Big Day Out 2007 is coming to Melbourne this Sunday along with a semi-decent line-up. If someone gave me a ticket I’d happily go and all, but the only act that I really want to see would be Lupe Fiasco (and I’m going to see his sideshow this Friday). So I’m reading the street press which I usually do lunch time Wednesdays, and notice in Beat Magazine’s competition section, a contest to win a double pass to the event along with CDs for each artist on the show. The challenge? Create your dream Big Day Out lineup. But it had to be realistic, so you couldn’t have Jimmy Hendrix close the show with the Beatles singing backup.

With this in mind, I got to work creating a timetable along with a press release. After a lot of tweaking, reading, researching and writing I finally finished late last night and submitted the thing. I’m pretty happy with how the two came out. Take a look at the timetable by clicking the below image. You can read my crazy-long press release under the cut.

So sometime at work Monday I was checking my RSS feeds and came across a story about Rage Against The Machine getting back together for one night only. Back in the Napster days when I was getting into music I tried to find as many Woodstock ‘99 sets as I could. I found the few name artists that I knew, then asked a few mates to suggest some artists. One told me about RATM and well as they say, the rest was history. Not until I came across Jurassic 5 a few years later was I stunned to hear such a unique, original sound. Tom’s hard guitar with Zack’s aggressive rhyme style was just mind blowing to someone who grew up on The Living End, Hunters & Collectors and the Beastie Boys. I guess when they broke up I sort of regretted never seeing them live.

Fast forward to Monday and this announcement. Once again, minds blown. Are they going to tour the world? Is this the end of Audioslave? Is Zack going to do stuff with DJ Shadow again (the answer to that one is no). So I’m reading the article about how they are only playing one night only at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. But that’s not all. Also appearing on the bill - The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Air, Arctic Monkeys, The Roots and Tiësto (who my mate saw at Love Parade in Germany and said was really awesome). A really damn cool line-up, and hey it’s got three of my headliners from my fantasy BDO lineup, pretty cool but I guess I’ll just stream the webcast.

So this morning I come into work and check up on it. The full line-up is announced and my jaw just drops.

Faithless. DJ Shadow. Peaches. Busdriver. The Good, The Bad, The Queen. Travis. Ghostface Killah. Peter Bjorn and Paul. Girl Talk. Kaiser Chiefs. Placebo. Soulwax. Jose Gonzalez. Klaxtons. Tapes n Tapes. Lupe Fiasco. The Coup.

And those are just the artists that I’d pay to see if they came to Oz.

The full line-up is available at the Coachella website. It’s as if someone said “Let’s create a festival far away for that guy who’s blog no-one reads”, and that guy is saying “I think I might just go”. I’ve been thinking about it almost non-stop for the last two days. I figure it’s just so rare to see a festival jam packed full of bands that I like a lot right now, so I am seriously thinking of spending a ton of dosh and making the trip over. Would it be a great value for money trip? Probably not. Would it be worth it to see a whole heap of my favourite bands at one time, in the one place? I think so.

I think it’s time to fire up my Live At The Grand Olympic Auditorium dvd. Fuck you I won’t do what you tell me..

Fantasy Big Day Out 2007 Press Release by Mike Brown - lamerslame.net exclusive

Air conditioning, one day cricket, ethnic brawls in public places – it could only mean one thing. It’s summer time, and as is the tradition another Big Day Out is upon us.

2006 was a huge year for the BDO with our usual mix of superstars and the next big things music wise, and it’s only going to get better with the introduction of new director of music Mike Brown at the helm. In an exclusive interview, Brown revealed his plans for the BDO. “I contacted the KLF and asked them to reform for the show. They turned me down despite the fact that I repeatedly yelled ‘It’s 2007; What the F— is going on!’ So I ended up abusing my power and booking a bunch of acts that I liked, threw a truckload of money to get artists who didn’t want to do the Big Day Out, and got my mate Phil to fill in the rest of the schedule. I think it came out well.”

With an enhanced line-up full of great acts based locally and abroad, this year’s show will be even bigger and badder then usual. But you have to remember to look after yourselves and each other to truly enjoy the experience that is the Big Day Out. As a change of pace, every act will be announced from the start, so make sure to get your tickets ASAP – once they are gone they are all gone.

Without further ado, the BIG DAY OUT 2007 Line-up.

It’s been seven long years but preparation for their upcoming tour, THE RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS (USA) will be making their return to Australia at BIG DAY OUT 2007. With two albums, eleven singles and constant touring in front of record crowds, it was only right for the Chilli’s to make their return to the BDO. Bringing back their cross of funk, blues, psychedelic rock and hip-hop, the Red Hot Chili Peppers will play a selection of tracks from all nine albums, meaning new fan or old won’t be left out from hearing a favourite.

If you have to ask “Who the F— are the ARCTIC MONKEYS (UK)?” then we suggest crawling out from that rock. The epitome of overnight success, the Arctic Monkeys were awarded the 2006 Mercury Prize, Best New Band and Best British Band at the NME Awards, and Best New Act at the 2006 Brit Awards proving that they won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. Known best for their social commentary inspired lyrics and gritty post-punk sound, the Arctic Monkeys will be ones to take notice of at the BDO.

After twelve years of success in Europe, ARMIN VAN BUUREN (Netherlands) will be making BIG DAY OUT debut with a special two hour set. Currently ranked at number two according to the DJMag 2006 vote, van Burren had a stellar year with the release of compilation “Ten Years” and his radio show “A State of Trance” reaching 250 episodes. Dedicated to his music, Armin Van Burren will be sure to make an impact inside the Boiler Room.

While Jack White has visited our shores in the past, this will be the first time he joins THE SABOTEURS (USA) to play at the BIG DAY OUT. After years of talking about forming a band, the four close friends came together in 2006 to record the critically acclaimed album “Broken Boy Soldiers”. From their radio friendly hits such as “Steady, As She Goes” to explosive masterpieces like “Store Bought Bones”, The Saboteurs have headlined as festivals worldwide and will take on the BDO in ’07.

Back for their third year running is one of the world’s most popular Australian acts WOLFMOTHER. The Syndey based act spend 2006 playing a collection of festivals from South by Southwest to Lollapalooza to the Fuji Rock Festival so it was only right for the ARIA Award winning band to return to the BIG DAY OUT in 2007. Wolfmother will make sure that they don’t let fans down with yet another raw emotive performance of their retro-rock sounds turned all the way up to eleven.

As February gets closer to the release of new album “Pocket Symphony”, French electronic duo AIR (France) will showcase their unique sounds in the Hot House. Inspired by artists such as Jean-Michel Jarr, Vangelis, and Serge Gainbourg, Air’s classic albums “Moon Safari” and “Talkie Walkie” has seen its music used on television, film and in commercials. Unlike many electronica acts, Air will perform their beautiful songs live on stage with twists and turns exclusive to BIG DAY OUT audiences.

If you can’t remember when you lost your mind don’t worry, GNARLS BARKLEY (USA) is here to give you a sticky note. The Grammy-nominated calibration is known for the over-the-top wild production from Danger Mouse combined with the smooth soulful singing from Cee-Lo Green. The duo along with their backing band has a knack for putting on outrageous performances so this will be one that you won’t want to miss.

Re-uniting for their first Big Day Out is the Californian team of CUT CHEMIST & DJ SHADOW (USA). While in ’06 the two released individual albums in The Audience’s Listening and The Outsider respectively, the two have received rave reviews for their live albums – Brainfreeze and Product Placement where the two zip between soul, rock, jazz, funk, commercials and whatever they can get their hands on.

One band ready to see Australian shores once again are INCUBUS (USA). November saw the release of their newest album “Light Grenades” which went straight to number one on the Billboard Album charts. Making their debut at BIG DAY OUT 2007, these Californian natives will be sure to perform tunes from its wide arrangement of hits spanning six albums ranging from classics like “Drive” and “Megalomaniac” to its latest singles such as “Anna Molly” and “Dig”.

ESKIMO JOE could not have had a bigger 2006, and they will kick off 2007 by performing at the BIG DAY OUT. The group snagged four ARIA Awards for their latest album “Black Fingernails, Red Wine” including Single of the Year for “Black Fingernails, Red Wine” which also went triple platinum. These fan favourites always put on a jaw-dropping rock show so whether you’re singing along with “From the Sea” or yelling out “Sarah”, Eskimo Joe will be one to list on your Do Not Miss at BIG DAY OUT 2007 List.

The BIG DAY OUT 2007 is proud to present the makers and masters of Love Metal - HIM (Finland). The Finish group will be making their first BDO appearance after huge levels of success across Europe and the United States. Lead by charismatic front man Ville Valo, fans should amp themselves up for a down and dirty live show packed full of metal masterpieces, moving ballads and the odd cover, always done HIM’s distinctive style.

Mash-ups are so 2005, anyone can cut up a vocal and stick it on an instrumental, right? You will probably change your mind once you listen to the skill of GIRL TALK (USA). Never one to take the easy road, his highly illegal album “Night Ripper” combines hundreds of samples from the latest and greatest in top forty radio skilfully weaved together to create original music. Add a frantic, off-the-wall live show to boot and you got yourself Girl Talk in a nutshell, live in Lilyworld.

If you saw Dave Chappelle’s Block Party in 2006 then you probably would have been impressed with alternative rap group BLACK STAR (USA). Made up of MCs Mos Def and Talib Kweli, the group arose from the underground New York rap scene after the release of album “Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star”. Respected by both fans and fellow artists, Black Star will bring a fierce fiery performance to BIG DAY OUT 2007.

Fresh off the release of their latest (and possibly last?) album “Infinity on High”, FALL OUT BOY (USA) will grace BIG DAY OUT 2007 with their alternative pop punk stylings. Known best for their slightly pedantic song titles and over the top performances, this Chicago based band is nowhere near up and coming, they are ready to explode with smash hits such as “Dance, Dance” and “This Ain’t A Scene, It’s An Arms Race”, full of tales of life and love.

Easily one of Australia’s best indie rock bands, Melbourne based SOMETHING FOR KATE will return to the BIG DAY OUT once again in 2007. The three-piece rock group released their seventh album “Desert Lights” which debuted at number one on the ARIA Album chart in 2006 and was certified gold. With lyrical wizard Paul Dempsey at the throne, SFK will be sure blast the crowd with their exceptional sound.

The Godfather of drum’n’bass BRYAN GEE (UK) will be showcasing his skills at BIG DAY OUT 2007. With twenty-five years worth of experience, Gee was the man who pioneered the jungle scene in UK and was instrumental in bringing new artists to the mainstream. Not one to slacken off, Gee is responsible for label V Recordings and is the man behind “The Sound of Movement” via Ministry of Sound Radio too, and between all this he will bring the freshest D&B sounds to this year’s BDO.

North Carolina based LITTLE BROTHER (USA) takes rap music back to a time where MCs focused on wordplay and tracks featured tight production. Inspired by the classic groups such as A Tribe Called Quest and Public Enemy, Little Brother will bring their new time meets old-school sound to the BIG DAY OUT 2007 featuring tracks off their critically acclaimed albums “The Listening” and “The Minstrel Show” along with a few selections from fourth-coming album “Getback”.

After fifteen years as one of Australia’s leading dance music figures, it was only right that we invited JOHN COURSE to join us at the BIG DAY OUT. Winner of the Victorian leg of the DMC Mixing Competition twice, Course is one of the men who championed house music throughout Australia in the nineties. Currently the co-host of syndicated dance music radio show Overdrive and always in demand for private parties and guest spots, John Course promises to pull out all the stops come BDO time.

Usually when you think of the television/movie star turned musician you think of horrible pop music and meaningless lyrics. This is not the case former child actors turned indie outfit RILO KILEY (USA). Combining folk, rock, country and pop sounds is not an easy task, yet this group makes it child’s play and then adds inspired lyrics from front women Jenny Lewis. Rilo Kiley will be sure to open your mind to what music really is at BIG DAY OUT 2007.

Fresh like a new pair of shoes, VAN SHE throws together everything from French house to American electro pop, eighty’s style post punk to nineties style grunge and beyond to create a distinctive modern sound. Despite only having two singles and one EP under their arm, Van She have played over 100 shows in a year while remixing big names such as The Presets, Klaxtons and the New Young Pony Club, marking them as Australia’s next big thing music wise. Van She will headline the V Energy Local Produce stage at BIG DAY OUT 2007.

But that is not all! Also on the card for BIG DAY OUT 2007, AFI (USA), LITTLE BIRDY, MANUEL NEZTIC (Mexico), SHAPESHIFTER (New Zealand), DJ MARK MURPHY, KID KENOBI & MC SHURESHOCK, THE LONG BLONDES (UK), GYROSCOPE, DANGER MOUSE (USA), THE BLACK SEEDS, SCRATCH (USA), HILLTOP HOODS, THE OPTIMEN, YOUTH GROUP, LAURA IMBRUGLIA, ACID EYELINER, JUST JACK (UK), ART OF WAR, THE MESS HALL, COG, DIRTY LAUNDRY, SWAY (UK), DSICO, BEN MORRIS, GERLING, DIRTY LAUNDRY, FISH GO DEEP (UK), I KILLED THE PROM QUEEN, JEN CLOHER AND THE ENDLESS SEA, MAIDEN SPEECH, DJ RANSOM, STREET PIRATES, THE HERD, THE BAMBOOS, LANCE HARRISON, BRITISH INDIA, RED RIDERS, DIVISIONS, SOUND ADVICE DJS, BRISCOE SISTERS, BABY GEE, HOOLI, THE FUNKHEADS, THE GRATES, WOLF & CUB, RAH, and the TRIPLE J UNEARTHED WINNER. Phew, that was long.

BIG DAY OUT 2007 - AUCKLAND - GOLD COAST - SYDNEY - MELBOURNE - ADELAIDE - PERTH.

Tickets available nowhere.