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.

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!