Music

Singing and giggling along, just as we did 27 years ago

Reviewed by Bernard Zuel It was just like the old days. The overcrowded small room was airless (but now mercifully free of cigarette smoke), the heat stifling and the band shuffled on and into place like a distracted fifth grade class after lunch.

Cellist's plea for new Testament

Robin Usher Award-winning German cellist Alban Gerhardt wonders if a great composer is being overlooked here.

Ridiculously Expensive Ticket

Ticket prices gone ridiculous

The Diary Would you spend $7000 on a concert ticket? Meet the World's Most Ridiculously Expensive Ticket, which is guaranteed to live up to its name.

Comments 17

Live music: Sunday

Bluegrass belle (and trained dancer and choreographer) Tracy McNeil is joined by Luke Sinclair at the Standard.

Off the draught

Sarah Whyte One of Australian hip-hop's favourite sons is embarking on a sober six months to boost his already impressive career.

Spirit of the times

Simon Castles Twenty years after Smells Like Teen Spirit first hit the airwaves, Simon Castles reflects on the Nirvana song that became an anthem for a generation.

Comments 10

Band's tribute to a songbird

Sarah Whyte MARGOT SMITH was scheduled to perform in Newtown next Sunday. Two weeks after the singer booked the venue, she died.

This orchestra scrubs up well

Sarah Whyte IF ANYONE calls out for a doctor during a rendition of a long orchestral work at the Town Hall next Sunday, there will be 160 on hand.

Live music: Saturday

There's still magic to be found in the idiosyncratic vocal improvisations of Damo Suzuki (of '70s kraut rockers Can) .

Laura Marling interview

Pale, slim and gobsmacked

Bernard Zuel 'I'm not religious, I'm not romantic and I live purely by logic.'

Comments

Freed from the flock

Kathy Evans Tim Munro, flautist with US ensemble Eighth Blackbird, does not love his instrument.

Interview

Chili season heats up

Rob Fitzpatrick At 48, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea is an advert for perpetual adolescence.

Masters of jazz on a simple line

John Shand This album is further proof of the heights that music can reach when all concerns of style and prowess are discarded.

Musica Viva unveils its magnificent seven

Clare Morgan NEXT year looks like being a busy one for Gordon Kerry. The composer has written the score for Midnight Son, an opera based on the Maria Korp murder case that will have its world premiere for the Victorian Opera in May.

Live music: Friday

Exiciting Melbourne three-piece Pony Face are gathering widespread support for their superb live performances.

Kasey Chambers interview

Ahead by a country mile

Bernard Zuel Kasey Chambers has enjoyed a story-book career, but she feels she's just getting started.

Major tours

Written off by many, lovable hip hop misogynist Eminem is back - he tours with Lil Wayne and Hill Top Hoods.

Moshpit: Calling All Cars

Having supported a number of international acts in recent times, it was the Melbourne band's turn to headline at the Oxford Art Factory.

Soul man lays down the law

Kylie Northover Syl Johnson's back catalogue is catnip to samplers, writes Kylie Northover.

Kimbra

Voice of an Angel

Bernard Zuel For four years, her management has bided its time, waiting to unleash her. It's finally Kimbra's time to shine.

Comments

Tough routine with full Pyke

Darren Levin This musician has stepped outside his comfort zone, writes Darren Levin.

Uncrowded house music

Craig Mathieson After 30 years together, Sharon and Neil Finn find a new collaboration.

Get your finals kicks

Mary Mihelakos Eskimo Joe will kick off the footy for Live at the Finals this weekend.

Juggler of sounds

Darren Levin Ben Salter has four bands, a solo career and at least two cities on the boil.

Merry Melodie

Craig Mathieson Branching out from experimental roots, this artist delves into a classic era.