Every Teardrop is a Waterfall

Last weekend (or was it two weekends ago) I attended the Splendour in the Grass music festival in Woodford Queensland. Coldplay headlined the final night and it was a beautifully epic final performance of the weekend.

I don't think there is many words to describe exactly how perfect their set was. We were treated to a lot of old songs as well as a few new new songs from their forthcoming album. 

These photos aren't traditionally right when looking at concert photography but there was something magical about how these turned out. I used my point & shoot Canon and I've realised over the past few shows I've been to that I am in desperate need to upgrade again as it's far too slow for low light situations.  

I'll have some more photos from the festival in another post. I just loved these ones so much I felt they deserved their own post. 

Just for good measure and to get your week started right here's the video for their latest single "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall"

Happy smiles

 - Brooke

Music Mondays: Kathy Beth Terry

I love Katy Perry and I love her nerdy teenage alter ego Kathy Beth Terry. This film clip for her song Last Friday Night had me laughing so much I couldn't pass up sharing it. It reminded me of all those crazy 80's/90's movies that I grew up watching all those years ago. 

In April I went to one of the Melbourne shows of Katy Perrys' California Dreams tour and it was super impressive. So much glitter, fun, dancing, cupcakes and costume changes. She was flawless, simply flawless. 

Now I'm the first to admit that this is not usually the kind of music that I would listen to but there is something about Katy Perry that sucks me in every time. 

*grins*

 - Brooke

Talihina Sky - a Kings of Leon doco

Maybe this will remind people what they loved about this band from the beginning. The documentary is being premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival (lucky ducks).

I have The Vasco Era to thank for finding Kings of Leon. They used to do a cover of "Wasted Time" that I loved and it opened my eyes to a whole different style of music that was so new to me at the time - that Southern blues rock sound that still gets me every time.

I jumped on board that train around the time of the second Kings of Leon album and their addition to the Big Day Out Festival in 2006. It's been a constant love (through some ups and downs) and it hasn't wavered even through these newer albums that I know a lot of "older" fans don't love as much. I can still see the gems, still see the genius and still love their music for what it is and what it means.

*** image from zack vitiello - click image for more ***

I've seen them live quite a few times in 3 different continents. I've seen them in smaller venues, I've seen them headlining festivals and I've seen them in arena spectacles. I was supposed to see them in March in Melbourne but I'll have to wait until November for that show. I don't mind - I know it'll be worth the wait.

I didn't even know that they were creating this documentary until today. I think it's going to be an interesting insight to a band who lived like real rock 'n roll stars and who have come out the other side in stadium arenas where they deserve to be.

What do you think? Love them? Hate them? All I know is that I wish I had have seen them in their 70's hair days.

Peace & love

 - Brooke

Music Mondays: Mark Ronson & The BUSINESS International

Oh I've been busy - well kind of not really. I've just been tired. It's been a while between posts because I've been trying to come to terms with being a "boss" (cue The Lonely Islands "I'm The Boss" song) and living. Which cannot be seen as a bad thing IMO.

I'm back - and with a post I promised before I disappeared from the blogosphere.

Mark Ronson brought his band the Business International to Melbourne as a part of the Future Music Festival. We luckily got a side show and snapped up tickets straight away. As I have mentioned before I was supposed to get a photo pass but unfortunately it didn't come through.

It was one spectacular show - it's always hard to know exactly what kind of show an artist who fills their album with guests is going to bring. Surely he's not able to bring Lily Allen and all those crazy awesome members with him - and he didn't. Instead he managed to group together a collection of artists who contributed to the album but were able to fill in for the "bigger" missing artists. 

We were treated with the special guests Spank Rock, MNDR, Rose Elinor Dougall, Alex Greenwald (lead singer from Phantom Planet) and Andrew Wyatt (Miike Snow). It was a group effort with Ronson conducting all the pieces from his platform. 

The energy and craziness of the night is hard to describe. I've never been to a show where the main artist is able to take a back seat but still have such a huge presence in the room and on the stage. Not only were we treated to a mixture of songs from his new record but they managed to mix in a few songs from "Versions" as well as an unexpected but hugely appreciated version of Phantom Planets "California" (the theme song from The OC).

This was a super fun gig to experience and I'm so happy I was there and able to dance around with friends. 

What else have I been up to? Well there was a day at the Melbourne Zoo, some movie and shopping days also as well as work. Oh dear lots of work.

On Sunday I'm headed off to Bali for a work conference - it'll be 2 nights of craziness and I'm sure I'll have a lot to write about. 

Peace Out Lovelies,

x x x

Brooke

Music Mondays: RIP The White Stripes

* My photo from BDO January 2006 *

The first time I got the experience The White Stripes live was in January 2006. I saw them first at Festival Hall and then the following day at the Big Day Out in Princess Park in Melbourne.

I didn't really fully appreciate that these two times were the only times I'd get to see them. Last week they announced that they were no longer a band and it hit me with a kind of sadness that I did not expect. Their music has been a part of my life for so long that it feels weird that there won't be anything new to add to the collection.

“The White Stripes do not belong to Meg and Jack anymore. The White Stripes belong to you now and you can do with it whatever you want. The beauty of art and music is that it can last forever if people want it to. Thank you for sharing this experience. Your involvement will never be lost on us and we are truly grateful.”

Sincerely,

Meg and Jack White

The White Stripes

* Click on photo for source *

A super cool band who will be greatly missed.

Peace out

 - Brooke

Music Mondays: The Lonely Island

IDK what's not to love about the latest digital short from The Lonely Island - John Waters, nerds, creppyness, Nicki Minaj and Jorma. This video just makes me super excited for their next album.

I love this more than I could possible put into words.

Peace Out

 - Brooke

Music Mondays: CSS

Today I'm going back to what I planned to share last Monday (before I was distracted) - CSS.

CSS are a band originating from Sao Paulo Brazil and are known for their dance-rock-indie-pop-sexy music (I think that's an apt description). After signing to SupPop Records the band released an English version of their very popular debut album CSS.

It was late 2006 that I was introduced to this glorious band. They had just performed an intimate show at Revolver Nightclub in Melbourne and I was reading all about it (but not actually going to the gig) online through friends of friends of friends. I was working at a record store at the time and decided to give their album a listen while I was pricing stock - it was instant addiction.

Their music is catchy, fun, cheeky, energetic, gleeful and when listening to their music I feel like I'm at the coolest party in the world (even if I'm in my bathroom by myself getting ready to start the day). I've had the pleasure of seeing them at big music festivals (Glastonbury), smaller venues and big venues. Every time it's a bright explosion of fun.

This Saturday night I get to see them at The Corner Hotel in Richmond and I am so excited I could squeel. It's been almost 3 years since I last saw them at the last V Festival in Melbourne and the closer it gets to this show the more I realise I've missed going to a seriously fun gig.

I love CSS and so should YOU!

WEBSITE: HERE
TWITTER: HERE
FACEBOOK: HERE
MYSPACE: HERE

Peace Out Lovelies!

 - Brooke

Music Mondays: I really needed this

I know this is a day late. I really wanted to post this last night but our computer was scanning for viruses and my iPad was not allowing me to embed.

Last night I intended to post about CSS but then in my youtube searching I came across this video of The Killers live at Glastonbury 2007 and my decision on what to post was made for me.

I was actually in the front row of this crowd and it was one the greatest concert moments of my life. There is not many things better than being in a crowd of multiple thousands of people chanting "I've got soul but I'm not a soldier".

Just watch it and maybe you'll understand a tiny bit.

I was going to let this one wait until next week but I needed to watch this again today for my sanity.

Can I go back to this moment please?  

Glitter Sparks & Happyness

x x x

Brooke

Travel Stories: Dear Jack Benefit Show, Nov 18 2010

I'm back from my So Cal week long adventure. It was over in a flash but it was filled with moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life. One of those moments happened on the evening of the 18th of November in Los Angeles California.

By now you all know the main reason for my quick trip to the USA - the Dear Jack benefit concert. This was to be the first time I'd get to see Something Corporate live after listening to their music for over 6 years.

The day before I flew to the USA I posted on twitter the following message:

"Tomorrow I'm getting on a plane from Melbourne Australia to attend the first Annual @dearjackhq Benefit Concert. I'm excited. V excited!"

I received a few back and forth tweets/direct messages from the @dearjackhq (Official Dear Jack Foundation twitter) asking me if I'd be contactable while I was in the USA - turns out they wanted to make sure I met Andrew McMahon (lead singer from Jack's Mannequin & Something Corporate) at the show.

I spent the day of the show in LA on a city tour then shopping at Sephora before eagerly arriving at the El Ray Theatre on Wilshire Blvd at about 7.15pm.

I always find walking into an unfamiliar venue to be both exciting and daunting – you don’t know where you’re going but there a chance you’ll walk into your new favourite venue. The El Ray Theatre was just that – chandeliers and a plush red curtain covering the stage.

I managed to meet up with Steve from the Dear Jack Foundation (after confusion and a cryptic txt message) and organised to meet him after the show was finished so we could meet up with Andrew.

My heart was already in a flutter as Matt Nathanson took the stage. Under normal circumstances I would have really loved his set as he was engaging, funny and his music was quite charming – or maybe I’m remembering it wrong, I don't think so though. I can remember smiling and laughing and singing along to an acoustic rendition of “Highway to Hell”.

The curtains closed again and the crowd thickened. It got a little squishier but was much more tolerable than the squish factor at gigs at home. Excited nervous energy was the flavour of the day as we waited impatiently for those curtains to pull back again. When they did we were greeted with the glorious sounds of Jack’s Mannequin.

The setlist went a little like this:

• The Mixed Tape
• Spinning
• Lullaby
• The Resolution
• I’m Ready
• Bruised
• Holiday From Real
• Swim
• Dark Blue
• MFEO/You Can Breathe

I spent a lot of the time turning to Skye saying “this is my favourite song” because that’s how I feel about most Jack’s Mannequin songs. I think I sang along with a massive grin on my face throughout the set as they went from one song to the next. My heart almost broke in two when the opening chords of “Lullaby” began and again when “MFEO/You Can Breathe” began.

When the curtains closed again it felt like no time had passed. It was about time for the main event – Something Corporate.

I wasn’t really properly prepared for them to open with "Hurricane" but as the curtains opened and the music started my whole world froze. I couldn’t move, I could barely breathe – all I could do was watch and sing. Every note, every beat I felt and lived. It didn’t take long for my brain to snap back into gear and for my heart to slow down a bit. I sang and danced and smiled and almost cried (but I didn’t) as song after song was belted out onstage and through the speakers.

The band looked at home onstage – so happy to be there together after all these years. It was enjoyable to watch and their happiness would have been infectious to anyone not already in a state of overwhelming happiness (like I was).

I think the greatest moment of the evening came about when the band walked off stage before the encore. Usually the crowd will chant either the band’s name or “encore” but this night it was different – they chanted for “Konstantine”. Thankfully Andrew returned to the stage solo and began before the rest of the band joined him to play the song properly. I’ll be honest my eyes teared up and there were parts of the song that I could not sing or I was going to cry – this was by far one of the most amazing gig moments of my life. There is something about that song that drags me in every time and to finally be seeing it live was something I never expected to experience.

Something Corporate disappeared and the rest of Jack’s Mannequin joined Andrew onstage to close the night with "La La Lie" – halfway through the song Something Corporate returned and the two bands shared instruments, microphones and the stage to finish the song in a big fun sing along. The show finished with smiles and happiness which was absolutely perfect.

Setlist went like this:

• Hurricane
• I Want to Save You
• Me and the Moon
• Watch the Sky
• Fall
• Cavanaugh Park
• Space
• The Astronaut
• Punk Rock Princess
• I Woke Up in a Car

ENCORE

• Konstantine
• Jack’s Mannequin - La La Lie ft. Something Corporate

We met up with Steve after the show and he took us upstairs to the “VIP” area where Andrew was hanging out with friends and family. Steve grabbed him and we ended up chatting to him about our holiday and what we had planned for the rest of our trip. He thanked us for making the trip and mentioned how much he loves Australia and how they’re talking about possibly doing an acoustic tour soon (to which I said “please don’t tell me things like that if it’s not going to happen – that’s not fair”).

I’ve been seriously struggling with my words for this blog post. It was such an amazing night of music that I don’t think the words that I have written do it any justice. I usually pride myself on the fact that I can just write about things quickly and without much fuss, but this time I think it meant too much and it’s still so fresh – I can’t find the proper words just yet.

I flew thousands of miles from Melbourne Australia to Los Angeles California to be at this show and it was worth every moment of those 14+ hours on a plane there and 14+ hours on a plane home to be at. I feel so lucky to have been a part of the night and to have finally seen Something Corporate live.

I want to thank Steve from the Dear Jack Foundation for being such an awesome person and looking after me and Skye and for making sure we met Andrew after the show. It was a little piece of unexpected kindness that meant the world to me. You’re the best Steve – I know you must have been super busy on the night and to take the time out to organise that for us was amazing!

Also thanks to Andrew for taking the time to stop hanging out with his family and friends and for having a chat and for being so lovely to us after the show. It’s always a pleasure to see your band(s) live and I’ll continue to travel great distances if I have to to see you again. To quote Eddie from Empire Records – your “music is the glue of the world. It’s what holds it all together.” If you do manage to make it to Australia for the possible acoustic tour you were talking about – I’ll be at every show.

It was the absolute perfect first day in LA - the very next morning we were up early to catch a bus across to Anaheim for 2 days in Disneyland. I'll share pictures (I have tons) and stories next.

Glitter Sparks & Happyness

x x x

Brooke

P.S I know my pics are not the best from this show - you try taking photos when your hands won't stop shaking from excitement.

Music Mondays: I want to live in this performance

Seriously!!!

Glitter Sparks & Happyness
x x x
Brooke

Music Mondays: Awesome Songs

It's that time of week again - Music Mondays.

This past week we were asked in our store to bring together 5 - 10 songs to make an awesome playlist that we can play instore. The songs can be anything you liked but the purpose of the songs were that they made you smile or feel good.

Of course my list couldn't stop at 10 so I put together 26 songs that make me smile and are totally awesome. Some of them (by certain artists) I would have chosen differently but they had to have no swearing - it's missing early Kings of Leon (purely because they swear in the songs I love the most).

• Sam's Town (Abbey Road Version) - The Killers
• Knights of Cydonia - Muse
• All You Need Is Love - The Beatles
• The Pioneers - Bloc Party
• Vanilla - British India
• ...Baby One More Time - Britney Spears
• London Calling - The Clash
• Good Girls Go Bad - Cobra Starship
• Patins - CSS
• NYC - Interpol
• The Resolution - Jack's Mannequin
• It Aint Me Babe - Joaquin Phoenix & Reese Witherspoon (from Walk the Line Soundtrack)
• Cocaine Blues - Johnny Cash
• We Are Your Friends - Justice
• LSF - Kasabian
• Can't Stand Me Now - The Libertines
• Anyone Else But You - Moldy Peaches

(It's not the Moldy Peaches version but I still love it to pieces - Ahhhh Juno)

• Woo! Alright - Yeah... Uh Huh - The Rapture
• Up All Night - Razorlight
• My Love Is Stronger Than Your Love - Red Riders
• Run - Snow Patrol
• Hard To Explain - The Strokes
• A-Punk - Vampire Weekend
• Kill The Director - The Wombats
• Don't Stop Believing - GLEE VERSION
• Your Song - Ewan McGregor (from Moulin Rouge Soundtrack)

After I submitted this list I kept on remembering other songs that I would have put on here (I mean there's no ELVIS) . This list is filled with songs that I always go back to to make me smile and that will pull me out of any kind of funky mood that I have managed to get myself into.

It's a tough thing deciding which songs will make you smile everytime you listen to it - try it, I promise you'll stall and then once the list is made you'll make excuses as to why you forgot other songs that you've remembered after writing the list (I know I did - I'm still making excuses).

One of my work mates said to me - "It's ok to have missed songs because when we get sick of this list we can just make another one". I don't think I'd ever get sick of these songs though I wouldn't mind adding to it as we go along.

Glitter Sparks & Happyness

x x x

Brooke

P.S I'm seriously going to dye my hair now. I got distracted by Camp Rock and Criminal Minds (polar opposites) yesterday and then the night just flew by. Blue hair TONIGHT! I'm such a procrastinator when I don't know how something is going to turn out.

Music Mondays: Klaxons are like woah

Yeah that's right. Their new album is pretty unbelievable - in a fantastic way! There is more singing and chanting and it's pretty much superb.

I am very much looking forward to seeing them soon in Melbourne.

On a non-music note my hair is still purple. The blue dye should arrive tomorrow. At least my heart hopes so. I'm nervous but excited about the blue. No one seems to find it strange that I've decided on blue next but there is always that fear before the dye.

You know I'll post pictures once it's done.

Glitter Sparks & Happyness
x x x
Brooke

Music Mondays: music to save your mood

I know it's not Monday anymore but I had a bad day today and this was about the only thing that got me out of my funky mood.

Old school Kings of Leon cures all. Before the arenas, before "Sex on Fire", before the radio airplay, before the model girlfriends and famous friends there was just four boys playing amazing music.

To this day they still manage to save me from my horrible moods.

Glitter Love & Sparkles

x x x

Brooke

Music Mondays: We Are Scientists review

** We Are Scientists - photo by ME! **

Ahh We Are Scientists - is there anything better?

I went to this show on behalf of Rave Review (even though I had already bought a ticket - my friend Lauren enjoyed it for free) and my review of the evening is up for all to enjoy.

ASH and WE ARE SCIENTISTS @ Billboards 04/08/10

WORDS BY: Brooke Jagoe

WOW! Check out the full gallery HERE! (Photos by Laurence Barnes)

Co-headlining shows don’t work properly in Melbourne. It’s a fact – especially when the bands are not really similar enough for the co-headline label to be used.

This was the feeling of many people who turned up to Billboards on Wednesday night for the W.A.S.H double header. While this combination would have worked in the UK, it didn’t here. Those who were there early were only there for We Are Scientists and those who turned up later were only there for Ash – there was no middle ground, at least not from the people I spoke to.

Read the rest here...

I realised after it was posted that there are some grammatical errors in the review (going from present to past tense etc) but I'm blaming the excessive tiredness that had worn me down last week. I'm only just starting to catch up on the sleep I've been missing out on.

Glitter Sparks & Happyness

x x x

Brooke

Engulfed in music videos

* We Are Scientists setlist = scored! *

While I come down from the Splendour Sideshow high and are once again unable to string together enough words to warrant a blog I thought I'd share a couple of videos from the bands who have invaded my whole being over the past 7 days.

WE ARE SCIENTISTS - It's pretty much always about them. This isn't a music video like what I've shared before but a mini film that shows the extra side to them that I love so much.

And here's a their music video for "Nice Guys" - an amazing bad-ass scooter video that shows that the SilverFox has mad skillz.

THE STROKES - as previously mentioned it was my first time seeing them live and I'm still trying to find the words. Here's one of my absolute favourite video clips (possibly ever) for "Heart in a Cage". It's so simple but so eye catching.

FLORENCE & THE MACHINE - this woman is a powerhouse. She belted out song after song to a sold out arena and left tingles up my spine and tears in my eyes. This video clip is pretty much what I'd want my own video clip to look like (if I had that kind of talent as a musician) - the sparkles, the lights, the glitter - ahh Florence!

FOALS - I've already written about how much I love this band and shared 2 of their videos but there is something about this band that totally sucks me in everytime. This video for "Spanish Sahara" is mesmirising.

30 SECONDS TO MARS - probably seems like a strange mix to throw in with this bunch but it was absolutely amazing. This video for their new single "Closer to the Edge" is one of the most beautiful videos that incorporate live footage that I have ever seen - and then there's that moment the piercing blue eyes draw you in and takes your breath away.

TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB - SO much energy that you just want to dance and shake your booty (evidence was the kid that was right near me - he was so into the music he kept hitting his butt into me. He was having such a blast you couldn't help but smile at him). This is the super cute video for their song "Something Good Can Work"

I know it's not Monday but I've been hanging out with these awesome bands for the past 7 days (by hanging out I mean being in the crowd dancing and singing my heart out and living in their music). It's been a super tiring week and my eyes are currently hanging out of my head but I wish it wasn't over already.

I've got to somehow review the show I went to last night - it's my mission for tomorrow night - and once it's up I'll share. I've also got part 2 of the Stormy visit and more stories from my London trip (gosh that feels like so long ago now).

Glitter Sparks & Happyness

x x x

Brooke

Music Mondays: British India

So I'm using one bullet to hit two points today with Music Mondays - both an update on band photography and introducing a band I've been going to see live well before they released any of their albums or EP  - British India.

*As always - click on the above image to be taken to the gallery for more shots*

On Saturday night I had the pleasure of photographing British India at The Corner Hotel for Rave Review. British India are a 4 piece hailing from the suburbs of Melbourne. I first stumbled upon this band when they played support act at a show in April 2005 and it was instant intrigue. Their music had an energy and fervour that I hadn't yet experienced in a local band and their shows soon became a regular feast on the local live music menu.

We were lucky enough to catch them near the beginning of their journey (and get a little thank you on their first EP) and have since seen their shows transform from 20 people in a small room to selling out venues around Melbourne with crowds of people singing along.

I've seen them too many times to keep track of anymore and the thing that keeps me coming back for more is that every show is fun. It's a simple reason but a true one. I always have a blast when I see them - even though I can no longer dance around and jump around with space at their shows anymore, it's nice to sing along and have other people singing along too.

It's still amazing to me to see the different reactions that some of the newer fans have to these guys - on Saturday night while the support band was on I heard some girls squeal when they saw some of the members of the band show up on the side of the stage. These girls were decked out in British India t-shirts and were bubbling with anticipation (I'd guess it was their first time seeing them live). It makes me smile to see that these guys are getting the recognition they so greatly deserve.

They've just released a new album (the reason for the tour) and are still travelling around Australia. Tour dates can be found on their myspace page.

They're the one of few local bands who I can always rely on to put me in a good mood. I can always guarantee that I will have a fun time at their shows and I will always be at the front singing along. It was a different experience to photograph them this time around - but it was nice to be able to capture a little piece of their show to share with everyone.

Find them on:

Myspace

Facebook

Twitter (but I don't think they really use this)

If there's one thing I'd like to see in their current setlist is just a little taste of their first EP - those songs brought so much dancing and so much joy into my life and it'd be nice to see how the new legion of British India fans react to a real "old" song played live. Just a little bit of "Counter Culture" next time boys and I'll be going home very happy.

Glitter Sparks & Happyness

x x x

Brooke

Music Mondays: Muse Madness

*Image from Victor Ayala Limon photostream - click image for more*

Today I freaked out and thought that I was going to miss out on tickets to see Muse return to our shores in December - luckily the second show was announced and we got general admission tickets for their stadium spectacular.

This video is in celebration of this fact and also to help get myself excited (not that I need much help) for Glastonbury in 2 1/2 weeks where I'll most probably be up to my knees in mud dancing, singing and screaming to this song.

It's all far too exciting. I'll be in the beautiful city of London in 10 days.

Glitter Sparks & Happyness

x x x

Brooke

Music Mondays: Life through a Lens

A woman who has photographed many icons to become one herself. This documentary was on TV a couple of weeks ago and it was so intriguing that I couldn't pass up the opportunity to share this with everyone.

I know this is a little different to my previous posts but this woman shot some of the most iconic and instantly recognisable rock images from the early Rolling Stone magazine times.

I encourage everyone to check out this film - it is simply brilliant.

An inspiration.

Glitter Sparks & Happyness

x x x

Brooke

Music Mondays: Foals

I know I know it's late.

Music Mondays is happening on Tuesday this week because I spent much of my time last night attempting to dye my hair purple and have ended up with pink/red hair - needless to say my time would have been better spent writing about some band I love.

Who: Foals are a 5 piece indie band hailing from Oxford in the UK.

What: They have just released their second LP "Total Life Forever"

You may have seen them: Taking over the British Festivals and avoiding Australia. Their lead singer Yannis was also involved in the Kele (from Bloc Party) and Johnny Rotton (from the Sex Pistols) confrontation a few years back.

Hits: Ballons, Hummer, Casius, This Orient

Foals are a band I discovered back when I was still in London. It was before they had released their first LP and I feel in love with their whimsical, punchy altogether awesome music.

They have just released their second LP Total Life Forever and it's been on replay both on my iPod and in my cd player. It's that perfect kind of relaxing, getting ready, dreaming music that I love to listen to.

It's a brilliant follow up to their first album Antidotes and it sees them tackling a more mature and elaborate sound.

They are of course NME darlings but don't hold this against them - their brilliance is undeniable. Plus who am I kidding NME has steered me in the right direction on quite a few occassions so I'm inclined to agree with them sometimes.

It's been a constant love and an easy love to maintain and they are now coming to visit Australia in July and August as a part of the Splendour in the Grass Festival. One of their sideshows has already sold out so I suggest that if you're thinking about it you should just go ahead and buy that ticket because from what I can remember Yanis has some sweet dance moves and it's a show NOT TO BE MISSED!

Check out their webiste HERE

Follow them on twitter HERE

Check out their facebook HERE

Glitter Sparks & Happyness

x x x

Brooke

Music Mondays: I'm writing for Rave Review!

Welcome to Music Mondays! Last week I kicked things off with an interview with Robert Scwartzman from Rooney and this week I'm introducing you to a new project I am a part of and letting you know of two gigs I attended last week.

Last week was a fantastic week in Melbourne for music. I had the pleasure of going to see two absolutely amazing bands and I've written reviews of both shows for Rave Review

Who are Rave Review?

They are a local Melbourne based online music source. The site covers everything from music news to photography from local gigs and many many reviews of gigs and cds. It has a wealth of information on all things Melbourne and I'm now officially a part of the team.

Here are the start of the two pieces I have written for them so far (click on the “keep reading” to be taken to the full reviews). I'm sure there are many more to come and I'm excited for this opportunity.

(This was seriously the ONLY photo I took at Vampire Weekend – I didn’t charge my camera before the show and my camera died after this shot. Don’t the chandeliers look darling)

Vampire Weekend @ The Palace 04/05/10
WORDS BY: Brooke Jagoe

Arriving to the Palace at 8pm it was clear we had a long wait ahead of us before the main act. Doors at 7.30pm - support band starts at 9pm. Luckily I had people to entertain me, but the sparse crowd that was there early relied on staring blankly at the stage, reading books (!) and listening to their iPods to pass the time.

By the time Cloud Control started the crowd had grown substantially and were ready to be entertained. With a hand written sign stuck to their keyboard they began a multi layered, harmonic, lively set that fit perfectly with what you'd expect from a Vampire Weekend support band.

By 10pm the sold out crowd was getting restless - the stage was set with five chandeliers hanging from the roof and the Contra cover art of a blonde, tanned beauty hanging in the background. Sporadic cheers and clapping started and when the lights dimmed the crowd erupted as the four members of Vampire Weekend emerged from the darkness onto the stage. They kicked it off with two songs from their new album - White Sky and Holiday – and the enthusiastic crowd sang and danced along before they delved into some of their much loved hits from their self titled debut album.

Keep reading here...

(I know these are blurry – but I like the way the colours look – plus it was super dark and I only had my “point & shoot”)

Julian Casablancas @ The Palace 07/05/10

WORDS BY: Brooke Jagoe

It was another night of waiting at The Palace on Friday night. For some strange reason this venue likes it’s punters to wait an hour and a half before any act begins. This creates a kind of boredom and impatience amongst an eager crowd. It’s been 5 years since Julian Casablancas has graced our shores and everyone in that room was ready for his return.

At 9.30pm Andy Clockwise wandered onstage to a less than interested crowd. It was clear from their reaction that everyone was there for one reason and anything else that evening was going to be sub-standard and a waste of their time.

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It was a busy crazy week at work last week - hence the reason why the posts didn't happen. We've been under-staffed due to people being away on leave so whenever I got home I just wanted to stop my brain from working. I polished off the first part of Glee and watched a couple of movies on the nights I wasn't out.

My little niece Bridie also was rushed to hospital with a lung infection so that didn't help with the distractions. She is fine now - it was just a little scare.

I'm going to attempt to keep a bit more up to date this week. It’s hard to stay motivated during the cold but I’ll push through it.

Glitter Sparks & Happyness

x x x
Brooke