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SPEAK NOW OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR PIECE
Does spoken word have a place in the music world? Sydney's
The Aerial Maps have released an acclaimed second album,
with "the Bard of Bondi" Adam Gibson taking us on a trip
around the nation in his distinctive Aussie accent, backed
by a band featuring Simon Holmes from The Hummingbirds.
And now Traralgon's finest songwriter, Danny McDonald, has
gone down the spoken word path with his new single, the
gloriously nostalgic In Melbourne Tonight (available as
a free download at dannymcdonald.com.au). "In recent years,
I've become increasingly interested in the lyrical aspect
of songwriting," Danny tells Howzat! "I've always tried
to capture a strong sense of atmosphere, time and place
in my songs, and I felt that the spoken word approach in
the verses captured the general aesthetic that I was trying
to convey. It's something I plan to explore further with
my songwriting."
Danny is a big fan of The Aerial Maps. "I'd be fibbing if
I said their debut album (In The Blinding Sunlight) hadn't
rubbed off on me. Adam Gibson is a very talented writer,
who I really respect." Danny was also inspired by Aussie
artist Howard Arkley, having read a book about his life
called Not Just A Suburban Boy. "Arkley's ability to conjure
such an incredibly accurate representation of Melbourne
suburban culture - so intriguing, yet ordinarily dull -
is something that has long inspired me and I suppose I was
looking to capture a similar sort of ambience through a
different medium."
Danny writes of "rattling trams and the smell of the laneway
jasmine vines … the leafy streets and the dubious weather
… exotic plants in a concrete courtyard". Despite Melbourne
being the song's subject, Danny has spent most of his life
about two hours away. "I was born in Gippsland, moved to
Melbourne for a couple of years after finishing high school
and then returned to Gippsland, settling just east of Traralgon.
But my family originally came from Melbourne and we still
have strong roots there." Danny refers to a Benson Street
house in In Melbourne Tonight. "Wouldn't you love to own
it now," he reflects. "It's in Surrey Hills, a beautiful
old home that my great grandparents, grandparents, uncles,
aunts and cousins lived in for many years up until the late
'80s. I have fond memories of family gatherings there. Coincidentally,
it's not that far from the Surrey Hills house where Howard
Arkley grew up."
MAPPING MELBOURNE
The Aerial Maps is an apt name for Adam Gibson's band, because
he is looking over the nation, mapping its delights and
darkness. As Tony McMahon stated in Inpress, he's "illuminating
a dark and mysterious Australian gothic in song". The Aerial
Maps are heading to Melbourne next Friday to launch their
new album, The Sunset Park (at Bella Union, 16 September).
"I love playing live, it's unreal," Adam says. "My father
was a big band leader, so my brother and I grew up watching
him perform. It never felt like a big deal to get up on
stage and perform but now I realise it is a big deal for
a lot of people. Sometimes when it's just the bar staff
and three drunks who are there to watch the footy, it gets
a bit testing, but generally it's fun."
STAG PARTY
Thunderstruck is the name of an impressive AC/DC tribute
band, who played at Billy Slater's 200th game. Thunderstag
is the name of the new band for "Big Daddy" Julian James
and Ben Meano from The Shine. It's classic Oz rock, with
thundering guitars and a nod and a wink. Song titles include
Slut Hungry, Hades Ladies and C'mon And Lick It. Thunderstag
launch their self-titled album at the Corner on Friday,
as part of Wrestlerock. As they say, go hard or go home.
HOW DO YOU GET YOUR KICKS?
After the controversy surrounding Lionel Richie's appearance
at last year's Grand Final replay, it's been great to see
the AFL embracing local rock this year. Howzat! would still
like to see Paul Kelly at this year's Grand Final, but we're
pleased to report that Aussie acts will be part of the finals
series. This Sunday, before the mighty Bombers take on Carlton,
the crowd will be entertained by Absolutely 80s, featuring
Sean Kelly, Scott Carne, Dale Ryder and Bombers fan Brian
Mannix.
CHART WATCH
Gotye spends a fourth week at number one. Two homegrown
hits are in the Top 10, but they're the only Aussie entries
in the Top 40.
Somebody That I Used To Know GOTYE (number one)
Inescapable JESSICA MAUBOY (six)
Gotye enjoys just a one-week reign on top of the Aussie
albums chart, with Adele's 21 returning to number one.
Making Mirrors GOTYE (number three)
White Heat: 30 Hits ICEHOUSE (five, debut)
Yes I Am JACK VIDGEN (six)
Moonfire BOY & BEAR (13)
Rrakala GURRUMUL (14)
Ghosts Of The Past ESKIMO JOE (16)
Only Sparrows JOSH PYKE (18)
Future Shade THE HERD (22, debut)
Like Drawing Blood GOTYE (24)
Get 'Em Girls JESSICA MAUBOY (25)
Roy DAMIEN LEITH (26)
Smoko At The Pet Food Factory FRENZAL RHOMB (31)
Seeker Lover Keeper SEEKER LOVER KEEPER (32)
Double Platinum THE TEN TENORS (34)
Gurrumul GURRUMUL (38)
The Ending Is Just The Beginning Repeating THE LIVING END
(39)
HOWZAT! PLAYLIST
In Melbourne Tonight DANNY McDONALD
The Sunset Park THE AERIAL MAPS
Wish Your Way GOODBYEMOTEL
Dark Magic SAND PEBBLES
Hades Ladies THUNDERSTAG
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