Soundwave - The Text Review

Soundwave 2013 

Reviewed through the wonders of text messaging 

24/02/2013, RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane

As another music festival tours Australia, we here at It's My Kind Of Scene take it on via the world's favourite form of communication and the only way we know how, text message style in our second text review of the year! This time, it's Australia's biggest rock festival, Soundwave. We discuss all sorts of topics in the only way music festivals should be reviewed; with limited characters and word count. You get to read all about the Soundwave patrons, how amazing Garbage were, the size of Metallica's egos and you get to see where texting technonology fails and makes up it's own characters when huge groups of people congregate in one place at the one time. 

It's Matt's white text bubbles on the left and Jo's multi-coloured text bubbles on the right. Welcome to Soundwave 2013, the text review!

 Mike Patton has been in lots of bands. Tomahawk is one. 
Just shut up about Faith No More.

 

Want more Soundwave? You can check out the patrons and more at the itsmykindofscene instagram pics via our facebook page here

It's All Coming Back To Me Now - It's My Party, I'll Invite Who I Want To

Courtney Love...the life of the party?

My Hottest 100 Party Is Hotter Than Your Hottest 100 Party

by Jo Michelmore

What are you doing on Saturday? No, it’s not an invitation, I’ve got plans. I was just wondering. Chances are, if you’re Australian, or you’ve lived in Australia, or you know someone Australian or maybe you just know where Australia is and you’ve found yourself on our blog, then you would have heard of the JJJ Hottest 100. (No? Who are you? Welcome, but who are you?) The JJJ Hottest 100 is an interesting countdown, sometimes controversial, sometimes dull, sometimes awesome, sometimes thought provoking (but generally not) and its counted every year as it has been  since 1993.

This means there’s been all sorts of songs involved, 1900 of them to be specific and that’s not even counting the ‘all time’ countdowns. See my maths there? Hot. Anyway, I figure, a lot of people are going to have the traditional hottest 100 party, and with any party, you have to be careful who you invite. No one wants any weird guests hanging around in dark corners and no one wants Mr Boring to show up. You want people who will drag everyone onto the make shift dance floor, or you want someone completely crackers, so you can talk about that amazing party years from now.  If the hottest 100 countdown was a party, which songs would you invite and which ones would you close the door on if they knocked? Let’s see….

Not Invited

Denis Leary - Asshole
 Number 1, 1992

The source of all truth and information, Wikipedia, says this about Dennis Leary’s song;

“The word "asshole" is said at least 28 times….the word "fuck" is said four times and also "piss" is used three times. "Goddamn" is also uttered.”

Um, no one wants assholes at their party. Denis, you’re not invited.

Invited
Radiohead - Creep
Number 2, 1992

Even though in combination with Denis Leary’s Asshole, it seems 1992 had a lot of self esteem issues, this song definitely would get an invite, because everyone loves to sing along “but I'm a creep, I'm a weirdo, what the hell am I doing here? I don't belong here” and really, everyone is a bit of a creep every now and then, aren’t they? Every good party needs a good creep.

Not Invited

The Offspring- Pretty Fly For A White Guy
Number 1, 1998

This is the year I stopped thinking the Hottest 100 was a real actual voted countdown. This is the year I decided it had to have been industry pushed and bought and rigged, because I couldn’t accept that the JJJ voting public would possibly vote this song as number one. Oh, how naive I was. Yes, sometimes, people like really crap music and anyone who likes really crap music would not be invited to my party. Offspring? No, you’re not welcome at my party.

Invited

Hole - Celebrity Skin
Number 4, 1998

 

Now this song, this song would be the absolute life of my party. Who wouldn’t invite Courtney and Co. to scream “heeeeeeeey, glad that you could make it” in their lounge room? After they were done screaming that they’d start screaming obscenities at all your guests and the party would become one of those stories told years from now; “Remember that party Courtney went crackers in the backyard?” Yep, this song would be would definitely be invited.

Not Invited

Alex Lloyd - Amazing
Number 1, 2001

The funniest part about this song is that it just wasn’t amazing. It was average. Incredibly average. In fact, I challenge you to remember the last time you played it. You haven’t have you? Not since 2001. Amazing, you’d be that weirdo sitting in the corner, drinking on your own and stealing everyone’s chips. EVERYONE'S chips. You'd probably double dip too. Alex Lloyd, you are not invited.

Invited

Basement Jaxx - Where’s your Head At?
Number 4, 2001

Basement Jaxx, I really have no idea where you’ve been or what else you did, so you’d be invited to my party, as that crazy guest; no one really knows where you came from or who invited you and even though you’re stealing everyone else’s drinks, you’re so damn funny and you dance so well everyone likes you anyway.

Not Invited, Ever

Kings Of Leon- Sex On Fire
Number 1, 2008

and

Kings Of Leon- Use Somebody
Number 3, 2008

 

Kings Of Leon, no matter how many times you appear in the top 10, you will never be invited to my party. You would be the most boring party guest to have ever been invited, excluding Coldplay. You are responsible for possibly the tackiest and worst rhyme in all modern music; “and you, your sex is on fire, consumed with what's to transpire” which is completely unforgivable. No invite for you.

Invited, Twice

The Presets - Talk Like That
Number 6, 2008

and

The Presets - This Boy’s In Love
Number 8, 2008

 

I’d invite either of these songs to my party. They’re so darn catchy, everyone would love them.  They wouldn’t even have to bring anything, just themselves. Any party, any time, The Presets are more than welcome. Yep.



Wherever you are in the world, if you're having a hottest 100 party, I hope only your favourite songs attend. Mine? I'll be happy if 360 and Lana Del Rey don't come, but I just know they're going to try and gatecrash. 

Enter Soundwave

Soundwave 2013 Line-Up Announcement

by Katie Langley

Soundwave 2012 tugged on the heart strings of my inner teenager. I got loco with Coal Chamber, did it all for the nookie with Limp Bizkit, was one of the beautiful people watching Marilyn Manson, and ahhh…. with Slipknot.

 

The first announcement for the 2013 Soundwave line-up was revealed this week, and my inner teenager did squeak a little, again…

Metallica, Linkin Park, Blink 182, A Perfect Circle, The Offspring, Paramore, Garbage, Tomahawk, Stone Sour, Kyuess Lives, Anthrax, Sum 41, Dragonforce, All Time Low, Flogging Molly, Ghost, Duff McKagan’s Loaded, Motion City Soundtrack, The Lawrence Arms, Kingdom of Sorrow, Fozzy, Sleeping With Sirens, Cancer Bats, Madball, Vision of Disorder, Pierce The Veil, Periphery, Shai Hulud, Of Mice & Men, Miss May I, Danjo Jones, Woe Is Me, The Wonder Years, While She Sleeps, Lucero, Such Gold, Six Feet Under, Deaf Havana, Red Fang, Chunk! No Captain Chunk!, Memphis May Fire.

Why don’t we take a little trip down memory lane?

Let the nostalgia begin.

 Judith

by A Perfect Circle

New Music Monday #10

1991 (EP)

by Azealia Banks

As Azealia Banks launches into the opening/title track of her debut EP, she completely, 100% establishes herself as the hottest new property in all of music. "1991 my time has come, Oh nah nah Ma, your time is done." She's got the attitude and she can talk the talk, but most importantly, she's got the talent to back it up. Producer Jef Martens lays down beats that will get you moving as Banks throws out confident, profanity laced rhymes that you can't help but love. I'd say this could have become the Timbaland/Missy team for new generation, but alas, one cannot be too hasty. Banks moves on to Paul Epworth (Adele, Florence + The Machine) for her debut LP, Broke With Expensive Taste. Comparisons to Missy Elliott are sure to arise from Banks' performance on '1991.' Obviously any young female MC will have been inspired in some way by Elliott and it's nice to see that Azealia is carrying Missy's 'She's A Bitch' torch throughout the EP. "Cause you gonna be a bitch n***a, I'ma be that bitch, what?" Heck yes! Yeah, there will be comparisons to Missy, but Azealia Banks more than stands on her own as a performing artist. She's got her own exciting style that introduces elements in an MC we've never seen before (walking the fine line between innocent and extremely vulgar), as well as honouring and developing the styles of rap and hip hop stars that have come before her. 'Van Vogue' builds on the opening number by introducing the sweet vocals (read: not rapping) that our star has housed inside her. We got to hear it before the excellent breakdown in '212' and this is just as good. It's a brief moment and we get some dog barks after it, but I'll take what I can get and hope we here more on her full-length. We then come to our bona fide super-hit of this collection. Yes, I'm talking about the aforementioned '212.' Duh. It's been slowly taking over the world since December last year and the buzz the track generated for Banks in the lead-up for this EP has been phenomenal. Truly one of, if not the best rap song of the year. Isn't it just the cutest thing when she says, "I'ma ruin you, c*nt." What's so great about Azealia Banks? Her delivery of that line right there. It's distasteful, hilarious, threatening and endearing... all rolled into one perfect package. As amazing as it is, the one fault you can put on '212' is that it's too hard an act to follow. Subsequently, 1991's final track, 'Liquorice,' doesn't have the impact it might have had if things were different. Really, it's just more of the same; acceptable yet ultimately not memorable. You know what though? It's still better than anything on Nicki Minaj's new album. There, I said it. Due to the success of '212' an EP was essential to satiate fan hunger before September's release of Broke With Expensive Taste. The move to not rush her debut is admirable and working with such a high-profile name like Epworth leads to the possibility of us hearing something groundbreaking when its finally out. 1991 stands on its own though as a fun introduction to music's next big superstar. There's a lot more to it than the brilliant '212' and it's well worth the price of admission.

Matt Bond gives the 1991 EP four Missy Elliott's out of five...

Glasshouse Living (EP)

by Molly Contogeorge

Over the past decade, Australia has built up an amazing collection of female singer-songwriters, with names like Sarah Blasko, Missy Higgins, Kate Miller-Heidke and Lisa Mitchell leading the way. I'd say it's only a matter of time before we can add Sydney's Molly Contogeorge to that incredible list. Her sophomore EP, Glasshouse Living, features four tracks that showcase one of Australia's great emerging songwriters. Contogeorge has the right kind of modern jazz/pop voice that holds your attention on each song's excellent lyrics. 'Lead on, Lead on' is a welcome introduction to Molly's style and sets her apart from the Blasko's and Higgins' of the Australian music industry. There's an infectious tune that puts Contogeorge's style in line with a more upbeat Nicole Atkins. Third track, 'Lock and Key,' is the highlight of the EP; a little darker than the other tracks and Contogeorge gets a little grungier with her vocals. Heading down a rock and roll path could be a very interesting direction for her. Closing out Glasshouse Living is the ballad 'Why?' "We ask the same questions and tell all the same lies." Beautifully written and performed by Molly, listen to 'Why?' once and you wont be forgetting it any time soon. Actually, it leaves you wanting to hear a lot more from Molly Contogeorge. Hopefully we'll be hearing her debut LP soon.

Matt Bond gives the Glasshouse Living EP four Michael Hutchence's out of five...   

NEW MUSIC VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Days Go By

by The Offspring

Album: Days Go By (2012)

You know when you hear a song on a commercial and it sounds kind of familiar, like something you know but just not quite right? You know when some company’s advertising budget doesn’t cover getting the original artist’s song, so they get some terrible dodgy cover of the song done for their terrible dodgy ad? Well, hi Offspring. Someone’s got a bad case of Foo envy don’t they? Except I hope Dave Grohl wouldn’t be caught dead singing those lyrics; “All your anger all your hurt doesn’t matter in the end, those days go by and we all start again”; did you write these in high school? You, Dexter Holland, singer person, I've never understood how you got that gig? I’ve heard better voices at bad karaoke, not to mention good karaoke. As for your new clip, all these layered images are just to distract from your wrinkles aren’t they? You’re almost all in your forties, how long can someone keep playing teenage style average middle of the road pop punk? Oh well, forever I guess and this song will probably be quite popular too, but as they say, there’s no accounting for taste. LMFAO have made millions of sales. 

Jo Michelmore gives the 'Days Go By' video one Chad Kroeger out of five...

Top 200 Songs of the 1990s, #90 - 81

"Crash and burn, all the stars explode tonight."

The countdown to end all countdowns returns! I had a really fun weekend in Wales at the Green Man festival, checking out some cool music from Mumford & Sons, Laura Marling, Darwin Deez, Fionn Regan, Beirut and some other folky peeps that I'd never heard of before. The highlight was the crazy visual bonanza that was The Flaming Lips. If you haven't seen them, find out where they're playing next and then go and see them. Even if it's in China. Anyway, I'll put up some pictures and maybe a sneaky video or two to show you how incredible they are. Aaaaand enough about me... let's get straight back into the countdown!

#90 - Self Esteem (1994)

by The Offspring

Ginger dreads... not acceptable. Moving on. The Offspring tend to be overlooked for their contributions to music. Probably because they tainted themselves with 'Pretty Fly (For A White Guy),' literally selling out to obtain a #1 smash-hit. Good for them, money is awesome. Uh.. I mean, boo! Fight the power... or something. 'Self Esteem' poops all over 'Pretty Fly' in every single way, the lyrics are great, the guitar riff is unforgettable.

#89 - I'll Stand By You (1994)

by The Pretenders

A generation of youth think 'I'll Stand By You' is a, "super fun Girls Aloud song!!!" Shame.

#88 - ...Baby One More Time (1999)

by Britney Spears

It turned a young American girl from Louisiana into the biggest star in the world and changed the music industry in the lead-up to the 2000s. Everything started here for Ms Spears. There had been no marriages, divorces, kids, pashes with Madonna, spontaneous head shavings or fights with parked jeeps armed only with an umbrella. There was only a girl, dancing in a trashy school girl outfit ready to take on a world thats obsession for her would take her to the highest of highs and lowest of lows. Everyone knows '...Baby One More Time' and secretly/not so secretly everyone loves it. Don't be ashamed, this is manufactured pop perfection. Embrace it.

#87 - Malibu (1998)

by Hole

#86 - Celebrity Skin (1998)

by Hole

Celebrity Skin was one of the finest rock albums to come out of the 90s. Courtney Love seemed to have everything under control and managed to put out the best work she had ever produced. 'Malibu' and 'Celebrity Skin' are testament to how far she had come as a songwriter (or, more accurately co-songwriter) and frontwoman. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the creative peak of Mrs Cobain and these are two of the best songs of the 1990s.

#85 - Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) (1997)

by Green Day

If you graduated in anything in the late 90s you knew they were going to play 'Good Riddance.' They still do, however, at the time it was awesome. Now it just instantly makes you groan in the predictability of it all. Still, great song that always makes me think of Seinfeld. I miss that show.

#84 - Miss You Love (1999)

by Silverchair

I'd take this over 'Straight Lines' any day of the week.

#83 - Scar Tissue (1999)

by Red Hot Chili Peppers

'Scar Tissue' ushered in a new age for the Chili Peppers, showing that they could adapt their music to interest a new generation of listeners while still keeping their older fans satisfied. They did a good job. 'Scar Tissue' firmly cemented them as one of the biggest bands in the world.

#82 - Don't Let Go (Love) (1996)

by En Vogue

En Vogue is a badass girl group name. Sugababes? The Saturdays? Atomic...freaking...Kitten? Kneel before the mighty En Vogue. Greatest girl group song of the 90s and it's better than anything Destiny's Child put out. Yeah... I went there.

#81 - Killing In The Name (1992)

by Rage Against The Machine

You know a song's important when it's used in a campaign to reclaim the bizarrely important UK Christmas #1 spot from Simon Cowell's neon claw. 'Killing In The Name' was that song and it won, becoming the first song ever to reach the top of the charts in the UK on downloads alone... and that's almost 20 years AFTER it was released.