In hour of Australia Day I figured I’d put together a collection of some of my favourite patriotic songs. They’re all very different, but they have one thing in common: they were written by proud Australians who weren’t afraid to let the world know they love their country. So grab a beer, put another snag on the barbie and sing along!
I barely recognise Richard Clapton in this clip for “Down in the Lucky Country!” Just ignore the naff special effects and join in with the chorus.
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It’s the day before Australia Day and you know what that means: it’s time for the annual Australia Day Live concert. I’ve never been able to figure out why it’s always held a day early, but it makes for entertaining viewing nonetheless.
This year’s concert promises to be no different, with performances from an eclectic bunch of locals including Ben Lee, Ricki-Lee, the Veronicas, Richard Clapton, Katie Noonan, Tripod, Thirsty Merc, and Gotye.
If you live in Canberra, you can see the show for free on the lawns of Parliament House. The rest of us can catch all the action on Channel Nine tonight from 8:30 pm.
Could an Aussie be the next American Idol? Cutie Michael Johns has made it to Hollywood so anything is possible!
This sexy ex-pat moved to Los Angeles when he was 18 years old, but he hasn’t lost his accent or Aussie charm. He also gets a big tick for choosing an Otis Redding number for his audition.
Thanks to Jeanne at Idol Stalker, you can check out this video and see what all the fuss is about. I’ll be sure to keep you posted about Michael’s progress through the comp!
Here’s some awesome news for Silverchair fans. The band are offering their dedicated followers autographed cells from the very cool “Reflections of a Sound” video.
Each cell comes framed, autographed by all three band members, hand numbered, and with a letter of authenticity so you know it’s legit.
As part of Silverchair’s progressive sale, you can buy one this week for just $110, a saving of $90 on the original price. But these cells were strictly limited to a run of 200, and there aren’t many left so you’ll have to be quick to score yours!
Image source: Chairpage store
Kiss fans who feared the band would jet off after performing at Melbourne’s Formula 1 Grand Prix can rest easy. The band has just announced concerts in Sydney and Brisbane.
The line-up will include original members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, with Eric Singer on drums and Tommy Thayer on guitar.
Tickets go on sale on 4 February at 9 am. Prepare to rock and roll all night at the following venues:
16 March 2008 – Formula 1 Grand Prix, Melbourne
18 March 2008 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
20 March 2008 – Acer Arena, Sydney
Ricki-Lee has joined a bunch of other celebs in baring all for charity.
The dance diva graces the pages of this month’s Strip for Charity spread in Cleo magazine. Radio presenter Bianca Dye, actress Annalise Braakensiek, and iron woman Candice Falzon have also nuded up for a good cause.
The photographs will be auctioned on eBay from Monday, and the proceeds will benefit each celebrity’s chosen charity. Ricki-Lee will donate the profits from her photograph to Jeans for Genes, the research fund for the Children’s Medical Research Institute.
“To be honest, I was so nervous about getting my clothes off, but these shots are going to be beautiful,” she told The Courier-Mail. “I’ve always said I’ll do anything I can to help Jeans for Genes, so I guess I’m following through on that promise.”
I’m sure Jeans for Genes, and the men of Australia, are thankful she has!
I grew up in the 1980s. It was a decade of big hair, big shoulder pads, and big power chords. And if you were a young girl in the 80s, you probably had a dirty big crush on Jon Bon Jovi.
That was more than twenty years ago, but walking into Acer Arena last night it seemed some things never change. While I spotted quite a few mullets, the hair was a little smaller. I didn’t see anyone wearing shoulder pads. But chunky chords are alive and well. And if the deafening squeals were anything to go by, the very same girls still have the hots for Jon.
The music wasn’t much different either. Sure Bon Jovi are still releasing albums and their newer sound has a more country edge, but that didn’t stop them busting out classic cuts from New Jersey, Slippery When Wet, and Keep the Faith.
Considering their massive back catalogue, opening with “Great Balls of Fire” was an odd choice. But the crowd screamed their approval as they watched Jon gyrate like a yesteryear teen idol. You can only imagine the way the already frenzied stadium erupted when they began their next song, “You Give Love a Bad Name.” Hit after hit followed, punctuated by new songs which allowed us to catch our breath a little.
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Tin Alley are a rare band on the modern music landscape. Their debut album Every 
Turn lacks the studio polish of many, but that’s not a bad thing. In fact, it gives this Melbourne outfit a gritty honesty that sets them apart from their contemporaries.
Listening to Every Turn took me back to the early 90s rock scene, when local bands like You Am I and The Cruel Sea ruled the airwaves. Like them, Tin Alley are a tight outfit delivering melodic rock that pulls no punches. The title track, “Act Without Thought,” sets the scene, an infectious fusion of rock and pop.
But don’t think Tin Alley are just another middle of the road rock-pop act. They show so much more diversity, with the blues inspired “In a Knot” and psychedelic “Polar Bear” among the album’s highlights.
I have one copy of Every Turn to give away to one lucky Oz Music Scene reader. Just leave a comment saying why you’d love the CD before noon January 29 (AEST). I’ll announce the winner next Wednesday!
Image source: Tin Alley MySpace
Family, friends, and fans of Michael Hutchence will pay tribute to the INXS frontman tonight in a ceremony at Milk Beach.
The beach in the Sydney suburb of Vaucluse is the site where Michael’s ashes were scattered in 1997.
Sixteen flags autographed by faithful fans from around the world will be laid on the beach as part of tonight’s tribute. The gathering will then move to The Star Bar to toast Michael and watch rare film footage.
Michael Hutchence would have celebrated his 48th birthday today. If you’d like to be a part of this event, visit the Michael Hutchence Memorial MySpace page for more information.
Don’t let the pastel pink layout fool you: News in Punk is hardcore.
If you’re looking for teenybopper gushings about the latest pop punk commercial success, this is not the place. But if you’re a serious punk lover who worships the greats like The Clash and Social Distortion and loves the new breed of punk antiheroes, this may the blog for you.
Denise has her finger on the pulse of the punk scene. Of course there’s news, but there are also some great videos and hot new band recommendations. Even if you think you know everything about punk, I’m sure Denise can teach you a thing or two.
Check out News in Punk here!
Image source: Flora Braz @ Stock.xchng
