February 2012
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January 2012
20 posts
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“Life has become immeasurably better since I have been forced to stop taking it...”
– Hunter S Thompson
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What's the difference?
All I want is enough money or respect so that I am labeled eccentric rather than insane.
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“Fear is just another word for ignorance”
– Hunter S Thompson
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December 2011
11 posts
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Either / Or

Elliot Smith - if you have never had the pleasure of an introduction - was one of the most talented singer songwriters of the 1990s/early 2000s. Back when Indie was still independent and underground, Smith used a his multi instrumental talents, a 4 track recorder and the bedrooms, bathrooms, basements and living rooms of various houses to create some of the most poignant songs you could ever...
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My Funeral
I dont want my death and subsequent funeral / memorial service to be a tear fest, I want it to be a memorial and an experience. With music playing such a big part in funerals - so often for the wrong reasons - I want it to be a factor in making the funeral a memorable experience, but not necessarily one with the express desire of bringing on tears.
I have always thought a Jazz Funeral, an...
The Man in Black.
Funeral - Arcade Fire
I don’t care what genre or type of music you like, Death Metal, Soul or Classical. This album transcends music. It is a beautiful piece of art - music at its best.
The Arcade Fire released their debut album ‘Funeral’ in 2004. It was given its title because several band members had recently lost members of their families. This is certainly not the focus of the album, but along the...
WatchBe Comfortable, Creature…….
Love this.
Public Enemy - It Takes a Nation of Millions to...
Released in 1988 was the seminal album from East Coast hip hip group Public Enemy. It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back has been regarded by music writers and publications as one of the most significant albums of the 1980s, as well as one of the greatest hip hop albums of all-time. The work has been hailed for its production techniques as well as the socially and politically-charged...
N.W.A - Straight Outta Compton
“you are about to witness the strength of street knowledge”
It does not matter how many listens I give this album, I press play and Dr Dre announces that first line - I just know i am about to hear something special.
“Straight Outta Compton” was probably not the first Gangsta Rap Album, but it created a revolution in hip hop and perhaps gave birth to the sub- genre...
“If you’re going to be crazy, you have to get paid for it or else you’re going to...”
– Hunter S. Thompson (via lostinablog)
September 2011
2 posts
Nirvana - Nevermind. 20 years on.
Today it is 20 years since the release of Nevermind 20 years ago I had my mind blown by this album. I had heard Bleach, a friend had it, but I think it was a bit raw for my tastes. I was into metal about then. anyway, along came Nevermind - WOW. This changed music for me and just about everyone else. Very very special. To think there are teens and adults getting around today who have no...
A rocking Friday Afternoon. Have a listen.
Stumbled across this awesome LA singer songwriter Hanni El Khatib. Today he just might be favourite artist in the world. Perfect day for these tunes. Copyright © 2011 Down is the new up
August 2011
5 posts
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A little excited....
Explosions in the sky just announced a tour of Australia this December.
If you are regular reader here, no doubt you have probably heard them mentioned once.
or twice. or 427 times.
I don’t think i have been this excited since the first time I saw Tool - about 1996.
Playing The Forum in Melbourne - I could not think of a better venue.
So whose coming? Explosions In The Sky 2011...
Open your mind and your ears
Not rage in me today.
Just blogging, listening, follow me……
Looking for new music, different music?
Just something?
A few ideas. This is where I started.
Loving this song more than anything else in the world right now.
Not new but none the less brilliant.
And old fave
and another
65daysofstatic
a classic that kicked off a genre
if thats not to your liking, looking to...
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An Open Letter To David Bowie – Please Don’t...
Dear David / Dave / Bowie / Mr Jones / Ziggy / Most Noble Thin White Duke,Please don’t retire. Not yet. It’s not your time. I know you’ve reached the pension period of your life, have been quiet of late, have a young daughter, have given us way more than pretty much any other artist since the mid sixties, and it’s your decision, but still. Don’t go just yet.We need you more now than ever before....
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Album Review - Watch the throne.
So Kanye and Jay-Z have released what the music media mega fawns say is the most anticipated album of the year. Originally it was going to be a 5 track EP, then they announce a full length album.
Released a few teasers.
Now I have it……. Watch the Throne.
Yeah that’s the cover. Its a bit in your face over the top glitz and glamour bling kind of thing. Trying too hard. Like...
Wake Up.
This beautiful song was the opening track from the only record by Mad Season, a collaboration between members of three big Seattle bands Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam and Screaming Trees.
Barrett Martin, Layne Staley, John Baker Saunders and Mike McCready produced a exemplary album in 1994 that is especially haunting given the subject matter and the subsequent deaths of Staley & Saunders.
I...
July 2011
7 posts
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Amy.
Amy Winehouse dead at 27. No surprise there really, but sad none the less.
Beautiful voice. Crazy life.
I hope they remember her for her voice.
and we can remember back when she was fresh faced……….
Copyright © 2011 Down is the new up
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New Kanye West & Jay-Z Song - OTIS - first listen.
Jay-Z and Kanye West are back with another track from their much anticipated upcoming album Watch The Throne. “Otis” samples Otis Redding’s “Try a Little Tenderness” Watch the Throne is out August 1 Im not really feeling the the love here - Kanye is one of the greatest producers in the world, but this sounds like it was whipped up on the fly. Jay-Z tells us “I...
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2 things you may have missed..........
Radiohead’s show at Glastonbury from June 24.The band played a surprise show at the Glastonbury Festival on June 24. The show was not broadcast by the BBC, but 34 people shared their footage and James Clarke put it all together. Radiohead – The King Of Limbs: Live From The BasementWe’ve been waiting for this one for quite some time, but here it is in full. Radiohead performing their latest...
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Brilliant Song. Brilliant Video.
I just heard about the first ever official video by one of my favourite bands Explosions in the Sky. Brilliant song of their new Album ”Take Care, Take Care, Take Care” Love the video clip - and the song. “Last Known Surroundings” Written & Performed by Explosions in the SkyDirected by PtarmakIllustration: Sissy EmmonsAnimation: David HobizalAddt’l Artistry:...
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A picture is worth 1000 words.
I love this photo. It is absolute gold. Taken by Mick Rock in 1972. Bowie, Iggy & Lou Reed. Mick Ronson in the background as always. Well things evolve and this blog aint about Albums alone anymore. The big long sprawling posts are not sustainable so I have moved to a more regular but none less thought out plan.
A music blog. Simple huh? Changes. Made me think of Bowie. Ch ch ch...
Change is coming........
I started this blog as a response to the ever growing degeneration of the album as an art form. Kids and their single song mp3 downloads. Artists responding by not making complete albums, just 3 singles and some filler.
That and getting asked all the time by others what I was listening to & what could i recommend.
Well things evolve and this blog aint about Albums alone anymore. The big...