Rowland S. Howard - Pop Crimes

Howard, the guitarist for The Boys Next Door and the Birthday Party. Spent time in Berlin, later would appear in the Crime & the City Solution and These Immortal Souls. He played a Fender Jaguar and Fender amp that I have seen in a museum in Melbourne some time ago. He is instrumental in the post-punk sound of Nick Cave, both some of the most revered musicians in Australian music. Lived the rock & roll lifestyle so greatly that he died of alcoholism-related live cancer. Doctors stated that in his forties, he had the liver that a seventy-four-year-old alcoholic would have.

Akira Kurosawa - Rashomon

I have seen a number of Kurosawa films now and I was convinced Toshiro Mifune was a comedic actor, but he is a very serious actor. I would probably refer to Kurosawa films as complex action sagas. There is tension between characters and the samurai are seen as lawmakers. They can do what basic people cannot, whether it be fighting multiple enemies at once, they also have the wits to cause mayhem in society, with sides vying for their service. A samurai is your ultimate ''gun for hire'' which would later go on and influence the classic Westerns like Sergio Leone films later on.

Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend

Have had the privilege of witnessing these guys in the VIP section of a recent Falls Festival. They cite Punky Reggae Party, the famous reggae compilation as a key influence. It shows because they incorporate reggae into their music. Emphasis on the off-beat and bongo drums. Instrumental breaks that just disappear into a void of jamming. It really showcases that reggae is just like any other music, but the main thing that typifies it musically is that rhythm on the off-beat. The rest of it is just like any other music.

Eddy Current Suppression Ring - Primary Colours

Have seen this band at the remnants of one of the last Big Day Outs in Melbourne a long time ago. Bringing the punk ethos back with a refreshing garage rock sound. A mainstay in Australian rock recently along with Tame Impala and the Drones, who I have all witnessed live and in Tasmania. The Drones actually named one of their albums Gala Mill after the place on the East Coast of Tasmania. Eddy Current changed Australian rock music to be more minimalist and bring garage rock to the pubs. 

Akira Kuwosawa - Yojimbo

Stunning cinema. Japan was demilitarised post-WWII era which is a good recipe for a thriving arts scene. Kurosawa pioneered the action film with moving cameras. He was inspired by American Westerns and they would then be influenced by him, with the American remake of the Seven Samurai named the Magnificent Seven. Action films and how to make them would be changed forever. He also has the dexterity to make a good story. His films have been adored by critics and fans the world over. 

Yellow Magic Orchestra - Solid State Survivor

This band is a tremendous discovery. They are innovators in synth-pop that would dominate the 80s. Likened to Kraftwerk, they actually have more organic instrumentation with a live drummer, Yukihiro Takahashi. His solo stuff is awesome too. They predate Kraftwerk's Computer World in regards to the concept album exploring technological and futuristic themes by three years. If you are looking for music similar to the Human League and Soft Cell, go these guys. They are absolutely way more accessible than the alienating sound of Kraftwerk. YMO make great music.

Shonen Knife - Osaka Ramones: A Tribute To The Ramones

This is a great collection and homage to the yesteryear of New York punk greats, The Ramones. Shonen Knife absolutely masters every track and the Japanese accent showing up on some of the old classics certainly adds to the charm. They are a tight unit rely on minimalism as a strength. Classic punk. This album certainly influenced some of my music early on. The concept of nostalgic covers with a punk rock approach. See my album Sings The Hits. Shonen Knife would be great to see live, and there is certainly coming out of Japan with Boredoms and OOIOO.