Episode 64: Davey Lane – You Am I

Davey Lane. Credit: Supplied

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When you think about Australian music, it's a little hard not to think about Davey Lane. That might sound grandiose, but given he's spent more than 25 years as a guitarist for local legends You Am I, it's hard to classify him any other way.

Joining the already-established outfit at just the age of 18, Lane swiftly found himself as part of Aussie music royalty, eventually going on to be part of ARIA Award-winning releases and countless revered live shows.

He's also stretched his musical wings with his other band, The Pictures, and since 2013, he's been releasing solo gear as well. While last year's brilliantly-titled cover album, How To Make Davey, Vol. 1, was one of my favourite records of 2024, this year, Lane is back with another album, this time called Finally, A Party Record.

Feeling like a love letter to classic '70s rock, it's a testament to his anachronistic place within the world of Australian music, but for those listening close, it's not exactly a party record in the strictest sense. It's a little bit deep, it's a little bit powerful, and it's a great example of Lane's many and varied talents.

This week, I was lucky enough to have a brief chat with Davey Lane about his musical journey, and his latest record. Just a quick warning, Davey was out and about when we had the chat, so there's a couple of audio drop-outs here and there, but if you don't mind, then neither do I.

Anyway, have a listen to Davey Lane's Finally, A Party Record when it arrives next week, have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

Davey Lane’s Trusty Chords

Davey’s One Influential Artist (And A Few Honourable Mentions!)

1. The Beatles
   

2. Jeff Lynne

3. Peter Gabriel

4. Todd Rundgren

5. Nick Lowe

6. Robyn Hitchcock

Davey’s Three Impactful Albums (And One Honourable Mention!)

1. Peter Gabriel – Peter Gabriel (Melt) (1980)

2. XTC – Skylarking (1986)

3. Supergrass – In It For The Money (1997)
   

4. You Am I – Hourly, Daily (1996)

Davey’s Five Trusty Songs

1. Judee Sill – 'The Kiss' (1973)

2. Electric Light Orchestra – 'Losing You' (2019)

3. Peter Gabriel – 'And Through The Wire' (1980)

4. Oasis – 'Slide Away' (1994)

5. The Cleaners From Venus – 'Only A Shadow' (1982)