(Taken from – http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2005/01/30/1107020263399.html)

Well folks, as I write this one of Australia’s biggest music festivals is under way – the Big Day Out has been rockin’ out since 11am this morning at Princess Park. Line-up includes – Tool, Muse, Violet Femmes, local boys Jet, The Killer, My Chemical Romance, The Streets, and Peaches (who I saw at the 04′ BDO and was AWESOME!)
I’m not there this year cos’ no one really interested me (except for maybe Violet Femmes & Peaches)
Anyone go this year?

Australia Day traditionally marks the anniversary of the first fleet’s landing in Sydney in 1788. The fact that it falls in our nice January weather is a great excuse for a BBQ but what’s a BBQ without music?

Every year, JJJ (radio station), takes a poll of the Hottest 100 songs of the year. The tradition has been going for a decade and it’s that time again to pick your top 100 songs. Over 600,000 people voted last year and chose Bernard Fanning’s “Wish you Well” as #1.

Voting ends January 21st.

JJJ Hottest 100 [via Zgeek]

Technorati Tags: JJJ JJJ Hottest 100 Hottest 100 Australia Day Australia Melbourne BBQ

The last time Melburnians saw one of their favourite exports Holly Valance, she was in a skin tight black leather and fishnet outfit, kicking some major butt in a mysterious island in the video game-to-movie DOA: Dead or Alive. Released in September 2006, Holly played a assassin with a mission.

In real life, Holly’s mission includes a globetrotting acting and singing career spanning three continents. She has appeared in several television series such as the New York and Miami spinoffs of CSI, a recurrent character in Prison Break, and is also the face of hair products company Schwarzkopf Live. Based in Los Angeles these days, Holly can be next seen in Balkan war movie ‘The Tourist’ alongside Hollywood heavyweight Ewan MacGregor.

So what is Holly up to these days? And what is she really like? CNN’s The Scene catches up with Holly in her favourite city, Melbourne to talk about shopping, nightlife and living the good life.
(more…)

Last week I made a post about movies filmed in Melbourne. Well, apparently U2 recently filmed their concert in IMAX format and filmed a music video over here.

The new single from U218 Singles, Window In The Skies had its video clip filmed down at the Corner Hotel in Richmond. The 300+ patrons all signed confidentiality agreements, and the filming also took place inside the band room and on the famed beer garden roof.
U2 video for “Window in the Skies”

U2: Window in the Skies Video

IMAX production filmed in Melbourne [via Digg]
Corner Hotel
Movies filmed in Melbourne

Technorati Tags: U2 Melbourne Richmond Corner+Hotel Imax

Headlining 2007’s Good Vibrations Festival is the awesome hip-hop trio Beastie Boys.

I’m so excited, as i finally get to see my little namesake, King Adrock. I’ve never seen the Beasties perform live before; it shall be interesting indeed.

Go Beasties!

Many happy returns Doc!

The Croft Institute

I love books…..as much as I love my laptop – reading/browsing a screen will never replace the joy of opening a beautiful book.

And as much as I love books – I can’t STAND “super” book stores.

There’s just something about the rows and rows of pulp that chills me.

Give me a hole in the wall dusty store – piled high with 2nd handers (you can find amazing publications if you’re up for the hunt) or a carefully curated independent filled with crisp and clever volumes any day.

One of my absolute favs is Metropolis.

These guys used to be on Acland St, St Kilda way back when St Kilda was belle of the bay.

Don’t get me wrong, I still love the area but it’s just not quite the same anymore – the departure of Metropolis, its replacement a “mega” chemist, heralded a new era for the area.

more after the jump
(more…)

This Thursday is the opening night of the Melbourne Women’s International Jazz Festival. On show will be over 60 musicians playing 25 gigs over 2 weeks at various venues around Melbourne.

Australia and indeed Melbourne have a fantastic jazz scene. If you haven’t been to a jazz gig before, this is a perfect introduction.

Opening night will be held at Federation Square and is FREE! more details of the festival can be found at the Fed.Sq or myspace interwebs.

For me, Cup Eve means only one thing. The great DJs and music descending upon these Southern shores and playing in Queensbridge Hotel.

Tonight, the legendary partnership of Sasha & John Digweed will bless us Melburnians.
(more…)

If you’re into Australian music, then there is no doubt you know that our Australian Recording Industry Association awards are on tonight in Sydney.
The most nominated are Bernard Fanning, Hilltop Hoods, Wolfmother and Eskimo Joe who all have five each. Melbourne band, Augie March, has four nominations – Best rock album, best group, album of the year and single of the year for “One crowded hour.”
Melbourne boys The Living end are also up for best group.
Performances will include Eskimo Joe, Wolfmother, the veronicas, and Silverchair will do a tribute to this years ARIA hall of fame inductees, Midnight Oil.
Grab your Arias guide in The Age, and tune in to Channel 10 @ 7.30 for the results!