When I received a press release telling me Dave Dobbyn was returning to our shores for the first time in 20 years I was shocked. It seemed like just yesterday I saw him supporting Shawn Mullins at Newcastle Workers Club. However on consulting Shawn’s discography, it seems my tour was probably even longer than two decades ago! Way to make a girl feel old!

I must admit, on the night I heard Dave was on the Shawn Mullins’ bill I thought I’d enjoy “Slice of Heaven,” and that was about all. Yet I found there was much more to this Kiwi than that radio favourite. I thoroughly enjoyed his set, and I’m sure folks will feel the same when he returns to Australia in November. He’ll be playing a greatest hits set, which I’m assured compromises much more than “Slice of Heaven.”

Find out what else is in Dave’s repertoire when he plays the major capitals later this year. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, September 24, for the following shows.

14 November 2012 – The Corner, Melbourne
15 November 2012 – The Basement, Sydney
16 November 2012 – The Hi-Fi, Brisbane

Rogue Traders are closing one chapter and beginning the next with the release of The Sound of Drums.

The double disc features a greatest hits collection, which features songs from Rogue Traders’ first three albums, and the band’s brand new studio album, Night of the Living Drums.

“Ten years is a huge milestone for any band,” said Rogue Traders’ creative force James Ash. “This record sums up what we’ve done so far – and also lays down our plans for the future!”

The Sound of Drums hit stores on November 11. Ash and Rogue Traders frontwoman Mindi Jackson will hit the promotional trail next month to support the release ahead of a full-scale tour in the New Year.

Image used with permission from Revolutions Per Minute

90s pop sensations Bachelor Girl are celebrating the release of their best of album with one last tour.

Loved & Lost: The Best of Bachelor Girl remembers the hits of Tania Doko and James Roche, including “Permission to Shine,” “Buses and Trains,” and “I’m Just a Girl.” The album, which will hit stores on April 15, also features four unreleased tracks recorded between 2002 and 2003.

The Australian tour sees Bachelor Girl back on home soil after a lengthy overseas stint. Tania’s been living in Los Angeles and Stockholm, while James has been based in London. It seems they’re thrilled to come home, and to come back together.

“It’s amazing to think it’s been almost 20 years since James and I met and started working together” Tania sad in a statement. “It’s also been several years since we’ve both lived in Australia for more than a few months at a time. 2011 has never been a more perfect year to celebrate our career ‘gems,’ tour a new release for our fans, and expose some of our favourite lost tracks. We really can’t wait to get out there and play!”

Get your tickets from the venues for the following shows.

28 May 2011 – Forum II, Melbourne
3 June 2011 – The Basement, Sydney
4 June 2011 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Revolutions

That old saying that time flies when you’re having fun seems to hold true for Doves. It’s hard to believe that this British band burst onto the scene 12 years ago.

They’ll remind us of just what they’ve achieved when they bring their The Best of the Doves tour to Oz next February. The run of dates, which includes an appearance at the Playground Weekender Festival, is timed to coincide with the release of The Places Between: The Best of Doves. Personally I’m not sure whether four studio albums is really enough to draw from when compiling a greatest hits record, but that seems to be the way bands do things these days.

At any rate, these shows should be something pretty special with hit singles and band favourites all making their way into the sets. Tickets for the shows go on sale next Monday, November 29.

15 February 2011 – Hi-Fi Bar, Brisbane
17 February 2011 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
18 February 2011 – Playground Weekender Festival, Wisemans Ferry
19 February 2011 – The Forum, Melbourne
21 February 2011 – Metropolis, Fremantle

Image used with permission from Light Parade

The lads from Gyroscope have lashed out at former record label Warner Music for releasing a greatest hits record without their consent or knowledge.

The band only became aware of the release when fans alerted them through Facebook. They say the album does not represent value for money.

“The song selection, artwork and everything about this release has been done without consultation with the band,” they said. “Gyroscope are a band who have always put our fans first. In our opinion, the release of this album without consultation with the band, and without including any material from our new album Cohesion, does not represent good value for our fans.”

I’ve got to say I side with Gyroscope on this one. Material from a mere three albums does not a greatest hits make, particularly when the first two didn’t exactly set the world alight. Compare that to the latest disc which debuted at number 3 on the ARIA charts and you quickly realise this is no “best of” at all.

I think anyone who doesn’t already own all four discs would be better off filling the gaps in their collection than buying this greatest hits CD, but if you do want The Best Of Gyroscope you’ll find it in stores next week.

Kasey Chambers, Shannon Noll, and Russell Crowe are amongst the stars who’ve lent their voices to Absolute Greatest – 40 Years True Blue, a John Williamson greatest hits album set to hit stores next weekend.

The first disc features John’s most iconic songs including his first chart topper “Old Man Emu,” “Rip Rip Woodchip,” and “Home Among the Gumtrees.” Disc two sees other notable Aussies reinterpreting John Williamson classics, including James Reyne taking on “Chandelier of Stars,” Wendy Matthews singing “Flower on the Water,” and John’s daughter Ami playing “Truckie’s Wife.”

“Organising all those people was a bit like trying to get the horses lined up at the barrier,” John told The Sunday Telegraph.

I think it’s probably worth the effort though. Greatest hits collections are never much of a drawcard for enthusiasts who’ve probably got all the big tracks at home already. The covers should attract those country diehards, while those who’ve never bought a John Williamson album can now get all the hits in one place.

Warner is preparing to release Mythology, the ultimate collector’s item for Bee Gees fans. The album celebrates the brothers 50th anniversary, with songs and a visual scrapbook.

This boxed set features four discs, one dedicated to each Gibb brother. Each song was handpicked by Barry, Robin, Maurice’s widow Yvonne and their children, and Andy’s daughter Peta.

“These are pretty much our personal favourites,” Barry explains in the liner notes. “This is now the Bee Gees 50th anniversary. And by the Bee Gees, I mean all four brothers.”

“I always see our songs as ‘just us brothers’ having a good time,” adds Robin. “When I look back now, it is more about the journey, not the arrival.”

Along with all the old favorites there are a few new treats for fans, including previously unreleased songs from the late brothers Maurice and Andy. The scrapbook also includes family photos, including many that have never been seen before, and tributes from such luminaries as Elton John, Brian Wilson, and Graham Nash.

Mythology hits stores on March 12.

Image source: The Brothers Gibb

I’ve been doing a lot of travelling this week. I only need one thing for my journeys up and down the highway: good music. Thankfully I recently received King Curly’s newie, The Fall and Rise of King Curly 1998-2008, and it’s taken up permanent residence in my car stereo.

It’s the perfect album for travelling really. It’s the kind of recording that needs your attention. It’s not the sort of music you’d put on at home when you were busy, because you’d miss the nuances that make it so rich.

King Curly’s tunes are eclectic, with lashings of country, soul, jazz, and old school rock and roll. They’re fleshed out with sublime harmonies, and a rich blend of instruments. A casual listener might think the songs sound pretty, and they’d be right.

But the casual listener probably wouldn’t catch the lyrics, which would be a real shame. They’re quirky, darkly funny, and absolutely fantastic. I love the rollicking zombie tune, “I’m Coming Back (In a Revenge Song),” and the strangely sweet love song “I Wish I Was a Girl.”

The Fall and Rise of King Curly 1998-2008 is a best of recording, documenting their best songs from the last 10 years. It provides a great introduction to this brilliant band who somehow has managed to fly underneath the radar. Long may they reign!

Image source: supplied by promoter