Le Tigre - This Island

Tomorrow is my birthday. But it's a Monday and everyone has to work (except me cos I took a leave day). So decided to do birthday celebrations early this weekend. My partner snooped my discogs want list and surprised me with this. A hard vinyl to get here in Australia. It oddly hasn't been repressed. I don't tend to rebuy vinyl from this era. But there are a few exceptions. I can still listen to this album start to finish today - 22 years (sheesh) after its release.

My friend Tara and I fell in love with Le Tigre early on. We were big electro punk fans. The album cover is iconic. I fucking hated my school formal. I remember this being the first time I'd seen a publicly out non binary band member and how little representation there was, even then, in 2004.

I saw Le Tigre at the 2005 Big Day Out. Some creep in a Bikini Kill t-shirt who looked like Richard D James kept trying to rub suncream on me. Not the vibe one would expect at a Le Tigre show. Thankfully he got really high and then fucked off to the side and my friend Bianca arrived. Le Tigre had matching outfits and danced like I did in my loungeroom. I had so much fun. Little did I know how unwell Kathleen Hanna was that tour. You couldn't tell at the time. Twas my favourite Big Day Out that year.

This pressing is the one from their own label - Le Tigre records. I dig details like that.

#NowPlaying #Vinyl #Music #nowspinning #letigre #kathleenhanna

Gorillaz - The Mountain

Admittedly I haven't listened properly to a new Gorillaz album despite being a Damon stan since Plastic Beach in 2010. That album was such a collaborative powerhouse and a fantastic concert - unlike anything I had experienced before.

So when my partner told me this was focused on grief with both Damon and Jamie's fathers dying around the same time, going to India, and combining pre recorded collaborators who have since passed and new artists, I was sceptical and pretty sure I pulled a face. It sounded ambitious and a bit whack.

We were then stuck in a terrible after work traffic jam. I decided to give it a go. Turns out I didn't want the car ride to end cos the album was that good! I then listened to it every day and decided a vinyl copy was required. Not surprisingly it is the top purchased album on discogs. Featuring a list of guest appearances longer then I can keep track of it features some surprise new highlights including Sparks, Kara Jackson (queer singer-songwriter, poet, and activist) and the Indian goddess of disco Asha Puthli. Both Puthli and Jackson have featured on recent Gorillaz live performances on SNL and or Graham Norton.

Pitchfork gave this a shit review. But fuck them! Has anyone paid attention to Pitchfork of late since the 2006 pissing chimp for the Jet review !?! Still funny.

It's definitely a high concept album and best listened from start to finish. It's not all bangers. Some of the quieter moments are beautiful.

They've gone all out on the packaging too.

I can't wait to see this album live. Fingers crossed.

#nowlistening #nowspinning #vinyl #Gorillaz #records #music 

Womad Day 4

Felt my age today. Required a morning and evening energy drink. Oof.

Arrived in time for Obongjayar. It was a shame to have missed the evening set prior. This one started slower paced and built up. Twas still fun albeit standing in the killer sun.

Next up one I'd been looking forward to - The Zawose Queens. Such a great act. Blend of traditional sounds and synths.

Then did a workshop with BVT with my nieces. So much fun learning dances and a spontaneous performance.

Highlight of the day and one of my favourites for womad was Kenyan rapper Blinky Bill. Really fricken cool hip hop, jazz, neo soul, funk. So so good!

A total magical surprise was New Zealand Maori singer songwriter Marlon Williams (Kāi Tahu, Ngāi Tai). What a powerhouse. Stunning rich voice. With full Maori choir.

Chilled out to Badbadnotgood. Their transition and cover of Bowie's fame and then Brazilian fusion was another highlight.

Ended the evening with dancing to Arrested Development with friends.

It was a really magical weekend. Food for the soul. I was a wreck at work the following day.

#Womad2026 #womadelaide #blinkybill #badbadnotgood #arresteddevelopment #Obongjayar

Womad Day 3

A slower paced day!

Nusantara beat - Indonesian 60s sound. It was good but I have done that sound to death in my early years so moved on to see something else.

Džambo Aguševi Orchestra - Macedonian brass band. Fun!!

Annie and the Caldwells - Soul gospel. I had walked to see something else and discovered it wasn't what I thought so stopped to rest and watch these ladies. At one point I thought she was saying aint nothing can hold me like cheese. Amen sister.

Naatali Rize - chilled and watched them again. Spicy take but I didn't think this set was as good as the day prior... soz.

Kankawa Nagarra - 83! Singing country. Really lovely but I'm not a huge country fan.

Ganavya - Indian singer based in America. This was a surprise highlight. I didn't think I'd like it (too slow etc). It was stunning. And she's funny too!

Baker Boy - stage set up, sound, and band has had a huge boost since I last saw him. This was A SHOW! Huge crowd dancing. Twas fun.

BVT - I was torn between going with my nieces to this or seeing Obongjayar. Why out these two on clashing!?! Anyway, went with my nieces and bloody hell this set was LIT! Queer political hip hop rooted in Philippines culture. Amazing crowd. Fantastic set. Possibly one of the best live shows I've seen in terms of curation, sound, inclusivity, messaging. I ashamedly knew little about the colonisation of the Philippines and this sparked me to learn more. This set was so important for my nieces to experience and their cultural background. Made me a bit teary watching them. Incredible and a real highlight from the day and festival in general. BVT for foundation stage 2027!

Oumou Sangaré - Caught the last hour of this Mali queen and full backing band. Really beutiful.

#womad #womad2026 #bakerboy #BVT #ganavya #hiphop #firstnations #AboriginalandTorresstraitislander

Womad Day 2

Alogte Oho & His Sounds of Joy - this set started slow but built up into a synth, horn, percussion frenzy.

Derya yildirim & grup şimşek - Stunning. Amazingly rich voice. Reminded me of Selda.

Nattali Rize - Bringing the reggae vibes. This set went off!

Australian Art Orchestra with Kojoe & Hikaru Tanaka. I wasn't sure what to expect but this was a surprise highlight. Jazz and rap. This was perfect to chill and watch from the shade. I loved it.

Jalen Ngonda - A true once in a generation type artists. Phenomenal vocals and musicianship. The spirit of Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Twas really magical.

Yothu Yindi - HUGE packed crowd! Got teary during this set. Djapana and Treaty were incredible to hear live. Brilliant.

Barkaa - What a powerhouse and force. Absolute highlight. Loved all of this set. Funny, humble, fierce. Apologised to all the kids in the front row before singing her spicy ACAB track.

Grace Jones - I don't even know where to begin. Probably deserve her own post. Total diva started late but then played overtime. What a legend. 77 and ended her set swinging a sparkly hula hoop to Slave to the Rhythm. She was totally unfiltered, funny, sexy, swinging back wine on stage, living her best life at the end of her Australian tour. Her voice, looks, glamour- just incredible. I stood down the front with my little niece and Grace high fived us whilst singing Pull Up to the Bumper getting a piggy back on her crews shoulders. In the photos she looks like some demi god with the confetti. Keith Haring Skirt made an appearance in the 6 (i think) costume changes.

"Where is the champagne bucket, I need to piss."

#womad2026 #womad #gracejones #gracejoneslive2026 #barkaa #yothuyindi #jalenngonda #NattaliRize #deryayildirim #AlogteOhoandhisSoundsofJoy

Ryuichi Sakamoto 坂本龍一* – 左うでの夢 - Hidari Ude No Yume - Left Handed Dream

I remember when Ryuichi Sakamoto died. I had this overwhelming sadness that the world had lost a great. One in a generation kind of artist - artistic genius in his own lane. It was a similar weight to when Bowie died, although I had been a long time fan of Bowie. I was surprised by my reaction actually. I could understand why I was so sad about Bowie but confused by this. On reflection, I had spent the year prior to his death going back and listening to a lot of his work and perhaps the sadness was also I had not appreciated the gravity of his work earlier.

I don’t remember exactly when I bought this, relatively soon when it was re released – so 2020/2021? I remember buying it in my vinyl Christmas money haul. I wanted to explore some early 80's solo Sakamoto. Originally released in 1981, this is the first time it’s been repressed and available outside Japan (minus a small repress in the Netherlands I think? for a tour?). Produced by British producer Robin Scott, each track was built around the drums, with layers of instrumentation from guest features, resulting in a lush new wave, experimental sounding record – think Kraftwerk / Eno. Some of the lyrics were written by Sakamoto’s then wife Akiko Yano. This comes in two version, with vocal and one that includes a second disc of instrumentals. If it’d known at the time I would have got the one with the bonus disc as the music alone is a standout – minus the final track with the creepy animal noises.

#RyuichiSakamoto #japan #newave #synth #experimental #HidariUdeNoYume #nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #music 

Sadao Watanabe - California Shower

I've been off with some rotten infection but felt well enough this morning to pop a record on. I'm still making my way through my list of trying to listen to every record I own. I started it in mid 2024. I'm around halfway through now. I've rediscovered and or re appreciated some albums with a different listening perspective. I've also culled (a controversial task amongst vinyl lovers).

I see this album from the prolific Japanese sax player being described as "light breezy, jazz fusion". Although released in 1978, he was ahead of the game with his 80s sounding fusion which is now hip with the kids at the moment. It's generally a bit too smooth for my liking with a few dull moments but there are some decent tracks like Duo-Creatics and Seventh High.

Despite this not being my jam or banger from start to finish I have a soft spot for this record. I think because of the cover. On the front you have Watanabe drenched with an expression of with frustration from being rained on. It's a fantastic photograph for an album. But then on the back, surprise, he is all smiles.

#SadaoWatanabe #Japanesejazz #nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #CaliforniaShower #jazz #jazzfusion

Antibalas – Who Is This America?

Despite being released in 2004 this album is very much relevant today. It’s a powerhouse of Afrobeat and politics. Surprisingly whilst being on Daptone it’s not been repressed. Hey Daptone if there was a time to repress an album about America...just saying...

I scored a copy last weekend, with the store owner admitting this was from his own collection, already owning another copy. It had been a tough work week and a tough time on my wallet with the stack I found.

Known as one of the best Fela Kuti inspired bands, the album features Duke Amayo spitting lyrical fire at the state of America on Who Is This America Dem Speak Of Today, Big Man, Sister, and possibly the most ferocious track Indictment (with backing vocals from TV on the Radio's Babatunde Adebimpe). Although it’s a 2004 press, the sound on this is dope, like the band is playing in your living room.

Sadly Duke Amayo has since left the band to pursue a solo career and whilst the band play instrumental Afrobeat, he really did bring some magic and fire to this group.

#Antibalas #FelaKuti #BabatundeAdebimpe #DukeAmayo #nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #music 

*this post was edited by Kiki

Chappell Roan - The Rise And Fall Of A Midwest Princess

I remember live streaming Coachella in 2024 and switching over to see this cabaret / drag style, pink glitter butterfly redhead. I messaged my friends on the group chat and suggested they check out this adorable set of queer kids having the best time dressed in pink cowboy hats. “It’s Kate Bush meets redhead Dolly”.

Next thing ya know – boom!

For me growing up, my queer femme redhead icon was Tori Amos. She healed many a difficult adolescent time through to my early 20's. Alas I can't really listen to those albums now.

I really liked this album on release but it became saturated and then I was off having a Brat summer. I've always had a bit of a soft spot for some pop but I mostly listen to it on headphones or in the car. Since seeing Chappell live, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this album and decided to get a vinyl copy. With enough space and time, and the memories of it live, this sounds just glorious on my stereo. Sorry, not sorry neighbours.

#laneway2026 #chappellroan #lanewayadelaide #toriamos #nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #music 

Orquesta Del Sol – Rainbow Love

Orquesta Del Sol was formed by percussionist Masahito "Pecker" Hashid following inspiration from the 1976 tour of the Fania All-Stars to Tokyo and became Japan’s first authentic salsa band. This reissue is the first repress since it’s original release in 1981. The cover by Yosuke Kawamura has to be one of the best album covers – which is what drew me to this re release last year. Admittedly, I’m not a fan of the title track but the rest of the album is gold – featuring mostly original material and one cover. This repress on UK label BBE has been lovingly done in collaboration with the band members whom are still active now.

After snoozing on this last year on my Melbourne trip I was pleased to pick this one up from the new coffee record store to hit Adelaide – Jewels of Thought, operated and run by Adelaide DJ Anthony / Oisima and their partner Linh. It’s a beautiful small space for coffee and music lovers and going to be the death of my record spending budget.

#OrquestaDelSol #Salsa #japan #BBE #JewelsofThought #nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #music 

Paul Coleman – The Weatherman

Gawd. I’m doing a terrible job at real time posting.

I try and steer away from a novelty buy. But this one went from initial novelty curiosity to a regular listen and I had to click order.

This initially peaked my interest by the cover – Paul sitting at the dining table with his bottle of Pepsi for family dinner perhaps looking chuffed after pumping out his Weather Channel tracks – before realising he wasn’t going to get paid. Poor bugger. But the Weather Channel theme was what got me. My dad worked for the Bureau of Meteorology and many a night was spent watching the weather report at the end of the news with him muttering when they got it wrong.

Released by Athens of The North, in stunning packaging, this album features 90’s jazz / vapoware created for the Weather Chanel. One would think this would be two sides of Muzak and whilst there are a couple tracks that hit a little too smooth, overall it’s fun and upbeat. The mixes of weather reports in between tracks is a nice touch. The back cover looks like a tv screen with little weather emojis on the track listing numbers and pictures of him with the weather presenter. So cute!!

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #music #PaulColeman #Theweatherman #theweatherchanel #athensofnorth#jazz #90s #vapoware

David Byrne Live AEC – Who is the Sky Tour

2026 kicked off with one of the best live shows I have seen. We had the privilege and pleasure of seeing David Byrne as our Christmas present. A true artist. At 73 he didn’t hold back. An incredible mix of new and old material, Talking Heads tunes, photography installations, humour, reflection, and politics with full backing multi-instrumentalist band and choreography. He showed us his photos of South Australia, his apartment, had the Adelaide Byrne Dance fringe group come on stage, giant political slogans like Make America Gay Again & No Kings and ripped through Life During Wartime with footage of police cars burning and protesters battling ICE. It was epic!

In a time of continual fascist horror, Mr. Byrne reminded us of the importance of making art, music, and community.

This was like a three course meal for the soul and I'm full.

I didn't take many photos because I was trying to savour every moment or dancing, but I snapped a few.

#live #concert #Adelaide #DavidByrne #whoistheskytour #DavidByrnelive #talkingheads

Bjork – Post

I’m a little behind on posts. I listened to more then I could type at the time last weekend.

Post was the first CD album of my own music that I remember seeking out to buy (excluding the little mermaid soundtrack from when I was like 6). I was 11. I dragged my dad to the CD section of the department store John Martins to buy the fancy Australian tour edition for my birthday. It contained an extra 4-track cd of remixes and alternate versions including Venus As A Boy (Harpsichord) and Hyperballad with the Brodski Quartet. "She's from Iceland Dad!" I exclaimed whilst he looked a tad confused but went along with it anyway. I had been introduced to Bjork by my friends older sister who owned Debut. It’s Oh So Quiet was on every Saturday morning on Rage. I liked the video clip, but I preferred the other tracks. I was in love with this album cover and everything Bjork. I had a giant poster for years until it fell down so much in the hot suburban summers and became a crumpled mess.

This is a very sentimental album. As my music tastes changed and evolved as I grew older so did my appreciation for this. Those types of albums are really special.

I’ve been fortunate to see Bjork twice – once in 2008 at the Big Day out and in 2023 in Perth for her Cornucopia tour. What a queen.

#records #vinyl #nowplaying #nowspinning #music #Bjork #post

John Zorn - Pellucidar - A Dreamers Fantabula

Kicking off 2026 with a belated post.

For my 30th Birthday I went and saw John Zorn live. He was doing a tour for his 60th birthday and it was a collaboration/retrospective of his career. It went for 3 hours and included a bunch of guests including Mike Patton and Mark Ribot. The crowd was one of the wildest mixes I'd seen at a fancy show including a bunch of metal heads, Adelaide establishment boomers next to classical students peaking on E, jazz chin strokers and guitar nerds. The show was brilliant but I wish I could remember more from it.

Most of the Zorn albums are on CD with only a handful on vinyl. This album is the more accessible Zorn stuff with the Dreamers. The songs are apparently inspired by the imaginary worlds of fantasy literature, a genre I’m not super keen on. But it’s not LOTR singing about walking to a mountain or anything. This blends your usual Dreamers sounds effortlessly with Jazz, samba, soul, surf guitars etc.

All the Zorn / Book of Angles / Dreamers packaging is stunning and this album has so many thoughtful details including little embossed stars and planets on it, cute label, and illustrations by Heung-Heung Chin - the designer for Zorn’s Tzadik label. I love little details like that on albums.

#records #vinyl #nowplaying #nowspinning #music
#JohnZorn #dreamers # Tzadik #jazz #MikePatton #MarkRibot.

Case / Lang / Veirs - Self Titled 

When I worked in a posh boutique the manager played a lot of KD Lang which seemed like an odd choice and out of place for a boutique but it kind of worked. However after 3 years every weekend on the cd rotation it's now permanently in my brain with a nervous twitch. In 2016 my partner suggested I check this out - I was sceptical to say the least. Supergroup collaborations always end up sounding a bit...meh? Too many ideas. I was shocked at just how well all 3 voices blended on this album. The harmonies and lyrics are chefs kiss. Reminds me of my adolescents in the suburbs with it's themes of connection, identity, heartache. The album opens with the line “I’m not the freckled maid / I’m not the fair-haired girl / I’m not a pail of milk for you to spoil" and gets me every time. 

This was then followed up with listening vicariously to 3 speed metal albums as my partner sped through putting ikea kallaxes together. 

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #Nekocase #KDlang #lauraveirs