I’ve been complaining about all those modern but fairly inconsequential song choices on The X Factor, so I was thrilled to see the show going back into the vault for 90s night. The decade might not be music’s strongest, but there were certainly some gems that I hoped to hear trotted out.
When I spotted on the ad that someone was doing Meat Loaf, I was thrilled. I was also convinced we’d hear the Meat number coming from Andrew Wishart, as my husband and I have been comparing their vocals for weeks now (good Meatloaf, not AFL Grand Final era). But sadly it was Johnny Ruffo that trotted out “I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That),” and he made it some weird electro pop number. I hated the treatment. I thought the whole thing made him seem even soulless than last week’s performance. This song should never, ever sound like this.
Mitchell Callaway showed his tender side with REM’s “Everybody Hurts.” He had his reservations, but I think this was the perfect song for him. I’m not sure I saw the brilliance the judges’ seemed to see, but I do think this was miles better than he’s been in recent weeks.
Three Wishez stepped things up again with “Ghetto Superstar.” This band has really hit its stride; everyone worked together so well, and they were all stellar in their own right. I think we’re finally starting to see their potential, and it’s exciting. Read the rest of this entry…
All too often film clips seem so fake. The vocals are lip-synched, and the footage so staged that it really undermines the heart of the music. So I was thrilled to see Jordie Lane take a very different tact with his new music video for “Annabelle Marie.”
The film clip sees Jordie perched atop a Byron Bay hill, playing the song live. It captures a moment in time, and a moment in music that’s completely real.
If you’re as moved by this video as I am you can catch Jordie at the following shows over the coming months.
9 October 2011 – Indi Bar, Scarborough (with Jeff Lang)
13 October 2011 – Republic Bar, Hobart (with Jeff Lang)
14 October 2011 – Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh (with Jeff Lang)
15 October 2011 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (with Jeff Lang)
16 October 2011 – Way Out West Blues Club, Williamstown (with Jeff Lang)
21 October 2011 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast (with Jeff Lang)
22 October 2011 – Judith Wright Centre, Brisbane (with Jeff Lang)
23 October 2011 – Mullumbimby Civic Hall, Mullumbimby (with Jeff Lang)
24 October 2011 – Chapel Theatre Live, Glen Innes (with Jeff Lang)
28 October 2011 – Waves, Wollongong (with Jeff Lang)
29 October 2011 – The Clarendon, Katoomba (with Jeff Lang)
30 October 2011 – Sydney Blues Festival, Windsor
4 November 2011 – Meeniyan Hall, Meeniyan (with Henry Wagons and Joe Pug)
5 November 2011 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne (with Henry Wagons and Joe Pug)
24-27 November 2011 – Mullumbimby Music Festival, Mullumbimby
The X Factor contestants came out ready to rock at this week’s performance show.
Young Men Society kicked things off with their take on the Run DMC and Aerosmith classic “Walk This Way.” These guys have set such a high bar in previous weeks, so I felt a little let down by this. The vocals got patchy in places, which is something we haven’t seen from them before. But they always entertain, so I can forgive them a few pitch problems.
Christina Parie brought things back to the naughties with her take on “Gives You Hell.” She nailed the attitude and the vocals, but I was a bit torn on the song choice. Luke Jacobs raised my expectations when he announced the contestants would be singing “classic rock songs.” This is hardly a classic, and when you consider the history of rock music it’s a pretty dodgy choice. Perhaps such a contemporary song helped Christina relate to it, but I would have loved to see a song with a bit more cred.
Speaking of songs with cred, Andrew Wishart brought us the Cheap Trick hit “The Flame.” But this was about more than simply choosing a great song. For the first, and hopefully not the last, time in the competition I really felt it. It’s one thing for him to feel connected to a song, but it’s another very special thing for him to make us feel that connection. That was incredible.
And then we had Johnny Ruffo. In a way I felt a bit sorry for him taking the stage after Andrew. It only exposed just how lacking in emotional heart his version of “Here Without You” was. It was pitchy, but to me that lack of conviction was much more disappointing. I didn’t believe he was longing for anyone. Read the rest of this entry…
The Cats might have taken home the crown, but just as many people are talking about Meat Loaf’s woeful performance at yesterday’s AFL grand final. As a league girl I missed it live, but I really shouldn’t have bothered with an internet search.
On paper it looked like a winner. Sports fans have always loved The Meat, and with a medley of his greatest hits all the fans could sing along. Sadly though, they probably sang better than the big man himself.
Frankly I couldn’t make it more than a few minutes through this video. The tuneless performance just made me sad, and hurt my ears. I actually predicted this kind of disappointment way back when his Aussie tour was announced in June, but I didn’t anticipate just how poor his vocals would be. You’ve got to wonder why he’d put himself out on stage when he just can’t deliver. He can’t be hurting for dollar, and while I understand the desire to be on stage doing what he loves the fans deserve better.
I’m thrilled that I decided to err on the side of caution and give his Guilty Pleasures tour a miss. I’d much rather keep the memories I have of his amazing ’94 tour, which still rates as one of my favourite shows, rather than have them tarnished by this sort of thing. To anyone who does have tickets to the upcoming shows, I’m sorry. I have a feeling you’re in for a long, excruciating night.
Kellie Clarkson and Eskimo Joe must be feeling pretty good right now. Whatever they bring out for the NRL grand final today, it’s going to run rings around this train wreck.
Given my cold, I’m not planning on partying any time soon. Thank goodness for The X Factor who brought a party to my lounge room tonight. And I didn’t even need to change out of my pyjamas!
Audio Vixen kicked off proceedings with The Zutons’ “Valerie.” I liked it but I didn’t love it. The retro styling was great, and I was thrilled that the band upped the performance factor, but there wasn’t enough harmonising for my tastes. That’s where this band really excels; when those voices came together it was amazing, but I was left wanting more. Perhaps that’s a smart move though. Could it bring them back next week?
Declan Sykes upped the ante with Panic at the Disco’s “I Write Sins Not Tragedies.” I am really enjoying Declan because he’s not predictable. I love his theatricality, and while the vocals weren’t always the strongest his unique delivery to me is much more interesting than hitting all the notes just right. Talk about making a song your own.
Mitchell Callaway was up next with Kid Rock’s ”All Summer Along.” I must admit, as a musical purist I’ve always hated this mash-up of “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Werewolves of London,” but Mitchell didn’t go close to redeeming the song for me. He looked a bit scared up there, perhaps because of all those scantily clad ladies? Read the rest of this entry…
With this year’s X Factor live shows kicking off tonight I figured it time I started to blog about the reality singing quest. I’ve caught bits and pieces up until this point, but with the competition heating up I’m starting to get switched on to the action. Once the judges treated us to a medley of their own hits it was down to business.
Tonight’s theme was Judges Choice, which was a smart move in my books. Let’s face it, few of the acts really know anything about anything at this point, so it makes sense to have the more experienced judges pulling the strings for now.
Reece Mastin kicked things off with 30 Seconds to Mars’ “Closer to the Edge.” He was one of my early favourites, but I must admit I was a little disappointed by his performance. The opening verse was really shaky, and while the chorus started to soar I didn’t get the big stadium confidence from him that I think this song needs. I’m hopeful he can grow from here, as it must be tough to be the first performer out of the gates. The judges seemed to love it, so maybe it lost something in the translation to TV.
Ronan kicked off his groups with Three Wishez. Their take on Lady Gaga’s “Telephone” was a real performance, spectacular and well put together. The vocals were a bit shaky from Sophia in places, but I really appreciated the entertainment value. There’s definitely room for this band to grow into a very slick unit.
Andrew Wishart headed up Nat’s team with The Script’s “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved.” This performance gave me the connection I’ve been longing for all night. There’s something so authentic about this guy, so believable, and I love the little sweet spots in his voice. It wasn’t perfect, but I really liked what he did with this song.
Miami Horror have been performing some killer shows in the United States, and this video is the proof! It shows the electro dance darlings wowing the crowd at San Francisco’s DNA Lounge with “Sometimes.”
That early support will no doubt serve Miami Horror well when they relocate to the sunny shores of Los Angeles later this year. We’ll get a chance to say goodbye on the band’s Summersun tour, which kicks off in Ballarat next Wednesday. Tickets are still available, but I’d get in quick if you want to be there!
Delta Goodrem got a lucky break recently, when she was asked to sing “I’m Not Ready,” her new duet with Michael Bolton, on America’s Dancing With the Stars. The unlikely duo stepped up when Adele pulled out of the slot due to illness.
The song’s a bit predictable and over-the-top, but I expect little else from a Michael Bolton production. It’s a great showcase for Delta’s vocals though, and with the ratings DWTS gets abroad it could be just the thing to launch her into the big time.
Dmitry Chaplin’s chest isn’t too bad either. Yes, this video really does have something for everybody!
It’s Valentine’s Day folks, that time of year where the world gets a little bit sappier. I must admit, I’m not immune to this Hallmark holiday. We reject the way restaurants jack up their prices, so I’m preparing to spend the afternoon whipping up a three-course meal. Yep, entrée, main, and even dessert. I have no sweet tooth, yet I’m getting set to create something sugary just for him. If that doesn’t say “I love you,” I don’t know what does.
Given that love is in the air I figured I’d post an Aussie song with a bit of personal meaning for me, “You’re My Better Half” by Keith Urban. We actually cut the cake at our wedding to this song nearly five years ago. We’ve all heard that phrase “better half,” but unless you’ve really been in a good relationship you can’t fully understand what it means. I don’t buy into that idea of a person completing you, but I do think the right one can bring out your very best qualities. People who know me say I’ve blossomed since meeting my husband; I’m more confident and outgoing and generally happier. I like to think I’ve been just as much of an asset to him!
So to my husband Steve, you are my better half. You know how much I love you, but on days like this I get a license to make the public declarations. Here’s to many more Valentine’s Day together!
Happy Australia Day Sounds of Oz readers! I hope that whatever you’re doing, whether it’s planning a big family barbeque or simply having a day off work, you’re enjoying it.
I always like to post a video on January 26 that makes me pause and think how good we’ve got it, and how special this country is. While watching Oprah’s Australian advertorials this month, I knew what I’d have to post in 2011. “I Still Call Australia Home” has always been a song that’s affected me. I honestly think it should be our national anthem, as it stirs me much more than “Advance Australia Fair.”
But that’s a discussion for another time. For now it’s just an amazing song made better by the presence of some of our best entertainers, and a great big Aussie flag.
Lauren Katulka cannot remember a time when music was not a part of her life. Raised on an eclectic diet of Van Morrison, The Eagles, Cold Chisel, and Barbra Streisand, she remembers saving all her pocket money for weeks so she could buy cassettes featuring her favourite singers. At the tender age of 11 she saw her first live concert when Jimmy Barnes took his Soul Deep tour to Newcastle’s Civic Theatre. There was no looking back.
Today Lauren is a happily married freelance writer living on the New South Wales Central Coast. When she's not obsessing about the latest band, or some old favourite, she loves to experiment with new recipes, watch indie films, and cuddle her Devon Rex cat Gizmo.
