Our latest reviews

The Mary Smokes Boys: Patrick Holland

Reviewed by Martin Shaw, Readings Carlton

I was once upbraided by a publisher (whose book I can’t have liked particularly much) for “caring about style”, a comment I’ve never really forgotten when it comes to the art of fiction. You go to a solicitor because they…

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On A Clear Day: Jamie Oehlers and Paul Grabowsky

Reviewed by Sid Grane, Readings Carlton

This is the much-anticipated album of jazz standards from two of Australia’s most widely recognised jazz exports, Jamie Oehlers and Paul Grabowsky. Using their exceptionally unique approaches, these highly esteemed and creative voices create distinctively original renditions of a ‘familiar…

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Egypt Noir: Ali Hassan Kuban and Mahmoud Fadl

Reviewed by Paul Barr, Readings Carlton

Although Nubia was flooded to make way for the Aswan Dam, its musical heritage lives on in the contemporary recordings of the late Ali Hassan Kuban, thanks in part to the efforts of maverick German world music label Piranha. Funky…

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Assume Crash Postion: Konono No. 1

Reviewed by Paul Barr, Readings Carlton

This album is the latest collection of hypnotic, urban thumb piano rhythms from these innovators from Kinshasa. Konono No. 1 specialise in recycling used auto parts to construct their instruments and amplification, and create joyful, trance-like party music. This band…

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Admiral Fell Promises: Sun Kil Moon

Reviewed by Lou Foulco, Readings Carlton

Mark Kozalek, as Sun Kil Moon, usually gives us albums that speak to us. Rich in vocal distinction, words that jump off the page or reach out of the speakers and attach themselves to our soul.

While still clearly lyric-driven…

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Many Colored Kite: Mark Olson

Reviewed by Lou Foulco, Readings Carlton

After the beauty and melancholy of Olson’s previous release, Salvation Blues, he has clearly entered a happy place. Touring with fellow former Jayhawk Gary Louris has clearly been a memorable and positive experience and the result is a collection…

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Butcher Holler: A Tribute To Loretta Lynn: Eileen Jewell

Reviewed by Michael Awosaga-Samuel, Readings Carlton

Butcher Holler is a coal mining community in Kentucky, where Loretta Lynn grew up in the 1940s. The contemporary country singer Eileen Jewell pays tribute to Lynn on this new album.

Jewell has been greatly influenced by Lynn’s singing style…

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Dan Kelly’s Dream: Dan Kelly

Reviewed by Declan Murphy, Music Specialist, Readings St Kilda

It’s been a while between drinks for local favourite Dan Kelly. Having been a very busy man recently with other projects, the long-awaited solo effort took some time to eventuate – but people, it’s worth the wait!

Kelly has delivered…

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How I Got Over: The Roots

Reviewed by Declan Murphy, Music Specialist, Readings St Kilda

Album number ten from these Philadelphia-based hip-hop pioneers has been eagerly awaited – and, yet again, The Roots have delivered. Named for the gospel song made famous by Mahalia Jackson, How I Got Over is a sometimes dark and introspective…

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Make Me A King: Paul Capsis

Reviewed by Sid Grane, Readings Carlton

Paul Capsis’s much-anticipated new album is a project born from his performance at this year’s Melbourne International Jazz Festival. Festival director (and ex-Readings employee) Sophie Brous commissioned Paul to perform a show comprising covers of classic standards – and some…

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