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INTERNATIONALIST by Powderfinger This is my first review for the Mosh so bear with me! But I just had to write about this album. Internationalist is perhaps the most important Australian album this year. Its not another disposable pop album, nor is it a Redneck Wonderland type social commentry. Its more. It has spirit. But first I must say that Powderfinger confuse me. Their music is hardly commercial, yet they get the air-play. The things they sing about are not easy to swallow. The line up, five men who come from stable families, is uncanny. Theres no gimmick, no catch. Further, they are Australian. All this would imply one would find Powderfinger the opening act at the Iron Duke. But yet they aren't. Yet the succeed despite the odds. And good on them. The songs on this album tells many stories. To street paper scammers on Celebrity Head, to the working class persona on Already Gone. And of course, political swipes in Day You Come and Don't Wanna Be Left Out. But its more than just the words, but the music of songs like Lemon Sunrise paints the scene perfectly. The production is top notch, guitars work overtime on Good Day Ray, Bernie's voice soars above and beyond on Already Gone. In fact, Already Gone is already my favourite track. Its a Living Type, a message hidden in a psuedo-love song. Powderfinger are also reaching further than they did with Double Allergic. Tiddas are put to great use in backing vocals. The trumpets on Celebrity Head multiplies the urgency of the song tenfold. The keys on Private Man is a risk, and Darren's solo acoustic tune Over My Head is a gamble, both that pay off. Powderfinger are not afraid. When I bought the Day You Come single, I loved the b-sides so much I thought they must have put the wrong tracks on the long player. But not so, as there is not one dud track, but further the album sticks together as a whole. Apparently these are the best tracks chosen from a possible 40, written over two years, and I agree. Hindley Street is a brilliant opener, Lemon Sunrise a perfect end. From the roar of Belter follows the mellow Day You Come, Celebrity Head is cooled off by Over My Head. This is more than just 13 good songs, this is an album. Finally, I can't wait to hear these songs live. Belter, Don't Wanna Be Left Out and all the other rocking tracks should, and probably will, go off. They claim to have chosen the songs with the longest shelf life and I agree. This will be an album to listen to in 5 years time. Definitley one of the most worthwhile albums of the year.
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