The almost monthly "oh crap I ran out of time to blog so here's the big update" post

See the title. I've been bad lately, I know. But here's everything I've had written down to share with you lately.

The Blanks
Ever watch Scrubs? I hope so, it's one of my all time favoure shows (pre season-5). You probably know Ted, the lawyer with horrible flop sweat. You may also know his acapella band that appears sporadically throughout the show.

Well, they are a real band. Called the Blanks. And they will be playing the Old Museum on March 12. 18+. I'm not even kidding. I'll be fanboy-ing there.

Chali 2na

He has one of the best voices in rap. It's so unique. If you hear it, you'll know him from Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli.  He's done a bit of solo work lately and it's pretty good. He'll be coming down for a show at the HiFi on December 10. 18+.

The Casualties

These old-school punk rockers were supposed to do their first ever Australian tour (in decades of being a band) a few months back, but it got cancelled. Now it's going to be November 13 at the HiFi. 18+. UP THE PUNX.

The Damned

Speaking of old-school punk, the Damned are coming to Australia as part of their 35th anniversary tour. These gothic punk-rockers were one of the very first punk bands (see my history I did a while back) , so it's amazing to see them still going strong. January 19, the HiFi. 18+. Not that many people under the age of 18 will even know who the heck they are.

Bright Eyes

So many of my female friends just swoon at the mention of Bright Eyes, aka Conor Oberst.  He's coming out for Harvest Festival in a few weeks time, but they've announced a sideshow. Which is weird, given Brisbane's history of not having sideshows for any music festival ever. November 17, the HiFi.

Supafest

There's been lots of announcements, cancellations, back-pedalling and rumour-milling surrounding an Ice Cube Australian tour over the last few months. I've posted nothing about it, but it seems that he's finally coming down, but as part of next year's Supafest. He'll be touring alongside Lupe Fiasco, Diddy, Kelly Rowland and more to be announced. Not normally my scene, but Lupe Fiasco, Ice Cube and Diddy together may be too good to pass up. April 14, RNA Showgrounds.

The Red Paintings

A former Brisbane band, I saw these art-rockers a few times before they relocated to the USA. Known for mixing together their orchestral indie sounds with live art , they put on an amazing and involving live show. At the least you'll get someone painting on stage to the music, at the best... well you don't know what to expect. The first time I saw them they covered Nick Cave's the Mercy Seat, in one of the most haunting and beautiful ways. Now when I listen to this music video, I still get shivers.

Their homecoming is January 7 at the HiFi. 18+.

Howling Bells

Another former Australian band that relocated overseas (this time to England) is the Howling Bells. I've loved their music for a while, which is like a moody-folky female-fronted slightly noisey indie. They even throw in a bit of country every now and then. They're coming back to support their new album which sees them play Alhambra on December 16. 18+.

Cancelled: The Casualties

I may be a bit slow on this, but one week out from their gig I was informed that the Casualties have cancelled their show at the HiFi. I wanted to see this, so you think I'd be sad. But, I'm not. You see, it's the same night as Touche Amore/Title Fight, which had precendence for me.

The HiFi says

ALL tickets remain valid from the 8th September postponed event for this show.  Refunds will not be accepted after Fri 16 September 5pm.

So if you want your money back, jump on it this week.

The Casualties

Do you remember the good old days of punk rock? Bright coloured mohawks, plaid pants tucked into docs, chains everywhere and rough sounding raw music played as fast and violently as possible? I won't say I miss it, but goddamn it was good. It's the way punk started and the way punk should be.

And that ladies and gentlemen, is what the Casualties are still about, 20+ years after they started their punk rock, probably with their middle fingers raised in a giant fuck off salute to the world.

Sure they're older now, and playing to venues more civilised and not smelling of piss and blood, but that doesn't mean the music's changed. No, it's the same angry punk. And I'm going to be reliving it all come September 8th, when they play the HiFi. 18+.

It's going to be weird watching them in a very nice and shiny and clean HiFi venue.