Month: July 2007

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pete Murray Hits Europe

Europeans will have the chance to see Australia’s singer-songwriter extraordinaire, Pete Murray when he promotes his See the Sun album this October. Pete will kick off his European tour on October 1 in The Netherlands, before heading to Ireland and Great Britain.

Pete made a name for himself around the world with the mellow grooves of his debut album, Feeler. In his second release, Pete delivered an album of greater optimism while still retaining his blues roots.

When he last toured Europe in November 2006 the shows sold out, so fans should get their tickets now! See Pete Murray’s website for a complete list of dates.

Image source: Jacob Simkin @ Flickr 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Screaming Jets Split Shatters Rock Fans

I must admit, as a proud former Novacastrian, I read a recent story in the Sydney Morning Herald with great sadness. No, it wasn’t the floods or the Knights latest defeat that had me shattered. It was the news that Grant Walmsley and Dave Gleeson of the Screaming Jets are unsure when, if ever, they will play together again.

Some of my very first concert experiences were Screaming Jets shows. For many, being slammed up against a stage, the only female amongst a throng of drunk, rowdy men probably doesn’t sound like fun. But I was in heaven. Watching the chemistry between this passionate vocalist and brilliant songwriter/guitarist was truly something to behold.

Yet the musos, who met as high school students 17 years ago, haven’t spoken since last October. The Jets continue to play gigs, but Grant’s absence is notable.

“Since we finished the album in Melbourne it’s been a parting of ways and a realisation that after 17 years some relationships don’t work,” explained Dave.

“Maybe it will work out one day, but at the moment we are in different directions and have different commitments.”

While Dave and the boys are keeping the Jets legacy alive, Grant’s new band Agents of Peace will release their debut album in October.

No one’s sure why the boys aren’t talking, but one thing’s for sure – The Screaming Jets will be a lesser band because of it.

Image source: Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kylie Joins The Doctor

Aussie pop darling Kylie Minogue will return to her acting roots, for a very special appearance on British sci fi series Doctor Who.

Kyles cut her eyeteeth playing Charlene on popular soapie Neighbours, before finding fame and fortune in the music industry. She will appear on Doctor Who’s hour-long Christmas special called Voyage of the Damned. Filming will reportedly take place in Wales later this month.

There’s no word yet on what Ms Minogue will be, but a British broadcaster has confirmed she will play a “major lead role.”

“It’s an incredible thrill to be joining David [Tennant] and the entire Doctor Who production for this year’s Christmas special,” Kylie told Reuters.

“Doctor Who enjoys a unique history and it is going to be very exciting to be a part of that.”

Image source: sosodave @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ian Moss @ Lizotte’s, Kincumber – 12 July 2007

I admit it; I’ve still got a crush on Ian Moss. It’s been 18 years since he released Matchbook and first set my nine-year-old heart a flutter. He’s older now, with shorter hair and a few more wrinkles, but there’s still a spark about this rock stalwart. It was this spark, and the promise of great food, that drew me to Mossy’s show at Lizotte’s last night.

I was happily tucking into my delicious fillet steak when the support act, Mike McCarthy, graced the stage. I didn’t know him, but was instantly taken in by his beautiful melodies and guitar skills. It’s a tough job to support a music legend. It’s even tougher for an unknown artist to sing originals. Yet Mike took the experience in his stride, playing with a quiet confidence that won over many of us.

Then Mossy took the stage, with acoustic guitar in hand. What followed was magical, and the crowd lapped up. You could heard a pin drop during his understated performance of “Georgia On My Mind,” this hush contrasting with raucous sing-a-longs to Cold Chisel classics. We doo doo doo-ed along with “Saturday Night,” and belted out “Choir Girl.”

Just when we thought he wasn’t going to play them, Ian Moss launched into the anthemic 80s hits, “Tucker’s Daughter” and “Telephone Booth.” When we were sure our voices were too hoarse to continue, he closed with a rollicking version of “Bow River.”

Through decades in the business, Ian Moss has developed a calm confidence in his delivery. He’s a selfless entertainer, aware of what the audience wants to hear and keen to deliver it. He may have risen to prominence for his guitar-playing prowess, but last night’s stripped-back show confirmed Ian Moss is a truly well rounded performer.

If you want to experience Ian Moss’ acoustic skills, check out his latest album, Let’s All Get Together.

Image source: own photo

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tim Freedman Leaves Whitlams Behind in the U.K.

It’s always seemed like The Whitlams is simply a vehicle for the music of Tim Freedman. So it’s no surprise that this talented singer/songwriter is leaving his band mates behind to promote Little Cloud in the U.K.

It was released under The Whitlams in Australia, but when Little Cloud is sold in the U.K. only Tim’s name will be attached. He’ll celebrate this independence with two shows at London’s Museum of Garden History at the end of the month.

On his return to Australia, Tim plans to rejoin his fellow Whitlams for a series of symphonic concerts in September, October and November. The band will join symphony orchestras in New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland for these very special performances. See The Whitlams website for a complete list of dates.

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Time On Earth” – Crowded House

The release of Crowded House’s latest album was always going to create a buzz. Time On Earth is their first since the band split in 1996, and their first without their late drummer Paul Hester. However, the album itself is a rather subdued affair, removed from the hype its release brings with it.

All the classic Crowded House elements are here. The melodies are flawless and the arrangements superb. The upbeat “She Called Up” and cruisy first single “Don’t Stop Now” are highlights.

Yet, as the album progresses it starts to fade further and further into the background. “People are Like Suns,” “Walked Her Way Down” and “English Trees” are pleasant and unobtrusive, but far from groundbreaking.

For that reason, Time on Earth isn’t an altogether triumphant return for one of Australia’s most loved bands. However, there’s certainly enough here for us to be glad that Crowded House is back.

Crowded House is NineMSN Music’s current featured artist, allowing fans to listen to Time On Earth for free. Click the link to hear Crowded House’s latest offering.

Image source: Wikimedia; feature image by Mick Muise – originally posted to Flickr as 100_6063, CC BY 2.0

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Bands for Splendour

Punters who’ve already secured their Splendour in the Grass tickets are in for a real treat. A swag of new bands have been added to the line up of the sold-out festival.

Irish folkie Damien Rice, alt rockers Ash, and local stars Sneaky Sound System, The Herd, and Paul Kelly are new additions to Saturday’s bill. They join the already stellar lineup which includes Lily Allen, Powderfinger, Kaiser Chiefs, and Grinspoon.

On the Sunday, fans will now be treated to performances by indie treadmill kings OK Go!, and local heroes Spiderbait, Kisschasy, and Holly Throsby. They will join the Arctic Monkeys, Bloc Barty, Hilltop Hoods and heaps more.

Splendour in the Grass hits the Belongil Fields in Bryon Bay on August 4 and 5. If you’ve got your tickets, it looks like you’ll get more bang for your buck. If not, there’s always next year.

Image source: Splendour in the Grass website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Shows for Crowded House, Powderfinger, and Silverchair

It’s hardly surprising, but punters have snapped up tickets for the upcoming Crowded House and Powderfinger/Silverchair concerts.

It took just one hour for Crowded House to sell out Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on Friday. The venue seats 14,000, which means an amazing four tickets were sold every second.

They also did a roaring trade in New South Wales and Western Australia. A new Melbourne show is currently on sale, while additional Sydney, and Perth shows will go on sale tomorrow. EMI Music claims these will be the last shows announced, so fans had better get in quickly.

Fans also bought up big when Silverchair and Powderfinger tickets were on sale on Monday morning. Within 30 minutes, all tickets to the bands’ shows in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, and Wollongong were gone.

Continue reading “New Shows for Crowded House, Powderfinger, and Silverchair” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Where Great Food and Music Meet: Lizotte’s

If you live in Sydney, it seems there are two types of concert venues. There are the pubs, where you struggle to hear the band over the crowd who are too interested in the cheap beers and their own conversations to care about the music.

Or there are the entertainment centres, those massive structures that charge top dollar for seats that are so far back from the action that you need to watch the performers on the big screen. That is, if big screens are provided.

But there is a better way. It’s the Lizotte’s way. Just an hour’s drive from Sydney or Newcastle, this brilliant venue is the best-kept secret on the Central Coast.

Its owner, Brian Lizotte, knows a thing or two about music. And he should – after all, he’s the brother of Mark Lizotte, otherwise known as award-winning muso Diesel. Brian believes music and food are the two greatest pleasures in life, and has built his venue on this very simple principle.

He attracts some of the finest Australian and international acts to his tiny venue. There’s only enough room for 100 guests, but that suits the audience down to the ground. Everyone there focuses on the music, and this is when magic truly happens.

The experience is always capped off by some of the most exquisite food you’ll ever taste. Most shows allow guests to choose between a tasting plate and a more lavish multi-course meal.

With so many venues intent on packing a crowd in and making a fast buck, a night out at Lizotte’s feels truly indulgent. It’s an experience to be savored and enjoyed again and again.

Visit Lizotte’s at Lot 3, Avoca Drive, Kincumber. Be sure to check their website for a full list of upcoming shows.

Image source: own photo

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sydney Starts Live Earth

There’s no bigger story in Australian music this weekend than our contribution to the global Live Earth event. More than 45,000 packed into Sydney’s Aussie Stadium yesterday to hear the message of environmental awareness.

If you believe the reports, many disgruntled punters left after just two hours, frustrated by lengthy bar and toilet queues and poor acoustics. But for those who bravely soldiered on, the event was an unforgettable showcase of what this country has to offer.

While most Live Earth concerts relied on international drawcards, the Australian show celebrated homegrown talent. American Jack Johnson was the only foreign inclusion on the star-studded lineup.

The event kicked off with an Aboriginal welcome ceremony, before roots outfit Blue King Brown hit the stage. Then Toni Colette brought a touch of Hollywood glamour to the show with her band The Finish.

Paul Kelly’s classic “From Little Things Big Things Grow” resonated with the environmentally conscious crowd. He was joined by Kev Carmody, John Butler and Missy Higgins for the magical performance.

Later, John Butler delivered a lively set, while Missy’s romantic wailings seemed a little out of step with the event.

In a concert dominated by mellow, down-tempo bands, Wolfmother’s racous energy was a welcome relief. Jack Johnson followed them, a poor choice considering his low-key set.

Crowded House were the ideal closers, delivering a feel-good set of sing-a-long classics. Tens of thousands of fans nearly drowned out Neil Finn as they joined him on the closing song, “Weather With You”. Whether Live Earth worked as an environmental awareness campaign remains to be seen, but as a musical event it will be hard to top.

Image source: Wikimedia