Month: January 2008

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kylie Honoured By The Queen

She may be Aussie born and bred, but Kylie Minogue has been named an Officer of the British Empire.

“I feel deeply touched to be acknowledged by the UK, my adopted home, in this way,” Kylie told Britain’s Sky News.

“I am almost as surprised as I am honoured to be awarded an OBE by Her Majesty The Queen.”

The Queen’s New Years Honours recognise an individual’s contributions to Britain.

Kylie received the title for her service to the entertainment community.

Image source: sosodave @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Free Paul Kelly Downloads

Everyone loves downloading music, but there seems to be fewer ways to legally do it these days. Luckily Aussie balladeer Paul Kelly is making things a bit easier on his fans by offering some free downloads.

Paul is offering downloads of more than 100 live recordings. The move is inspired by his 2007 A-Z concerts, where he performed 100 songs over four nights in alphabetical order.

Visit Paul’s website tomorrow for the A songs. A new letter’s songs will be made available each month for the next two years.

It’s going to take a really long time to get it, but I bet the entire collection will be worth the wait!

Image source: Andrew Braithwaite @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Bigger Better Power Ballads II" – Various

I’ve just arrived home after five days road-tripping. As every seasoned traveller knows, you need two things for a good road trip: good company and good music. My husband took care of the former, but after about 15 hours in the car, we started to tire of the CDs I’d packed. Thankfully while buying petrol in Bairnsdale I stumbled across EMI Australia’s massive compilation album, Bigger Better Power Ballads II.

I’ve heard a few compilation albums in my time, but none have impressed me as much as this one. Power ballad veterans like Journey and Queen sit comfortably alongside newer artists like Nickelback and The Fray. Power ballad enthusiasts have long overlooked the contributions of women, but this compilation doesn’t forget female masters like Pat Benatar and Tina Turner. But unfortunately the Australian content is a little light on, with only Moving Pictures and Youth Group flying the flag.

You’ve heard all the songs before, which makes it excellent for a long car trip. My husband I loved singing along to Toto’s “Africa” and Mr. Big’s “Be With You.” At three discs it’s also the perfect length, because once you reach the end of the third disc you’re ready to hear disc one again.

If you’re road tripping these summer holidays, and even if you’re not, Bigger Better Power Ballads II is a lot of fun. It’s so good it’s inspired me to track down the original.

Image source: Chaos