30 years of the Jays

In what is the 30 year anniversary of Triple J, I recommend you take a trip down memory lane by reading an article written by Gayle Austin, former Jays DJ, on the early years at what is now Triple J which appeared in the SMH recently.

Click here to read the article.

The Incredibles (2004)

When Director Brad Bird (The Iron Giant) teams up with Pixar the result is a film well worth the admission just to see it on the big screen.

The first indicator of this films greatness is simultaneously maintaining the attention of a four year boy and the obligatory adult tagalongs alike, something films like last years Shark Tale (can we go home yet?) failed miserably to do.

The Incredibles is a tale of Mr Incredible (Craig T Nelson), a superhero frustrated by forced retirement due the governments liability concerns and whiling away his days in insurance and suburbia. He (Bob Parr) and wife Helen, aka Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) are trying to make a go of it with their three kids Violet, Dash and Jack Jack until the arrival of a nasty little villain called Syndrome (Jason Lee) who is bent on ridding the world of super hero’s.

Even at a little over 2 hours long, the plot required to captivate adults is brilliant while the action keeps the little viewers glued to the screen also. As a special treat, kiddie favourite Samuel L Jackson provides a profanity free but very cool cameo as Mr Incredibles' buddy Frozone. The result is indeed an incredible movie well worth watching, even without a tagalong. Much as it pains me to say it ‘Bring on the sequel !’

78 Saab - Crossed Lines

Four long years after the debut ‘Picture a Hum, Can’t Hear a Sound’ Sydney four piece 78 Saab are back with their second full length release ‘Crossed Lines’.

I’d had my ear on this since its release late in 2004 and was not disappointed when Santa delivered it on Christmas day!

Working with producer Tim Whitten (Powderfinger, Hoodoo Gurus, Art of Fighting), the album was a long time coming but was well worth the wait.

It has been said that 78 Saab are a beautiful rock and roll band like no other and I agree. Singer - Ben Nash's distinctive vocals accompany psychedelic guitars with the dreamy rhythm section across a classic album of emotive and endearing songs that range from gently textured trippier moments to unrestrained rock.

If reaching #15 on Triple J’s Net 50 is any indication ‘Come On’ is the standout track on this 11 track gem. Not that the other tracks on the album leave you numb, this album is a must for anyone sick to death of manufactured commercial rubbish. I can only hope Santa delivers more of the same in 2005.