The Panics are a Melbourne-based indie rock band who exploded onto the Australian scene in 2003 with the critically acclaimed album, A House on a Street in a Town I’m From. Since then, the Aria Award winning band have released two more long players, including Sleeps Like a Curse and last year’s ARIA and J Award winning album, Cruel Guards. We got the word on the tunes that make up their Playlist from guitarist Drew Wootton.
Jimi Hendrix / Have You Ever Been
I don’t think I’ll ever get out of my Hendrix ‘phase’. I always liked the slower playing stuff though. His humanity seems to come through a lot easier on the ballad-y stuff. I also loathe ballads, so he’s got me good. This song is lush and pretty weird sounding. I love Hendrix because he’s got the innocence and creativity that reminds me of being a little kid, wrapped up in my own daydreams.
Can / Mushroom
I think there are only four lines in the song, but the music around it is kind of the focus. It’s claustrophobic, metallic and chaotic. What’s most impressive about it is how pretty much every band around today sound like they’re still trying to catch up with them. Even those who’ve never heard them. This was recorded in 1970.
The Strokes / Hard To Explain
I remember hearing this record the first time. I was running late for a gig, but I just couldn’t tear myself away from the stereo. My housemate of the time and I were staring at the stereo like we were hallucinating. It doesn’t happen too many times, but that album changed the rules. Such great songs, with no bullshit production and lean arrangements. Where do you go after Is This It?
The Rolling Stones / Gimme Shelter
Jae [Panics’ vocalist] and I have this belief that Mick Jagger was one of the great lyric writers. I’m sure we’re not alone, but not many people seem to mention him in that way. The myth obscures the work. Gimme Shelter is just a bad, mean, almost trance-like piece of great rock and roll.
The Beach Boys / I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times
It could’ve been any track off Pet Sounds. I love Brian Wilson’s ambition. I think most people hearing this song and the title would imagine it as nostalgia, but I get the feeling he thinks he’s projected himself into the future, and that the present is frustrating him. I think anyone could appreciate that feeling.
Television / Venus De Milo
Marquee Moon has long been one of my favourite albums. On this track Tom Verlaine sounds like he’s impersonating a friend on a drunken rant. The music is exciting and original. It all sounds like a country boy heading to the city for a dirty weekend.
Nick Drake / Place To Be
I remember, before the Internet owned us, music fans had to hunt or rely on snippets of information to ‘discover’ bands. I remember I found a Nick Drake album in London in 1994 and immediately loved it. It sounded like you were in the same room as him, and he was singing this song for the first time, to you. Pink Moon is the record this song is from and all the songs have that effect.
The Beatles / I’m Only Sleeping
It’s John Lennon.
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