Hoodoo Gurus Release Travel on Wheels Webseries to Promote New Album

Have you seen the Hoodoo Gurus new webseries Travel on Wheels yet?

The series is a tongue-in-cheek look behind the scenes of the making of the band’s new album Purity of Essence. A mockumentary with a healthy dose of comedy, it’s a little Metallica’s Some Kind of Monster and a little Spinal Tap. Although if you believe the band, it’s more like “a dysfunctional Partridge Family!”

“I’d always wanted us to do a radio serial back in the band’s early days,” explained lead singer Dave Faulkner. “I imagined we’d do an episode with a new song each week, something written especially for the show. Finally, after all this time I’ve realised my fantasy though here I get to be Fellini with this rockumentary, or whatever it is.”

There are a couple of episodes already up, but new ones will be added each week until there are six in all.

If you like the songs you hear in the webisodes, make sure you grab a copy of the Hoodoo Gurus latest album Purity of Essence when it hits stores on March 12.

Warner Remembers the Bee Gees with Box Set Release

Warner is preparing to release Mythology, the ultimate collector’s item for Bee Gees fans. The album celebrates the brothers 50th anniversary, with songs and a visual scrapbook. mythology

This boxed set features four discs, one dedicated to each Gibb brother. Each song was handpicked by Barry, Robin, Maurice’s widow Yvonne and their children, and Andy’s daughter Peta.

“These are pretty much our personal favourites,” Barry explains in the liner notes. “This is now the Bee Gees 50th anniversary. And by the Bee Gees, I mean all four brothers.”

“I always see our songs as ‘just us brothers’ having a good time,” adds Robin. “When I look back now, it is more about the journey, not the arrival.”

Along with all the old favorites there are a few new treats for fans, including previously unreleased songs from the late brothers Maurice and Andy. The scrapbook also includes family photos, including many that have never been seen before, and tributes from such luminaries as Elton John, Brian Wilson, and Graham Nash.

Mythology hits stores on March 12.

Image source: The Brothers Gibb

First Taste of Katie Noonan and The Captains Debut Album

Katie Noonan is one of those artists who never seems to sit still.

She became an indie goddess with her work in George, turned to a more reflective jazz-laded sound with her first solo album Skin, and explored the works of Lennon and McCartney with Blackbird. For the last two years Katie’s gone in another direction with her latest band, The Captains. With Cameron Deyell on guitar, Stu Hunter on keys and bass, and Declan Kelly manning the drums, Katie is now exploring a more organic sound.

The band’s album, Emperor’s Box, is slated for an April release, so we’ve still got a few months to wait, but today I got a taste of what’s to come. I heard one of the new songs, “Time,” and I’m very impressed. I think the George fans who criticized Katie’s solo albums will embrace this, as it really is back to basics. There’s a little edge here, just a hint of that familiar George angst, but it’s softened by strings and Katie’s pure, heavenly voice.

For this album Katie’s written tracks with a who’s who of Australian and New Zealand talent. There’s Tim Finn, Don Walker, Sia, Josh Pyke, and Tom Shapcott, not to mention her esteemed Captains band mates. With these kind of folks lending their skills, I’m sure Emperor’s Box will be one of the big albums of 2010.

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Image source: The Harbour Agency

Foxx on Fire Celebrate EP Release with East Coast Tour

Melbourne quartet Foxx on Fire have just long released their long-awaited debut EP, White Sands. To celebrate, the lads who proudly describe their music as ‘apocalyptic disco-noir’ are heading out on the road for an East Coast tour.

Since their inception in 2006, Foxx on Fire have played more than 100 live showed including the St. Kilda Festival and supports for Art vs. Science, Bluejuice, and Midnight Juggernauts. There’s a reason why these boys took out the Diesel:U:Music comp and become finalists at the MTV Kickstart Competition, Tooheys Extra Dry uncharted.

Discover why yourself why Foxx on Fire are fast becoming one of Australia’s most exciting live acts at the following shows.

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2 November 2009 – ‘Melbourne Cup Eve’ @ The Birmingham, Melbourne (Tix $10 at the door)
14 November 2009 – Gallery Bar @ Oxford Art Factory, Sydney (Free entry)
20 November 2009 – Neverland Bar, Gold Coast (Tix $10 at the door)
21 November 2009 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane (Free entry)
25 November 2009 – Diesel:U:Music Party @ Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
28 November 2009 – Ed Castle, Adelaide (Tix $10 at the door)

Image used with permission from Peer Group Media

Cassette Kids Announce Nothing on TV Album Release

They’ve spent the last 18 months earning a reputation as one of the most dynamic live acts in the country, and now Cassette Kids are ready to announce the release of their long-awaited debut album, Nothing on TV.

The first single, “Lying Around,” hits radio this week ahead of the album’s March 2010 release.

“The first single, “Lying Around,” has a great energy and quite a strong message: If you don’t get off your arse and go after what you want, then you can’t expect it to fall in your lap,” explained the band’s lead singer, Katrina.

The track is just one of a dozen tracks, the result of spending six months in the studio with Richard Wilkinson (Hot Chip, Adele, Magic Numbers, Carl Cox) and Michael Di Francesco aka Mikey from Van She (Ladyhawke). Under the guidance of these uber-talented producers, the Kids have experimented with their sound to create something really special. It’s a little more pop, but fans will be relieved to find the band’s trademark grit intact.

March may seem an age to wait, but you can get a taste of the new tracks on the Cassette Kids’ Lying Around tour. Tickets to all shows are on sale now.

8 November 2009 – Northbridge Festival, Perth WA (with Downsyde)
13 November 2009 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote VIC (with Canvas Kites and Red Ink)
14 November 2009 – Revolver, Prahran VIC (with Canvas Kites and Wilfred Jackal)
20 November 2009 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney NSW (with Canvas Kites and We Say Bamboulee)
21 November 2009 – Trackside Festival, Canberra ACT (with Hilltop Hoods, Karnivool, Midnight Juggernauts)
27 November 2009 – The Clubhouse, Brisbane QLD (with Canvas Kites and Yacht Club DJ’s)
28 November 2009 – Open Arms Festival, Coffs Harbour (with Hilltop Hoods, Karnivool, Children Collide)

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Wes Carr CD Gets a Cover Disc

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If you don’t own a copy of Wes Carr’s album The Way The World Looks, or you just can’t get enough of the reigning Australian Idol champ, listen up. The album will be repackaged as a two-disc set, which features a collection of covers titled Under the Influence.

The really exciting thing is that it’s not simply the songs Wes covered on Idol. Instead, Wes has put his signature stamp on the songs which influenced his musical journey. The disc features a remake of Joe Jackson’s “Is She Really Going Out With Him,” which you may have heard in the opening credits of Beauty & The Geek. Surely I’m not the only one who’s been suckered into that reality TV show! There’s also a stripped back acoustic version of Wes’ own hit, “Love is an Animal.”

The newly repackaged version of The Way The World Looks hits stores on November 6. Here’s the complete track listing!

1. “Is She Really Going Out With Him” – Joe Jackson
2. “Long As I Can See The Light” – Creedence Clearwater Revival
3. “Hey Bulldog” – The Beatles
4. “Go Your Own Way” – Fleetwood Mac
5. “Straight To Hell” – The Clash
6. “Across 110th Street” – Bobby Womack
7. “Love” – The Beatles
8. “Slide” – Michael Hutchence/U2
9. “Love is an Animal”- Acoustic Version

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

StoneMason Announce Shows to Support "Noise and Haste" EP

Gold Coast quartet StoneMason are hitting the road this month to support their brand new EP Noise and Haste.

The five-track disc combines energetic indie rock, synth-laden pop punk, and piano driven ballads. It features the infectious single “Stockholm Fashion,” a song which the band says is about inspiration.

“To some extent everything we do is motivated by some form of inspiration. To be surrounded featureless, insipid people would only encourage you to become similar,” explained guitarist John Beynon.

“It is about wanting people everywhere to become a muse, to want to be inspired themselves. Moments, lives, the entire world can be changed by a single inspired person. All it takes is a wanting to become change. Hopefully people will see the message in this song and connect with it”.

The band of teenagers has quickly earned a reputation as a dynamic live act.

“Our live show is a fun, energetic performance which people can and should participate in as we really feed off our audience,” says bassist Thomas Stevens. “Because of the diverse range of songs on our setlist, fans should come to our show expecting to mosh, slow dance and sing along”.

You can see if this Gold Coast outfit lives up to the hype at the following shows.

18 October 2009 – Club 299, Brisbane (18+)
24 October 2009 – Bang, Melbourne (18+)
29 October 2009 – Helensvale High School, Helensvale (All Ages)
31 October 2009 – The Hive, Brisbane (All Ages)
8 November 2009 – Stuff The Stocking, Caboolture (All Ages)
27 November 2009 – Hard Rock Cafe, Gold Coast (18+)

Image source: StoneMason MySpace

The Once Overs Launch EP in Melbourne

Melbourne outfit The Once Overs will launch their debut, self-titled EP in their hometown on October 23. theonceovers

After earning an impressive live reputation supporting the likes of The Meanies, The Spazzys, Six Foot Hicks and Peabody, the four-piece decided it was time to hit the studio. The result is an electric six-tracker produced by Paul Maybury (Rocket Science, The Bowerbirds).

The Once Overs have been described as the “bastard love-child” of The Dead Kennedys and B-52s, so expect plenty of colour and energy at their live show! See the band at their EP launch at The Cherry Bar. The Jacknives, Johnnie and the Johnnie Johnnies, and DJ Richie 1250 will also provide support on the night.

Image used with permission from Repertoire Publicity

Guy Sebastian Album Sneak Peek

Here’s our first look at Guy Sebastian’s new album Like it Like That. The cover shows Guy embracing his current New York City base, with the Empire State Building standing proudly in the background.

This sneak peek does come with some bad news though. The album, featuring the number one single of the same name, has been pushed back to an October 23 release. I’m sure it’ll all be worth the wait though!

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

John Paul Young Does Greatest Hits

The hits of recent ARIA Hall of Fame inductee John Paul Young come together in a new greatest hits album cheekily titled I Hate the Music.

The album features many of JPY’s top 40 hits, including the title track, “Yesterday’s Hero,” “The Love Game,” “Standing in the Rain” and the always popular “Love Is In the Air.”

I Hate the Music hits record store shelves around the country this weekend.