Wednesday 25th June
The golden age has arrived for FourThousand… hello issue 50! Fifty years of marriage and you get something gold and a letter from the Governor General. For the ancient Greeks it was immortality and for Beck it’s a moonlight drive through the desert. Instead of a gold plated tea-set or eternal life… this week, we give you this abandoned bicycle (and a shiny golden issue). As trivial as this bastard bike may seem, it’s really all about the golden times and having such a good time, you’ve forgotten where you left your bike (all winter long)? OK, that might be a little obscure… I mean, erm, if you haven’t heard that allegory before - you probably should read more. Oh, you’re more of a visual person?… Right, well whatever or however you get your tales, bike or no bike, gold or no gold… it sure is nice being fifty in Brisbane.
FourThousand 050 - the golden age
Cover image by Julia Hennock. If you would like to submit a cover shot, email coverphoto@fourthousand.com.au.
Images by Maximilian at Wolfgang Monthly feat: Spider Vomit, Ghosts of Television, Yes! Nukes and Nikko.
My Mistress’s Sparrow is Dead
What:
My Mistress’s Sparrow is Dead: Great Love Stories, from Chekov to Munro
Who:
Edited by Jeffrey Eugenides
Where:
Your book emporium of choice
How much:
RRP $29.99
Jeffrey Eugenides knows about love. Dave Eggers, the 'Bono of lit', knew that Jeffrey knew about love, and asked him to compile a book of love stories. In 25 parts, My Mistress’s Sparrow is Dead charts that many-splendoured thing from its first flush to its final denouement, from ‘voyeuristic longing to disenchanted entanglement’. Protagonists smoke and screw and sneak around. They fall in love with people they should and people they shouldn’t. They polish the hard nut of their discontent against numberless dusks and tend to the smarting fires of their unrequited lust.
William Trevors’ lovers play out their affair in an abandoned hotel bathroom because they have nowhere else to go. Guy de Maupassant’s six-tentacled menage unfolds in a rowboat on the River Seine. Vladimir Nabokov’s lovely Nina recurs like an idee fixe in the narrator’s life, her body perpetually folded in the shape of a Z, a perpetual cigarette at her lovely mouth. There are tales where love, or the moment of attainment anyway, changes the very fabric of the atmosphere, the elementary particles of the night sky falling into heady new constellations.
The longest stories are like whole lives in reduction; the shortest like precise incisions. This is love in all its lucent, spraddled, finger-sniffing splendour. And it’s wonderful.
Format: Book
Genre: Fiction
Keywords: My Mistress’s Sparrow is Dead
At Mount Zoomer, Wolf Parade
Sophomore albums are make or break for any artist - whether you slump or whether you thrive depends on the act’s talent and depth, and some artists just seem to have these two characteristics in spades. Montreal five-piece Wolf Parade are one of these very bands, and the quintet continue their upward march toward a successful musical peak with the release of the astounding At Mount Zoomer, the follow-up to 2004’s equally brilliant Apologies To The Queen Mary.
The album deviates from the group’s debut in terms of sound, but by no means quality. At Mount Zoomer finds Wolf Parade exhibiting a slightly more upbeat style than they presented on their last record, with the keys now driving a more poppy sound, and joint vocalists Dan Boeckner and Spencer Krug’s tones seemingly more buoyant than ever before.
Standout tracks are impossible to narrow down in an album teeming with remarkably composed tunes full of detached yet peppy swagger, establishing the record as a stunning construct which appeals to all different manners of taste along the spectrum of musical appreciation.
Genre: Other
Release: Album
Keywords: Wolf Parade
Annie Hogan: A Survey
What:
A Survey, Annie Hogan
Where:
Museum of Brisbane, Ground Floor, Brisbane City Hall, King George Square
When:
Exhibtion runs until July 6
How much:
Free
Contact:
Museum of Brisbane
It’s easy to become overly sentimental about the homes that we used to live in. And the relationships we used to be in, and the bicycle we once had that got stolen...
Photographer Annie Hogan manages to capture similar emotion and presence in her photographs of empty homes. The Museum of Brisbane has this ten-year retrospective of the US based Australian photographer running for just one more week. Hogan is fascinated by the way public and private vacant spaces shape the way people think and behave. Photographing only vacant spaces and capturing the light within, her images display how, even after the residents are long departed, the aura of their presence and history linger.
Her interior shots of old timber houses in Queensland stimulate some kind of uneasy familiarity, as though you might have lived there once but now you can’t be sure. The lack of sentimentality in these desolate, poignant vacant spaces is beautiful yet confronting. You’ll probably either think it’s cool or it’ll make you feel domestically trapped. It made me feel domestically trapped.
Gallery Type: Artist-run
Location: Bayside
Medium: Design
Keywords: museum of brisbane, annie hogan
Zabbar Boutique
What:
Zabbar Boutique and Styling
Where:
785 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba
When:
Tues-Fri 11am-5pm, Sat 10.30-4pm, Mon-Tues by appointment only
Contact:
3217 4217
Let me tell you a story of a sweet and sour woman, Cosmina. She runs the most amazing vintage store ever – Zabbar. It looks low-quality from the outside, but inside - it’s a vintage treasure trove filled with pre-loved designer labels, accessories and sweet shoes, all going cheap.
Barely able to contain myself, I started chatting to the woman behind the counter, but she couldn’t care less. Instead she snapped at me when I started fondling a beautiful hat - “Why does everybody need to pick it up?” and ridiculed me when I accidentally browsed through men’s trousers – “You like wearing men’s pants?”
Geez, what’s her problem? I thought. Not yet ready to leave, I strolled around with a fake look of nonchalance on my face and then started asking her sarcastic questions. Eventually she burst into laughter. Cosima is an underground fashion genius. If she’s in the mood, she’ll pick you out an amazing outfit. Maybe she won’t like you at all and will kick you out of her store - who knows. My advice is to visit Zabbar with equal parts attitude and submission; if you’re really lucky she’ll let you into her awesome world.
Location: East Brisbane
Product Type: Vintage
Keywords: Zabbar
Trash Video
What:
Rentable Alternative Videos/DVDs
Where:
Trash Video, 73 Vulture St, West End
How much:
Cheaper than it should be
If you're ever pondering a move to the more fashionable, more southern cities of Australia, you should first ask yourself this question: “If I ever grow an interest in some obscure aspect of cinema that I wish to devour wholeheartedly but still only have the bank balance of a coughed-up hairball, will I become depressed that I didn't stay in Brisbane and hire all those films from Trash Video for an extremely cheap price?” The answer most certainly, is yes.
Trash is the only alternative video store in the country, it's founder, Andrew Leavidge has been the subject of SBS documentaries and is respected the world over for his extensive knowledge of film, whilst still maintaining a no-frills, unpretentious aura that is distinctly Brisbane.
Go inside, browse through and hire some of the coolest, strangest scenes ever put on tape… or disc. It's not merely a bigger version of the “arthouse” section either; I managed to find entire series of H.R. Pufnstuff and old Japanese kung-fu T.V. Shows redubbed in English. Dreamy.
Format: Other
Genre: Other
Keywords: Trash Video
Gorman Organics range
What:
Gorman Organics range
Where:
QueensPlaza, Adelaide St, City or online
How Much:
The future of the planet
Contact:
3221 9230
My mother started me on a diet of organic fruit and vegies while I was still in nappies, I knew she was onto something. Call me an overly-perceptive 3-year-old, but even then I could have sworn that 20 years later organic would begin to make its mark in the fashion industry (and in a much more glamorous way than the man who sold hemp pants at the markets).
In a world that's never more keen-to-be-green, Aussie label Gorman are putting their money where their mouth is when it comes to the sustainability-in-fashion debate. Made from 100% organic cotton, the current collection features a very wearable selection of tailored pants, cardis and jumpers. There is also eco-friendly underwear, singlets and leggings to keep your undergarment bits warm too. Yes, we've come a long way baby...
Location: CBD
Price: $101 - $200
Product Type: Clothes
Keywords: Gorman Organics
The Himalayan Cafe
What:
The Himalayan Cafe
Where:
640 Brunswick St, New Farm
When:
Tues-Sun 5.30-10.30pm
Contact:
3358 4015
I'm sorry, but there's something a bit half hearted about the Brisbane winter. In a “does this scarf match my thongs?” (god forbid) kind of way...
So for those searching for a more authentic winter experience, stop by New Farm's Himalayan Cafe. With its beautiful range of Indian, Nepalese and Tibetan artifacts, patrons are instantly transported to a cosy retreat within the icy foothills of the world's highest mountain range.
You can slip your shoes off and enter the snug back room with its cushioned seating. Or, if you're feeling a bit more conventional, you can stay in the front room with its tried and trusted table-and-chair combinations.
The food is second to none with a simple but delicious range of curries, soups and marinated meat and vegetable dishes. The Kathmandu born chef proudly declares his food GM and MSG free.
One word of warning however: the Himalayan cafe does not take its chilli lightly. If you're a little fainthearted - stick with the “mild” option: else you'll be sweating your socks off till summer.
Location: Inner East
Venue Type: Restaurant
Keywords: The Himalayan Cafe
Jan Power’s Farmers Markets
What:
Jan Power’s Farmers Markets
Where:
Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington St, New Farm
When:
Every 2nd and 4th Sat, from 6am - noon
How much:
Free (if you don’t buy anything)
Contact:
3358 8622
Gone are the days of Happy Meals, Slush-Puppies and Wonka's Nerds for the weekend fill. Now it’s all about just-picked organics and avoiding cancer and trips to the dentist. All produce at Jan’s is made, caught, dug, plucked, picked bottled or baked by the person serving you.
It’s not all brussel sprouts and mung beans though – you can also get your chocolate, cheese and booze fix with the gourmet selection of local wines, and dairy products. There's coffee, seafood, breads, flowers and bush tucker. Not to mention the variety of purple carrots and blue bananas, seriously (!)… are vegetables the new Nerds? Kapow!
Ambience: Other
Location: Urban
Keywords: Jan Power’s Farmers Markets
Exoteric Glee Club
What:
Exoteric Glee Club
When:
Wed Jun 25, doors 7pm
Where:
The Globe Theatre, 220 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
How much:
$6
Description:
For a heavy hit of experimental instrumentation and music, get down to The Globe this Wednesday as Audiopollen Social Club (website needed) hosts the Exoteric Glee Club. Acts Tadaaki Koyano and Christina Tester will be at the forefront of this event as they push the boundaries of music and sound for your auditory delight. If you have ever wondered what music might sound like if every musician was much more curious as to how sounds can really form and be manipulated, Wednesday night is your chance to experience it. - SM
Keywords: Exoteric Glee Club
Pear & The Awkward Orchestra
What:
Pear & The Awkward Orchestra/ Georgia Potter/ The Understudy
When:
Wed Jun 25, doors 8pm
Where:
The Troubadour, Level 2, 322 Brunswick St (Brunswick St Mall), Fortitude Valley
How much:
$8
Description:
Vocalist in both Moot and Maudlin, Steph Barros (a.k.a. Pear) goes into solo mode armed with her acoustic guitar, beautiful voice and a mini-orchestra backing her throughout the set. Layering gorgeous pop melodies throughout a composition of light jazz and acoustic folk, Pear exhibits her amazing talent against a stripped-back swell of sound into which you will be well and truly entranced. - SM
Keywords: Pear & The Awkward Orchestra
Wolf & Cub, The Holidays, The Cairos
What:
Wolf & Cub/ The Holidays/ The Cairos
When:
Fri Jun 27, doors 8pm
Where:
Valley Studios, 610 Ann St, Fortitude Valley
How much:
$25
Description:
With the success of their debut album Vessels behind them, Adelaide retro-jungle rockers Wolf & Cub stop into Valley Studios this week to show off some new material. Joining them is Sydney four-piece The Holidays and locals The Cairos for a dash of guitar pop amongst the psychedelic tribal storm which is certain to be dished out by the South Australians. Oh, and it’s BYO (a good old- fashion recipe for debauchery) as always! - SM
Keywords: wolf & cub
Bachelor of Arts / Idle Cranes / Table & Chair
What:
Bachelor of Arts / Idle Cranes / Table & Chair
When:
Fri Jun 27, around 8pm
Where:
Ric’s, 321 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
How much:
Free
Description:
Melbourne darlings Bachelor of Arts bring a certain something ‘Joy Division’ to the room. However they do write all their own songs and are pretty good at playing them. Over-achievers syndrome is my guess. Joined by local psychedelic introverts Idle Cranes and Brisbane’s leading grunge-is-not-dead poets, Table & Chair. It’ll be a good one. - RS
Stature::Statue / Emergency Emergency / The Cairos / Buick Six
What:
Stature::Statue / Emergency Emergency / The Cairos / Buick Six
When:
Sat Jun 28, doors 7.30pm
Where:
Valley Studios, 610 Ann St, Fortitude Valley
How much:
$15
Description:
After all the tantrums, blood and tears… Stature::Statue are back. Members lost, members gained – still the same obnoxious screams and raw energy we love so dearly. See Sydney’s one-man rescue man, Emergency Emergency – saving all cats stuck in trees (by shaking them down). The Cairos have finally all turned 18 (hurrah for legal drinking) and not to be forgotten, my favourite new psych-rock band Buick Six. Valley Studios = BYO and with this line-up, I feel drunk already. - RS
Keywords: Stature::Stature / Emergency Emergency / The Cairos / Buick Six
Mind Body Spirit Festival
What:
Mind Body Spirit Festival
When:
Fri 27 – Sun 29 Jun, doors 9am
Where:
RNA Showgrounds, Gregory Tce, Bowen Hills
How much:
$16 adults; $13 concession/student
Description:
What is the essence of man? Is it defined by what one does in life? Is it how we hold oneself in the stead of society? Or is it simply the metaphysical aspects of human beings as a whole which make us who we are? What the hell are we on about? If you want to recharge your chi, unblock your chakras, free your mind, or whatever else the new age hippies do, then glide into the Mind Body Spirit Festival this weekend for your dose of everything relaxation and recuperation.- SM
Keywords: Mind Body Spirit Festival
Alexi Freeman makes sultry clothes for sultry brunettes and redheads (and, alright, blondes can wear them too). He has just released his SS 08/09 collection which is all about looking like you’re at the Chateau Marmont on the first steamy day of the year and someone has delivered your ‘summer’ wardrobe that morning so you try everything on to make Lindsey Lohan jealous but she thinks you’ve inherited it all from your film star mother, which makes her even madder than usual.
However, being that it’s colder here right now than the steely gaze of Sandra Sully on a Monday night, Alexi has given us a top from his winter range to give away. It’s still sultry, but in black, with a glamorous divorcee gold foil print. To be in the running, just answer the following question.
This week’s question:
The Chateau Marmont is
a) right next door to the Castle Greyskull
b) at 8221 Sunset Boulevard
c) modeled after the Château d'Amboise in France's Loire Valley
d) holding my summer wardrobe until I arrive
Send your answer, size (S, M, L) and mailing address to win@fourthousand.com.au. Winners will be notified by email. Subscriber-only entry. Not a subscriber? No sweat. Sign up here.
Win heads unite! A few weeks back we gave away a shiny new Samsung MX camcorder. You can still be in it to win it, click here for fun.
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