Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Go Set Go Around Australia

Melbourne’s The Go Set are heading on the road to celebrate the release of their fourth album, Rising.

This unique band proudly wear their eclectic influences on their sleeve, finding inspiration from such diverse musical genres as traditional celtic music and and early seventies punk rock. The result is completely original, and totally unforgettable. Where else can you hear the bagpipes, accordion, and mandolin playing alongside some distorted heavy guitars?

Rising shows the band rediscovering their punk roots while adding new flavours of reggae and ska. It was recorded with famed US producer Jonathon Burnside (Melvins, NOFX, Sleepy Jackson) in Melbourne. It will be in stores this Saturday.
2008 has a been a busy year for the boys, who also found time to tour Japan and Europe, where they signed a deal with punk label Coretex. But now they’re back to wow local crowds. Check them out at the following dates.

10 October 2008 – ANU Bar, Canberra
11 October 2008 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney
17 October 2008 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
18 October 2008 – The Pub, Bendigo
19 October 2008 – National Hotel, Geelong (all ages)
23 October 2008 – Bon Amici, Toowoomba
24 October 2008 – Pig and Whistle, Maroochydore
25 October 2008 – Queen Street Mall, Brisbane (all ages)
25 October 2008 – The Jubilee, Brisbane
31 October 2008 – National Hotel, Geelong
1 November 2008 – Portland Bay Festival, Hobart
6 November 2008 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart
7 November 2008 – Batman Fawkner, Launceston
8 November 2008 – River Rocks @ Barwon Club, Geelong

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rob Guest Dies After Stroke

The Australian stage has lost one of its greats. Musical theatre star Rob Guest died last night at the age of 57.

He suffered a massive stroke on Tuesday night, and was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital suffering bleeding from the brain. He never recovered.

The English-born entertainer started his career as a pop star in New Zealand in the 70s before moving to Las Vegas in the 80s. But it was in Australia where he made his home. He came to play Jean Valjean in Les Miserables in 1991 and never left.

But he will be remembered most fondly as The Phantom of the Opera, a role he played a world record 2289 times over a nine-year period.

Before he passed away, Rob was playing The Wizard in the Melbourne production of Wicked.

Rob Guest is survived by his partner Kellie Dickerson and teenage children Christopher and Amy. He will be sorely missed.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Song Obsession: "Pennywhistle" by Augie March

Augie March are back again, and it’s been worth the wait. Their new song “Pennywhistle” is a jaunty little ditty which gets better with every listen. Glenn Richards is in fine voice here, and you’ll soon find yourself singing along. The film clip is also brilliant. If this doesn’t put a smile on your face this Humpday, nothing will!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

RuinGloria Prepare for American Assault

Congratulations to RuinGloria! The Sydney rockers just signed deals with American labels Red Dragon Booking and Maelstrom Music PR.

This awesome achievement will see the lads heading to Los Angeles in the New Year. Once there they’ll woo crowds with a 63-date three month tour to support their latest single “I’m Pretty Sure My Ex-Girlfriend Is a Vampire.”

But before wowing the United States, they’ve got a couple of local dates. Make sure you head out to check out Australia’s latest success story!

3 October 2008 – Caringbah Bizzos, Sydney
18 October 2008 – Sonar @ Luna Park, Milsons Point
14 November 2008 – Frogstomp, Windsor

Image source: RuinGloria MySpace

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Olivia Newton-John Headlines Star Studded Charity Concert in Sydney

Olivia Newton-John showed she’s still got it last night, leading a star-studded bill for a charity concert at Sydney’s State Theatre.

“It’s a bit of a dream to be on stage with someone who’s had such an impact on the musical world,” said Guy Sebastian who did his best John Travolta on the night, joining Livvy for a duet of Summer Nights.

“And I can’t believe she is 60 years old – she’s beautiful and still an amazing performer.”

Some of the artists – including James Reyne, Melinda Schneider, and Chantelle Delaney – walked the Great Wall of China with Olivia earlier this year. Others including Todd McKenney, Kate Ceberano, Christine Anu, and Ian Moss were old friends.

All money raised from last night’s performance was donated to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre Appeal.

Image source: Leahshia Gaston @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Howie Day Returns to Oz

You might remember me raving about the Howie Day shows I saw a few months ago. I became a fan of this talented American singer songwriter when he released his debut album in 2000, and it was worth the wait when he finally toured here with Whitley eight years later.

The positive response Howie received on his first trip has encouraged him to embark on his own headline tour! If you didn’t catch him the first time, don’t make the same mistake again. This man is one of the most amazing performers I’ve seen. Add the appeal of some intimate venues and you’ve got the recipe for some unmissable shows. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Catch Howie at the following venues later this year!

27 November 2008 – The Troubadour, Brisbane
28 November 2008 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney
29 November 2008 – Jive, Adelaide
30 November 2008 – Queenscliff Music Festival
3 December 2008 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
4 December 2008 – East Brunswick Club, Melbourne

Image sourc: VickieVictoria @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

AC/DC The Game

If you’ve ever fancied yourself as Angus Young or Brian Johnson here’s your chance. An AC/DC version of the Rock Band game will be released around the world. AC/DC Rock Band Track Pack will allow players to experience full live Acca Dacca tracks with Rock Band, Rock Band 2 or other compatible music game peripherals.

Like the band’s Black Ice album, the game will be available exclusively through Wal-mart stores in the US. But that’s not all. Wal-Mart will set up special AC/DC sections in their stores to sell the band’s CDs, DVDs, T-shirts, and other merch.

But we’re not going to miss out here in Oz. The game will hit US stores in November, with Europe, Australia, and New Zealand to follow in December.

Here’s the complete track listing!
AC/DC Rock Band Track Pack Song List

  1. “Thunderstruck”
  2. “Shoot to Thrill”
  3. “Back in Black”
  4. “Hell Ain’t a Bad Place to Be”
  5. “Heatseeker”
  6. “Fire Your Guns”
  7. “Jailbreak”
  8. “The Jack”
  9. “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap”
  10. “Moneytalks”
  11. “Hells Bells”
  12. “High Voltage”
  13. “Whole Lotta Rosie”
  14. “You Shook Me All Night Long”
  15. “T.N.T.”
  16. “Let There Be Rock”
  17. “Highway To Hell”
  18. “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)”

Image source: John Charlton @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

AC/DC Top Influential Aussie Albums List

AC/DC’s Back in Black has been named the most influential Australian album of all time. The rock classic took top honours in the poll voted on by a GQ magazine panel.

Acca Dacca’s international smash edged out the disco stylings of Saturday Night Fever, The Bee Gees triumphant soundtrack.

Iconic albums from The Saints, The Birthday Party, and The Easybeats rounded out the top five.

These sort of lists always generate controversy and conversation, but I think the panel’s done a pretty good job. I don’t agree with everything that made the cut, but I think it’s a really great representation of the different facets and changing times of Australian music. I’m really surprised that The Whitlams and John Farnham didn’t rate a mention, especially considering Rick Springfield did, but no list is perfect, is it?

The list will be published in GQ’s 2008 Music Issue, which hits newsstands on Wednesday. Until then, take a sneak peek at the full top 50!

GQ’s 50 Most Influential Australian Albums of All Time

  1. Back in Black – AC/DC
  2. Saturday Night Fever – The Bee Gees
  3. I’m Stranded – Saints
  4. Junkyard – The Birthday Party
  5. Absolute Anthology – Easybeats
  6. Since I Left You  – The Avalanches
  7. East – Cold Chisel
  8. Blood Red River – Scientists
  9. Crowded House – Crowded House
  10. Young Modern – Silverchair
  11. The Good Son – Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds
  12. Kylie – Kylie
  13. Diesel and Dust – Midnight Oil
  14. Kick – INXS
  15. Radios Appear – Radio Birdman
  16. Quasimodo’s Dream – Reels
  17. Tribal Voice – Yothu Yindi
  18. Hourly Daily – You Am I
  19. Liberty Bell and the Black Diamond Express – Go Betweens
  20. Gossip – Paul Kelly and the Coloured Girls
  21. Starfish – The Church –
  22. Dead Can Dance – Dead Can Dance
  23. Love Buzz – Hummingbirds
  24. True Colours – Split Enz
  25. Magic Box – The Loved Ones
  26. Calenture – Triffids
  27. Girls on the Avenue – Richard Clapton
  28. The Honeymoon Is Over – The Cruel Sea
  29. It’s a Man’s Man’s World – Renee Geyer
  30. Doughboy Hollow – Died Pretty
  31. Sad and Dangerous – Dirty Three
  32. Divinyls – Divinyls
  33. Sunset Studies – Augie March
  34. Flash and the Pan – Flash and the Pan
  35. Spirit of the Place – Goanna
  36. The Night of the Wolverine – Dave Graney and the Coral Snakes –
  37. Mars Needs Guitars –  Hoodoo Gurus
  38. Human Family – Hunters and Collectors
  39. Primitive Man – Icehouse
  40. Highlights of a Dangerous Life – The Johnny’s
  41. Grand Slam – Spiderbait
  42. The Pleasure of your Company – Models
  43. Business as Usual  – Men at Work
  44. Unit – Regurgitator
  45. Savage Garden – Savage Garden
  46. Working Class Dog – Rick Springfield
  47. Aztecs Live! At Sunbury – Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs
  48. Leaves Me Blind – Underground Lovers
  49. Countdown Silver Jubilee – Various Artists
  50. Cannot Buy My Soul (A Kev Carmody Tribute) – Various Artists

Image source: Wikimedia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tom Williams Leaves Australian Idol

Teen heart-throb Tom Williams‘ winning run on Australian Idol came to an end tonight. The 16-year-old cutie pie found himself in the bottom three with Teale Jakubenko and Madam Parker.

Teale had a really solid night, and Madam Parker simply suffered from poor song choice. Tom on the other hand hasn’t had a good week yet. It looks like the audience agreed because he got the vote. I’d like to think my vote for Teale contributed in some small way.

Next week the Idols will grab their platforms and flares for Abba night. Those restrictive themes are always a bit scary, but I think these guys have the skills to pull out some surprisingly wonderful performances. We’ll see!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

EMI Launches Online MP3 Store

EMI Australia has become the first local record label to open an online store. Musicheadmp3.com offers around 500, 000 tracks from the EMI back catalogue to digital downloaders.

“Our goal is always to offer consumers the best possible digital music experience – in all senses of the word,” affirmed EMI Australia Chairman, Mark Poston.

“EMI was the first of the majors to provide DRM-free downloads and I see this as a further extension of our commitment to making the music from our extraordinary artists readily available (and legally) – to Australian consumers whenever and wherever they want it.”

You can check out the new site at http://musicheadmp3.com.

Image source: Wikimedia Commons