This week for the column I continue to look ahead for 2025, with some ins for the year!
Kicking it off with the return of magazines and print zines. In a time where everything is so immediate and disposable, it’s great to see print media return as it really makes you switch off from technology and engage with the content more. In the last few months, we’ve seen the latest issue of the great local Wanderer Magazine as well as the return of fellow local issue Zephyr Magazine while the free quarterly Coal Coast continues to keep locals up to date with community happenings. There have been regular issues of Melbourne rock n roll fanzine Bad Batch lately and archival crew Noise Levels have just dropped their first zine. Drop by the shop, grab a copy of these and take some time away from the screen.
In a similar antidote to technology, compilation records are really exploding. Anyone can make a Spotify playlist (and I create many!) but the compilation takes it to so many more levels and is a much deeper and personalised listen based on the people or team who have curated the release. There have been so many great ones of late from always reliable labels, check out Soft Summer Breezes on the Numero label, Even the Forest Hums from Light In The Attic, Nippon Acid Folk via the Time Capsule label, Ayo Ke Disco from the Soundway label and the always amazing Brown Acid series on Riding Easy Records.
Local business merch, what better way to support local businesses than buying and wearing their merch! At the end of last year we just got a new Music Farmers range designed by Bodie from El Oso Negro Sign Co and printed by FNTM, who also both have their own great merch. It’s not limited to us though, there is great, well designed local business merch in lots of cafes, bars and other retail outlets around town.
The Go-Betweens box set! It’s finally arrived, released late last year via Domino, copies seemed to just make it to Australia this week. The third and final edition of the box set series, the release collects their last studio albums that include two of my favourites from the legendary Brisbane band in the form of Oceans Apart and Friends Of Rachel Worth. There is also plenty of bonus material on vinyl and CD, an epic 112 page book and plenty more, very limited so grab it now right here.
Magdalena Bay! The 2024 album from the duo was among my favourite albums of last year and it feels like things are really growing for the group. Their vinyl has been hard to come across and each time we have managed to get some in stock they’ve sold quickly. When I’m playing the record, whether it be in store or while I’m doing a DJ set, people regularly ask what it is. Get across them and you can catch them live at Yours & Owls Festival real soon.