For the last show of 2010, we looked back at some of our favourite artists and gigs of the year.
Starting at the end, the Station Hotel reunion in November proved, 40 years after its beginnings as one of our first pub-rock venues, that the entity of the Station was greater than the sum of its parts. The magical vibe was made up of more than the musos: door bitches, both male and female, were in attendance; so were groupies and many of the regular punters. The early days bred a scene that typified the mood of the early ’70s: idealistic, free, wild and crazy. The survivors were there, scathed or not, if they were still living – it was good to rediscover old pals like Heckle, Wolfman, Jack, Trev, Sudwix, Lena and the bearers of other nicknames not suitable for a morning show.
Mick Elliot’s Band featured Ian (Ferg) Ferguson and Trevor Young; the Pardoners, Sam See, Glynn Mason and Chris Stockley. Then there was Mike Rudd, Bill Putt, Robbo and Daryl Roberts with Spectrum to take the day out in a blaze of euphoria with the classic ‘I’ll be gone’.
At Queenscliff Music Festival Shawn Mullins did not disappoint. He’s a generous and charismatic performer as is Colin Hay, whose anecdotes seem to get funnier with the years. The entrancing Mama Kin warmed against the chilly winds.
Tracks: ‘Muskrat candlelight, Willis Alan Ramsey, Willis Alan Ramsey (Shelter)
‘I’ll be gone’, Spectrum, I’ll be Gonz (Cellar Music), 3:30
‘The ballad of Kathryn Johnston’, Shawn Mullins, Honeydew (Vanguard)
‘Girl of the century’, Rosie Flores & the Pine Valley Cosmonauts, Girl of the century (Bloodshot)
‘Nearly’, Nigel Kennedy, Blue Note Sessions (EMI)
‘Satin sheets’, Willis Alan Ramsey, Willis Alan Ramsey
Next show: 9:30am Wednesday, 19 January 2011: Oxford American’s 12th music issue: writings and music.
See PDFs of this and previous years’ playlists by scrolling to the bottom of the page here.
Hey, and thanks for listening and looking. Cheers!
