Best Live Music: The Annandale

As iconic a Sydney live venue can get, the Annandale shocked locals earlier in 2011 with the announcement that the 80-year-old venue was up for sale. But despite future plans for this sticky-carpeted establishment, the ‘dale continues to deliver a healthy carte du jour of pub rock, alternative bands, compelling bathroom graffiti and fantastic live sound, making it still Sydney’s best hub for rocking one’s head to and fro. With Paul Kelly, You Am I, The Vines, Jet, The Dandy Warhols and The Living End amongst a swathe of musicians with Annantales to tell, the sound ain’t silenced yet within this incubator of Australian music. (Bridie Connellan) 17 Parramatta Road, Annandale www.annandalehotel.com