Led Zeppelin - D'yer Mak'er

Howdy folks, today I got chatting with a friend of mine who’s a huge 70’s/80’s rock tragic. We started talking about her favourite tunes and what she’s been listening to lately and the response came quick and fast.

The always lovely lady Ashlee Adams shot back, "Zeppelin, D’yer Mak'er". Ash stated it was her favourite song of all time, which is always a touch call to make when talking tunes but when questioned she couldn’t even pin point what it was about the song that made it her favourite.

 After a brief quizzing, Ash put it down to the fact that every time the song is played, no matter how she’s feeling, she’ll be happy by the time it finishes. Well that and the fact that she thinks that Bonham on the drums is just EPIC.

Seems like reasonable reasons to me!

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The Doors - Riders On The Storm

I've been listening to a lot of The Doors lately thanks to the re-release of their amazing album L.A. Woman.

The double disc pack has all our favourites plus a never before heard song called She Smells So Nice, a great new tune, but what I really love is the second disc that has alternate versions of every song -  including banter between the members in between songs which gives you an amazing insight into what it was like to be sitting in the studio with the guys.

I love Riders On The Storm for Morrison's haunting voice, I think this could quite possibly be my favourite Doors song of all time.

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Can't Keep - Eddie Vedder

Eddie Vedder, the ocean and a Uke - there's nothing more beautiful, awe inspiring and awesome.

Here Eddie does his solo cover version of Pearl Jam's Can't Keep off of the band's 2002 album Riot Act.

Simply awesome, love the power of those waves and the fast camera angles.

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Portugal. The Man - All Your Light (Times Like These)

Portugal. The Man are quickly becoming on of my favourite new bands!

The album 'In The Mountain In The Cloud' that the band released in 2011 has been blowing my mind for the last few months and is a slice of modern psychedelic rock genius. The album art is pretty cool too and is made even more impressive due to the fact it's done entirely by front man John Gourley.

Every time I listen to it I get drawn in a more and more. It's seriously infectious and I'm struggling to have time for any other album of late.

Thankfully the group from Portland, Oregon are heading down to Australia for The Laneway Festival and a string of solo shows, which I'll be front and centre for.

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Manu Chao - Me Gustas Tu

A few years back at Glastonbury I was treated to the amazing happy music that is Manu Chao, thankfully last night I got to relive it when I saw Manu Chao at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney.

It was a latino hot box with the temperature rising quickly as the South American crowd partied and danced like their lives depended on it, as did Manu Chao.

The first encore came in at just after an hour of carnival dancing and singing, but they were anything but finished. Encore after encore saw the band play for almost two and a half hours, and the crowd was not letting up.

The whole theatre shook and sang along to every song of the happiest music my ears have ever had the pleasure of devouring.

Once they finally finished after about seven encores there was a buzz on the street as people piled out of the theatre continuing the party outside. If you've seen them live, you'll know what I mean, and if you haven't... make it your mission, you'll never be let down.

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The Pixies - Where Is My Mind

Wooh, so to say last night got a little boozy was an understatement.

I guess that's the risk you run when you start a bar tab and don't pay with cash, you can't actually see how many drinks your having or how much money you're spending, and after the 10th vodka you start to forget that you've probably had too much and that going back to the bar for spacer drinks in between rounds is the greatest idea you've had since... well, starting the tab.

I think this awesome song is about right for this quiet Sunday morning.

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Nada Surf - Popular

In the 90's we learnt some important dating lessons thanks to the musically talented lads in Nada Surf.

From memory I believe there was three important rules for breaking up, the first being you should never put off breaking up if you know you want to. Prolonging the situation only makes it worse.

Tell them honestly, simply, kindly, but firmly. Don't make a big production or an elaborate story - this will help avoid a big tear jerking scene. Even if you've only been together for a short time and haven't been to serious. There's still some feeling of rejection when someone tells you they prefer the company of others to your exclusive company.

If you're honest and direct, and avoid a flowery emotional speech when you break the news they'll respect you for your frankness and honestly appreciate the kind of straight forward manner in which you told them your decision. Unless they're a real jerk or cry baby, you'll remain friends.

Oh yeah, and if you see Johnny football hero in the hall tell him he played a great game, tell him you liked his article in the newspaper.


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M83 - Midnight City

So this has to be up there for party tune of 2011, right?

I have several friends who rate this album as their favourite of the year and it's a big thanks to this awesome tune.

The clip is shot like a short movie - which is always a winner for me, plus it features freaky little kids with super powers. What's not to like!

What's your party tune of the year?

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Grouplove - Tongue Tied

So tonight is the last night of my holidays and I'm finishing them off in fine fashion by heading along to see Grouplove.

I missed them earlier this year as I was sidelined with sickness and had to pass up my ticket, this time nothing is going to stop me.

One of my favourite bands of 2011, will be the first band I see in 2012.

I've heard they were amazing at Falls Festival and have everyone raving about them as the festival highlights. Tonight finally I get to see what all the fuss is about, can not wait!


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