What is The Seed you ask? Well let’s get John Butler (John Butler Trio) and Danielle Caruana the founders to explain:

The Seed Album was released last week with 100% of ALL album sales being donated to THE SEED FUND: An Arts Grant Council. The album has an incredible line up of artists including Angus & Julia Stone, Old Man River and Grinderman who are now joined by THE CAT EMPIRE. The Cat Empire’s track ‘On My Way’ has been uploaded now so if you’ve already downloaded the album just log back in and download the additional track or log in here to download.

In light of the recent disaster in Japan, Ohad Rein (AKA Old Man River) is showing his support to the people of Japan by personally folding and delivering 1,000 origami paper cranes. In a symbolic gesture, using one of their own beautiful traditions he hopes to generate awareness and funds for Japanese Relief appeal.

His past success in Japan during 2008/09 allowed Ohad to make many personal friends. Like all of us, he was deeply affected by the sights we witnessed and the stories told of the plight of the Japanese in the aftermath of the earthquake.

3) Make your own origami crane. Download the template in the download section, send a photo to info@hubartistservices.com, write a personal message on your crane and post it to Hub Artist Services (9 Rangers Rd. Neutral Bay, NSW 2089). We made one from Ohad’s template and from a Bat For Lashes poster!

Once Old Man River achieves his goal he will pack his bags and the 1,000 cranes and fly to Japan to deliver them.

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Out tomorrow are a whole slew of amazing albums, possibly the best week all year for releases in my opinion. And because:

a) There are so many and;

b) I’m lazy

I’m going for a mass review. Let’s see if this works shall we?

Grinderman – Grinderman 2

First up on the blocks is Nick Cave, the person Aussies would most like to see oust Julia Gillard, and his band of hairy men.

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Last week we were ridiculously lucky to be treated with a performance from the truly heartwarming, genuine, and fuzzy-haired Old Man River AKA Ohad Rein… in a roller-door garage in Tempe (don’t ask).

The owners of this mysterious Sydney instrument shop however were even more fortunate to experience this impromptu Shoot The Player-esque gig on their premises, although I keep expecting Ray Charles to emerge from the back room with a pistol to defend his wares.

The tune is the ridiculously catchy You’re On My Mind from his forthcoming album Trust, which was written and recorded in Sydney, Tel Aviv, and Mumbai. There’s a super cute video coming soon, but for the moment you’ll have to stream it on his myspace. And trust me, even if you’re not familiar with his name, you already know Old Man River from the gorgeous and omnipresent tracks Sunshine and La.