Big weekend of AFL football done. Probably the biggest ‘shock loss’ this weekend belonged to the Bulldogs. 10 goals up at half time & losing in devastating fashion to the much-improved Saints. Full credit to St Kilda who won in a thriller by executing their equal-greatest comeback of all time. Whether this kind of loss shatters the young Dog’s psychology remains to be seen. We’ll know a little more next weekend. For something a little different this Monday – a spectacular mark taken yesterday by Shaydan Close who plays for our beloved Macleay Valley Eagles up on the north coast of NSW. Sadly, he broke his wrist landing. No doubt, he’ll be healed and ready to attend the Sydney Swan’s Academy next season, where a football scholarship awaits.

Shaydan Close flying mark, Macleay Valley Eagles, Sunday 10th May 2015.

Fires out.

She’s been around a while now & totally slipped by me. Nicole Atkins. An atmospheric sound from the 50’s or 60’s, and a beautiful voice. Heard this during the week on Triple R. Atkins actually pre dates the wonderful Lana Del Rey, first releasing as a solo artist in 2006. Both women share a similar nostalgic sound (dubbed ‘Sadcore’ by Del Rey in recent years). Compelling listening.

Big weekend of AFL footy about to begin, kicking off tonight with a blockbuster at the G – Cats v Pies. So many great games, but we’ll be keeping a close eye on the Bulldogs v Saints match, Saturday. Have a great weekend.

Fires out.

Had quite a big night last night. Brother Gav’s off overseas this weekend for a few months. Another mate in town for quick visit, appearing on TV game show. All gathered at Stalk & Kim’s. Got home late to find shop across the street on fire. Ambulance, fire trucks everywhere, neighbours out having a beer, spectating. Joined in for a beer, ended up a few doors down for more drinks with neighbours I hadn’t met yet. Must have been after 4 when I finally crashed. Great fun at the time, but mornings like this, I hate it when mid-week fiasco comes outa nowhere.

Corner building on fire early hours this morning, Collingwood.

Fires out.

Good mate, Steve Lane & band, The Autocrats, have arrived in Toronto for a string of shows at Canadian Music Week. It’s their first overseas tour – the guys must be pumped. Been checking their Facebook & the weather looks great, the city finally shaking a long cold winter. I’ve known Steve since we were kids, also played in bands with him a few years back. Really excited for him & band – an amazing thing to do. His son, Kai is also in the lineup. Not bad, doing an OS tour in your late teens. Go get em fellas.

Steve Lane (2nd from right, out front) & The Autocrats.

Fires out.

Been listening to a pre-release copy of Chapter Ray’s latest EP. Sounds really big – the boys have laid down an excellent follow-up to last year’s debut. Drummer Mick Brown who’s been working on the new venue (he’s also a builder extraordinare) gave me the CD on Sunday. They’ve been spending a lot of time and effort over the past months, recording, mixing, agonising & mastering. Look out for it when they launch (we’ll also let you know here when it drops).

Chapter Ray, guitarist Brendan Young in studio, recording forthcoming EP (pic from Facebook).

In the mean time, Chapter Ray are playing plenty of shows around Melbourne. Check their Facebook in the build up to launch time.

Fires out.

They did it again in a thriller – the Bulldogs shock win against the Swans in Sydney on a rainy Saturday afternoon. Both sides throwing everything at it, the Dogs lead at every change. Then a late charge by Sydney saw them wrestle back the lead with minutes to spare. But the Bulldogs found something in the heavy wet conditions, a spectacular mid-air volley by Easton Wood on the goal line to take back the lead by 4 points. The upset of this season so far, unbelievably, the Dogs sit 3rd on the ladder after round 5 – a situation nobody, even their fans, thought possible.

Fires out.

As you might know, I’ve been working bar shifts at Collingwood Spiegeltent. Been a few months now. Valuable experience for a guy building his own bar, who never actually worked behind one. Anyway, doing 3 Spiegeltent shifts in a row this week for circus troop Three High Acrobatics & their latest show called Rue. Really enjoyed last night. Spectacular stuff, set to celtic punk tunes, played loud. Rock & roll circus at it’s finest. 2 shows to go – tonight and tomorrow night. Tix still available if you’re inclined.

As for yesterday’s ‘demolition report’ – just finished, off to Officeworks to print, then council to submit. Fingers crossed.

Fires out.