The Specials were at the forefront of the ska revival in England during the late 70's. As punk was cutting a swathe through the establishment in Britain fuelled by the anger of the country's disaffected youth the ska movement broke out with a more articulate politicised view. Their solution wasn't anarchy, their anger was subdued by a need to get up and dance but to do it with … [Read more...]
All Lost – Jack Grace
Jack Grace releases his debut EP River today. The single All Lost is a stunning piece of work - a slice of electronica carrying a remarkable emotional depth. All Lost drips with warmth, heart and melancholy. No surprise that there have been comparisons to James Blake and Thom Yorke, but Kanye West - really? To me this track is more akin with some of Moby's more elegant work … [Read more...]
A Chat With… Amarillo’s Jac Tonks
Earlier this month Melbourne based Americana duo Amarillo released their new album Eyes Still Fixed. Amarillo was formed as a vehicle for Jac Tonks and Nick O’Mara’s songwriting, while Nick is also a founding member of the alt country outfit Raised By Eagles. Eyes Still Fixed was produced by Nick's cousin Shane O'Mara, whose impressive credits include working with the likes of … [Read more...]
Private Revolution – World Party
It’s 1986 and my career as a radio broadcaster is underway having just landed my second job at a regional station on the south coast of NSW. At the time of joining that station the debut single by a new artist called World Party was released. Ship Of Fools went on to become a Top 5 hit in Australia (bigger here than anywhere else in the world) and the song instantly became a … [Read more...]
Michael Franti – Podcast
Michael Franti first came to prominence fronting the hip hop band The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, particularly through the song Television, The Drug Of The Nation – a scathing attack on politics, corporate greed, sloganeering, the mass media and those who failed to question the messages they were fed or the motivations behind them in the “United States of unconsciousness”. … [Read more...]