The Inaugral Dinner Music Awards 2009

Well.... with only one more day of 2009 to go it is a time to reflect on the year that was

and so in the land of blog the best was for me to express this to you is to give you....

The Inaugural Dinner Music Awards 2009!

A Self Indulgent List of the Highs and Lows of the year through the eyes of a usually humble blogger... well at least as humble as a blogger can get. And as a New Years gift to you fine readers... a Final Mix Tape, a compilation of the Winners of 2009...

And so... with the expectation of much debate and arguing and down right violence (hey its Christmas again...) Let's get this show on the road...

Best Folk - Mumford and Son

This was a hard choice for me, as 2009 really has been the Year of Folk, i have been introduced to so many new bands in this genre that picking one out was not easy... but really all i had to do was look at the amount of playtime i put to each act, Mumford and Son won that by a mile, the great rolling banjo sounds, the eerie vocals... this would have been my artist of the year but it came in a close second.

Best New Find - Tim and Jean
I am a weekly subscriber of Triple J's Unearthed podcast, a sort of selection of the best of the unearthed songs uploaded to the Unearthed Website, and usually these are pretty good... but they never wow me. When they played Tim and Jean's track "Come Around"... i was wowed.

Best Rock - BlueJuice
In 2008 i cannot say i was a big fan of these guys, i liked vitriol but the rest of their album was not really appealing to me... but when "Head of the Hawk" Came out i took on a whole different view.   
This is not a technical feat in music production, its not a deel lyrical look at society and its ways... its just fun pop/rock/hip hop/ funk... etc.

Drummer of the Year - Mike Portnoy (Dream Theatre)

Think what you will of Metal... Mike Portnoy is widely regarded as one of the best in the business when it comes to Drumming, the double kicks, the awesome Fills, you just need to look at his kits to see why. When i saw Dream Theater at the later half of this year i already knew what to expect, but he still blew my mind. (I have tried to pick the least non-metal head offensive track that would express Mike Portnoy so give it a listen even if you don't like metal)

Guitarist of the Year - Chris Cheney (The Living End)

Chris Cheney will always be my Favorite Guitarist... but he won't always make my awards... this year i have seen him play more than one festival, do amazing work on some of the more guitar heavy songs on the ever famous White Album, and release an awesome album called "White Noise"... enough said.

Vocalist of the Year - Florence Welch (Florence and the Machine)

I am not sure exactly what it is about Florence's voice that makes it so amazing... its vewry similar to the sound of Patience Hodgson and Karen O... that sort of fun loud rock that makes you just want to jump and scream. I must remember to play some Florence on New Years Eve...

Album of the Year - First Days of Spring (Noah and the Whale)

This album really stuck with me, the intrumentals, the atmosphere that it creates.. This was my album of reflection and calm... and thats what 2009 was for me... a year of changes in who i want to be. There you go... personal facts as a bonus.

Female - Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeahs)
When thinking about who would best fit the role of best Female Artist for me it didn't take long for me to come to find Karen O, This year i have not only become a fan of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs but have also discovered one of my all time favorite soundtracks to be "where the wild things are" Performed by the lovely K.O. She is extremely talented and has a lot more to give for 2010. 

Male - Ben Folds
I don't need to justify this.... especially to you readers... 

The All Time Artist of 2009..... Pheonix

This is the band that has really made it for me in 2009, they are to say the least Amazing and although they are not the band that has had the most plays on my ipod of truth they truely represent what 2009 was for me, a mix of rock and electro two genres that have been my year.






The List can be Downloaded Here


So thats it for dinner music for 2009... i hope you have enjoyed reading and listening at least 10 times as much as i have making and compiling...
Bigger and better things for 2010... so till then Happy new year and keep listening...

Mixtape: Tis the Season to be Mixtape

Ho, Ho, Ho and Ho.... thats right, its Christmas which means a lot of things to a lot of people... The stores are that much more violent, snow covered scenes on television have increased exponentially and for some reason the mix tape scene has become that bit more festive... This mix tape i am about to give you is no different.... My present to you all... my christmas mix tape!


1. Is this Christmas - The Wombats
This song came out last year and really got me excited, i am a big fan of the Wombats and they really put a lot of themselves into this track, it's fun dancy Brit Pop and i love it!
Also the music video is awesome... here it is

2. Christmas Time (Don't Let the Bells End) - The Darkness
Like most Darkness songs, this is Epic, Its Rock, Its an Anthem.... awesome!

3. All that i Want - The Weepies
Toning it down a bit from the last two tracks this is a nice simple duet pop track, makes me feel all warm inside when i hear it, great for calming you down when that Christmas rush gets too much.

4. Carol of the Bells - The Bird and the Bee
No competition to the Carol of the Meows on Swa's Mix, but still a nice take on the classic track.

5. Christmas Time is Here - Vince Guaraldi
Fans of Charlie Brown or Arrested Development will know this track well, poor George Michael...

6. You are my Joy - The Reindeer Section
Great uplifting track, the Reindeer Section for those who dont know is a scotish rock supergroup of sorts featuring 36 members from bands such as Snow Patrol, Idlewild, Teenage Fanclub, Mogwai and Belle and Sebastian... most people may have already heard this track before as it is commonly used in TV, great song and great lyrics.

7. Put the Lights on the Tree - Sufjan Stevens
There were so many tracks to choose from when deciding which Sufjan song to use, he has released 5 Christmas albums and each are filled with goodies... this was just picked at random.

8. The Blizzard - Camera Obscura
Great bit of Chrissie Folk, great cover of a Jim Reeves classic... and in my opinion a great improvement.

9. Christmas Time Again - Tom Petty
Speaking of Classics....

10. A Christmas Duel - The Hives and Cyndi Lauper
This is a really strange one, i think the lyrics really make this a special Christmas tune for all the Family.

11. It Feels like Christmas - The Muppets
I think by far the best version of Charles Dicken's classic "A Christmas Carol" has to be the muppets one, so full of magic and inventiveness and the songs....ohhh the songs....
For extra joy heres the Video

BONUS TRACK:

12. Boy Lilikoi - Jonsi
The new single from the Sigur Ros vocalist, amazing stuff can't wait for the new Album in March next year... magical

Download it Here

A Merry Chritmas to all, there'll be one more mix tape for this year, my big one... The Dinner Music Awards... Stay tuned!

Liner Notes: A Little Respect in the Pit You Shirtless Bogan!

You're at a Concert, your favorite band... Arena Venue, 80,000 people...

The band come on stage with a bang, pyrotechnics blast as they burst into the first song, you are in the front section of the moshpit, jumping, screaming, singing along... you know all the words, two more songs pass...

The band decides to play an older song, a classic, the lead singer looks down at the audience and shouts "who wants to come up and sing this one?" You Scream loudly.... he looks at you and points...  You're lifted up on stage, lights on you, people cheering. You're given a microphone and the music starts...

"People have paid to see the band, they havn't paid to see you" you think to yourself, but for some reason they are cheering, cheering YOU!

This is what happened at Green Day's concert last Friday, it is actualy a common thing for the band to do at their gigs and it is a reflection of something which seems to be slowly fading away in the live music scene... Crowd Comradery...

A moshpit used to be the greatest place to see a band, you were right near the front of stage, the performers staring right at you and in most cases it still is, but it seems that there is something dissappearing from the pit, the mateship, it is becoming a place for violence, to hurt others. This is not what the mosh is about.

The mosh is a place to release energy, to jump... sometime people collide and this is usually mutual and well really not that full on, it is a place where everyone has a shared joy, music. But in recent years a new type of mosher has appeared, they are usually shirtless, they think they are the only one there and they are a complete and utter tool.. they are the Southern cross bogan.
These are the epitomy of what a mosher is becoming, they will force their way into a pit, their sweat brushing off onto others who dont want to be covered in it, they will form "Death Circles" a practice where they will force a circle in the middle of  the mosh and proceed to use it as a barrier of people to hurl themselves at full force... guys or girls. They are the exact opposite of what music is all about, they are there to make everyone else's experience a bad one becuase thats what they get off on,

The truth is that these people are so far only seen at Festivals and some concerts, but their attitude is one that may spread and so i write this to use the Green Day Concert as an example... Music is a thing to share, it is a common ground, Support your fellow fans, unite... and go fucking nuts Together!!! Because thats what the mosh was created for, a unison of enegergetic fans, jumping together..

A note from the Author...

Hello Blogosphere!

I have finally got myself a computer of my very own... this means i can blog more, think more about what i am going to blog about... and well.... make this a more quality publication (i dont have to look over my shoulder as i secretly type away at work.... ahem.)

So Expect new and better things in the coming month leading up to 2010!


Now to a request from you guys.... i am going to take a leaf out of Nicks book and ask you to give me music, think of it as a christmas present of sorts... i am trying to expand my music horizons and the only way i can do that is for you guys to give me a shitload of education... fill up a CD/DVD with anything you think i might like, even if you are not sure just throw it on there (mp3 format please).... cheers!

Anyways expect a new mixtape up soon and something special in the leadup to Christmas!

Track 3 - Julian Velard

Just a few vids from a guy i just found named Julian Velard... he is pretty talented and reminds me of something midway between Ben Folds and John Mayer....


This is a piano cover of Emire of the Sun's "Walking on a Dream"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdVAARJXCFg&feature=related

"Love for the First time" Music Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jwn88DsW1c

"Steve McQueen and James Dean" Music Vid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaQtTByLMQQ&feature=fvw


I am going to definatly look into this guy some more, and he will probably make the next mix tape.

Wills Mix Tape... Travel Edition

Ok guys, it seems that there has been mass outbreak of the travel bug going round, while some have stayed immunne thanks to vaccinations of "lack of money" it seems a large amount are already infected. Myself included.

And so i give you my late night attempt at... the Travel Mix Tape....

This is a bit more specific than a simple bunch of tracks to take on a trip, these tracks are for one type of moment that all us travellers will face, the long waits...
Sitting on a train between countries, waiting at a terminal or station, Jetlagged alone in your room. These are songs for reflection and observation, to watch the surroundings and soak it all in. They are not party songs, they are not motivaional songs, they are songs to calm and inspire you. Well at least thats what i was hoping for.
I have to tell you that it is late and i am tired so i am sure that this list could be better.... and i will endevour to make a second list which is a bit more planned. But as a tired worn out individual at the moment these songs playing as i type are inspiring me... they are making me think... they are making me think of travel... so i guess they can't be too bad. And so.... i give you....  My Travel Mix Tape...

1. You Could Make a Killing - Aimee Mann
This is a morning after song, it is for recovery.... it's from Cruel Intentions.... the thinking bit....

2. Nothing Happening - Ben Kweller
This song makes me think of travelling through countryside... Dont actually know why....

3. Watch over me - Bernard Fanning
This is possible the most peaceful song i know... it makes me relax in my most stressful moments, something about Bernards voice and the simplistic arrangement. No matter how much of a wanker people may think he is, he is bloody talented.

4. Moab - Conner Oberst
Connor oberst is a traveller, his songs are all based on exploration and the Road. And this song is no different.

5. She moves in her own way - The Kooks
I once put this song to music of a friends trip to Europe and it really worked...

6. Television Theme 43#- My Friend the Chocolate Cake
Really like the build up in this song, very upbeat and makes me think of sitting on a park bench watching the world go by.

7. Hoppipolla - Sigur Ros
This is probably the most well fitting track for this mix tape, this is a song that makes me want to go out and explore, the uplifting orchestral arrangement is beautiful and would make any trip seem at least 10 times more majestic and beautiful... if you only take one track from this list take this one.

8. The Heart of Life - John Mayer
John Mayer was not somone i really liked until he released his album Conntiunum, this is a great song off that album and is a great chill song to sit back and listen to in the more stressful of moments.

9. The Cave - Mumford and Sons
I love the drum and banjo combinations in this song, its got a real travelling feel to it, through some rolling hills or over a lake....

10. 5 Years Time - Noah and the Whale
Pretty much the same sentiment as the one above, great travelling song and i love the vocals from Laura Marling.

11. I am Siam - The grates
Cool chilled track, a soak in the surrounding type of track, a song to think to.

12. Wake Up - The Arcade Fire.
Most people know this track... i think its awesome and it reminds me of just about every concert i have ever been to at the Entertainment Centre. But i think it would make a great travelling song too.

13. Long Distance - Nizlopi
I like the upbeat feel, and the lyrics about travel.... and love.... and the trumpets.

14. Mexico - James Taylor
Nothing screams peaceful travel like James Taylor.... enough said... and if you are going to mexico its just like a travel guide... but poetic.


Once again, i am very tired.... and so i apologize for the lack of writing skill.... there will be a pt 2 coming later when i find time.

Download it 

This Weeks Mix Tape - Part 2

This was my second list, more of a sentimental one, these are songs that come back into circulation every now and then for me. You will probably already know them, you will probably hate them... but they played a part of my musical upbringing and thats all that matters.

1. Chicago - Sufjan Stevens
This was the first time i ever heard Sufjan, i was in the car with a friend listening to whatever crap commercial station he had set it to when i finally decided i'd had enough and changed it over to the J's, this really awesome chorus of people were singing this orchestrated head bopping number. I was blown away quickly slapping away his hand as he tried to change the station (because he didn't know who it was) and just fell in love with Sufjan after that. Its a great song and one that lasts with you.


2. The Way it is - Donovan Frankenreiter
I have a soft spot for artists like Jack Johnson and Xavier Rudd, Surf pop i guess you could call it, And Donovan is that and more, think Jack Johnson with some orchestrations and a bit of Jazz.... In 2008 i saw Donovan Frankenreiter live at Falls Festival, it was a rainy New years eve and the sun was just setting, but this only made the crowd go even more nuts as Donovan and band jammed, improvised and just had fun, the instrumental work was amazing and you could tell they were just letting go. It was one of the best performances i have ever seen and the fact that i was soaked meant nothing.

3. Closing In - The Living End
Chris Cheney has to be number one on my list of favorite guitarists, and this song shows exactly why, and this was off the debut album... enough said.

4. Don't Start a Band - Reel Big Fish
I went through a really big SKA phase. I couldnt stop listening to it, punk rock with horns... awesome. Since then i have moved into less 90's stylings but i still always keep a spot free for SKA.
Why this song? I dunno... its fun.

5. Pretty in Pink - Dresden Dolls
This song is in here for two reasons, one... i love the dresden dolls, Amanda palmer is an awesome lyricist (i know... this is a cover... not her lyrics i get it!) as well as a musician. The other reason is that i never got a chance to grow up with John Hughes films... in fact the only one i really ever watched was Ferris Bueller...until now. I just got a box set and i am finally watching  The Breakfast Club and well.... Pretty in Pink.

6. Bottle Rocket - The Go! Team
This song is pure motivation... funky dance tunes over cheerleaders, what could be more uplifting. This is one of my top Gym songs, makes working out so much easier.

7. Shizukana Hibi No Kaidoan Wo - Dragon Ash
This was the end track from Battle Royale... this film was awesome. Battle royale was the first film to get me into asian cinema and now i am surrounded by it. As for the song itself, although i dont understand it i have to admit it is really catchy. Go Japanese Hip Hop!!

8. Run Free - Hanz Zimmer
For a long while i had an obsession with Film scores and in some ways i still do. Hanz Zimmer is the master of action scores, he knows how to bring up images of chases and explosions through music as well as emotion. This was the score for the Animated Film Spirit : Stallion of the Cimmaron, (i think thats what its called) its a great peice of music and made up the soundtrack for many a trip with certain friends.

9. All coming back to me - Meatloaf
This was just a really unexpected find for me, Originally this song was written for meatloaf to sing on Bat out of hell 2.... however it wasn't and so it was given to Celine Dion... But in Bat out of Hell 3 it was returned to Meatloaf. This was an exceptional album, and i would reccomend people listen to it. Throw away your pre conceived notions, he is awesome! This song is a good example of that.

10. Scatmans World - John Scatman
I dont really have an explination for this... apparently he stuttered and thats why john scats.... enjoy. Scatfest is coming!


Sorry this is poorly written... i am still shaking from having just met MC Hammer!!!! You can find all the songs here as well in Zip.