Thursday 14th January
FourThousand 128 - come down from there
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READ: Here and There Volume 9
GOODS: The Atomic
HEAR: The Almighty Defenders
STRAY: Snorkelling
WIN: Grand Scheme online store gift voucher, tickets to In The Loop, tickets to Wing!
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Cover photo by Charlie Hillhouse. If you would like to submit a covershot email rach@rightanglestudio.com.au
Granta Issue 108: Chicago
What:
Granta Issue 108: Chicago
Who:
Granta Publications
Where:
Available from Granta or at Readings
How much:
AU $29.99
San Francisco and New York are the touchstone cities of American literature, leaving somewhere less fashionable like Chicago out in the wind and rain, despite the fact Hemingway, Eggers and Obama all grew up there. Strangely, Chicago has found an unusual champion in UK lit journal Granta.
The Chris Ware wrap around cover promises much. It's a real departure for Granta - usually a stodgy academic tome filled with highbrow articles and fiction. Stepping so far out of their comfort zone has resulted in one of their best ever issues. There's Pulitzer, Booker and Nobel prize winners a-go-go here, riffing on what a cool, corrupt, exciting and downright scary city Chicago can be.
Four of the past eight Illinois governors have been incarcerated. Lake Michigan sometimes gets inexplicable tidal waves. There's an abandoned underground railway network that flooded in '92, shutting down the entire city. 15,000 people have been murdered there in the last two decades, three times the US body count in Iraq and Afghanistan combined. How did a President emerge from this? Chicago makes Baltimore look like Club Med.
Format: Magazine
Genre: Other
Keywords: Granta, Literature, Short Stories
Wing, 'Beat It'
What:
Wing, Beat It
Who:
Wing
Where:
The Zoo, 711 Ann St, Fortitude Valley
When:
Mon Jan 25, 8pm (Australia Day holiday eve). Supported by Potato Masta
MySpace:
Here
Who the Wing!? Wing does covers of big time stars. Wing has a very unique voice. Wing says she is small potato but Wing has many fans worldwide. Wing has been on South Park, Wing likes to rap too. Wing sings all the songs you know and love - like you've never heard them before.
Her latest release Beat It features a few Michael Jackson covers and oddly enough some Elton John, Celine Dion, and Bette Midler (yep, you guessed it - ‘Wind Beneath My Wings') for good measure and to top it all off the killer closing track, ‘Brahm's Lullaby'. It's a cracker!
Wing brings a new life to these classics, a Wing spin if you will. The midi-file backing tracks are really quite progressive. Wing the avant-garde, you know if you listen really closely you might pick up on where Joanna Newsom gets some of her twang from. Yep, you heard it here first, Newsom and Wing, similarities bestowed.
Win:
Thanks to us, we have 5 dbl passes to giveway to Wing's show. To enter, email win@fourthousand.com.au with the subject line 'Who the Wing'
Related links:
Wing's official website
Wing sings Elvis / ACDC / ABBA and more
Genre: Rock
Release: Album
Office of Australia - Dirk Yates
What:
Office of Australia - New Work by Dirk Yates
Where:
Box Copy, Level 1, Watson Brothers Building, 129 Margaret St, Brisbane
When:
Sat Jan 23, 6pm - 8pm
How much:
Free
Image Credit:
Dirk Yates
The term Institutional Critique is becoming nuller and voider. Yup. We all know about controlled environments, thanks Debord! I was glad then, when reading about the upcoming Dirk Yates exhibition, Office of Australia, that the aforementioned phrase wasn't uttered. Yates, a contemporary conceptualist, has a passion for both art and architecture, and he'll be exhibiting a new work with local ARI (Artist Run Initiative), Boxcopy.
Remaking the space so as to look like it did in its previous incarnation - as an office space - Yates is critiquing not only Le Corbusian utopianism, but also Brisbane's history as colonised land, and the current transformation of our city. I remember when the back of the space, the Watson Building, was our illegitimate carpark! Yates wants you to meditate on the history of the site, becoming immersed in it; forget that limited edition marble vinyl you wanted. Life interspersed with art and art interspersed with life and all that. He doesn't need words for that.
Gallery Type: Artist-run
Location: CBD
Medium: Installation
Keywords: Dirk Yates, Box Copy, ARI, Brisbane City
Ivy + Bird
What:
Ivy + Bird
Where:
164a Arthur St, Fortitude Valley
When:
Tues-Fri, 10am-5pm. Mon and Sat, 10am-4pm
Contact:
3358 1006 or email
A new store has nested on the ever-evolving Arthur Street strip tucked just off James Street. Ivy + Bird is the creation of Brisbane-based jewellery and accessories designer, Maria Diakos. It's an inviting space that will inspire creativity. I walked in to be greeted by a lovely staff member busily sewing the finishing touches on a piece who warmly welcomed me whilst I pawed through and discovered the hidden treasures.
Maria's jewellery flickers amongst handmade women and children's clothing and bolts of Liberty of London, American and Japanese fabric. Not to forget the array of hand woven baskets, artwork, printed papers, unique cushions and beautiful books. Keep your newfound treasure for yourself or wrap them in one of the beautiful gift papers available adorned with a handmade card.
I left the store feeling somewhat uplifted and in the mood to dust off the sewing machine and get it whirring back into action. Ivy + Bird is an instore experience you won't forget. To inspire the most uninspired.
Location: Inner East
Product Type: Other
Keywords: Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley, Fabric, Jewellery
In the Loop
What:
In the Loop
Where:
In cinemas next week, Jan 21
Watch the trailer:
Here
Win:
Thanks to Madman, we have 20 dbls to give away! To enter, email win@fourthousand.com.au with the subject ‘I'm sweating spinal fluid here!'
In the Loop is based on the British political satire The Thick Of It, which has been dubbed the new Yes, Minister. But to paraphrase one character, In The Loop makes Yes, Minister "look like Angela Lansbury". The dialogue crackles with witty one-liners, pop-culture references and copious amounts of furious, creative swearing.
Most of the swearing comes from Malcolm Tucker (Peter Capaldi), the Machiavellian Scottish communications chief for Downing Street who runs about bullying everyone. His latest target: hapless junior minister Simon Foster (Tom Hollander), who's blundered into commenting on a proposed Middle Eastern war. With his Hugh Grant-esqueaide Toby Wright (Chris Addison), Simon's drawn into a political gambit by Americans General Miller (James Gandolfini) and Karen Clark (Mimi Kennedy), whose anti-war positioning paper PWIP-PIP ("Who wrote that, Charles Dickens?" scoffs one character) was compiled by Karen's aide - and Toby's uni crush - Liza Weld (Anna Chlumsky).
The ensuing antics are all vastly enjoyable. At the height of Barack Obama's presidential honeymoon this might've seemed like an exorcism of Bush/Blair-era demons, but given the failure of the recent Copenhagen climate talks, In The Loop's real politik satire feels uncomfortably dark.
Format: Cinema
Genre: Comedy
This Is Not A Polo Shirt
What:
This Is Not A Polo Shirt
Where:
Online from Jan 20 here
How much:
$150 US online
Related links:
Richie Tenenbaum on MySpace
As these summer months drift by, the males among us are faced with a puzzling dilemma in terms of what to wear up top. The collared shirt with rolled up sleeves looks smart, but it's not exactly practical, particularly if you're faithful to the current top-button-done-up trend. T-shirts get a bit boring and are a tad too casual for some events, while singlets are the domain of body-builders and tradies.
The answer is sporty, casual, preppy and cool, wrapped up in a tidy pique package. The humble polo shirt goes with anything you care to throw at it, from shorts to chinos or well-worn jeans, with a blazer thrown over the top if you're feeling a bit Richie Tenenbaum.
The picks of the bunch are This is Not a Polo Shirt, an off-shoot line from the impressive LA-based Band of Outsiders. Released internationally on Jan 20, these Japanese made, ultra-fine numbers are destined to rise through the ranks to become your ‘golden boy'. The other big players are the croc, the crest and the dude on the horse, all of which are on sale from the obvious outlets around town. Stick to block colours or simple stripes, avoid flipping the collar of courseand think McEnroe, not Warney.
Location: Online
Price: $101 - $200
Product Type: Clothes
Keywords: Band of Outsiders, Polo shirts
Jaffles now at The Troubadour!
What:
Jaffles now at The Troubadour!
Where:
Level 2, 322 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
When:
Every night from this Friday
How much:
$4
Contact:
3252 2626
Finally, everyone's favourite I-wish-my-living-room-looked-like-this venue, The Troubadour, will be adding yet another homely touch, jaffles! We bet these toastie pieces of cheesey heaven will have you more content than being sandwiched in between one of the velvet couches. The types of jaffles on offer are yet to be decided upon, however we feel you'll be pleasantly surprised. My favourite has always been a mystery (aka ‘savoury') mince - but whatever you want to go with is fine by me, really.
Safety first! Never again will you have to venture to scary fast food chains when the boozey tummy rumbles start demanding to be soaked up. Sure, it seemed like a good idea at the time, but more often than not you end up with a mclicious vomit to deal with. It's confusing out there. People are rude. With the Troubadour toastie you will NEVER have to leave. ‘We know you feel so at home here, but no, you still can't move in - we love you though'.
Location: Inner East
Venue Type: Bar
Keywords: Food, Troubadour, Jaffles
Sapphire Sundays
What:
Sapphire Sundays
Where:
Libertine Restaurant at the Barracks, 61 Petrie Terrace
When:
Every Sunday from 2pm until Sun Jan 31
How Much:
Free entry. Bombay Sapphire cocktails from $7
Few things say ‘Aussie summer' more than steak burgers, warm beer and contact sports on a Sunday afternoon. Lucky for us, Paddington's Libertine Restaurant has stepped in to inject a few of those French aristocratic values into Brisbane summer weekends.
Sapphire Sundays are a Francophile's answer to the backyard barbeque. As well as Libertine's comprehensive range of drinks, a special range of (ice-cold) cocktails made from Sapphire Gin are on offer from $7 a pop. Twenty-five dollar Street Food Platters that showcase a few of Libertine's signature French/Vietnamese fusion tapas goodies are big enough to share. Instead of rugby or cricket you'll find yourself enjoying a game of Patio Petanque (the game where you roll, not throw, heavy balls at other heavy balls) like a born-and-bred Lord or Lady while Libertine's own DJ Sanceau mixes and mashes classic summer beats.
Ambience: Sports
Location: Urban
Keywords: Drinks, Petrie Terrace
Rio Lobotomy
What:
Rio Lobotomy w/ Dot.AY and Andyexpandy
Where:
The Club House, 339 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
When:
Thurs Jan 14, 8.15pm - 11.15pm
How much:
Free
Description:
We know it sounds like something a little below the belt, but it's just a cheeky new name and new home for Adam Hunter's latest club night. In their own words: ‘We saved up all of our Lunch Money and spent it on an expenses-paid trip to RIO LOBOTOMY - a mountainous but utopian resort occurring each and every Thursday night'. This week on the cocktail specials board they've got Dot.AY and Andyexpandy plus resident DJs Wolfgang, Charlie Why and Youth. Wild. - RS
Keywords: DJs, Adam Hunter, Club House
The Purple Bedroom SALE
What:
The Purple Bedroom SALE
Where:
The Purple Bedroom, 969 Ann St, Fortitude Valley
When:
Sale runs until the end of the month or until sold out
How much:
Selected items at $15
Description:
Where do people keep finding good quality vintage? Will it all eventually wear away? They don't make it like they used to you know! Well Brisbane, Tatiana from The Purple Bedroom is going to one of the best vintage (read retired) states in the world, Florida! To procure you the best in resort wear (amongst many other delights) this city has ever seen. To make room, she'll having a sale for the month of January. Be quick to snap up some under $20 bargains. Then, make room in your own closet for new finds on her return. Viva Miami! - RS
Keywords: The Purple Bedroom, Vintage, Sale
Apartment online store launch
What:
Apartment online store launch + special offer sale
Where:
Online here. Plenty of sales going on in store too
When:
Until Sun Jan 24
How much:
Use online discount code aptwebsale at checkout to receive 25% off
Description:
Brisbane's savviest store just went global. Yes, you can be in New Farm or New Deli to get your APTMNT, Comme Des Garcons, A.P.C and Pam bits and pieces delivered to your door. To celebrate their cyber store and new upcoming season stock they are giving you 25% off when you visit their online store. All the details are above. It's pretty simple and smart really, just like the clothes and accessories you can buy. - RS
David Sedaris Speaks
What:
David Sedaris Speaks
Where:
Tivoli, 52 Costin St, Fortitude Valley
When:
Fri Jan 15, 7pm - 9pm
How much:
$58
Description:
David Sedaris. This guy; this guy is a killer. I mean, he's killer. A two, even three timer. He can't stop coming back. He's an alleged exaggerator. He loves leaving the truth to the imagination, won't let it ruin a good tale. He loves to write it all down with a poisoned pen. The pen's full of laughing gas and liquefied mordant wit. A definite frown killer. - SW
Keywords: When You Are Engulfed in Flames, Tivoli, Book Tour, David Sedaris
DZ and Howl
What:
DZ and Howl
Where:
The Troubadour, 3/322 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
When:
Fri Jan 15, 8pm
How much:
$12
Description:
Last stop on the ‘I Hear It's Blood' tour - say what now? Blood tour? Yes, what more would you expect from blood loving (not sucking, this isn't another vampire love story) Brisbane brothers, DZ and their fellow miscreants from Ballarat, Howl? Both bands bring their thrashing live sets and party vibes head first into 2010. You'll no doubt have blood on your hands before the night is through or at the very least, you might end up being DZ or Howl's blood brother. A Swiss Army Knife could come in handy. - BE
Rollapalooza
Description:
The inauguration of Rollapalooza is a once in a lifetime ritual experience. Praising the musical exploits of one fair Roland Bisshop, his friends will join him in playing sordid surf and heavy doom - Narwhals, Heels, Ur, Thorn Industries and Triple Dragon. This, my friends, is a great auf wiedersehn for an amazing Brisbane musician. - SW
Keywords: Red Hill, Hangar, Farewell, Rollapalooza
I'm sure you'll agree, it's summer just about all year round here in the trops. Grand Scheme is a lifestyle label capitalising on that sunshine, having just launched their Spring/Summer 09/10 collection. The latest range of button up shirts, t-shirts and shorts will have you looking sharper than a switch blade. From checked cottons shirts to crisp polos to dressed up denim. The GS ethos is all about -clean, sophisticated design with it's feet firmly grounded in the street, yo.
This week marked the long awaited launch of Grand Scheme's online store (you can also buy in the real world here). To help out with throwing you in the deep end of online shopping, we have a $60 voucher for their online store to giveaway. To enter, just answer the following question.
This week's question: What's sharper than a switch blade?
a) dried rosemary herbs
b) Grand Scheme's new range
c) Edward Cullen's quiff
d) a butter knife, a really, really sharp one
To be in the running send your answer, name AND postal address to win@fourthousand.com.au, winners will be notified by email. Subscriber only entry. Not a subscriber? It's free you willies! Sign up here.
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