An AFL weekend of thumpings & thrillers. North got up against the Bombers in a tight one Friday night. The Hawks destroyed Melbourne by over a hundred points Saturday, followed by Carlton’s utter demolition at the hands of GWS. And West Coast obliterated Gold Coast who were early-season finals-favourites. These were all BIG thrashings, the likes of which could see a coach or two sacked as early as this week.

Sunday brought some balance back to the round with a thriller at the G between the Tigs & Pies, Richmond getting over the line by 5 points in the dying seconds. But the surprise result of the round belongs to the Dogs (yes – we are somewhat biased), losing to the comp’s undefeated champions Freo by 13 points in a heart-stopping finish, scores dead-level minutes before the final siren. Proud of the Bulldogs this morning. They were given absolutely no chance, and instead pushed the Dockers right to the line. Good signs for a very young side who’ve emerged from a tumultuous pre-season.

Fires out.

Steve Lane and the Autocrats earlier this week at Dakota Tavern Toronto for Canadian Music Week. Great stuff guys. That’s Steve’s son Kai on bass. What a great experience for a young dude out on the road, touring OS. Hope the guys went well & get a lot out of the the festival. It’s an amazing setup. Clubs all over Toronto hosting bands from all over the world. The Autocrats hail from Bendigo Victoria. With a bunch of Aussie tours under their belts, they’ve now taken the leap off-shore. Really impressed with their latest album Birds Taking Flight. Grab yourself a copy at iTunes.

Steve Lane and The Autocrats, Live at Dakota Tavern, Toronto Canada, 11th May 2015.

Big weekend of AFL footy about to start. Don’t fancy the Bulldog’s chances against the all-conquering Fremantle Dockers. North & Essendon play tonight in what should be a great game. Sydney & Geelong – a big one to look out for Saturday, and a cracker between Richmond & Collingwood Sunday. It’s round 7 (hard to believe already), one third the way through the season.

Fires out.

Today, something from the archives. Touring the States in 2010, we based in Brooklyn New York – infamous suburb Bedford Stuyvesant (‘Bed Stuy’). King, our house-mate, was also a community leader in a predominantly black neighbourhood. Once a year, each street would have it’s own block party, and this was our turn. Check out the moves. Max also makes a brave appearance in the circle…

No news on the venue council planning application for the past 2 weeks. I’d like to think no news is good news. Waiting for correspondence. Posting here when it arrives.

Fires out.

Some really cool electronica happening at the moment. These guys have grown on me over the past few months. Total Giovanni. Channeling Barry White & Calvin Harris into their own unique mix.

I think they’re a local Melbourne band. Details beyond their music kinda hard to find.

Fires out.

Californian Nights is the 3rd studio album release for LA indie rock duo Best Coast. It’s a stunning record. This is one of my favourites – title track California Nights.

They’ve been around a little while, first releasing in 2010 (Crazy For You debut album). Kinda piqued my interest along the way – but this latest stuff is killer. It’s a reminiscent sound – but I can’t quite put my finger on it. A bit shoe-gazy, a bit pre-grunge, kinda Sunday’s but not, slight 60’s feel. Hooked.

Fires out.

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.