INDEPENDENTS : G - L

The Last Record Store is a proud and passionate supporter of local and national independent artists.
These pages gives some idea of the quality of music that's being produced in this country beyond the confines and dictates of the establishment music industry. Keep checking this page for quality independent releases! Click on the thumbnail images for bigger pictures.

HEADBELLY BUZZARD "LIVE AT THE RAILWAY VOL 2" $25

"An unforgettable name, an unforgettable band. Unforgettable in that they're Australians playing American old-timey, which is an unusual feat in itself. But what's even more unusual s exactly how they play it, which recalls the early days of old-timey and bands like the Skillet Lickers ... considering that halfway around the globe lies an example of how old-timey once sounded here, Headbelly Buzzard is pretty amazing!" -Dan Willning, TWANGZINE - USA See also: Woodward & Rough

ALSO AVAILABLE:
"LITTLE RABBIT" $25

DAVE HOGAN'S MELTDOWN "LITTLE LIES" $30

This album rocks! As soon as Ken Farmer's toms and Dave Hogan's mighty harmonica come tearing out of the speakers, you know you're in for a ride. This band has a pedigree as long as a shot-putter's dream - Dave Hogan's rasping vocals and awesome harmonica skills and Ken Farmer's highly inventive and intuitive percussion were a feature of the much-loved and now missed Paramount Trio, and here they're joined by the twin guitars of the prodigiously talented and ever-tasteful David Adam (ex Relax With Max, T.Hammer etc) and Michael Galvin, who also contributes tasty organ, all solidly anchored down by Gordon Johns' (ex Breadmakers) powerful bass lines.

On this album, a heady mixture of high-energy blues covers by the likes of Billy Boy Arnold, T.Bone Walker etc, gospel, soul, instrumentals, and some great originals by the band, you can hear the bridge between Dave Hogan's earlier band Southern Lightning and the aforementioned Paramount Trio, and in front of a band which he obviously loves playing with, he sounds like a man rejuvenated. The recent twin victories at the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society awards - best song (for Little Lies), and best male artist (which he shared with comparative whipper-snapper Ash Grunwald), won after Dave's 40 years in the business, are richly deserved and should taste very sweet.

HOTEL DIABLO "ON" $30

Melbourne’s “finest un-signed band” has just released its second album “ON” on an unsuspecting public – ten genre-shredding tracks of mongrel gonzo post-punk/dub/reggae/funk rock intensity, and it’s an exhilarating ride, from the crunching opener “Loaded” – a nod to old-school rock&roll values, to the new single “Barrel Fever” (featuring Chris Wilson’s fearsome mouth-harp) which closes the album 55 minutes later.

And there’s a lot going on here, with more revealed at each listen – the inspired twin guitar attack of Dan and Dave, bedded down by the solid foundation of Chris and Matt on bass and drums, segues effortlessly from grinding rock to laid back reggae rhythms,with surprising changes of pace, subtle horn lines sneaking in at just the right time, all underpinning Dan’s righteous and intriguing lyrics and vocals, which are delivered with serious conviction and attitude to burn!

The first time I listened to this album it scared the tripe out of me, but I’m getting old and now it just makes me feel younger every time I hear it – I guess that’s what they mean by the redemptive power of rock and roll! Personal favourites are the rocking groove (and good advice) of Take Care of Yourself, and the beautiful ballad Sweet Margaret, which brings to mind The Drive By Truckers at their lyrical and melodic best.

“ON” builds up a head of steam early, and from then has a momentum like a super-tanker - that a band with such limited resources can produce an album of such quality and power without the help of the so-called “industry” is testament to the courage and talent that makes Melbourne’s independent music scene so vital. Or, as the legendary film producer Fritz Lang was once overheard to say, “It’s a muzza-focker!”

www.hoteldiablo.com

ALSO AVAILABLE:
"4 SINGLES" E.P. $10

SHANE HOWARD "SONGS OF LOVE AND RESISTANCE" $30

Shane Howard has surely by now earned the title of national treasure, and his ninth solo album is a further homage to simplicity and heartfelt honesty. His gentle love songs sit comfortably alongside the political and subtly seditious - God knows we need such voices now! "Shane Howard has been on the road for a long time now. His art is the story of a man who opened himself to every kind of truth he met along the way and continued as he began, gentle, loving and defiant." Martin Flanagan

"BEYOND HOPE'S BRIDGE" $30

JOHN BAKER DUO "SLOW MUSIC" $25

'Slow Music' is a quality release. From beginning to end it is a beautiful sounding CD. The combination of John's smooth guitar and Gayle's serene accordion is enhanced perfectly by the occasional double bass, subtle percussion and tasteful vibraphone. When you add the warmth of John's vocals and Gayle's gentle harmonies, the effect is magical'. BJ Sheerin (adelaidebands.com)

JORDIE LANE "LOVER'S RIDE" $15