An Old Favourite and a New Favourite

I thought it quite apt that my first post would be about my favourite musical act of all time, Angus and Julia Stone.

I first came across this wonderful brother and sister duet back in 2006 when I was dragged along to one of their first gigs in Melbourne with a friend. Along with about 50 others who were crammed into the Rob Roy Hotel in Fitzroy, I was mesmerized by their ethereal music.

Wind the clock forward 4 years and this time I went along to see them again for the sixth time on Saturday night with my good mate (and fellow Angus & Julia devotee), Jo.

The difference between this gig and one in 2006 was the size of the crowd. At the Fremantle Arts Centre on Saturday there were about 2000 more people than in 2006. This has its positives and negatives – I love the fact that Angus and Julia are getting the attention they deserve, but at the same time, I do much prefer them in a more intimate setting.

This was my first experience of the Fremantle venue and I have to say I was very impressed. The outdoor setting amongst the trees was a great way to relax while listening to some great tunes.

When Angus and Julia took to the stage, they didn’t disappoint. They got the crowd moving with songs like Just a Boy and Yellow Brick Road (I was so surprised to see Julia on the electric guitar!). Big Jet Plane and Private Lawns also received plenty of support from the crowd, but I have to admit my favourite moment was when they pulled out an oldey from their first EP. Although not my favourite song, Babylon took me back to the night at the Rob Roy. While I like the two albums, I think the rawness of the songs from their two EPs are better. I hope one day, I will hear them play my favourite song live again. If by some miracle Angus and Julia ever read this, please play “I’m Yours” again soon.


My musical weekend didn’t stop on Saturday. I also caught Ash Grunwald play at the Indi Bar in Scarborough and I have to say that it was probably one of the best gigs I have been along to (it is at least in my top 5).

I have to be honest, I didn’t know any of Ash Grunwald’s music and I was simply going along out of curiosity. As soon as Ash hit the (very small) stage I knew I was in for a good night. The rock/blues tunes were very catchy and I don’t think there was a single person in the room that wasn’t clapping or bopping along to the beat. When the silver slide guitar came out, I was in heaven. As a lover of electric guitar (think Led Zeppelin), I was in my element just taking it all in.

What I enjoyed most about this gig was that it was so uninhibited; I think Ash and his band were enjoying playing for us just as much as we enjoyed listening to him. The fact that a photographer was practically sitting in Ash’s lap taking photos of him all night took me by surprised. These guys were so laid back that it made the gig that much more enjoyable for us all. I will certainly not miss the opportunity to see him play again.


In what was a music-packed weekend, my favourite band still remains just that, although they do have a little competition.