Choons

12:55 Sep 30, 2010 23

First, despite today's reversion to recent poor form, can I just say Thank F***k the weather finally changed in Auckland. That first sunny day in (more or less) months coinciding with the first day of daylight savings. I felt like a jumbo box of antidepressants had just arrived in the mail.

I was supposed to go to a swishy cocktail function in town, but decided instead to ride around the burbs with the missus (I got her a bike for her birthday, and not because she's 5) and I felt like a kid again - the long lazy afternoon just peddling around the streets for no real reason. Then I came home and finally planted the seed potatoes that had been germinating quietly in the corner of the lounge. Which made me feel 60. So it all evened out.

When my friends overseas boast about all the great music acts they get to see living in NYC or London, I must admit feeling envious. It doesn't last long - I love living here and do so by choice, and it only takes the thought of a week camping on Great Barrier, fishing, diving for cray and scallops for me to remember why I'm here.

But then, bonus, these next few months are as awash with great gigs as the Barrier is with fat scollies.

This very weekend, for instance, will find me listening to the sober tones of Joy Division bassist Peter Hook performing (with band) the entire Unknown Pleasures album from start to finish. The Saturday sold out pretty smartly but I believe there are still tickets for the Sunday night show (which I'm going to) and the Powerstation, which is definitely my new favourite old venue. Sure it's not Joy Division as such, but it's as close as any of us are likely to get so I reckon it's worth a look.

The following week promises to seriously ruin my half-marathon training (which is going well thanks), with the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards on Thursday (tickets are $20)...

...then the next night sees Eru Dangerspiel at the Auckland Town Hall. Eru Dangerspiel is Riki Gooch's (Trinity Roots) alter ego, and in true Welly styles it's a massive collaboration with the likes of Anna Coddington, Whirimako Black; Joe, Scott and Toby from Fat Freddy's; Isaac and Chip from Opensouls, King Kapisi and a bunch more... I'm told by a friend that the last Town Hall gig was "a religious experience" (and at $47.50 I reckon it's not a bad deal either...) - Riki/Eru will be on Public Address Radio this weekend too.

Also, after interviewing them both recently for PA Radio, I'm planning on checking out the Kids of 88 and Naked & Famous release tour (again at the Powerstation, I think I'll be upstairs for that and leave the downstairs for the 'Dickheads' who I'm sure will be in ready supply that night. I'm expecting both the bands to go off though...

After all the synth pop I'll be needing a soul fix - Ladi6 will be having a release gig for her new album at the Powerstation on November 4 (she's back from a Europe support tour with Gil Scott Heron!) and then the incredible Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings land just before Xmas. If you're not familiar with Sharon Jones, this remix is a great place to start (hat-tip Automatic @95bfm for that one...)

And then... and this has really made my week... the best Big Day Out line-up in years. A great mix of old - Primal Scream playing the 'Screamadelica" album - awesome) - Iggy and the Stooges - Shihad playing 'The General Electric' and the not-so-old - Nick Cave's Grinderman, M.I.A and LCD Soundsystem particularly floating my boat in that department. I've been iffy about the lineups for the past couple years (although I've always enjoyed the day, and the organisers have really nailed it) but this one is a no-brainer.

And then... after a week soaking up the sun and sea on Great Barrier, it'll be time to head to the Powerstation again for The National, who still hold the #1 spot in my trophy cabinet for their Kings Arms show a couple of years back. First concert's already sold out in 30 minutes, but the second one's still available I think. Definitely worth it (and go and buy 'Boxer' and 'Alligator' at least if you're not familiar) - here's 'Fake Empire' from 'Boxer' performed on Letterman.

And then Public Enemy... and then...

Point being, I reckon we're doing okay. You can keep yer English fortnight of fine weather. Bill English says that after years of spending too much, now we've gone in the other direction - so now's the time to exercise your credit card on your nearest ticketing website - if not for you, then for the country.

23 responses to this post

Rik, 14:05 Sep 30, 2010

Don't forget Sun Araw @ Whammy Bar on 15th Oct...we do OK down here in NZ.

Since Jun 2007 • 130 posts Report
Julian Melville, 14:08 Sep 30, 2010

Yep the lineup for the next few months looks superb!
(P.S. can it please be "pedalling"?)

Auckland • Since Dec 2006 • 200 posts Report
Danyl Mclauchlan, 14:11 Sep 30, 2010

The National, who still hold the #1 spot in my trophy cabinet for their Kings Arms show a couple of years back. First concert's already sold out in 30 minutes, but the second one's still available I think.
Also sold out. Fuck.

Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 927 posts Report
Sofie Bribiesca, 14:48 Sep 30, 2010

Point being, I reckon we're doing okay.
Yeah, doing okay.
I am looking forward to Paul Weller at the Powerstation at the end of October. Summer's coming!

here and there. • Since Nov 2007 • 6796 posts Report
BenWilson, 15:33 Sep 30, 2010

Too right on the weather. The choon that sprang to my mind as the sun came out, an oldie but a goodie:
"One of these days, you're gonna rise up singing
Spread your wings, and take to the sky"
- Summertime, various artists, Ella Fitzgerald being my favourite.
And I also took to 2 wheels and just went a-rambling. It feels like a great weight has been lifted, to be honest.

Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 10657 posts Report
Tony Parker, 15:34 Sep 30, 2010

Funnily enough here in HB I'm not as enthused about gig going-but that could have something to do with the need to travel to see anything apart from the usual winery concerts we get each summer. And there's nothing I'd put myself out to travel to see at the moment anyway. But if you're out and about in Auckland tonight top HB band Devils Elbow are playing the new band night at Shadows in support of their great new album. If you're into alt country/Replacements rock and roll they're a good band and feature Andrew once of Garageland on drums.

Napier • Since Nov 2008 • 232 posts Report
Simon Grigg, 16:43 Sep 30, 2010

Summertime, various artists, Ella Fitzgerald being my favourite.
Try the version on the newish Brian Wilson album if you've not heard it. I grimaced when I read of the forthcoming Reimagines Gershwin album a few months lack but he actually pulls it off, with a couple of bumps.

Just another klong... • Since Nov 2006 • 3284 posts Report
Jackie Clark, 17:26 Sep 30, 2010

We get an enormous array of music down here considering how far these peeps have to travel. I am most excited - and most unapologetic about it - to see Simply Red. Some say Hucknall is cheesy, and he is, but his music just makes me happy. And that, after all is said and done, is what this music listening lark is all about.

Mt Eden, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 3136 posts Report
George Darroch, 18:30 Sep 30, 2010

We get an enormous array of music down here considering how far these peeps have to travel.
Yes, especially when you consider that most of the countries in between get very few. The advantages of living close ( by our standards, but certainly not by European or American ones) to Australia.
With the sellouts, bands rarely seem to upgrade to larger venues. Why is that? A shortage of bookable venues, or is it for other reasons related to the business?

WLG • Since Nov 2006 • 2264 posts Report
Simon Grigg, 18:52 Sep 30, 2010

With the sellouts, bands rarely seem to upgrade to larger venues.
Various reasons..a signed contract; bigger venues incur more in way of costs and it's often safer for the promoter in a risky business to gratefully bank the cheque; and the venue sometimes underwrites the gig and/or the venues booze suppliers.
Yes, especially when you consider that most of the countries in between get very few.
Which mostly comes down to the fact that most audiences, especailly in Asia, are reluctant to pay the sort of money to see an act that an Australian (which is the main reason acts come south) or NZ audience will.
In Bangkok NZ$15-20 will get you into a venue for an international act with the first two drinks free. Few will pay more which cuts out acts that are not label supported.

Just another klong... • Since Nov 2006 • 3284 posts Report
Zach Bagnall, 23:40 Sep 30, 2010

Hey it's been rather more than a fortnight this year - t-shirt weather since June.

Colorado • Since Nov 2006 • 121 posts Report
Simon Chamberlain, 01:59 Oct 1, 2010

You guys get the New Pornographers soon, too: I'd definitely recommend seeing them. (Probably no Neko Case, but still worth it). NZ's definitely been getting some good bands in the last few years.
Zach's right about the weather here too. And I'm seeing the National for the third time this year in a couple of weeks :D. Plus trying to decide whether to book to see the Primals' Screamadelica gig again they bring it back here. On the one hand, I'll have already seen it; on the other - much better venue (Brixton Academy v Olympia), and it is one of my favourite albums....

London • Since Aug 2007 • 33 posts Report
BlairMacca, 10:00 Oct 1, 2010

And yet none of these bands are coming to Wellington (sigh)....

Wellington • Since Apr 2007 • 208 posts Report
Lucy Loo, 13:28 Oct 1, 2010

I just happened to catch The National last month as both they and I were rather randomly passing through Switzerland. Such a cool and intimate (only about 2000 people) outdoor summer festival and they were truly in magnificent form.
As someone who was also at the Kings Arms gig a couple of years back, standing beside the freakishly tall Oliver Driver I can testify to the #1 trophy spot. The small setting and the intensity of their live show were spell-binding. I just love this band and can't seem to get their latest CD out of my car stereo. I have a near pathological obsession with tracks 2 and 8. Almost wish I was going again at the Powerstation.
Although living in Europe still has huge advantages. In the space of a month I saw LCD soundsystem, Massive Attack and Fat Freddy's in Paris, The National, Faithless, Iggy, Motorhead (?) and Peaches in Switzerland and then Hot Chip and Arcade Fire in London.
However to cap off that wanky paragraph, it has rained the last two days and before we know it, it will be dark at 4:30pm.

Brighton, UK • Since Oct 2010 • 1 posts Report
Mike Hollywood, 14:33 Oct 1, 2010

and of course the 3x sold out Paul Weller gigs at the Powerstation come month end. Not being overly familiar with Auckland venues, I'm relieved to read your positive thoughts on that particular venue Damian. I was at the Logan Campbell for The Specials last year and while the band itself blew me away, the venue wasn't so great. Looking forward to Weller.
Just on the Hook/Joy Division thing - at least Hook's voice will suit the JD songs. Anyone familiar with New Order's first post-JD album 'Movement' will know how similar Hook's baritone sounds to that of Ian Curtis (Hook sung a few tracks on that release before Sumner took over NO's vocals on later albums). That'll be a decent gig.

Since May 2009 • 51 posts Report
3410, 14:37 Oct 1, 2010

I was at the Logan Campbell for The Specials last year and while the band itself blew me away, the venue wasn't so great.
The Logan Concrete Centre, some used to call it.

Auckland • Since Jan 2007 • 2618 posts Report
Bruce Wurr, 20:26 Oct 1, 2010

hey damian, I've been fortunate enough to see a few of those things being based in london. I'll be interested in what people think of the Joy Division thing. I'm a massive fan, both of them and new order and to be frank, while I love all things those groups (and hopefully always will) I found it to be pretty disappointing. I've seen a couple of hooky spoken words, and been to see his new band freebass, all of which were great in their own way....also seen Bernard's new band twice - Bad Lieutenant, also really enjoyable.
But the unknown pleasures thing seemed like a step too far. I found myself wondering if it was really necessary that I see this - to be honest I was cringing a bit. Admittedly the venue wasn't great - a hot summer festival day in shoreditch - but it just seemed a bit sad really.
Just my opinion of course, as I said, I'd be interested in what people think when he plays back home. It's great so many good bands go through there, kudos to the promoters, particularly mystery girl and the other feller (can't remember the name of his company) matt c.
On a final note - everyone should go and see the fall. He's pretty incoherent these days, but it's always worth it, even if it's just to see how badly he treats his band!

Auckland • Since Dec 2006 • 97 posts Report
Sacha, 00:03 Oct 2, 2010

none of these bands are coming to Wellington (sigh)
Not enough people live there

Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report
Islander, 00:23 Oct 2, 2010

And almost nobody lives on the Coast...
"Summertime" is one of those truly great songs, almost unsingable by people with a normal range...I first heard it in the film version of "Porgy & Bess" and have 10 versions so far.
DSo I love it?
Lots.

Big O, Mahitahi, Te Wahi … • Since Feb 2007 • 5643 posts Report
Gareth Davidson, 15:28 Oct 5, 2010

...can I just say Thank F***k the weather finally changed...
Capital F, indicating a proper noun, three asterixes = five letters in total. Who is Frank, and what control over the weather does he hold?

Sydney • Since Mar 2007 • 59 posts Report
Geoff Lealand, 16:39 Oct 5, 2010

I thought it might be Flick (The Little Fire Engine).

Screen & Media Studies, U… • Since Oct 2007 • 2562 posts Report
Danielle, 16:43 Oct 5, 2010

Not being overly familiar with Auckland venues, I'm relieved to read your positive thoughts on that particular venue Damian.
The Powerstation is a really good venue if you're short, too. I heart it.

Charo World. Cuchi-cuchi!… • Since Nov 2006 • 3828 posts Report
3410, 16:46 Oct 5, 2010

Maybe not the greatest version, but name anyone who beats Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sam Cooke. Nevertheless, it's cool enough.
The Zombies, Shindig, 1965:

Auckland • Since Jan 2007 • 2618 posts Report