January 2010 – Page 4

Posted on 07/01/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Warner Remembers the Bee Gees with Box Set Release

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

Posted on 07/01/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Delta Goodrem, Guy Sebastian Boast Big Sales in Noughties

ARIA has released the top 100 selling singles and albums of the last decade, and it seems we just couldn’t get enough of local talent.

Delta Goodrem earned the biggest selling album of the noughties with her massive debut Innocent Eyes. It moved more than 1.2 million copies, which means one in five Aussie households has a copy. Other notable mentions in the album charts go to Missy Higgins, whose The Sound of White sits at number 5 and Jet’s Get Born, which scraped into the top 10.

The success of Australian Idol had a big impact on the singles charts, with Guy Sebastian’s “Angels Brought Me Here” surprisingly edging out Anthony Callea’s “The Prayer.”Shannon Noll wasn’t too far behind, with “What About Me” coming in at number 5. Guy Sebastian made another appearance, with his last single “Like It Like That” moving enough copies late last year to sit at number 29. Even The Unforgettables from the first season managed in the top half of the countdown!

Here’s how the complete list of Aussies in the top 100!

Top 100 Albums of the Last Decade
1. Innocent Eyes – Delta Goodrem
5. The Sound of White – Missy Higgins
10. Get Born – Jet
11. Odyssey Number Five – Powderfinger
13. Fever – Kylie Minogue
17. Feeler – Pete Murray
25. Vulture Street – Powderfinger
26. Barricades and Brick Walls – Kasey Chambers
28. Just as I Am – Guy Sebastian
31. Reach Out: The Motown Record – Human Nature
36. Black Ice – AC/DC
37. That’s What I’m Talking About – Shannon Noll
39. Wolfmother – Wolfmother
40. Moulin Rouge – Soundtrack
46. Affirmation – Savage Garden
50. Tea and Sympathy – Bernard Fanning
51. Sunrise Over Sea – John Butler Trio
55. One Voice – John Farnham
61. The Winner’s Journey – Damien Leith
62. Here Come the Drums – Rogue Traders
63. See the Sun – Pete Murray
64. Mistaken Identity – Delta Goodrem
65. The Secret Life – The Veronicas
67. Black Fingernails, Red Wine – Eskimo Joe
69. Light Years – Kylie Minogue
81. The Power – Vanessa Amorosi
82. Ultimate Kylie – Kylie Minogue

Top 100 Singles of the Last Decade
1. “Angels Brought Me Here” – Guy Sebastian
2. “The Prayer” – Anthony Callea
5. “What About Me” – Shannon Noll
19. “Born to Try” – Delta Goodrem
23. “Like It Like That” – Guy Sebastian
28. “Sweet About Me” – Gabriella Cilmi
47. “These Kids” – Most Popular of the Unforgettables (Australian Idol)
51. “Black Betty” – Spiderbait
57. “Last Day on Earth” – Kate Miller-Heidke
58. “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” – Kylie Minogue
69. “Lost Without You” – Delta Goodrem
79. “Untouched” – The Veronicas
85. “Not Pretty Enough” – Kasey Chambers
86. “Straight Lines” – Silverchair
90. “Flaunt It” – TV Rock

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Posted on 06/01/2010 by Lauren Katulka

First Taste of Katie Noonan and The Captains Debut Album

Katie Noonan is one of those artists who never seems to sit still.

She became an indie goddess with her work in George, turned to a more reflective jazz-laded sound with her first solo album Skin, and explored the works of Lennon and McCartney with Blackbird. For the last two years Katie’s gone in another direction with her latest band, The Captains. With Cameron Deyell on guitar, Stu Hunter on keys and bass, and Declan Kelly manning the drums, Katie is now exploring a more organic sound.

The band’s album, Emperor’s Box, is slated for an April release, so we’ve still got a few months to wait, but today I got a taste of what’s to come. I heard one of the new songs, “Time,” and I’m very impressed. I think the George fans who criticized Katie’s solo albums will embrace this, as it really is back to basics. There’s a little edge here, just a hint of that familiar George angst, but it’s softened by strings and Katie’s pure, heavenly voice.

For this album Katie’s written tracks with a who’s who of Australian and New Zealand talent. There’s Tim Finn, Don Walker, Sia, Josh Pyke, and Tom Shapcott, not to mention her esteemed Captains band mates. With these kind of folks lending their skills, I’m sure Emperor’s Box will be one of the big albums of 2010.

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on 05/01/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Shannon Noll Shops Around for New Record Label

Shannon Noll has found himself without a record label after his Sony contract ended at the end of 2009, and he doesn’t mind one bit.

After completing his deal, which saw him release three albums and a greatest hits disc, Nollsy says he’s looking forward to a fresh start.

However he’s only got good words to say for the label which helped guide his career.

“It was great while it lasted and Sony were terrific to work with but it’s time to take some risks,” he told The Daily Telegraph. “When I came to Sydney to audition all those years ago, it was a stab in the dark. Now I am confident I’ve got the experience and the knowledge to freshen things up and I’m looking forward to the future with real excitement.”

Before making the leap, Shannon sought counsel from current touring buddy Jimmy Barnes.

“He reckoned it was time for me to start again and finally leave the Idol thing behind me for good,” he explained. “I’m going to find the best place for me because I feel like I’m holding the cards for the first time in a long time.”

I dare say he’ll have no shortage of offers. Personally I think he’d be a great fit for Michael Gudinski’s Liberation Blue label, but we’ll have to wait and see!

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on 04/01/2010 by Lauren Katulka

ARIA Releases End-of-Year Aussie Charts

ARIA has published its end-of-year charts, giving us a good look at how our local artists fared in 2009. It’s no surprise to see some big names like Jessica Mauboy, Hilltop Hoods, and Empire of the Sun well represented, but thrilling to see some of my sentimental favourites – Lisa Mitchell, David Campbell, and Keith Urban – making their presence felt. Hats off to reigning Australian Idol Stan Walker too who managed a lot in just a couple of months. Without further ado, here’s how 2009 washed up for the locals!

TOP 20 AUSTRALIAN ARTIST ALBUMS 2009
20. Wes Carr – The Way The World Looks
19. David Campbell – Good Loving
18. Guy Sebastian – Like It Like That
17. OST – Packed To The Rafters
16. Stan Walker – Introducing …
15. Natalie Bassingthwaighte – 1000 Stars
14. Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu – Gurrumul
13. Keith Urban – Defying Gravity
12. Lisa Mitchell – Wonder
11. The Presents – Apocalypso
10. Eskimo Joe – Inshalla
9. AC/DC – Black Ice
8. Sarah Blasko – As Day Follows Night
7. Jimmy Barnes – The Rhythm And The Blues
6. Powderfinger – Golden Rule
5. Kate Miller-Heidke – Curiouser
4. Mark Vincent – My Dream, Mio Visione
3. Empire Of The Sun – Walking On A Dream
2. Jessica Mauboy – Been Waiting
1. Hilltop Hoods – State Of The Art

TOP 20 AUSTRALIAN ARTIST SINGLES 2009
20. Guy Sebastian ftg. Jordin Sparks – “Art Of Love”
19. Jessica Mauboy – “Because”
18. Natalie Bassingthwaighte – “Alive”
17. Wes Carr – “You”
16. Eskimo Joe – “Foreign Land”
15. Cassie Davis – “Like It Loud”
14. Jet – “She’s A Genius”
13. Empire Of The Sun – “We Are The People”
12. Wes Carr – “Feels Like Whoa”
11. Jessica Mauboy – “Been Waiting”
10. Jessica Mauboy – “Up/Down”
9. Stan Walker – “Black Box”
8. Empire Of The Sun – “Walking On A Dream”
7. Natalie Bassingthwaighte – “Someday Soon”
6. Hilltop Hoods – “Chase That Feeling”
5. Jessica Mauboy – “Burn”
4. Evermore – “Hey Boys And Girls”
3. Vanessa Amorosi – “This Is Who I Am”
2. Kate Miller-Heidke – “The Last Day On Earth”
1. Guy Sebastian – “Like It Like That”

Image source: ARIA

Posted on 04/01/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Danimals Play Spectrum for Double A-Side Single Launch

Fresh from a stint in New York, where the band worked with Mark Ronson, Santigold, and Sean Lennon as the Tooheys Extra Dry: The Lab winners, Danimals are preparing to launch their double A-side single with a big Sydney show.

The single Hornet’s Nest/Christmas Worms Quest for Fresh Apples is currently available from iTunes, but it will get an official release next Friday night.

Danimals began as a solo pursuit for South African born Sydneysider, Jonti Danilewitz. Now the music has grown into a live project which transcends “the squelchy-pop bedroom recordings” and turns them into a “exploding, psychedelic live experience.”

If that intrigues you make sure you get along to Spectrum on January 15. Danimals will be supported by Sydney supergroup Fashion Launches/Rocket Launches and other special guests. Tickets are available for $10 from Moshtix and $12 on the door if available.

Image used with permission from Peer Group Media

Posted on 02/01/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Fans Demand Refunds After Washed Out Pyramid Festival

Fans are demanding their money back after several headliners were unable to perform at this year’s Pyramid Rock Festival. More than a thousand fans have already joined a Facebook group encouraging organisers to issue refunds.

Storms hit the Victorian New Years Eve show at 9 pm, but according to the Facebook page it took until 2 am before promoters cancelled the performers. At this point Empire of the Sun, Grinspoon, The Butterfly Effect, and Van She still hadn’t performed.

According to a statement made by organizers, “All effort was made to reinstate the appropriate and acceptable standard of stage production levels to the Main Stage area without success, prompting festival organisers arranging to relocate the four remaining Main Stage headline acts for the night from the Main Stage to the Pharaoh’s Annex tent.

“However with venue safety analysis ongoing, organisers and bands in conjunction with security and emergency services personnel decided that moving the acts to the Pharaoh’s Annex would be unsafe.”

While festival goers did enjoy several hours of good weather and fine music, I can understand their disappointment. Everyone knew bad weather was afoot, so I wonder why organisers weren’t better prepared for it.

Image source: Jonny Cakes @ Flickr