Kate Miller-Heidke has dabbled in dance pop for her comeback single “Can’t Shake It,” and the result is irresistible. As someone whose dance style hasn’t evolved since the 1980s, I could really relate to the song’s sentiment! Just because it’s got a mainstream vibe though, don’t think Kate’s lost any of the quirkiness we fell in love with. The lyrics are playfully naughty and her ethereal voice sounds brilliant.
Kate might not be able to shake it, but you probably will listening to this pop gem! “Can’t Shake It” is the first single from Kate’s new album Curiouser, which hits stores on October 18.
Like many of you, I was first introduced to Lenka’s brilliant song “The Show” through Channel Seven’s latest lot of ads. This irresistably happy tune makes the network’s self promotion immensely more bearable, but I much prefer listening to it in its entirety. It builds slowly before exploding in a cascade of sunshine. Aussie girls are releasing some fantastic songs at the moment, and this is one of the best.
The official music video has embedding disabled on YouTube so instead I bring you this awesome live performance on an American radio station. It’s so nice to see Aussies doing well abroad, isn’t it?
Augie March are back again, and it’s been worth the wait. Their new song “Pennywhistle” is a jaunty little ditty which gets better with every listen. Glenn Richards is in fine voice here, and you’ll soon find yourself singing along. The film clip is also brilliant. If this doesn’t put a smile on your face this Humpday, nothing will!
I fell in love with this song when I saw it in those three commercials where the people roll around in big clear balls. I was pretty surprised when I found out it was by our very own Lisa Mitchell. This is such a simple little song, and I think because of that it sneaks up on you. You just see if you’re not humming it after hearing it a few times. I also adore the fairytale imagery in the film clip. Well done Lisa Mitchell!
Jessica Mauboy’s well and truly shed her poppy Young Divas image with her slick new single “Running Back.” I can’t say I like the song’s sentiment (where’s the girl power?) but there’s no denying that it’s catchy. Jess is also in fine voice here. When she was competing with the other Divas I almost forgot how well she sings! Everything Flo Rida touches turns to gold, so his appearance here is sure to make “Running Back” a hit. It definitely deserves to be!
AC/DC’s film clip for their newie “Rock N Roll Train” is here! There’s nothing revolutionary about it in terms of the live clip or the song, but Acca Dacca fans are unlikely to care. It’s straight up rock and roll, and we all know Aussie do that the best!
They’ve been out of sight for a few years, but The Models are making a comeback! The 1980s rock outfit featuring Sean Kelly and James Freud will reunite for some shows next week to celebrate their 30th anniversary.
Expect to hear big hits like “Out of Mind, Out of Sight,” “I Hear Motion,” and “Barbados” when they play Melbourne’s The Prince Bandroom on September 25 and Sydney’s The Gaelic Club on September 27.
It will be the band’s first shows since they played the Countdown Spectacular in 2006, and the first time they’ve done their own shows in eight years. There’s no word yet on whether these shows will be one ofs or whether there’s more to follow, but I’ll keep you posted! Until then here’s a clip for all you old fans, or the young ones who have no idea what I’m talking about!
Australian Idol was back tonight with its wildcard show. But before the judges gave eight singers one more chance, it was time to announce two more finalists. Those lucky singers are Brooke Addamo and Madam Parker. Worthy contenders both. This is shaping up to be some top 12.
Amanda Grafanakis opened the show with the Tina Turner classic, “Simply The Best.” This was a zillion times better than the last time we saw her. Her voice still wasn’t all that strong, and it never will be. But the difference here was her performance. She gave it everything she had and it was a joy to watch. Some of the world’s coolest rock chicks haven’t got classically wonderful voices, so I think she’s definitely got potential.
Nicole Banks was up next with Sara Bareilles’ “Love Song.” I really enjoyed her last week, but I felt like this was a bit of a step backwards. She’s got a lovely sweet voice, but she does seem to have a problem delivering that and connecting to a lyric at the same time. She’s definitely got something, but I’m pretty sure this isn’t strong enough.
Luke Dickens showed his softer side with Robbie Williams’ “Angels.” He seemed to cop a bit of flack from the judging panels, which surprised my husband and I here at home. We really enjoyed it! I thought he brought a strength and masculinity to it that was lacking in the original. Clearly we aren’t Robbie fans.
I was thrilled to see Roshani Priddis up next, and to see how well she pulled off Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You.” This was the first star performance of the night for me. She ticked all the boxes: amazing voice, passionate and sincere delivery, engaged with the audience, entertained. Wow. She’s top 12 for sure.
James Spargo got a great Fathers’ Day present: a second chance to enter the top 12! Sadly I don’t think he made the most of it. He was a whole lot better than he performed last week, but I felt song choice let him down. Five for Fighting’s “Superman” is an amazing song, but the falsetto sections exposed all of James’ vocal weaknesses. It’s a shame. I still have a dirty big crush on him.
Brooke Schubert took on a massive song in Trisha Yearwood’s “How Do I Live,” and she won. I know what a hard song this is. I’ve been known to belt it out very badly in my car. So I take my hat off to her. She’s a beautiful girl and she presents herself so well! I’d also love to see her bring out some slide guitars if she gets another chance!
I was pretty psyched when I heard Jonny Taylor was singing Hootie and the Blowfish’s “Let Her Cry.” But I have to wonder whether my love for that song made me a little critical of his performance. I felt it started out quite weak vocally, but I concede that it did kick up a notch towards the end. I also think such powerful story songs like that are so hard to truncate to fit an Idol format. They seem to lose a lot of emotion in that condensed form, and for me this wasn’t as good as it should have been. Personally, I preferred “Hound Dog!”
Considering how disappointed I felt at Jonny Taylor’s performance, I was a little nervous when I heard Sophie Paterson was singing another of my favourite songs: Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours.” I didn’t need to stress. She did an amazing version of the song, stamping her own personality onto Jason’s amazing foundation. This is another girl who really needs to make the top 12.
I guess in light of what I’ve said already, it’s no surprise that I believe Roshani Priddis and Sophie Paterson will earn places in the top 12. Who’ll join them? It’s going to be tough. Some people didn’t perform to the potential they’ve shown throughout, others showed such amazing growth, it’s going to be really interesting to see what the judges decide to do. We’ll find out tomorrow as the Australian Idol top 12 is revealed!
I had high hopes for the third Australian Idol semifinal, as it contained four of my favourite singers in the comp. Of course the sad part of that is that two would miss out on the top 12 tomorrow. But I planned to just lap up the music and enjoy it.
Of course, hearing Tom Williams had made the top 12 put a dampener on my mood. I’m sorry, but he’s just not good enough. And so many other people were. This is what happens when you give young kids mobile phones I swear. Seeing Thanh Bui so rightly take his place beside him softened the blow.
As a fellow Coastie, I was right behind Matt Parsons. To be honest though I wasn’t impressed with his version of “In the Summertime.” There were pitchy moments, and the song operates on one level so he wasn’t allowed to really show any light and shade. It was happy and fun, but just a bit safe. He’s an awesome talent, but I’m just not sure whether this is good enough or memorable enough to get him through to the finals.
Sophie Paterson is a real star. What’s more, she’s consistent unlike many of the other contestants. Her take on The Rolling Stones’ “Satisfaction” was brave, and I won’t say that it completely worked for me. But I’m a stuffy old fart who struggles to warm to people messing with the classics. The good news, most people who’ll vote for her won’t feel that way. While the arrangement wasn’t to my taste, I can’t help but admire what she did.
Teale Jakubenko is a pretty boy who’s thankfully got the talent to back up his looks. Evermore’s “Running” was a brilliant choice, and he took command of it from start to finish. His voice soars and it’s got such an interesting quality to it. I’m not sure I agree with Dicko that he needs to sex things up. The girls may fall over him, but I don’t think that’s what he’s looking for. In fact, if he comes out and tries “Sexual Healing” I predict he’s going to fall on his face.
Brooke Schubert is another one of those consistent artists. The choice of “When Will I Be Loved” was perfect in my opinion – just country enough to be true to her roots but mainstream enough to appeal to the wider audience. I don’t know what Dicko’s talking about in that respect. Linda Ronstadt has always been a little bit country, hasn’t she? On a side note, isn’t it lovely to see so many bigger girls in the comp this year?
Mark Spano is a total pro, and he pulled it out for a commanding rendition of “Come Said the Boy.” Like Marcia I’m a big fan of the song, but I do worry about its appeal to the people who actually vote. Maybe I shouldn’t be considering how much the judges raved. This guy has so much depth, and I really hope Australia recognises it.
I don’t normally go for soul singers, but there’s just something about Roshani Priddis that I adore. She’s incredibly cool. Case in point: her choosing to perform the original Eddie Floyd version of “Knock On Wood.” Does Kyle realise how ignorant of music he sounds when he whines about wanting the disco version? Anyway, Roshani performed with such energy and personality that I didn’t even notice her pitch problems. I just gave myself over to what she was doing, and loved it.
I agree with Dicko. Tonight is the hardest semifinal outcome to predict: it was just that good. I think Sophia Paterson and Roshani Priddis may be the ones to scrape through, but really it’s anybody’s guess. I would be happy to see any of these people in the top 12.
It’s time for another theme day here at the b5media music channel. And we’re all thinking about the weather! Most of my colleagues are whooping it up by the beach, so while they’re talking about summer songs I’m putting my own spin on things. Join me fellow Aussies and celebrate winter! Who needs 40 degree heat and sunburn anyway? I’d much rather enjoy my tracky dacks and ugg boots!
But what’s the best thing to chase away the winter blues? A killer soundtrack! So without further ado, here are my favourite winter songs.
“Cold Cold Change” – Midnight Oil
“Cold Cold Change” has just what I want from my Midnight Oil tracks. A good beat that you can dance to, and a film clip which features Peter Garrett doing just that in his own distinctive style.
“Ice” – Magic Dirt
This iconic number made everyone sit up and take notice of Adalita and Magic Dirt. Sadly their time in the spotlight was a little short lived, but “Ice” still stacks up as a brilliant slice of girly angst.
“Winterland” – Died Pretty
This Died Pretty classic is a rollicking good time. If you can listen to it without tapping your feet or bobbing your head you may just be dead.
“15 Feet of Pure White Snow” – Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Honestly I could probably put the entire Nick Cave back catalogue on this list because his deep rich voice and melancholy tunes are so perfect for the season. But I’ll limit myself to this all too appropriate track.
“Rain” – Dragon
If ARIA can induct Dragon into the Hall of Fame, then I can include this band of New Zealand origin in my list. Honestly I’ll look for any excuse I can to feature this song which instantly takes me back to my childhood. Turn it up and sing along!
“The Cold Acre” – Augie March
My last video is from the simply brilliant Augie March. It starts softly but builds to something sublime. A little like the season perhaps?
Honestly once I started, it was difficult to stop writing this list. And if I could have tracked down some audio or video versions of the following songs to share with you, this post would have been a lot longer! But if you want some more wintery songs, I suggest tracking down the following!
“Winter Lovin'” – The Whitlams
“15 Feet of Snow” – Diesel
“Snow” – Alex Lloyd
“I Feel So Cold/Cold Feeling” – Underground Lovers
