Melbourne community radio station PBS 106.7FM is showcasing local music with its annual Drive Live event.

From February 6 to 10, local acts will take over the station’s drive time shift. Three acts will play each day, with up and comers Graveyard Train, Stella Angelico, and Howl at the Moon already slated to appear.

You could listen to it from the comfort of your car, or if you’re a PBS member you could see the bands in the flesh. You can RSVP from tomorrow, so make sure you keep an eye on the PBS website to find out how.

The website also comes in handy if you’re not local as you can stream the Drive Live broadcasts from your computer anywhere in the world. So there’s no excuse for missing out on the fun!

Image used with permission from Show Off Recordings

I’ve watched with bemusement the media beat-up of The Wiggles since I posted about Greg Page’s return. When I heard the news I was excited, and while I wondered about Sam’s fate it was secondary to being thrilled Greg was back.

It’s unusual for anyone childless in their 30s to care about the fate of a children’s group, but my earliest experiences with the Wiggles came when my little sister Madelyn was young. She’s 20 this year, so she grew up as the Wiggles came of age. That’s a lot of history, and while I’m sure he performed admirably Sam always felt like the new kid for our family.

I’m the first to admit that The Wiggles haven’t sparkled under the glare of the media spotlight over the last few days. They’ve appeared awkward and bewildered by the backlash. I guess they should have expected it, but I think everyone’s been a bit quick to point fingers at the band.

While they’re a beloved part of our culture, we seem to be forgetting that The Wiggles is a business. I’d love if any business paid me a salary reported to be $200, 000 a year. Yes it’s a drop in the ocean compared to the company’s net worth, but it’s still a generous pay packet. I’d also love if any company paid me $60, 000 as it showed me the door.

Circumstances in business change all the time. Any of us could find ourselves out of work tomorrow, and we’d probably feel lucky to have Sam Moran’s financial cushion. Mums and Dads might argue that Sam put his heart and soul into his job, but so does that friendly girl at the local grocery store.

Australia might have loved Sam, but I think they need to remember The Wiggles began with Anthony, Murray, Jeff, and Greg. They built that business up from nothing, and they deserve to reap the benefits. Admittedly Greg sold out his share when he first departed, but the other blokes deserve to take a large chunk from the genius they created. The Wiggles might not have been as kind to Sam as mums and dads would like, but as far as I can tell they’ve been nothing but professional.

Image source: Led2life @ Wikipedia Commons

The ABC is helping us celebrate Australia Day with some homegrown musical talent.

The main channel’s getting in early with the Australia Celebrates 2012 concert. The show features performances from INXS, The Potbelleez, Spiderbait, Sneaky Sound System, and Katie Noonan back with her Captains. See it on ABC on January 25 at 8:30 pm.

Then the following night make sure you tune in to ABC2. The channel will play Triple Js tribute to Nick Cave, which will see local artists like Dan Sultan, Adalita, Lisa Mitchell, Bertie Blackman, and Kram taking on Nick Cave classics. Now that sounds like it’s worth staying up for! If you’ve got work the next morning you may want to set your DVR for 9:30 pm on January 26.

Image source: Nick Bradsworth @ Stock.xchng

I was thrilled to hear the news that Greg Page will be wiggling in his yellow skivvy once more. Greg left the children’s supergroup, The Wiggles, when he was diagnosed with orthostatic intolerance five years ago.

But it seems now he’s doing much better and he’ll be rejoining the group he founded some 20 years ago. He’ll tour Australia with his old bandmates in March, followed by strings of dates in the United Kingdom and United States later this year.

While I was happy to hear Greg’s back, I also wondered what would happen to Sam Moran, the young whippersnapper who stepped in when Greg departed the group. According to press releases he “graciously stepped aside” when he heard Greg was fit enough to return.

Media reports state Sam will pursue other musical projects, and he’s also been granted access to the Hot Potato Studios. I hope he’s managed to secure some lucrative Wiggles royalties in the deal too!

Image source: Wikipedia Commons

Funky Melbourne five-piece Let The Cat Out will give Western Australian audiences a sneak peak at their new album at some upcoming shows in the state.

The band will play tracks from their soon to be released sophomore album Swimming Upstream as well as some old favorites at the gigs. Let The Cat Out’s lead singer and rhythm guitarist Jane McArthur says the album showcases the band’s lush new sound.

“We’ve added in extra instrumentation where we’ve thought it would add to the message and the vibe of the song, whereas in the first album, we were very much trying to stick to the raw sound of the five of us, and be faithful to how we could recreate the songs live. It’s still Let The Cat Out,” she assured fans, “but it’s got a bit more added fire, and a bit more complexity.”

You can see the way the band’s developed at the following shows.

27 January 2012 – Mounties, Mount Helena
29 January 2012 – Redcliffe on the Murray, Pinjarra
31 January 2012 – Perth Blues Club, Perth
1 February 2012 – Mojo’s, Fremantle
3 February 2012 – Whitestar Hotel, Albany
4 February 2012 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
5 February 2012 – Quindanning Tavern, Quindanning

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

It’s that time of year again, time to bid 2011 farewell and look ahead to everything 2012 will bring us. But before we close the door on 2011 I thought I’d look back on the music and that made it special for me.

Top 10 Aussie Albums
1.    Busby Marou – Busby Marou
2.   Let’s Go – David Campbell (a welcome Christmas present – look for the review soon!)
3.    Yearlings – Dead Letter Chorus
4.    I Know This Now – Timothy Nelson and the Infidels
5.    One Thousand Origami Birds – Jack Carty
6.    Home – Adrian Deutsch
7.    Bleeders – The Trouble with Templeton
8.    Blood Thinner – Jordie Lane
9.    Go With the River – Owls of the Swamp
10.    Mighty Big Light – Steve Parkin

Top 10 Aussie Tours
1.    Tony Hadley and Go West @ Belmont 16 Footers
2.    Cyndi Lauper @ State Theatre
3.    Dolly Parton @ Allphones Arena
4.    Jimmy Barnes @ Lizotte’s Kincumber
5.    Joshua Radin @ The Enmore
6.    David Campbell @ West Leagues Club
7.    Eddie Vedder @ Civic Theatre
8.    Cold Chisel @ Newcastle Entertainment Center
9.    Indigo Girls @ State Theatre
10.    Rai Thistlewayte @ Lizotte’s Kincumber

Image source: Billy Alexander @ Sxc.hu

I’ve only just returned from some well earned time away from the office, so this week’s chart report is coming to you a bit late. I was happy to arrive home to see Reece Mastin’s still hanging on to his spot on the top of the ARIA singles charts with “Good Night.” While the album’s dropped slightly to number three, it’s still an amazing effort over this competitive Christmas period.

Guy Sebastian is also continuing to hold his own. His summery single “Don’t Worry Be Happy” remains steady at number six.

Cold Chisel’s best of is the only other Aussie release sitting in the top 10 albums chart. It’s slipped slightly to the number 10 position, which is probably to be expected since their tour is done and dusted.

Click below for this week’s top ARIA 10 charts.

Read the rest of this entry…

All good things much come to an end, and sadly that’s the case with Lan Party. After five years together the Melbourne band is parting ways.

However they’re not leaving us without a proper farewell. The band has just launched their final EP, cleverly titled Lan Party Never Existed. They’ll also play one last time for their hometown fans at The Evelyn this Friday, December 23.

If you’re a fan make sure you’re there to send this innovative band off in style!

Image used with permission from Trent Menessa

After last week’s stumble Reece Mastin is back on top of the ARIA singles charts with “Good Night.” Only Michael Buble could keep Reece out of the top spot on the album charts, but I’m sure he’s more than happy with a number two debut. It’s tough to compete with a Christmas album at this time of year!

Guy Sebastian’s also holding steady on the singles charts with “Don’t Worry Be Happy.” It’s at number six this week.

Cold Chisel’s tour has seen their latest best of album reenter the charts at number eight. Triple J’s Like a Version 7 has also reentered the top 10 this week. How exciting to see more local releases occupying those top spots!

Click below for this week’s ARIA top ten.

Read the rest of this entry…

Like everyone who cares about music in this country, I’m reeling with the news of Ian “Molly” Meldrum’s accident. As I write he’s still lying in a coma in a Melbourne Hospital after falling from a ladder the day before. The idea that one misstep while hanging some Christmas lights can see you facing down death is a pretty scary one.

The thought of an Australian music industry without Molly Meldrum is also pretty hard to comprehend. Since I was tiny the Man with the Hat was there telling me to do myself a favour and listen to our local artists. He championed small acts and made them superstars. I wonder whether so many of our household names would have been recognised without his support.

If anyone can make it through a battle like this, it’s Molly. He’s got more spirit than most of us, and hopefully that will see him through. My thoughts are certainly with him and his nearest and dearest at this scary time.

Image source: Eva Rinaldi @ Wikipedia Commons