Headland
The Age
Friday October 24, 2008
Headland, Karma County (Vitamin) 3.5/5
Set aside an afternoon to spend with Karma County. Preferably after a nap in the sun, when you wake up with that pleasantly woozy feeling, because then you can sustain the same sensation as you listen to the 36 tracks on the Sydney trio's new double-disc release, Headland. This is a collection of highlights and remixes, remasters and unreleased tracks dating back to 1995, when the band first emerged with the dreamy, hypnotic song, Postcard, and we first heard the deep, velvety croon of singer-guitarist Brendan Gallagher. Postcard opens proceedings here and the evocative journey continues, for the most part, at a similarly laid-back pace, as you are reminded just how many fine songs this band has had; This is Not the Real World, with its narcotic lap-steel, remains a highlight for me, as does Secret Country (featuring Gallagher dueting with the wonderful Jimmy Little), the suburban love story of Dexter & Sinistra (as told by Bryan Brown) and the haunting Happy Birthday Dear Customer. If you've only ever heard the singles, Headland is well worth an extended visit. On a sunny porch. Karma County launches Headland at the Toff in Town tomorrow night. -- JO ROBERTS
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