a brief history of australian (and new zealand) rock bands pt 2

The Boys Next DoorSomebody’s Watching (1978)
Nick Cave’s first band, before the Birthday Party and long before The Bad Seeds, way back when he hadnt even done drugs yet, imagine that?

Radio BirdmanDescent Into Maelstrom (1977/78)
70s Aussie punk / indie garage rock heroes

Split EnzHistory Never Repeats (1981)
Formed by Tim and Neil Finn and Phil Judd in 1973 in New Zealand, Split Enz would become the face of Australian New Wave with a multitude of top 10 hits, later moving to the UK and eventually splitting off into the international pop success Crowded House.

The SwingersOne Good Reason (1979) [7″ version]
Phil Judd‘s next band and another of Australia’s iconic new wave bands (although originally from New Zealand). The band was featured in the popular 1982 cult movie musical “Starstruck” doing a totally revamped version of this track.

The Veronicas4ever (2005)
And i’ll leave you with the infectious pop anthem from The Veronica’s debut album, back when identical twin (whats with aussie bands and siblings?) sisters Lisa and Jessica Origliasso were just sweet innocent teenagers. Go find their further videos to see how that turned out (spoiler, still sweet, no longer teenagers, not so much innocent)

japanese music you should be listening to – part 3

88 kasyo junreibutsumetsu torishunā
mysterious prog/psych/metal trio with a massive cult following.

Red Bacteria VacuumRoller Coaster
punk with hardcore influences – 3 woman power trio from Osaka, did a few US tours (I got to see them in NYC) and then retired to raise their families. Hopefully they’ll be back.

AnadoreiWe’ll Break Male’s Fantasy Fuck Your Myth Of Musculinity Full Of Anger EP
The bands name translates as “Ass Slave” and from what Ive seen they are all dominatrixes who do a seriously noisey noise rock act. Here, this review says it all

BiSkaidan (BiS + Hijokaidan) – Suki Suki Daisuki
Famed japanese noise outfit Hijokaidan collaborates with genre-breaking idol unit BiS (Brand New Idol Shit) to do a cover of Jun Togawa’s 1980s hit (as seen in the previous post)