THE HOT BBQ, JANUARY 1ST 2008 @ BIRRARUNG MARR

A New Years Day party in Melbourne that wasn’t overcrowded, full of dickheads, polluted with hilariously streaky orange fake-tan or abominable queues for the toilet/bar/various stages? If those are the type of issues that have stopped you from venturing out to any given festival come New Years Day, then maybe you should give The Hot BBQ a go next year. The Future Entertainment and Triple J venture was – on paper – one of the best New Year Celebration parties Melbourne has seen since the glory days of the near-vintage Welcome. In theory, it was a whole lot more. The most entertaining of stages was the Prime Aussie Beef arena; if you’re going to place Van She and Divinyls (my two favourite Aussie acts of all time) on the same stage as Bumblebeez, Cut Copy and Lost Valentinos, then it is to be expected that I would proceed to lose my shit throughout the day.

Lost Valentinos executed a killer set in the sun, with vocalist Nik Yiannikas rollicking around the stage, jumping into the crowd and sitting on the floor of the dance floor. Following the rockers were DJ Feadz and vocalist Uffie. Feadz played for a good 25 minutes solo before Uffie, emerging in an oversized t-shirt, sneakers, a bottle of champagne and nothing else, took her brand of cheeky, cuss-riddled electro tracks and played them to an adoring crowd. Here’s my thing with Uffie; I really do like a few of her songs but am left feeling quite cold after seeing her live. It’s almost as if she’s a very, very pale poor mans, ghetto’d up version of Swedish genius Robyn. Don’t tell me you haven’t thought it too…

Bumblebeez kicked some serious arse (as per usual) with an energetic set full of ridiculously brilliant stage thrashings courtesy of the amazing Chris Colonna, and the obligatory (and consistent) drink-spilling from the loud and stylish Pia Colonna (they’re brother and sister, you know.) Beez highlight must go to their use of Britney Spears’ “Gimme More” instrumental to rap over during their set. Amazing! Sydney indie-pop-rockers Van She delivered the kind of gold they’ve been renowned for live-wise. Kicking things off with the classic “Sex City,” new songs such as “Strangers” (incredibly massive, their best song to date,) “Talkin” and “Changes” are a fine testament as to the sort of greatness we can expect from their debut album come April. Nick and Matt (pictured) were as vocally in-tune as ever, Michael and his synths were on fire, and Tomek continues to prove why he’s one of this countries greatest drummers with each live show.  Cut Copy knocked out a CORKER set, playing old and new tracks, including the likes of “Hearts On Fire”, “Far Away” and “Lights & Music”. Crowd = Went Nuts.

Closing things off were Divinyls. After catching the guys at their Geelong show at the Wooly back in December, I was ready – and up for – anything they threw my way. Chrissy Amphlett took to the stage and was greeted by screams and cheers. After the first track, “Science Fiction,” Amphlett moved her way to the edge of the stage and began shouting “Mother mother mother mother… FUCKER!” It was an experience I’ll never forget. Nor will I ever forget finally hearing “Elsie” – my favourite Divinyls song – live, whose arresting nature was heightened by the electric festival atmosphere around me.

It all ended with “I Touch Myself” – unfortunately no “Boys In Town” due to time permits (booooo!!!) – but regardless, this was still a superb party. Not only was it the best New Years party in a long time, but it’s also one of the best parties in general that Melbourne has seen. Here’s to 2008… and to The Hot BBQ’s return in 2009.