Saturday night sounds

Teardrops by Womack and Womack. I've been playing this song a bit lately - it reminds me of dancing around drunk in a bar in the homeland. Vale - Bobby Womack.

The best of times and the worst of times

Well the last few months have been a challenge that's for sure, but there is some good stuff too. This has meant the horrible has been bearable, and the overwhelming has been, well...nearly sort of manageable. Which is amazing when you think about it.

This picture I took a week ago last Saturday, and what a difference a week makes. Best thing though... a week, a month, a year, a whatever - I'll always remember how nice it is to be looked after, and how lucky I am that there is so many of you willing to do that. Much love and thanks from me to you xx

10 Most underrated Australian songs

Andrew P Street wrote his list of the 10 most underrated Australian songs here the other day. To be honest, it's tempting just to list the ten bands I used to see once or twice a week for those few years in Sydney - You Am I, The Welcome Mat, Glide, Smudge, Hummingbirds, Ratcat, the Hard Ons, Godstar...God knows there is the potential for every song to have a connection to Nic Dalton. But no, instead of reminiscing - I'm going to be selective. Sort of. 

Fuck it - I'm going to drink a glass of hard liquor and play a bunch of vinyl until after midnight and argue with myself about what makes the ten.

The Clouds - 4pm. It could be any song off Loot. It was an EP I played over and over again. Jangly guitar, wonderful melody and Jodi Phyllis has the most beautiful voice.

Smudge - Divan. Not my favourite Smudge song (that would be Tea Toast and Turmoil), but this song just proves the bands underrated-ness. Tom Morgan writes amazing song (s). The Lemonheads perform amazing song (s). Everyone loves the Lemonheads. Meanwhile I love Smudge and have the T-shirts to prove it.

Machinations - Average Inadequacy. This is in lieu of the Models, I Hear Motion, because while I think this is an underrated song and should totally feature on APS's list - the Machinations were underrated times a million. 

The Saints - Any song from Know Your Product before Chris Bailey ruined it for everyone Probably the most underrated band in the universe. Pretty much kicked off the punk genre and nobody in Australia would have the faintest idea. Still. Nearly 40 years later.


Bernie Hayes - You Made Me Hard. I can only find the Whitlams cover online so you could listen to that and then imagine something a whole lot better. I have a soft spot for the Hayes brothers, but beyond that, this song is just beautiful and the album 'Every Tuesday, Sometimes Sunday' is a gem.

The Meanies - Never. I bought an EP from Sandy's Record store because I was obsessed with anything limited edition. It was Lyin by The Meanies and I was hooked. I fell in love with Link Meanie, saw them whenever they toured Sydney and to this very day think they are one of the most underrated Australian bands from the 90's. 

The Go-Between - Cattle and Cane. Much is written about this song, particularly about Lindy Morrison's drum beat. The Go-Betweens are underrated in the sense that their songwriting is just a thing of wonder. And not enough people notice that in Australia.

Dirty Three - Moon On The Land. The Dirty Three make music that you just get lost in. 

Hummingbirds - Get On Down. Ok so I'm reminiscing. At art school I did a series of paintings about this song. That's how much I loved it and how cliched I was (am)

Welcome Mat - Landspeed. I once saw The Welcome Mat and I was one of two people there. 

Monday morning sounds

The Flaming Lips - Race For The Prize

Stencil dog

Monday night sounds

Buddy Holly - Everyday. 

It's a nice gentle song for life right now, with the safe arrival of an early baby and other stuff that's good. Much love and welcome to the world little Angus.

This time last week - the house filled with flowers

Rainy mornings and remembering

It's not that I forget he is gone, but some moments I just remember it. Like this morning. 

Saturday afternoon sounds

Beethoven, Fleur De Lis.

Y is for

Yoga

Funny story about yoga. When I came to visit your Mum and Dad I hopped off the plane and they announced my first outing would be partnering your Mum at pregnancy yoga. Let's just say it was pretty hands on.

Blue

Grey day, cold wind, pot of tea surrounded by milk crates mixed with beautiful table cloths.  

15 people for dinner in a very small space = loud fun and agility

It looked so pretty and then it was so so very cosy. Props to the 14 guests who put up with the lack of seating space, loudness of 15 people talking in a very small room, and general chaos. And props to the best person I know from Dubbo for her adventurous-ness which was the reason for us to all be brought together. 

Speaking of, here is the recipe for the See Ya Jane cocktail:

Soak apple in bourbon.
Mix equal parts frangelico with bourbon
Pour into small glass over ice
Add very boozy piece of apple
Drink to Jane and her adventures

Winter begins

In the country with friends, watching dogs chase around around the bonfire (a cuddling the scared ones) and lighting sparkers (and the odd firecracker). Toasting marshmallows seven at a time - all warm and sweet, hair smelling of bonfire. Then a drive to the city to watch the lights twinkle from a hill, with a nip of whiskey to stay warm. This is why I like winter in Canberra.  

Happy Friday

X is for

Xmas

Sorry. I know this one is a bit confusing but there aren't many 'x' words. Truth be told I don't really like spelling Christmas this way.

W is for

Wilco

Wilco is the name your parents gave you before you were born. Whenever they would talk about you they would use that name, even after they had decided on your forever name of Esther. You'll get to understand why you were Wilco ( Wilco is like your Dad's Bruce - see 'b is for' card).

Sunday morning sounds

Sun It Rises by the Fleet Foxes.

Rain outside, a cup of french earl grey and homemade raisin bread. There are a few things missing from this picture but it is the best morning this little yellow house has seen for a little while.