QUEER NATION [Various artists]

QUEER NATION
[Various artists]

Sydney is famous for its harbour, its Mardi Gras, and its parties, and the Queer Nation parties at Home Nightclub have developed a life and identity of their own. Their Darling Harbour setting is glamorous and a comfortable distance away from the gay ghetto. They’ve always attracted more of a mix of women and men than, say, the Shift. And the purpose-built nightclub playground that is Home Nightclub allows a punter to find at least one DJ playing music they like. Resident Alex Taylor has put together the first Queer Nation CD, a collection of fun, flashy house tracks that won’t be out of place at home or in the car. There are some familiar names on this, Mousse T, Chicane, Annie Lennox (who chips in the fabulously remixed A Thousand Beautiful Things), Armin Van Buuren and Kristine W. Speaking of Kristine W, she performed at the first ever Big Queer Nation party on the Queen’s Birthday weekend, and, from all accounts, did a great job. A nice little extra feature of the Queer Nation CD is the photo montage inside the packaging, which includes lots of familiar faces.

EAT ME
[Bitchslap]

The latest release from Sydney riot-grrrl collective Scooter is a rough and ready collection of six songs aimed right at the guts. Bitchslap are a three-piece all-girl all-rocking outfit who write nasty lyrics and favour driving guitar sounds. Eat Me is released on Scootstar records, and fans or curious souls can buy a copy online for $10 at www.scootstar.org. Bitchslap are having two CD launches in the next couple of months -“ the first is at the next Scooter gig on Saturday 26 June at the Imperial Hotel, Erskineville, from 4pm to 8pm. Entry is $4. The second launch will be held at Tryke Presents on Saturday 31 July at the Vic On The Park Hotel, Enmore and Addison Roads, Enmore, from 8pm.