The Departure Lounge

11/01/2025

https://www.oldmuseum.au/event/adamson

09/01/2025

Let’s all pause to contemplate the aloof, serene beauty of 79-year-old New Wave diva Deborah Harry (aka MOTHER), as featured in the 5 January 2025 issue of The Sunday Times Style magazine. (Photographer: Louie Banks. Make-up by Miss Guy - who I know primarily as the frontperson of punk band Toilet Boys and who I last saw DJ’ing at Squeezebox in NYC in 1999! Clothes by Gucci, of course). Harry is currently enjoying a “fashion moment” as the face of Gucci’s latest “We Will Always Have London” campaign – as well she should! When I posted about the campaign on my Lobotomy Room page in September 2024, it kicked up a whole unexpected hornet’s nest! A particular type of seemingly very sheltered and judgemental spoilsports decried Harry “selling out” for this collaboration. Um – at almost 80, Harry doesn’t have to prove her punk credentials to anyone! All she ever owed you was the music. And of course, Harry wears designer clothes – did you think she lives in hairshirts? Sackcloth and ashes? A friend who works in fashion explained to me, they’re only saying this because Harry is a woman. Which is true! When I posted about John Waters fronting the Saint Laurent campaign in 2020, no one objected! Anyway – all hail!

09/01/2025

Married couple, Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert of New Order also known as 'The Other Two'. They chose this name as Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook had already formed side projects (Electronic & Revenge) by the time their first single was released. They have recorded 2 albums - 'The Other Two and You' in 1993 and 'Super Highways' in 1999 and their style is, unsurprisingly, rather New Order-ish sounding. They are also responsible for a number of TV themes including 'Common As Muck', 'America's Most Wanted' and 80's youth show 'Reportage', a track that eventually evolved into the New Order World Cup single 'World In Motion'.

08/01/2025

07/01/2025

https://www.normanrecords.com/features/best-albums/best-albums-2024/ Best Albums of 2024

Our pick of the best new albums released in 2024.

07/01/2025

Amy Winehouse, born on September 14, 1983, in London, England, was a groundbreaking and influential artist whose soulful voice, raw lyrics, and distinctive style made her one of the most celebrated and tragic figures in modern music. Known for her deep, emotive contralto voice and her blend of jazz, soul, R&B, and Motown influences, Winehouse became a cultural icon, influencing a new wave of musicians and leaving a lasting legacy despite her relatively short career.

Winehouse’s musical journey began in her teenage years, where she was exposed to a variety of musical genres, including jazz, soul, and pop. She first garnered attention with her debut album, Frank (2003), which showcased her unique vocal talent and sophisticated songwriting. The album was critically acclaimed, blending jazz, hip hop, and soul, and it featured songs like "Stronger Than Me," which established her as a bold new voice in the British music scene. Her raw, confessional lyrics about love, heartbreak, and personal struggles resonated deeply with listeners, signaling the arrival of a promising artist.

However, it was her second album, Back to Black (2006), that truly catapulted Amy Winehouse into international stardom. The album’s combination of 1960s-style Motown, soul, and contemporary R&B created a timeless sound, while Winehouse's distinct voice stood out as one of the most powerful and emotive of her generation. Songs like "Rehab," "You Know I'm No Good," and "Back to Black" became instant classics, with "Rehab" in particular becoming an anthem for a generation. Back to Black won numerous accolades, including five Grammy Awards in 2008, making Winehouse the first British female artist to win five Grammy Awards in one night. Her success, both critically and commercially, made her a global sensation, and her music was celebrated for its authenticity and emotional depth.

Winehouse’s personal life, however, became a focal point as much as her musical career. Her struggles with substance abuse, tumultuous relationships, and highly publicized personal battles were frequently covered by the media, overshadowing her artistic achievements. Her troubled life, including her tumultuous marriage to Blake Fielder-Civil, led to a series of erratic performances and a public decline that fueled headlines. Despite her personal struggles, her talent remained undeniable, and many saw her as a tragic figure—an artist whose brilliance was often overshadowed by her self-destructive behavior.

Tragically, Amy Winehouse’s life was cut short when she passed away on July 23, 2011, from alcohol poisoning at the age of 27. Her death placed her among the infamous "27 Club," a group of influential musicians who died at that age. While her death was a devastating loss, it also highlighted the deep struggles she faced and the pressures that fame can bring. Her passing, along with her turbulent life, has led to ongoing discussions about addiction, mental health, and the impact of celebrity culture on young artists.

Despite her brief career, Amy Winehouse’s influence on music is far-reaching. She inspired a generation of artists with her unique fusion of jazz, soul, and contemporary pop music. Her unflinching honesty and emotionally raw lyrics paved the way for future artists like Adele, Lily Allen, and Duffy, who followed in her footsteps with their own soul-infused styles. Winehouse’s ability to blend vintage sounds with modern sensibilities made her an enduring figure in the music world. Her influence remains strong, with new listeners discovering her music every year.

Amy Winehouse’s legacy is defined not only by her musical achievements but also by the tragic beauty of her life and career. Her voice, which was both powerful and haunting, continues to resonate with listeners around the world, and her story serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale. Winehouse’s music will forever stand as a testament to her extraordinary talent, and she is remembered as one of the most unique and compelling voices of her generation, whose career, though brief, left an indelible mark on the world of music.

06/01/2025

Celebrating his 69th birthday today, who is this pioneering artist who helped bridge post-punk with electronic music, crafting melancholic dance beats that would define a generation's sound? He's credited with helping establish a British city's iconic music scene while seamlessly transitioning between bands that influenced everyone from Interpol to LCD Soundsystem.

06/01/2025

Australia, the wait is finally over. British electronic synth pioneers Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (OMD) make their triumphant return to Australia for the first time since 1987. OMD will tour Australia in February 2025 with their Greatest Hits tour.

05/01/2025

Breakfast at Harry’s after the Batcave, Soho, 1984. This moment, captured in time, evokes a blend of nostalgia and raw, unfiltered history. The Batcave, a legendary underground nightclub in the heart of London’s Soho, was at the peak of its popularity during the early 1980s. Known for its dark, gothic atmosphere and its blend of post-punk and new wave music, the Batcave became a beacon for those looking to escape the mainstream and experience something raw and unique.

The photograph of a group enjoying breakfast at Harry's, a well-known diner in the area, represents the carefree spirit that prevailed among the night’s revelers. It encapsulates the contrast between the late-night hedonism of clubbing and the calmness of the morning after. In the early '80s, Soho was not only a place for artists, musicians, and bohemians but also a central hub for the emerging LGBTQ+ scene. The subcultures of punk, glam, and new wave coexisted in an environment ripe for creative expression, and venues like the Batcave were essential in fueling these movements.

1984 was a transformative year in the history of youth culture. The early 1980s saw a rapid shift in the musical landscape with the rise of synth-pop, goth rock, and indie music, providing a soundtrack for an era defined by excess, rebellion, and exploration. It was also a time when fashion was just as significant as music, with bold styles of dress making statements about identity and belonging.

The photo’s black-and-white tones speak to the timelessness of the era, reflecting not just the visual aesthetics but also the prevailing mood of the time. The simplicity of monochrome photography mirrors the way in which people in Soho during the '80s embraced their lives with raw authenticity. With “documentary photography” like this, we are granted a glimpse into a world where individuality and defiance of societal norms were celebrated, even if only for a fleeting moment. The “nightclubbing” culture that defined the area has since been immortalized in photographs, creating a bridge between the past and present, ensuring that the stories of those days will never be forgotten.

This photograph invites reflection on a time when “old-school” values, personal expression, and rebellion converged, creating a subculture that would influence generations to come. The image is not just a snapshot of a moment; it is a reflection of a world on the cusp of change, one where art, music, and society intersected in ways that would redefine the future.

04/01/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Aft4hTtJ3/?mibextid=wwXIfr

PJ Harvey, born Polly Jean Harvey on October 9, 1969, in Yeovil, Somerset, England, is one of the most critically acclaimed and innovative figures in contemporary music. Known for her intense emotional range, complex lyrics, and bold musical experimentation, Harvey has become an influential force in alternative rock and beyond. Her ability to continuously reinvent herself, both musically and thematically, has earned her a reputation as one of the most innovative and unique artists of her generation.

Harvey grew up in a musical family and developed an early interest in guitar and songwriting. After studying art and learning to play the saxophone, she formed her first band, Polly Jean Harvey, in 1988, before shortening it to PJ Harvey when she moved to London. Her early work was deeply influenced by the grunge and alternative rock scenes of the 1990s, as well as folk, punk, and blues. Harvey’s raw, confessional songwriting style, along with her dynamic vocal delivery, set her apart from her contemporaries, earning her a devoted following and critical attention.

Her breakthrough came in 1992 with her debut album, Dry. The album was a critical success, showcasing Harvey's potent songwriting, fiery guitar work, and emotionally charged lyrics. Songs like "Sheela-Na-Gig" and "Dress" introduced Harvey's unique style, which blended feminist themes, sexual liberation, and emotional vulnerability with dark, visceral imagery. Dry earned her comparisons to other iconic female artists like Patti Smith and Tori Amos, but Harvey’s sound was distinct, characterized by a raw, unflinching approach to both songwriting and performance.

PJ Harvey’s next album, Rid of Me (1993), further solidified her reputation as a powerful, genre-defying artist. Produced by Steve Albini, known for his work with Nirvana and Pixies, Rid of Me was a fierce, abrasive record, with Harvey’s wild vocals and jagged guitar riffs capturing the angst and aggression of the 1990s alternative rock scene. The album's emotional intensity, particularly on tracks like “50ft Queenie” and the title track "Rid of Me," explored themes of power, desire, and heartbreak. This album earned Harvey significant critical praise, and her reputation as one of rock's most daring artists grew.

In 1995, Harvey released To Bring You My Love, her third studio album, which marked a significant shift in her sound. Moving away from the raw guitar-based sound of her earlier work, the album embraced a more polished, atmospheric production, combining elements of blues, folk, and rock with electronic textures. The album was a commercial success and featured some of her most well-known songs, including the haunting "Down by the Water" and the dark, sultry "Send His Love to Me." To Bring You My Love showcased Harvey's remarkable vocal range and ability to inhabit different personas within her music, creating a more experimental and sophisticated sound while maintaining her signature emotional depth.

In 2000, Harvey released Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea, a critically acclaimed album that saw a more refined, accessible side of her music. This album was influenced by her move to New York City, with tracks like "Good Fortune" and "This Is Love" capturing the vibrancy and chaos of city life. Stories from the City received widespread praise and won the Mercury Prize, cementing Harvey’s place as one of the leading artists in alternative music. The album also featured some of her most personal and introspective lyrics, reflecting on love, loss, and self-discovery.

Harvey's subsequent albums continued to showcase her versatility and willingness to explore new sounds and themes. Uh Huh Her (2004) returned to a more stripped-down, minimalist style, while White Chalk (2007) was a departure into eerie, piano-based ballads with a haunting, atmospheric sound. Let England Shake (2011), perhaps one of her most critically acclaimed albums, delved into themes of war, politics, and national identity, drawing inspiration from her home country’s history. The album's unique blend of folk, rock, and political commentary won Harvey the Mercury Prize for a second time and cemented her reputation as an artist unafraid to confront uncomfortable subjects through her music.

In 2016, Harvey released The Hope Six Demolition Project, which continued her exploration of socio-political issues, focusing on themes of global conflict, poverty, and urban decay. The album was inspired by her visits to Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Washington, D.C., and featured a more expansive, experimental sound. While the album received mixed reviews, it showcased Harvey's commitment to pushing the boundaries of her music and her ongoing desire to explore new artistic territories.

PJ Harvey’s ability to reinvent herself with each album has made her an enduring and influential figure in modern music. Her work spans a wide range of genres, including rock, blues, folk, and experimental music, but it is always marked by her deeply personal and often confrontational approach to songwriting. Whether exploring themes of love and loss, political issues, or cultural identity, Harvey’s lyrics are known for their poetic complexity and emotional resonance.

Throughout her career, PJ Harvey has received numerous accolades, including multiple Brit Awards, Grammy nominations, and a deserved spot in the hearts of music lovers around the world. She has also earned recognition for her contributions to feminist music and her impact on the representation of women in rock music. As an artist, she has inspired countless musicians and continues to be a powerful voice in contemporary music.

In conclusion, PJ Harvey stands as one of the most innovative, influential, and respected artists in modern music. Her relentless pursuit of artistic freedom and her ability to explore a broad range of genres and themes have set her apart from other musicians. With her emotionally powerful lyrics, distinct voice, and bold experimentation, PJ Harvey has solidified her legacy as one of the most important figures in alternative and indie rock music.

03/01/2025

02/01/2025

'Spinal Tap II' began production last spring, and director Rob Reiner has revealed what the fictional band's members have been up to in the 40 years since 'This Is Spinal Tap' came out.

“Nigel [Tufnel, played by Christopher Guest] has been running a cheese and guitar shop in Berwick-upon-Tweed. He’s also been performing with a local folk band in the village that play penny whistle and mandolin, and he plays electric guitar with them. We show a little clip of that," Reiner explained in a recent interview with Empire. “David St. Hubbins [played by Michael McKean] has been living in Morro Bay in California, and he’s been writing music for podcasts, particularly this one true-crime podcast called 'The Trouble With Murder.' He also writes the music that you hear when you’re on hold on the phone."

“Derek [Smalls, played by Harry Shearer] is living in London and is now the curator of the New Museum of Glue. He’s curated glue from every country in the world – the whole history of glue – and he shows me around," Reiner added, "He’s also been performing with a philharmonic orchestra, and he’s written this kind of symphony about the fact that the devil wears a bad hair piece. It’s called 'Hell Toupée.'”

The idea for the sequel came when Tony Hendra died in 2021. Hendra played 'Spinal Tap's manager Ian Faith in the original film.

“[W]e came up with this idea that Ian Faith had willed his daughter, Hope, this contract that called for one more performance," he said. “She thinks initially, ‘Well, this is not really worth anything…’ But then some big music star, while screwing around at a sound check, is filmed on an iPhone singing a Tap song, and it goes wild on social media. All of a sudden, the contract is worth something.”

In addition to the surviving members of the original cast, 'Spinal Tap II' also features cameos from Elton John, Paul McCartney and others.