Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

David Campbell Goes Retro

I’m pretty excited at the coming together of one of my favourite Australian singers and my favourite musical decade. After tackling the standards more than once, show tunes, and the sounds of the swinging sixties, David Campbell is setting his sights on the 80s.

Next week David will release Let’s Go, an album featuring covers of tunes by Wham, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, and The Style Council. Oh and there’s this version of Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love.” Not to mention a version of my favourite song ever, “True.” Needless to say, I’m beyond excited.

Let’s Go hits stores on November 18, which is not so coincidentally the day that tickets go on sale for his next Aussie tour. David never does these things by halves; I’m sure you’ll be able to catch him busting out the retro numbers somewhere near you!

16 February 2012 – Belmont 16ft Sailing Club, Belmont
17 February 2012 – State Theatre, Sydney
25 February 2012 – Festival Theatre, Adelaide
10 March 2012 – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane
16 & 17 March 2012 – Palms @ Crown, Melbourne
12 & 13 April 2012 – Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre
14 April 2012 – Civic Theatre, Orange
19 April 2012 – Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree
20 April 2012 – Glasshouse Theatre, Port Macquarie
21 April 2012 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
27 April 2012 – Llewellyn Theatre, Canberra
28 April 2012 – Regional Entertainment Centre, Bathurst
3 & 4 May 2012 – Performing Arts Centre, Wangarratta
5 May 2012 – Entertainment Centre, Albury
10 & 11 May 2012 – Regional Theatre & Convention Centre, Dubbo
12 May 2012 – West Tamworth Leagues Club, Tamworth
16 May 2012 – Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah
17 May 2012 – Queens Park Theatre, Geraldton
18 May 2012 – Perth Concert Hall
19 May 2012 – Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury
31 May 2012 – Performing Arts Centre, Colac
1 June 2012 – Warnambook Entertainment Centre, Warnambook
2 June 2012 – Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Mt Gambier
7 & 8 June 2012 – Capital Theatre, Bendigo
9 June 2012 – Eastbank Centre, Shepparton
14 June 2012 – Performing Arts Centre, Frankston
15 June 2012 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat
16 June 2012 – GPAC Playhouse Theatre, Geelong

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tony Hadley & Go West @ 16 Footers, Belmont – 5 November 2011

It’s taken me a few days to write this review as I’ve attempted to make the transition from squealy fangirl to serious reviewer. I’m still not sure I’ve gotten there, but the clock’s ticking. The thing is, I’m coming off the sort of extended concert high that I haven’t felt in a long time. And on Saturday I had one of the best nights of my life.

Long time readers of my blog will know I’m a sucker for 80s music, and in particular that of Spandau Ballet. So when I heard the band’s lead singer Tony Hadley was playing Belmont 16 Footers I jumped at the chance to attend. Knowing that Go West would be joining him was the ice on a neon colored cake.

Go West kicked off the night with a bunch of songs I didn’t know. It didn’t matter though; give me some synthesizers and I’m a happy girl. I was also thrilled to hear Peter Cox’s voice is just as strong as it always was, and the band were just as tight.

I was enjoying myself listening to Go West’s sleeper hits, but my mood reached another level when Tony joined the band for Don Henley’s “Boys of Summer.” The combination of Tony and one of my favourite 80s tracks saw me up on the dance floor. I didn’t leave it for much of the night, and I admit that I brought back many of the moves from the discos of my youth.

The night saw the guys singing hits and covers solo, then reuniting for some choice duets. There were the expected but no less appreciated songs. I loved hearing Go West sing “We Close Our Eyes” and “King of Wishful Thinking,” and went nuts for Spandau’s “Only When You Leave,” “Communication,” and “Gold.” Slow dancing with my husband to “True” was so special that I got teary.

But it was the unexpected numbers that made the night really special. Go West’s version of “Tracks of My Tears” was killer, as was Tony Hadley’s take on Nina Simone’s “Feelin’ Good.” He also made us all squeal with delight at “Rio.” Who needs Simon Le Bon? These covers were interesting, but not as bizarre as hearing them sing out Foo Fighters “Learn to Fly,” Kings of Leon’s “Sex on Fire,” and Stereophonics “Dakota.” Bizarre but completely awesome.

If I’m critical it wasn’t a perfect night. The sound quality was pretty poor in places. It seems the 16 Footers really needs to learn about sound checking. But I couldn’t fault the bands. They brought the 80s back to us all for an evening, and it was incredible.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Declan Sykes Leaves X Factor

They keep talking up shock eliminations on X Factor, but I don’t think there are any shocks at this end of the competition. And so while the judges seemed surprised to see Declan Sykes and Three Wishez battling it out for a place in the top four, I figured it was about right after last night’s performances.

I really like the way that Tuesday night’s show gives acts a chance to redeem themselves. Declan didn’t really with a fairly lackluster performance of Panic at the Disco’s “Ballad of Mona Lisa,” but Three Wishez stepped up with Jessie J’s “Nobody’s Perfect.” That’s what it means to sing for your life.

It seems the judges agreed because three to one they sent Declan packing. I’m sad to see him go, but hopefully he can capitalise on this exposure and we’ll see him cropping up somewhere soon.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The X Factor Pays Tribute to Legends

After enduring more dance songs than I cared to last week, I was happy to watch The X Factor contestants singing songs from music legends tonight.

Johnny Ruffo kicked things off with Stevie Wonder’s “Sir Duke.” I’ve been pretty hard on Johnny in recent weeks, but I’ve never heard him sounding better. Finally the vocals matched his pretty boy looks and dance moves. I’ve had him doomed to the bottom two for weeks now, but this time I’m not so sure.

I wasn’t too enthusiastic about the idea of Andrew Wishart singing “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” But this guy can really do no wrong. It doesn’t matter what he’s given; he nails it vocally and I believe every word he sings. That’s all he needs to do, and he does it consistently.

Declan Sykes shook up The Beatles “Help,” and when it came out the other end I just didn’t like it. I still like him and what he stands for, but when you take risks some of them just won’t pay off. I don’t think the treatment worked, and in some places his vocals suffered from all that jumping around. The judges might have liked it, but it just wasn’t my cup of chai.

Three Wishez has blown me away in recent weeks, so I was a bit disappointed by their take on Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight.” I certainly didn’t hate it, but it didn’t reach the dizzy heights of their past couple of performances. Perhaps they set the bar too high too early?

I was nervous when I heard Reece Mastin was taking on Celine Dion. I was much happier to hear that really he was covering Eric Carmen. Either way, his version of “All By Myself” allowed us to see a vulnerability he doesn’t often show. He didn’t always nail the vocals, but I think he hit the notes that counted. He didn’t get glowing reviews, but I still liked this.

There was a lot of like tonight and not a lot of love. I wasn’t blown away, and actually think Johnny Ruffo’s performance was the strongest. What a topsy-turvy night! Given all that, I’m not even going to guess who’ll be in the bottom two tomorrow night. What do you think?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Jezabels Cover Art on Show

In this digital age, bands who care about their cover art are becoming increasingly rare. The Jezabels are one of those special acts who create albums that look as good as they sound. This is in large part due to the work of Australian artist Christopher Doyle. Some of his works, including his Jezabels covers, will grace the walls of Sydney’s Mart Gallery next month.

Christopher’s photography and design has helped defined The Jezabels’ aesthetic from their inception. This exhibition is a significant one for fans, as it’s the first time they can see the images in their original large formats, along with unreleased artwork and rare test shots. Limited edition prints will also be on sale, allowing devotees to take home a little piece of the band’s history.

“Chris is so important to us,” explained The Jezabels’ guitarist Sam Lockwood. “With our releases, he has repeatedly been able to understand the underlying message of our music, as well as our somewhat strange musical aesthetic. He has time and time again come up with beautiful, surreal, sublime and uncanny visual translations of the music we make. We talk about this between ourselves in the band – the way that Chris has helped us define what we do.”

Christopher Doyle’s work will be on show at the Mart Gallery in Surry Hills from December 8 to 14.

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ryan Adams Announces First Solo Aussie Tour

American alt-country hero Ryan Adams is winging his way back to Australia next year. Ryan’s brought his band The Cardinals here many times, but this will be the first time we’ve seen him solo.

The small, intimate venues announced should further tempt fans. I just wish I knew what Ryan we’re going to get. He’s notoriously temperamental, the kind of artist who’s going to play exactly what he wants. That’s not a bad thing per-se, but as I’ve always found his music a bit hit and miss it’s not something I can take a chance on, great venues or no. If I hear it was a Gold heavy-set in Sydney I’m going to kick myself though!

If you’ve got more confidence in Ryan’s ability to deliver you can grab your tickets on November 14.

25 February 2012 – Concert Hall, Perth
28 February 2012 – Opera House, Sydney
1 March 2012 – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane
3 March 2012 – Regent Theatre, Melbourne

Image source: 6tee-zeven @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Christina Bows Out of X Factor

I’m a bit late with my X Factor elimination recap this week. I always figure it’s best to steer clear of technology after a few drinks. I’d hate to think how a post-Melbourne Cup luncheon entry might turn out. Better late than never and typo-free though, right?

I’m not sure whether you can ever call results towards the pointy end of the competition shocks, but I was surprised to see both Christina Parie and Reece Mastin standing in the bottom two. I guess Johnny’s fans know he’s vulnerable and have been voting in droves. Christina’s performance was probably one of the weaker ones on Monday, but I didn’t expect we’d see Reece in the firing line yet.

Both acts did OK when singing for their life, but didn’t sing anywhere close to their best. I suspect nerves might have been to blame here. I thought Christina outsang Reece with her Avril Lavigne cover, but it was a close race. However Mel B was the only judge in her corner, with the rest of the panel opting to send her home. I think the right decision was made as Reece really has been Mr Consistency. Hopefully his fans will rally behind him to ensure he’s not in the bottom two next week.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Caulfield Breaks Out for Final 2011 Tour

Caulfield are taking time out from recording their debut album to enjoy one more 2011 tour.

The hard-rocking Sydney four-piece have been holed up in a studio working on the follow-up to their big EP Clarity in a Sea of Confusion, so no doubt they’re ready to get back in front of audiences.

This is a band that’s always done their best work on the stage, and I imagine these shows will be no exception. It all kicks off this Saturday on the Gold Coast before travelling down the East Coast and on to Adelaide for the final night.

Make sure you turn up early to catch Awaken I Am in the supporting slot at the following gigs.

5 November 2011 – Fever Nightclub, Gold Coast (18+)
6 November 2011 – Jubilee Hotel, Brisbane (18+)
11 November 2011 – Noise Bar, Melbourne (18+)
12 November 2011 – Footscray Youth Centre, Melbourne (All Ages)
17 November 2011 – Hot Damn, Sydney (18+)
19 November 2011 – Lucky Australia Tavern, Sydney (All Ages)
26 November 2011 – Black Market, Adelaide (18+)

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The X Factor Contestants Dance it Out

I must admit, I approached this week’s X Factor with some serious trepidation. Dance music really isn’t my thing. I don’t mind some old school disco, but I can take or leave the Rihannas, Beyonces, and Lady Gagas of this world. And considering the trend in recent weeks, I wasn’t feeling optimistic that the judges would head back to dance music’s heyday. But this is X Factor so I found myself tuning in in spite of myself.

Reece Mastin gave me the old school dance I was craving with a rock edge with a really cool version of “Staying Alive.” I’m not sure the mash-up of the Bee Gees track and “Kashmir” was completely successful, but it was really interesting. I think it’s smart to play with the songs and make them fit the artist. You wouldn’t ask an established musician to step outside their genre, so why should he?

Guy got song choice right again in giving Declan Sykes some Empire of the Sun. Sure the falsetto was thin and not always on the money, but on the whole this was still gorgeous. Declan doing dance could have gone all wrong, but with Guy guiding him Declan got it so right this week.

I expected a predictable modern dance song from Christina Parie, and I got it with David Guetta’s “When Love Takes Over.” Mel B really needs a few song choice pointers. I was nervous as so often this song gets screechy when performed. She managed to avoid that, but in doing so it seemed a bit under. Perhaps there’s just no pleasing me when it comes to this track.

I was hoping to hear Andrew Wishart busting out some old school funk. Sadly it didn’t happen but Nat Bass still got it right with David Guetta’s “Titanium.” It had the emotional heart that is missing in so many dance songs. He came through this week surprisingly well.

Johnny Ruffo again turned to one of his idols with Usher and David Guetta’s “Without You.” Again the vocals were under and again I was bored. He’s a lovely chap but I feel like his time is up.

Three Wishez made this child of the 80s very happy with their mash-up of Chaka Khan’s “I Feel for You” and Salt N Pepa’s “Push It.” They slayed it. I am so glad they did this instead of the Black Eyed Peas Mel B suggested. What a way to end the show?

We’re getting down to the nitty gritty now. I feel Johnny’s been biding his time for a while so he’s the obvious choice for the bottom three. He might be sharing the spotlight with Christina or Declan, but surely the judges have to send him packing this week, right?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jazz in the Vines @ Pokolbin, 29 October 2011

Australia’s festival calendar is always crowded, but every year I make time to take in at least one: Jazz in the Vines. Anyone who’s been knows why. You can always count on exceptional tunes, superb food and wine, and some of the friendliest music lovers you could ever meet. This year’s was a little greyer than usual, but that did nothing to dampen the spirits of all involved.

I arrived to the traditional jazz stylings of the NSW Police Band. They were such a tight outfit, and perfect for easing us in to the day. Their classic jazz tunes were a natural warm-up for Feel the Manouche featuring living legend George Washingmachine. Again this was a classic jazz set punctuated by the tunes of Cole Porter and the like. However the unlikely blend of violin, double bass, and piano accordion brought a lovely gypsy flavour to the music. It was mellow but stunning, a great backdrop for a casual lunch and a few glasses of wine.

The intensity picked up with Weird Assembly, an exciting ten-piece who played big brassy soulful grooves. I really enjoyed their sound, particularly the gutsy rasp of vocalist and sometimes saxophonist David Weir. Sadly his enthusiasm came off a little desperate at times. The Jazz in the Vines crowd certainly isn’t too shy to dance if they want to. The repeated pleas for more participation started to grate.

Lisa Hunt proved that when the moment is right, the punters will groove. She closed the festival a few years back, and with Saturday’s set she proved that excellent set was no fluke. She had the throng on its feet with her Motown and disco heavy performance. Perhaps The Four Tops and Thelma Houston numbers weren’t jazz, but no one seemed to mind one bit. While she performed admirably as a solo act the moment when she called on three audience members to serve as her Supremes was a real highlight. One girl’s killer vocals even threatened to upstage Ms Hunt’s!

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