Angus & Julia Stone Go Gold with Number One album

Did you notice that Angus & Julia Stone are still sitting pretty at the top of the ARIA charts? Their latest album Down the Way has retained the number one position for the second week, and achieved gold status to boot. The album has already sold more than 40, 000 units, and counting!

The siblings will wrap up their current Australian tour at this weekend’s Bluesfest. From there it’s off to the United Kingdom, Europe, and North America for tours to support the album’s international release. Many shows have already sold out, so if you’re abroad I’d pick up your tickets soon!

West Coast Bluesfest


10 April 2010 – Schouwburg Motel Mozaique, Rotterdam
12 April 2010 – Duke of York’s Picture House, Brighton (SOLD OUT)
14 April 2010 – Pavilion, Falmouth (SOLD OUT)
15 April 2010 – Cooler, Bristol (SOLD OUT)
16 April 2010 – Brudenell, Leeds
17 April 2010 – King Tuts, Glasgow
18 April 2010 – Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh
20 April 2010 – Glee Club, Birmingham
21 April 2010 – Ruby Lounge, Manchester
22 April 2010 – Shepherds Bush Empire, London
26 April 2010 – Gebäude 9, Cologne
27 April 2010 – Atomic Cafe, Munich (SOLD OUT)
28 April 2010 – Lido, Berlin
29 April 2010 – Molotow, Hamburg (SOLD OUT)
30 April 2010 – Vega, Copenhagen
2 May 2010 – Debaser, Stockholm
3 May 2010 – John Dee, Oslo
5 May 2010 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
6 May 2010 – Oosterpoort, Groningen
7 May 2010 – Café de la Danse, Paris
26 May 2010 – Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Hollywood
30 May 2010 – L’Astral, Montreal
2 June 2010 – Revival, Toronto
8 June 2010 – Union Hall, Brooklyn

Angus & Julia Stone Debut at Number One

Angus & Julia Stone have debuted at number one on the ARIA charts with their sophomore effort Down The Way. The local brother sister act was no match for last week’s number ones Gorillaz, now sitting at number three, or international touring sensation Lady Gaga, who occupies the number two spot.

It’s great to see Angus & Julia Stone outselling the rest of the pack considering the lack of local talent in the current ARIA charts.

Australia also has a new number one single, with Train moving up one position with “Hey, Soul Sister.” They may not be Aussies, but as a long time fan I’m thrilled to see these boys sitting at the top of our charts once again!

Click below to see the full ARIA top 10!
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Down the Way – Angus & Julia Stone

One of the best things about writing this blog is the music I have access to. Angus & Julia Stone’s sophomore effort Down the Way hits stores tomorrow, but I’ve already had a week or so to let this beautiful music wash over me.

Beautiful is the word that I keep coming back to with this album. It truly is a thing of beauty, whether the tracks are delicate and unadorned or lush tapestries of sound. Down the Way has both kinds of songs and they help to support one another, taking us on a journey that’s been two years in the making.

It’s an easy journey, relaxed and comforting. The songs are gentle but passionate, obviously crafted with love. They sneak up on you too, easing underneath your skin with every listen. There are no obvious singles, although the gorgeous “And The Boys” has been selected as the album’s first. That’s a strength though; rather than an album mixed with show ponies and fillers we have a record that’s a truly cohesive body of work. That’s surprising considering songs were recorded everywhere from Cornwall to Coolangatta, but it’s a credit to the band.

“For You” is my favourite song at the moment, although with an album like this that’s always subject to change. Right now though, the understated piano and deeply emotive lyrics are striking a chord. “Black Crow” feels like it could have been written thirty years earlier, with Angus’ easy folk voice and its mellow grooves. “Draw Your Swords” is an epic number, and I can’t imagine a more perfect conclusion than the gorgeous “The Devil’s Tears.”

Down The Way is the ideal soundtrack for lazy Sundays and quiet nights in. It will hit Australian record stores tomorrow ahead of the UK and European release on March 15 and the North American release on March 30.

Tasty Australian Tunes at Austin’s SXSW Festival

A smorgasboard of local talent will take part in the third annual Aussie Tastes & Tunes concerts at Austin’s famous SXSW festival. The three-day event at the Whole Foods Market will combine two great Aussie loves: great music and delicious food!

Josh Pyke, Angus & Julia Stone, and Andy Bull will headline the event designed to promote musical talent from New South Wales. They’ll play alongside other New South Welshmen Loene Carmen, Kara Grainger, Anthony Snape, and Andy Clockwise. Victoria’s Andy White and The Kin from South Australia will also take part.

Aussie Tastes & Tunes will feature some stripped back and acoustic sets, making them a real treat for the Austin crowd. If you’re in the area make sure you check out the shows from the 19th to 21st of March between noon and 2 pm. The Whole Foods Market is at 525 North Lamar Boulevard in Austin, Texas.

For plenty more about the SXSW festival, make sure you check out our own Austin Sound Check!

Image source: Bratha @ Flickr