Month: December 2007

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sir Elton Loves Sydney

Sir Elton John has given the city of Sydney a big thumbs up.

“Sydney has always been a special place for me,” Sir Elton said in this week’s Time Out Sydney mag. “It is one of the most vibrant and magical cities in the world.”

In fact, Elton loves Sydney so much that it was his base for his entire Australian tour. While other artists tend to stay in the cities they play, Elton took a private jet to each show.

In his down time, Elton has reacquainted himself with his favourite Sydney cafes, galleries, beaches, and the meat pies at Harry’s Café de Wheels.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nat Says Idol Rules

Australian Idol competition. We expect this sort of behavior from so-called “credible” artists, but recently even past winner Guy Sebastian and judge Ian “Dicko” Dickson had something to say. Guy called the current crop “boring” and Dicko said the contestants “lacked personality.” It seems the only person standing up for the franchise is this year’s winner, Natalie Gauci.

“I am sick of people bagging Idol, especially contestants from the show who have been on it and are successful because of it,” she told The Sunday Telegraph.

“People need to see the positive side. They need to appreciate what the contestants go through.”

Good on her. While many might suggest Natalie’s had a free ticket to fame, it’s worth remembering that she got her start on Triple J’s Unearthed competition. This is the same comp that Missy Higgins won, and no one dares to suggest she hasn’t done the hard yards!

“I have been doing this for a long time and Idol has just prepared me for what is to come now,” she added.

Image source: Violetion @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lionel Richie, Marcia Hines, and Mahalia Barnes @ Bimbadgen Estate, Hunter Valley – 8 December 2007

Attending a concert the day before moving house may be insane to some, but that’s exactly what I did last Saturday. I left the chaotic mess of boxes in my apartment for a little music therapy at one of the Hunter Valley’s famous Day on the Green events. This time around I was treated to the musical stylings of Mahalia Barnes, Marcia Hines, and Lionel Richie.

Jimmy Barnes’ little girl Mahalia proved she’s all grown up with a killer set of original soul tunes and some classic covers. She’s got an amazing set of pipes, and injects such passion into her performance that it matters little whether you know the songs or not. Her closer of “Proud Mary” was every inch as good as Tina Turner’s.

Next up was Australian Idol judge and soul diva Marcia Hines. Miss Marcia’s been doing this for around thirty years, and it shows. She had us dancing in the aisles with disco standards like “Shake Your Groove Thing,” “Disco Inferno,” and her own smash hit “You.” We were also treated to some more reflective moments from her new album Life, including brilliant takes on “Everybody Hurts,” “No Ordinary Love” and “Get Here.”

While Marcia and Mahalia wowed us, it was clear that there was just one person the crowd was there to see. That man was Lionel Richie. He’s not the most handsome man in the world, but there’s something about him that had the females from 15 to 50 on their feet.

Continue reading “Lionel Richie, Marcia Hines, and Mahalia Barnes @ Bimbadgen Estate, Hunter Valley – 8 December 2007” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Confessions of an Internet Deprived Blogger

My regular readers might have noticed it’s been a little quiet around here. I apologise for that. I moved house last weekend and I hoped queuing up posts for that weekend was enough. I was optimistic enough to think the internet would be here waiting for me, and I could get back to blogging straight away rather than spend the early part of the week unpacking boxes. You know what they say about the best-laid plans.

I’m back now though, and I’m letting my husband take over unpacking duties to spend some time catching up with things. It’s been busy while I’ve been gone. ChrissyAmphlett declared she has Multiple Sclerosis, then rocked Homebake with the Divinyls the following day. Kylie performed for this year’s Nobel prize winners in Oslo, including climate change campaigner Al Gore. Melbourne outfit The Panics took home this year’s J Award, beating off stiff competition from the likes of Silverchair and John Butler Trio.

So there’s the recap. Now let’s get back to your regularly scheduled program!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sydney Celebrates Strummer

It’s amazing to think it’s been five years since the late great Joe Strummer of The Clash passed away. Sydney fans can pay their respects at a tribute concert at the end of the month.

On December 22, The Gaelic will host Revolution Rock – A Joe Strummer Tribute Night. The Living End’s Travis Dempsey will take to the stage with his new band The Currency, alongside The Hard-Ons, Waiting for Guiness, Steppin’ Razor, and Gambeta.

It’s not just an opportunity to hear some great music, it’s also a way to help a great cause. All proceeds will go to Strummerville, a charity which creates new opportunities for struggling young musicians.

Tickets are available through Moshtix for $20 plus booking fee.

Image source: John Coffey @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Special Effects Aplenty in New Delta Video

No expense has been spared in the production of the film clip for Delta Goodrem’s new song, “Believe Again.”

According to The Daily Telegraph it uses more than 100 special effects, which is more than most feature films! It took more than six weeks to create the visual masterpiece with teams in Australia, Los Angeles, and Spain. Wow!

And it’s a good thing too. While the video looks superb, this anthemic song is nowhere near as catchy as Delta’s last single “In This Life.” But as Delta’s Australia’s golden girl, I’m sure it’ll sell well anyway when it’s released today. 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sunk Loto Reform For Surfers Show

Sunk Loto called it quits earlier this year, but the Gold Coast lads seem to have reconsidered. At least for now.

The hard-rocking outfit will play a show at the Hard Rock Café in Surfers Paradise on December 14, and it may not be their last.

“We truly don’t know what’s going to happen after this show, it could be the last one. All I know is Dane, Luke, Rob and myself are really looking forward to decimating the Hard Rock,” said lead singer Jason Brown.

That sounds like it might not be the end after all, but as it’s the only show announced fans will probably want to grab their tickets just in case.

Tickets for the gig are available for just $12 from Oztix.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

High Voltage Industry Exposé

If you’re stuck for a Christmas gift for the music fan in your life, or just want to treat yourself, I may have the answer. Renowned music journo Christie Eliezer has just released his latest book High Voltage Rock ‘n’ Roll – The Movers and Shakers in the Australian Rock Industry, and it promises to be a fascinating read.

The book gets up close and personal with music legends Michael Gudinski, Denis Handlin, Ian “Molly” Meldrum, John Woodruff, John Watson, Shane Simpson, and Glenn Wheatley. It looks at the way they’ve changed the Australian music industry, how they did it, and the highs and lows along the way.

High Voltage Rock ‘n’ Roll – The Movers and Shakers in the Australian Rock Industry is available in print and online formats from the website, and in selected bookstores.

Image source: High Voltage website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Scribe, Faker, and Pnau Play BACARDI Express

All aboard the BACARDI Express! This travelling festival will carry five of Australia and New Zealand’s hottest acts, and a bunch of keen music fans from Melbourne to Sydney next February.

Rock outfit Faker, New Zealand rap king Scribe, and dance duo Pnau are already confirmed to play alongside two bands to be announced later this month. The bands will perform on the train as it travels from Melbourne to Albury, Wollongong, and Sydney.

“We’re looking forward to getting off the road and onto the tracks; off the wagon and onto the rails; out of the frypan and into the BACARDI Express of fire! Choo Choo Huzzah!” said Faker’s Stefan Gregory.

He’s obviously excited, and if you are too make sure you check out the BACARDI Express website. Money can’t buy these tickets, but the site details the ways you can get your hands on them. Of course, since this event is sponsored by Bacardi it’s strictly adults only. Sorry kids!

Image source: Trent “Raichase” Nicholson @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Rock-Bottom Jackpot" – Dé Jah Groove

Dé Jah Groove’s debut release Rock-Bottom Jackpot may just be the perfect soundtrack for the summer.

The Melbourne outfit has earned a reputation as one of the most explosive bands on the live circuit, and they’ve managed to bring that energy to this album. Their combination of jazz, funk, roots, rock, and hip-hop reminds me of early Cat Empire recordings, which is a good thing.

With six band members, it’s little wonder that Dé Jah Groove has a really big sound. The horns are loud, layered over the percussion of the drums and bass. It’s also refreshing to hear the Australian accent in Harley Stewart’s vocals.

Standouts include the easy grooves of the first single, “Mellow Stages,” the far from lazy opening track “Lazy Sundays,” and the fantastically fun “One Drop High.”

Rock-Bottom Jackpot is in stores now. Dé Jah Groove is currently on the road to support its release. Check their MySpace page for all the dates.

Image source: Dé Jah Groove MySpace