We'd rather fight with music - choosing when the rhythm warms...

Where hip-hop meets reggae, where jazz is played with dirty hands, where a Cuban line meets an Aussie rule, where nothing seems in place but sounds like many places played in one earthy chord. This is the island where THE CAT EMPIRE was born. (Written by the band in 2001)

The first day in October has seen a massive shift for me.  Such a good day on so many levels and the icing on the cake was seeing The Cat Empire celebrate 10 years of LIVE shows along with 1,500 other people at the Tivoli in Brisbane.


I could write a review on the band, the gig, the venue but it's best said here. And I have kinda talked about these guys numerous times over the years.  You can read more on my blog here and here.


Watch the video here for a teaser of just how good these guys are.



I can literally talk about this amazing group of musicians forever because (and this is not just my opinion) they have been hailed as being one the best LIVE acts in the world.  I love their albums but their gigs are something completely different - a spirit and magick that has to be witnessed to understand the true essence of who The Cat Empire really are.  They're a group of guys who leave their egos at the door.  Their on-stage presence is powerful, uplifting and the most talented bunch of musos in the world.


I've lost count of how many times I've seen them perform LIVE.  Every Brisbane gig I'm there :)  And every gig is completely different than the last.  Even though you may have heard a song over 100 times, they will put a unique spin on it every time.


Which brings me to why I'm not writing a review about The Cat Empire but more about a project I've been working on for over twelve months inspired by The Cat Empire songs.  I've written three of the planned twelve stories.  I'm a bit behind schedule - it was supposed to be one story a month for a year but somehow life got in the way.


My stories are not based on the content of The Cat Empire songs as my stories are dark, sometimes supernatural with the horror in the mundane which of course is nothing like a Cat Empire song.  Their songs are full of light and hope and joy and they are the best Australian party starters!


But because of the way my mind is geared I write dark, I write contemporary stories always verging on horror either in the character, situation or place, and for some bizarre reason I'm not sure How to Explain - The Cat Empire songs provide the inspiration.  I'm not sure how Felix or Harry or Ryan or Jumps or Will or Ollie would feel about this but if I change the titles they don't have to know :)


What inspires you in your life whether it be through music, art, words or just life itself?  


Midnight rambler still on a high and dancing to The Chariot

After Midnight...

Thought this was appropriate since I'm the Midnight rambler...
Click the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx2Wb-80R5U&feature=player_embedded
 or vid below:




Catch you all after midnight...







Midnight Rambler we're gonna let it all hang out...

NIRVANA CLASSIC ALBUM TURNS 20...

When I tuned into Triple J this arvo on my way to work I was totally gob smacked to find that it’s been twenty years since Nirvana’s classic Album ‘Nevermind’ was released.  Twenty years!  Even more shocked to hear listeners ring up and say they were under five or not even born.  Seriously!  Oh, wow – what you have missed.

Nirvana, a grunge band out of Seattle, literally changed how I saw the world.  This is not an exaggeration.  Kurt Cobain – my God! Just the best and of course Dave Grohl – I mean look at him now (Foo Fighters).  I’d like to say I luv them as much but I just don’t...

I have to tell you listening to Triple J and some of the Nirvana tracks they played - Wow how powerful is music? - the memories it evoked where like BAM!  The year was 1991 ‘Nevermind’ had just been released.  I lived in Israel in the middle of the Negev Desert and every Friday night Shabbat (our one night off) we, the volunteers from all parts of the world, would head down to the only Israel night club, Givalot (yes in the middle of the desert) and rock out to ‘Smells like Teen Spirit’.  It’s the one song I can always remember everyone dancing too!  And I mean everyone.  As soon as the DJ spun the record you fought for every inch on the dance floor :)

Here’s that all time brilliant song best played loud!

I saved my pennies (a months pay was equivalent to about AUD $80.00) and I had to buy food for a month but I took the bus trip into Beersheva and spent AUD $15.00 of that hard earned money and bought the cassette ‘Nevermind’ – couldn’t afford the CD :)  It did the rounds on the Moshav – everyone I knew borrowed it and we thrashed it to death.  I have since had to buy the CD.

Another favourite of mine: (pretty difficult to choose actually since I luv em all)

Nirvana was God back then and while it was grunge it was fresh music.  It was beautiful, raw and sexy and we couldn’t get enough of it.  And then the albums that followed and the MTV unplugged – what an album that is :)

Then I returned home in Feb 1994 and two months later Kurt was dead.  I won’t even go into the deep loss and grief I experienced at that time – it was a double edge sword .  I had just left a world behind that I loved and didn’t want to be here in OZ and was grieving for my life in Israel and London and Kurt’s death compounded that – the life I grieved had truly gone.  Kurt and his music was so pivotal to one of the most magickal times of my life and now he was dead.  But this post is not about grief.  This post is about the celebration of a fantastic album, a brilliant band that had the most profound impact for their short time on the music scene.

And if you aren’t bored yet – here’s another:

If you are around  this Friday night and want to check out the release of their movie (their only LIVE show recorded on film) performing at the Paramount in their hometown then check all the details here screening in cinemas around the country – do yourself a favour and check it out.  Watch the trailer here 

 As for me I will have to wait for the DVD as I will be working :(

On that note I will leave you with another song I kinda rather adore: Click here or the vid below. 

Midnight rambler lost in a time steeped with memories that I’m so happy I was actually old enough to enjoy. Maybe being older ain’t so bad after all ♥  Skin the sun, Fall asleep, Wish away…

40 Day Dream...♥

Okay - and here is Part III.  What do you think so far? 

You are not only hearing the great songs from the awesome debut album but watching a movie unfold through a series of music clips.  Besides great marketing, this is a most excellent way to be entertained.  You want nothing more to reach in like watching your favourite serial on tele to find the next instalment through song. (I'm not even sure what I just wrote made sense) but I think you get where I'm coming from...

This song in particular is one of my most absolute favourite on the album.  It seriously rox and I never get sick of it.  Here is some background to this clip:

40 Day Dream finds Edward and Brother hiding out in the desert after their violent jail-break. Jade, having received a telepathic message from Brother, brings them to meet the rest of the Magnetic Zeros. Edward is welcomed by his new family and his troubles are briefly lifted by a healing vision of togetherness. After a night of revelry, Edward is awakened by Angel.

 Click here to listen or the video below.  You must turn this one up and dance :)



Midnight rambler looking forward to Part 1V and sharing it with you when it turns up on Edward Sharpe's video channel :)

To view Part I - click here
To view Part II - click here

Story telling + Musical Genius = Part II 'Kisses over Babylon'

So what did you think of Part I?

Here is the second instalment of this 12 part musical/music video from Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros (aka) Alexander Ebert. 

The story continues in the desert wasteland, ravaged by drought. Edward is arrested for the murder of his father and after reuniting with his brother they plan a prison break. 

Let me know what you think?  How do you like to tell stories?  What are your thoughts on making music videos from an album that tell a complete story as opposed to straight music videos of individual songs?

Click here to listen or click video below.



 CAST:
Edward Sharpe: Alex Ebert, Minors: David Strathairn & Stephen Mendillo, Warden: Dermot Mulroney
Brother: Orpheo McCord, Clerk: Sandy Martin, Guard: Tay Stratharin

CREW:
Director Isaiah Seret, Co-Director Alex Ebert, Editors / Writers Alex Ebert & Isaiah Seret, Cinematographer Eric Maclver, Executive Producer Bryan Ling, Executive Producer Sara Cline, Producer Michael Schifflett, Visual Effect Benjamin Kutsko, Supervising Sound Editor Peter Aaron Fineberg, Location Manager Caleb Duffy, Production Designer Katie Byron, Art Director Ishi Glinsky, Camera Operator Tristan Bear, DIT Alexandra Pelly, Sound Recordist Jake Viator, Wardrobe Stylist Eliot Hazel & Diana Contreras, Make-up Sarai Fiszel, Opening Score composed by Miguel Atwood Ferguson, Kisses Over Babylon by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Production Company The Masses (http://www.wearethemasses.com) & Community Records

Album at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/up-from-below-bonus-track-version/id321407360

To view Part 1 (Desert Song) click here:

Midnight rambler contemplating the musical genius of Alex Ebert...

Movies combined with music brings great storytelling...

To follow on from my last post this video is what I was talking about.  Raise your hands if you're into music, movies and story telling.  Then this is for you.  Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros Album 'Up From Below' is told through a series of short films - how cool is that?  This is totally the best marketing tool I've seen especially if music is your thang and if you're visual like you me, you will so totally get this.

This is PART 1 of a 12-Part feature-length movie musical. The opening footage is of singer Alex Ebert's father chanting in Monument Valley - shot by his mother. Desert Song is about Alex's reckoning with the middle name his father secretly wrote on his birth certificate - a Native American name which means 'Devil' or 'Demon'. The debut album from Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, "Up From Below", is available from iTunes.  I will post Part II and Part III over the next few days or you can check them out yourself on their video channel :)

DIRECTED BY: Benjamin Kutsko and Cory Marrero
LABEL: Community Music/Fairfax Recordings - US : Rough Trade - UK
DP: David Myrick
EDITED BY: Alex Ebert and Brandon Driscoll-Luttringer
VFX: Benjamin Kutsko and Casey Allen
WARDROBE BY: Cassandra Kellogg and Amanny Ahmad
MAKEUP: Sarai Fiszel

Click here to listen or on video below.



Midnight rambler seriously wants to write short films...

The Sixites, French accents, eyeliner and big hair - what's there not to love...

Good Morning!  It's Sunday and what better time to get groovin'

Here's a great cover of France Gall's 'Laisse Tomber Les Filles' from 1964 to get you going. 


Hit the volume, and put your twisting shoes on and shake it baby :)

Click here to listen or click video below :)



Midnight rambler is twisting...

'My darkness is shining. Have faith in ourselves. Truth...'

I can't get enough of Alex Ebert aka Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros... 

This guy is beyond words.  I've seen him perform and man did he blow me away with his charisma, love, heart, and genuine beauty. Seriously, he beamed light across the audience and uplifted our hearts.  Everyone at the Hi-Fi Bar at West End had a smile on their face.  So much love in one room :) I could go on a total rant about how cool and groovee this guy really is and if you've ever seen him LIVE you will know exactly what I'm talking about.

He has a bucket load of talent.  He makes mini movies, a series of short films that tell a story of wild, and fantastical imaginings with love being at the heart of everything.  His magickal craft of story telling combined with awesome music makes Alexander Ebert a true legend.  Kick back, crank it up and lose yourself in the beauty of the music delivered with genuine love and most of all truth...

To listen click here or the video below.




Midnight rambler truly inspired my this amazing talent... ♥

Do you live in the moment?

I blogged about this song a few months back and when I heard it again today it got me thinking about a gazillion things - as you do :) and I think I love this song so much because it is really all about being lost in the moment.

Do you remember those times when you felt like that. The giddiness, the excitement, when everything in your world feels and looks rich and wonderful and full of colour? 

Yes, I like this song very much because it reminds me of those times, and rather than be reminded, I'd rather be simply lost in the moment :)

Click the link to view the video  or click on the video below:

Midnight rambler lost in colour and life...♥

1 man, 24 hours, 32 guests, 19 horrific challenges, 6 toilet breaks plus 1 goat.

24 hours of fun :)  Triple J, my radio station of choice 107.7fm (here in BrizVegas) They can be heard all over Australia (well mostly) here are the frequencies.  Triple J, the radio station that promotes Australian music and unearths incredible talent all over the country.  The radio station that shoves the J into Journalism the radio station that has podcasts and blogs on just about everything.

To cut a long story short Tom and Alex from the Breakfast show set a challenge for comedian Sam Simmons who implied that Tom and Alex didn’t work hard enough and insisted he could do their show and every show.  So that’s what happened. From 8am Thursday May 12 to 8am Friday May 13 Sam Simmons took over the radio for a 24 hour marathon.  Sam did some crazy stuff including challenges set by us, the listeners.  And if he made it through successfully he would be rewarded with his favourite thing, a goat!

 When I first heard this challenge, I wasn’t entirely sure how I felt about Sam Simmons being on the radio for 24 hours!  Really,  wouldn’t he get a bit boring – he’s not really that funny – right?  Wrong! It was f**kin brilliant!  I currently have the good fortune of listening to my iPod in my current job so hence being able to listen all day.  It was so damn good, I was tempted to take Friday 13th off so I could listen for the full 24 hours. 

 It was totally hilarious and hugely entertaining and the best 24 hours of radio I’ve ever experienced.  So who listened?  Who out there is a Triple J nut and loves alternative music, and/or home grown music, or simply supporting Ausmusic?  Who out there celebrates the Hottest 100 with parties every year, tunes in with Rosie and the Super Request, mornings with Zan, Drive with the Doctor, shoving the J into Journalism with Hack, or Home and hosed, or 2011 with Kingsmill or Root’s n All?  I can’t be the only one!

This all sounds like a massive ad for Triple J ha!– it’s not – true :) but it is a massive plug for innovation and a big thumbs up for creativity and a team of presenters who are passionate about what they do!

 And congrats to Sam Simmons for staying awake, keeping us entertained and doing crazy things all for a great cause – WIRES, Australia’s largest wildlife rescue charity.

After tuning into this crazy day in radio, I have learned that Sam Simmons is a very funny man, crazy, and obnoxious at times, but all with tongue in cheek :)

I vote this should be an annual event.  What do you think? I’d love you to share your thoughts on Sam Simmons 24 hour marathon.  View the slideshow of some of the things Sam got up to and of course pix of the delightful goats – so cute – awww…

Midnight rambler missing Sam and the goat :)

Celebrating motherhood ♥

♥ HAPPY MOTHERS DAY to all the mums out there♥

I hope today brings you much joy, pampering, good food, lotsa cuddles and appreciation .  Mum’s are special ♥  Mum’s matter and Mum’s need to be nurtured everywhere.  Every Mum in the world is important no matter what - because without them we would not exist.

I've posted a song just for all you mums J The video is fun, and is called ‘White Dove’ by Triple J’s unearthed feature artist, Tijuana Cartel  who hail from the Gold Coast –aah lucky Queensland.  Their mix of global grooves and electronica make this a joy to listen to.

The White Dove is a symbol of Peace, so let's bring as many forms of White Dove into our lives now! The White Dove mate for life, are incredibly loyal, build their nest and raise their young.  So what could be a more fitting song for Mother's everywhere than that?

Either click the video below or here to view.

Midnight rambler thanking my Mum for being super special...

Even on a cloudy day...

Okay, well here I am again!  The new blog, the new website as hoped just didn't happen.  What a let down that was.  My weekend didn't quite work out as planned (insert sad face here). 

Ah, well, moving on...maybe this weekend will bring more joy and productivity of the creative kind.  One can hope.  In the meantime I thought it about time I posted something of the musical variety.

This song by Cage the Elephant sums it all up really.  Have a listen and let me know what you think. If you can't view the video below click here instead.




Midnight rambler keeping her eyes fixed on the sun...

Been to hell lately?

Been to hell lately?  What does hell mean to you?  If you're there, or been there or on the road back, always happy to hear your thoughts.  In the meantime enjoy :)

Midnight rambler - I put my brave face on...

The other man in my life...

Okay, nothing new about my love for Michael.  My great sadness when I didn't make his show for 2011 - stupid me for not booking early last year :(

This song drives me crazy (in a good way) Sharon Jones and Michael team up beautifully in this very cool, sexy, groovee song.  I hit the volume full blast so suggest you do too! Get down, sing at the top of your lungs and groove like there is no tomorrow! 

Midnight rambler groovin with Michael.  Yep, Baby - you've got what it takes ♥

Engage me - Let me breathe the courage of your actions...

The Potbelleez - Fantastic OZ dance band based in Sydney.  Don't Hold Back was nominated for an Aria back in 2008 and has and still is hugely popular in the dance scene ever since its release.

I'm particularly fond of this song.  It has a catchy tune and definitely danceable time and time again - quite simply it's brilliant!  You be the judge and let me know your thoughts.




Midnight rambler - don't hold back, make it be for the good ♥

Lost in the moment...

Another Triple J unearthed artist to boast about.  Daniel Lee Kendall from the Central Coast, NSW has released his debut EP available here

Have a listen and tell me what you think or go here and post a review. 

Love the melody, the lyrics, it's sweet and a feel good song.  I love it :)





Midnight rambler lost in the moment...♥

Does it Offend You, Yeah?

Okay, so I've been challenged just a bit too much this year and I suspect there is more to come before this year is through.  So I can either (a) face them head on; (b) ignore them in the hope they will go away; or (c) find pleasure and solace in crazy songs and not give a f**k!

Midnight rambler and the funky monkeys are coming...

Queensland summer...

If you love Queensland, or have lived in Queensland or visited Queensland

or ever dreamed about coming to Queensland - then this song is for you :)

In spite of Queensland's tragic flooding events and being on a current 'cyclone watch' for not just one but two! I wanted to find some fun in all of this heavy weight pressing down on us.  Evil Eddie throws an interesting spin on the Queensland summer! 





Midnight rambler loves the Sunshine State....

Angus & Julia Stone - Big Jet Plane - Rolling Session #12

Triple J Hottest 100 - #1 Angus & Julia Stone

What a great way to spend an afternoon on Australia Day, drinking wine, snacking on cheese and biccies while listening to Triple J Hottest 100.  Angus & Julia Stone was voted #1 - not surprising since they seriously rock! Have a listen to this LIVE version. 





There were so many great songs in this year's hottest 100 but the next three I particularly like/love -  and hey, they're all OZ bands, so how cool is that?  Click on the pix below to view video.

Drapht - Rapunzel #12

Boy and Bear - Fall at your feet #5

Down by the River - Bliss n Eso #41

Midnight rambler - so many more songs to share but not enough time or space...

The Lamplights: from heartfelt folk to driving acoustic funk and blues...

If you are a Triple J listener then you might have heard of The Lamplights - and if you're not a listener you still might like to check them out here at unearthed. 

Unearthed is triple j’s award-winning initiative for discovering and sharing the best new Australian music. This local Gold Coast band is so good I just had to post a review.

"The Lamplights is such a beautiful name.  It conjures up gorgeous images of time past, of dark and foggy cobble-stoned streets in London, warmed by the delectable glow of lamplights. [read more...]

 Grab a beverage of your choice, put your feet up and have a listen to the wonderful Ryan Gittoes on voals, Jason McGregor and Ashley Perrow, both on guitar in this clip from the ABC.  You not only get two songs, but an added bonus for your time - an interview!

Remember to check out their gig guide and support local music in a town near you and if you live interstate you can download some of their mp3's for free here or purchase their wonderful debut album here 

Enjoy :)





Midnight rambler preparing for Triple J's world-wide party on Australia Day and listening out for The Lamplights...