Plumplechook

Saw them in Sydney at the Laneways Festival a couple of weekends ago just before they headed off to the US for the current tour. Such a good band. Liz Stokes is a great songwriter - so many hooks and earworms in almost every song. And the band nail it live.

Crosby's late career revival was remarkable. His presence on twitter was equal parts funny and cantankourous - but always honest. Will never forget the shiver up my spine when he hit a harmony during Suite Judy Blue Eyes when I saw CSN at the Royal Albert Hall in the early 90s. RIP.

That was my experience when I saw him solo about 8 years ago. Was really hoping he had cleaned up his act since then. But I guess the years of substance abuse have taken their toll. Sad.

Khruangbin at Sydney Opera House

RIP Wilko Johnson. British guitarist whose unique slashing combination of rythmn and lead was a precursor to the UK punk explosion. He was a force of nature live. In their prime Dr. Feelgood were one of the the most exciting acts around, thanks mainly to Wilko.

Aldous Harding last Saturday night in Sydney. A unique talent. Very unusual stage presence - awkward, almost menacing - but totally compelling.

Mystified by this too. My only access to Cruel Country is via the streaming services. For my favorite acts like Wilco I always prefer to have a physical copy - not just to have the CD artwork/lyrics etc. but because the sound quality is better than lossy streaming. Also, artists get better compensated from physical sales than streaming. When I check out my local record stores there are loads of new CDs coming out every week so I can't believe this is some sort of supply chain issue. I understand the backlog for vinyl but not CDs.

https://www.bernardzuel.net/post/wilco-cruel-country-review

Damon is super smart. Just been listening to an episode of the Odd Lots podcast where he really clarifies why and how musicians get screwed over by the streaming services. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-real-reason-so-many-musicians-are-frustrated-by-spotify/id1056200096?i=1000555923014

Touring in the age of Covid is such a high-wire act. I saw Crowded House here in Sydney a few days ago and the band have just had to cancel the remaining dates of their Australian tour because Neil Finn has Covid. Must be hellish in terms of logistics and insurance.

Terrific. My first time seeing the Rolling Blackouts live and was super impressed. The band were obviously delighted to be back on stage after a year of covid-related delays.

Severance. Really enjoying this series. Fascinating concept and good performances.

Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever

I'm not a fan of the Foo Fighters but Taylor Hawkins seemed like a great guy and obviously a very good drummer. Only 50. Quite a shock.

Damn - this feels like a watershed moment for boomers like me. Charlie may have been unwell recently - but he was 80. A trickle that unfortunately will turn into a flood over the next few years. Whenever I made party tapes in the '70s and 80s I always included loads of Stones songs because that's what got people up dancing. Most of that was down to Charlie and his irresistible swing.

Khruangbin : Mordechai

Just saw this note from Susan Miller Tweedy on the Shot in the Arm Facebook group. "Hiiiiiiiii. Guys, there will probably be no Tweedy Shows next week. Unfortunately, Sammy has tested positive for Covid. He's feeling totally fine so far and hopefully will stay that way. The rest of us were advised to get tested on Wednesday, so that is what we are going to do. Since singing is one of the top ways to transmit Covid, there will be no shows. Oh.....hold on.....UPDATE.....we just discussed maybe doing a quarantined show where Jeff will sing from the basement with the phone on a tripod.

Lyric obviously directed at a certain leader and his enablers. "As crazy as a king, as bent as a snake There are some things they will never ever say And people will tell you whatever you want Whatever you want to keep you in your place Hear the lying every day, I see the same expressions on them How they long to speak their mind But something always stops them dead Should be shouting from the mountain At their top of their voice “this is not right, this man is a fake” But they will follow him down to the edge of the cliff And

Wilco connection, produced by Pat Sansone, and he plays a lot of the instruments. Beautiful album.

Damn. This one hurts. Justin Townes Earle was such a talent. Saw him a bunch of times and he always delivered. An engaging performer but always sensed the sadness and fragility there.

OK let me calm down.

Nick Lowe with Los Straightjackets (last night in fact).

Half Man Half Biscuit : "I'll wipe my snot on the arm of your chair, Because you've got a Roger Dean poster on the wall"