Brodie Buttons, "Mary Jane," // GemsOnVHS™

As I inquired about incredible artists to record while traveling through Australia, one name kept cropping up. Brodie Buttons, folks said, was the man to find. If you could find him at all. I thus listened to some of his recordings here on KZbin, finding some by a series called "Ride the Rail". One in particular struck me immediately, Brodie playing a song called "Hills of Bendigo" ( • Brodie Buttons - Hills... ). One problem I run into when traveling the globe in search of folk music is artists from other countries doing shallow imitations of Americana music. This fellow, he was singing in his own thick Australian accent, instead of adopting some pseudo-southern accent, and banging away expertly in the clawhammer style on his banjo. The subject matter was the gold rush in Bendigo, circa 1850. I can't tell you how much I love a song written by a modern artist, that tells a real story, and feels like it could've been written 100 years ago. Stan Rogers could do it, and by God so could Brodie. I knew I had to meet him, so I reached out, and we made a plan.
The only problem was, Brodie works in the middle of a rainforest that was just hit by catastrophic flooding, hours outside of Brisbane, somewhere out Kyogle way. With his beautiful little family, wife Lucy, son Rufus and an orange cat named Andrew, he lived in some truly remote jungles, working as an invasive plant exterminator, or something like that. Hard for a clueless American with a load of recording equipment to make his way that far into Australia. Luckily, i'd befriended an incredible woman named Rhiannon in Brisbane, who for some insane reason loved GemsOnVHS enough to be our chaperone to the middle of nowhere.
We saw mountains, dodged dropbears, took twists, turns and flooded detours, saw washed out ravines and destroyed roads. It was a once in a lifetime sight, I hope, beautiful and frightening at once. We arrived to find a cozy, if a little wet, ramshackle little home, and a warm welcome. They'd invited friends, and we had a wonderful little fireside jam well into the wee hours of the morning, until my eyes could no longer stay open, whether from the whiskey or the sleep deprivation. Brodie played song after song, often breaking out his journal to play us some new one in his vast, messy collection of writings. Each song was clever, catchy and worthy of a recording. This clueless American did however bring the wrong charger to Australia, so with my equipment dying, I recorded as much as I could. This first one is a lighthearted jaunt he played me on a tour of his garden in the backyard, a song about a certain little herb some of us love.
I'll never forget this two days in this lush, wetter version of the garden of Eden. I'll never forget Brodie and Lucy, and i'll owe Rhiannon for the rest of my life for her willingness to chauffeur this fool on his mission.
This is the second installment so far of my series of recordings from the great land of Australia. All of them will be available over time in this playlist; • GemsOnVHS in Australia
You can listen to Brodie’s music on all platforms and follow him on Instagram at @boringbuttons.
Big thanks to our executive producers, Brad Sirois, Mitchell Davis, Keith McQuillan, David Jameson, Lisa Galvan, Irvin Maddox, Josh Collins, Brady Jones, Julie Nestoroff, and VJ Arizpe for making this thing possible.
Consider becoming a Patreon contributor to help sustain this project. For the price of a cup of coffee every month, you let us continue finding and filming amazing artists.
/ gemsonvhs
GemsOnVHS is a long running series of intimate, off-stage performances by songwriters we love.
We're on instagram (@gemsonvhs or @anthonysimpkins)
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www.gemsonvhs.com

[@GemsOnVHS]

If you're reading this after March 1st, 2024, this song is Spotify now. open.spotify.com/artist/265un0cpWpLGGd78qIWVwR?si=hO2DIZCtTAmL37WGfDeUPQ - Follow him on Instagram at @boringbuttons.

[@jamestopham7744]

Yo thanks for turning me. Onto this kunt

[@tbonesmuggler]

Another timeless gem. This will be in the rotation for years and years.

[@GemsOnVHS]

Light one up to this 1

[@corbyross8286]

@@GemsOnVHS as we speak

[@josechavez6823]

You had me at “Australia” and “smoking dope” Cheers from Oregon 😮‍💨

[@lukecollett5944]

Oh god this takes me back, this bloke is so intrepidly Australian, as a kiwi I never thought I say this, but I miss that country, I look forward to the day I return! This brought me so much joy

[@GemsOnVHS]

Well, you will have an easier time getting back than me! Cheers and go have a little outback adventure soon.

[@pineandfire]

this is stellar…the garden, the song, the mustache🙌🏽

[@HxghPxnda]

I love the flowers dancing to the music

[@GemsOnVHS]

The garden was jamming right along with us.

[@lucydrummond7018]

That flower is billy goat weed.

[@GemsOnVHS]

@@lucydrummond7018 a rose by any other name

[@cedarriver]

Like the picking a lot here, very laid back, fun to play! Chords and lyrics below. Verse 1 & 2 D Asus4 D / D Asus4 D / D Asus4 G / D Asus4 Bm / D Asus4 D / D Asus4 D Interlude D Asus4 D / D Asus4 D / D F# G / D Asus4 D Verse 3 D Asus4 D / D Asus4 D / D Asus4 G / D Asus4 Bm Verse 4 D Asus4 D / D Asus4 D / D Asus4 G / D Asus4 D Outro D Asus4 D / D Asus4 D / D F# G / D Asus4 D The G in the Interlude is played as a Barree chord, just slide the F# up one fret Lots of hammer-ons and pull-offs are used when playing the D chord (mainly 0h2 and 2p0 on e string) Asus4 x0223x [Verse 1] When life gets you down, don't have to do it alone When your head's hanging low don't lift it on your own There ain't no shame in killing pain Well, Mary Jane you've done it again Don't think about it til the mornings rise Keep pushing it down and it might go away [Verse 2] Some people do it on the holy word They got the spirit of Jesus filling up the void Their eyes shine blue, well mine are red Please explain to me why we can't be friends I see you run from the truth, I'd have to try to pretend If you're really born again you wouldn't see through a lens [Interlude] [Verse 3] So you can go ahead and judge me, it'll probably be fair If I gave up the smokes, I could be a millionaire Just don't go and tell me to do this life sober Well, I'll give up the green when my worries are over [Verse 4] Until the day that I die I will probably be high Or until I get a break from this nasty old life When the tax man stopped knocking and the baby don't cry Til then my friends, let's sit around and get high [Outro]

[@JasenTapia]

I think he sings..."Their eyes shine blue, well mine are red"

[@GemsOnVHS]

"Their eyes shine so blue while mine are red" yes I think that's it. Great work Nico getting this up! What a fun one to play, I'm gonna learn this one myself.

[@cedarriver]

@@JasenTapia fits well, thank you!

[@cedarriver]

@@GemsOnVHS Cheers! Have fun learning bud

[@dancom3207]

@@cedarriver thank you as always.

[@samuelleslie711]

Had a joint in the outdoor bath last night and watched this for the first time what a treat.

[@TheThingattheEndoftheBook]

GemsOnVHS came to Australia and I didn't know?! Damn, I've found some excellent artists through this channel over the years, this is very cool. I saw Mr. Buttons just two nights ago at a wonderfully muddy folk and bluegrass festival. Now I just wish he would put down the beug long enough to record another album...

[@stormyyoung6344]

Picked a perfect place to to play this nice little tune. The land your on is beautiful.

[@GemsOnVHS]

Brodies backyard was no joke! That area was so thick and vibrant with life, it was unbelievable.

[@GriffinWatt]

I cannot stop listening to this. It’s so honest. Very beautiful, keep ‘em coming

[@cZerHD]

what a fantastic (and unique) voice. somehow reminds me of disney’s robin hood (brian bedford)

[@christopherhenderson7303]

That film had some great music! Roger Miller singing Oo-de-lally!!!

[@Galiuros]

This song was featured on KXCI 91.3 in Tucson

[@hannahharlen2851]

Mate you and your music are golden saw you up Nymboida way and you guys were by far my fave act! Thanks for keeping the Aussie bluegrass vibe alive!!

[@gregwingrove6161]

Brilliant absolutely brilliant 👍

[@spudelrudel2979]

this should be part of the soundtrack on Big Lez Show & co

[@turrafirmaguitarchannel]

Just saw Brody play at the Dorrigo Folk Festival. Oct 2022. Best singer musician I have seen for I don’t know how long.

[@bryanwelton1442]

F n best song I have heard in a long time

[@sjbennett88]

I've been waiting for y'all to meet up with Brodie! Favorite songwriter by a mile. Excited for any other recordings that come out of your time with him

[@charliem5575]

To me, this is a perfect song. I will listen a thousand times over the next couple days. 😊

[@jerrydetwiler9552]

Excellent! And that roosters stamp at the end. Magnificent!

[@hacgarimman9660]

Love thw song but also love that intro editing where it gradually fades you in. Loveky touch. The producers on these Gems vids are brilliant. Well done to yhem. Feels like im watching a modern version of Pete Seegers Rainbow Quest. Hats off to you all who make and participate.

[@GemsOnVHS]

thanks mate. rainbow quest is an inspiration to this for sure, and even more so alan lomax work. glad you dig it.

[@samuraikitten]

Thanks for a lovely song about one of my favorite things. 💙🎶

[@GemsOnVHS]

And mine. Light one for Brodie tonight boys

[@healyourseparation5267]

Great recording of Brodie, and it was lovely to see Andrew at the end whom I have cat sat on a few occasions!!

[@GemsOnVHS]

The best!

[@csg420x]

Wow never thought I'd hear anyone with the same style of beautifully subtle picking and catchy songs as Jake LaBotz.. love it!

[@cfcolly]

So happy to see Brodie on here. Saw him live in Tassie years ago, and been a fan ever since

[@GemsOnVHS]

What a show to catch. Do you remember what songs he played then?

[@cfcolly]

@@GemsOnVHS I don't remember... It was the button collective supporting the dead maggies at a pub in Tassie. Must have been 8 years ago. The pub is known cos the owner let people smoke weed openly inside even though its illegal.

[@lukeore7616]

Love to hear it Brodie mate, feel blessed to have met you mate

[@zaneridings3789]

Anthony, It's like you're walking in the Lomax Shoes on the Simpkins path. It's beautiful, and who would have imagined that we'd have the technology to both share and archive things like this so quickly!

[@GemsOnVHS]

thanks for the kind words zane

[@ShawarmaFarmer]

Amazing , great to see more Australian folks

[@doorknob6020]

Now this is a jam🎶🎶🔥🔥🔥

[@ladybzoficial8401]

Impressive performance great instrumental voice impeccable...congratulations the friend is a monster 🖤🖤

[@GemsOnVHS]

He is something else, isn't he?

[@GemsOnVHS]

The voice is just so soothing, could listen forever.

[@alexgray8804]

good shit! cant wait til you come to hawaii.

[@GemsOnVHS]

I can't wait either, love that idea!

[@vinsamson8061]

Beautiful 🤘up the Aus!

[@reddwing4368]

it's like a nostalgic dissidence makes me all warm inside with tingly feet smoke and smoke and smoke some more gotta get threw that door tonight cause tomorrow s life is busy pondering what to do with me again and again I beg and tell my friends but it still all breaks in the end then they say that's why we can't be friends so send up some smoke signals now it's nice and legal Terpene airlines got me feeling fine same as before every time so the lessen here is beyond belief but here goes sure there ain t no Shame in killing pain but flip that coin and understand the same sometimes it goes the other way too uplifting super smoke changing your life showing you what not everyone can see so smoke some if ya got it and always give thanks to the sweetest leaf

[@sawekziokowski7114]

This was so cool.

[@mixermanbear.4002]

What a great pickin ditty!

[@GemsOnVHS]

The picking style is pretty cool

[@somadood]

lovely

[@mahoneydn]

Resonates at the core.

[@Claytonbrewstunes]

Just what I needed to hear today!

[@Miraclemeat]

Hell of a quarterback; hell of a musician.

[@WilliamBradleyBuck]

Great stuff

[@aaronwynd8712]

Legend 👌🙌

[@elmac1285]

Ok……I literally have been thinking about attempting to quit weed AGAIN! I’m gonna take this as a hint to get baked in the forest today bahaha

[@GemsOnVHS]

lol! hey mate, to each their own, sometimes its good sometimes its bad. everyone is at a different stage.

[@fullarmorpreparedness5606]

Been needin a good song down here in Tennessee.

[@DingDongDaddyFromDumas933]

So much going on with this song fuckin top notch brother top fuckin notch indeed.

[@bradleyteeter1696]

More PLEASE!!!!

[@GemsOnVHS]

more is coming, i got some bangers from Brodie for sure.

[@pipmarley]

Can you please please add this to your Apple Music

[@Perculian]

Hell yeah it's Brodie!

[@ProfHojo-]

Amen brother

[@aaronisacomedian]

Fantastic

[@GemsOnVHS]

glad ya dig it

[@alexlaney3423]

Instant fan

[@michaelstefano370]

This was awesome

[@dancetnobigdeal]

This is supreme bogan country music

[@GemsOnVHS]

I love going overseas and finding music that reflects the environment perfectly. not just imitating american stylings but wholly unique.

[@jroramos2106]

Great!

[@Austinstic]

You had me at 0:12

[@budkush8169]

Oh she got the roster

[@Deuce_Allan]

The Aussie Nick Shoulders

[@xion37]

damn this dude can play

[@bjornstruckmeyer7404]

He looks like Aaron Rodgers. Great Song

[@stuartroper5420]

Nice 😎

[@jamesmoontunes]

🔥🔥🔥

[@ricobubby1080]

🔥

[@dalephillips4879]

With a moustach like. that I believe him

[@SolomonTheBard]

LET'S GOOOOOOOO

[@Weekend_Washouts]

❤️ it man.

[@travisjohnson6358]

Good old brodie

[@RichardCattaway]

🖤💛❤

[@Michael-xz6jg]

fuckin boss man

[@StoneMonkey]

Aussie's very own Benjaman Todd!😂

[@josephkeogh6720]

Nice farm man

[@bileductable]

A bit of an Aussie young Willie Nelson vibe 😄

[@GemsOnVHS]

Not a bad comparison

[@herdumderdum1764]

Nothing better then seeing rainbows in the rainbow region

[@Cottontopexotics]

lives in Australia, someone get this man a Ormsby.

[@GemsOnVHS]

Do they make acoustics? lol I might sign up up for an endorsement myself

[@Cottontopexotics]

@@GemsOnVHS they dont make acoustics but everyone should have one. they are great guitars even the factory run stuff is awesome for any kind of music.

[@ajeje1996]

What a guy. Did you guys record anything on his banjo? I found him through his excellent Hills of Bendigo and I'm still in love with it

[@GemsOnVHS]

Hills of Bendigo, what a song. I advise everyone to search Brodie on KZbin. & We recorded some banjo around the campfire that night. The whiskey might've made the camera work a little off.

[@ajeje1996]

@@GemsOnVHS That just means it'll be more immersive ;P

[@jimmydgaf8291]

Oi go ways

[@billmiller9448]

Americana at its best from Australia. Go figure

[@GemsOnVHS]

This is Australiacana

[@austinhellems9724]

One day later and I can confirm, excellent song to smoke dope to

[@halfyetiallman6632]

Am I high or was there a magic doob that would disappear and reappear?

[@GemsOnVHS]

Lmao you're high, but light one up to this song

[@ChimmyWheelman-ow5ru]

you don't need a MJ bruvva, you need a BJ bruvva

[@christopherhenderson7303]

If Doug Henning was cool...

[@matthewcampbell1291]

Australia is ruined. It's sad Canada too.

[@GemsOnVHS]

dunno, i just got back and it seemed fine to me