Fun Things

“Lipstick “ / “Savage” [It’s a bootleg copy don’t worry about it, 1980]

Do you remember that scene in BMX Bandits where Nichole Kidman’s character Judy is held at knifepoint by one of the inept bank robbers, then P.J., played by Angelo D'Angelo [shit, I forgot that name was taken - I’ve got to stop by city hall], exclaims “that’s not a knife”, draws his bowie knife, “*that’s* a knife”, whereupon the inept criminal and his gang all scurry away in fear? Of course you do, it was a line we all repeated in our best Aussie accent ad nauseum for most of middle school, sometimes hilariously while stabbing a Capri Sun juice bag, or while doing the dishes at home, or in a whisper while hiding.

Despite Australia’s contributions to cinema in the 1970’s and 80’s, their most notable artistic export is their complete and unwavering love for the Stooges. First brought to the continent via Carnival Cruise steamships, the Detroit band’s music instantly infected Australia’s youth who’d quickly throw Olivia Newton-John on the barby in favor of Funhouse-inspired, Vegemite-fueled pre-punk riffage. Brisbane’s Fun Things sole EP is one of the best examples of this, so hit play below, and don’t worry, that weird looking dog is probably just sniffing your baby.

"Lipstick"

"Savage"