Bernard Fanning Tops ARIA Albums Charts

After many long months, Australia finally has another local talent on top of the ARIA Charts. Bernard Fanning’s second solo album Departures is sitting proudly at number one. It gives him his second solo number one in as many albums. Not a bad effort!

It’s the only Aussie album in the top ten, although if we want to get creative we can at least celebrate the local connection to The Great Gatsby soundtrack at number two. Sure it’s chockful of international artists, but it’s from an Aussie-directed film!

If the singles chart tells us anything, it’s that Harrison Craig is all but a show-in to win The Voice. His cover of “Unchained Melody” is at number two and his original song “More Than a Dream” is nipping at its heels at number three. This gives Harrison eight top 40 singles and three top 10s, more than any other Voice contestant. My favorite, Mitchell Anderson, never had a chance it seems.

The influence of The Voice continues with Timomatic’s “Parachute”, the song he performed on last week’s live show, debuting at number seven. Matt Corby rounds out the top ten with his single “Resolution”.

Click below to see this week’s complete top ten!

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Jesus Christ Superstar @ Entertainment Centre, Sydney – 8 June 2013

It’s been more than twenty years since a major stage production of Jesus Christ Superstar graced Australian theatres. That makes me feel old, and also believe that the revamp was long overdue. So I couldn’t want to see where the creators would take the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical this month. I’d heard whispers of course, as word trickled through from London. I knew it was edgier, more modern, but I wasn’t prepared for how dramatically different this version was from the one I enjoyed in my youth. Such a shakeup can be dangerous, but in the case of JC Superstar it was inspired.

Rather than placing an orchestra in the pits, organisers put rock musicians to the side of the tiered stage, so close to the action. Those historical costumes were largely gone, replaced with street clothes that wouldn’t have appeared out of place in RENT. Videos beamed onto the back screen alluding to YouTube, game shows, tabloid news.

But at the centre of it all, we had a stellar cast and incredible songs. Those are the key elements that can’t be messed with. They grounded the production and ensured the largely older audience stayed connected despite the contemporary changes. Tim Minchin was predictably Judas. He showed he’s got much more than comedy chops, attacking the complex role of Judas with relish. Ben Forster is a real find. My mum, a three-time JC veteran, said his version of “Gethsemane” was the best she’s witnessed. That song is such a pivotal moment in the musical, and it was played out exquisitely. How exciting to see a Spice Girl furthering her craft rather than cashing in with roles on mediocre reality TV. Mel C held her own against some theatre veterans. I was also impressed with Andrew O’Keefe, who played to his strengths with his glitzy “Lord or Fraud” game show take on “King Herod’s Song.”

The first half was satisfying but the final act was gutwrenching. The production didn’t back away from the horror of the story, and even added some nasty bits for good measure. It wasn’t pretty, but it was inspired.

What a shame more young people didn’t make it to this production. As I looked out at the predominantly grey-haired audience I couldn’t help thinking of how much Gen Y would have enjoyed this thoroughly modern take on classic musical theatre.

Richard Clapton @ Lizotte’s, Newcastle – 2 June 2013

There are certain performers that keep you coming back year after year. They always sing the songs you want to hear, sound sublime while doing it, and give so much of themselves to their fans. For my family, Richard Clapton is one such performer.

I first saw Richard Clapton performing a free show with Mental as Anything at the Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum decades ago. I didn’t really know I was a Richard Clapton fan back then. The show was something my parents took me to at an age when I didn’t control such things. But I was definitely a fan by the time I left. I was stunned by how many of his songs I knew, and how effortlessly he performed them.

So many years have passed, and I have lost count of the number of times I’ve seen Richard since. We’ve all grown, but the consistency of his concerts remains. So when my parents won a free dinner and show at Lizotte’s Newcastle, we knew we’d have to see Richard again.

What a shame we had to suffer through Hats Bennett before we did. I rarely make comments so harsh, but there really wasn’t a lot to like about Hats. His hat was cool, and he was a really solid guitarist. It’s just a shame that he didn’t stop there. His songwriting was really underdeveloped (a song about introducing a new cat to another? Really?) and his voice had serious limitations. I don’t need a perfect voice, but if yours isn’t strong you probably shouldn’t aim for a falsetto. It seems I wasn’t the only one, as the crowd’s reactions ranged from bored to bemused.

All was forgiven once Richard stepped on stage though. What a talent he is. It might seem clichéd to insist that he only gets better with age, but the addition of Jak Housden to his band ensures his music is certainly sounding better than ever. Hit after hit washed over us, punctuated by Richard’s witty banter and insights into that brilliant back catalogue. Richard doesn’t seem to mind staying with those time-honoured songs. He knows why people see him play, and he’s only too happy to oblige. He treated us to just one song from his new album Harlequin Nights, ensuring he didn’t push the patience of a crowd that clearly wanted to just sing along.

An encore seemed like a mere formality. We all knew he’d never leave us before singing “The Best Years of Our Lives” and “Girls on the Avenue.” Even when his trademark sunglasses snapped in two before that last track, he knew he had to soldier on. He did only half joke that he’d do away with anyone who snapped a photograph though, and when someone cheekily did with a smartphone, I thought he might follow through on that threat! But it was all in good fun, and the perfect end to another great night with Aussie rock royalty.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Paul Kelly Announces Long-Awaited “Spring and Fall” Tour

He’s been wowing crowds in the United States, and now Paul Kelly is coming home. He’ll return in July to promote his 19th studio album Spring and Fall, which hit stores last October.

Paul believes that when “you listen to the songs (from Spring and Fall) in order they tell a story. Each song links to the next and the whole piece is a love story told from multiple points of view.” So it makes sense that Paul will play the album in its entirety so fans can experience that complete tale. He also promises he’ll have time to play some classic tunes and a few surprises.

Paul will be joined by an all-star band featuring Dan Kelly, J. Walker, Zoe Hauptmann, and Bree Van Reyk. Hip-hop MC Urthboy will also warm up the crowds for all but the Geelong gig.

Tickets officially go on sale on June 14, but fans can get a jump on the competition by registering for the Live Nation presale. This begins on June 11.

23 July 2013 – Civic Theatre, Cairns
24 July 2013 – Civic Theatre, Townsville
26 July 2013 – Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
27 July 2013 – Moncrief Entertainment Centre, Bundaberg
28 July 2013 – Brolga Theatre, Maryborough
30 July 2013 – Arts Theatre, Gold Coast
31 July 2013 – Community Centre, Lake Kawana
1 August 2013 – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane
3 August 2013 – The Glasshouse, Port Macquarie
5 August 2013 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
7 August 2013 – The Playhouse, Geelong
8 & 9 August 2013 – Recital Centre, Melbourne
11 August 2013 – Regent Cinemas, Ballarat
13 & 14 August 2013 – Recital Hall, Sydney
17 August 2013 – Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong
18 August 2013 – Llewellyn Hall, Canberra
20 August 2013 – Town Hall, Adelaide
22 August 2013 – Regal Theatre, Perth
29 August 2013 – Princess Theatre, Launceston
30 August 2013 – City Hall, Hobart

Image used with permission from Jones PR

LabelState.com Opens Pop-Up Store in Sydney

Sydneysiders can get a headstart on their Christmas shopping with online band T-shirt website LabelState.com opening a pop-up store on Oxford Street today.

The shop will feature hundreds of T-shirts from more than 400 local bands, artists, labels, and venues. It will also host a series of live events, including a performance by Velociraptor’s Jeremy Neale at 2 pm this Saturday, June 6.

LabelState.com is a special Australian music start-up company, because it provides a no-cost solution for bands wanting to sell their merchandise. It handles all production and shipping costs, and pays a $5 royalty to the artists for every one sold.

You can shop for LabelState.com’s tees in the flesh at 118 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst until August 4.

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Skyways Are Highways Release Single for Marriage Equality

Eli J Hood and Angie Rose Brown of Skyways Are Highways are adding their voices to the marriage equality debate with their debut single “Let’s Run Away”.

The track, which was not so coincidentally released last month on International Day Against Homophobia, reminds us that we should all have the right to run away and marry the one we love, no matter what their gender. And what better way to do that than with a ridiculously catchy melody and a video featuring some hot snogging?

With parliament preparing to take a conscious vote on the issue in a couple of days, let’s hope some of the country’s politicians are listening.

Fat Freddy’s Drop Announce Splendour Sideshows

It seems Fat Freddy’s Drop can’t get enough of Australia. After wowing local crowds as part of the Graphic festival at the Sydney Opera House last year, the band will be back to promote their new album Blackbird, which hits stores on June 21. We already knew they were playing Splendour, but they’ll also treat fans to headlining shows in the major capitals.

This album is nothing if not diverse, with elements of Ethio-Jazz, Detroit techno, blues, soul, and so much more. It features the oh-so-sexy and soulful single “Clean the House”, which is also backed up by a killer film clip. If gangster marionettes are your thing, this music video’s for you!

If you missed out on tickets to Splendour, make sure you don’t miss out on the chance to see this stellar live act while they’re Down Under.

29 August 2013 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
30 August 2013 – Tivoli, Brisbane
31 August2013 – The Forum, Melbourne
5 September 2013 – Astor Theatre, Perth

Refugee Talent Showcased at Emerge Fitzroy

Victoria will kick off Refugee Week with the 10th annual Emerge Fitzroy event. The day will showcase the cultural contributions of Australia’s refugees with musical acts and entertainment across three stages.

Ten-piece Ethio-jazz act JAzmaris will headline the event, which also includes sets from Sudanese urban pop and reggae outfit Sudan Azza, Hazara pop act Taqi Khan, Persian hip-hoppers Ahmed 3 Pas, and Tongan electronic act Elephant Mouse. You can’t say the line-up isn’t diverse! The performances will be complemented by cultural workshops, storytelling, and delicious foods from all corners of the globe.

It all happens at Fitzroy Town Hall from noon to 5 pm on June 16. And best of all, entry to the festival and all performances and workshops is free!

Image source: Multicultural Arts Victoria

“To The Motel” – William Street Strikers

After treating us to a full album last year, Adelaide’s William Street Strikers have gone back to the short EP format for their latest release To the Motel. It’s an interesting tactic which allows them to focus their sound and produce a more crowd-pleasing release than their previous effort.

I enjoyed their full-length album Keep Left, but wondered whether it was too eclectic to appeal to the masses. To the Motel doesn’t take as many risks, which is both a blessing and a curse. After appreciating the daring of the album, this feels radio-friendly but a little safe. However the conviction of the band shines through.

This EP is all energy, but that’s not to say that it’s a frenetic EP. William Street Strikers know when to ease off the intensity, but driving drum beats and chunky guitar chords dominate. The title track starts the EP with a bang, leading us easily into the bluesy rebellion of “So Fukn Restless”. “Sure Baby” sees William Street Strikers taking the foot off the throttle a little bit, but there’s no losing the emotional intensity. The band makes sure their EP ends on a high with the rocking “Blind Fred E”.

To the Motel is an EP that’s accessible, with an energy that’s infectious. It shows a band that’s discovering their sound. Hopefully next time we’ll see William Street Strikers exploring it more completely on another album.

Image source: Music SA

Ella Hooper & Texture Like Sun Take Up Residency at The Toff

Texture Like Sun and Ella Hooper hope to lure us out midweek when they take up residency at The Toff in Town this month.

Both acts will use the opportunity to showcase their forthcoming material. Ella’s solo album In Tongues will hit stores on June 28, while Texture Like Sun are currently writing and recording their next release. Music lovers will enjoy a sneak peek at new songs from both Ella and Texture Like Sun.

You can see both these talented acts at The Toff in Town every Tuesday in June.

Image source: Eva Rinaldi @ Flickr