The Cat Empire

2003 - EMI

Track Listing:
How to Explain – 3:37
Days Like These – 4:07
The Chariot – 5:34
Hello – 3:44
The Rhythm – 3:24
The Wine Song – 7:22
Nothing – 3:39
Beanni – 2:19
The Crowd – 5:13
Manifesto – 2:34
All That Talking – 6:54

Originally a three piece from Melbourne, The Cat Empire has evolved into something that embodies all that life should be about. They strive to move "the body and the mind", and unite people by the power of music. The current members are:

-Felix Riebl (vocals and percussion)

-Harry James Agnus (vocals and trumpet)

-Ollie McGill (keys)

-Ryan Monro (bass)

-Will Hull Brown (drums)

-Jamshid "DJ Jumps" Khadiwhala

They have recently released "Cinema" to high acclaim.

What better way to explain that "music is the language of our soul", then by representing it in song form. "How to Explain" your energy and your drive in life comes from this beast within, to someone who doesn't feel its presence. This track is filled with such intensity and life, its impossible to not become infected by it.

The beginning of "The Chariot" starts so theatrically and creates this ominous feeling which bursts into life! Its a declaration to life, and all it should be. The aversion of warfare and killing even though:"In a way we are an army, But this army not destruct. No instead we're doing simple things, Good loving fun and run amuck". I get beautiful images from this track. It way the world should be "any stranger feels at home".

Oh, "Hello". Comes from the throat, and you cant help but want to chorus it. Its the song that I wake up to. Its just so upbeat and optimistic, and embodies all i want my day to be. It has cute little lines like: "If she was a phone I'd pick her up and dial, The fire brigade Or zero zero zero" or "That's a little strange If you're asking me. Cos I like to eat and laugh and **** and play down low. It just plain makes me smile.

The simple infatuation with all that is beautiful, and the beauty that comes from "The Rhythm". The trumpets are so prominent in this track, with the heavy Latin vibe. Its all wine red, and smokey dens. "Sing with your hips, my baby, when your dancing to this tune", the change in tempo half way through definitely adds to the sexy Latin vibe.

The track "The Crowd" shows just how Australian the Cat Empire are. The speak of gaining freedom from social conventions, pure freedom, which comes from your mentality to life ("But life is curved not angular"), with or without "gods chains". Its a street song, its one of the people.

Through musical fusion and lyrics, the Cat Empire have captured millions of peoples attention. They have always prided themselves on performing live, and many of there releases are originally recorded live then edited. There is an infectious energy that come from them, which seems to make life not so bad after all. Perfect for parties of just chilling out. The Cat Empire is in my top 5. Treat your senses people!

Pour L'amour

Self Titled - Ray Mann Three

Phantom Sound & Vision - 2008

Tracklisting

Smile - 3:26

Hook Me Up - 3:28

Feels So Good - 3:55

Gettin Thru - 4:03

Opa Opa - 3:20

Morena - 3:45

No Way No - 3:45

Yr Werds - 2:56

I Can See It All Before Me - 4:09

Night With You - 4.15

When Ray Wassef (the long time lead guitarist of Sydney outfit Kid Confucious) decided to go out on his own, he managed to find bassist Byron Luiters (now of John Butler Trio) and drummer Bart Denaro. This self titled album was recorded over three days. They have extensively toured Australia for the last 5 years and received the attention of the Japanese Record P-Vine, who they released an album through in 2009 with Grant Gerathy on drums and Joel Burton/Adam Ventoura intermittently on bass.

In "Hook Me Up" the opening bass gets my attention (this seems to be a growing trend), the stop-start catchy-ness with the down scales and addition of the picky electric. And I can't forget the cow bell.. It also has some interesting lyrical content, i had to listen to it a few times to actually grasp. The evolution of technology and its implementation into society, and us, being the possessive monsters that human are, must always have the latest and greatest. Its well disguised, wrapped into a funky little tune.

The opening re-verb in "Feels So Good" is gorgeous. They have also used directional sound really well on this track. It opens with the chorus, which I find most unusual. They have the ability to surprise me, and I like it. The lyrics are suggestive to a one night stand (or what should have been), and of crossing moral "lines in the sand", "but it feels so good" to be bad once in a while. I like that all members contribute to the vocals. The ending is disappointing tho, its picks up tempo and gets a little funkier, then abruptly ends!

Opa Opa. A song that can improve my mood at any time. The simple opening, just the vocals and percussion, the catchy call back. Then the real body of the song kicks in with a tempo change and the addition of the electric and bass. My favourite line has got to be "Is it because you wanted Han Solo but only ever got Chewbacca?". I like how they portray themselves in this track, just as having fun. There is an honesty that comes with laughter. There's a purity to an "unrefined" track.

Musically and lyrically, i have my eye on "I Can See It All Before Me". "Stop trying to look around, close my eyes and follow the sound. I can see it all before me". Its just a dreamy and heartfelt line. The track has a tone of realisation. It easy to listen to, and just be. I find it difficult to analyse as i tend to get lost in it somewhat. My top track from this album.

This album is smooth and rounded as well as being raw and untamed. It has a sensuality to it, that comes from Rays vocals and the musical honesty that emanates from its being. I'm yet to hear any of their newer tracks but I'm eagerly looking forward to that experience.

Also see this sort interview with Ray about their growth and reception.

Pour L'amour

Move By Yourself - Donavon Frankenreiter

Lost Highway Records - 2006

Track Listing:
Move by Yourself – 5:16
The Way It Is – 3:49
By Your Side – 4:36
These Arms – 2:59
Let It Go – 4:11
Fool – 6:01
Everytime – 3:24
That's Too Bad (Byron Jam) – 2:42
Girl Like You – 3:07
All Around Us – 4:51
Beautiful Day – 3:26

Donavon started his relationship with Jack Johnson in the mid 90's whilst he was surfing in Hawaii. He released a few albums with other independents before signing to Brushfire Records in 2002. He left in 2006 and signed with Lost Highway Records. There's something about Donavon that makes me think he doesn't quite fit into this time. His vocals and musical style come from something much older. He's very different from the artists of today. He also recently released his 4th studio new album "Glow".

The title track, Move By Yourself, is a funk based organ heavy track with smooth vocals and a simple message. Using power of self to create opportunities and "don't stop doin' what you believe in". The electric solo at the end, make this track slightly more modern.

The sweet learning song - "By Your Side" - contains a nice bluesy bass. Nothing feels better that being home with your baby at the end of a bad day. "I'm gunna be just fine". It also has a nice heartfelt acoustic solo and break up the lyrics.

"Let It Go" speaks to me, we spend our lives being told how to think and feel, but when you finally get to "let it go" the feeling should "last forever". The energy in the chorus is infectious, the verses are simple and sung as fact, in hope of creating a realisation. The piano piece is reflective after the chorus and during the bridge. Not sure about the out tro, its too busy.

"Why you treat me like a fool?". In the 'confronting song' "Fool" even the organ and electric have a questioning tone. It soul influenced with the backing vocals, and Donavon's gravel comes out. Slightly melancholy mood is enhanced with the reflective guitar solo with the "fool". It seems like he's been deceived..

"That's Too Bad" is a funky blues track, instant toe tapping. It's the 'I'm over it' track.

"Girl Like You" is another sweet track. The harmonica, group clapping and live atmosphere add another dimension to the track, it adds personality.

"All Around Us" is the action song, is the most complex musically and lyrically. It makes me smile most of all.

Although I find that a majority of the tracks are written in the same format, it doesn't actually make it any less appealing. His voice is smooth and expressive, and the beats are catchy. A good album to chill to.

Pour L'amour

Big Whiskey & The GrooGrux King - Dave Matthews Band

2009 - RCA (Division of Sony)

Track Listing

1) Shake Me Like A Monkey 4:00

2)Funny The Way It Is 4:26

3) Lying In The Hands Of God 5:13

4) Why I Am 3:53

5) Dive In 4:26

6) Spaceman 4:08

7) Squirm 5:32

8) Alligator Pie 3:59

9) Seven 4:17

10) Time Bomb 3:59

11) Baby Blue 3:41

12) You & Me 5:40

DMB formed in 1990 and have released many live and studio albums . Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King debuted at number one on Billboard 200, giving DMB their fifth consecutive number one debut, making them the only band besides Metallica to do so.

The seventh studio album of DMB, dedicated to the life of LeRoi Moore ( featured as the "GrooGrux King" on the album cover). The term GrooGrux was coined to describe the "vibe" and "energy" of their "wild-sounding rhythms" they made when they started playing music together. Theres something about this album that just makes you want to hear it over and over again. There is just this infectious enthusiasm. You can tell that they really enjoy themselves.

The first track I heard from this album was "Spaceman" and i loved it instantly "probably get it wrong as much i get it right, but i got it right, woman when i caught your eye". There's a sensuality and a honesty to the track. The honesty comes from the lyrics as well as the repetitive scales. "I'm not all bad but I'm a faithful sinner,I might get lost but ill be home for dinner". Dave Matthews gravel really shows in this track. Catchy lyrics and a thumpin' bass, perfection!

I deem the intro to "Shake Me Like a Monkey as a sort of tribute to Moore, the singular saxophone. Which then kicks into the "Grux", filling the room with intensity and just plain funkiness. Grux is the only to describe it. The lyrics are basically telling you that love is the answer, and you should do what you need to find it "I ain't waitin' for the world to change, gunna change the world for you". I really don't know how to describe this fusion of sounds that create such a memorable ensemble. Its funky, bluesy, jazzy, sexy all rolled into one. Definitely up there for this album.

"Dive In" takes it down a little bit, telling you to take in more of the world, to open your horizons, and maybe not everything is as perfect as we like to believe. "Do you think we will wake up in a world that's on its way to getting better?". Tim Reynolds electric solo draws out and gives you thinking time. The track end with "dive in and empty ocean" with a distorted fade out that imposes a sense of doom.

The bluegrass/blues vibe to "Alligator Pie" just add another dimension to this album. Its toe tapping perfect, the combination of the banjo, electric, bass and kick drum gives it and intensity which just drops off and becomes very bluesy and cruisey- as as Dave Matthews draws

out the lyrics with the music.

I cannot for life of me decipher the first verse of "Seven" (or some of the chorus for that matter)(but you can in this video..), but its still a fucking sexy song. Heavy with the drums and bass, making it earthy and grounded. The sax brings it just that little bit under the belt along with little bits of suggestive lyrical content "I can still taste you, and I will again". And "red is the colour of the sun with my eyes closed" such a dreamy line.. perfect end..

Its completely understandable that this was nominated for album of the year, and I find it terribly disappointing that it missed out. But this album is definitely worth the time of day. Its and instant pick up, a blend of so many styles in one and pure vocals.

Enjoy.

Pour L'amour

Ziggurats - The Beautiful Girls

Die!Boredom Records 2007

Track Listing:

Royalty : 3:30

Sir, Your Fashion Has The Cold Heart Of a Killer: 5:24

I Thought About You: 3:12

Bring Me Your Cup: 4:12

Spanish Town: 2:47

Under a Southern Sky: 4:09

Generals: 3:33

In Love: 3:10

She's Evil: 4:48

Dela: 3:42

Wounds: 4:10

Dealer Wins: 3:22

The Devil (He Waits) : 2:44

We Will Shine Like Gold 2:22

The Beautiful Girls are an Australian three piece formed in 2000 currently consisting of Mat McHugh, Paulie B and Bruce Braybrooke. This is their 4th studio album which reached 21# on the Australian charts. The title "Ziggurats" is Babylonian for a "temple tower, either stepped in tiers or spiral" which symbolized the mountain peak, where the gods dwelt and where the skies met with the earth. Now thats a name to live up to.. They have recently released "Spooks". Also definitely worth a listen.

Sir, Your Fashion Has The Cold Heart Of A Killer, honestly the longest title.. But it has the best bassline of the album, I cant help but play it in my head everytime I hear it. Musically, is a very simple song, a continuous electric riff, scales into and out of the chorus. Its almost like its waiting for something.. I dont mind the intrumental sections, I feel it adds the to mood of the song. The lyrics are sweet but sad, the simple infatuations. The longing that comes being apart. "I tried calling, but your man picked up the phone", It seems that he just wants to be left in this place and time with his girl, for the last time (but not by his choice).

Thought About You is a fabulous choice for the single release. It was nominated for video clip of the year (07)! Its quite the awesome. This album is just filled with glorious basslines! I love the distorted electric with the introduction of the drums and the hand clap, definately up beat and catchy. Its one of those songs you can tell by the opening notes.. The mood change in the bridge breaks it nicely as everything is drawn out. I cant help but sing along with this. The theme to this is entirely internal, the possibilities and circumstances of what is and what might be.

This is a track that needs to be heard LOUD.

I love the introduction to "Under a Southern Sky", the digeridoo, constant bass and electric that flows into the count in. I relish count ins, to me its like bit before is a secret.. and it wasnt meant for us to hear.. The drawn out notes give it a stop-start catchy-ness and along with the introductions of the trumpet and sax, you really get a feel for where "The Beauitful Girls" will take us next. It a great way to end the track too.

On every album there is room for a beautiful acoustic number, and its a toss up between "We Will Shine Like Gold" and "Dela". "Dela" is definately my favourite. Its just so pure and true. It takes on different tone, a sort of affirmation into the second chorus, and the lyrics grow in confidence and determination. "I think I know why the dog howls at the moon". Its whistful and dreamy. "I'll burn for you".

I actually had a really hard time choosing my favourites from this album, the tracks are so multi-facteted and glorious to listen to! From "Dela" the mood and tempo dives a little, going more acoustic and darker in theme, but it only adds the complexity of the experience. It definately shows growth from their previous albums and it also shows more of the direction they will be taking. For me, its one of the albums that dont want to skip anything, because I want to feel the rise and fall. Mat McHugh really is a great writer.

I actually think this is one of my favourite albums.

Pour L'amour

Diamonds on the Inside - Ben Harper
Virgin-2003



Track Listing:
With My Own Two Hands – 4:35
When It's Good" – 3:03
Diamonds On The Inside – 4:27
Touch from Your Lust – 4:28
When She Believes – 5:20
Brown Eyed Blues – 5:42
Bring the Funk – 4:07
Everything – 3:04
Amen Omen – 5:51
Temporary Remedy – 3:11
So High So Low – 3:44
Blessed to Be a Witness – 4:11
Picture of Jesus – 5:49
She's Only Happy in the Sun– 3:57

Diamonds on the Inside, was the first album in 10 years that didn't combine credits with the Innocent Criminals, and his 4th solo album. He's also recently joined "Fistful of Mercy" with their debut "As I Call You Down" which is released on the 5th October.

With My Own Two Hands (also re-recorded with Jack Johnson for the Cur

ious George soundtrack) is a catchy and soulfilled track. I really like the raw intro to the song, with the count in as I think it makes it a more personal experience. The whine of the electric organ with the constant and simple bass, makes this a song to slide into, makes it easy to move to. Its a great opening track, and set the mood well for the album. Lyrical content is also sound and thought provoking. If you want to change the world you must take action and use our own resources, and what better then with our "own two hands"?

Touch from your lust... Such a damn sexy and driven song. Its one of those songs that effect my mood instantly when I hear it. Its the smooth and slightly distorted vocals (in parts) which adds to the appeal. The bass and guitar is just so smooth, bringing in

the drum and electric during the chorus and bridge, to hit it home and puntuate the desperation and yearning that emminates from this song.

Everything, its just plain upbeat and pleasant to hear. I enjoy the simple but timeless combination of guitar, organ and percussion, which makes it feel like its from an other time. But as always Ben Harper has made it his own. Im always impressed with the conviction to his lyrics, and that really shines through in this track, as well as "Amen Omen".

I love the deceptive begining in "So High, So Low". The acoustic sequence at the begining which leads you into thinking it will be something totally different. It evolves into this agressive distressed scream, which gives way to a drum and bass oriented track with forceful lyrics. So punchy and in your face, but it fades just a quickly, back into piano and strings. It seems to be a passing thought.

Ben Harper never fails to impress me, or make me feel. Its something he's known for. Touching people, with his honest and heartfelt lyrics, and his fine musical skills (he plays EVERYTHING).

Whether he's with the "Blind Boys of Alabama", "The Innocent Criminals" or the "Relentless 7" (there are more then seven of them...?) your in for a treat. SITG this year would have been worth it, just for Ben Harper. Also, his documentary "Pleasure and Pain" is definitely worth checking out if your interested to know his roots.

I have a lot of respect for this man.

Pour L'amour

To The Sea - Jack Johnson

Brushfire Records 2010

Track Listing
1. You and Your Heart
2. No Good With Faces
3. At or With Me
4. When I Look Up
5. From The Clouds
6. Turn Your Love
7. The Upsetter
8. To The Sea
9. My Little Girl
10. Red Wine, Mistakes, Mythology
11. Pictures of People Taking Pictures
12. Anything But The Truth
13. Only The Ocean

The lastest album "To The Sea" is dedicated to his father John Johnson. The album artwork consists of Johnson Family photos.

This album is significantly more up beat, both lyrically and musically than "Sleep Through the Static", it being one of his darker pieces. As this is his 5th studio album, Jack shows off his simple flair for proverb-like lines and catchy beats with ease and experience. Once again, he has created something thats easy to listen to, but if you hear it properly, you can take away much more. The magic of Jack Johnson.

The opening track, "You and Your Heart", is also the single release. A more traditional begining for Jack, relying on acoustic instruments and melody. Again with his little insights: "lost the fingernails on your hands, how you gunna scratch any backs" that make me wonder. The scales all through it happen without you noticing and everything just blends seamlessly. Comes with experience.

In "At or with me" the combination of the oh oh's, with perfect lines such as: "dont put your money where you mouth is, baby, we wouldnt want to see you choke", and the distorted electric guitar in the bridge, to the fade down and out to another build with harmonicas and choral voices and instruments. It just sweet.

The electric right from the begining in "From the Clouds" is extremly catchy and continues for the song, splitting and punctuating. We are let into his world a little more, as he adds some personified lyrics, claiming all we have to hold on is love. I really enjoy the fact that song is ended the same way it began, "Ill make you all mine".

"Red wine, Mistakes, Mythologies" is probably my favourite on the album, with the harmonica (and vocal backup from G. Love), percussion, the keys, the well planned lyrics, the sharp acoustic guitar. "The truth is never ending, were just here pretending". Definately a must hear. Whatever I said wouldnt do it's 4mins and 3seconds justice.

"Anything But the truth" brings it back home, with crickets in the backround, honest lyrics and the simple guitar. His understanding of the world will never cease to amaze me. He leaves you questioning "I dont know, that were meant to know". Something I've thought to myself many times.

A much anticipated release and fans will certainly not be let down. Theres some Jack Johnson soul food for the new comers too. Cook yourself some breakfast, make a cuppa' joe, turn it up, and float away.

Pour L'amour

Feeding the Wolves - Josh Pyke
Ivy League Records 2005
























Track Listing

1. Beg Your Pardon
2. Private Education
3. Fill You In
4. Goldmines
5. Middle of the Hill
6. Staring Down the Sun
7. Feeding the Wolves

Josh is relatively new artist in the Sydney Indie scene (since 05), but he's really paved a way for himself, using melody and lyrics to his great advantage.

Aswell as working as a solo artist, he's also a member of "Basement Birds" along with Kevin Mitchell, Steve Parkin and Kav Temperley.


His debut release through Ivy League Records, Feeding the Wolves received quite a bit of attention.

Private Education has simple acoustic melody, and thats what makes it all the more memorable. I really like the fact that lyrics have a double meaning, the reference to private education being costly, but meaning the personal cost, not the monetary one. The ill-obsession with another that just seems to cause you pain, but you hang around anyway..

Goldmines.
Mystery. Deceit. Macabre. Something very questioning about this song. The bridge really gets me in this track "here's only so much a man can take, before crack, crack, crack, cracking in", the scales and the distortion. The clash of the tambourine is the constant, the acoustic runs all the way through, building slowly along with the strings. The strings are very complementary to the vocals.

Middle Of the Hill. The story track which is really quite well composed. Makes me smile everytime I hear it. "I dont pay enough attention to the good things but I gotta".
I enjoy the harmonies, which accentuates some themes like in the " mother knew the words to a lot of different songs" line. I also noticed a onomatopoeia like "knock". The repitition of the riff and lyrics portray reminicence. Simple acoustics with gradual introduction of clapping and percussion makes the song catchy and quick paced.

The song I feel the most affinity for is Feeding the Wolves, the inner demons, the self torturing. Its something that makes you feel so much, but you just have to experience again. His talent for lyrics really shine here. Tone of lyrics as well as the music is melancholy and internally reflective.
Its losing your lover, watching them leave, leaving you to fight the wolves alone.
Its beautifully tragic.



This is a beautiful debut, it definately deserves the rave reviews it recieved upon its release.
An easy listening album, that you'll definately need to hear again.

Pour L'amour

April Uprising-John Butler Trio
Jarrah Records 2010

Track listing

"Revolution" - 5:05
"One Way Road" - 3:06
"C'mon Now" - 2:42
"I'd Do Anything (Soldier's Lament)" - 3:21
"Ragged Mile (Spirit Song)" - 3:57
"Johnny's Gone" - 4:55
"Close to You" - 3:45
"Don't Wanna See Your Face" - 2:43
"Take Me" - 5:01
"Fool for You" - 5:07
"To Look Like You" - 4:19
"Steal It" - 3:43
"Mystery Man" - 3:55
"Gonna Be a Long Time" - 3:46
"A Star Is Born" - 4:35

John Butler Trio have again renewed their image. With the change of band members, the addition of Melbourne drummer Nicky bomba (of BOMBA) and bass guitarist Byron Luiters (of Ray Mann Three), has come this new sound, although it's still as distinct as ever.

The album packs the expected JBT punch, touching on the regular themes of politics, environment and the future of humanity.

"One Way Road", also released as a single is definately a standout with catchy riff and the hip-hop quickness of the lyrics. And its all backed up by the punchy electric "raise your fist if you beleive in revolution".

"Ragged Mile (spirit song)" captured me the first time i heard it, the earthiness which comes from the hand drumming, percussion and echoing of both voices and instruments.

And I love "Don't wanna see your face". Its punchy, catchy and the perfect F* you song, it makes me smile, because more than once in your life, it's going to happen to you.

The destructive passion in "Take Me" caught my attention, as it doesnt just come from the lyrics but eminates from the instruments, twisting and turning, the inner turmoil that bring me back to the track everything.

I was also impressed with the insight of "To look like you", and it's relavance to todays girls. This song it just so beautifully written, I couldnt say it better myself.

And nothing beats an ending like "A Star is Born", a tribute/lullaby to Jahli. Even though emphasis is on the vocals, the acoustic guitar is just beautiful.

A very varied but very much a John Butler Trio album. Definately worth listening to, whether your a JBT fan or not. In the words of JB himself: "maybe they will try and cut me down. and maybe I won't give a fuck".

Also, check out this interview from "The Vine". Gives great insight.

Pour l'amour,