We had an email drop into our inbox the other day (addressed to Hugh but WHOOPS I GUESS I READ YOUR MAIL, BUDDY) from Afor Gashum, that described the group as a “leftfield, innovative shoegaze/post-punk band based in Tel Aviv”. I pretty much missed all of that (and the rest of the email) when I saw the word ‘shoegaze’: be still, my beating heart!

Shoegazing this album most assuredly is, to my delight. It’s full of the wailing guitars and fuzz-heavy bass that I do enjoy so much. Intriguingly, a lot of this album is performed in Hebrew, a language that I can’t say I’ve come across all too much in music. It truly does warm my heart that we live in a world where I can listen to fantastic music from all over the globe, and enjoy the heck out of it even if I don’t understand what’s being sung.

It’s Monday tomorrow for some of us, which means back to work. Aww, cinnamon. Rather than drink ourselves into a depressive stupor, let’s instead ride out the rest of Sunday with some vigorous dancing.

Joe Cocker has seemingly made a career out of producing exceedingly amazing cover versions of songs. Sort of like Michael Bublé, but, you know, good (*SNAP* *SNAP* *SNAP*). His versions of Come Together and With a Little Help From My Friends are as equally iconic as the original Beatles versions, and the sheer moxie and style in this one is off the friggin’ charts. I’m willing to bet that a lot of people don’t realise this song is a cover (myself included), but who really cares about that: it’ll take all your effort not to start moving when that bass kicks in.

I’m not entirely sure if this constitutes as ‘classic’ rap, but it sure as hell is a blast from the past. I heard it the other night and had my mind blown with nostalgic thoughts.

Our dear friend Skee-Lo did not exactly go on to the dizzying heights of greatness after releasing this song, but that’s ok! He’s been immortalised in the hallowed halls of the either/or database, an honour that is in no way dubious or pointless.

The more I listen to Supergrass, the more I get the sense that they’re just a far better version of Oasis. They have that same British rawness, but Supergrass’ songs don’t all sound the same. Burn, Oasis!

To get away from bashing on Oasis for a second, there is a higher level of sophistication and creativity running throughout this album (In It for the Money) than you may usually get from other British alternative artists. At least, back in the 90s. It’s very nicely demonstrated in this song, which should technically be the sappy acoustic number on an otherwise pumping album, but instead is flowing with flair and intrigue.

Sure, my utter infatuation with the Before… series of films may be clouding my judgement, but this is so damn delightful. Delpy is a French actor best known internationally for her role in the aforementioned films, and she’s also a fine singer as well. The song has that wonderfully whimsical air to it that a lot of French pop seems to have, but this also feels quite gentle and pretty at the same time.

Pete Dyk and his thrifty abilities in acquiring bands rather impressed me back in May, what with their energetic compositions and devil-may-care singing. They are back with a new 7″ record that they’re also giving away under a ‘pay what you want’ scheme, digitally. What a bunch of awesome lads!

This time around, there’s a nice dose of blues in the rock proceedings. It’s the kind of song you go road-tripping with: perfect for getaways or upcoming Australian long weekends.

It’s my pal Sarah’s birthday today! Hooray! And because she’s such a pal, I let her choose the song for today. That’s right, it’s a birthday present that I didn’t spend a single cent on.

I’m glad I let her too, because never have I heard such insightful lyrics! Allow me to demonstrate:

Her pussy so good I bought her a pet
Anyway, every day I’m trying to get to it
Got her saved in my phone under “Big Booty”

Oh Jason, you certainly know the way to a lady’s heart!

The tune itself is fairly standard fare for rap, though there is a slight middle-eastern vibe to it (and some delightful brass work in there too). Also, I’d like to think that in the image below, Jason is saying “Food goes in here”.

Here’s another classic bit of rock that was always floating around my childhood. Clearly I am a child of the 70s, despite being born in the late 80s. While it does follow a fairly typical rock progression for the time, it’s the almost scat-like/reggae-esque singing throughout that makes this song indubitably iconic. Everyone remembers this song as a result: it’s hard to think of any other song with singing like this that’s entered popular consciousness.

It’s awesome when great rock bands trot out equally great (and classic) rock bands at concerts to basically have a jam. To that end, the Foo Fighters are rather lucky bastards. Not only are they supremely popular with a rather impressive back catalogue of sweet rock tunes, but they also get to play Queen songs with Queen. There is just no justice in the world.

I am in a rather pensive and reflective mood tonight. As such, it is entirely appropriate that a blast of Australian rock music’s past is the soundtrack to my night.

Good gracious, Australia sure has delivered some kick ass music over the years. Powderfinger, though perhaps not so well known outside the country, are certainly one of our greatest achievements. I say ‘our’ as if I had something to do with it, but nope: just a group of wonderfully talented musicians. Sadly, Powderfinger are no more, but I can’t imagine the day when this song will play somewhere public and no one knows the lyrics.