Pure Pop--keeping St Kilda interesting

The initimate gigs in the courtyard at the back of Pure Pop Records are definitely one of the hidden secrets of Melbourne. Every weekend arvo they have a local muso get up on the tiny stage and play to a handful of people. The gigs aren't advertised outside of the store so there's usually no problem getting a chair (or just sit on one of the kegs). They're licenced now so you can't just show up with a six pack like the old days but they've got St Arnaud on tap which is pretty tasty and dangerously well priced.

This weekend they had their 3rd birthday celebration with bands all weekend. We rocked up on the Saturday for some local music action . The pick of the bunch was CJ Shaw, stepping in to replace Dave Graney and Clare Moore who were a no show. He was a fitting replacement. A quintessential troubadour--thick folky beard, woolly jumper, workboots, beaten up hat... I personally reckon that there aren't enough troubadours around these days... He sang folk songs with clever lyrics about consumerism and modern life. It was a bit political but not Billy Bragg preachy. He explained each song with a background story, some of which lost the point, but his sharp wit and audience involvement kept it all entertaining.

Sometimes the performers can be hit and miss--Danna (from Danna and the Changes) and The Capulets who played later, while being good musicians, weren't really to my taste--but checking out new music is what it's all about. We need more places like Pure Pop that continue St Kilda's arty tradition so it doesn't get overrun with designer skirt, muscle top, Vineyard types.