Month: June 2012

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Behind the Stars” – Paul Greene & the Other Colors

There’s not a lot of flash or fanfare to Paul Greene. When he releases a new album the industry barely murmurs. Yet he continues to be one of Australia’s most consistent singer-songwriters.

The rest of the music world might not be making a lot of noise about Paul’s latest album Behind the Stars, but the disc has taken up permanent residence in my stereo. It’s one of those albums that makes you want to press play again the moment that the final track ends.

I was surprised by the opening title track; it’s very different to that easy pop rock I associate with Paul Greene. That difference isn’t a bad thing though. It’s a beautiful tune, with haunting vocals and lovely lush orchestration. After that somewhat experimental number, Behind the Stars settles into a more familiar feel. Don’t mistake that familiar feel for being middle of the road. It’s a gift to create music so instantly accessible.

I found myself writing copious notes about the tracks as they washed over me. I noted the great bluesy groove of “Her Minor Key,” the striking simplicity of the romantic “Enough of You,” the no frills John Cougar Mellencamp vibe of “What You’ve Got Goin’ On,” and the cheerful mood “Bad Luck Lately” put me in.

But then I realised I could say something positive about every single track on the disc. There are no fillers here; it’s just a good honest album jam packed with good honest song writing and genuine talent. Behind the Stars is another solid stunner from Paul Greene.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lisa Mitchell @ Christ Church Cathedral, Newcastle – 4 June 2012

On Monday night I braved the cold and set off down the freeway to catch the first show of Lisa Mitchell’s Heavenly Sounds tour. I’m not religious, but the opportunity to see this exciting singer-songwriter perform in Newcastle’s stunning Christ Church Cathedral was too tempting to refuse.

Georgia Fair warmed up the crowds with their harmony-laden brand of folk music. I’ve seen the lads perform a few times now, but against the dramatic church setting they delivered perhaps their best set yet. The superb acoustics of the church worked well with their stripped back style, and I lapped up every second of it. Of course, there was more to come.

When Lisa Mitchell took to the stage it became clear that this wouldn’t be just another musical performance. She started her set reading some poetry from John Burroughs before welcoming her musicians and supporting vocal trio on stage. It was an unusual beginning, but one befitting a night with this quirky talent. She played a few gorgeous new songs before pleasing the masses with “Neopolitan Dreams.” I’ve always loved this whimsical track, and it sounded especially good in the church.

That easy mix of old and new tunes continued throughout the evening. She chatted shyly in between the songs. That banter still doesn’t seem to come naturally to the softly spoken singer, but I appreciated the effort. I also found it interesting to watch her stammering, then singing so effortlessly. She’s clearly a girl most comfortable making music.

While leaving Lisa to perform solo, her band discovered the lunar eclipse outside. She was desperate to see it too, but dutifully played a few more numbers before rushing off. An encore was inevitable, but the break allowed her to see the sky’s performance. She assured us there’d be a little left after she played some more, and sure enough we managed to see the tail end of it as we left the church. Staring up at the moon was a fitting end to a night that wasn’t religious, but definitely felt spiritual. Lisa Mitchell has the voice of an angel, and it’s impossible to be unmoved as she encourages you to chant with her or clap along. If the Newcastle show was any indication, fans are in for a real treat as Lisa takes in churches around the rest of the country.

Image source: Wideangle@108dB @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Stanleys Rock the Globe, Retro Style

The Stanleys are set for world domination with their feel-good retro power pop anthem “Always.”

The irresistible single is the handiwork of Aussie’s Mark De Renzo and Jamie Horsburgh and their Norwegian buddy Norway. Fittingly the trio visited studios in Oslo, Paris, Perth, and Sydney to lay down the EP which features the title track.

The Stanleys laid a solid foundation last year with shows in Europe, North America, Japan, and Australia. This summer they’ll cement their reputation as a band to watch with shows in China, North America, and Australia.

Has this song put a smile on your dial?

Image credit: Lisa Businovski

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Elephant Eyes Wow with “Mother Said” Single

I’m not sure what it is about Australian songstresses naming themselves after the peepers of our animal friends, but following Owl Eyes comes new Melbourne band Elephant Eyes.

The moniker’s a bit left of centre but you’ll soon forget all that on listening to the outfit’s dark new piano pop single “Mother Said.” The track comes from the Elephant Eye’s forthcoming debut album, which should be killer if this song’s any indication.

Elephant Eyes will celebrate the digital release of “Mother Said” with a hometown show at The Grace Darling on Friday, June 8. Be there or be square!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jacob Butler Unplugs on Kids WB

Kids WB isn’t usually the place I head for live musical performances, but with most networks scrapping their variety shows I suppose we have to take them where we can! Perhaps I should start watching the kiddies’ cartoon show more often, because in amongst the animation they featured Jacob Butler playing an acoustic rendition of his current single “Come My Way.”

I’m such a fan of this song, and in acoustic mode it’s even better. The song’s also going great guns at the moment, with airplay on two of Germany’s biggest radio stations. Now if only we could get some local stations on board! This is one of those tracks that deserves to be heard!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jackson Firebird Release Rocking Debut

Old school Aussie pub rockers Jackson Firebird will release their debut album, charmingly titled Cock Rockin’, this Friday.

The Mildura natives have earned a reputation for their energetic live shows, and engineer/producer Mick Wordley has managed to capture that spontaneity in the album’s ten tracks. There’s nothing fancy here, but that raw, organic rock should strike a chord with music lovers craving a return to basics.

Of course it’s only fitting for a band that prides itself on its live shows to waste no time before getting back on stage. Jackson Firebird will celebrate Cock Rockin’s June 8 release with the Paper Scissors Rock tour. See what all the buzz is about at the following shows.

7 June 2012 – Retreat Hotel, Brunswick (Free)
8 June 2012 – The Patch, Wollongong
9 June 2012 – The Vanguard, Newtown
10 June 2012 – Great Northern Newcastle
11 June 2012 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
14 June 2012 – Retreat Hotel, Brunswick (Free)
15 June 2012 – Wheelers Hill Hotel, Wheelers Hill
16 June 2012 – Bended Elbow, Geelong
21 June 2012 – Retreat Hotel, Brunswick (Free)
22 June 2012 – The Loft, Warrnambool
28 June 2012 – Retreat Hotel, Brunswick (Free)
30 June 2012 – Settlers Tavern, Mildura

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Catherine Britt Scores Woody Guthrie Folk Festival Slot

Our own Catherine Britt will join a who’s who of international country and folk music at the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival in Oklahoma this July.

Catherine is part of an all-star bill which includes Billy Bragg, Judy Collins, Red Dirt Rangers, and Woody’s son Arlo. This year’s even is especially poignant as it commemorates what would have been Woody’s 100th birthday.

The slot comes at the perfect time for Catherine, who’s preparing to release her fifth studio album Always Never Enough in August. May bigger and better things come from her appearance!

Image used with permission from Thrillhill Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

My City Screams Tours “Surroundings”

When My City Screams released their debut EP Surroundings last month they assured us a tour wouldn’t be too far away. Now the post-hardcore act from Sydney’s Northern Beaches are making good on their promise with a small run of dates.

“We’ve been itching to showcase our new music and can’t wait to hit the road on our first ever tour! To say we’re psyched would be an understatement!” the band said in a statement.

My City Screams will kick the tour off in Melbourne this week before playing shows in Sydney, Wollongong, and Liverpool for Less than Strength, a non-profit initiative which helps young people dealing with depression and anxiety.

My City Screams have a reputation for energetic shows, and I imagine they’ll be especially pumped on their first tour. See why they’re generating such buzz at the following gigs.

7 June 2012 – Next, Melbourne
9 June 2012 – SFX, Sydney
16 June 2012 – The Lair, Sydney
17 June 2012 – Yours and Owls, Wollongong
26 June 2012 – Luck Oz Tavern, St Marys
7 July 2012 – Liverpool PCYC (LTS Benefit Show)
14 July 2012 – The Bald Faced Stag, Sydney

Image used with permission from RAWR Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bad Seed Hugo Race Tours Solo Debut

With his debut album No But It’s True in the can, Hugo Race is wasting no time bringing the songs to the people.

The debut solo album from the Bad Seeds founder will hit stores on June 10, mere days before the tour kicks off in Sydney. From there he’ll visit coastal towns, culminating in a final performance in Melbourne a few weeks later.

Fittingly Hugo Race will bring Leek & The War Wick Tragedy, the first band to join his new record label Rough Velvet Records, along for the ride. Make sure you arrive early to see a performance from this band Hugo has so much faith in.

15 June 2012 – Notes, Sydney
16 June 2012 – Yours and Owls, Wollongong
20 June 2012 – Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle (Free)
21 June 2012 – Port Macquarie Hotel, Port Macquarie (Free)
22 June 2012 – X & Y Bar, Brisbane
23 June 2012 – Bangalow Bowling Club, Bangalow
1 July 2012 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne

Image used with permission from RAWR Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Josh Ritter Releases Australian CD Bundle for Local Tour

Australian audiences will be treated to a special edition of Josh Ritter’s new album So Runs the World Away to coincide with his upcoming East Coast tour.

So Runs the World Away will be packaged with his new six-track EP Bringing in the Darlings for the tour edition, which hits stores on June 15. The EP features Josh’s dreamy new single “Love is Making Its Way Back Home.” I just love the music video, which was painstakingly created using more than 12, 000 individual pieces of paper. There are no special effects at work here people; just old fashioned animated genius!

The Idaho native is the son of two neuroscientists, but he decided an academic career wasn’t for him when he discovered the music of Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan. And so he forged his own career in the arts and became a celebrated musician and novelist.

He first toured Australia as Martha Wainwright’s support act in 2005. He gained a legion of fans on that journey, and many of them will no doubt return to see Josh play with fellow author-come-musician Simone Felice next month.

Tickets are on sale now through Love Police for the following shows.

5 July 2012 – The Old Museum, Brisbane
6 July 2012 – Notes, Sydney
8 July 2012 – The Basement, Sydney
11 July 2012 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne