Three songs beat as one: Exhibit A

1978:


1988:


2009:

...with Peter O'Brien as Sam Patterson

Dublin, Ireland
Sunday July 26 2009
0100 hours

We were deeply entrenched in our infinite game of spot the celebrity lookalike and points were crucial. Keep in mind points count towards a scoreline that is never maintained and will never bear witness to a final result.

It is both meaningless (in the grand scheme of things) and utterly essential (for one's pride) this game we have but whenever we resurrect it, it is battle stations. Friendship is thrown out the window and any trace of kindness in a weak suggestion is erased.

I had just spotted Eric Bana's doppelgänger in a pub in the Temple Bar district and Gillespie didn't agree.

And I was outraged.

The celebrity spotting game was introduced to us by our mutual friend and my former housemate Ian. The game was simple but came with a few caveats. For example, just because a man was of Asian descent didn't make him Jet Li. We had similar rules: entitled the Sam Jackson Protocol and the Rosie O'Donnell Method. I guess you can see where I am going with this.

I had reignited our floating game by spotting a Bono lookalike (circa Pop era) at Croke Park before the U2 concert on the Friday night.

Clearly the guy was a frontman for a tribute band (there were plenty of them playing in town this weekend) but the point counted regardless (or did it? My memory of the weekend is blurred somewhat due to the dazzling effects of the contents of my pint glass).

A little aside on the concert itself (seems that was the reason we were in Dublin in the first place). Quite frankly it was brilliant with the whole band sounding great. Bono's voice sounded a little high (even nasally) to begin with but it was unclear on whether that was the fault of the sound mix or not. It got clearer and stronger not long after and we were treated to some awesome performances. My top three were 'One' (with the bonus "Do you here us coming Lord?" coda), 'Ultraviolet (Light My Way)' and the showstopping 'Bad' - the performance of which you can see here:



Seeing U2 in their hometown was something else and a concert I will never forget.

After the concert the game continued well into the next day and night. We had a hilarious debate over a gentleman in a restaurant at dinner on Saturday. Gillespie thought he looked like Billy Bob Thornton but I said only in the mouth and chin region. Desperation is a stinky cologne and Gillespie countered with another selection on the same person, this time Gary Busey. I once again denied him his pick but it did conjure up the rare double spot possibilities afforded to anyone resembling Gary Busey because they also look like Nick Nolte by default.

In a cruel act I took a stab at the gentleman in question and came up with perennial 4th billed (and usual villain) Bruce Greenwood. My pick was denied both on the basis that Bruce Greenwood wasn't known to the majority of our dinner companions and that I was more than likely wrong.

I agree.

So here we were in the wee hours of Sunday morning at a bar that either started with an O' or a Mac and I thought I had spotted our very own Eric Bana. Now let me qualify by saying he had more of a mullet than what the real Eric would sport nowadays but if anything it was a throwback to his time on 'Full Frontal'.

So with Gillespie giving me a clear no, I boldly approached the guy that looked like the guy that played "Uncle Chop Chop" and asked if anyone had mistaken him for Eric Bana before.

I quickly discovered that he and his friends were from Holland. Shite, this was going to make things difficult to explain. They didn't know who Eric Bana was and at that moment my brain locked up on all the American movies he had been in. His most recent movie was Star Trek I told them but they responded by asking if he played Darth Vader.

I let that one go.

Knowing that Chopper was a cult hit overseas I gave that a long shot. They muttered that they were aware of the movie but as Bana was unrecognisable under the tattoos and sliced ears it was of no use. I gave up on my quest and skulked back to our table resigned to the fact I was not going to get the point.

A half a pint and a shot of sambucca later, our new Dutch friends attracted our attention from their spot across the room. This is it I thought. They have cleverly worked out who I was talking about, perhaps remembering his wooden performance in 'The Hulk' or his commanding role in 'Munich'. This was to be the comeback that people (and by people I mean no one) would be talking about for years to come. Lazarus had nothing on me.

And that is when they yelled out: "Eric Bana! From Flying Doctors!"

Double shite.

I didn't get the point bur points for trying to our brethren from The Netherlands.

They also won the award for the most random thing ever yelled out in a Dublin Pub.

This will result in hate mail: The case for Girls Aloud

A break in my trip to discuss the merits of this under appreciated pop group.

Let me say off the bat that I am not gay. I can however, as a lover of all music, be comfortable with my sexuality whilst listening to 'Freedom' by Wham (the original titled song NOT the solo hit by George Michael in 1990).

Because of this I can safely say that I like the music of British pop quintet Girls Aloud. This isn't an ironic statement, I genuinely believe they are at the pinnacle of Pop Music circa now.

I am currently flying over the Atlantic Ocean and enjoying the in flight entertainment. In between so-so romantic comedies and classic episodes of 'Father Ted' I am flicking over to the music video channel. On this particular flight they have a bounty (or should that be booty?) of Girls Aloud clips. In fact the first time I ever saw or heard this group was my last trip to Europe when I was blown away by the song and video to 'Biology'. I wondered then why they weren't popular back home in Australia.

Now our UK cousins have been buying their singles for years now, probably to the point of saturation. I'm sure they are ever so slightly sick of seeing Cheryl Cole (who I can only assume is the group's leader) on the front of tabloids but publicity, good or bad, is paramount to any pop group's longevity.

Cynics amongst you are wanting to call me out on the fact they are all stunningly good looking. That genetic certainty cannot be denied but the quality of the music they release is light years better than most of the stuff in the Top 40 back home (read: American R&B).

The writing, in the music especially, reminds me a lot of the Motown era - and let's not get precious about that comparison as Motown had teams of writers for The Supremes and The Temptations as well.

I will admit that The Spice Girls paved the way for the likes of Girls Aloud and The Sugababes ('Push The Button' should be taught in pop music classes it is so perfect) but Ginger and Co sound like talentless also rans in comparison. Probably because they are.

Anywhoo I have to go. My body says it is 9pm, my watch informs me it is the wee hours of the morning in Dublin and tonight I am watching U2 perform in their hometown with my best mate and his good friend. I need some shut eye.

Not before I fire up 'Can't Speak' one more time.

I said: "Say Chowda!"

I love Boston, I mean srsly love Boston.

If it wasn't for the whole Green Card issue and the fact that the only experience I have (apart from 2 years in a Trustee Company) is telling people to steer clear of the new Eminem album, then I'm sure I could get a job in this town. It would probably in a bar or a pizza joint beacause as you know life is (always) like a sitcom.

Beantown is full of obsessed sports fans and by that I mean fans obsessed with teams from Boston. Because it is summer it is the Redsox everywhere (and I mean everywhere) but, come the winter, everyone will be rocking the Celtics and Bruins gear. I just got back from Fenway Park (home of the Redsox and the Green Monstah) and I felt a pang of loss of the suburban Australian Football ground. Hate on Victoria Park and my beloved Windy Hill all you want but there is history in them thar fields and it is a pity they are relics of their former selves.

Boston: if you do nothing else, keep playing at Fenway Park.

Not quite true as Boston has more going for it than just sitting in the right field bleachers eating a Fenway Frank. My favourite part of time is the North End and the Italian Community that inhabit it. As you walk around the narrow streets of this little nook of Boston you gain a sense of the old school neighbourhood still in action. Posters on upcoming feasts adorn the shop windows along with Italian flags and 'Re-elect Menino' stickers. Thomas Menino is Boston's first Italian-American Mayor and in September's upcoming election his main opponent is Michael Flaherty. The Italians duking it out with the Irish once more it seems.

This time with a little less bloodshed one hopes.

Speaking of potential bloodshed I decided to have my travellers scruff shaved off cut throat style by one of the Italian Barbers in the North End. You are not a man until you sit in a chair with your life in the hands of a man that looks like your great Uncle Pauly.

Other random observations about this city:

- Most young men who work in an office seem to wear a blue open necked shirt with a white T-shirt underneath. There must be a special going on at J C Penny.

- The Samuel Adams Summer Ale in a pint is near perfection. One question though: was Sam Adams a brewer before or after he was involved in the American Revolution?

- The best remark I heard came courtesy of the hokey (yet necessary) tour bus conductor: "Coming up shortly we will be passing the studios of our local Fox News affiliate. Please note the bus slightly dips to the right when we go by" Zing!

- As I walked back from Fenway Park on this warm Boston evening I suddenly heard the classic sounds of "Summertime" by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. I assumed it was originating from a sweet ride cruising down Beacon Street bit sadly it came from a boombox strapped to the back of a low ride bike being riddin by a wannabe wigga. At least I can take comfort in knowing their is one in every town.

Time to head across the Atlantic to Dublin for a few days and watch these guys from the North Side play a few songs in a football stadium. You may have heard of them.

When you go will you send back a letter from America?

On Wednesday I set off for North America, my first lengthy period away from work since 2006. My original plan for the trip (concocted late last year) was audacious to say the least, involving hiring a car for the bulk of it and a week in the Cuban summer drinking Papa Dobles like Hemingway.

Things have changed considerably since then and whilst I have sadly cast aside my Havana nights and cities like Philly and Chi-Town the trip is still as exciting as ever. One that, predictably, has more of a music focus.

I have the great fortune of seeing Pete Yorn in New York City and U2 in Dublin. The side trip to Dublin alone WILL be a tale to tell. I am also looking forward to checking out a local blues band in Memphis and a bit of country whilst in Nashville - perhaps even visit the Grand Ole Opry itself.

Of course my holiday wouldn't be complete without hearing what catchy new tunes Mr Gillespie has cookin'.

I'll try to keep you all updated on my travels as I traverse the highways of the New World. Until then, here's something that will get the Scottish blood pumping:



See you on the other side.

February stars, floating in the dark. Temporary stars, February stars

The second of my monthly review of musical purchases and downloads for 2009. My look at January can be found here.

February was not a big month for me in terms of new music. I guess my self imposed control on spending to save for my impending trip overseas had something to do with it. Mind you I can see that ban being lifted very soon, around the time I decide that acquiring the entire Robert Palmer catalogue is somehow necessary (and urgent).

It is.

Albums

Eli "The Paperboy" Reed & The True Loves - Roll with Me

Many thanks to my good friend Scott Drummond for putting me on to this sensation. The world can have Miss Winehouse and Miss Stone, I'll keep Mr Reed and his band. It is like a long lost 60s soul album (the production has that warm Stax sound) except they are all new songs and the singer is a white kid in his 20s. Not a dud amongst the eleven tracks and I can't remember the last time I could say that about an album.

U2 - No Line On The Horizon

A 5 line critique on the biggest band in the world and their new album will get lost amongst the masses so let's stick to what you need to know:

- It is their most complete album since Achtung Baby
- Don't mistake it for being a classic like Achtung Baby, let's say it is very good
- It does not have the immediacy of All That You Can't Leave Behind (their last good album) but will eventually be seen as a superior effort
- The only low point of the album is the trio of songs in the middle and one of those is the first single 'Get On Your Boots'
- The rest is brilliant

Singles/EP's

Bob Dylan - Visions Of Johanna

This really is a story for another time and place. The only thing I will say on the matter is that I'm a man that makes mistakes but I'm a man with good intentions.

On a completely separate note, here is a cover of the tune by BRMC.

I've found grace inside a sound. I've found grace, it's all that i've found

For those of you who haven't committed copyright infringement and shied away from acquiring No Line On The Horizon I give you the following:

I had to say goodbye to Miss January, she had a hold on my mind for so long

In an attempt to keep on top of my musical purchases/downloads throughout 2009 (and not suffer the same fate as last year) I have decided to maintain a monthly review so that I can better appreciate the new arrivals to my already bloated iPod. That way I can avoid scrolling through my collection with a bemused look on my face, wondering where the devil that came from?*

Albums

Q-Tip - The Renaissance

Q-Tip came from a hot tip courtesy of my main man David Affran. A cool breezy hip-hop record that sits well with the summer here in Oz. His drawl is not for everyone but it gels with the jazzy production and is a nice foil to guests like Raphael Saddiq and Norah Jones. The most satisfying release from the rap genre since Lupe Fiasco's The Cool.

The Clash - London Calling

Let's get one thing clear: I didn't just discover The Clash. After years of working in a record store and listening to albums for free, there are many things that I am only getting around to purchasing now. Nothing more needs to be said about London Calling but I must give props to The Marquis Of Lorne who were playing it one Saturday night, reminding me that it was absent from my collection.

Minty Fresh Beats - Jaydiohead

I'll admit I haven't given this its due attention, I downloaded it off the back of the great Coldplay/Jay-Z mixtape last year. I shall endeavour to give you an update next month.

Otis Redding - Definitive Soul Collection

Another one missing from the collection though I had a handful of Otis tracks already. Soul is my weakness and if I was ever narrow-minded enough to stick to the one genre then this would be it. Currently I can't stop playing 'That's How Strong My Love Is'.

Bruce Springsteen - Working On A Dream

No one gets a free pass, not even my hero The Boss. A frustrating album that shows flashes of greatness (the bonus track 'The Wrestler') but ultimately suffers from clunky lyrics and production (please cut ties with Brendan O'Brien). Opener 'Outlaw Pete' is musically solid but ultimately sounds like The Killers attempting to do Springsteen. And is it just me or can you imagine 'Queen Of The Supermarket' appearing in a forthcoming Flight Of The Conchords episode?

Company Of Strangers - Company Of Strangers

Acquired through nefarious means, this is simply early 90s Oz nostalgia. The singles from this one off project were gold. In particular 'Motor City (I Get Lost)' where Daryl Braithwaite steals the song from James Reyne by simply belting out the refrain "Oh lay some Aretha on me!"

Singles/EP's

Bic Runga - Winning Arrow

A gorgeous track from a few years ago that I have only now got around to purchasing.



Coldplay - Viva La Vida (Thin White Duke Mix)

A free download from their website. Nice, without ever usurping the original. Waiting for the Thin White Duke treatment on Joe Satriani's 'If I Could Fly'.

Del Shannon - Callin' Out My Name

From his posthumous 1991 album Rock On! released a year after he took his own life. His voice was still as strong as it was back in 1961.

Huey Lewis & The News - Walking On A Thin Line

I awoke one morning to this stuck in my head. I had to purchase, I just had to.




U2 - Get On Your Boots

The first salvo from No Line On The Horizon. This is fun without trying ever trying to be profound. It amazes me how they can remain relevant.

*Best purchase from iTunes whilst under the influence ever!

The best U2 song you haven't heard/Soundtracktion

First and foremost, the above song 'The Ground Beneath Her Feet' is the fookin' bollocks (why do I always take on the persona of Noel Gallagher when I write?). Mercifully tacked on to the end of All That You Can't Leave Behind it was originally from the soundtrack to the heavily criticised film The Million Dollar Hotel. Despite being a big fan of U2, I am yet to see the film nor do I own its soundtrack, but I have already spoken at length elsewhere in cyberspace about the commitment of being a fan so let's move on to the real reason for this post.

When's the last time you bought a soundtrack album? I thought so.

I currently own one album of songs from or inspired by a film. Just the one. That honour goes to the music from Into The Wild, a film I am also yet to see (due to laziness on my behalf) and was only bought without first listening to it because I thought it would be great to hear an Eddie Vedder solo album.

It wasn't.

The two best songs on the album are covers versions ('Hard Sun' and 'Society') while the rest feel like half finished works. Perhaps I might gain a better appreciation of the music once I get around to watching the film but for now let me use it as solid evidence to prove my point: I care little for soundtracks.

Before my rash decision to purchase Into The Wild, I had already discarded the two other soundtracks I had ever owned: Empire Records and Space Jam. Empire Records I admit I still miss because it had that great song by Gin Blossoms, but Space Jam is unforgivable and my only defence is that it was purchased during those heady couple of months when the Quad City DJ's were cool.

These days music for films (Tarantino's works aside) have become particularly uninspiring, whether they be songs created especially for the movie or older songs compiled by some bright spark at the studio (Every 10th romantic comedy must include 'Someone Like You'). In fact it has been television shows like The Sopranos and Life On Mars (UK Version) that have led the way with their impressive song selection more so than their Silver Screen cousins.

So is there hope for me buying a soundtrack in the future? Better selection of music would be a big first step but I doubt it would sway my opinion. I guess it comes down to enjoying the particular songs with the visual.

Perfect example: 'Free Falling', to me, will always be associated with the following:



Tom Cruise opinions aside, that song loses its lustre when heard on a soundtrack with other songs that aren't sung by Tom Petty.

For me it is the complete package or nothing at all.