News – Page 61 – Sounds of Oz

Posted on 04/01/2011 by Lauren Katulka

Icecream Hands Reunite for Sweeter Than the Radio

Melbourne’s Icecream Hands will play for their home town one more time later this month. The indie band hasn’t played together since their 2007 album, The Good China.

The one-off show will see Icecream Hands going back in the vault to play their 2000 release, Sweeter Than The Radio, in its entirety. The acclaimed disc was nominated for Best Adult Contemporary Album at that year’s ARIA Awards.

To mark this very special reunion, Dust Devil Music will sell the band’s rare live acoustic album Live at Manchester Lane at the show. If you want a copy, and to relive a bit of Australian music history, make sure you get down to the Northcote Social Club on January 29. And until then, check out this awesome video filmed at that Manchester Lane show!

Posted on 29/12/201029/12/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Rickie-Lee Coulter Slammed By Myer Over Carols Wardrobe

While most of us watched the Christmas Eve Carols by Candlelight concert and reveled in the festive season, key sponsor Myer was seething. The retail giant was furious because Ricki-Lee Coulter opted to wear an Alex Perry dress over one from its own stable of designers.

“On several occasions Myer, Channel 9 and Vision Australia made clear to Ricki-Lee’s manager that it was desirable that she wear a designer from the Myer stable,” Myer spokesman Mitch Catlin said. “Myer would have hoped that Ricki-Lee’s manager, who also represents Jennifer Hawkins, the face of Myer, would have had Myer foremost in his mind when it came to dressing talent.”

Apparently Carols organisers were also displeased.

But isn’t this event about raising money for Vision Australia and spreading Christmas cheer, rather than selling a few dresses? If it weren’t for Myer raising the issue I’d have been none the wiser. I might be idealistic, but it seems to me that sponsoring an event should be more about good will than capital gains. All this does is make the retail chain appear petty, which isn’t a good look around Christmas time.

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on 28/12/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Kylie Clip Banned in Asia

When Kylie Minogue released her single “All the Lovers” in June, we said the sexy music video was the best part about it. But it seems that several Asian countries don’t agree as they’ve banned the raunchy clip from their screens.

Television stations in several countries including Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia won’t play the music video which features “all the lovers,” gay and straight indulging in a serious make-out session.

“I think, yes, it’s sexy but I also think it’s very touching and sensual and the message is love,” Kylie told Spanish private television station Cuatro when quizzed about the controversy.

I have to agree with her. It’s sexy but hardly pornographic. This sort of thing just makes you glad to live in (mostly) open-minded Australia, and in a world with the internet where anyone can see anything they please! So if you haven’t watched it yet, here it is for your viewing pleasure!

Posted on 28/12/201029/12/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Guy Sebastian Claims ARIA Number One

After nipping at Bruno Mars heels for a few weeks, Guy Sebastian has finally toppled him to take the number one spot on the ARIA singles chart with “Who’s That Girl.” It’s actually the first time we’ve seen an Aussie sitting at the top of the singles chart in 2010, and I couldn’t ask for a better way to end the year!

“Who’s That Girl” is Guy’s fifth Aussie number one, which means he now has more top selling singles than any other local male artist in history. For your interest, John Farnham and Johnny O’Keefe both had four a piece. Considering what big names they are, and where Guy is in his career, that’s some achievement.

Guy’s keeping company in the singles chart with fellow Australian Idol alum Jessica Mauboy. Her new party tune “Saturday Night” sits at number seven, up three positions from last week.

Meanwhile on the albums chart, Altiyan Childs has remained rock solid with his self titled album holding on to fourth position. I remember a time when that might be disappointing for a disc spawned from a reality show, but just look at the company he’s keeping. He’s mixing it with perennial favourites Pink, Susan Boyle, and Bon Jovi, and even outselling the likes of Rihanna, Michael Jackson, and Taylor Swift. I reckon that’s a fair effort.

Meanwhile Guy Sebastian’s greatest hits CD Twenty Ten has moved up one position to number six. It’s encouraging to see that while fans are getting behind the single, they’re also spending money on the long player.

Hopefully Guy can hold on to that top spot next week. What a great start to 2011 that would be!

Click below for the complete top 10 charts.

Continue reading “Guy Sebastian Claims ARIA Number One” →

Posted on 27/12/201023/12/2010 by Lauren Katulka

The Best of 2010

With Christmas done and dusted we’re all looking ahead to the next big celebration, New Years Eve. But before we usher in 2011 I figured it was time to pause and reflect on the year that was. Here’s what rocked my world in 2011. Of course it’s purely subjective and based on the music I consumed and my gut reaction to it, but what’s an end of year list if it’s not a bit biased? What excited you musically this year?

Top 10 Aussie Albums

Seasons – The Verses
Dr Dream and the Imaginary Pop-Cabaret – Emma Dean
Into the Gallery – Amanda Merdzan
Down the Way – Angus and Julia Stone
Mousetrap Heart – Thirsty Merc
Calling All Magicians – Danielle Spencer
Bird of Bees – Jez Mead
Walk – Israel Cannan
Thirteen O’Clock – The Lucky Wonders
On Broadway – David Campbell

Top 10 Aussie Tours

Top 10 Aussie Stars

Washington
Angus and Julia Stone
Powderfinger
Guy Sebastian
Jessica Mauboy
Sia
Birds of Tokyo
Amy Meredith
The Cassette Kids
Altiyan Childs

Image source: Billy Alexander @ Stock.xchng

Posted on 22/12/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Warner Music’s Insane Christmas Competition

I don’t ordinarily promote other people’s competitions on this blog, but this one was so cool that I just couldn’t resist. It’s also pretty timely with most of us gazing at empty wallets after all that Christmas shopping.

Warner Music Australia is giving one lucky person a copy of every single album released in 2011. That’s a whole lot of CDs, more than many people probably have in their entire collections!

To be in with a shot just head to Warner’s Facebook page, click on the “win” tab and leave your details. If only winning the thing was that simple! Entry is open to Aussie residents who get their entry in before the end of January 14. Best of luck everybody!

Image source: Grz3gorz @ Stock.xchng

Posted on 22/12/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Free Scott Spark Christmas Tune

Scott Spark’s spreading a little festive cheer with his new track “Last Christmas (What Do You Say?)”

Don’t confuse this song with the campy Wham number. It’s a beautiful piano driven tune, the kind of thing perfect for spinning late at night when you’re sipping on eggnog or brandy.

And it wouldn’t be Christmas if you couldn’t get it for free, would it? Click on the link and this lush seasonal song is yours!

Image used with permission from Other Tongues

Posted on 20/12/201021/12/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Kylie Minogue’s Christmas Single Helps Vision Australia

Kylie Minogue is showing her Christmas spirit, donating part of the proceeds from the sales of her A Kylie Christmas digital single to Vision Australia. This charity helps children with little to no eyesight.

The single is just the thing for making you feel a little bit more festive, with Kylie’s versions of “Santa Baby” and “Let it Snow.”

Click here to download the track from iTunes and help make Christmas a little brighter for vision impaired kiddies!

Posted on 16/12/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Score Free Big Day Out Tickets and Phones with Motorola Competition

Motorola has its own version of Santa this Christmas, and it’s Barry. Barry has been travelling all around the country handing out free Big Day Out tickets and Defy phones through the company’s Dash to Defy promotion.

To track down Barry, just point your browser to the Dash to Defy website. Registered members get clues about Barry’s locations, and just quietly you can get some extra hints on the Motorola Australia Facebook page. Barry will hand out the goodies every Tuesday and Thursday until the end of the month, so there are plenty of opportunities to score.

With several BDO shows already sold out, Barry’s bound to be a very popular fellow. Good luck hunting him down!

Image source: Kurhan @ Stock.xchng

Posted on 13/12/201013/12/2010 by Lauren Katulka

Musicians Go LIVE at Sydney Festival Art Installation

There are so many exciting musical acts winging their way to New South Wales’ capital for the annual Sydney Festival. Emmylou Harris, Sufjan Stevens, and Paul Kelly’s A to Z shows are grabbing all the headlines, but I think one of the most interesting events is LIVE: An Intimate Video Study of the Art of Performing.

It’s an installation which features some of Australia and the world’s most exciting musicians captured on film. Each artist has performed a song of their choosing against a simple white background. Visitors wear wireless headphones to choose the artists they want to hear, while they watch the visuals projected on one of four large screens.

The idea is that by stripping away the lighting, the screaming crowds, and the theatrics, we get closer to the heart of the song and the performer presenting it. So many fantastic and fascinated artists are represented here, including Rufus and Martha Wainwright, Jarvis Cocker, Peaches, Juliette Lewis and our own Jimmy Little, Clare Bowditch, and as seen in this video snippet, Gareth Liddiard from The Drones.

Gareth will also perform on the LIVE opening night, along with Sarah Blasko, Kram, and Laura Jean. Tickets for the January 13 opening cost $45. If you can’t make it for that night you can see the LIVE installation from January 14 to 23 for $15, or $12 for concession holders. All tickets are available from the Sydney Festival website.