NEVER TEAR US APART by INXS. Prose poem by Michael Leach.
I listened as Kirk opened up about his former bandmate and my namesake, Michael: a man who, much like me, was a shy kid yet, much unlike me, became a global rock star.
MY PAL by GOD. Story by Rijn Collins
It’s a classic punk song; raw, revelatory and raging. The Guardian claims it’s “one of the best singles ever made by anyone, anywhere, anytime”.
CAPRICORN DANCER by RICHARD CLAPTON. Story by Scott Hoffman.
She shared her name with the character in Blue Bay Blues so perhaps that is how Richard’s 1978 album Past Hits And Previews became the soundtrack to our summer afternoons.
CENTRE STAGE Eric Algra, and Rock’n’Roll City
Stereo Stories photographer Eric Algra is currently putting the finishing touches to a wonderful collection of photographs that are to be published in a new book, Rock ‘n’ Roll City.
D.C. by DIED PRETTY. Story by Kate Foulds
Over the course of the year Arijana and I saved countless bus fares hitching a ride to uni in the green Volvo, chatting away, distracting the driver who ran the odd red light.
A PUB WITH NO BEER by SLIM DUSTY. Story by Marianne Lessels
Dicko invited me to a concert at the Mooroopna Mechanics Institute. On a Sunday night. To see Slim Dusty. I had heard and rejected Slim and his music.
I GOT BURNED by THE BAMBOOS featuring TIM ROGERS. Story by John Hindmarsh
Throwing protocol to the wind I even joined the exhibitionists in standing and swaying in something akin to dancing.
LOST IN YESTERDAY by TAME IMPALA. Story by Madeleine Maccar
I worried the distance would be a death sentence as I found myself alone in my best friend’s mostly empty new living room, 1681 miles from any possibility of weeknight concerts, impromptu G&Ts and sushi, Galentine’s Day, movie marathons, holiday gatherings, city adventures, beach birthdays, and drop-everything post-tragedy afternoons of comfort TV.
RONE IN GEELONG by NICK BATTERHAM. Story by Vin M.
A piano is broken. Burnt, seemingly. A harp is stranded, unplayable. Chairs in a once lavish dining room are rotting.
DON’T FALL IN LOVE by THE FERRETS. Story by John Hindmarsh.
I was pleasantly surprised that the family recognised the importance of Countdown, setting up a tray in the loungeroom so I could totally absorb what everyone would be talking about in the next few days.