Category: Album Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Beau Young’s Doing it for the Kids

We’re used to seeing Beau Young catching waves, but did you know he’s also an accomplished singer?

The former world surfing champ’s chilled-out songs wouldn’t be out of place on a Jack Johnson CD or the latest Xavier Rudd release. But unlike his contemporaries, Beau’s not content to just entertain the adults.

He’s recently joined forces with a toy company (eco-friendly of course) and released an album of kids songs. Wild Animalz contains tracks like “Hip Hippo,” “G-G-G Gorilla” and “Crocodile Fishin'”. It will be sold with a bonus wooden toy animal through Aussie toy stores.

If you’re sick of your little ones spinning The Wiggles this could definitely be worth checking out.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

AC/DC Album, and a Tour?

There hasn’t been a lot of news since AC/DC announced last year a new album was in the works. I’m happy to say though the Aussie rock veterans are well on their way to releasing this highly anticipated new work.

Singer Brian Johnson says the new album, their first in eight years, should be released later this year. And a tour isn’t out of the question either.

“We’re working with Brendan O’Brien, [Bruce] Springsteen’s producer, and he’s a great guy,” Brian told Channel [V]. “He knows exactly what we want, and so far, it sounds really good. I’m well pleased.

“Mal and Ang are still just electric on their guitars, and Phil’s got the old magic on the drums and Cliff Williams is Mr. Reliable on bass – he’s brilliant – and it’s just been fun. It’s like a bunch of old friends getting together again and having a great time.”

When asked about their touring plans, Brian had this to say.

“I would probably think so, yeah. I always hate to say yes in case something happens, but I really do think we will be out there, everybody’s enjoying being back together again and the buzz is still there and the excitement.”

All sounds very promising for you hard rock fans out there!

Image source: Lost Parables @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Peter and Jordan Assault Our Ears Again

A couple of year’s ago plastic lovebirds Peter Andre and Katie “Jordan” Price figured it’d be a good idea to record “A Whole New World.” It was utterly terrible. Peter never had the greatest voice in the world, but singing alongside Jordan makes him sound as smooth as Michael Bublé.

So it’s a bit scary to read the husband and wife team are planning to record an album together. A whole album? Oh god no.

“Some people out there might say ‘don’t’ but we’re going to do an extra long album,” Peter told a UK talk show.

An extra long album? Yes Peter, I’m one of those people saying don’t. Please don’t.

If you don’t remember how torturous it was last time, here’s a live performance of the song without all the studio wizardry. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shihad’s Beautiful Comeback

Aussie rock icons Shihad are back with a brand new album and tour!

Beautiful Machine strikes just the right balance between power and melody. And with master engineer Alan Moulder (Depeche Mode, U2, Smashing Pumpkins) at the helm, you know it’s going to be good.

Beautiful Machine will hit stores on May 17, which gives Shihad fans just enough time to learn all the songs before they hit the road.

They’ll tour Adelaide and the East Coast with Triple J Unearthed winners Young and Restless and indie kids Calling All Cars. Tickets go on sale on Monday for the tour this June. See it at the following venues:

13 June 2008 – Bar 388, Brisbane
14 June 2008 – Hi Fi Bar & Ballroom, Melbourne
20 June 2008 – The Gaelic Theatre, Sydney
21 June 2008 – Live on Light Square, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Guy Sebastian Album in the Works

Guy Sebastian’s Memphis Album was such a success, he’s decided to head back to the States to prepare for a follow-up. But don’t expect another album of soul covers. While it’d undoubtedly sell well, Guy’s busy collaborating with the likes of David Ryan Harris on some original songs. A star in his own right, Aussie music lovers might recognise David as part of John Mayer’s current band.

Stax legend Steve Cropper must have enjoyed Guy’s company last time around, because he’s also working on this new release.

“We are meant to be writing but we are mainly just jamming and hanging out,” Guy said on his website.

Great things come out of jam sessions, so who knows what this meeting of creative minds will produce.

Guy fans won’t hear this new release for a while, so thankfully there’s a DVD in the works to tide fans over. Sony BMG plan to release a live DVD featuring one of Guy’s Memphis Album performances at Melbourne’s Crown Casino. It will be in stores on May 3.

Image source: Toby Forage @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Damien Leith Covers Classics

It’s been a long wait for Damien Leith fans, but our favourite Irish-born crooner is almost ready to unleash his new album.

Catch the Wind: Songs of a Generation features covers of some of Damien’s favourite songs from the 60s and 70s. I can’t wait to hear what Damien’s done with songs like Cat Steven’s “Father and Son,” “Everybody’s Talking” by Harry Nilsson, and “Longer” by Dan Fogelberg.

“The great songwriters of the 60s and 70s have always been a major influence on my own original material,” Damien explained in a press statement. “In many ways the songs of that generation are as relevant today as they were back then. I’ve chosen songs that either mean a great deal to me on a personal level or those that I’d just love people to hear.”

Catch the Wind: Songs of a Generation hits stores on April 26, but you don’t have to wait that long if you pre-order through Damien’s website.

Image source: spud murphy @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gabriella Cilmi Album Cover Revealed

Gabriella Cilmi is hot stuff at the moment. Her debut single “Sweet About Me” is all over radio, and it’s sitting pretty at number 12 on the charts. Add to that her upcoming support slot on James Blunt’s tour and we’re going to see a whole lot of this Melbourne teen in the coming months.

This morning Warner Music Australia the artwork for her upcoming album Lessons to be Learned. I think Gabriella looks absolutely adorable. Look out Miley Cyrus – this Aussie girl may just steal your teen queen crown. Lessons to be Learned will hit stores all around the country on 10 May.

Image source: supplied by Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Album, Tour For The Audreys

The Audreys burst onto the local scene in 2006 with their debut album Between Last Night & Us. Now they’re back, with their much-anticipated follow-up When The Flood Comes.

The new release has been described in a press release as “an album of lyrical and sonic beauty” that builds on The Audreys’ trademark alt-country sound

When The Flood Comes hits stores on 19 April. To celebrate its release, The Audreys will hit the road for a massive national tour in May and June. They’ll visit all the country’s capitals and plenty of regional centres too. Tickets to these gigs go on sale tomorrow from all the usual outlets.

Here are The Audreys’ national dates.

7 May 2008 – The Loft, Warrnambool
8 May 2008 – Rubys Lounge, Belgrave
9 May 2008 – Town Hall, Meeniyan
10 May 2008 – The Corner, Richmond
11 May 2008 – Wellers, Kangaroo Ground
14 May 2008 – The Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba
16 & 17 May 2008 – The Basement, Circular Quay
20 May 2008 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
22 May 2008 – Sound Lounge, Gold Coast
23 May 2008 – The Zoo, Brisbane
24 May 2008 – Bass in the Grass Festival, Darwin
28 May 2008 – Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
29 May 2008 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour
30 May 2008 – Northern Star, Newcastle
31 May 2008 – ANU Bar, Canberra
6 June 2008 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide
13 June 2008 – Country Club, Launceston
14 June 2008 – Wrestpoint, Hobart
19 June 2008 – Albies Bar, Busselton
20 June 2008 – Fly By Night, Fremantle
21 June 2008 – Civic Hotel, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Veronicas’ Release "Hook Me Up" in United States

The wait is almost over for all you American Veronicas fans. I know it’s been a long time coming, but the twins will finally release their second album Hook Me Up in the US this May.

“It’s a very upbeat dance record, though there are a few ballads on there,” Jess said in a press release. “It came out exactly how we wanted it to, so we’re stoked.”

Americans will get a sneak peek of The Veronicas new electro-pop sound when their current Aussie single “Untouched” is released to radio in April.

Hook Me Up will be released in May through Sire Records. Apparently an American tour is in the works to coincide with the release. I’ll let you know more details of this as they come to hand!

Image source: Michael Spencer @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Casey Donovan Launches Career Comeback

We’ve all read the news stories claiming the latest Australian Idol winner Natalie Gauci hasn’t met public expectations. A number two single and top ten album sounds like a success to me, but in failing to hit the number one spot poor Nat’s already been written off by many. Perhaps she can take heart knowing how another “fallen Idol,” Casey Donovan, has landed on her feet.

Casey’s Idol journey in 2004 was spookily similar to Natalie’s. Through consistent performances she won over the public, taking the crown over her more fancied pretty boy rival Anthony Callea. Despite strong debuts, Casey’s career quickly faded while Anthony’s soared.

The fickle public all but forgot about her. Casey used this time out of the spotlight to her advantage, honing her performance skills at some low-key gigs and crafting a fine collection of songs.

These tracks are featured on Eye to Eye, her first independent release. Copies are available through Casey’s MySpace page, which also includes snippets of the EP’s songs. She may not have the backing of a major label anymore, but with songs this good who needs it?