whatever, if he can provide me with comedic moments like this, then I’m down.

And hey, he even comes with a t-shirt.

Now, onto the clip, I know its childish, but my girl & I bought a puppy for XMAS & what you’re about to say is just another day in the life right now…well, not this extreme, but let’s just say that if his toy zebra was real, then we’d have some pretty interesting looking zeb-dogs running around these days. …read more

Yesterday saw the iconic Collingwood hotel The Tote close its doors for the last time - or does hope still exist?

The Tote is/was a venue which has nurtured up & coming bands whilst headlining some of rocks big names for over 30 years. However, last Thursday (14/01/10) proprietor Bruce Milne released this statement announcing the Tote’s sudden closure:

It’s last drinks at the Tote.  This weekend…..

I know it’s sudden.  I didn’t plan it to be like that.

I can’t afford to keep fighting Liquor Licensing.  The “high risk” conditions …read more

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It’s Friday, it’s the end of the week, it’s time to blow off some steam and so for pure shits and giggles value, today’s FFC is another stumble-find c/o the good people at YouTube.

So may I present to you a little clip called, Bad Ass Breakdancing with Just Fingers - Fingers Breakdancing which features the talents of a ridiculously dextrous young man who likes black turtle neck jumpers & miniature Adidas kicks and whom can do some pretty impressive things with his fingers.

…I tried pretty hard to not make that sound dirty & am fully aware that I didn’t quite achieve it - sorry, but hey, the gutter maybe a dirty place to live, but its never without a view laughs! …read more

So, with the Soundwave Festival just around the corner (yeah, its 2010 already!), I’m beginning to get pretty amped for another great day of awesome bands, sunshine, good tunes & a little mayhem!

One band that I’m aching to catch is Gallows and thankfully they’re one of few bands whose timetable doesn’t clash with another bands schedule so if you’re anywhere near stage 5 at 12:40pm then keep an eye out for me & come say hi.

Gallows have a reputation for being a band that goes out on stage & leaves it all out there, giving everything they’ve got & delivering a passionate show both musically & performance-wise so if you’re still finalising your SW timetable then make sure you don’t overlook these guys. 

This weeks FFC features the Gallows first single from their second album Grey Britain and lead singer Frank Carter states the inspiration of this song as, ”I was thinking about all the forgotten children who die before their parents, and this song is about one of those poor bastards becoming Death’s apprentice.” wiki, the clip also states quite clearly his feelings on religion & what he deems as corrupt governments. Regardless, the song & clip speak for themselves so check it out. …read more