For more than 30 years Triple J has championed some of the world’s best alternative and independent music from home and abroad. Looking back over three decades of broadcasting, it’s difficult to deny the profound influence the station has had on the Australian music scene. As one of the most popular radio stations in the country, what really sets the J’s apart is the fact that they don’t simply broadcast music – they also document it, archive it and, most importantly, share it with their listeners.
Seriously, what self-respecting music lover wouldn’t absolutely kill for the opportunity to explore Triple J’s elusive basement? Without doubt a music geek’s paradise, Triple J “vaults” contain what could be one of the most impressive archive of music that has graced our live music venues.
For their second Live at the Wireless compilation, the team at Triple J has once again plunged into the station’s vast collection to dig up some live music highlights from years gone. This two-disc album (one audio CD and one DVD) is an audio and visual gem which not showcases an eclectic range of music (artists from The Presets to Jose Gonzales are featured here) but also manages to perfectly encapsulate the energy and atmosphere of a live concert.
Some really amazing live music moments have been captured here. Hearing the audience introducing the Kaiser Chiefs’ Every Day I Love You Less and Less gave me chills. It’s the forgotten gems they’ve unearthed that are the album’s real highlights, including The Ramones performing Teenage Lobotomy (a track which was recorded well before many of JJJ’s target audience were even born), as well as a cracking version of Sunnyboys classic Alone With You.
That said, what is most impressive about this compilation is its DVD-half. Each individual performance is captured to a tee and you can not only hear but also see every last tiny detail of the performance, from the beads of sweat on James Mercer’s forehead during The Shins’ Kissing the Lipless, to that crazy dancing girl you remember from the front row of the Bloc Party concert who kept knocking over your drink during Helicopter.
The standout footage featured on this DVD, though, is from last year’s One Night Stand concert in WA town Collie. While it’s fun to watch the crowd respond to Faker’s This Heart Attack (and Nathan Hudson’s awkward aerobic dance moves), it’s Pnau’s energetic rendition of Wild Strawberries, with its spectacular light show, larger-than-life costumes and Nick Littlemore’s stage presence, that really showcases a true live performance.
Much more than just a ‘live, best of’ collection, Triple J’s Live at the Wireless From the Vaults Vol 2 is a reminder of why the live music scene is very much alive in our country – and why we should keep supporting it.
