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'{{About|the Australian rock band|the book by [[Saul Bellow]]|The Adventures of Augie March}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2011}} {{good article}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Augie March | image = Augie March Melbourne.jpg | caption = <!-- Only for images narrower than 220 pixels --> Augie March playing at [[Rod Laver Arena]] in support of [[Crowded House]] in November 2007 | landscape = yes | background = group_or_band | origin = [[Melbourne]], [[Australia]] | genre = [[Indie rock]]<br/>[[Pop rock]] | years_active = 1996–2009 (hiatus) | label = Ra Records<br/>[[Sony BMG]] | website = [http://www.augie-march.com/ Official Site] | current_members = [[Glenn Richards]]<br/>[[Adam Donovan]]<br />[[Edmondo Ammendola]]<br />David Williams<br/>Kiernan Box | past_members = Rob Dawson }} '''Augie March''' are an Australian [[indie rock|indie]]/[[pop rock]] band. Formed in 1996 in [[Shepparton, Victoria|Shepparton]], [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], the band currently consists of [[singing|vocalist]] and [[rhythm guitar]]ist [[Glenn Richards]], [[lead guitar]]ist [[Adam Donovan]], [[bassist]] [[Edmondo Ammendola]], [[drummer]] David Williams, and [[keyboardist]] Kiernan Box. Box replaced Rob Dawson, the band's initial piano player, who died in 2001. Augie March's rise to fame was slow; their first two [[extended play|EP]]s failed to make an impact on the market, despite ''[[Waltz (EP)|Waltz]]'' being nominated for two [[ARIA Music Awards|ARIA Awards]]. Their first album, ''[[Sunset Studies]]'', was released in 2000. Despite poor sales, it was critically acclaimed and received an ARIA Award nomination. Critics in both Australia and the United States also lauded its 2002 successor, ''[[Strange Bird]]'', but it sold and charted poorly in both countries. Augie March's third album, ''[[Moo, You Bloody Choir]]'' (2006), received a much better reception in terms of sales; its lead single "[[One Crowded Hour]]" attained critical acclaim and appeared on the [[ARIA Charts]] at number 29, while the album was nominated for numerous ARIA Awards and won an [[Australian Music Prize]]. Having achieved mainstream success, the band toured Australia and the United States regularly through 2006 and 2007. In 2008 they released their fourth album, ''[[Watch Me Disappear]]''. It became their most commercially successful album, but received the least favourable critical reception. Augie March's distinctive musical style is directed by songwriter and vocalist Richards. His lyrics often draw critical acclaim for their poetic style. The band's music is generally described as intricate, lush, and dense, acting as a backdrop for Richards' complex and poetic vocals. == History == ===Formation and early EPs (1996–1999)=== [[Glenn Richards]], [[Adam Donovan]] and David Williams grew up and attended school in [[Shepparton, Victoria]]. Richards began writing songs while studying English at university in 1996. He invited Donovan and Williams, who had been studying music at the [[Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nmit.vic.edu.au/courses/music/nmit_music_alumni.html|title=Music Performance Alumni|publisher=[[Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE]]|accessdate=11 October 2008}}</ref> to join him; they in turn asked classmate Edmondo Ammendola to join in. The band took their name from the 1954 novel ''[[The Adventures of Augie March]]'' by [[Saul Bellow]], citing its poetic, complex prose as a reflection of Richards' vocals.<ref name="AMGbio">{{cite web|url={{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p457568|pure_url=yes}}|title=Augie March > Biography|last=McIntosh|first=Gregory|publisher=[[Allmusic]]|accessdate=31 July 2008}}</ref> Augie March's first performance was in [[Brunswick, Victoria|Brunswick]] at a friend's art exhibition.<ref>{{cite news|title=5 Facts about Augie March|publisher=''[[Rolling Stone#International editions|Rolling Stone Australia]]''|month=January|year=2000|page=36|url=http://www.misdirection.net.au/ints/1999-10-10.jpg |last=Richards|first=Glenn|accessdate=28 January 2009 }}</ref> After playing several other [[gig (music)|gigs]], the band were signed by [[record label]] Ra Records (a [[RooArt]] subsidiary distributed by [[Bertelsmann Music Group|BMG]]), at the time considered to be prestigious.<ref name="rage">{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/rage/guest/2000/augie.htm|title=Augie March|date=23 December 2000|work=[[rage (TV program)|rage]]|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|accessdate=31 August 2008}}</ref> Augie March's first [[extended play|EP]], ''[[Thanks for the Memes]]'', was produced by [[Victor Van Vugt]]<ref name="ARdb">{{cite web|url=http://hem2.passagen.se/honga/database/a/augiemarch.html|title=Augie March|work=[[Australian Rock Database]]|publisher=Magnus Holmgren|accessdate=20 January 2009}}</ref> and released in early 1998. Despite very positive reviews it received very little airplay.<ref name="rage"/> Williams later remarked that he was surprised the band had been able to find a producer considering the obscure music on the EP, which at the time the band had considered "hip and cool, and intellectual".<ref name="Beat2007">{{cite news|url=http://www.beat.com.au/article.php?id=709|title=Augie March|last=Zugna|first=Daniel|publisher=Furst Media|date=14 March 2007|work=Beat|accessdate=10 September 2008}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> Augie March followed up with their second EP, ''[[Waltz (EP)|Waltz]]'', in October 1998. Produced by Richard Pleasance,<ref name="ARdb"/> the EP included "Asleep in Perfection", which became the most requested song on [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]]'s ''[[rage (TV program)|rage]]'' program.<ref name="rage"/> The song was nominated for "Breakthrough Artist - Single", and Pleasance for "Producer of the Year", at the 2000 [[ARIA Music Awards]].<ref name="ARIAAwards">{{cite web|url=http://ariaawards.com.au/history-by-artist.php?letter=A&artist=Augie%20March|title=Winners by Artist: Augie March|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]] (ARIA)|accessdate=1 September 2008}}</ref> The band began touring around Australia, getting as far as [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]],<ref name="OnTheMarch">{{cite web|last=Stacker|first=Rhys|month=April|year=2001|title=On the March - Augie March|publisher=''Hype''|url=http://www.misdirection.net.au/ints/2001-04-01.jpg|accessdate=28 January 2009}}</ref> and their popularity increased through [[word of mouth]].<ref name="AMGbio"/> BMG offered Augie March a [[recording contract]], which they accepted.<ref name="AMGbio"/> ===Early albums (2000–2003)=== Augie March went into the studio in March 2000 to begin work on their first full length album. Rob Dawson, a long time friend of Richards, joined the band on keyboard and piano.<ref name="rage"/> The band worked in nine different studios with six different engineers over the course of six months.<ref name="SSrelease">{{cite web|url=http://www.augiemarch.com/releases/home.do?catalogueNo=74321787962|title=''Sunset Studies''|publisher=augiemarch.com|accessdate=1 September 2008}}</ref> In July 2000, prior to the album's completion, they released their first single, "Hole in Your Roof".<ref name="rage"/> In October 2000, Augie March released ''[[Sunset Studies]]''. Album launches in Sydney and [[Melbourne]] were attempted, but were unsuccessful as both cities were very crowded with musicians at the time; Donovan said "it seemed like every band in the country was doing a tour then and we couldn't get any venues".<ref name="OnTheMarch"/> Thus, they played a small tour along [[Eastern states of Australia|Australia's east coast]].<ref name="OnTheMarch"/> The album did not chart well; it spent one week on the [[ARIA Albums Chart]] at number 35.<ref name="AusCharts">{{cite web|url=http://australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Augie+March|title=Discography Augie March|publisher=Australian Charts Portal|accessdate=3 September 2008}}</ref> ''Sunset Studies''{{'}} critical reception, however, was very positive; Noel Mengel of ''[[The Courier-Mail]]'' said that on the album, "songs of quiet reflection, starkly beautiful melodies and intimate poetry collide on the canvas without a thought to sales graphs or what radio program directors might think",<ref name="MooBestOfYear">{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,20404358-5003421,00.html|title=Best album of the year|last=Mengel|first=Noel|date=14 September 2006|publisher=''[[The Courier-Mail]]''|accessdate=3 September 2008}}</ref> while [[Allmusic]]'s Jack Rabid told American readers "it's worth the effort to track down [the album], particularly for those who think there are no more musical craftsmen out there".<ref name="AMGSS">{{cite web|url={{Allmusic|class=album|id=r579272|pure_url=yes}}|title=''Sunset Studies'' > Overview|last=Rabid|first=Jack|publisher=Allmusic|accessdate=3 September 2008}}</ref> The album's production earned it the [[ARIA Music Awards of 2001|2001 ARIA Award]] for "Engineer of the Year", as well as nominations for "Producer of the Year", "Breakthrough Artist - Album" and "Best Cover Art".<ref name="ARIAAwards"/> Of the album's six engineers, Paul McKercher, Chris Thompson, Richard Pleasance, and Chris Dickie were credited with the ARIA Award for best engineer. McKercher and Pleasance, as well as the band, were named producers.<ref name="SSrelease" /> Of the singles released from the album, "There Is No Such Place" was the most popular, charting at number 47 on the [[Triple J Hottest 100, 2001]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hottest100/history/2001.htm|title=Hottest 100 > History > 2001|publisher=[[Triple J]] (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)|accessdate=3 September 2008}}</ref> Preparations for a follow-up to ''Sunset Studies'' were thrown into disarray on 2 January 2001 when Dawson died in a car crash.<ref name="AMGbio"/> The event had a significant impact on the band and especially on Richards as he wrote their next album. However, the resulting work was not mournful; Richards described it as optimistic and humorous.<ref name="SMHApoc">{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2002/11/21/1037697804725.html|title=Apocalypse noun|last=Pearlman|first=Jonathan|date=22 December 2002|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|publisher=[[Fairfax Media]]|accessdate=3 September 2008}}</ref> To replace Dawson, Melbournian Kiernan Box joined the band as a keyboardist.<ref name="Grok">{{cite web|title=You Drive Me Crazy With Your Augie, Augie|publisher=''Grok''|month=September|year=2002|url=http://www.misdirection.net.au/ints/2002-09-15.jpg|accessdate=28 January 2009}}</ref> The band produced ''[[Strange Bird]]'' independently; Donovan said this worked to their advantage as they felt more comfortable in their own studio, and that as a result ''Strange Bird'' was a better album than ''Sunset Studies'', though the band's debut album was "probably received better by our fans".<ref name="BeatBird">{{cite web|url=http://www.augiemarch.com/review/home.do?reviewId=20030829004412&year=2003|title=Augie March interview|last=Conrad|first=Karen|publisher=www.augiemarch.com |date=11 August 2003|accessdate=20 January 2009}}</ref> In response to complaints concerning Richards' ''Sunset Studies'' wordplay, Augie March included a lyrics booklet with ''Strange Bird''.<ref name="SMHApoc"/> ''Strange Bird'' was released by BMG as the band's second studio album in October 2002. It was also released by [[spinART Records]] in the UK in that month. It was re-released in the United States in September 2004.<ref name="PMStrange">{{cite web|url=http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/12404/augiemarch-strange/|title=Augie March: ''Strange Bird''|last=Lundy|first=Zeth|date=5 December 2004|work=[[PopMatters]]|accessdate=5 September 2008}}</ref> Like its predecessor, ''Strange Bird'' failed to make an impact on the charts, spending one week on the ARIA Albums Chart at number 34. Its first single, "The Vineyard", spent one week on the ARIA Singles Chart at number 31.<ref name="AusCharts"/> Augie March began touring around Australia almost immediately following the album's release.<ref name="Beat2007"/> The critical response to ''Strange Bird'', unlike its brief chart history, was overwhelmingly positive. The enthusiastic response even caught the band by surprise; Williams told ''Rip It Up'' "I could see a few holes in the album and I'd say, 'how come no one else has picked this up?'"<ref>{{cite news|last=McLennan|first=Scott|date=23 June 2003|title=''Rip It Up'' Interview Augie March|publisher=''Rip It Up''|url=http://www.augiemarch.com/review/home.do?reviewId=20030829004413&year=2003|accessdate=28 January 2009}}</ref> Reviewers, however, focused on the positives; Guy Garvey of ''[[The Independent]]'' said "My favourite of the year is Augie March's ''Strange Bird''",<ref>{{cite news|last=Garvey|first=Guy|date=26 December 2003|title=''Strange Bird'' review|publisher=''[[The Independent]]''|url=http://www.augiemarch.com/review/home.do?reviewId=20030829004388&year=2003|accessdate=28 January 2009 }}</ref> while [[David Fricke]] wrote in ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' of "luxuriant melees of chiming guitars, mountain-stream voices and keyboard grandeur".<ref>{{cite news |last=Fricke|first=David|authorlink=David Fricke|date=23 December 2003|title=''Strange Bird'' review|publisher=''[[Rolling Stone]]''|url=http://www.augiemarch.com/review/home.do?reviewId=20030829004389&year=2003|accessdate=28 January 2009}}</ref> Donovan said the band found it hard to take the positive reviews too seriously; "if we did our heads would explode or overinflate", he told ''Beat''.<ref name="BeatBird"/> ===Mainstream breakthrough (2004–2009)=== [[File:Augie March Bluegrass.jpg|thumb|220|Augie March on stage at the [[Hardly Strictly Bluegrass]] festival in October 2007]] Augie March returned to the studio in 2004 to record a follow-up to ''Strange Bird''. The band worked with two producers, Paul McKercher and Eric Drew Feldman, and recorded in Melbourne, San Francisco, and their own studio in [[Nagambie, Victoria|Nagambie]], [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]].<ref name="jawardmoo">{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/jaward/moo_you_bloody_choir.htm|title=Nominated Albums - Augie March/''Moo, You Bloody Choir''|publisher=Triple J (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)|accessdate=9 September 2008}}</ref> Donovan said it was more suited to the band's style; as they co-produced on all their albums, they took a great deal of interest in production. He said it also enabled them to work at their own pace, hence the four-year gap between releases.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dbmagazine.com.au/325/iv-AugieMarch.shtml|title=Augie March interview|last=Street|first=Andrew P.|date=25 February 2004|work=dB magazine|accessdate=9 September 2008}}</ref> They released a DVD, ''[[Drones & Vapid Ditties]]'', containing live performances and music videos, in mid 2004.<ref name="dB magazine">{{cite news|url=http://www.dbmagazine.com.au/342/dv-AugieMarch.shtml|title=Augie March - Drones & Vapid Ditties|last=Hocking|first=Steven|date=6 October 2004|work=dB magazine|accessdate=30 October 2008}}</ref> The band's upcoming album, according to [[Triple J]], was inspired by the streets of Melbourne.<ref name="jawardmoo"/> Upon completion of the initial recording sessions of ''[[Moo, You Bloody Choir]]'', there was a six-month delay before release, as Augie March meticulously added finishing touches to it.<ref name="Beat2007"/> In March 2006, the album was finally released. ''Moo, You Bloody Choir'' saw the band move from receiving only critical acclaim to achieving mainstream success as well.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/music/work-of-one-crowded-hour-pays-dividends/2007/06/05/1180809518408.html|title=Work of One Crowded Hour pays dividends|last=Zuel|first=Bernard|date=6 June 2007|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|accessdate=7 September 2008}}</ref> The album spent 21 weeks on the ARIA Albums Chart, peaking at number ten, while lead single "[[One Crowded Hour]]" reached number 29 in its 20-week ARIA Singles Chart stint.<ref name="AusCharts"/> The album was certified platinum in Australia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesARIACharts-Accreditations-2007Albums.htm|title=ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2007 Albums|publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA)|accessdate=7 September 2008}}</ref> Work by Augie March was nominated for six ARIA Awards in [[ARIA Music Awards of 2006|2006]], including "One Crowded Hour" for "Single of the Year". Despite the hype,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/music/augies-long-march-to-arias/2006/09/13/1157827008084.html|title=Augies' long march to ARIAs|date=13 September 2006|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|accessdate=31 January 2008}}</ref> the band did not win any further ARIAs.<ref name="ARIAAwards"/> Augie March were still more successful underground than in the mainstream; "One Crowded Hour" topped [[Triple J Hottest 100, 2006]].<ref name="UCinUS">{{cite news|url=http://www.undercover.com.au/News-Story.aspx?id=2784|title=Augie March Into The US|last=Tijs|first=Andrew|date=11 September 2007|work=Undercover|accessdate=7 September 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hottest100/history/2006.htm|title=Hottest 100 - History - 2006|publisher=Triple J (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)|accessdate=7 September 2008}}</ref> The album's popularity also saw it nominated for the 2006 [[J Award]].<ref name="jawardmoo"/> A 2008 ''[[The Australian]]'' poll ranked "One Crowded Hour" the tenth best Australian song of the past 20 years.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24365642-5017898,00.html|title=Magazine's 20 best songs poll results|last=Shedden|first=Iain |date=18 September 2008|work=[[The Australian]]|publisher=[[News Limited]]|accessdate=9 October 2008}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> [[File:GlennRichards.jpeg|thumb|left|200px|[[Glenn Richards]] in November 2007]] Augie March's musical abilities were recognised when they became the winner of the second annual [[Australian Music Prize]] in 2006 for "the most outstanding and creative Australian album released in the past year".<ref name="AMPaward">{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/music/augie-march-win-amp-award/2007/03/08/1173166855589.html|title=Augie March win AMP award|date=8 March 2007|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|accessdate=9 September 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21344346-16947,00.html|title=Augie March off with top prize|last=Shedden|first=Iain|date=8 March 2007|work=The Australian|publisher=News Limited|accessdate=9 September 2008}}</ref> Ammendola told ''[[Drum Media]]'' winning the award was more significant than an ARIA Award, as "it's an award that's nominated on the grounds of music, and the art of it - not necessarily record sales".<ref>{{cite news|last=Street|first=Andrew P|date=14 March 2007|title=March To The Top|publisher=''[[Drum Media]]''|url=http://www.augiemarch.com/review/home.do?reviewId=20030829004351&year=2007|accessdate=4 February 2009}}</ref> The band used the A$25,000 prize money to help fund a US tour.<ref name="SecondWind">{{cite news|last=Murfett|first=Andrew|date=20 March 2007|title=Second Wind|work=[[The Age]]|publisher=Fairfax Media|url=http://www.augiemarch.com/review/home.do?reviewId=20030829004368&year=2007|accessdate=4 February 2009}}</ref> Richards later said that the band had no great expectations of breakthrough through in the US, and that if their second attempt was not successful, they would not try again.<ref name="impose">{{cite news|last=Flynn|first=Sarah|date=29 November 2007|url=http://www.imposemagazine.com/feature-augie-march/3282/|title=Augie March|publisher=''[[Impose Magazine|Impose]]''|accessdate=12 September 2008}}</ref> In August 2007, ''Moo, You Bloody Choir'' was released in the United States on the [[Jive Records|Jive Zomba]] record label. In the lead-up to its release, Augie March toured regularly, playing in Los Angeles and New York in May. The shows continued following the album's release, as Augie March were praised by US media.<ref name="UCinUS"/> [[Pitchfork Media]] called it a "crime" that the band had not broken through in North America earlier,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/36666/Augie_March_Moo_You_Bloody_Choir|title=''Moo, You Blood Choir''|last=Tangari|first=Joe|date=5 June 2006|publisher=[[Pitchfork Media]]|accessdate=9 September 2008}}</ref> though Allmusic remarked that ''Strange Bird'' was a higher quality album than its follow-up.<ref>{{cite web|url={{Allmusic|class=album|id=r834228|pure_url=yes}}|title=''Moo, You Bloody Choir'' - Overview|last=Peterson|first=Ben|publisher=Allmusic|accessdate=9 September 2008}}</ref> Despite the success of ''Moo, You Bloody Choir'', much of Augie March's post-album touring involved supporting other bands. They played shows supporting [[The Aliens]] and [[Andrew Bird]] in the United States, before returning to Australia to open for [[Crowded House]]. Richards said the band's status as an opening act, rather than headlining their own shows, was something they saw as a challenge—their intention was to win over fans who came to see the main act.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/gig-previews--reviews/crowded-house-with-augie-march/2007/11/07/1194329299013.html|title=Crowded House with Augie March|last=Palathingal|first=George|date=7 November 2007|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|accessdate=9 September 2008}}</ref> However, he called the tour with The Aliens depressing; the bands played very different types of music, and the attendance at shows was small.<ref name="JJJ08">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.abc.net.au/triplej/2008/09/augie-march-int.html|title=Augie March interview|last=Valentish|first=Jenny|date=23 September 2008|publisher=Triple J (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)|accessdate=9 October 2008}}</ref> Augie March later earned a prime slot at the 2008 [[Big Day Out]].<ref name="Townsville">{{cite news|url=http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2008/01/02/9525_whatson.html|title=Rocking into a prime slot|last=Symes|first=Isis|date=2 January 2008|work=The Townsville Bulletin|accessdate=28 September 2008}}</ref> The success of ''Moo, You Bloody Choir'' saw Richards expected by record label Sony BMG to produce a quality follow-up. He denied being under significant pressure, though the persistence of the label—"Richo, have you got a single? Do you have singles? Please, do you have singles?"—was noted.<ref name="McCabe08">{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24474555-5012327,00.html|title=What Augie March don't like|last=McCabe|first=Kathy|date=10 October 2008|work=[[The Daily Telegraph (Australia)|The Daily Telegraph]]|publisher=[[News Corporation]]|accessdate=10 October 2008}}</ref> Much of the writing for Augie March's fourth album took place while touring the United States, which Richards argued minimised the band's opportunities to be creative.<ref name="McCabe08"/> In 2008, Augie March began recording ''[[Watch Me Disappear]]'' at [[Neil Finn]]'s [[Auckland]] studios; they also recorded in Melbourne, Sydney, and Los Angeles.<ref name="eleven08">{{cite news|last=Kachor|first=Kate|date=26 August 2008|url=http://elevenmagazine.com.au/2008/08/26/augie-march-reveals-new-album-title/|title=Augie March reveals new album title|publisher=''Eleven Magazine''|accessdate=9 September 2008}}</ref> The band worked primarily in New Zealand to get away from the distraction of Melbourne, their hometown, thus allowing them to focus solely on recording.<ref name="TheWest"/> Augie March worked with producer [[Joe Chicarelli]], who took a significant pay cut to work on the album after declaring an interest in Augie March's music. According to Richards, the production of ''Watch Me Disappear'' was a process that contained "a fair bit of friction".<ref name="JJJ08"/> Ammendola was critical of Chicarelli's style of production and the short amount of time spent in the studio.<ref name="Mercury"/> The recording process also took its toll on the relationships in the band. Ammendola has said that "It tore us to bits. It was really really shit, we’re slowly patching up now."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://musicfeeds.com.au/music/catching-up-with-augie-march/|title=Catching Up With Augie March|date=30 March 2009|publisher=[[Musicfeeds]]|accessdate=9 April 2008}}</ref> After placing the album's title track on their website for free downloading, Augie March announced their first "proper headline tour of their homeland", in which they would play music from the new album.<ref name="eleven08"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sonybmg.com.au/news/details.do;.tomcat3?newsId=20030829005844|title=Augie March Announce ''Watch Me Disappear'' Aussie Tour|date=4 September 2008|publisher=[[Sony BMG]]|accessdate=11 September 2008}}</ref> The album was released in October 2008. ''Watch Me Disappear''{{'}}s reception was more mixed than that of its predecessors. Patrick Donovan of ''[[The Age]]'' said, "[Y]ou get the feeling that ''Watch Me Disappear'' will please more than just their mates and old fans",<ref name="theage_wmd">{{cite news|last=Donovan|first=Patrick|date=10 October 2008|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/music/no-disappearing-act/2008/10/09/1223145494635.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1|title=No disappearing act|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|accessdate=18 October 2008}}</ref> but Bernard Zuel wrote in the ''The Sydney Morning Herald'' that it was "an album that no doubt will polarise fans".<ref name="ZuelWMD">{{cite news|last=Zuel|first=Bernard|date=10 October 2008|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/music/cd-reviews/watch-me-disappear/2008/10/10/1223145629989.html|title=''Watch Me Disappear''|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|accessdate=18 October 2008}}</ref> ''Watch Me Disappear'' entered the ARIA Albums Chart at number four.<ref name="AusCharts"/> Augie March played at the [[Melbourne Cricket Ground]] on 14 March 2009 for [[Sound Relief]], a multi-venue rock music concert in support of relief for the [[February 2009 Victorian bushfires|Victorian Bushfire Crisis]].<ref name="Brumby">{{cite web|url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/premier/artists-unite-for-sound-relief-bushfire-benefit.html|title=Artists Unite For 'Sound Relief' Bushfire Benefit - Premier of Victoria, Australia|last=Brumby|first=John|authorlink=John Brumby|publisher=Premier of Victoria|date=24 February 2009|accessdate=25 February 2009}}</ref><ref name="Mitchell">{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25099180-661,00.html|title=Coldplay, Kings of Leon to headline bushfire relief concerts|last=Mitchell|first=Geraldine|work=[[Herald Sun]]|publisher=[[The Herald and Weekly Times Ltd]]|date=24 February 2009|accessdate=25 February 2009}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> The event was held simultaneously with a concert at the [[Sydney Cricket Ground]].<ref name="Brumby"/> All the proceeds from the Melbourne concert went to the [[Red Cross]] Victorian Bushfire relief.<ref name="Brumby"/><ref name="Mitchell"/> Appearing with Augie March in Melbourne were, [[Bliss N Eso]] with Paris Wells, [[Gabriella Cilmi]], [[Hunters & Collectors]], [[Kasey Chambers]] & Shane Nicholson with [[Troy Cassar-Daley]], [[Jack Johnson (musician)|Jack Johnson]], [[Jet (band)|Jet]], [[Kings Of Leon]], [[Liam Finn]], [[Midnight Oil]], [[Paul Kelly (musician)|Paul Kelly]], [[Split Enz]] and [[Wolfmother]].<ref name="Official">{{cite web|url=http://www.soundrelief.com.au/melb/index.php|title=Latest News|publisher=Sound Relief|accessdate=25 February 2009}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> In July 2009, "One Crowded Hour" was voted number 59 by the Australian public in [[Triple J Hottest 100 of All Time, 2009|Triple J Hottest 100 of all time]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hottest100_alltime/|title=Hottest 100 of All Time - Countdown|publisher=[[Triple J]]|accessdate=15 July 2009}}</ref> That same month, the band headed out on what was dubbed the "Watch Me Set My Strange Sun You Bloody Choir" tour which saw them play every capital city and many regional areas, giving each of their four albums an equal showing. As of December 2009, the band are taking a multi-year hiatus. Glenn Richards released ''Glinjack'', his first solo album, in 2010.<ref>http://www.augie-march.com/</ref> ==Musical style== {{Listen|filename=AugieMarch-AsleepInPerfection-21s.ogg|title="Asleep in Perfection"|description=Augie March's first hit, "Asleep in Perfection", topped request charts on ''[[rage (TV program)|rage]]'', though some critics considered the music on ''Sunset Studies'' which it exemplified to be too complex for a mainstream audience.<ref name="Grok2000">{{cite news|title=Augie March|publisher=''Grok''|month=April|year=2001|url=http://misdirection.net.au/ints/2001-04-02.jpg|accessdate=6 February 2009}}</ref>|format=[[Ogg]]}} {{Listen|filename=AugieMarch-ThisTrain-24s.ogg|title="This Train Will Be Taking No Passengers"|description="The Vineyard" and "This Train Will Be Taking No Passengers" were praised as the opening duo to ''Strange Bird''. This song was described as "a wailing rockabilly psych raver".<ref name="tangari">{{cite web|last=Tangari|first=Joe|date=13 January 2005|url=http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/15212/Augie_March_Strange_Bird|title=''Strange Bird'' review|publisher=Pitchfork Media|accessdate=10 September 2008}}</ref>|format=[[Ogg]]}} {{Listen|filename=AugieMarch-OneCrowdedHour-25s.ogg|title="One Crowded Hour"|description=The chorus of "One Crowded Hour" showcased Richard's complex lyrics, and the more subdued approach the band took on ''Moo, You Bloody Choir''. Richards took special pride in the song's chorus, which he considered "damn good".<ref name="IntoMainstream">{{cite news|last=McCabe|first=Kathy|date=10 March 2007|title=Into The Mainstream|work=The Daily Telegraph|publisher=News Corporation|url=http://www.augiemarch.com/review/home.do?reviewId=20030829004355&year=2007|accessdate=7 February 2009}}</ref>|format=[[Ogg]]}} While Augie March generally fall into an [[indie rock|indie]]/[[pop rock]] genre, their ability to mix other genres into their style at times makes classifying their musical style difficult. A common thread that runs through the band's sound is Richards' literate and often verbose lyrics, which have set the band apart from much of the rest of the Australian music scene.<ref name="AMGbio"/> Even early on in their career, Richards' unique style attracted attention and he has drawn critical acclaim for his poetic style., with one reviewer describing him as "unique", "refreshing", and "intellectual".<ref name="cx">{{cite web|last=Bee|first=Alicia|month=November|year=2000|url=http://www.juliusmedia.com/cxmag/cx_downloads/CX_23_Ezine_8.pdf|title=Augie March play the Forum|format=PDF|publisher=''CX''|pages=70–73|accessdate=7 September 2008}}</ref> [[Allmusic]]'s Jack Rabid said Richards "exhibits a honey voice" on ''Sunset Studies'',<ref name="AMGSS"/> but ''Grok'' pointed out that the album was rendered too complex or intricate for many.<ref name="Grok2000"/> Richards' passion for poetry and literary studies again stood out on ''Strange Bird''. John D. Luerssen of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' said "poetry aficionado Richards puts his own literary stamp" on the album,<ref>{{cite news|last=Luerssen|first=John D.|date=13 September 2004|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/augiemarch/albums/album/6450689/review/6484131/strange_bird|title=Augie March: ''Strange Bird''|publisher=''Rolling Stone''|accessdate=10 September 2008}}</ref> and James Christopher Monger of Allmusic said the album contained "pastoral beauty, labyrinthine arrangements, and breathtaking prose".<ref>{{cite web|last=Monger|first=James Christopher Monger|url={{Allmusic|class=album|id=r618429|pure_url=yes}}|title=''Strange Bird'' > Overview|publisher=Allmusic|accessdate=10 September 2008}}</ref> [[Pitchfork Media]]'s [[Joe Tangari]] described the album as "so stuffed with ideas and instruments that it's wont to rupture from time to time". This was both a positive and negative criticism; Tangari complained that at times "there is a surplus of sound", but also said that the combination of the first two tracks—"The Vineyard" ("slow beauty") and "This Train Will Be Taking No Passengers" ("a wailing rockabilly psych raver")—was an excellent set-up.<ref name="tangari"/> Derek Miller of [[Stylus Magazine]] called the opening trio—the third song being the "simple acoustic guitar and arcing piano" of "Little Wonder"—bewildering, and that the album remained consistently as such throughout.<ref>{{cite web|last=Miller|first=Derek|date=6 December 2004|url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/augie-march/strange-bird.htm|title=Augie March - ''Strange Bird''|publisher=Stylus Magazine|accessdate=11 September 2008}}</ref> [[PopMatters]]' Zeth Lundy described Richards' wordplay as frenzied, and said the "refined, worldly wit" on ''Strange Bird'' was striking.<ref name="PMStrange"/> Where ''Strange Bird'' was brimming with musical content, on ''Moo, You Bloody Choir'' Augie March were more simplified, while still maintaining some of the critically acclaimed aspects of their music. Ammendola considered their third album, led by "One Crowded Hour", to be significantly different to their previous releases.<ref>{{cite news|last=Lee|first=Nikita|date=3 October 2008|url=http://www.tsunamimag.com/articles/augie-march.html|title=Augie March|publisher=''Tsunami Mag''|accessdate=8 October 2008}}</ref> Chad Grischow of [[IGN]] wrote of "lush, mesmerizing music meld with gorgeous melodies brought to life by Richards' rich vocals that wrap themselves around each instrument".<ref>{{cite news|last=Grischow|first=Chad|date=31 August 2007|url=http://music.ign.com/articles/817/817295p1.html|title=Augie March - ''Moo, You Bloody Choir'' review|publisher=[[IGN]]|accessdate=7 September 2008}}</ref> In ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'', Bernard Zuel argued the album was more subdued; "the tempos and the arrangements are a little quieter and simpler". Richards' lyrics, however, still drew praise; "he writes with a 19th-century novelist's ear and a Dylanesque tongue".<ref>{{cite news|last=Zuel|first=Bernard|date=3 March 2006|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/cd-reviews/moo-you-bloody-choir/2006/03/03/1141191839377.html|title=''Moo, You Bloody Choir''|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|accessdate=11 September 2008}}</ref> Miller of Stylus also touched on the fact that "''Moo'' is as direct a shot as you'll ever get at Augie March", but that it was nonetheless a "refining and continuation" of the band's work thus far.<ref>{{cite web|last=Miller|first=Derek|date=10 May 2006|url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/augie-march/moo-you-bloody-choir.htm|title=Augie March - ''Moo, You Bloody Choir''|publisher=[[Stylus Magazine]]|accessdate=11 September 2008}}</ref> Shirley Halperin, writing for ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'', said the album featured "smooth, emotive vocals mingle with soaring melodies that'd make [[Paul McCartney]] proud".<ref>{{cite news|last=Halperin|first=Shirley|date=17 August 2007|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20052138,00.html|title=''Moo, You Bloody Choir''|publisher=''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''|accessdate=11 September 2008}}</ref> Dan Raper of PopMatters said the lyrics to "One Crowded Hour" were poetic, citing the lines "Well put me in a cage full of lions / I'll learn to speak lion / In fact I know the language well",<ref name="PMMoo">{{cite web|last=Raper|first=Dan|date=20 April 2006|url=http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/augie_march_moo_you_bloody_choir/|title=Augie March: ''Moo, You Bloody Choir''|publisher=PopMatters|accessdate=9 November 2008}}</ref> as well as the "full and glorious" chorus; {{bquote|1=And for one crowded hour, you were the only one in the room<br />And I sailed around all those bumps in the night to your beacon in the gloom<br />I thought I had found my golden September in the middle of that purple June<br />But one crowded hour would lead to my wreck and ruin<ref name="PMMoo"/>}} ''Watch Me Disappear'' was Augie March's most mainstream pop work to date, described as a further distillation of the band's earlier, even more complex, music.<ref name="ZuelWMD"/> Richards considered it to be more streamlined than their early work, despite their attempts to maintain a sense of spontaneity.<ref name="WestWMD">{{cite news|url=http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=5&ContentID=104116|title=Augie on the march again|date=23 October 2008|work=[[The West Australian]]|publisher=West Australian Newspapers Holdings Ltd|accessdate=25 October 2008}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> Zuel also noted a removal of much of the backing instrumentation which had acted as "clutter" around Richards' vocals on earlier work.<ref name="ZuelWMD"/> Scott Podmore wrote in the ''[[Herald Sun]]'' that the album did not have a standout song or an instant appeal but that it was "a slow burner that takes time to get to know you, but once it does, it's a friend for good".<ref>{{cite news|last=Podmore|first=Scott|date=12 October 2008|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24475689-5006024,00.html|title=''Watch Me Disappear''|work=[[Herald Sun]]|publisher=[[The Herald and Weekly Times Ltd]]|accessdate=20 October 2008}}</ref> [[Triple J]] reviewer Jenny Valentish argued that multiple songs from the album could take the place of "One Crowded Hour" as "likely to become wailed for and misquoted at festivals". She noted a "commercial potential" for the album, despite its more disconcerting and confrontational content.<ref>{{cite web|last=Valentish|first=Jenny|date=17 September 2008|url=http://blogs.abc.net.au/triplej/2008/09/albums-augie-ma.html|title=Albums: Augie March, ''Watch Me Disappear''|publisher=Triple J (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)|accessdate=20 October 2008}}</ref> <blockquote class="toccolours" style="text-align:left; width:30%; float:left; padding: 10px 15px 10px 15px; display:table;">Glenn Richards thinks of language like a patient high on nitrous oxide thinks of laughing. He delights in its possibilities, its connotations, its kaleidoscopic permutations, its violent convulsions.<p style="text-align: right;">—Zeth Lundy, [[PopMatters]]<br /><small>In a review of ''[[Strange Bird]]''.</small><ref name="PMStrange"/></blockquote> == Songwriting == Songwriting for Augie March is primarily initiated by Richards; he delivers [[demo (music)|demos]] to the rest of the band members who then collaborate with him to develop the music.<ref name="Beat2007"/> Kathy McCabe of ''[[The Daily Telegraph (Australia)|The Daily Telegraph]]'' suggests "almost every songwriter in Australia has name-checked [Richards] as one of the finest tunesmiths of his generation"<ref name="IntoMainstream"/> and that "Richards is a storyteller who is spoken of in reverential terms by peers".<ref name="McCabe08"/> Richards simply states that he enjoys "dabbling with words", and that people often appreciate him doing so.<ref name="IntoMainstream"/> Despite this, Richards rejects the "literary" reputation he believes the band have gained.<ref name="SMHApoc"/> At the [[ARIA Music Awards of 2006|2006 ARIA Awards]], [[Midnight Oil]]'s [[Rob Hirst]] called for more political songs; Richards told Simon Collins of ''[[The West Australian]]'' he saw great risk in writing political music, and would rather write music that rung true, so that "I can sing the song a thousand times after it's been written".<ref>{{cite news|last=Collins|first=Simon|date=23 November 2006|title=Melancholy Minstrel|work=The West Australian|publisher=West Australian Newspapers Holdings Ltd|url=http://www.augiemarch.com/review/home.do?reviewId=20030829004372&year=2006|accessdate=7 February 2009}}</ref> Richards asserts he preferred to draw on everyday experiences than on literary influences. He also says that some of the music he writes is intentionally confusing.<ref name="impose"/> The band, and especially Richards, are noted for their perfectionism. In a post-''Sunset Studies'' interview with ''Grok'' magazine in 2000, Williams criticised the song "The Good Gardener (On How He Fell)", to which the interviewer noted "the Augie March perfectionism ... a slavish, romantic, almost passionate pursuit".<ref name="Grok2000"/> This [[meme]] continued throughout Augie March's career; following the release of ''Moo, You Bloody Choir'', Richards said he was not truly happy with anything he had produced so far.<ref name="AMPaward"/> Ammendola agreed, and added that the band considered ''Moo, You Bloody Choir'' the weakest of their first three albums, and ''Sunset Studies'' the best.<ref name="Townsville"/> Richards later stated that he considered ''Watch Me Disappear'' his best album yet.<ref name="TheWest">{{cite news|url=http://www.thewest.com.au/aapstory.aspx?StoryName=521229|title=Augie March releases 'best album ever'|date=10 October 2008|work=The West Australian|publisher=West Australian Newspapers Holdings Ltd|accessdate=10 October 2008}}</ref> Andrew Murfett wrote in ''[[The Age]]'' that for Augie March, "creative tension, adverse circumstances and perfectionism seem to go hand in hand".<ref name="SecondWind"/> Whereas Augie March's first two albums saw Richards maintain control over production, ''Moo, You Bloody Choir'' and ''Watch Me Disappear'' "became community projects", and for that reason Richards declared he was not as much a fan of the latter works,<ref name="WestWMD"/> though other band members have described the songs on ''Watch Me Disappear'' as the band's best yet.<ref name="Mercury">{{cite web|url=http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2008/10/30/35545_entertainment.html|title=Not about to disappear|last=Young|first=Kane|date=30 October 2008|work=[[The Mercury (Hobart)|The Mercury]]|publisher=News Corporation|accessdate=1 November 2008}}</ref> == Live concerts == [[File:Augie March.jpg|thumb|right|200|Richards, Meredith Music Festival December 2006<br/>Courtesy Mandy Hall]] Augie March's [[concert|live performances]] have been highly criticised for supposedly failing to live up to the quality of their recorded work. Interruptions are common; at a 2000 concert following the release of ''Sunset Studies'', Richards rhetorically asked the audience "what's an Augie gig without glitches?",<ref>{{cite news|last=Spanna|first=Anna|month=December|year=2000|title=Augie March - Athenaeum Theatre|publisher=''Beat''|url=http://misdirection.net.au/ints/2000-12-02.jpg|accessdate=7 February 2009 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080724001829/http://misdirection.net.au/ints/2000-12-02.jpg |archivedate = 24 July 2008}}</ref> and ''Inpress''{{'}} Jayson Argall described a 2001 performance as "absolutely captivating one moment, utterly frustrating the next", pointing to numerous instances of Richards halting the show due to minor nigglings.<ref>{{cite news|last=Argall|first=Jayson|date=23 June 2001|title=HiFi Bar 22nd & 23rd&nbsp;June 2001|publisher=''Inpress''|url=http://misdirection.net.au/ints/2001-06-21.htm|accessdate=7 February 2009}}</ref> Richards will sometimes refuse to play songs popular with fans; in 2007 Williams told ''Beat'' Richards no longer played "Asleep in Perfection" as "Glenn cannot fathom to sing the words that he wrote back then ... he's moved on from that place".<ref name="Beat2007"/> He is also reluctant to play "One Crowded Hour", having "played that song in every possible format and so many times it's just a ridiculous joke".<ref name="TheWest"/> Richards once forgot the song's lyrics during a live performance at [[Federation Square]].<ref name="TheWest"/> A 2002 live review quoted an overwhelmed Richards as telling his audience "I don't have anything to say tonight, there's too many of you".<ref>{{cite news|last=Dixon|first=Kate|date=22 November 2002|title=Forum Theatre 22nd&nbsp;November 2002|publisher=''Beat''|url=http://misdirection.net.au/ints/2002-11-22.htm|accessdate=7 February 2009}}</ref> Another 2002 live review, however, stated that "the band seemed both at ease and happy to be back" when playing one of their first post-''Strange Bird'' concerts.<ref>{{cite news|last=Allemann|first=Samantha|date=19 September 2002|title=Corner Hotel 19th&nbsp;September 2002|publisher=''Beat''|url=http://misdirection.net.au/ints/2002-09-16.htm|accessdate=7 February 2009 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080724002422/http://misdirection.net.au/ints/2002-09-16.htm |archivedate = 24 July 2008}}</ref> ''dB magazine''{{'}}s Steven Hocking, in a review of the band's 2004 ''[[Drones & Vapid Ditties]]'' live DVD, said the band are "either unable or unwilling to engage the large audience", and that they were "just not very visually engaging" live, when compared to the sound of their albums.<ref name="dB magazine"/> Performances post-''Moo, You Bloody Choir'' have earned more positive remarks, however, as Richards has focused on improving his stage presence. [[David Fricke]] of ''Rolling Stone'' lauded an Augie March concert he saw in New York, which assisted the band in making inroads in the United States.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22949533-2902,00.html|title=Augie March talk about taking America by storm|last=Cahill|first=Mikey|date=20 December 2007|work=Herald Sun|publisher=The Herald and Weekly Times Ltd|accessdate=28 September 2008}}</ref> ==Discography== {{Portal|Music of Australia}} ===Studio albums=== * ''[[Sunset Studies]]'' - [[BMG Australia|BMG]] (2000) <small>AUS #35</small> * ''[[Strange Bird]]'' - BMG (2002) <small>AUS #34</small> * ''[[Moo, You Bloody Choir]]'' - [[Sony BMG Australia|Sony BMG]] (2006) <small>AUS #10</small> * ''[[Watch Me Disappear]]'' Sony BMG (2008) <small>AUS #4</small> ===Singles/EPs=== * ''[[Thanks for the Memes]]'' - Ra Records (1998) * ''[[Waltz (EP)|Waltz]]'' - Ra Records (1999) * "The Mothball" (1999) * "The Hole in Your Roof" - BMG (2000) * "Heartbeat and Sails" - BMG (2000) * "There Is No Such Place" - BMG (2001) * "Here Comes the Night" - BMG (2001) * "The Vineyard" - BMG (2002) <small>AUS #31</small> * "Thanks for the Memes" - BMG re-release (2003) * "[[Little Wonder (Augie March song)|Little Wonder]]" - BMG (2003) * "[[One Crowded Hour]]" Sony BMG (2006) <small>AUS #29</small> * "[[The Cold Acre]]" Sony BMG (2006) * "[[Pennywhistle (Augie March song)|Pennywhistle]]" Sony BMG (2008) ===DVDs=== * ''[[Drones & Vapid Ditties]]'' - BMG (2004) ==References== {{reflist|2}} ==External links== {{commons category}} * {{official website|http://www.augiemarch.com/}} {{Augie March}} [[Category:Augie March| ]] [[Category:Australian indie rock groups]] [[Category:Musical groups established in 1996]] [[Category:Victoria (Australia) musical groups]]'