After my musings about whether Lisa Mitchell and other female singer-songwriters sang like little girls, many readers might have thought I was being a bit mean. I’m determined to make amends, so I wanted to share with you Lisa’s latest film clip.
“Oh! Hark!” was one of my favourite cuts from Wonder. It felt like it had stepped out of a vintage album with its jangling instrumentation and rollicking chorus. This music video doesn’t exactly fit the song’s retro vibe, but I’ve learned by now that Lisa is never predictable. Case in point; here we get to see Lisa bust a move! This is a lot kookier than any choreographed routine I’ve seen of late, which is exactly why I love it!
Oh Gabriella Cilmi, we have missed you! Her new single “On a Mission” is a bit of a departure from the easy soul of “Sweet About Me,” but the feisty attitude is unmistakeably Gabriella. Soundswise, it reminds me of early 1980s disco. I could easily imagine The Pointer Sisters releasing this one.
Apparently there’s more where this came from, with Gabriella citing retro influences like Giorgio Moroder, Blondie, and Donna Summer on album number two, Ten. We can expect it in stores on March 19.
Take a squizz at the new film clip and tell me what you think. Personally I figure you can never go wrong with space-age imagery and girls in bikinis, and I’m sure many of my male readers agree!
The Black Ryder has released a stunning video for “Sweet Come Down.” The haunting song comes from the band’s highly anticipated debut, Buy The Ticket, Take the Ride, which hits stores on November 6.
The song is a fan favourite, with Aimee Nash and Scott Ryper sharing vocal duties and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s Peter Hayes on harmonica.
The accompanying clip is more short film than traditional music video, with acclaimed director Michael Spiccia and cinematographer Stefan Duscio at the helm. The wilds of south west New South Wales become a beautiful and foreboding landscape for the scene, which takes place after a mysterious tragedy.
The Black Ryder fans should look out for Aimee moonlighting on the new Black Rebel Motorcycle track, “Done All Wrong.” The song, which features Aimee’s ethereal vocals, is featured on the recently released Twilight – New Moon soundtrack.
The Black Ryder will celebrate the release of Buy The Ticket, Take the Ride with a show at The Tote Bar in Melbourne on November 19. The band will play alongside Killed Two Birds, Slight of Build, and Dreaming of Ghosts. It’s their very last show this year, so make sure you don’t miss it!
Shannon Noll has teamed up with indigenous hip hoppers Street Warriors to revamp an Australian classic, the Goanna hit “Solid Rock.”
The combination of hip hop beats and rock guitars breathes new life into the 1982 anthem which sang of the displacement of Aboriginal tribes during Australia’s white settlement. The themes made the song particularly poignant for the Street Warriors.
“If everyone practices respect – for land, for country, for each other, most of our problems would disappear,” said one half of the group, Abie Wright.
The video saw Shannon and the band headed to the Gommeroi Land around Gunnedah. The song pays homage to the Street Warriors’ ancestor, Red Chief Kangaroo, and they shot part of the video in the Red Chief Cave in his honour. Check it out below!
Today is Blog Action Day, a day when bloggers all around the globe unite to raise awareness of topical issues and inspire change. This year we’re talking about climate change. I was appalled recently to hear that studies say Australians are becoming less concerned about this big issue. So while much has been written about the environment in the recent past, perhaps this day is more important than ever. I don’t think preaching about the importance of reducing your carbon footprint and being green ever works. Instead, I’ll let the words of some of Australia’s most powerful environmental songs do the talking for me.
“Warakurna” didn’t make the chart splash that many of Midnight Oil’s songs did, but I think that makes it impact all the more profound. I encourage you to listen to the lyrics, ones that many of you may not have heard before. I get a chill every time I hear the words “This land must change or land must burn.”
It might not be apparent at first, but “Treat Yo Mama” by John Butler Trio isn’t encouraging us to mind our manners around dear old mum. Instead it’s a plea to treat Mama Nature with all the respect she so rightly deserves.
Here’s something a little more mainstream to finish up on. Crowded House were really ahead of their time when it came to local bands singing about our impact on the world. With “Weather With You” the band told us very simply that no matter what we’re doing, we’re having a profound effect on the environment around us. It’s definitely something to think about!
I am loving the video for Eskimo Joe’s latest single, “Don’t Let Me Down.” When I heard this song on Inshalla, I never imagined it’d get such a cheeky video! Kav Temperley has his hands full with a bevy of aspiring Mrs Robinsons. Although, he doesn’t seem anywhere near as shy as Dustin Hoffman’s Benjamin Braddock!
Paul Greene is of the hardest working men in the Australian music industry. To celebrate his new positive new acoustic pop single, “Work Love Dance Trust,” the talented singer-songwriter is preparing to embark on a massive regional tour.
The song confronts the harsh realities of life while reminding us not to dwell on the negatives. Just because we’re in the midst of a financial crisis, the world is still a wonderful place with endless possibilities. The uplifting tune comes from Paul’s current album, Distance Over Time. Check out the happy vid below!
Acclaimed singer-songwriter and Paul’s good friend will also join him on all the following dates.
27 September 2009 – Lennox Point Tavern 30 September 2009 – Dingos Backpackers, Rainbow Beach 2 October 2009 – Agnes Water Tavern 4 October 2009 – Oxford Hotel, Rockhampton 7 October 2009 – Central Hotel, Port Douglass 9 October 2009 – Green Ant Cantina, Cairns 10 October 2009 – Silkwood Hotel 11 October 2009 – Cactus Jack’s, Townsville 13 & 14 October 2009 – KC’s Bar & Grill, Airlie Beach 15 October 2009 – Denison Hotel, Bowen 16 October 2009 – Capella Cultural Centre, Capella 17 October 2009 – Maraboon Tavern, Emerald 22 October 2009 – Gold Coast Arts Centre 24 & 25 October 2009 – Caloundra Music Festival 30 October 2009 – Martians Cafe, Deans Marsh 4 November 2009 – The Grace Emily, Adelaide 5 November 2009 – Prairie Hotel, Parachilna 7 November 2009 – Pier Hotel, Port Lincoln 8 November 2009 – Port Neill Hotel, Port Neill 12 November 2009 – Mocean Cafe, Streaky Bay 13 November 2009 – Ceduna Sailing Club, Ceduna 18 November 2009 – Esperance Civic Centre, Esperance 20 November 2009 – Denmark Tavern, Denmark 21 November 2009 – Cape Wine Bar, Dunsborough 22 November 2009 – Quindanning Tavern, Quindanning 25 November 2009 – Mojo’s, Perth 26 November 2009 – Settler’s Tavern, Margaret River
Last night Australian Idol made its long-awaited return to television screens. Looking at the ratings, perhaps I was the only one hanging out for the reality TV show! While Marcia, Dicko, and co. are sorting out the wheat from the chaff, I thought it was a good time to look back at one of the past successes.
Jacob Butler appeared a couple of years ago, and has taken his time to produce his new single “Coma.” The title makes the song sound a little snoozeworthy, but it actually reminds me a lot of Crowded House. Jacob was so obsessed with Britpop on the show; I really like this change in direction. Hopefully there’s more to come!
I must admit, I’ve been a little bemused at the hype about Daniel Merriweather. I was impressed at the level of success he’s achieved abroad, but also a little puzzled by it. The snippets I’d heard just seemed a little middle-of-the-road and uninspired. But then this morning I heard his new single “Red” and I understood. That’s why he’s generating such sales and buzz. This is one of the most genuine and soulful tracks I’ve heard in some time. I was wrong Daniel, and I say I’m wrong. This is brilliant.
Perth’s Cassie Davis is back with her brand new single “Do it Again.” It’s another strong rock/dance track, in the same vein as previous singles “Like it Loud” and “Differently,” so if you liked those this will probably be just your cup of chai. I worry that Cassie’s turning into a bit of a one-trick pony, and I’d really like to see a more sensitive side. Yet there’s no denying that she’s very comfortably filling the void the Natalie Bassingthwaighte led Rogue Traders have left in the Aussie music landscape.