Wednesday, April 30, 2003
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 The Doors of Perception
Remember we told you ages ago that Ian Astbury had fufilled his dream and become Jim Morrison incarnate.... and as we all know he's now intending to tour with Robbie & Ray as the Doors
Well Jimbo's parents, now in their eighties, are having nothing of it.
See the story at the Smoking Gun. The stars of The End are taking them all to court. |
| [posted in Bondi :: at 22:52] |
Ambushed
Outside the conservative temple of dance music lie a few interesting acts that actually sound like they might belong to the 21st century.
Here at apostle central we think DJ Scud from south london deserves to be on this list.
His new album Ambush, in essence a compilation of no.'s put together over the past couple of years shows the way forward for people who like noisy unpleasant music.
A personal favourite is Kill or be Killed
Luckily for all you stay at homes there's a pretty good MP3 page here where you can download.
One suggestion though... don't bother playing on your computer... you'll need something that can carry some bass.
Simple and clean site too |
| [posted in Bondi :: at 07:24] |
A Farewell to Criticism Part 2
Reading my fellow apostle's previous article, Bondi Apostle is very saddened to announce that Australia's foremost real music critic, Bernard Zuel, of the Sydney Morning Herald has finally succumbed to hyperbole about an average rock band.
He was forgiven by us in December for his ravings about the Brian Wilson show, as we'll readily admit that the one live rendition of Heroes & Villains was worth a dozen entire shows by other bands.
But from a man that we've come to trust over the years for his unswerving dedication to balanced criticism to tell us that the dreaded Datsuns are the finest rock band in the world at the moment is too much for this apostle... Give me the Yeahs Yeahs, The Kills, The White Stripes even Queens of the Stoneage.
Bernard I'm sorry to say you've just become another motherfucker from hell
Here's another article by Bernard on the Datsuns |
| [posted in Bondi :: at 07:00] |
Tuesday, April 29, 2003
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A farewell to criticism…
During the detailed research (that goes into every Apostles story) I stumbled across this quote about the Go-Betweens.
"Like whooping cranes bobbing their heads back and forth, unfolding and spreading their wings, letting out a ringing, unearthly cry, the Go-Betweens' mating ritual is an awesome spectacle,"
Well we like to think we’re made of tougher stuff ‘round these parts and when Angel Apostle commented that Robert Forster resembled a “rock ’n’ roll David Dickinson” I was waiting for a good healthy rant to develop but it never came. It never does. I first saw the Go-Betweens nearly twenty years ago and barely a word of criticism has emerged since then. Last nights performance at the Astoria wasn’t going to change that, the most cutting thing anyone said all night was that the only way Robert Forster could become more camp would be to appear dressed as a tepee. However, his continued commitment to hair care would undercut any snide remarks.
The music was the usual top draw pickings, avoiding the traps that await the more mature artist by concentrating on new material with an eclectic set of old numbers thrown in to keep us on our toes and wilfully ignoring the crowds cries for long cherished classics. This is to be applauded. Far too many artists are carting around back catalogues in the hope of one last payday, whereas The Go-Betweens just appear to carry on performing because that’s what they do. I could of course be being exceptionally naïve and actually the Go-Betweens are performing as part of a complex tax scam that will finance a set of hair salons that in time will rival Starbucks in their ubiquity and poor coffee. But I doubt it. Their music is still vital and Mr. Forster still has a lovely head of hair.
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| [posted in Lancashire :: at 20:53] |
African Radio Online
We like this page that allows us to tune into the Sudan, Rwanda, Angola, Kenya and many more.
Sadly the Mali link leads to a this page doesn't exist. |
| [posted in Bondi :: at 06:28] |
Need Acapellas?
This guy at the Mc Sleazy message board is happy to let you download 1,500 of them.
That should keep you booting for a while. |
| [posted in Bondi :: at 06:17] |
Monday, April 28, 2003
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Wrapping with Roy
Since his untimely demise in 1988 Roy Orbison has generated much on-line fandom - though probably only one person concerned with penning fantasies about wrapping The Big O in cling-film...
Step forward Ulrich Haarbürste or should that be Michael Kelly |
| [posted in Bow :: at 12:58] |
Sunday, April 27, 2003
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Sanity Prevails (temporarily anyway)
Judge Stephen Wilson of U.S. District Court in Los Angeles has ruled that Streamcast Networks (aka Morpheus) and Grokster, cannot be held liable for any illegal file trading taking place on their networks. Unlike Napster, Morpheus and Grokster do not maintain information on the activities of those using the networks and so have no ability to prevent those engaging in copyright infringement. The judge likened the case to that bought against Sony in 1984 over the sale of video recorders - which was dismissed as there were demonstrable non-infringing uses for the technology. As Michael Page, the attorney representing Grokster succinctly put it "It's good to see the court has recognised that you can't ban new technology just because it threatens an old distribution model."
Needless to say the RIAA and MPAA are both planning to appeal the decision. |
| [posted in Bow :: at 13:46] |
Saturday, April 26, 2003
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Heard about the dyslexic rock star? ...Choked on his own vimto
For you Johnny Clarke virgins, now is the time to discover this former mortuary attendant. While John Cooper Clarke's wasted looks and dress sense are an integral part of the Clarke experience, his particular forte is the nasal whine of his street-smart poetry, which brought us classics like Are You The Business, The Day My Pad Went Mad, and his own personal tribute to "Darwin's waiting room", Burnley. All by the man who eats a third of a Mars Bar a day... just to help him rest. Grab that opportunity to see him.
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| [posted in Marylebone :: at 17:52] |
The World is Sound
If you are in need of a fragment or two of scene-setting sound or just fancy immersing yourself in somewhere exotic sounding for a few moments then this could be just the thing for you. Quiet American have been busy assembling a wonderful collection of 1 minute sound vacations contributed from travellers across the globe. They also have a CD for sale featuring all the tracks featured during the first year of the project. |
| [posted in Bow :: at 14:43] |
Would the Real Saddam Please Stand Up
The world's most wanted ex-Iraqi dictator gets the Marshall Mathers treatment here (Flash needed).
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| [posted in Bow :: at 14:19] |
Thursday, April 24, 2003
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More of a Whimper than a Bang
Whilst flicking through the launch issue of Bang magazine I came across this bit of first rate muso-scribe nonsense during an interview with The Faint by Simon Price (also rawk hack in residence at The Independent On Sunday).
To set the scene "thatch-haired keyboardist Jacob Thiele" is giving his take on the American Dream to the ever-wondering Mr Price:-"...I guess so but that's not where the lyric came from. It really can be quite a beautiful process, when you realise that you're 'just' a labourer but you take pride in that role. I met people who loved working with their hands and loved working outdoors, but I have more creative expressive tendencies. It is easy to lose yourself in the wrong aspects of work. It ceases to be that you do it for pride, and eventually you're just doing it for the pay cheque."
I wonder aloud whether The Faint are consciously echoing the Destroy Work slogans of the Situationists?
At this point they fall silent. They look at me. They say "Uhhh...?"
There is a moment of awkwardness. It's on my part more than theirs. as [sic] I quickly realise that Situationism, along with many other European big ideas, has yet to reach Omaha, Nebraska. Just keep to the music, eh Simon.... |
| [posted in Bow :: at 07:44] |
Incomprehensible Voyeurism
Bondi Apostle checked Shane McGowan and the Popes who are in town at the moment.
Although the fans loved the gig full of Pogues numbers and chirpy singalongs the whole experience was somewhat depressing.
McGowan who had to sit the whole way through his set whilst sipping his alcohol through a straw on a specially designed drink holder attached to his mic stand cut a rather sad figure and looked like a man defeated by the bottle rather than still drawing inspiration from it.
Audience members laughed and jeered at his appearance yet cheered his songs... it was almost as though he was a performing monkey.... and sadder still he seemed to know it.
I'd been led to believe that the Popes were a celtic version of the Bad Seeds, so even if I didn't understand a word emanating from the singer at least I could enjoy the subtleties of a great band. How wrong I was, this incarnation of the Popes reminded me of a really bad support band at any college gig of the eighties.
Stick with the recorded stuff. |
| [posted in Bondi :: at 04:51] |
Tuesday, April 22, 2003
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Thrills, Spills and Bellyaches
Having just read Steve Mandich's Evel Incarnate, The Life and Times of Evel Knievel; which paints a less than complimentary picture of the all original American daredevil, his 'hammer of the gods' lifestyle and his relentless enthusiasm for publicity, I see that Knievel has now sanctioned a rock opera based on his crashtastic career.
Given Knievel's penchant for retribution against those he feels to have slighted him or his achievements it seems doubtful that the libretto will feature the following couplet from Idaho Dirt by Chicago's Red Red Meat....Evel Knievel can't feel his fractures
'Cause his brain's making voodoo from muscle relaxers |
| [posted in Bow :: at 21:01] |
Monday, April 21, 2003
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Spring Cleaning for the May Queen
Following in the footsteps of the pioneering Incredibly Strange Music series, that was put out on the much respected Re-Search imprint, April Winchell has assembled a impressive collection of re-worked pop. This Apostle has been busy working through the 14 versions of Stairway to Heaven, including 'interpretations' by Pat Boone, Leonard Teale and Dolly Parton. Essential listening... |
| [posted in Bow :: at 10:46] |
Saturday, April 19, 2003
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Stream the DJ
Wannabe DJs on the look out for a global audience should get themselves over to Peercast - where you can set up a broadcast stream of your tunes to anyone who wants to listen in. Unlike many other streaming solutions, using Peercast does not entail having to have access to fancy servers and big bandwidth - a 56k modem is all you need to broadcast to the entire network. Alternatively if you just fancy listening to someone else’s labours here is the list of DJs currently in action. |
| [posted in Bow :: at 09:47] |
Friday, April 18, 2003
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De-composition
The guys at Deadtech are running the fourth instalment of their Decomposure series this Sunday (April 20th), so if you are in the Chicago environs with time to spare check it out. The event will feature compositions by Justin C. Rounds, Jason Soliday, Terminal 4 and sets from DJ Junkroc.
Whilst on the subject of Deadtech they shortly due to release Circumvention Device - a compilation CD of artists making music using the DeCSS source code (the decryption tool used to unscramble DVDs) as an artistic element in their work. |
| [posted in Bow :: at 10:27] |
Thursday, April 17, 2003
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Don't Fence Me In
Australian Musician, Jon Rose and his partner American violinist, Hollis Taylor are discovering the possibilities of that great Australian icon, The Fence as a musical instrument.
They've performed fence music at festivals around the world and travel around Australia looking for and playing fences.
Learn more here and at his site
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| [posted in Bondi :: at 04:28] |
Wednesday, April 16, 2003
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Sound of the Jungle
Bondi Apostle's current favourite label has to be San Francisco outfit, TigerBeats.
This is a label that isn't scared to mix it up, with artists such as The Bug Ragga, Hardcore stuff from heaven....even the most cracked up Jamaicans can't compete with this guy...
Also a current fave is DJ Rupture , the new mix album jumps all over the place, one moment we've got a North African vibe, which luckily doesn't de-generate into a Buddha Bar number... instead speakers fall apart with bass heaviness and without warning seventies soul pops up. Best mix comp I've heard since Peel's Fabric. Also try Kid 606 and Dwayne Sodahberk
Killer Label...
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| [posted in Bondi :: at 07:49] |
Bip Hop
Now and then we pop into peel to see what he's championing... this month it's French label Bip Hop who love underground electronic artists.
The site makes some nice squiggly noises |
| [posted in Bondi :: at 07:40] |
Ironic Nigerian Spam
Maybe we should start our own line of 12 Apostles Bibles with the word of faust, KLF, Crass etc
Do you think he'd pay us?
GOOD DAY,
I'LL LIKE TO INFORM YOU THAT, I'LL LIKE TO ORDER FOR
SOME LARGE FORM OF BIBLES, AS STATED BELOW.
Ultra Trim Bible: King James Version (KJV), burgundy bonded leather with snap flap
THIS I WANT 40 OF IT.
WITH 50 Franklin Electronic Bible:(KJV).
AND I HOPE ALL THIS INFORMATION INCLUDED WILL MAKE IT
EASIER FOR YOU.AND THE GOODS WILL BE SHIPPED
TO THIS ADDRESS BELOW VIA DHL OR UPS.
NAME:TUNDE OLOKO
ADDRESS: 95 LEWIS STREET
CITY: LAGOS ISLAND
STATE: LAGOS
COUNTRY: NIGERIA
ZIPCODE: 23401
TEL:234-8023525478
HAVE A NICE DAY AND GOD BLESS
MR.OLOKO. |
| [posted in Bondi :: at 01:36] |
Tuesday, April 15, 2003
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Bondi Cultural Update
Enfant Terrible of the UK Graffitti world, Banksy has just made it to Aus... Bondi apostle noted his ever so clever work on the beach parade today, and it wasn't there yesterday !
Local band Gelbison, named after pizza parlour down the road have released their first album. I have no opinion at all about this band. I found the debut ep rather disapointing, That said.. we wish them luck and what a great mid sixties mustache one of the guys in the band has. |
| [posted in Bondi :: at 09:16] |
Sunday, April 13, 2003
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High Vulture
Socio-techno news letter/scandal sheet The Register is running a competition to find someone to provide the music (set to the tune of The Red Flag) to accompany their custom penned anthem. Apparently there are prizes for the best entry so if you fancy turning your hand to re-interpreting this classic then details are here. |
| [posted in Bow :: at 21:35] |
Club Class
Here at the 12 Apostles we have been glad to hear reports that "i believe in punishment", out now on 12 Apostles, is getting a regular airing at achingly hip London clubs Nag Nag Nag and Kash Point. Check 'em out if you're around. |
| [posted in Bow :: at 21:24] |
Saturday, April 12, 2003
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Mobile Garage
Anyone out there creating music/sounds based on mobile technologies (phones, PDAs, GPS etc) who wants a showcase for their work should check out the 7th Garage Festival (25th July - 16th August 2003) held in Stralsund, Germany. Deadline for submissions is 30th of April and details can be found here. Don't forget to also let us have a listen to what you are up to via our beatbox service. |
| [posted in Bow :: at 11:34] |
Thursday, April 10, 2003
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This Summer Boys and Girls Will be Wearing Foundation
Those of you in the Northern Hemisphere1 getting ready to embrace the summer and wondering what to wear should look no further than the two t-shirts we have produced to mark the release of 'i believe in punishment' by Foundation*.T-shirt 1 bears the topical emblem 'embedded' on the front and the Foundation* logo on the back
T-shirt 2 bears the Foundation* logo on the front and 'i believe in punishment' on the back In keeping with our pioneering 'exclusivity for all' marketing approach these t-shirts will only be available for a limited period, so if you fancy one act soon.
1 Also applies to those in the Southern Hemisphere who need a new t-shirt or two. |
| [posted in Bow :: at 15:08] |
Wednesday, April 09, 2003
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Oh Puck!
The Apostles are captivated by the news that has-been DJ Mike Read's current project is a new stage version of A Midsummer Night's Dream which he is re-titling Oh Puck!
In case a title change isn't enough to upset lovers of Shakespeare's classic, Read is also injecting it with some "great music from the 1980s." Aarghh!
Before you jump to his defence, bear in mind this is the man that has just brought Cliff The Musical to the London stage which, according to London's Time Out, offers a "sneak preview of the afterlife in purgatory." Quite.
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| [posted in Marylebone :: at 16:18] |
I Believe in Punishment
The Apostles are very pleased with some of the reaction we've been getting on our first release.. equally pleasing is the distaste some have shown for the piece.
In Brixton a couple of weeks ago the management of an establishment that shall remain unamed forced the DJ to desist from playing the track and today bondi apostle was previewing the vinyl in one of Sydney's more established dance record shops when one of the DJ punters piped up.... What's that HORRIBLE noise
Art is sometimes a little hard for the masses
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| [posted in Bondi :: at 07:22] |
Tuesday, April 08, 2003
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House Music
'Tulsa for One Second' is the latest offering from electronic exponents, Pulseprogramming. It's a really nice CD - with a slightly poppy feel (take 'Largely Long-Distance Loves', or the delicate opener 'Blooms eventually', as examples) tinged with elements of more abstract soundscapes. Touches of Kraftwerk, maybe New Order, maybe Vince Clark can all be heard to balance the stylings typical of Chicago's Aesthetics label.
Buy it soon and it comes in limited edition packaging that bends and folds into a cardboard house - a comfortable pied a terre for the well-travelled ear.
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| [posted in Roving :: at 17:34] |
Monday, April 07, 2003
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ATP from A to B
The 12 Apostles contingent have now all made it back from a very sunny and enjoyable All Tomorrow's Parties. The Friday night double-header of The Fall followed by Public Enemy proved hard to beat and the rest of the weekend was generally a mellower affair. Personal high-lights included great sets from Thirstin Howl III, Coil, Wevie Stonder, EL-P + Murs, SND, Aphex Twin, Jim O'Rourke and the sight/sound of Lord Aswod, accompanied by Flavor Flav, spinning beats in the Queen Vic pub. Most anticipated act of the weekend had to be The Magic Band, who after a slightly shaky start and a fire alarm going off finally got in the swing of their thing and played some classic tracks from across the Beefheart repertoire.
Congratulation are due to Barry H. and the rest of the ATP team for another great and hugely eclectic weekend. |
| [posted in Bow :: at 16:52] |
Saturday, April 05, 2003
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All Tomorrow’s gossip … tomorrow … maybe
I’m pleased to report contact has been made with the 12 Apostles embeds from the frontline of popular music at the All Tommorrow’s Parties festival in Camber Sands.
The embeds report a fierce set from Public Enemy that was greeted by cheers from happy and smiling festivalgoers.
Stiff resistance is expected later in the weekend from the Magic Band, Coil and a DJ set by Aphex Twin … get back to us for more unfounded rumours being passed off as verifiable fact.
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| [posted in Lancashire :: at 10:49] |
Friday, April 04, 2003
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Triumphant Return - NYC Crowd Shows Emotion
Bondi Apostle popped down to the Bowery last night to see the Yeah Yeah Yeah's homecoming gig at the Ballroom.
Having been away for a while in Australia & Europe (events also witnessed by various apostles) they've come back to show NY that the trip hasn't jaded them.
The show was tight if a few songs too long and we just love their drummer here at the apostles.... Karen O's only fault was her repeated use of the beer spraying trick.
As well as the all the old faves a few newer songs appeared in the set illustrating that this band may well be able last the initial adrenalin rush.
We musn't forget the support, The Kills. Already being described by some in the corporate music media as the new White Stripes, simply for the fact that they are a boy / girl act. Actually it's a little more complex than that. We say take some Kinks, Richard Hell, Patti Smith and throw it into a punk blues melting pot and you're halfway there. Fellow Scots apostle wasn't impressed but bondi A. reckons they might have something even if he looked like he'd once been in UK 79' mod band Secret Affair |
| [posted in Bondi :: at 15:32] |
Thursday, April 03, 2003
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New York - Record Shops Mystery Virus
Bondi apostle had heard stories recently of the incumbent mayor, Bloomberg, and his dislike of the club scene.
His repeated attempts to drive the scene underground have without a doubt affected the Lower Manhattan record shop community. Returning after only 8 months I've found that the majority of my favourite dance record shops have bitten the dust.
Most upsetting being Throb/A1 on East 14th. They had this time last year a great shop with easily the best electro pop and bootleg section I've yet seen... now replaced by a mexican take away taco spot.
Dance Tracks in the east village appears a shadow of its previous self, Kim's still has great stock but looks increasingly run down. Eight Ball is remembered from the early 90's as the place to buy your MAW, Tenaglia etc in funky surrounds.... now it looks like any Camden dive. Only Other Music retains good stock, good staff on the floor and a place that you'd actually want to spend $'s.
I'd say that Sydney now outdoes lower manhattan for vinyl emporia |
| [posted in Bondi :: at 14:13] |
From The Front Line
Welsh breaks afficianado DJ Tangent has been spinning I Believe in Punishment by our very own Foundation* in and around New York over the last few weeks and sent this through on the mojo wire:- 'yeah - moody nice down tempo stuff, great as i'm playing alot of lounges and bars at the mo. monotonal but you don't get bored of it. played it last night at a house party.' Have you go your copy yet? |
| [posted in Bow :: at 13:48] |
Tuesday, April 01, 2003
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Glastonbury Sells Out
Thinking of going to Glastonbury? Think again. |
| [posted in Marylebone :: at 12:53] |
