Month: September 2007

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Australian Idols Rock Out

Last night the Australian Idols turned their hand to rock, but unfortunately the theme exposed the weaknesses of many of our contestants. The odd star shone, but it was a very dark night in the Idol studio indeed.

Matt Corby kicked off the night with a great rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “The Immigrant Song.” This is such a challenging song, but Matt kept his cool and rocked hard. While the song choice failed to impress Kyle, I was thrilled. Your average teenager knows “Stairway to Heaven,” and the like, but this more obscure option showed this kid’s got real musical depth. Very cool.

We all expected rock week to challenge swing king Carl Riseley. But it didn’t. Coldplay are about as rock as Michael Bublé. By choosing “Clocks,” Carl showed that his musical knowledge is sorely lacking. The vocals were adequate, but by copping out in the song choice I think he’s really in danger this week.

Luckily for Carl, his performance was followed by Brianna Carpenter’s equally dismal attempt. “The Logical Song” should have been a great fit for her, but again she struggled with pitch problems. Brianna insists she’s deaf in one ear and struggling to hear herself. That may be so, but I wonder how long her fans can keep her around based on what she can do, rather than what she is doing. I love Brianna, but I really think her number may be up. 

Marty Simpson did a respectable job with Paolo Nutini’s hit “Jenny Don’t Be Hasty.” However, I’m not sure it was as good as the judges believed. Perhaps it was just great compared to Carl and Brianna’s songs. I believe song choice let him down here. This is a fun song, but it really flatlines and doesn’t go anywhere. Still, I think he’s done enough to stay in the comp.

Lana Krost made a big improvement with her take on Little Birdy’s “Come On, Come On.” We saw a little grit in her voice, and a little spontaneity in her movements. There were a lot of things that could have been better, but it was a start. While the judges were still unmoved, I think this could be the turning point for her. 

Jacob Butler gave the crowd the show stopper they were waiting for with his performance of “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory.” He was the first person to really rock the performance, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Tarisai Vushe got a rousing reception for her take on “Hard to Handle.” Technically I think this was closer to the soul-laden Otis Redding original than the rocking Black Crowes cover, but it didn’t seem to worry anyone. She’s a born performer, and her voice is stunning. My only criticism is that she seemed to be shouting in patches, but I can forgive that. 

Ben McKenzie was the second performer to sing some Little Birdy; he chose “Bodies.” It was a really solid effort, especially considering he felt uncomfortable with the genre. His vocals really soared in places, and it was great to hear. However, I’m not sure about the song choice at all. This is a fairly obscure song, and I’m not sure he completely sold it.

Daniel Mifsud stepped up next with Jimi Hendrix’s “Fire.” It was a great song choice, combining rock with his soul background, and he gave an energetic and fun performance. I just wish he was less imitative. As a fan of the original, I was disappointed that Daniel delivered the song as Jimi did including all the same “ad libs.” He needs to learn who he is, rather than just rehashing someone else’s work.

Natalie Gauci then brought her own unique version of “Sweet Child of Mine.” I loved the way she built this, although I wasn’t as convinced by the performance once it amped up. Natalie really knows who she is though, and that’s great to watch.

Mark Da Costa closed the show with AC/DC’s “High Voltage.” The rocker was always going to be in his comfort zone on rock week, and it showed. I honestly think this was the best performance I’ve seen him do. For the first time I saw the rock god everyone always claimed he was. The vocal was particularly strong, matching his showmanship.

Tonight we’ll say goodbye to one of these contestants. My hunch is that it will be Brianna. After two pitchy performances, I’m not sure even her fans can stand up for her. Quirky performers always have to fight a bit harder for their place, and I’m not sure they can get away with the mistakes she’s been making. I guess we’ll see tonight! 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Steely Dan, World Party and Gangajang @ Bimbadgen Estate, Hunter Valley – 15 September 2007

This update has been a little slow coming, but I have a good reason I swear. You see, I’ve spent the weekend in the Hunter Valley catching Steely Dan at Bimbadgen Estate. The show was one of the fabulous A Day on the Green events, which is one of my favourite ways to see concerts. Where else can you enjoy a concert under the stars with delicious wine and a spread of gourmet cheeses and smoked salmon?

The afternoon kicked off with a performance by Australian rock pioneers Gangajang. I must admit, I didn’t have very high expectations, believing I knew nothing more than “Sounds of Then.” As it turned out, I knew a great deal more of their songs than I realised, but there was more than sing-a-long classics to their repertoire. They reminded me a lot of an older Cat Empire, with their eclectic tunes and good vibes.

I had similarly low expectations of the next act, Great Britain’s World Party. Again I felt I only knew one song, “Ship of Fools,” and on watching them I realised why. They weren’t bad, but there wasn’t anything remarkable about them at all. The songs melded together in a wave of bland until that signature tune, which failed to live up to the hype. Lead singer Karl Wallinger struggled to reach that high note, his age clearly showing.

The highlight of their set was the arrival of Australian Idol judge, Ian “Dicko” Dickson who actually took a seat virtually in front of me. Perving on Idol’s hot judge definitely made World Party’s boring music a bit easier to swallow.

Of course, the opening acts would never compare to the band we all came to see, Steely Dan. I must admit, the first few songs left me feeling frustrated. I’m not sure whether they were tracks from the most recent albums, but they certainly weren’t familiar to most of us. They were good, but after so much anticipation we were all dying to sing along.

They gave us that chance with the next song, “Hey Nineteen.” This is actually my favourite Steely Dan track, and I lapped it up. After that the hits seemed to come thick and fast: “Peg,” “Josie,” “Dirty Work,” “Black Friday,” and “Do It Again” were all highlights.

The band was one of the tightest I’ve ever seen. Every performer was individually brilliant, but together they were phenomenal. Drummer Keith Carlock deserves a special mention for the most amazing hand speed and energy I think I’ve ever seen. Of course original members Walter Becker and Donald Fagan were also sensational, still on top of their game despite doing this together for four decades.

However, towards the end the concert sadly lost its gloss for me, and many other fans. They did a big finish, then came back for the obligatory encore which ended with “Kid Charlemagne.” It’s a great song, but we were sure that wasn’t it. After all, they still hadn’t played “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” or “Reelin’ in the Years.” We were all sure there’d be another encore, that there’s no way they’d leave us without playing at least one of those big hits, but soon the crew started to clear the stage.

I understand that performers can’t play everything, but these songs are the signature tunes. They were even featured on the ads for the tour. To use them to lure fans to the shows, but neglect to play them, almost feels like false advertising. Everything Steely Dan did on stage was wonderful, but sadly most of us will remember what they didn’t do.

Image source: Frontier Touring

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Labor Government Promotes Local Music

Peter Garrett has announced the Labor government will commit $2.4 million over the next four years to the Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (AMRAP). As if you needed another reason to oust John Howard, right?

The organisation plays a key part in promoting Australian music by delivering local content to 350 community radio stations across the country.

“I could see that [continued funding for AMRAP] would be a great boon to Aussie music and to young songwriters and bands, and it seemed really dumb for the funding to just end, so we’re going to keep it going,” Peter Garrett said yesterday.

The former Midnight Oil frontman, now state MP announced the news on Sydney’s FBi radio. The station plays 50% Australian music, much more than your average commercial station, and half of that comes from local Sydney talent. It was responsible for introducing audiences to The Vines, Wolfmother, Expatriate, The Grates, and more.

If you’re interested in the full Peter Garrett interview, you can hear the podcast at FBi Radio’s website.

Image source: Peter Garrett photo downloads page credit: Maclay Heriot

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kylie’s Back With “2 Hearts”

After plenty of speculation it’s official: Kylie Minogue will release her brand new single “2 Hearts” on November 10.

It was written and produced by cool British electro band Kish Mauve. And according to industry insiders, the track has hit written all over it.

“It is a surefire No. 1, a classic Kylie song you won’t stop humming,” raved Victoria Newton of The Sun. “Expect her to hit No. 1 in both charts when the single and album are released in November.”

The track is the first from Kylie’s new album, which is also scheduled for a November release. It is Kylie’s first release since she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Image supplied by Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Lee Heads East

Ben Lee swore the cancellation of the Up! Festival wouldn’t stop him touring his new album Ripe. He’s made good on his promise with the announcement of a handful of dates along the East Coast.

The tour will kick off at Melbourne’s Prince of Wales Hotel on October 18. Then Ben’s off to Ballarat, Moorooduc, Brisbane, Sydney, and Woolongong. The shows are at some intimate little venues, so fans are in for a real treat. The Ballarat and Sydney gigs are also all ages so Ben’s youngest admirers need not miss out.

There’s no word yet on when Ben will visit the rest of Oz, but I’ll keep you posted. Until then Ben lovers, you’ll just have to be content with the new album. Ripe is released tomorrow.

Image source: Graciepoo @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ivy League’s Big Birthday Bashes

Last weekend I reported that Sydney indie label Ivy League is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a huge compilation CD. Some massive birthday concerts were rumoured, but I can now confirm the speculations are true.

The Metro will host two Ivy League birthday gigs in November. The ever reclusive rockers The Vines will make a rare performance to headline the show on November 2. Youth Group, The Silents, The Monarchs, and Hoolahan will also play that night.

The party will continue on November 3, when Josh Pyke, Red Riders, 78 Saab, The City Lights and Peabody take to the stage.

So get your tickets through The Metro and join in the celebrations!

Image source: freschwill @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cyndi Lauper Heads to Mardi Gras

Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is famous for delivering some of the most fabulous entertainment in Australia, and next year’s festivities will be no exception. 80s pop icon Cyndi Lauper will headline the 30th anniversary celebrations.

I’m really excited about this one. After all, with hits like “Girls Just Want to have Fun,” “True Colours,” “Time After Time,” what’s not to love? Now I just have to convince my husband to embrace his inner diva and come with me.

No official dates are available just yet, but expect Miss Lauper to grace our shores in February. This of course gives me plenty of time to twist my husband’s arm.

Image source: @bastique @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brian Wilson To Headline Sydney Festival

The Sydney Festival has a rich tradition of bringing rock royalty to Australia, after delivering Elvis Costello and Lou Reed to the masses in recent years. 2008 won’t be any exception, with news The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson will headline the arts event.

Brian Wilson will play a huge free (that’s right, free) concert in The Domain on January 5 to open the festival. The night promises to offer plenty of Beach Boys hits, including “Surfing USA,” “I Get Around,” “Help Me Rhonda” and “Good Vibrations.” Could there be any better music for a steamy summer night?

He’ll then perform two different shows over the 21-day event. The first will showcase the tracks from the Beach Boys’ influential 1966 release, Pet Sounds. The second show will feature his new album, The Lucky Old Sun (a Narrative). On his official site, Brian said the album “will consist of five ’rounds’ with interspersed spoken word.” Sounds interesting!

Dates for Brian Wilson’s Sydney Festival shows will be announced on November 1.

Image source: Greg2600 @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dedicated Renee Geyer’s New Release

Aussie soul legend Renee Geyer is showing no signs of slowing down. She’ll release her 22nd album Dedicated at the end of the month.

Dedicated features a mix of new songs and classic covers. Aussie songwriting king Paul Kelly has lent a hand, co-writing the tracks “Please Leave Your Light On” and “When a Woman Loves a Man.”

The album also includes some iconic soul hits, such as Marvin Gaye’s “Distant Lover,” Ann Peebles’ “Somebody’s On Your Case,” The Temptations’ “Wish it Would Rain,” and her famous rendering of James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World.”

Get your Renee Geyer fix when Dedicated hits stores on October 1.

Main image: Denise O’Hara @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussie Artists Climbing The Charts

A diverse range of Australian artists have made their mark on the ARIA charts this week.

Fergie may have kept her stranglehold on the singles chart with her mammoth hit, “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” but she’s faced stiff competition from Shannon Noll. His new single “Loud” has debuted at number three.

Fellow Australian Idol graduate Ricki-Lee has slipped two places with “Can’t Touch It,” but the pop smash is still sitting pretty at number seven.

Jetsetting folksters The Waifs have debuted at number two with their latest album, Sun Dirt Water. But they couldn’t shift the might of British opera star Paul Potts, who holds the number one spot for the second week with One Chance.

The Waifs have pushed Damien Leith’s album Where We Land to number four. The John Butler Trio’s Grand National and Powderfinger’s Dream Days at the Hotel Existence round out the top ten. They’re holding steady at ninth and tenth spot.