STACK #251 September 2025

# 1 MY FIRST ALBUM

for its landmark cultural impact, but for being the best dance record ever produced. Charli has been building her portfolio and credentials as the most forward thinking left of centre pop icon for the past decade, and beyond that with her roots in illegal underground raves with her parents in early teen hood. All of this has culminated into a glittery, blissful celebration on her latest studio project. What’s your all-time favourite album and why? The answer to this question would change day by day, but for right now, the first answer that popped into my head is Whole Lotta Red by Playboi Carti. Bringing back the true meaning of being a rockstar in contemporary times, he has continued to evolve this body of work through live performances and popularised a new subgenre of trap music, rage. This is music to mosh to times one million. Panned upon its initial release, the narrative on this album has undergone a tectonic shift to be heralded as a modern classic. The 24 run tracklist is filled with sticky hooks, warped, distorted production and hard hitting drums. Do you have a vinyl collection? If so, how did it begin, and expand? I’m fortunate to come from a family of music lovers. My parents, now in their 60s, never got rid of any of their records or CDs, making our house a rich library of art. Their taste has largely aligned with records that have stood the test of time: from Kraftwerk to Talking Heads to Springsteen and everything in between. Only in adulthood have I entered this world, and also CDs. The details you learn from the inserts inside cases and sleeves add so much to the musical experience that give you a window into their messaging, feeling, and meaning. What do you enjoy most about working in music at JB? The community around this medium in store is strong and it feels great to help people find products they are truly passionate about. In addition, knowing that purchases of artists’ physical media support them in a much more tangible way than streaming is jubilating. Finally, to add to our home collection - being able to access new releases as soon as they are dropped.

CHARLIE COLLINS

The first album I bought was Alison Krauss’ Forget About It , which was released in 1999. I remember making some money busking and then going to buy the album. I was a huge Alison Krauss fan; I still am. I

SEPTEMBER

’ s ROVING REPORTER

bought that CD, I still have it, and I still love it. Alison Krauss is such a big inspiration for me. Playing bluegrass music was how I learnt to play – mandolin was one of my first instruments. I would listen to the CD, hear the guitar solos, rewind it, play it again… I kept listening to it over and over until it sunk in. That’s how I learned to play, by ear. I have never met Alison Krauss. If I did, I think I would pass out.

LUKE ELLICOTT Office administrator @ JB Warringah Mall, NSW

What’s an early, cherished music memory? The whole early 2000s Australian Idol saga. Specifically two guys, Dean Geyer and Lee Harding. I remember there being some sort of event for them at which I snuck to their backstage and held up a handmade sign that said “Dean is cool” with an illustrated backwards cap… Yeah. And then plugging in my portable CD player and playing What’s Wrong with This Picture? on repeat. Which recent album do you currently have on repeat? I’d be remiss not to take this opportunity to call out Brat . Not only

Nightwriter by Charlie Collins is out now via Island/UMA

STACK

In the hotseat this month is New Zealand country starTAMI NEILSON.

Neon Cowgirl by Tami Neilson is out now via MGM

LA and stumbled across a little goldmine of k.d. lang – her first five country albums, including my all-time favourite, Absolute Torch and Twang . I snatched them all up! Aside from yourself, which musician would you most like to be? Dolly Parton. Aside from being an absolute icon of songwriting, artistry, and business, I love the way she uses her platform for good. What’s the most ridiculous item

Wizard of Oz, or Star Trek . Song you wish you’d written? Bobbie Gentry’s Ode to Billie Joe . Absolute southern gothic masterpiece. If you weren’t a rock star, what would you be? I’d still be a storyteller. If not in the form of songs, then perhaps I’d channel it into books. Last album you bought? I was trawling through the used country section at Amoeba in

you’ve ever put on your rider? This has made me realise my rider is very boring and I need to spice it up. Your funeral song? Beyond the Stars , my duet with Willie Nelson. Happiness is… This week it’s releasing a new album after returning home from touring overseas with Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson. And to sit in front of the fireplace snuggled up with my family, a book, yummy snacks, and time to spare.

Five words to describe yourself: Mama, musician, creative, loyal, loving. Your all-time favourite album? Stardust – Willie Nelson. What did your most memorable school report say? “Bubbly personality, is disruptive. The first to finish her work but then gives answers to others so they can go play.” What would be your Hard Quiz expert subject? Women in country music, The

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