Today I’m shining the spotlight on the other music blogs who’ve posted their ultimate desert island discs. I know this was a really tough ask for many of us (how can you choose just ten?), but I hope we turn you on to some cool new records, and inspire you to rediscover some forgotten classics.
Dave’s not too keen on the idea of getting stuck on a desert island, but he believes the experience would be a lot more pleasant if he could take these 10 British albums. I think he could be right!
Like me, Jennifer at Hippie Sounds struggled to whittle her favourite albums down to just ten. But those ten are doozies. I’d hope to be marooned on the same desert island so I could listen to hers!
While Jennifer prefers her music chilled out, Scott at Metal Martyr loves to rock. So as you’d expect, his top 10 offers some must-have metal recordings. Rock on!
Roberta also loves to rock. While Ear Sucker tends to serve up news about poppier fare, Roberta apparently prefers to listen to some Megadeth, Metallica, and Slayer. But her desert island list isn’t all about heavy metal. Check it out! Her list gets a thumbs up from me for including Matchbox Twenty’s “Mad Season.”
Bruce at Our Digital Music offers up a real mixed bag. While he has the freedom to choose virtually anything, it was obviously challenging to come up with his top 10. I hated to leave Ray LaMontagne behind (Aussies only you know!), so I’m thrilled that “Trouble” made Bruce’s list.
Deb at She Plays Music serves up some wondeful albums from the girls with her desert island list. From Bonnie Raitt to Melissa Etheridge and Aretha Franklin, there’s a lot of diversity and cool music here.
Sammi stuck to fairly modern releases to compile her desert island list at 52 Bands. She’s got a great collection of music here, including some of my favourites like Rufus Wainwright and Barenaked Ladies.
So we know what the b5media crew think, but what about you? If you were stranded on a desert island with only 10 albums, what would they be?
Here at the b5media music channel, we’ve been chatting about the albums we’d take if we were stranded on a desert island. Sure this list isn’t entirely practical. After all, we rarely get to take the things we want when we’re stranded, and when we get there the batteries in our discman probably won’t last very long.
Honestly, the only purpose such a list does serve is to clue our readers into some of our favourite albums around. They may not be the coolest, or the most critically acclaimed, but each recording means something to us. My Aussie-flavoured list is below. When you finish reading it, make sure you check out some of the other desert island must-haves around the music channel today!
East by Cold Chisel This classic album from Cold Chisel is almost like a best of recording, with songs like “Choir Girl,” “Rising Sun,” “Ita” and “Cheap Wine.” It’s the perfect showcase of Don Walker’s lyrical genius, Mossy’s guitar prowess, and Barnesy’s trademark rock rasp.
Standout track: “Cheap Wine”
White Monkey by Danielle Spencer
She’s better known as Mrs Russell Crowe these days, but in the early part of this decade Danielle Spencer was making some brilliant music. White Monkey features ethereal vocals, lyrics steeped in fairy-tale allusions, electronic melodies, and a whole lot of feminine angst.
Standout track: “White Monkey”
Polyserena by George
Vocalists Katie and Tyrone Noonan help make this album one of surprising diversity. Her songs feature soaring sweet vocals, while his are darker and moodier. There’s a reason why this album won as many awards as it did.
Standout track: “Special Ones”
Torch the Moon by The Whitlams
This album had to make the list for its variety, with tracks ranging from raucous pop songs to plaintive ballads. While many regard Eternal Nightcap as The Whitlams crowning glory, this disc wins by a nose for me. Tim Freedman is in fine form here, living up to his reputation as one of Australia’s great lyrical poets.
Standout track: “Royal in the Afternoon”
Affirmation by Savage Garden I wasn’t sure whether to include Savage Garden’s debut here instead, but in the end their second album won out. My love of “Two Beds and a Coffee Machine” made the decision for me, but there’s much more to this album than this standout track. It’s unashamedly pop, with some surprisingly moving moments.
Standout track: “Two Beds and a Coffee Machine”
Counting Down by Human Nature
The lads from Human Nature have been the butt of many jokes for years, but the truth is they’re very good at what they do. They proved it on their second album, Counting Down. It was a dramatic departure from the bubblegum pop of their debut, combining elements of funk and blue-eyed soul. I may not be a teenage girl anymore, but I still love this.
Standout track: “Counting Down”
Flesh and Wood by Jimmy Barnes Flesh and Wood was also a bit of a departure for Jimmy Barnes. Everyone’s favourite Aussie rocker is better known for screaming his guts out than really singing, but that’s exactly what he does here. Friends like Diesel, Joe Cocker, The Badloves, and Tommy Emmanuel also lend a hand. This is one of those discs I rediscover every now and then, and it always blows me away.
Standout track: “Guilty”
… And The Horse You Rode In On! by James Reyne
Australians all know the songs on this album, tracks made famous by Australian Crawl and James Reyne. But … And The Horse You Rode In On! is more than a best of collection. This album takes these familiar tracks and gives them an acoustic twist, allowing them a new lease of life. I love the simplicity of these raw recordings, which why this makes the list.
Standout track: “Errol”
3000 Feet High by Paul Mac I’d never thought much of techno king Paul Mac’s early work, but when he released 3000 Feet High I stood up and took notice. He maintains his electronic sensibilities but creates songs that resonate beyond the dance floor. The guest vocals by Peta Morris, Abby Dobson, Tex Perkins, and Jacqui Hunt are outstanding. If I feel like grooving on the desert island, I’ll slip this in.
Standout track: “Just the Thing”
World Gone Crazy by The Screaming Jets If I’m stranded on a desert island, I’ll want to hear something that reminds me of home. As a proud Novacastrian, that something is the sounds of The Screaming Jets. This is pub rock served straight up. While World Gone Crazy didn’t have big singles like “Better” or “Helping Hand,” I think it’s their most consistent body of work.
Standout track: “Elvis (I Remember)”
Silverchair became the most celebrated artist in ARIA history last night taking home five trophies, including their first album of the year title for Young Modern.
The album was also named best rock album. The record’s first single, “Straight Lines” was awarded trophies for single of the year and highest-selling single of the year, while the lads from Newcastle were fittingly named best band. This takes their total ARIA haul to a whopping 19 gongs.
While Silverchair stole the show with their clean sweep, the rest of the awards were fairly evenly distributed. Missy Higgins was the obvious choice for best female artist, while Gotye upset more fancied competition to take home the best male artist award.
Sneaky Sound System were nominated for more awards than anyone else, but as it turned out they only left with two gongs. They were named best breakthrough artist, while their self-titled debut was named best dance album.
John Butler Trio’s fantastic Grand National was named best blues and roots album and best independent release. John took the opportunity to say how proud he is to be part of the socially and environmentally conscious Australian music community.
Operator Please are tipped to be the next big thing all over the world, so it was little surprise to see them take home the breakthrough single award for “A Song About Ping Pong.” They had just about everyone in the audience on their feet when they gave an energetic performance of the song later in the night.
Keith Urban took home the best country album for Love, Pain and the Whole Crazy Thing, but he was almost upstaged by wife Nicole Kidman. While all eyes were on the Hollywood actress for much of the night, Keith took the spotlight with a killer duet with John Butler. The pair played a fantastic rendition of “Funky Tonight,” which I couldn’t resist including here in case you missed it!
Nick Cave may have been the only person formally inducted into the Hall of Fame last night, but he used his acceptance speech to unofficially induct his former Bad Seeds and Birthday Party bandmates. As his presentation was close to the end of the night, it’s unknown whether Nick managed to get that kebab after all.
Here’s the complete list of winners:
Hall of Fame Inductee:Nick Cave
Album of the Year: Silverchair – Young Modern
Single of the Year: Silverchair – “Straight Lines”
Best Group: Silverchair – Young Modern
Best Rock Album: Silverchair – Young Modern
Motorola Highest Selling Single: Silverchair – “Straight Lines”
Best Blues and Roots Album: The John Butler Trio – Grand National
Best Independent Release: The John Butler Trio – Grand National
Best Dance Release Sneaky Sound System – Sneaky Sound System
Breakthrough Artist Album: Sneaky Sound System – Sneaky Sound System
Best Male Artist: Gotye – Mixed Blood
Best Female Artist: Missy Higgins – On A Clear Night Best Music DVD: You Am I – Who Are They, These Rock Stars? Live At The Mint
Best Adult Contemporary Album: Josh Pyke – Memories & Dust
Best Pop Release: Sarah Blasko – What The Sea Wants, The Sea Will Have
Best Urban Release: Hilltop Hoods – The Hard Road Restrung
Best Comedy Release: Dave Hughes – Live Best Children’s Album: The Wiggles – Pop Go The Wiggles
Best Country Album: Keith Urban – Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy Thing
Breakthrough Artist Single: Operator Please – “Just A Song About Ping Pong”
Motorola Highest Selling Album: Damien Leith – The Winner’s Journey
Best Classical Album: Richard Tognetti, Australian Chamber Orchestra – Bach Violin Concertos
Best Jazz Album: Mike Nock & Dave Liebman – Duologue
Best Original Soundtrack/Cast/Show Album: Choir of Hard Knocks – Choir of Hard Knocks
Best World Music Album: Zulya – 3 Nights
Best Cover Art: Aaron Hayward & David Homer (Debaser) – Powderfinger – Dream Days At The Hotel Existence
Best Video: Paul Goldman & Alice Bell – Silverchair – “Straight Lines”
Engineer of the Year: Wayne Connolly – Josh Pyke – Memories & Dust
Producer of the Year: Wayne Connolly & Josh Pyke – Josh Pyke – Memories & Dust
Last night was all about Australian music on Channel Ten, and Australian Idol was no exception. The final five honoured our country’s great music by performing some classic hits and new Aussie tunes.
Judge Mark Holden stepped out from behind the desk this week to mentor the Idols in the studio. All the aspiring singers said they benefited from Mark’s experience.
Matt Corby kicked off the night with a cover of Thirsty Merc’s “20 Good Reasons.” This should have been a good song for Matt, at least if you believe the rumours about his recent split with his girlfriend. However, I didn’t really feel this performance. It was competent, but I think he needs to take it to the next level if he’s going to live up to the hype and be there at the Opera House.
While Matt’s performance was lacklustre, Natalie Gauci’s was sensational. When I heard she was performing “Boys in Town” I was pretty excited, and she didn’t let me down. This is such a strong, gutsy song, and she really delivered it. I was actually a little choked up when she finished! She’s showing more of herself every week, and I’m really enjoying watching her.
I was a bit more nervous when I heard Marty Simpson was taking on the Powderfinger smash, “These Days.” I was so sure he’d tackle a bluesier John Butler Trio song, and wasn’t sure whether he had the depth to pull off this rock ballad. I’m proud to say, he did. Marty’s another competitor who’s showing enormous growth when it counts.
Tarisai Vushe took on The Veronicas’ “When It All Falls Apart,” but she’ll probably be remembered for her tantrum rather than her singing performance. Like many on the Idol forums, Mark and Dicko again commented that they felt little real emotion in her performance. So is she fake? There’s no question that she sang the song well, hitting all the notes just right. But I still feel a wall between her and the audience when she sings. She does seem to hold a lot of herself back, which may be fakery or it may just be nerves. I will say that outbursts like this will endear her to no one.
Carl Riseley closed the show with his cover of Little River Band’s “Reminiscing.” It was a perfect song choice, and despite his sore throat hampering his vocals Carl pulled it off. It’s funny, isn’t it? Technically this probably wasn’t as good as what Tarisai did. But he’s just so likeable that it’s easier to forgive any flaws.
So tonight we’ll say farewell to one more. My money’s on Tarisai to go. There’s a lot of negative publicity out there, and at the end of the day this really is a popularity contest.
It’s ARIAs day, a time to reflect on the awesome music Australia has produced over the past year. If you love our own version of the Grammys as much as me, you’ll want to stay glued to Channel Ten tonight.
At 7 pm they’ve got the red carpet special. This is mostly an opportunity to gawk at the sexy dresses and see who came with who. The Veronicas and Ricki-Lee Coulter will also perform, reminding us that while the fashions are nice this is about the music!
Then at 7:30 pm Australian Idol will serve up some homegrown hits. This week the Idols will each tackle a song made famous by an Australian artist. I’m particularly looking forward to Natalie Gauci tearing up The Divinyls’ “Boys in Town.”
Then at 8:30pm there’s the big one, the 21st Annual ARIA Music Awards. Can Sneaky Sound System sweep the pool as predicted, or will we see a few upsets? This dynamic dance outfit will perform during the awards, as will Silverchair, Powderfinger, Gotye, Operator Please, Kate Miller-Heidke, and Missy Higgins. But the stand-out should be a duet between Keith Urban and John Butler – look out for it!
My latest song obsession is from 18-year-old soul singer Eran James. He first caught my eye when he released his debut album three years ago. I couldn’t believe how much talent this teen had.
Now he’s back with this summery slice of blue-eyed soul, “Touched By Love.” It’s the perfect soundtrack for a chilled-out weekend at home, don’t you think? Speaking of, I think it’s about time that I started enjoying mine!
Jet drummer Chris Cester has announced his award-winning rock band are taking an indefinite break.
In a statement on the band’s MySpace page, he joked “We’ve all given ourselves 100% pay cuts, which means we are all fired.”
It seems years of relentless touring have taken their toll, with Chris adding that “We sat ourselves down and realised that with all the time we have spent away from home, Jet could finally use some down time.”
That down time is likely to give the band members the opportunity to work on solo projects and other musical endeavours. Nic Cester will be playing some solo sets, Cam Muncey is reportedly writing new material, and Mark Wilson and Chris Cester have recently done some production work for Japanese band Superfly.
Something tells me the lads won’t completely disappear from our radar any time soon.
November is Ausmusic Month on Triple J and the ABC’s jtv live! The radio station and their sister television program are serving up some great talent to celebrate.
Starting on Thursday November 1, the ABC will screen six massive local concerts. The fun will kick off with John Butler Trio’s performance in Melbourne’s Federation Square.
In the following weeks you can catch shows by Missy Higgins, Powderfinger, Grinspoon, and The Cat Empire.
The concerts will screen on ABC at 11.25 pm every Thursday in November. If you have digital television you can watch it at the more civilised time of 9.30 pm on Tuesdays.
Triple J has always been a big supporter of local music, but you can expect to hear even more of it in November.
The station will kick off the month with a massive party on the roof of their Sydney studio. Triple J listeners could win passes to enjoy a free Aussie BBQ and live performances by Clare Bowditch, Tim Rogers, and Gotye. Of course, if you don’t win you can always listen to the show on the radio.
Stay tuned to the ABC and Triple J next month for your Aussie music fix!
Nick Cave will be the toast of the ARIAs when he’s inducted into the Hall of Fame this Sunday, but it’s an honour he’d rather do without.
“I’m actually dreading it to be completely honest because I have to go to the ARIA Awards,” Cave said.
“That’s something I’ve been avoiding for 25 years because I think it’s so fucking tedious.”
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Australia’s Prince of Darkness is actually planning to escape after his induction and get a kebab!
So we won’t expect him at the after-party then? I seriously doubt it. When The Herald asked the Aussie ex-pat whether he was keen to catch up with his local contemporaries he sarcastically replied “Yes, I’m desperately excited, I’m extremely excited to hang out with Powderfinger.”
Ouch! If it’s going to be that much of a drudge Nick, it’s not too late to back out!
Ex-Bardot poppette Sophie Monk has bared all for a spicy new ad campaign. The advertisement for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) encourages people to become vegetarians.
I’m not quite sure whether the image of a naked Sophie on a bed of chilli peppers will persuade people to give up their steak, but it’s worth a shot. You can check out the sexy ad here.
Sophie practices what she preaches. She’s been a vegetarian since she was a teenager, and said the decision is good for her, and animals.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that going vegetarian has made me feel better not only physically but also because I learned about the suffering of animals who are raised and killed for food,” Monk said.
“I feel good knowing that I’m not contributing to that.”
Sophie’s fiancé, Good Charlotte’s Benji Madden is also a vegetarian, which must make it a lot easier at mealtimes!
