Magic Dirt

One of Australia's most enduring bands with indie roots, Magic Dirt from Geelong has been around since 1992 and were a cult favourite of the alternative scene. Magic Dirt made the switch from their original dark brooding sound to a more accessible poppy sound post nineties with their third album, "What are Rockstars doing Today?". Triple J hammered the album's single "Dirty Jeans" and the band found a brand new generation of fans (me included). A big rift exists in the fan base with some preferring the mid-nineties darker sound and others preferring the post nineties pop sound. Have a listen and see what you think.



"Bodysnatcher" is a song from the 1996 album, "Friends in Danger" and is a good example of their earlier sound.



"Plastic Loveless Letter" from their 2004 album "Tough Love" makes for a great pop song with it's catchy hooks and crunchy guitar chords.

Which way do I go? Personally I prefer the earlier stuff and I wish I had discovered Magic Dirt earlier as the mid nineties albums are a bit hard to find now. Although they're not bad as a pop band (it doesn't hurt that Adalita is gorgeous), the rawer and shadowy sound of their earlier albums are the "magic" in Magic Dirt to me.

If you're in the Melbourne area around Christmas, then you're a lucky dog. See Magic Dirt perform live and for FREE. Pop over to their website for more details.