New Wave - Space Party (self released)

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By The Barman

The Barman

16 July 2017

Hits: 5234

Australia’s national capital isn’t exactly known for its crop of present day garage bands, so Space Party is a pleasant surprise. 

They might even be Canberra’s only garage band, except their PR sheet helpfully says that they recruited their singer from another outfit called Okinawa Girls, so that means there are at least two. 

(Before any public servants send thoughtfully composed emails of complaint, it’s been many years since I lived in Canberra so I’m possibly talking through my arse. The place does have at least two regular live venues and a cool community radio station in 2XX, so there are signs of rock and roll life amongst the roundabouts and grim Stalinist architecture.)

• garage
• arctic circles
• canberra
• surf
• space party
• new wave
• ups and downs

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Humour and genial brilliance - that's The Undertones

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By Robert Brokenmouth

Robert Brokenmouth

14 July 2017

Hits: 8122

This is a bit of a rant, I’m afraid. 

Opening support band to The Undertones in Adelaide, The Green Circles ,were good - but as I was preoccupied rescuing my keys from inside my car with the help of the RAA, I only saw the last half of their set. They seemed a little awkward tonight. The Green Circles are well and truly superb, however, and if this was a slightly off night for them, I’d better see them again to make up for it. Find them on Facebook and get their cds.

Next support, The Systemaddicts, are on Off the Hip in Melbourne, and they are one exciting, involving, often very amusing band. You don’t really know what you’re missing unless you’ve seen them. Fucking brilliant.

• live
• adelaide
• systemaddicts
• the undertones
• the green circles

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More dates for Radio Birdman film

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By The Barman

The Barman

10 July 2017

Hits: 6408

^{Ron Keeley has his say in "Descent Into The Maelstrom"}

We've labelled it the "best rockumentary ever" and you can judge for yourself as Jonathan Sequeira's Radio Birdman film "Descent Into The Maelstrom" makes it way into even more Austrralian cinemas. Check with local cinemas for times. 

There are no overseas screening or release plans finalised yet. Australian dates after the fold:

• radio birdman
• documentary
• descent into the maelstrom
• jonathan sequeira

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He also served: Gang War drummer John Morgan and life in the trenches with Johnny Thunders and Wayne Kramer

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By The Barman

The Barman

09 July 2017

Hits: 21196

_{Gang War at Second Chance in Ann Arbor in 1979.  Sue Rynski photo}  

It’s said the drummer in a rock and roll band has the best seat in the house. It’s given John Morgan his unique perspective on some of rock and roll’s most talented, fascinating and sometimes flawed characters. 

Now living in Ventura, California, John Morgan’s spent half his life as a professional musician, playing with a long list of blues and jazz bands. But it’s his insights into two in particular: Gang War and Sonic's Rendezvous Band - the former as a partcipant, thw latter as an observer - that will hold the most interest for I-94 Bar patrons. 

• sonics rendezvous band
• mc5
• wayne kramer
• rob tyner
• ann arbor
• johnny thunders
• scott asheton
• rock action
• scott morgan
• ron cooke
• john morgan

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Sublime - Charlie Marshall and The Curious Minds (Charlie Marshall)

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By The Barman

The Barman

08 July 2017

Hits: 6718

The politics of science are far too complicated for anyone without a wardrobe full of white coats and double degrees to navigate, so Charlie Marshall does it for you on this intriguing album of soul-pop and rock.

Remember the concept album? Being anti-prog rock, your average 1970s punk would have had his or her fingernails wrenched out one-by-one with pliers before listening to that shit. “War Of The Worlds,” my arse! Marshall really has pulled off soemthing special here. He's managed to make a concept record without it sounding pompously affected, full of its own shit or boring.

• charlie marshall
• harem scarem
• sublime

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Gotta Lotta Move - Boom! - James McCann and The New Vindictives (Off The Hip)

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By The Barman

The Barman

07 July 2017

Hits: 7017

In musical terms, Melbourne's James McCann has traversed more miles than that ditzy blonde travel agent chick from the local Flight Centre. Unlike Sharon, however, McCann hasn’t done his miles with the benefit of industry junkets and a staff discount. In short, he’s paid his own way.

Back in the ‘90s, McCann co-founded The Drones in Perth, before moving to Sydney where he played with Harpoon, Lowdorados and an early version of the shape-shifting Nunchukka Superfly. Relocating his voice and guitar to Melbourne, McCann’s played under his own name or with his own bands, like The Dirty Skirt Band and The New Vindictives. The odd foray to Europe has kept his passport stamp collection growing. 

• punk
• beast records
• penny ikinger
• james mcann
• the drones
• new vindictives
• nunchukka superfly

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Shy Impostors – Shy Impostors (Citadel)

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By The Barman

The Barman

07 July 2017

Hits: 5988

It came out with bugger-all fanfare five months ago, to coincide with the band’s one-off Sydney reformation on a Sunnyboys undercard, so it’s high time this one was passed around the I-94 Bar for a critique. 

You might know the back story but too bad: Shy Impostors were fronted by uber talented vocalist Penny Ward and contained future Sunnyboys Peter Oxley and Richard Burgman, plus Michael Charles, who would go on to the Lipstick Killers and Screaming Tribesmen. Not much shyness about that lot and no impostors among them.

• Citadel
• sunnyboys
• shy impostors
• phantom records
• lipstick killers

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Hush The Mountain - Sabrina Lawrie (Pig City)

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By The Barman

The Barman

05 July 2017

Hits: 5604

If you’re not from Brisbane, you might be justified in asking: “Sabrina Who?” If you are from Brisvegas and you're still in the dark, shame, you need to get out much more. The rest of the world? You just need to pay attention.

Sabrina is well known in her home town and its small but vibrant live scene as a performer and band booker. She used to put bands through the much loved (and regrettably defunct) Beetle Bar. Her own Sabrina Lawrie and The Hunting Party is an ace band that I’ve been lucky enough to see, and she’s also dipped a toe in the water by playing in Los Angeles. 

• sabrina lawrie
• pig city records
• hush the mountain

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Flamin' Groovies announce US, Euro tour dates and line-up changes ahead of new album

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By The Barman

The Barman

30 June 2017

Hits: 7417

The Flamin' Groovies have announced three new US tour dates in July, all in Northern California, as well as a change of line-up.The band's new rhythm section is Chris von Sneidern (“CvS”) on bass guitar and Tony Sales on drums. Longtime bassist George Alexander and Victor Penalosa appear to have stood down.