Much can be said for meeting one’s heros. One minute he is on stage in Melbourne, 70mm high, singing – Once in a lifetime, to over 2500 people. Two hours later he randomly steps out of an elevator, and one only has the mind to say – that the gig was fantastic, or awesome and mention something about Stefan Sagmeister. Read more

2009 kicked off in a subdued manner. Over our heads lay the threat of doom, gloom, crisis and all good stuff that sells newspapers. Out of place least expected came the Seattle born indie outfit Fleet Foxes.

The Foxes played Melbourne January 2, 2009 at the Prince in St Kilda, to a capacity crowd. In the silence we waited with bated breath for Robin Pecknold, Skye Skjelset, J. Tillman, Casey Wescott and Christian Wargo to enchant one and all with their eccentric lyrics and vocal harmonies — what a special experience in live performance. One recommends to bend over backwards to see these extraordinary people soon, while they are playing in smaller and in humbler venues.

Visit Fleet Foxes here

In the world of children‘s mass marketing, of the likes of The Wiggles and friends, it is very difficult to find music that is genuinely in tune with children, rather than being designed by adults second guessing what children will like.

Let‘s go everywhere by Medeski Martin and Wood is a crazy, fun and intelligent romp that presents children‘s music with all the raw edges and highs and lows of adult music. Words like rollicking, unkempt, imaginative, fun, lots of surprise, are ample descriptions of a music experience that will have Mum and Dad hitting the “play“ button again and again.

The whole package from the wonderful sound to vision is handled with a witty and inspiring verve —from the loving cover graphics to the crazy spiral graphic; type and logo free; on the disc art makes for a great alternative to the mega brands in mass produced kids entertainment and merchandise.

Nods to Graphic Therapy NYC and illustrator Jim Stoten for the compelling packaging too.

Visit for details visit Little Monster Records, Medeski Martin and Wood, or Graphic Therapy NYC here

Comments noted re: Electric Light Hotel, will put a motion to the general assembly with a short statement — had intended to mix it up, however as they say you have to pick one‘s audience and sometimes one has to lie back and think of the Boredoms, while others can only think of the Jackson Five.

The nerdy guy chasing down the long legged Jerry Hall look-a-like is a hapless and goofy way to start the week. The UK pop act Ph.D was a blip in the history of pop music. Their debut hit of 1981 — I won’t let you down, struck a curious chord with music fans seeking relief from a scene a wash with punk and new wave sounds of the time.

Turn the lights down low in random bar full of late thirty / forty somethings. Raid the turntable. Put — Temptation by New Order on, then sneak in Ph.D. Watch for empathic facial expressions amid dancers as Jimmy Diamond calls in the song‘s end.

Read more about Ph.D here