Though we may presently be asea in slush, our old friend and contributor Doug Wallen is in sunny Australia, where, if his recent Facebook statuses are anything to go by, he’s bracing for 90-degree-plus weather. However, Doug is nothing if not a loyal Philadelphian. We just go the following email from Doug, who would seem to taken it upon himself to plan your showgoing in April for you:

From: Doug Wallen
Subject: FOUR SHOWS I WOULD BE SUPER EXCITED FOR IF I STILL LIVED IN PHILLY
All in Fishtown in the space of under 10 days, no less:

THE DRONES (http://www.myspace.com/thedronesthedrones) @ JB’s, April 1: Wild-eyed, dirge-like rock from the band widely considered Australia’s best current rock act. Last seen in the States touring with Built to Spill and Meat Puppets. New album on All Tomorrow’s Parties.

MY DISCO (http://www.myspace.com/mydiscomydisco) @ Kung Fu Necktie, April 4: This is what I wrote about them last time they played Philly (opening for Pretty Girls Make Graves): “Don’t let the name fool you: My Disco aren’t of the dance-punk ilk. In fact, they’re named after a Big Black song and wield flinty musical arithmetic that would make
Steve Albini proud. The Aussie trio’s latest packs eight songs in less than a half-hour, setting stabs of guitar and curt vocals against a tense rhythm section and minimalist production.”

STILL FLYIN’ (http://www.myspace.com/stillflyin) @ JB’s, April 6: MY FAVORITE LIVE BAND. “A party band,” this crazy revolving-cast supergroup somehow fuses dub/reggae and indie-pop for ridiculously catchy “hamm jams” about the power of friendship. They even have a fulltime dancer.

COMET GAIN (http://www.myspace.com/thecometgain) @ Kung Fu Necktie, April 9: One of my favorite bands of all time. England’s smartest, seediest, best post-punk band, with unbelievable lyrics and big shambling choruses. They never ever EVER play Philly, so go! That is all.

Well, wow, thanks, Doug! We know they have rock music in Australia, too, but we’re stoked you’re still keeping an eye out. Love to you, the wife, and the one in the oven, and the proud and blonde people of Australia.

This entry was posted on Monday, March 2nd, 2009 at 12:21 pm.