Great Australian Albums 2:
Powderfinger – Oddyssey Number Five

Review by Sean Lynch

Whenever SBS used to air those excellent "Classic Albums" specials on The Who and Jimmy Hendrix – there was always a burning sense of "Why not an Aussie album?" in the back of my mind.

After all, while we certainly aren't leaders of the pack (well, perhaps AC/DC are the only real Aussie artists that have made and continued legitimate headway into the world's psyche) Aussie bands aren't totally void of skill.

Admittedly, perhaps some of my favourite albums, while good, aren't worthy of a TV special singing their praises (although, I still stand by the fact that Eskimo Joe's album "Girl" is a corker of a debut) – but surely there has to be some common ground on what can be deemed excellence.

And, despite actually forgetting about it's existence until this DVD showed up on my doorstep, I don't think there is any better a candidate then Powderfinger's 2000 opus "Oddyssey #5".

This was one of the first 'albums' (outside of taping songs off the radio or getting a copy of Greg Champion's "Thats What I Like About Football" on the cover of a footy record) I consciously purchased back in the day, and the first time I was actually blown away by the intricacies of lyrics and musical composition of an album.

It is perhaps only because commercial radio murdered each and every track through high rotation over the last eight years (I'm looking at you Fox and Triple M… way to overplay!) that my ears just automatically started to tune out any time a 'Finger song is played.

But when you really sit down and listen to it (without Jackie O blabbing on between each song) you start to realize just how good Powderfinger and their songs actually are.

The second series of the excellent Great Australian Albums kicks off with a look at the Brisbane group which formed back in the late 1980s, on the fringe of the alternative rock scene.

Throughout we discover how Powderfinger took their name from a Neil Young, the troubles of a group with no image, as well as delve into the evoloution of a band dealing with commercial success and the adventure into America.

What shines through this truly captivating selection of interviews is just how normal these guys are.

Sure, Bernard Fanning still oozes arrogance (that guys face is stuck in an eternal bitchy girl "Uh, who invited you to the party?" mode) but he is a great wordsmith and offers some excellent insights. He really carries this piece, with the remainder of the band just seeming like blokes who would much prefer to be watching the footy, instead of participating in an interview.

A great album, some great interviews - well worth checking out - especially for fans of the 'Finger.

DVD EXTRAS

As always seems to be the case with these Specials, Extras included just seem to be the unedited interviews. Not surprisingly, Bernard Fannings interview is the most watchable, and you would have to assume the guy isn't to far off being a guest on Enough Rope. He would make an excellent interviewee.

One for music fans all round.

Conclusion: Movie 70% Extras: 60%