Category: 1/2/3/4

Lachlan X. Morris is an Uber Eats Driver by day in Newcastle, NSW. He listens to his local ‘Oldies’ Radio Station. They play artists like ELO, Wings and The Carpenters and he’s mystified by the music. So with his latest single, he wanted to try and write a quintessential song from that velveteen hit-machine era. I like it a lot! As well, the return of Philip B. Price with his first solo record in 15 years and an modern day troubador from the UK, James McArthur with his band, The Head Gardeners.

With 2019 hurtling to an end, time to dig deep into some releases that have been overlooked, my folders are overflowing so time to play catchup! One of my favourite sleeper albums is Toth’s amazing baroque pop release, Practice Magic and Seek Professional Help When Necessary. If I could I’d put a copy in everyone’s intray! The album incorporates “lush, windswept sonics,” bebop trumpet solos and spare guitar lines, recalling the Beach Boys in one bar and Arthur Russell in the next. Just one of the gems we uncover in this episode.

Power pop legends The Rubinoos are known for turning bubblegum into gold with ridiculously catchy tunes. “From Home” is a homecoming recording of sorts. It reunites the original lineup of the band and was recorded in the same studio where they recorded their first single half a century ago and teams them up with long time fan Chuck Prophet, who not only produced the record but co-writes a lot of the material. We’ll explore other uplifting power pop from Tasmainian artist Mondo Quinn, the gentle shimmering pop of Matt Kivel and wholesome mystic folk from Pearla. Plus much more!

Listening to Peaer is like watching someone swiftly solve a complicated math equation with grace. With A Healthy Earth, Peaer created a space where forward-thinking indie-rock, slowcore, and asymmetrical pop can thrive harmoniously. Just one of the new releases featured on this edition of 1/2/3/4.

Death is inevitable, but the passing of David Berman is so incredibly gut wrenching when you consider his immense talent, he left us far too soon. We pay tribute to him in this episode, his recent release Purple Mountains will be high on many end of year lists.

Slumberland are an American record label celebrating thirty years of releasing essential jangly Indie Pop. I’ve collected their vinyl for many years! In 2019 they have created a Singles Subscription series featuring some of their favourite current bands – on this episode we will feature the excellent Wildhoney (pictured), who return after a two year hiatus with a gorgeous chiming sound that is reminiscent of the likes of The Sundays and The Cranberries. Plus a lot more….

With her breathy voice and knack for catchy but artful melodies, Sarah Bethe Nelson is back with an excellent new release, Weird Glow. She joins a cast of dreamy pop creators on this edition of 1/2/3/4.