I am a man, a simple man...

One of the aims for this writing project (see: Didn't you used to be Eddie Valiant?)was to avoid where possible any musical references in the story, especially when it came to our protagonist.

Considering the story involves a lot of working stiffs in a law firm (apologies to all working stiffs out there), I am able to drastically limit any opportunity to crowbar in a reference to a song or artist. Mind you I have lined up at least one recurring gag involving Hall & Oates as well as a very obscure nod to David Bryan.

Don't know who he is? Mission accomplished.

The one overt allowance is the classic 1987 album 'Man Of Colours' by legendary Australian outfit Icehouse. Without going into too much detail as to how it makes an appearance (it involves a cassette version of the album) or shape the story (it doesn't) I have instead revisited the album to get a sense as to how it affects our hero (he reluctantly loves it).

And that has been my take on it over the years. You see the Summer of 1987/88 was soundtracked by two albums, the aforementioned 'Man Of Colours' and John Mellencamp's 'The Lonesome Jubilee'. I am fairly sure that these were the only two albums my parents played over the 3 months. This is obviously incorrect as there are other songs from that time that I recall. But what sticks out was the incessant repeating of Man of Fucking Colours and Mellencamp's "every guy" rock.

The image of my parents dancing (over and over again) to 'Cherry Bomb' will be with me fondly forever.

So what has Iva Davies left me with?

It's interesting. Is it the best Aussie release of the 80s? According to the recent Triple J poll, there are 11 other albums from that decade that make an appearance. 'Man Of Colours' doesn't even rate a mention. But I can tell you now that I would play this before busting out 'Whispering Jack' any day of the week.

The reason for this rests with the overall sound of the album which still impresses me. When you consider that there are only a few songs in the set that scream 1987 (mainly resigned to the final few numbers) it is an album I can come back to at any time.

Obviously the copy my parents wore out that Summer didn't wear me out.

Didn't you used to be Eddie Valiant?

I'll admit it has been some time between drinks. To be honest though life has been going great these past couple of hockey seasons that I have had few chances to tap this part of the brain.

However a month or so ago I stumbled across what I thought would be a great idea for a story. Now normally my flights of fictional fancy have been so darn earnest and full of hand wringing that really don't represent me, or at least not a me that has left his twenties behind him.

Instead this kernel comes from a place that has been me all along:
Dark, dry and a little bit (nay a whole lot) silly.

So as I start to construct this loose thread of ideas into something legible, I will aim to use this space to bounce ideas around and to post things that inspire me on this adventure. It will hopefully keep me creatively wired and (most importantly) moving forward.

For now though I offer you a mock-up blurb of the story, like something you would find on the back of a novel. This isn't intended to give you the full picture but to set the tone and give you a glimpse as to where I am coming from and aiming for.

I hope you like it.

Ryan always wanted to be an architect, but sometimes dreams get traded. Instead he is a journalist and not a very successful one. In order to supplement his income, Ryan has taken a role as a lackey at a prestigious law firm, one that is making good coin in such a terrible economic climate.

Ryan’s curiosity (and naïveté) finally gets the better of him and he discovers the firm’s shocking secret to its success. Worse still is the revelation of who is actually behind the cunning scheme.

Suddenly, Ryan is faced with some tough questions:

Does he tell the Uncle who hired him about what is transpiring?

Will he leverage his somewhat questionable membership of The Fourth Estate to write the story of the year?

And perhaps most importantly…

…how does one get blood out of a credenza anyhow?

Radio Gaga Free: My 5 favourite albums for 2010

With apologies to the left-handed motherfucking genius who just missed out, here are the albums that I kept returning to over and over again this year (in no particular order):

Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

16 track albums should not work in this attention deficit world but Arcade Fire are not a band prone to doing things half arsed. Watch this get snubbed at The Grammy Awards.



Broken Bells - Broken Bells

It is only after listening to their self titled debut that you realise that James Mercer and Danger Mouse have created the most natural sounding ego-free collaboration in a long time. Check out 'The High Road'

Fyfe Dangerfield - Fly Yellow Moon

I have already talked a fair bit about Mr Dangerfield's solo project over on The Music Blogs. I just wish more people knew about his great album.



The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang

The shadow of Springsteen looms large over many of the new indie bands these days. The difference between The Gaslight Anthem and the rest of them is that The Gaslight Anthem couldn't give a shit if you think they are cool or not.



Plan B - The Defamation Of Strickland Banks

A rapper who doesn't need guest vocalists for the hooks (and vice-versa), Plan B knocked it out of the park with his sophomore release. And yes, a concept album that actually works from start to finish.

Me: When I'm Not Here...

...or at the place that actually pays me for that matter. Every so often I will write for the good people at The Music Blogs. My latest post is on Ben Drew aka Plan B.

Head there when you get sick of my posts with endless references to Londonbeat. But before you do, check out my favourite new song:



Take care all.

Songs that never get old #4577

A love tune from the perspective of a dying man allows for great lines such as:

"These things I might have said
only wish I could
Now I'm leaking life faster
than I'm leaking blood."

Proof that David Gray wasn't creatively bankrupt after White Ladder.

All I want is something I can write about

Little Kielbasa
Image courtesy of acoustitch

I received a mention on Twitter yesterday from a complete stranger (say hello Daniel) saying what a great blog I had. Kind words indeed but the random kudos did spark a reminder that I have not really updated this space in a while.

Sure, you've all taken delight in my past tales of Fantasy Football and over indulgence in the Robert Palmer songbook but what have I done for you lately? Bubkis that's what!

Truthfully though, my happiness has become my weakness: I am now in a relationship.

Last time I was with someone, I recall that it was difficult to put head to pen to paper. This was in the days before blogging became something non-nerds did so I have nothing by way of example to show for any past lulls in my output.

Perhaps being in a relationship puts things into perspective? Perhaps this wonderful thing I am in means that defending girl groups becomes somehow irrelevant? Perhaps the trivial things don't mean as much now?

I don't think that's necessarily the case (though sticking up for Girls Aloud shall be put down to sleep deprivation on a Trans-Atlantic flight). My current belief (and I hope to be proven wrong) is that the energy and excitement I used to express myself when I was single is now directed towards my relationship leaving me without a desire to write.

What I do hope is that my relationship inspires me to write about new and interesting topics with renewed vigour. Perhaps all I need is a little time for those effects to rub off.

So to my small band of followers, I apologise if I'm not around here as often.

To the girl who has my heart: I'll see you on Friday for a pizza and a Gig.

Ladies and gentlemen; here in my right hand I have a copy of...

...my ten favourite albums of 2009.

It is funny because this list came fairly quickly to me. There was no internal debating or wrangling on what deserved to be included and what didn't just a clear decision on what stood out in my mind this year. Now this isn't the best albums to have been released, (I will leave that to the hipsters and those that apparently know better), they are simply my favourites.

Presented here (in no real order) are those ten:

Jen Cloher & The Endless Sea- Hidden Hands

A beautiful sophomore release from the Melbourne songstress and her brilliant music collective.

Jamie Cullum - The Pursuit

The pint sized Jazz pianist/vocalist is still putting a new spin on old standards but it's his original songs that make him one of my favourite musicians.

Doves - Kingdom Of Rust

British trio's most complete work yet. In a perfect world, 'Winter Hill' would be a number one smash.

Swell Season - Strict Joy

It is one thing to break up in the public eye. It is another thing entirely to record an album about it when you are in the same band. Glenn Hansard & Marketa Irglova do both and pull it off with dignity (and another great album to boot).

Manic Street Preachers - Journal For Plague Lovers

A leftover scrapbook full of lyrics from the missing Richey Edwards is the source for The Manics most abrasive album since The Holy Bible. Also one of their best.

Pearl Jam - Backspacer

Seattle journeymen finally have a bit of fun. This should have happened years ago.

Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Everything great about Phoenix can be found right here.

Pete Yorn - Back & Forth

After two disjointed albums, New Jersey native Yorn finds the right balance of forlorn ('Don't Wanna Cry') and bittersweet ('Last Summer) tunes.

7 Worlds Collide - The Sun Came Out

This will more than tide me over until the new Crowded House album. Neil Finn and Friends once again check their egos at the door for a good cause, in the process releasing some of the years best music.

Parallel Lions - Holding Patterns

If I had to choose just one album from this list it would probably be this. A new venture from Art Of Fighting's Ollie Browne, Holding Patterns is an embarrassment of riches: Grand sonic landscapes, brilliant drumming and Browne's golden voice. Oh, and the tune 'Separated' - the best five minutes committed to disc this year.