Photos, photos, photos,

So, I was back in a very familiar position last night – taking gig photos. They’ll be up later because if they were up now, I’d be late for work (believe me, I tried). It’s always interesting to me as to how many I take and what I bother to snap. I only took a hand full because, let’s face it, I was too busy having fun (and more than a few laughs). I managed to take about 10, seven of which were easily usable, 5 of which will be used. It’s not a bad hit rate, really.

Aside from the photos I also have enough going through my head to lock myself away in my music room for a few weeks. If not for the heat it’s exactly what I would do. Ohhhh well, I’ll see you soon. X

Icehouse Friday 10th 2014

Well, where do I start? I’ve been to two killer icehouse gigs in the past two days and I may be tempted to spend my time locked away in my music room if not for the fact that I have another one on Tuesday. Here is what Friday felt like.

The gig started with the supremely talented Michael Paynter. He was a great choice for support, it’s just a pity that the audience don’t always see it. His cover of Latch as well as the beautifully written Weary Stars were stand outs from his set.

Soon enough, though, it was time for the main event. The band started with Fatman – a new edition to the set in comparison to previous gigs that I’ve seen. It felt like the band really kicked in when Icehouse was played. There’s something about Paul Wheeler’s drumming in that song that says “business”. It was bloody phenomenal and reminded me of exactly why I need to play more.

Next up was Love In Motion. It feels kind of odd to hear a song that great so early. I wanted to get up and dance but the rest of the audience felt like stiffs. I think my friends felt it too (the next night Crown made an announcement that you could dance on either side of the stage. Good move, Crown)

Iva dedicated Hey Little Girl to all the females in the audience and maybe it took Love In Motion to warm the audience, but suddenly, bums were off seats – including mine. The boys then dug into the bag of hits and pulled out Hey Little Girl and Crazy before it was time for Australia’s unofficial national anthem (sorry Ross Wilson, but it’s true). The audience stayed on their feet for possibly the only song that almost makes me feel like I belong here. I am of course referring to Great Southern Land

Uniform was another stand out performance for me. It’s pretty easy to see why, though. Heavy drums, great bass, you can dance to it. One thing that I’ve realized around about now is that I have no idea what the lights show looked like. None. I guess the playing was so shit hot that I barely noticed any thing else and the next song was no exception

Don’t Believe Any More was perhaps my first favourite Icehouse song (I say that because now I have favourite band members- favourite songs are too hard to pick) . I was 17 or 18 at the time and this song summed so much up perfectly. In fact, it still does. It starts off beautiful and gentle.

First there is the suspense of not knowing what song will be next, then the joy of knowing that it’s this. It seems at first an odd choice in the middle of this set when something like Walls could so easily be in its place, but give it a chance. If you listen, really listen, you’ll realize a thing of beauty is occurring. Within this song the band manage to create a perfect moment – a build starting with keys and synth, gently layering drums and bass. Suddenly, part way through this little moment of bitter sweet perfection Paul Gildea comes along with that telecaster and punches it all in the guts, taking the song to a heartbreaking new level. This is followed with a change on singer (again Gildea). It’s another unexpectedly good move in my humble opinion and adds to the build up until all you hear is that sax solo by Glenn Reither at the end.

I’m not being obsequious, but perfection exists and that song is evidence of it. If you need a reason to see the show, this song is top of my list. Moving right along. In fact we did move right along – to something entirely different! Iva plugged Dubhouse (a CD which I must buy on Tuesday, apparently) and then played No Promises. Whilst some Icehouse fans didn’t go for it, I dig it. Then again, Reggae is my thing. Enough to get a Bob Marley related tattoo in fact. It sounded good, very good and I can’t wait to hear the cd with very loud bass.

The tempo was then changed again for Electric Blue. Somehow though, it all manages to fit. You cannot fault the song writing here and the performance more than does it justice. The vocals in this song stay just on the right side of mellifluous and the execution of the song was nothing short of flawless.

Speaking of vocals, Michael Paynter came out for a bit of a sing. Touch the fire was a much better fit for him than My Obsession, I think. It was good to finally hear it live, too.

One of my other live favourites and a big stand out from last year’s set is Cross The Border. It is a perfect example of the Wheeler/Bull rhythm machine in full flight and if you are still wondering why I think Steve Bull is the best bass player in Aus after hearing a live version of this song then I can only deduce that you have no taste or have misses the point entirely.

This was followed by a couple of biggies that invited plenty of audience participation – Can’t Help Myself and We Can Get Together. By this time the audience were well and truly up on their feet and who could blame them?

The final notes of We Can Get Together were still hanging in the air when the audience chant of “encore” began. The band answered with another Dubhouse selection – this time a meld of Walk On The Wild Side and Heartbreak Kid, which worked surprisingly well. It was time for more raw energy and it was delivered in the form of Nothing Too Serious. Before the audience knew it, the night was over and we were being lead out of The Palms at Crown.

In summary I could wax lyrical about the mastery that occurs when these six men take the stage together. However, this would be pointless. If you’ve seen the gigs, you know I’m right and the point is mute. If you haven’t then there is no adjective adequate to describe the utter beauty that a lucky few have witnessed – and they say there’s no such thing as perfection – Ha!

P.S Don Bradman had a batting average of 99.94, everyone is allowed one bum note.

Year in review

So, as the year draws to a close I’m starting to look back at some of the things that have happened and the gigs I have seen. Gig of the year is tough but I think it goes to The Boss live at Hanging Rock. Why? That was when I knew I would be following this dude EVERYWHERE and I’m bloody glad he’s back. There area few other honorable mentions though. Let’s start with this one.

Icehouse live at just about everywhere.
I can’t pick the best gig and perhaps that’s a reflection of why I love Icehouse – there are no dud gigs. They are that bloody good all the time. Again, to a lesser degree I went because someone else wanted me too. Sure, I didn’t mind going and I knew the music (my parents believed in giving me a musical education) but I didn’t have the compulsion to see them. My friend wanted to go and I said “sure, why not?” Why not indeed!

Icehouse essentially have just about everything I love in a band. They’re kind of the perfect storm. Solid song writing? Check. Have you heard their back catalogue. I have. In fact every time I get into a car with my lovely friend I hear it whether I want to or not and let me tell you, some good did come of the 80’s (just not Iva’s mullet.

The second thing they have is a lead singer that doesn’t scare the shit out of me. Now you may be laughing but the truth is that most of them do. They’re a strange bunch I tend no to pay much attention to at best and run away from at worst. I find they’re less intimidating when they have a guitar and Iva has a more than generous share of talent. These things help.

Finally, and most importantly, the band. This is where and musical act will get my attention and in this case it was the musical stylings of Steve Bull that I noticed first, followed very closely by Paul Wheeler.

Apparently they’ve been playing together for longer than I’ve been alive, which explains why they’re so damn good at it. Steve is just a champ. There is no other way to describe it. He’s not overly fussy, there’s no sign of guitarist complex (I want to play guitar but can’t so settled for bass cause I thought it was easier and I’m better at it) he plays exactly what needs to be played when it needs to be played and does it brilliantly.

The same can be said about Paul Wheeler. In terms of drumming, he’s just so consistent. It’s ridiculous. Every time I see him play I want to lock myself in my music room for a couple of hours and try and improve. He plays with energy and style and what else can I say, really? I’ve seen him play with Kevin Borich and it’s the same deal. You just can’t fault the guy.

Add to the equation Paul Gildea and Glenn Reither and you have yourselves not just any band but a bloody awesome band. Paul’s guitar playing is beyond description, if you haven’t seen it, use YouTube. That will help more than any adjectives that I can come up with. In fact if you don’t know what I’m talking about use YouTube. If you do know what I’m talking about, have a look on there any way. You’ll be happier for it.

You’re welcome.