Month: October 2011

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The X Factor Does the 90s

I’ve been complaining about all those modern but fairly inconsequential song choices on The X Factor, so I was thrilled to see the show going back into the vault for 90s night. The decade might not be music’s strongest, but there were certainly some gems that I hoped to hear trotted out.

When I spotted on the ad that someone was doing Meat Loaf, I was thrilled. I was also convinced we’d hear the Meat number coming from Andrew Wishart, as my husband and I have been comparing their vocals for weeks now (good Meatloaf, not AFL Grand Final era). But sadly it was Johnny Ruffo that trotted out “I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That),” and he made it some weird electro pop number. I hated the treatment. I thought the whole thing made him seem even soulless than last week’s performance. This song should never, ever sound like this.

Mitchell Callaway showed his tender side with REM’s “Everybody Hurts.” He had his reservations, but I think this was the perfect song for him. I’m not sure I saw the brilliance the judges’ seemed to see, but I do think this was miles better than he’s been in recent weeks.

Three Wishez stepped things up again with “Ghetto Superstar.” This band has really hit its stride; everyone worked together so well, and they were all stellar in their own right. I think we’re finally starting to see their potential, and it’s exciting.
Continue reading “The X Factor Does the 90s” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jordie Lane Plays Live for “Annabelle Marie” Music Video

All too often film clips seem so fake. The vocals are lip-synched, and the footage so staged that it really undermines the heart of the music. So I was thrilled to see Jordie Lane take a very different tact with his new music video for “Annabelle Marie.”

The film clip sees Jordie perched atop a Byron Bay hill, playing the song live. It captures a moment in time, and a moment in music that’s completely real.

If you’re as moved by this video as I am you can catch Jordie at the following shows over the coming months.

9 October 2011 – Indi Bar, Scarborough (with Jeff Lang)
13 October 2011 – Republic Bar, Hobart (with Jeff Lang)
14 October 2011 – Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh (with Jeff Lang)
15 October 2011 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (with Jeff Lang)
16 October 2011 – Way Out West Blues Club, Williamstown (with Jeff Lang)
21 October 2011 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast (with Jeff Lang)
22 October 2011 – Judith Wright Centre, Brisbane (with Jeff Lang)
23 October 2011 – Mullumbimby Civic Hall, Mullumbimby (with Jeff Lang)
24 October 2011 – Chapel Theatre Live, Glen Innes (with Jeff Lang)
28 October 2011 – Waves, Wollongong (with Jeff Lang)
29 October 2011 – The Clarendon, Katoomba (with Jeff Lang)
30 October 2011 – Sydney Blues Festival, Windsor
4 November 2011 – Meeniyan Hall, Meeniyan (with Henry Wagons and Joe Pug)
5 November 2011 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne (with Henry Wagons and Joe Pug)
24-27 November 2011 – Mullumbimby Music Festival, Mullumbimby

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Howl at the Moon Launch New “Sword Fighting” Single


When the weather is dark and gloomy, as it is on my side of the country, I love music that matches. I found it today with Howl at the Moon’s newie “Sword Fighting.” Is it any wonder they’re from Melbourne?

While the track is certainly dark and moody, its melodic core and sublime vocals from Katie Scott ensure it doesn’t ever feel too gloomy. The song is the first track to come from the band’s as yet untitled debut album, which is scheduled to hit stores early next year. We thankfully won’t have to wait that long to see Howl at the Moon doing their thing live; the band will launch the single “Sword Fighting” at Melbourne’s Old Bar on November 4.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dragon Chase the Sun Down the East Coast

Classic ‘80s pub bands seem to be everywhere. Cold Chisel are back on the road, Icehouse are enjoying chart success with their latest greatest hits record, and now Dragon are preparing for a comeback.

Their brand new EP Chase the Sun, which has just hit stores, heralds a new start for the band. Its first single “21 (Heart of Gold)” sees the outfit back to its best, and there’s more where that came from.

They haven’t completely forgotten their past though. Next month Jeff Apter will release Chasing the Dragon, a biography which remembers the band’s late lead singer Marc Hunter.

Dragon will promote both the book and the EP when they play the following east coast shows over the coming months.

20 October 2011 – The Vanguard, Sydney
21 October 2011 – Canberra Casino, Canberra
22 October 2011 – Manly Boatshed, Sydney
10 November 2011 – Tempo Hotel, Brisbane
12 November 2011 – Lone Star Tavern, Gold Coast
19 November 2011 – Beaches, Wollongong
25 November 2011 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
2 December 2011 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
3 December 2011 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
4 December 2011 – Lizotte’s, Dee Why

Image used with permission from SCG Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Celadore Tours “The Bright and Blue” EP

Melbourne indie rockers Celadore will kick off their most extensive tour to date in Albury later this month. The three-month celebration will support the release of their The Bright and Blue EP, which hits stores and iTunes today.

The Bright and Blue is Celadore’s follow up to last year’s Distance is a Gun, and their second release through Popboomerang Records. It’s also the first produced by The Living End’s Chris Cheney, who has nothing but good things to say about the band. He commented that “they possess a sense of melody and a depth to their songwriting that’s beyond their years.”

Albury seems like a pretty strange place to start rocking, but it’s fitting for the string of dates which takes in regional centres and capital cities alike. Catch them before they make it big at the following shows.

21 October 2011 – Albion Hotel, Albury
22 October 2011 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
27 October 2011 – Ed Castle, Adelaide
28 October 2011 – EV’s Youth Centre, Croydon (All Ages)
29 October 2011 – The Sandbar, Mildura
4 November 2011 – Hotel Orient, Brisbane
5 November 2011 – The Hive, Brisbane (All Ages)
11 November 2011 – The Loxton Club, Loxton
12 November 2011 – National Hotel, Geelong
16 November 2011 – Rock Lily, Sydney
17 November 2011 – Phoenix Bar, Canberra
18 November 2011 – Yours & Owls, Wollongong
19 November 2011 – Pacific Hotel, Yamba
26 November 2011 – Revolver, Melbourne
3 December 2011 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart
10 December 2011 – The Rails, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from Footstomp Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melinda Schneider Looks Back with “Life Begins at 40” Double CD

I’ve got to admit, I’m not a fan of getting older. I shed tears when I turned 20 as I was bidding my teenage years goodbye, and I was mortified when I hit 30. However according to Melinda Schneider I shouldn’t stress too much. She’s preparing to release a new retrospective album joyfully titled Life Begins at 40.

The two-disc set celebrates three decades of Melinda’s music captured in the studio and on the road. So many greatest hits collections are a bit of rehash, but this includes some really unique gems like the version of “Santa Call on Me” she recorded at just eight years of age, and duets with Paul Kelly, David Campbell, Olivia Newtown-John, and her mum Mary. And of course there are her biggest hits including “I Wanna Be Married,” “Be Yourself,” and “The Story of My Life.”

Life Begins at 40 hits stores on October 21. To celebrate the release Melinda is playing plenty of shows. You can catch her in her one-woman tribute to Doris Day tribute, her Heartland tour gigs with Graeme Connors, shows with philharmonic orchestras, and a big Life Begins at 40 bash in Tamworth in the coming months.

12 – 16 October 2011 – Regal Theatre, Perth (DORIS, Doris Day – So Much More than the Girl Next Door)
26 October 2011 – Bunbury Entertainment Centre, Bunbury (with Graeme Connors)
27 October 2011 – Cummins Theatre, Merredin (with Graeme Connors)
28 October 2011 – Goldfields Arts Centre, Kalgoorlie (with Graeme Connors)
29 October 2011 – Esperance Civic Centre, Esperance (with Graeme Connors)
30 October 2011 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany (with Graeme Connors)
3 –13 November 2011 – Lyric Theatre @ The Star, Sydney (DORIS, Doris Day – So Much More than the Girl Next Door)
15 –27 November 2011 – The Twelfth Night Theatre, Brisbane (DORIS, Doris Day – So Much More than the Girl Next Door)
27 & 28 December 2011 – Philharmonic Phireworks Concert, Sydney Opera House
30 & 31 December 2011 – Philharmonic Phireworks Concert, State Theatre @ The Arts Centre, Melbourne
27 January 2012 – Life Begins At 40 Concert, West Tamworth League Club, Tamworth

Image source: Premier Artists

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Download New Meem Single for Free

Meem, or Michael Moebus as his mum calls him, is bringing old school hip hop sounds back with his fifth album Monsters Don’t Sleep OK! And to celebrate the album’s release, he’s giving fans a free download of the single “Get Down Party.” Just right-click and save to wrap your ears around this fun tune.

The track is the first from the very limited edition album, which features guest appearances from Mr Scruff, Raashan, Roots Manuva, and Ahmad & The Boom Band Krewe. Just 200 copies of the independently released album were pressed, so you’ll need to get yours quick when it goes on sale on November 11.

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jacqui Newland Leaves X Factor

As I watched The X Factor tonight I was reminded of the benefit of the program’s judges having the final say. There are always those cases where some of the strongest performers find themselves in the bottom two, and it happened tonight when Young Men Society saw themselves standing alongside Jacqui Newland.

YMS didn’t have the strongest night last night, but I was sure their fan base was stronger than this. Let this be a reminder that if you love someone, you’ve got to vote for them.

To be fair, Jacqui Newland didn’t do terribly with No Doubt’s “Just a Girl.” But Young Men Society showed they’re definitely in a class above with their take on Eric Clapton’s “Change The World.” It was understated, without the theatrics we’ve seen from them in the past, and that really allowed their vocals to shine.

It would have been easy for the judges to play strategically, but they did the right thing and sent Jacqui packing. I didn’t mind her, but to see the back of YMS at this point would have been a travesty.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Box Rockets Launch EP in Victoria & NSW

Melbourne band Box Rockets are about to release No Control, the follow-up to their acclaimed 2009 EP Throwing Stones. To celebrate the October release the band will play a handful of launch shows next month.

Box Rockets plan to play a couple of shows for their hometown audience, and two more for the music-loving folks in Sydney. The band will be selling a limited edition copy of the EP at the shows which features innovative origami-inspired packaging. That sounds a whole lot more exciting than what you’ll get on iTunes!

You can grab the far superior version of the No Control EP at Box Rockets’ following shows.

7 October 2011 – Mum @ World Bar, Sydney
8 October 2011 – Beresford Upstairs, Sydney
21 October 2011 – The Prince Bandroom, Melbourne (with Phrase)
27 October 2011 – The Northcote Social Club, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The X Factor Rocks

The X Factor contestants came out ready to rock at this week’s performance show.

Young Men Society kicked things off with their take on the Run DMC and Aerosmith classic “Walk This Way.” These guys have set such a high bar in previous weeks, so I felt a little let down by this. The vocals got patchy in places, which is something we haven’t seen from them before. But they always entertain, so I can forgive them a few pitch problems.

Christina Parie brought things back to the naughties with her take on “Gives You Hell.” She nailed the attitude and the vocals, but I was a bit torn on the song choice. Luke Jacobs raised my expectations when he announced the contestants would be singing “classic rock songs.” This is hardly a classic, and when you consider the history of rock music it’s a pretty dodgy choice. Perhaps such a contemporary song helped Christina relate to it, but I would have loved to see a song with a bit more cred.

Speaking of songs with cred, Andrew Wishart brought us the Cheap Trick hit “The Flame.” But this was about more than simply choosing a great song. For the first, and hopefully not the last, time in the competition I really felt it. It’s one thing for him to feel connected to a song, but it’s another very special thing for him to make us feel that connection. That was incredible.

And then we had Johnny Ruffo. In a way I felt a bit sorry for him taking the stage after Andrew. It only exposed just how lacking in emotional heart his version of “Here Without You” was. It was pitchy, but to me that lack of conviction was much more disappointing. I didn’t believe he was longing for anyone.
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