STACK #143 Sept 2016

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MUSIC REVIEWS

Angel Olsen My Woman A new Angel Olsen album, a new masterclass in songwriting. My Woman is the Missouri-born artist’s third record: another compelling collection of tracks that move from atmospheric ballads through to electric folk and rock. A cinematic tone is introduced from the very start; Intern begins with an arresting synth and mellotron melody that floats alongside Olsen’s narrative lyrics. Identity, memory and the chaos of life and love are crafted into perfect pop songs for the first half of the record, and later on the album these universal themes are formed into plaintive, extended arrangements. Anthemic roller disco jukebox jams like Shut Up Kiss Me feature alongside more meditative, downtempo rock ballads like Woman . (Inertia) SimonWinkler

De La Soul And The Anonymous Nobody

This isn’t hip hop legends De La Soul’s first rodeo. The NewYorkers' genius debut, 1989’s 3 Feet High And Rising , remains one of the most influential and ground-breaking hip hop albums ever. The group's sound has evolved over the last 27 years but remains true to its expressionist sample-based core; like any album 18 tracks long, And The Anonymous Nobody has some weaker moments, but they are quickly eclipsed by classic cuts. Lead single Pain is the catchiest of the record, the groove matched by Snoop Dogg’s cruisy flow. The jazz-inspired Royal Capes showcases classic De La with fresh inspiration, with silky horns over a deep, banging beat. This is an innovative re-imagination of the group – broad in scope, full of life and fresh to death. (AOI/Kobalt)Tim Lambert

Roy & HG This Sporting Life The only problem with this 30th anniversary

collection of some of the ‘gold’ from the dynamic duo’s unsurpassed satire and dissection of Australian sport and pop culture, is that you simply don’t want the snippets to end. Unaware of them? Two highly intelligent raconteurs wax lyrical with endless ease on complete bullsh-t, based on loose facts around current

events that will have you in stitches, while also remembering that very uncanny and uniquely Australian sense of humour which is lacking in today’s mass media. From why Rampaging Roy Slaven’s favourite horse never played rugby league, to the solution to finding new heavyweight (fat) boxers via travelling the country simply armed with binoculars, or indeed how Cher was once explicitly examined by Roy (at her request) to kill media speculation on cosmetic surgery – you are hooked. Of course, if you are aware of them, you probably spent a good few hours sitting back with a cold one each Sunday, as the week’s events unfolded through their lens and into your ears via triple j (as this reviewer did). Nothing will ever come close to their winning formula of smarts and silliness – and for God’s sake, ‘our’ ABC, can we please have all their shows archived and available to podcast… Please!!! (ABC/Universal) Chris Murray

and the ANONYMOUS NOBODY

OUT NOW

SEPTEMBER 2016

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