February 2008 – Page 3

Posted on 18/02/200828/03/2023 by Lauren Katulka

No CDs, But Rihanna’s Still Tops

Rihanna has made history this week, becoming the first act to top the Aussie charts on digital sales alone.

Her new song “Don’t Stop the Music” was not available as a physical disc, yet still managed to bump Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love” from the top spot.

Apparently record companies will release “Don’t Stop the Music” as a CD this week, but it doesn’t look like they really need to.

So is this further evidence that CDs are all but dead? As a proud CD buyer, I really hope not!

This is what else is happening on this week’s ARIA charts.

Australian Singles Charts
1. “Don’t Stop the Music” – Rihanna
2. “Bleeding Love” – Leona Lewis
3. “Pictures of You” – The Last Goodnight
4. “Piece of Me” – Britney Spears
5. “Crank That” – Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em
6. “Untouched” – The Veronicas
7. “Apologize” – Timbaland feat. OneRepublic
8. “Low” – Flo Rida
9. “No One” – Alicia Keys
10. “Don’t Hold Back” – The Potbelleez

Australian Albums Charts
1. Sleep Through the Static – Jack Johnson
2. Thriller – Michael Jackson
3. Watershed – k.d. lang
4. Spirit – Leona Lewis
5. Exile on Mainstream – Matchbox Twenty
6. Juno – Soundtrack
7. Good Girl Gone Bad – Rihanna
8. Timbaland Presents: Shock Value – Timbaland
9. Back to Black – Amy Winehouse
10. Hook Me Up – The Veronicas

Image source: MiKeARB @ Flickr

Posted on 17/02/200828/03/2023 by Lauren Katulka

Veronicas’ Release "Hook Me Up" in United States

The wait is almost over for all you American Veronicas fans. I know it’s been a long time coming, but the twins will finally release their second album Hook Me Up in the US this May.

“It’s a very upbeat dance record, though there are a few ballads on there,” Jess said in a press release. “It came out exactly how we wanted it to, so we’re stoked.”

Americans will get a sneak peek of The Veronicas new electro-pop sound when their current Aussie single “Untouched” is released to radio in April.

Hook Me Up will be released in May through Sire Records. Apparently an American tour is in the works to coincide with the release. I’ll let you know more details of this as they come to hand!

Image source: Michael Spencer @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on 15/02/2008 by Lauren Katulka

Aussie Makes American Idol Top 24

You might remember me mentioning last month that an Australian cutie called Michael Johns had made it through to American Idol’s important Hollywood round. I’m happy to say that Michael breezed through with consistently brilliant performances and he’s now a member of the Top 24.

He’s got some really tough competition, but with that winning combo of talent, looks, and charisma he’s sure to win over the American public. I’ve posted the video of last night’s verdict below. I also know plenty of us don’t have pay TV, so thanks to Jeanne at Idol Stalker I’ll post all his performances here as he progresses through the comp.

Aussie Aussie Aussie!

Posted on 15/02/200828/03/2023 by Lauren Katulka

Q & A with She Plays Music’s Deb

We all read their words, but how much do you really know about the bloggers in the music channel? I work with a really great bunch of people here, and I’d love you to learn more about them. So from time to time I’ll post some interviews with some of my esteemed colleagues, starting with Deb at She Plays Music.

What blogs do you write?
For the Music Channel I blog She Plays Music. I also maintain about ten other blogs, The List Maven, Simply Thrifty and Burning the Scale are my other blogs with b5. I also have a couple of celebrity blogs, a food blog and a couple more in the works.

How long have you been blogging?
I started my flagship blog, Freelance Writing Jobs, three years ago. I’ve been blogging on a full-time professional basis for a little over a year now.

What do you like best about blogging?
It’s a toss-up between freedom and community – I love the freedom I have to say what I want. I worked in publishing for a long time and there’s not as much freedom there. Even when I was writing on a freelance basis someone was always editing my words and changing my voice. With blogging my voice is apparent and I can convey the tone I wish without getting red pencilled.

Plus being able to network with such a wonderful and diverse community makes the job a real pleasure.

Describe yourself in five words.
Addicted to my computer keyboard.

What is the last song that you heard that made you say “Wow!”?
The last song that truly blew me away was Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab.” It was before she was in the news all the time and I heard it in my car and just said “woah … this is awesome.” Then I listened for the rest of the day to find out who was singing it so I could download the song.

What album is currently taking over your rotation?
As I type this I’m listening to Audioslave’s Revelations.

Favorite quote?
“Music is what feelings sound like.” I don’t know who said it, but it’s so true.

Image sourcec: Kelly Sikkema @ Unsplash

Posted on 14/02/200828/03/2023 by Lauren Katulka

Love Songs to Brighten your Valentine’s Day

Sorry to all your cynics out there, but I really love Valentine’s Day. And so in honour of this romantic day I figured I’d bring you some of my favourite Aussie love songs. I hope they make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

“Even When I’m Sleeping” by Leonardo’s Bride is one of those tracks I used to play a lot when my husband and I were doing the long-distance thing. It’s so gorgeous without being overly gooey and sentimental.

“Please Don’t Ask Me” is one of those songs that always makes me cry. I’m sure we’ve all been victims of unrequited love, that most painful love of all! So keep your tissues handy when Farnsy stops talking and starts singing!
Continue reading “Love Songs to Brighten your Valentine’s Day” →

Posted on 14/02/200828/03/2023 by Lauren Katulka

Smoky Dawson Dies

There’s sad news today with word that country legend Smoky Dawson has passed away. He was just weeks shy of his 95th birthday.

Smoky’s musical career spanned more than six decades. When he released his last album Homestead of My Dreams in 2005, he officially became the oldest recording artist in the world.

“While his music was tinged with country, he was also a great poet and a very creative man. He encompassed a great sense of Australiana,” his label manager Philip Mortlock told The Sydney Morning Herald.

“He spanned such an extraordinary period, it is such a great loss to lose a man like that. He often said to me, writing a song a day and keeping active was what kept him going.”

Smoky is survived by his 101-year-old wife Dot. He had a great innings, but it’s always a shame to lose a national treasure like Smoky. He will be missed.

Posted on 13/02/200828/03/2023 by Lauren Katulka

Sophie and Benji Split, Tim and Ant Hook Up

Today’s news is all about make-ups and break-ups. On one hand, we’ve got word that Sophie Monk has split with her Good Charlotte guitarist Benji Madden.

Now we saw this one coming for a while, ever since Sophie returned to Australia solo in January. The Daily Telegraph later spotted her without her engagement ring, which started more rumours buzzing.

Sophie’s agent Yoon Kim put an end to the speculation today, issuing an official statement claiming “The decision was mutual and they remain amicable.” I guess it’s pretty easy to remain amicable when you’re on opposite sides of the world, right?

But things are happier for Tim Campbell and Anthony Callea, who’ve just admitted they’re together. The pair became close when they worked on a Perth production of Rent last year. They had both recently separated from their partners, and cried on each other’s shoulders.

“There was stuff written in the paper a while ago … and actually Anthony and I are a bit of an item at the moment,” Tim told Vega FM yesterday.

“The question was asked a while ago and we weren’t, but we have gotten to a point where we are very happy together.”

And it’s just in time for Valentine’s Day too! It’s too bad about Sophie and Benji, but at least some of our Aussie stars will have a loved-up day tomorrow!

Posted on 13/02/200828/03/2023 by Lauren Katulka

BeXta’s a V.I.P.

The world of DJing is a bit of a boys’ club, so I’m always happy to see an Aussie girl making waves. BeXta has been a big hit in the clubs for years, and she’s just released her hot new single “V.I.P.”

This sexy dance track has been described as “Kylie meets the Potbellyz.” It features Amii Jackson on vocals and production by ex-Pseudo Echo singer Brian Canham.

I know most us never bother with singles anymore, but this one offers real value. There’s six cool mixes, including the pop/electro radio version and some hot club remixes. If you were at the Big Day Out you might recognise the Soundgarden mix, as this was the opening track of her explosive set. And the ReRub mix is perfect for a chilled-out Sunday morning.

BeXta’s getting out there to support the release of “V.I.P.” with some dates all around the country. You can catch the queen of the Australian DJ scene at the following venues:

15 February 2008 – Sublime @ Home, Sydney
22 February 2008 – StarGarden @ Chasers, Melbourne
9 March 2008 – Future Music Festival, Melbourne
29 March 2008 – Family, Brisbane
4 April 2008 – Rise, Perth
18 April – King St Hotel, Newcastle

Image source: BeXta’s official website

Posted on 12/02/200828/03/2023 by Lauren Katulka

Carl Riseley Releases Debut Disc

Carl Riseley’s the latest graduate of the Australian Idol class of 2007 to make good. The swing king has quit the navy and signed a major record deal with Universal.

Carl’s debut album Your Imagination is due out in the next few months. It features cover versions of some of Carl’s favourite songs, including “We’ve Only Just Begun” and “The Letter.” The swinging version of “Waltzing Matilda” Carl performed on Australian Idol also appears on the CD.

“It’s a swing album with big band and strings, so it’s very classy,”Carl told The Sunday Telegraph. Sounds like it’ll be right up the alley of those fans that voted for Carl during the reality TV competition.

Your Imagination was produced by Australian Idol music man John Foreman, and features a special guest appearance by legendary jazz trumpeter James Morrison.

Image source: carlotteinaustralia @ Flickr