Half Time....

Its halfway through the year already and I've listened to a lot of great (and mediocre) music during this time. Working at a music store just makes it so easy. Makes it hard on the old pocket too. So, I thought I'd share my thoughts on the best new and old records and artists I've discovered this year. The next 6 months will only certainly double this list!

'Memories & Dust' - Josh Pyke
Josh to me epitomises most musicians who chugged along for a few years, playing with good and average bands, struggled through mid week gigs in front of 5 punters and stayed on soul and brain destroying jobs in order to keep the 'dream' alive. Many of us stay on this path, but a few like Josh, just got better and better and gets rewarded with a major international record deal! Josh is simply one of this country's finest songwriters and lyricist right now and this album and the brilliant EP before 'Feeding the wolves' serves claim to this. The fact that we sang a Mariah Carey song one night in front of a packed pub should not lessen yer opinions of either of us. Capish?

'Sky Blue Sky' - Wilco
Wilco is quite possibly the best band in the world right now. Their live show in Sydney back in April left me and a few thousand others absoloutely gobsmacked. Brilliant show and flawless musicianship. Each album they have released is a classic in its own way. 'Sky Blue Sky' feels and sounds like a band and chief songwriter (Jeff Tweedy) in total control of their musical path and destiny. Ive been silly enough set this album as the benchmark for my sophomore release. God help me.

'Live at the Filmore East' - Neil Young & Crazy Horse
If people want to hear why Neil Young is one of the most important artists of the 20th century, then this is a great place to start. This is a phenomenal live recording and probably my favourite live record ever. Neil is at a great artistic high during this period and was ably supported by his band . The late Danny Whitten's sadly missed talent is on full display here and is the perfect foil for Neil's musical tangents here. 'Everybody Knows this is nowhere', 'Down by the river' & 'Cowgirl in the sand' will rip you apart. The best thing about this recording is how naked the recording is, with mistakes and missed notes all left in its full glory. This just makes it all the more perfect to me. An essential part of any music fans collection me thinks.

'Wincing The Night Away' - The Shins
The finest exponents of wonderful shiny pop, filled with wistful and intelligent lyrics from the best group out of the current indie crop. This is the album that made me a fully pledged convert though I think their first 2 albums were quite special as well. The perfect listen to give ya that little happy spark.

'Homebody' - Bernie Hayes
I had the pleasure and honour of supporting this man at one of his residency shows at the Rose a few months back. It was basically songwriting 101 for me and a good kick up the arse at the same time. Bernie's songs and voice are one of the few that really hits an emotional chord with me. You cant help but be swept long with it. I dare you to listen to 'In front of you' from 'Homebody' and not get moved in some way. I really hope I get asked to join him on stage again.

'Joyful Noise' - Derek Trucks
I went to the Eric Clapton show back January, high on the thought that I was about to see a true legend and virtuoso. What I did not expect was to discover another one in Derek Trucks and be as equally blown away. Its not everyday that you see a band member of a major artist receive standing ovations during and after their solos. The man's fluidity, flawless technique and his unassuming nature was amazing to experience. He is under 30 and already one of the best slide guitarist in the world. What will happen when he peaks at the age of 60?!

'Remember The River' - Halfway
This album was released last year but I only discovered it this year after playing in the same bill with this sensational Brisbane band back in February. They are one of the true flag bearers for the Alt-Country scene in Australia but hearing this record and seeing them live makes me realise that they transcend this genre tag. They are a great rock band with 3 distinct vocalist and a beautifully rich and earthy sound. Songle like 'Dean & The Fitzroy' and 'Factory Floor' are gems and they are quintessentially an Australian sounding band despite the Americana overtones in their music. They deserve to be heard by a bigger audience.

'Calling Distant Nations' - The Nines
My mate Russell Crawford turned me onto this band only a few days ago and what a blissful last few days its been with this album. Its the best power-pop album I have heard this year so far by a country mile. Its got the McCartneyesque meets Cheap Trick melodies and with a lead singer that sounds like the main bloke from 'America' (another 70's fave). The Nines are Canada's 2nd best band right now after Sloan. Dig this one out kids.

'Back to Black' - Amy Winehouse
I did not know who Amy Winehouse was until the beginning of the year. One of the best recent discoveries I have had and the best soul album this year too. She has one of those classic sultry but gritty voices thats somewhere between Sarah Vaughn, Nina Simone and Dinah Washington. The actual record itself sounds like classic Motown which always goes down well with me.

Other records on repeat plays:
'The Travelling Wilbury's Vol. 1 & 3' - The Travelling Wilbury's
'Memory Almost Full' - Paul McCartney
'Easy Tiger' - Ryan Adams
'1976 Ronnie Lanes Slim Chance' - Ronnie Lane
'Nashville Skyline' - Bob Dylan
'Young Modern' - Silverchair
'Cassadega' - Bright Eyes