Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

More Great Australian Albums

Like all good music history buffs, I was glued to my television when SBS aired the first season of Great Australian Albums. But with just four album profiles, it was simply far too short! Thankfully it’s back again this year bringing us four more Aussie gems.

Season two kicks off at 10 pm this Saturday with a look at The Go-Between’s 16 Lovers Lane. The series will also include profiles on the brilliant Murder Ballads by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Human Frailty by Hunters and Collectors, and Odyssey Number Five by Powderfinger.

What a great collection of albums. I can’t wait.

Great Australian Albums will screen after the new episodes of RockWiz. With that sort of double, music fans might have to start staying home on Saturday nights!

Image source: Dey @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Australian Idol Gets Top 24

The wannabes and attention seekers are long gone, and Australian Idol now has a top 24. I haven’t written about this season yet, partly because the action has been so fast and furious, but now as we head towards the finals I figured I’d share my views.

There’s been some major changes this year, and so far so good. I thought it was great to tear through the auditions by screening them every night of the week. I think the top 100 night was less successful though. By cramming all that action into a single episode, rather than the usual two, we missed a lot of singing. Having said that, there were some really positive changes in the format like scrapping the group songs and bringing in a band and audience. And I love that we now know who makes up our top 24.

And it’s a really solid group of performers. They represent so many musical styles, but generally they seem to come from a really organic place. You won’t see any manufactured pop princesses in this bunch. Many of my early favourites made the cut including Matthew Parsons, Roshani Priddis, Chrislyn Hamilton, James Spargo, and Wes Carr.

But there were a few questionable choices. I’m sure the teenage girls will flip over young Tom Williams, but his dodgy Top 100 performances tell me he’s not really ready for the comp. I’d have much rather seen his place go to Simon Phillips who wowed me in the auditions, only to be glimpsed during the Top 100 show. Such is the nature of this compressed format. He apparently didn’t crash and burn spectacularly like my other fave Casey Freeman, so his disappearance puzzles me.

Tomorrow night the semifinals start. This year we’re doing mixed groups, which makes so much more sense to me. Talent isn’t gender based, so I never understood why we needed an even mix. You can catch the semis over the next four nights and the wildcard round on Sunday.

After that we’ve got the newly revamped finals. The introduction of a “Sing for Your Life” round on Mondays should make for a much more interesting watch. Hopefully it’ll also ensure the good contestants don’t leave just because their fans thought they were safe. If only we had it last year, we might not have lost Ben McKenzie!

Here are the Australian Idol Top 24, and the nights your favourites will sing!

Semifinal 1 (Monday 1 September)

  • Chrislyn Hamilton
  • Jaden Dowd
  • Mitchell Steele
  • Nicole Banks
  • Olly Corpe
  • Wes Carr

Semifinal 2 (Tuesday 2 September)

  • Amanda Grafanakis
  • Brooke Wilkie
  • Luke Dickens
  • Natalie Colavito
  • Thanh Bui
  • Tom Williams

Semifinal 3 (Wednesday 3 September)

  • Brooke Schubert
  • Mark Spano
  • Matthew Parsons
  • Roshani Priddis
  • Sophie Paterson
  • Teale Jakubenko

Semifinal 4 (Thursday 4 September)

  • Brooke Addamo
  • Irae Schwenke
  • James Spargo
  • Jonny Taylor
  • Kayla Vanzetta
  • Madam Parker

Image source: Wikimedia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Diesel’s "Days Like These" Tour

Aussie music legend Diesel is heading out on the road for a massive tour to promote his latest album Days Like These.

The disc is a return to the rock sound Diesel’s famous for, and this back-to-basics approach will be reflected in the intimate shows.

“It was just the three of us,” says Diesel. “Myself, Richie Vez on bass and Lee Moloney on drums. I kept it really off-the-cuff. I went with the flow, where the style was going when we were jamming. It’s a new spin on old ground.”

When Diesel says he’s touring Australia, he’s really touring Australia. South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, the ACT, Western Australia, and Tasmania all get a look in. It sort of makes you sorry for the Northern Territory, doesn’t it?

Here are all the dates!

3 and 4 October 2008 – Norwoood Tavern
10 October 2008 – Ballina RSL
11 October 2008 – Hoey Moey Hotel, Coffs Harbour
12 October 2008 – Harrigan’s, Harrington
18 October 2008 – York Theatre @ The Seymour Centre, Sydney
24 and 25 October 2008 – Palms @ Crown, Melbourne
29 and 30 October 2008 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
31 October 2008 – Epping Club
1 November 2008 – Belmont 16 Footers
7 November 2008 – Charles Hotel, Perth
8 November 2008 – Bridgetown Blues Festival
9 November 2008 – Fly By Night, Fremantle
12 November 2008 – The Globe, Brisbane
13 November 2008 – Redcliffe RSL Club
14 November 2008 – Victoria Point Sharks Club
16 November 2008 – The Coolangatta Hotel
20 November 2008 – Hunter Valley Brewery, Maitland
21 November 2008 – Mittagong RSL
22 November 2008 – The Auditorium, Canberra
23 November 2008 – Waves, Wollongong
27 November 2008 – Davey’s Hotel, Frankston
28 November 2008 – East Brunswick Club
29 November 2008 – Ferntree Gully Hotel
30 November 2008 – Hallam Hotel
4 December 2008 – Annandale Hotel
5 December 2008 – Revesby Workers Club
6 December 2008 – Rooty Hill RSL
11 and 14 December 2008 – Republic Bar, Hobart
12 December 2008 – Sirocco’s, Burnie
13 December 2008 – Batman Faulkner, Launceston
18-21 December 2008 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber

Image source: Diesel media gallery

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Snoop Dogg Tour in Doubt

Snoop Dogg hopes to visit Australia for a massive tour with Ice Cube in October. But with the Aussie government launching a full investigation into his criminal past, it may not happen.

Snoop, aka Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr, applied for a visa last month. Provisional approval was granted, but that doesn’t mean he’s in the clear just yet.

“That process is in line with the procedures established by the previous government on the consideration of visa applicants,” a Department of Immigration spokesman said.

“Mr Broadus has not been granted a visa, there are further steps required beyond character assessment before a visa is granted. The department has now decided to do a full assessment of the character of Mr Broadus.”

This is the same department responsible for Snoop cancelling his Australian tour plans last year, so I won’t hold my breath for them granting his visa this time.

Cancelling the latest tour would be a crushing blow to Australian urban fans still reeling from the repeated postponements of tours from Mary J. Blige and Timbaland. Can’t we let in the hip hop stars who actually want to be here?

Image source: Janet Dancer @ Flickr 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Augie March for Nix!

It’s been a long term since we’ve heard anything new from the sublime Augie March. The lads in the band appreciate that, so they’re offering up free downloads of their brand new track!

“Watch Me Disappear” is the title song from the band’s forthcoming full length album. It was recorded with Joe Chiccarelli, famous for his work with Beck and The White Stripes. Get it now at Augie March’s official website!

Image source: jeaneem @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Missy Higgins On Leno and On Tour!

Keep an eye out for Australia’s own Missy Higgins on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno this week. She’ll perform her amazing ballad “Where I Stood” on the show on Thursday August 28. And with timezones being as they are, that’s the following day for Aussies.

If you’re like me and still living without pay TV you can check out her performance afterwards at the NBC website.

The Leno appearance is great timing for Missy who’s just about to embark on two massive American tours. Next month she sets out with the Indigo Girls, before joining Ben Folds for his tour. What wonderful exposure for this incredible Aussie artist!

Here are all Missy’s upcoming shows!

Indigo Girls with Missy Higgins support
11 September 2008 – Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, Spartanburg, SC
12 September 2008 – South Carolina Shoreline Ballroom, Hilton Head Island, SC
13 September 2008 – Chastain Park Amphitheatre, Atlanta, GA
14 September 2008 – Neighborhood Theatre, Charlotte, NC
16 September 2008 – NorVa, Norfolk, VA
17 September 2008 – Rams Head Live!, Baltimore, MD
19 September 2008 – Stamford Center For The Arts, Stamford, CT
20 September 2008 – Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy, NY
21 September 2008 – Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Great Barrington, MA
22 September 2008 – Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Verona, NY

Ben Folds with Missy Higgins support
24 September 2008 – DAR Constitution Hall, Washington, DC
26 September 2008 – Orpheum Theatre, Boston, MA
27 September 2008 – University Of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
30 September and 1 October 2008 – Terminal 5, New York, NY
3 October 2008 – Embassy Theatre, Fort Wayne, IN
4 October 2008 – Whitney Hall, Louisville, KY
8 October 2008 – Ohio University, Athens, OH
9 October 2008 – The Fillmore Detroit, Detroit, MI
10 October 2008 – Congress Theater, Chicago, IL
11 October 2008 – Resch Center, Green Bay, WI
16 October 2008 – The Pageant, Saint Louis, MO
17 October 2008 – Myth, Saint Paul, MN
22 October 2008 – Uptown Theater, Kansas City, MO
23 October 2008 – Palladium Ballroom, Dallas, TX
24 October 2008 – Warehouse Live, Houston, TX
25 October 2008 – Stubb’s Bar-B-Q /Waller Creek Ampitheatre, Austin, TX
13 November 2008 – Warfield Theatre, San Francisco, CA
14 November 2008 – The Wiltern, Los Angeles, CA

Image source: Missy Higgins downloads page

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sneaky Sound System Tops Charts

Many have tried but it’s taken Sneaky Sound System to push the Mama Mia soundtrack from the top spot. The Aussie dance trio’s second album, appropriately named 2, is sitting pretty at the top of the ARIA charts.

Xavier Rudd’s newie Dark Shades of Blue has made an impressive debut, landing at number five in its maiden week.

The Whitlams best of Truth, Beauty, and a Picture of You has slipped a few places, but it’s still hanging around in the top 10. It’s at number seven this week.

The Veronicas are the lone local act to crack to singles top 10. Their latest effort “Take Me On The Floor” is at number seven.

Here’s the full top ten!

Australian singles chart

  1. “All Summer Long” – Kid Rock
  2. “I Kissed A Girl” – Katy Perry
  3. “Shake It” – Metro Station
  4. “So What” – P!nk
  5. “When I Grow Up” – The Pussycat Dolls
  6. “Just Dance” – Lady GaGa
  7. “Take Me On The Floor” – The Veronicas
  8. “I’m Yours” – Jason Mraz
  9. “Disturbia” – Rihanna
  10. “Forever” – Chris Brown

Australian albums chart

  1. 2 – Sneaky Sound System
  2. Mamma Mia! – Soundtrack
  3. Viva La Vida – Coldplay
  4. We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. – Jason Mraz
  5. Dark Shades Of Blue – Xavier Rudd
  6. Exclusive – Chris Brown
  7. Truth, Beauty And A Picture Of You: Best Of The Whitlams – The Whitlams
  8. Oracular Spectacular – MGMT
  9. Abba Gold – Abba
  10. Good Girl Gone Bad – Rihanna

Image source: Sunrise.seven @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Katie Noonan Signs with Sony BMG

The gorgeous Katie Noonan has just signed a new record deal with Sony BMG Australia that will see her release a new album by the end of the year.

“I have admired Katie from her first release and I am delighted that she has joined our label. We will be releasing her new studio album in October and I am sure it will gain her even further acclaim from existing and new fans here and abroad,” said Sony BMG Chairman Denis Handlin.

Katie will head to New York shortly to record the release with some massive names. Her band will include original Miles Davis quartet member Lewis Nash, Grammy-award winning saxophonist Joe Lovano, jazz guitar legend John Scofield, and Melbourne’s own Sam Keevers. I thought Katie’s first solo effort Skin was brilliant, so I can’t wait to hear this star-studded new release!

Image source: Ina Banina @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jackson Browne Brings Friends for Massive Aussie Shows

Five years ago I saw Jackson Browne perform at Bimbadgen Estate as part of the Day on the Green concert series. It was one of the most amazing shows I’ve ever seen, so I’m thrilled to see Jackson’s heading back to our shores to support the release of his latest album, Time The Conqueror.

Jackson on his own is worth seeing. Jackson with the sort of support acts he’s recruited for this tour is unmissable. We’ve got American songstress Toni Childs, Whitlams’ frontman Tim Freedman, and Aussie music legend Richard Clapton. Not all shows have all these artists, but when they all get together, boy, it’ll be amazing. I’m so excited that I live close enough to the Hunter Valley that I can catch this awesome foursome on the same bill.

Tickets go on sale on September 5. This will be the sort of concert people will talk about for years. Make sure you don’t miss out. Here are all the dates!

27 February 2009 – Riverstage, Brisbane (with Tim Freedman, Toni Childs, and Richard Clapton)
28 February 2009 – Tempus Two Winery, Hunter Valley (with Tim Freedman, Toni Childs, and Richard Clapton)
2 March 2009 – Harbour Theatre, Sydney (with Tim Freedman)
5 March 2009 – Palais, Sydney (with Tim Freedman)
7 March 2009 – Sutton Grange Winery, Sutton Grange (with Tim Freedman, Toni Childs, and Richard Clapton)
10 March 2009 – Entertainment Centre, Townsville (with Tim Freedman, Toni Childs, and Richard Clapton)
11 March 2009 – Convention Centre, Cairns (with Tim Freedman, Toni Childs, and Richard Clapton)
14 March 2009 – Kings Park, Perth (with Tim Freedman and Toni Childs)
15 March 2009 – Festival Theatre, Adelaide (with Tim Freedman)

Image source: Minds-eye @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Liam Gallagher Loves Gabriella Cilmi

Aussie teen superstar Gabriella Cilmi has an unexpected fan: Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher! The loud-mouthed Brit says “Sweet About Me” is his favourite song this year!

The admiration is mutual, with Gabriella telling The Daily Star “I love Oasis but it was crazy to hear that!”

Gabriella has adored Oasis all her life as her dad used to sing their songs to her as a child!

“My dad used to sing ‘Live Forever’ to me as a kid, so it’s a real honour.”

It’s probably a more appropriate choice than “Cigarettes and Alcohol”!

Image source: Lee Jordan @ Flickr