Quote 20070615

As I flicked past a rock video channel, unable to be held by the vision of another group of four lovable moptops flouncing around with electric guitars, I couldn't help but agree. I am of the immoveable opinion that most new rock is the worst of the old rock recorded and compressed in the modern style and thrown out with little abandon and a repulsive neediness that turns guys like me away. They want ‘in’ so bad that its embarrassing. It reminds me of Silverchair playing ‘new race’ at the 1994 or 5 ARIA awards and smashing their instruments and the collective record company barons of the day all leading the standing ovation. Oh it was rank in that theatre that night! [...] I loved the way Rowland S Howard played the guitar in the Birthday Party. He and Mick Harvey were quite a team. Not a blues solo within hearing. Rowland also invented a few new moves too. The guitar dangling from the neck and the back bent and leaning over and swaying. Him and Wilco Johnson from Dr Feelgood had the most singular and personalized moves. Rowlands solo on ‘the hairshirt’ is a doozy. He just takes off. Stomps on that MXR blue box octaver and flies.

Dave Graney