Smokie is inviting Almanackers to the launch of two collections of Stereo Stories in print. There will also be a Stereo Stories show.
The Ashes – Fifth Test: Swifty Taylor in Sydney
January 5, 2026 by 9 Comments
Fictional private-eye Swifty Taylor takes in Day 1 of the Sydney Test while wrestling with his memories.
Almanac Music: The Best Australian Albums of 2025
December 15, 2025 by 4 Comments
Smokie returns with his annual list of the best Australian music of the year. In 2025, he listened to over 130 new albums, and here he presents the best.
Almanac Music: Aussie Album Review – Skyhooks ‘Living in the 70’s’
November 30, 2025 by 22 Comments
To acknowledge the passing of Skyhooks guitarist Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie, we reprise Smokie’s review of the seminal album ‘Living in the 70’s’.
The Steam Room
November 24, 2025 by 9 Comments
For Smokie, the steam room is a place of contemplation. For $20 per month [A veritable bargain, mate – Ed.]
Almanac Music Review: Paul Kelly – Seventy and Superb
November 12, 2025 by 4 Comments
Smokie was fortunate to be part of the crowd as Paul Kelly showcased his new album “Seventy” at the Corner Hotel
Almanac Memoir: Crawford Street
October 10, 2025 by 15 Comments
Smokie Dawson’s memory suggests that Crawford Street was idyllic. Was it really? He looks back on his formative years and a kid named Rod.
The Worst Record I Ever Bought
August 14, 2025 by 21 Comments
While flicking through his collection recently, Smokie stumbled upon the worst record he ever purchased.
The Unions Fighting Fund
August 6, 2025 by 3 Comments
The Union Fighting Fund was recently wound up, and the proceeds donated to the Royal Children’s Hospital. Smokie was there as a representative of his old union.
The Newport Stars
July 24, 2025 by 9 Comments
Smokie recalls his mum’s brief netball career with the mighty Newport Stars
Almanac Music: What Are Your Ten Best Australian Songs?
July 9, 2025 by 32 Comments
Triple J’s upcoming “Hottest 100 of Australian Songs” had Smokie considering his favourite Australian tracks. And he asks Almanac readers “What are your 10 best Australian songs?”
Almanac Life: The Strand Hotel
June 26, 2025 by 14 Comments
Williamstown has lost its fair share of pubs over the years, but there is one pub that Smokie misses the most
Almanac Fiction: Swifty Taylor and the Errant Husband (Episode 8)
June 19, 2025 by 10 Comments
In the denouement to series 3 of Swifty Taylor’s adventures, Swifty has a final confrontation with Max
Almanac Fiction: Swifty Taylor and the Errant Husband (Episode 7)
June 12, 2025 by 7 Comments
Swifty heads back to Port Douglas, where he wrestles with his conscience
Almanac Golf: The Last Golf Game
June 12, 2025 by 17 Comments
Smokie reveals that he has not played golf in thirty years, and that his last game was at Oakmont in Pittsburgh, home of numerous US Opens, and one of the toughest golf courses on the planet. [The Footy Almanac reprises Smokie’s cracking golf piece playing the course the US Open will be played on this week. – Ed]
Almanac Fiction: Swifty Taylor and the Errant Husband (Episode 6)
May 29, 2025 by 13 Comments
In Episode 6, Swifty secures one of the things he has been seeking, putting another brick in the wall.
Almanac Fiction: Swifty Taylor and the Errant Husband (Episode 5)
May 22, 2025 by 7 Comments
Swifty makes small talk with Max, then chats to his new friend Jess.
Almanac Fiction: Swifty Taylor and the Errant Husband (Episode 4)
May 16, 2025 by 9 Comments
Swifty continues to make some pertinent observations
Almanac Fiction: Swifty Taylor and the Errant Husband (Episode 3)
May 9, 2025 by 7 Comments
Swifty continues to battle the North Queensland humidity as he tracks his quarry.
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