Australia’s City Calm Down have not long dropped their new album, ‘Television’, and they’re soon going to be bringing it to the UK for a series of shows later this month.
Before they arrive, the foursome have put together a playlist for us featuring some of their fave Aussie winter tracks, which of course for them is pretty much right now, being on the other side of the world n’ that.
Talking Heads – Girlfriend Is Better
Everyone could use a little extra dose of radiant body heat to help feel snug in the cold season, right? Isn’t why us humans ‘partnered up’ in the first place? Before inviting your significant other over to ‘Netflix and chill’ then posting about it on Instagram was a thing, people like David Byrne penned songs like this instead to gloat about the advantages of having a lady (or man) friend around when the nights turn cold.
China Crisis – Here Comes A Raincloud
A sombre, yet strangely uplifting piece of new-wave meteorological research from around ‘83. It’s all about looking up to the sky. What do you see? Apparently ‘nothing but hardship’, but look, it’s really not a bleak tune at all! It’s full of dreamy synths and strings, sprinkle in some weird leads sounds, the pattering of drum machines and top it off with another glorious layer of ethereal vocal. This is spring optimism.
Murmurmur – Everything’s Still Changing
Like the seasons, everything IS still changing in the lives of Melbourne’s own Murmurmur. Much like frontman William Fletcher’s fringe, time signatures and bars are being swapped and dropped all over the place in this glorious psych-bent world the band draw you into in every song. So tight. So right.
Ahmed Fakroun – Soleil Soleil
Ah, the funky Fakroun. The one and only piece of music you need in your arsenal to shake those winter blues and prepare to embrace incoming gifts from the Sun Gods.
Stereolab – The Flower Called Nowhere
Now that spring has theoretically sprung, it’s time to start thinking about all the exciting stuff that stirring in gardens across the Southern Hemisphere. I’ve been told that listening to Stereolab while outdoors is guaranteed to make nature appear at least three times more radiant and lush. I’m sold.
The System – Find It In Your Eyes
This song has been on top of my power-walking playlist for the past few months. It’s a real stomper. The bass slaps make you skip a little beat each time they pop out and catch you dragging your toes. It’s a true mid-paced masterpiece.
Leon Lowman – Morning Song
Music has long been my most effective tool for actually getting out of bed and facing the day. Leon Lowman’s morning anthem is drenched in just the right amount of nostalgia and boundless positivity to help you push through the greyest of days.
Mildlife – How Long Does It Take?
A question I often find myself asking far too early in the Winter – “How bloody long is it going to take to warm up?!” Mildlife’s new endless groover is sure to make the wait (for warmth) seem not nearly so brutal
Jade Imagine – Gonna Do Nothing
Precisely what we all feel like doing at the end of a long, arduous week of work; NOTHING. This new one from Melbourne’s own Jade Imagine reminds us all that social hibernation across the winter months in indeed OK, welcome even.
Retiree – Gate
One to get the blood flowing to back to those frozen extremities as we edge towards spring. Those lush synths awaken the senses like a cup of fragrant Earl Grey, but it’s when those acid-y arpeggios enter – shortly followed by that thumping kick that the whole thing starts your heart back up like a defibrillator. Invigorating.
Kurt Vile – Lost My Head There
There is never a bad time of year for the consumption of Kurt Vile’s music. But when I’m feeling on the cusp of a vitamin-D deficiency and questioning whether I need a week off the beers to help save for an electric blanket, this song helps remind me that I’m probably just a bit out of my own mind and need to go lay on a beach somewhere. Head lost.
Clever Austin (feat. Laneous) – Catapult
Another very clever Melbournian, Mr Austin (of Hiatus Kaiyote fame) really showcases his freakishly smooth handling of all things rhythm/groove related. A personal favourite off of his recent release ‘Pareidolia’.
City Calm Down tour the UK from 25th September.
