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,