NOTES FROM UNDERGROUND
Sometimes you just get lucky.
Early this year someone at The Basement stumbled across a clip of a band on YouTube and flicked it over, with a note to the effect that the act would really suit the venue – if it weren’t for the inconvenient facts that it was (a) based in Los Angeles and (b) pretty much unknown this side of the Pecos.
For reasons mysterious and welcome, the band in question – Fitz and the Tantrums – are headed this way and, happily, will play at The Basement on Wednesday, July 27.
Fitz and the Tantrums – consciously retro soul merchants clad in suits and gowns, with attitude more punk than lounge – have been called, “the coolest band in the world.” It’s a soubriquet flattering yet meaningless. (Not to mention dangerous: the same label was applied to New York trio Morphine years ago; weeks later frontman Mark Sandman died.)
It is, nevertheless, a prompt for debate. As with contemporary US soul icons Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings (which played the room three years back), the argument will likely result in mutually exclusive positions. Fitz, some will say, brilliantly reimagine a classic musical form, reinventing and reinvigorating. Fitz, others will counter, cherry-pick Motown, stand on the shoulders of giants, and crap on their heads.
We have four double passes to give away. Simply ring the Basement box office on 9251 2797 during office hours to score one.
Somewhat less polarising is Kiwi performer Don McGlashan, due on The Basement stage on Sunday, July 31. McGlashan is best known as the man behind New Zealand indie favourites, the Mutton Birds.
His music might be uncontroversial, but his political position is distinctly partisan. In 2008 NZ’s National Party won power and celebrated by deploying a Mutton Birds song in a distinctly triumphalist manner. McGlashan immediately slammed the move. He stated that rather than allow the Nationals to use his music he “would rather have sex with a very ugly crayfish.”
Would everyone please refrain, therefore, from taking crustaceans to his show. Four double passes are on offer to the first callers to the Basement box office: 9251 2797.
For a full rundown on shows at The Basement: www.thebasement.com.au
Contact the writer: amasterson@thebasement.net.au
BY ANDREW MASTERSON
