I’m writing this in what I hope is a five minute window that will allow me to whack up a quick post before the shit hits the proverbial. Our internet and phone has been on the blink over the last few days and Telstra assures us that it ’should be fixed by Thursday’. Cheers. No really, thanks for your amazing service Telstra. You are truly beacons of light in the wasteland that is the ‘bush’. (Seriously, 15 minutes out of town, people).

Am not even going to post a song because in the time it would take for me to upload the thing the net would shat itself and I’d have all sorts of ‘helpful’ error messages popping up 10 minutes after the event, informing me of the fact that there is, indeed, a problem. Gee…well spotted Microsoft.

Hopefully I’ll be back up and running soon. Preferably (yeah, right) before Thursday. Cross your fingers, toes and all other appendages. Within reason though - I wouldn’t want you to strain anything.

Oh, and because last week’s watermelon pictures proved to be quite the talking point…

I had a Sliding Doors moment today. While visiting one of my daily reads, I Am Fuel, You Are Friends, my mouse hovered for several seconds over the link to ‘The Legend of the Last of the Outlaw Truckers AKA The Ballad of Sheriff Shorty’ by USA’s The Dandy Warhols as a mental tug of war took place in my early-morning addled brain. I’d heard of ‘em and I’d probably caught a track or two in the past, but I had some vague memory of deciding that I didn’t like them much. Just before I left Fuel to visit another daily fix, some primal instinct must have kicked in, making me right click and download (perhaps it was the awesomely quirky song title) and I shudder to think what may have happened had I not made that all-important fateful decision. Just think - I may have ended up with a spiffy new haircut, running my own company and cuddling up to the lovely James Nesbitt. Absolutely unbearable.

So onto this absolute blinder of a track - it’s bloody awesome. It’s off their latest album …Earth To The Dandy Warhols, released digitally in May, with CD copies becoming available in August. If I had to choose one word to describe this track it would be ‘dirty’. I don’t mean that in a yucky way, but there’s this really suggestive bass line running through it and lead singer Courtney Taylor-Taylor’s (is that really his name?!) deep vocals are both playful and slightly menacing at the same time. The rollicking beat had me dancing without inhibitions or alcoholic assistance and the alliteration in the lyrics sounds fantastic, as well as pandering to my dorky love of grammatical features. It has also sent me on a treasure hunt to track and locate more good gear from what is likely to become a new addition to my Chosen Ones. Luckily, they’re making it easier for me by releasing new music on their website starting tomorrow. Cheers kids!

The Legend of the Last of the Outlaw Truckers AKA The Ballad of Sheriff Shorty – The Dandy Warhols

Today’s jackpot finds continue with this track courtesy of another favourite fix, Speed of Dark. US indie rockers The Weeks have an average age of 18, which is quite frankly ridiculous given the sheer raw talent exhibited on the only two tracks I’ve heard (so far). I literally shiver in anticipation when thinking of what they could be capable of accomplishing by the time they’re old enough to (legally) drink and vote, and then when I consider what could be achieved by the time they’re all sporting receding hairlines and old man slippers…well the mind boggles.

The gradually building ‘Buttons’ is a kicker. Cyle Barnes’ vocals are full of attitude and he has a way of drawing out certain syllables that lends a playful twang to his deep voice. He takes it up a notch later as the music swells and punches and he passionately declares I shake I shake I could never see/how good young love could really be/I know I know it’s not that bad/take a look at what we had. It’s catchy stuff people. ‘Altar Girl’ is also outstanding. The album is Comeback Cadillac and was released in the US just a coupla weeks ago. Grab it!

Buttons - The Weeks

Altar Girl - The Weeks

I’ve been putting off this latest Incoming installment because I’ve been waging a war within myself. What should be done about the email submissions received I either don’t have enough time to listen to within a respectable time frame, or the ones that just don’t do it for me? This blog is just a hobby, and sometimes it’s hard to squeeze it in amongst all the other stuff you’ve gotta think about when you’re a grown up person with, like, responsibilities and whatnot. I do enjoy receiving submissions, and I think it’s important to feature only those that I like, because I need to be a little bit discerning about these things. That way, you guys know that the stuff I’m featuring is good quality gear, and not just any old thing that somehow makes its way through the ether to my inbox. So, here’s the latest stuff that I reckon sounds pretty damn good.  

Second Dan is a band that I’d never heard of until I was contacted by their publicity guys the other day. After doing a bit more digging, I was surprised to discover that there have been two incarnations of Second Dan, the first of which won the Triple J Unearthed competition here in Australia in 2003 with the frenetic track ‘Running Out Of Feelings’. After listening to their gear, I am not at all surprised that they won.

After enjoying some success in Australia, the two original members of Second Dan, Dan Rosen and Dan Karni (band name mystery solved) decided to move to New York. However they broke up when Karni decided he wanted to head back home. A chance meeting between Dan Rosen (vocals) and ANOTHER Dan(ny) Reisbeck (bass) led to the current lineup – Adam Lerner (guitar) and Sonny Ratcliffe (drums).

Second Dan play indie rock that’s right up my alley – slightly retro sounding with catchy hooks and playful backup vocals. The standout track for me is ‘The Elephant Came Down To Earth’. Two seconds in, I was hooked. Great keys, infectious riffs and a change of tempo right toward the end, with a few shoo-do-dos thrown in for good measure. Thank goodness for digital music – this is one track that would wear down a few record needles.

The debut album is Bringing Down Goliath and you can catch them live in New York in July and August, though it would be good for them to come back here to Oz some time. I’d definitely be nabbing me a ticket!

The Elephant Fell To Earth - Second Dan

Running Out Of Feelings - Second Dan

Jon and Roy are a two piece outfit from Canada that play a brand of acoustic roots that is laid back and mellow without becoming tiresome (achoo-Jack-Johnson-achoo). The title track from their latest album ‘Another Noon’ is quite lovely, and is a song that you Northern Hemisphere folk will be hearing a lot more on a new V-Dub ad this year. The rest of us will get to enjoy the whole thing now, without being irritated by it later on whenever we turn the TV on! Good on them though – these days bands need to do all they can to get their songs out there (music blogs are also good for this now, aren’t they!) Jon and Roy are well worth a click or two here, so download and enjoy!

Another Noon - Jon and Roy

DT Stylee - Jon and Roy

The Sapiens are an energetic rock outfit  with a punk-like edge from Chicago and their latest album Rind is due out next Friday. They also wear matching suits when they perform. Awesome! Title track ‘Rind’ is fantastic and was stuck in my head for hours the other day, despite being followed by loads of other gear as I listened to my iPod while doing the washing. What’s the problem, battery’s low? I couldn’t stop singing it, much to the irritation of those around me. Note: they were only irritated because they weren’t lucky enough to be listening to it themselves. And perhaps because my singing skills leave a little bit to be desired!

Rind - The Sapiens

So, to sum up. My conscience is a little less clouded now that I’ve dealt with some incoming mail. You’ve nabbed a few awesome new tracks to party and/or mellow out to. And at least a few bands are happy to score some props here at It All Started. Ahhh…can’t you just feel the love?

My university lecturers sure have a lot to answer for. I spent four years and thousands of dollars sitting in musty, drafty lecture theatres, frequently nodding off and wondering idly how many times one should use the word ‘notion’ during a 60 minute dictation about Piaget’s stages of cognitive development, only to discover that it was a giant waste of time. What about the real issues? Not once was I warned that I may have to ask a 12 year old child to hand me the chocolate biscuits that they’re eating noisily with their friends during a whole school assembly. Not once was I told that perhaps that child would stuff them all in their mouth, and then put them in my hand half chewed and wet. Not once was I told that I would then need to sit with those biscuits in my hand for the rest of the assembly because there was no bin nearby, crumbs caught between my fingers and saliva slowly seeping into my skin.

I don’t think any amount of university training can prepare you for being a teacher. I honestly believe that only about 30% of what I “learnt” at uni was useful. There was a whole lot of sitting around listening to lecturers banging on about stuff that I’ve never heard about or thought about since I burst out of that stuffy lecture theatre, eagerly anticipating my next tooth cleaning or lobotomy. In addition, the methods the lecturers used to teach us completely contradicted the methods that they told us we should be using when we became teachers. For example, making people sit down and listen to one person talking for two hours straight is not a good way to teach them. They were always telling us to make our lessons interactive, to involve all participants, to encourage different points of view, yet would do the complete opposite while trying to teach us. And to make matters worse, most of them hadn’t seen the inside of a classroom since Piaget sat them down in person and subjected them to the M&M test.

They certainly never told me about all the other crap that I’d end up having to deal with every day. The politics. The lack of resources. The completely different ways that each school operates, even though in theory they exist to achieve the same basic goals. Difficult parents. Late lunch orders. Chasing a feral cat off school property so that the kids will stop running after it at lunch time. Repairing broken hurdles because the school can’t afford to buy new ones. Constantly asking kids to be quiet and to sit down, to the point where I hate the sound of my own crabby voice. Spending countless hours worrying about other people’s children. The list goes on.

I have to say, I’m not entirely sure why I’m even writing about this, since all I’m really doing is making myself miserable. Some of it has probably got a lot to do with the fact that I’ve just had two weeks holidays, and went back to school today. And when you have a break from your job, after the initial euphoria of the first few days of freedom, you often go through a period of reflection in which you evaluate what has just passed. Or I do anyway. The first day back is tricky too, since my body clock is still tuned to ‘freedom’ and not ‘sparrow’s fart’ (early morning, ie. when the first sparrow awakes and releases any night time buildup). I also think that some of it might be because this is only my third year out of uni, and that after teaching for two years in a school where I had a lot of freedom to do as I pleased (covering all the required curriculum of course) I find myself a lot more constrained at my new school.

Maybe I’m just being a big sook. In fact, it’s highly likely. And despite what you may think, I do actually love my job. Not the extra crap that goes with it, but I do love it when you’ve been plugging away at a topic in class, and that one kid who is a bit behind the others finally looks at you in wonder and says “oh yeah…I get it now!”. I think my most treasured moments too come with the more ‘difficult’ kids, the ones you’ve really got to work to win over. There’s a real sense of accomplishment that comes when this kid who has spent weeks throwing all kinds of obstacles at you (figuratively speaking guys) finally decides that you may be alright after all, and you’re not there to make things harder for them, but that you want to help them achieve their best. It’s a nice feeling.

Anyway. I think this is the most self-indulgent I’ve ever been here at It All Started, and I feel that it’s time to stop swimming in my own self-pity before my fingers get all pruny! I was so busy drowning (in) my sorrows that I couldn’t find a suitably relevant track in my music collection, so instead I’m leaving you with a track that I came across the other day at Music For Kids Who Can’t Read Good. It’s by David Vandervelde, it has a lovely melody, cruisy vocals and is the perfect antidote to all my nonsense. Enjoy!

Someone Like You - David Vandervelde

Heathcliff, it’s me, your Cathy, I’ve come home. I´m so cold, let me in-a-your window

What a way to kick off a career. First time I heard this song I wondered what on earth had possessed the woman. Now, I just think it’s brilliant. The imagery, the wildness in her voice, the crazy desperate shrieking. Awesome.

Ooh! Let me have it.
Let me grab your soul away.
Ooh! Let me have it.
Let me grab your soul away.
You know it’s me–Cathy!

Wuthering Heights - Kate Bush

Dictionary definition of hodgepodge: A mixture of dissimilar ingredients; a jumble.

My definition of hodgepodge: A couple of random musings all squashed into one post, with a few semi-related tracks chucked in for good measure.

Let’s kick it off with an announcement. It’s official. I’ve been Websherriffed! (Cue balloons and obligatory streamer throwing). I now join the hallowed ranks of the ‘real blog’. I wasn’t asked to remove anything though, but was rather patronisingly congratulated for not posting any ‘illegal’ stuff by The Hold Steady. He does go on a bit, doesn’t he?

Ok, onto the next piece of podge. I have grand ideas to travel early next year. The UK, then Europe, then wherever. The plan is to teach a bit and then travel until I need more cash, then teach again. I go through phases where I can’t wait to leave, and I desperately wish that I could jump on the next available plane outta here. Other times however I’m more than happy to stay right where I am, huddled up in my little comfort zone and with no intention on ever leaving, thank you very much! When I get like this, I usually hop on the net and find a cool travel blog to read, in the hopes that it will remind me that there is in fact life outside country Victoria, and that I best get my butt into gear if I ever want to experience it before some lucky fella sweeps me off my feet and I quickly become the proud mother/owner of the requisite 2.5 children, a 4WD and an astronomical home loan. Ahem. Which is how I came across Postcard Junkie, a fantastic travel blog by Christopher Vourlias. The writing is absolutely superb, and I’m a little bit addicted actually, to the point where I’ve gone all the way back to the start of his adventures in Europe in 2006 and I’m slowly working my way through to the present day – I think he’s in Africa at the moment. What a gig – if I ever tire of teaching (which I reckon could be on the cards at some point), maybe travel writing is the way to go.

Thanks to Chris, I am now enthused about my plans again. I’ve also become aware of the phenomenon that is Couchsurfing, where people all over the world have registered their willingness to let strangers crash on their couch when they need a place to stay and can’t afford to shell out for a hostel. I absolutely love this idea, though I can’t imagine myself ever being able to shelve my inherent distrust of unknown people and take advantage of it. Perhaps once I become a seasoned traveller I’ll be more willing. Who knows.

Lastly, these are pretty cool. And they’re only $82 each! What a steal…

I Shot The Sherriff (Live 1975) - Eric Clapton

Going North - Missy Higgins

Sofa Song - The Kooks

I did a post about Mates Of State recently, but I’ve since been able to give their album Re-Arrange Us my full and undivided attention. And what a treat of an album it is. It’s a rare album for me, in that I like every single track on it. Seriously. Undemanding and catchy as hell, it’s the perfect album to listen to when you don’t want to have to think too much or when you want something that’s not going to leave you feeling melancholy or morose. Pure indie pop at its finest.

The Re-Arranger - Mates Of State

A couple of David Ford vids for you. The first is the recent ‘I’m Alright Now’, while the second is ‘My Sweet Indecision (Go To Hell) which is a one take effort with David playing every instrument himself and then layering it in. Knives, forks, salt shakers…everything is an instrument, nothing is safe. Very cool.

I’m Alright Now - David Ford

It’s a simple idea, where I post songs that all have one thing in common - the letter that they begin with. Original? Not at all. Pointless? Probably.

Having said that though, every song is highly recommended and should be checked out by your good self immediately!

Brooklyn based rock outfit The Hold Steady continue to grow on me. This is the lead single off their latest release Stay Positive, and it’s fantastic.

It started when we were dancin’
It got heavy when we got to the bathroom.
We didn’t go back to her place,
We went to some place where she cat-sits.
She said, “I know I look tired, but everything’s fried, here in Memphis.”
Man, they want to know exactly which bathroom…
Dude, does it make any difference? It can’t be important…

Sequestered In Memphis - The Hold Steady

Saw Amos Lee on an episode of Live From Abbey Road last week. He was good, and seemed to be a very earnest man. I reckon he needs to lighten up a bit though, he was pretty serious. Smile Amos! Actually scratch that. I hate it when people tell me to smile. If I wanna be cranky, I will be, dammit! So on second thoughts, do what you like Amos. It makes no never mind to me.

Shout Out Loud - Amos Lee

I haven’t heard a lot from Swedish singer-songwriter Loney, Dear (Emil Svanängen) but I like the beguiling sweetness he conveys with his voice and a few simple chords. Lovely.

Sinister In A State Of Hope - Loney, Dear

Zookeeper is a six piece from Texas, USA and this track is about as infectious as you can get. Great piano and a fun beat. Love it.

Snow In Berlin - Zookeeper

It’s been a while since I posted a Van song. This one is a warmfuzzy and makes appearances on all kinds of soundtracks, including French Kiss and Bridget Jones’ Diary. I knew it before those movies though. Promise.

Someone Like You - Van Morrison

A live track from the reggae/ska master.

Stir It Up - Bob Marley

Two Hours Traffic are a four piece indie rock band from Prince Edward Island, Canada. This track starts off pretty upbeat, but has a neat little breakdown in the middle that completely changes the feel of the whole thing.

Sure Can Start - Two Hours Traffic

I had things I had been meaning to say
But in the dazzling winter sunlight
I could feel them melt away
And through the warm radio static
I couldn’t hear my stage directions

I’ve had entire conversations like this, where I’m filled with things to say, yet end up saying nothing. Frustration and hopelessness in five short, perfect lines. Genius.

So Desperate - The Mountain Goats

Check out the rest of the alphabet here.

Image: Christine Olson

American musician and social justice advocate Michael Franti teams up with George’s Katie Noonan live on The Panel in 2004. Their acoustic cover of Marvin Gaye’s 1971 hit is pretty laidback and as always Katie Noonan’s soaring vocals shine.

What’s Goin’ On (Cover) - Michael Franti & Katie Noonan