Wednesday 11th June
Going up - whether you prefer to take the stairs or the moral high ground, sometimes there is only one way up. Riding elevators conjures up memories of the Myer Centre and going all the way up to Tops! (if you’re from Brisbane and you grew up in the eighties, you’ll remember Tops and the Dragon ride). If not, it might be the Eiffel Tower, climbing a mountain, hot-air balloons or a good coffee. Whatever your ‘up’ image is – we’ll bet it’s a good one. Tops may R.I.P, but at least its death grounds are being used for rekindling childhood memories… now home to Great Union cinemas, ride the elevator to the top of the Myer Centre and get your stomach flips out of Speed Racer and popcorn instead.
FourThousand 048 - going up?
Cover image by Jeremy Bennett. If you would like to submit a cover shot, email coverphoto@fourthousand.com.au.
Hijacked, Volume One
Worry about you
Rich Gilligan’s photography
Kuwaii SS08
Passive Aggressive Notes
Cell phone popcorn
Train spam
Tell us what's cool
cool@twothousand.com.au
Jack Thompson
Survival tips for unplanned freefall
Red jeans
Ultra Kawaii, so cute it hurts
Fanny Pack Antics
Walmart Cake
Storm trooper bling
Tell us what's fool
fool@twothousand.com.au
Book Of Secrets
What:
Book of Secrets
Where:
Folio Books , 80 Albert St, City
Or online here
How much:
$14.95
Contact:
3221 1368
Anais Nin once said, "The possession of knowledge does not kill the sense of wonder and mystery, there is always more mystery." So, with that in mind, don't be scared to read the Book of Secrets, it'll let you know a few things but it won't spoil the surprise!
Armed with this little black book you'll be the scourge of dinner parties across the land, leaving other know-it-all dining companions Googling frantically in your wake. Whip out p.123, the secret history of Hilter's skull or p.81, the secret curse of the Brooklyn Bridge. You're guaranteed to find a quirky secret to tell people and feel smarmy about.
Format: Book
Motivation: Improve your dinner conversation
Keywords: book of secrets, folio books
Furthest Village From The Sun, Ghosts of Televison
What:
Furthest Village From The Sun EP
Who:
Ghosts Of Television
Where:
Wolfgang, Alhambra Lounge, 12 McLachlan St, Fortitude Valley
When:
Thurs June 19, doors 8pm
On:
Chatterbox Records
MySpace:
Here
A name which is at times eponymous with the general feel of the band’s sound – spectre-like tones filtered through a wash of static with vaporous guitar whirrs, pounding drums and disenchanted vocals all burned into an emotional screen of remorse and repression – Sydney’s Ghosts Of Television deliver a kind of shoegaze punk that recalls the greats from eras past, yet still retain their own degree of freshness. Perhaps best capturing this style is the title track, with its whines and murmurs stuttering across a rigid landscape of snares and cymbals before reaching a crescendo of tuneful clatter to complete the journey.
However, fellow track Buzzrd takes a different route to its aforementioned counterpart, instead preferring to ascend hazardous peaks before free falling into hollow chasms of drone to achieve a very loud-quiet-loud formula which holds true throughout the whole song. Indeed, these two contrasts in melodic direction demonstrate the cacophonous clash of musical style which this band is making its name for providing. Witness this auditory battle firsthand at Wolfgang on Thursday 19 June, and prepare thyself for a rough journey through the depths of eerie audio gloom.
Release: EP
To Cure: An empty dancefloor
Keywords: Ghosts of Televison, Wolfgang
Picasso & His Collection
Where:
Gallery of Modern Art, (GOMA), South Brisbane
When:
Until Sept 14, Sun-Thurs 10am-5pm, Fri 10am-9.30pm, Sat-Sun 9am-5pm
How much:
Adults $20, conc $16
Contact:
3840 7303
Ever since we rediscovered The Modern Lovers about a year ago, Pablo Picasso has played a huge part of our daily lives. Produced by John Cale from the Velvet Underground, the song features Jonathan Richman wailing, 'Well he was only five foot three but girls could not resist his stare, Pablo Picasso never got called an asshole. Not in New York.'
Nearly as important as this song is a massive new exhibition opening this week at the Gallery of Modern Art, Picasso & His Collection. As the name implies, this is another Warholesque-epic Australian exclusive of not only Pablo Picasso's artwork, but the art from his extraordinary private collection.
Considering some of his mates were Cezanne, Renoir and Matisse, this exhibition is a pretty big deal. It's also the first time that Picasso's personal art collection has been shown anywhere outside Europe. Pablo Picasso never got called an asshole, not in New York. And even though he had a ridiculously long birth name, he probably won't get called an asshole in Brisbane either.
Medium: Mixed
Drink: Double espresso
Keywords: GOMA, Pablo Picasso
Box Vintage
What:
Box Vintage
Where:
29 Vulture St, West End
When:
Tue-Fri 10.30am-5.30pm, Sat 9-4pm, Sun 11-3pm
Contact:
3846 6862
If you haven't been to Box Vintage yet, you're missing out... Why?
a) It has probably the best unique collection of vintage finds Brisbane can offer
b) There is always a range of interesting West End characters milling out the front
c) It boasts our city's cutest and most friendly salesgirl: Miss Sarah Birchley - a vintage it-girl in her own right.
But don't let these reasons sway you. The swag at Box Vintage sells itself. From glitzy '80s prom dresses to retro print tees, to some of the yummiest and cuddliest jumpers you're likely to find this winter: it really is the dress-up box from heaven. The store has also just gotten in a stack of leather bomber jackets, vintage sweat hoodies and endless pairs of cowboy boots to keep you treading fashionably through the colder months. It's all quality vintage, hand-sourced by shop owner Nick, and the best part is – you know every piece you pick up is truly unique.
Box Vintage is open six days and always has a new mix of treasures for you to choose from. If you are extra keen you can even befriend them on MySpace, where they post regular bulletins with pictures of new stock and news of one-off sales. So take a trip down the rabbit hole... Just make sure you have your wallet ready.
Product: Fashion
Anatomy: Whole body
Keywords: Box Vintage, West End
IMA@DENDY presents Alejandro Jodorowsky
What:
IMA@DENDY presents Alejandro Jodorowsky: El Topo and
The Holy Mountain
When:
Sat Jun 14, 6pm: El Topo (introduced by artist & film critic Philip Brophy)
Sun Jun 15, 3pm: The Holy Mountain
Sat Jun 21, 6pm: The Holy Mountain (introduced by Trash Video’s Andrew Leavold)
Sun Jun 22, 3pm: El Topo
All screenings are rated R 18+
Where:
Dendy Cinema, 346 George St, Brisbane
Bookings:
3211 3244
John Lennon championed him, Dennis Hopper used him and Marilyn Manson loves him. While critics have been quick to gush about some counter-cultural filmmakers, it has taken far too long for Alejandro Jodorowsky to get the credit he deserves.
Maybe it’s because he allegedly once stated that "I ask of cinema what most North Americans ask of psychedelic drugs." There’s no denying, however, that his 1970s cult classic El Topo is the cinematic godfather of the ‘Midnight Movies’. The Holy Mountain (scandal of Cannes in ’73) is a decadent flood of existential symbolism and a spiritual quest for enlightenment.
You might need the introductions on offer though, unless you have "introduced yourself" to some liquid acid beforehand.
Format: Cinema
Mood: Make a therapy appointment now
Keywords: Alejandro Jodorowsky, IMA, Dendy
Speed Racer
Is Speed Racer Kubrick’s 2001 for kids?
To call its reception ‘lukewarm’ is an understatement, and it’s easy to see why. It’s too child-friendly for adults –the cute-kid-and-monkey comic relief, straight from the cartoon, will set many eyes rolling – but it’s also too long and convoluted for kids. It’s hubris worthy of Greek myth to make a film entirely about velocity run for a leisurely, sometimes leaden, two hours or more.
These real, glaring problems? They don’t matter. Behind Speed Racer’s flat dialogue and clumsy storytelling, there’s more life, more joy, more hypodermic-to-the-eye full-tilt kapow than in a half-dozen other blockbusters slapped together.
The Wachowski Brothers gave us bullet-time and flappy black coats, but now they shift gears into bright colours and bizarre designs. Simple cuts are replaced by kaleidoscopic whip-pans. Kinetic energy turns falling snow into anime speed-lines. It’s more than just eye-candy. In the final moments, Speed Racer's visuals fall apart into gorgeous, candified abstractions.
See it if you’re curious how far and fast the Wachowskis will go.
Format: Cinema
Mood: Rad
Keywords: Speed Racer
Credit Card Calculator
What:
Credit Card Calculator
Where:
Mod Cons, 702 Ann St, Fortitude Valley or online
How much:
$29
Contact:
3257 2996
Let’s face it: in this day and age we are constantly on the hunt for something no-one has already seen/done/heard. Sometimes it takes going back to the past to recreate something old – but with a 00’s twist.
Remember the calculator? The things old ladies and super-organised list-carrying shoppers arm themselves with for the weekly grocery shop. Most people use their mobile phone for +/- nowadays, which is indeed very handy – but what about the eternal search for the kitsch factor? And then along came a calculator so thin, so sleek… friends, may I present – the credit card calculator!
It (obviously) fits right in the card holder of your wallet and it’s the only one that won’t charge you any fees – rather, it’ll help figure out how to save a dollar or two when splitting a restaurant bill (in style).
Product: Gadgets
Theft: Theft is inevitable: Buy two
Keywords: Mod Cons, Credit Card Calculator
Urban Grind
What:
Urban Grind
Where:
530 Brunswick St, New Farm
When:
Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat 7am-3pm, Sun 9am-2pm
How much:
$3-something
Does decaf offend you, yeah?
Urban Grind is an espresso bar dedicated to coffee and the community. If you hadn't noticed, they've relocated to New Farm. After three happy years in Paddington, they were forced to leave when the rent sky-rocketed to an exhorbitant amount, so high no amount of coffee could cover it.
Their hole-in-the-wall cafe in Paddington is now just a hole in the wall (an empty one at that!) and things are looking up across the road from ‘that hookers corner’ on Brunswick Street.
UG like to keep it simple - no decaf, no cream, no frills, just good coffee. They also sell a few bites to eat – and you can even BYO food. (Just don’t open a can of sardines or spin your lettuce Mr Bean style in there). If you’re not feeling the love for the bean (?) they might kick you out… or suggest you try one of their four teas, including a reputable chai. Basically it’s espresso coffee – but not too fast, ‘cause the crew are all about appreciating good extraction – hell, it’s pretty much their religion.
Religious and socially conscious: Urban Grind is Climate Neutral, they’ve got free Wi-Fi and they exhibit local art – a new artist is profiled every fortnight. Holy palooza, another cappuccino please!
Venue: Café
Meal: Coffee
Keywords: Urban Grind, Coffee, Brunswick Street
Purikura Club
What:
Purikura Club
Where:
243 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
When:
Mon-Thurs 11.30am-6pm, Fri 11.30am-9pm, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-6pm
A little piece of Tokyo has just arrived in our very own Brunswick Street. Not just any part of Brunswick Street either: the seedy, Valley end, in the dim-light between Scores and the ever-popular dollar Peep Show - but don't let that put you off. The bright pink signs and peppy grinning Jap-Lolita girls let you know at once that Purikura is a friendly place. Too much, almost.
All the rage in Japan, Purikura Club is an 'interactive photo sticker game'. This is not just any old sit-and-smile photo booth, it really is an experience (word on the street also has it PC is much, much better than the other Japanese sticker photo place in the Elizabeth Arcade). As loud Japanese pop music blasts loudly, your skill and flexibility is tested as you are forced to squeeze into the designated position for each photo - and FAST... 1, 2, 3 - Happpppy!
Ten shots later, just when you think it's all over, you are shuffled into another booth where you can add clothes, accessories, borders, backgrounds, writing, critters, colours: basically anything you can think of in your allocated 260 seconds. (Just remember to use the selection pen to activate the touch-screen: a rookie mistake, especially for the game illiterate among us). At this point it really helps if you can read Japanese, but is even funnier if you can't.
Ambience: Indoor
Difficulty: Exertion will pay off
Keywords: Purikura
Mt. Augustus, Ambitious Lovers, Little Scout
What:
Mt. Augustus, Ambitious Lovers and Little Scout
Where:
The Troubadour, Level 2, 322 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
When:
Wed Jun 11, doors 8pm
How much:
$5
A mixture of folk and twee are all you need to feel good. So if this billing is anything to go by, you will be experiencing pure elation by the night’s end as three of Brisbane’s happiest and most talented bands join together for an evening of song, all for the price of a cuppa (as they say on those damned life insurance ads). Expect many instruments, beautiful voices and some good old-fashioned charm. Get in early to take in a whole evening of beautiful music and to make sure you score yourself a comfy seat! - SM
Event: Bands
Stimulus: W
Keywords: The Troubadour
I Heart Hiroshima
What:
I Heart Hiroshima, An Horse, Ouch My Face and Table And Chair
Where:
The Zoo, 711 Ann St, Fortitude Valley
When:
Fri Jun 13, doors 8.30pm
How much:
$12
After having stayed out of the spotlight more than probably expected in recent months after the whirlwind success the group attained after the release of their debut album Tuff Teef, I Heart Hiroshima are back with a headlining show, supported by a trio of more than capable acts. Indie pop duo An Horse will provide a nice buffer between IHH and the more raucous (but in no way unpolished) openers Ouch My Face and Table And Chair, both of which will set about creating a near-atomic explosion of garage rock sounds in the lead-up to the headliner's set. If you don’t mind a bit of nuclear fallout with your op-rock, then we suggest you bunker down at The Zoo this Friday to be there at ground zero when this mixture of styles mixes together and erupts in a ball of brilliance for your viewing and hearing pleasure. - SM
Event: Bands
Stimulus: sound the horns!
Keywords: I Heart Hiroshima, The Zoo
Black Friday Party
What:
Black Friday Party
Where:
The Globe, 220 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
When:
Fri Jun 13, doors 9pm
How much:
$10
Yet another great party which embraces cultural movements from the past, and yep, where else could it be held but at The Globe? I mean, seriously, a group of guys and girls dressed in a mixture of fluoro-punk and glam-goth are not going to be accepted in many venues (although maybe The Normanby should start accepting these trends… might make for a nice cultural clash), but “Brisbane’s only cult cinema” is willing to accommodate this standard of dress as they celebrate a Friday the 13th new wave extravaganza. Dress to depress (impressively depress, at the very least) and get ready to bust out your best hair, arm and finger dancing moves. Just don’t dance with your feet in any way at all… that’s just not cool. - SM
Event: Party
Stimulus: sound the horns!
Keywords: Black Friday Party, The Globe
Mute Canary Project
What:
Mute Canary Project
Where:
Visible Ink, 54 Berwick St, Fortitude Valley
When:
Sat Jun 14, doors 7pm
How much:
Free
Originally held in the ghetto formerly known as East Brisbane (E.B. reprazent!) and now held in the more “retro” Valley of Fortitude, this creatively-driven open-stage night is a testament to the gritty DIY ethic of so many of this city’s underground cultural elite. Freedom of expression is encouraged at this event, with attendees able to partake in any form of creative output in front of the audience. Whether it be musical, theatrical, ummm.. paintable (paintable?!), or maybe even sexual (within the limits of the law, please), feel free to express yourself in whichever way you feel necessary. If you don’t want to, just watch. You lazy twits. - SM
Event: Party
Stimulus: A
Keywords: Visible Ink, Mute Canary Project
The Black Keys
What:
The Black Keys
Where:
The Tivoli, 52 Costin St, Fortitude Valley
When:
Tue Jun 17, doors 7pm
How much:
$62 + bf
Touring on what seems to be a monthly basis (possibly daily), blues rock two-piece The Black Keys return to Australian shores yet again to bring some southern soul to our (even more) southern country. As part of the current tour to promote their most recent album Attack & Release, their fifth to date, the duo will take in the sights and sounds - or, rather create the sounds in Brisbane this coming Tuesday at The Tivoli. Mosey on in for some raw guitar-drum action, all accompanied by tuneful husky growls in the form of some dang awesome tunes. - SM
Event: Bands
Stimulus: W
Keywords: The Black Keys, The Tivoli
Wolfgang - CHANGE OF VENUE
What:
Wolfgang CHANGE OF VENUE!
Where:
Tabu Night Club, 243 Brunswick St. Fortitude Valley
When:
Thu Jun 19, doors 8pm
How much:
$12
Same line-up Spider Vomit, Ghosts Of Television, Yes! Nukes and Nikko - just a slightly seedier venue! Located in between a Gentlemens Club and a Japanese photo store, take a walk on the wild side... the other side of the Brunswick Mall. Tabu is totes 'the hottest club in the Valley'... and exclusive - there is a limited capacity, so don't be too fashionably late. - RS
Event: Bands
Stimulus: C
Keywords: Wolfgang, Tabu Night Club
Laura Palmer was the dirty wench homecoming queen everyone wanted to be, apart from the wrapped in plastic part. What other heroes do we have who mixed Meals on Wheels with cocaine use and a part time job at One Eyed Jacks?
In their great tradition of putting dead, or at least badly behaved, anti-heroes such as River Phoenix, Jean Luc Godard, Nico and Billy ‘my cars, they shift themselves’ Brown on t-shirts, dresses, walls and other things, Alpha 60, have put Laura on a tote bag. And, behold: it is fricken awesome.
Thanks to Alpha 60, we have one Laura tote AND t-shirt to give away. To be in the running, just answer the following question.
This week’s question:
Laura Palmer was killed by:
a) a malevolent entity named BOB
b) Leland ‘dance with me’ Palmer
c) Billy ‘my cars, they shift themselves’ Brown
d) asphyxiation
To be in the running, send your answer and your address to win@fourthousand.com.au. Winners will be notified by email.
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FourThousand is a weekly snapshot of Brisbane's subculture(s), flung into into your inbox from a slingshot of love, for the people who realise that the best things in life are often hard to find. It is compiled by a gelatinous gaggle of writers, stylists, designers and photographers embracing under that big umbrella we like to call creativity. Without editorial independence FourThousand has nothing. All editorial you read is featured because it's worth it - not because it's paid for.
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