Most people out there are probably aware that we're reaching the end of the Summer festival season. Many festivals touring the country, catering for all tastes and keeping the masses happy. The most recent festival to make its way through town was none other than Soundwave - the alternative festival for all the people that like their music heavy or punk-y, either way - loud!
While I'll save the majority of my thoughts about the festival for my official review (which will probably be up on the weekend at this rate) there are a few things I have to say in particular, about one of the surprisingly more popular acts of the afternoon - Limp Bizkit.
You're probably thinking to yourself 'Limp Bizkit? ewww.. what the hell were you doing Javid? I thought you had credibility' - first and foremost you'd be wrong about the credibility part but that doesn't bother me. Yes Limp Bizkit are a bit 'ewww' - that being said I didn't mind some of their stuff back in the day and I think it was more the curiosity factor that brought people like myself to the main arena. I'll also say now that there is a spoiler alert so if you're still going to one of the other Soundwaves and you're actually keen to see Limp Bizkit then maybe not read this until after.
Eleven years ago was the last time Limp Bizkit were in the country. I saw them there, at the 2001 BDO (they were just after Rammstein) and yes, that was the fateful day that Jessica died in tragic circumstances. There were court cases and much publicity but you can be guaranteed that the events of that evening, while not meaningless, have certainly escaped peoples minds in the more than a decade that has passed since. It did result in a rethink of Australian festival safety and has led us to the system we have now.
We all know the Police. Those guys in blue uniforms who are supposed to uphold the law, to make us feel secure (supposedly) and the rest of that stuff. Maintaining the moral fiber and the status quo so we can all live our lives without interference - at least thats what they tell us.
We've all had our experiences with the police, and most of us can acknowledge that there are good cops out there, those who are willing to treat people with courtesy and professionalism under the whole guise of 'innocent until proven guilty'. What most of us, people my age, also know is that unfortunately not all of them are like this. A growing number of police I've dealt with in the last few years have been less and less professional, let alone pleasant. They treat you condescendingly and pigeonhole you before you've even really spoken to them. Innocent until proven guilty is no longer a prominent feature of justice if you ask me, based on my experiences. In their eyes you are merely scum.
Thinking about this after my last run in with the police a few weeks ago inspired me to do a bit of writing, to regale you with some of my experiences with the New South Wales Police. You can make your own mind up then I guess. There are two sides to every story, sure, and I will try and deliver these stories with a sense of neutrality but given they involved me that will be hard.
Here comes another bit of self-indulgence from Javid. Today's aim is to take my votes for the most recent Triple J Hottest 100, let you know what I picked that MADE it, explain maybe why I picked them and... whatever else. I do something similar every year with my Top 10 albums on the other blog I write for. The two can in some ways be correlated so if you want to read it head over HERE.
Anyway, lets begin
Arctic Monkeys - Don't Sit Down Cause I've Moved Your Chair Final Placing - #68
While 'Suck It and See' was met with mixed reviews by everyone, myself included, part of it might have had to do with the release of this single. It's the most booming Arctic Monkeys track ever recorded, bringing in the old-school Josh Homme influence that is surprisingly missing on other parts of the record. A relatively straightforward but anthemic and crunching tune. Alex Turners memorable lyrics stick with you too... 'do the macarena in the Devil's lair - but just don't sit down cause I've moved your chair'
Architecture In Helsinki - Escapee Final Placing - #55
There were two key songs from this fantastic album by Australia's own AIH, and both were in my shortlist. While 'Contact High' ended up doing better, finishing at #12, I stuck with Escapee. There is something about this song that essentially made it my anthem for the last half of the year and the start of this one. When you're stuck in a rut or enduring the same routine every day you really do need to escape, experience and enjoy what life has to offer. While this song wasn't exactly the inspiration I cannot listen to it without feeling the motivation to keep going on this new path. A song that has meant so very much to me, probably my personal #1 for the year.
Florence and the Machine - What The Water Gave Me Final Placing - #42
I've talked enough about the power and beauty of Florence Welch's voice. To me it's one of the best going around (aka FUCK OFF ADELE) and it just seems to be getting better. While the album Ceremonials was a bit hard to digest at first, given I was a fan of Lungs and Ceremonials really does go to a much more grandiose scale, once you get over the epic nature of the record its still her voice that shines through. A truly beautiful song by an act I've still never seen live. I need to fix that.
The Strokes - Under Cover of Darkness Final Placing - #41
Two tracks finishing back to back. The Strokes album 'Angles' took out my award for album of the year and if you want to know why follow my link up the top. This was one of the songs that sold me though. I loved the start of the Strokes career and this song has a ring to it that just makes me feel like I'm in high school again. That and I'm slightly sexually attracted to Julian Casablancas. Enjoy the song, another beautiful number, but with enough to make you smile and bop your head. Like 'Escapee' it has a feel of turning your back on a past life to move forward.
Bluejuice - Act Yr Age Final Placing - #20
Company is another album that made it in to my top 10. I've seen bluejuice so many times over the years it's not funny. Where you would expect to be able to anticipate a band, know whats coming next, what to expect from the live show, what to expect on the next album, Bluejuice are a band that consistently avoid expectation by going apeshit and doing things you really don't expect. I love them for it. Saw them 3 times last year from memory and every time was just phenomenal. One of the best live acts in the country, the recorded material is catching up quickly. A catchy, awesome song with a truly funny and disgusting video clip - you've been warned.
Foster the People - Call It What You Want Final Placing - #14
The best debut album of the year, without a doubt. I equated it to Oasis' Morning Glory album in that nearly every single song can be used as a potential single, but not because they're formulaic so much as because they are FANTASTIC songs. Amazing for a band to hit the nail on the head so well on their first attempt. So many good songs to pick from, and while its not 'Houdini', I picked this one because it gets stuck in my head SO much, and its a great song. Try and listen without dancing in some way, seriously. If you haven't already, go and buy 'Torches'. A brilliant song from a relentlessly brilliant album.
Gotye (feat. Kimbra) - Somebody That I Used To Know Final Placing - #1
When I heard the song, I knew it would win. When the album came out, I knew IT would win, and it did (J award). The song itself won a shitload of ARIA's for Wally. I called this so long ago its not funny and while I don't think I'm too remarkable for doing so I'm still proud of my foresight, knowing that nothing would top this one for the year. Not much needs to be said that hasn't been said already. So I'll leave you with it. Still one of the best videos in recent memory. Beautiful. A song that, like previous ones, helped with processing emotion as well.
And there you have it, 7 out of my 10 selections making it through to the top #100. I can't recall what my returns are usually like but I'll take that. 70% is a credit and I'll take it. Every one of these acts and songs is fantastic, as are many others that made the list. I doubt you've learned anything by reading this but I at least hope you've taken the time to enjoy some truly great music. Bring on 2012.
