Category: Film Clips

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

My Top 10 Aussie Tunes For Your Listening Pleasure

Here in the music channel we’ve been talking about the songs we’re digging right now. Some of them are new, some of them aren’t, but these are the Aussie tunes that have really impressed me lately. I’ll do a roundup of the other blogs lists later on today, which should give you all plenty of cool music to check out.

“I’ll Forget You” is a beautiful collaboration between Lior and Sia. This song is sweetness and joy in musical form, and I just love the shadow puppet film clip.

One good collaboration deserves another, don’t you think? This time we’ve got Paul Mac and Bertie Blackman teaming up for “The Only One,” a totally fun track from the new Aussie movie Hey Hey It’s Esther Blueburger.

“This Heart Attack” by Faker has been around for a little while now, but it just won’t quit. The film clip freaks me out a little, but this song is just so incredibly catchy.

Josh Pyke’s “Forever Song” was also released a while ago, but for some reason it didn’t seem to get the attention it deserved. Such simplicity, such beauty, Josh Pyke’s just awesome.

Gabriella Cilmi’s sassy ditty “Sweet About Me” is just delicious. I can’t believe this kid’s only 16 years old! She reminds me of a much more together Amy Winehouse.

“Rush” by Claire Clarke is perfect pop with a sexy rock edge. Claire’s another one of the new breed of Aussie artists at just 18 years old. I think the future of Aussie music is safe with such awesome young talent!

“Used to Get High” is the latest mellow groovefest by one of Australia’s coolest bands The John Butler Trio. It’s great to hear these guys playing with a more electric sound.

“Untouched” by The Veronicas is a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine at the moment. It’s a perfect slice of pop that I just can’t help singing along to.

Powderfinger’s latest offering “Nobody Sees” is a little bit mellower than what we’re used to hearing from the Brisbane lads, and I think that’s why I like it so much. The stripped back feel really allows the tender lyrics and Bernard’s voice to shine.

My sister introduced me to the music of Angus and Julia Stone as it reminded her of one of our favourite childhood singers, Melanie Safka. That probably won’t mean much to my younger readers, but hopefully they’ll enjoy their new single “Wasted” anyway.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussie One Hit Wonders | My Favourite Homegrown Flash in the Pan Bands

If you browse around the music channel today you’ll notice it’s all about one-hit wonders. I’ve got to admit, this list was a lot harder to compile than I first thought!

Firstly, it seems like the New Zealanders are the ones who really have the market cornered on the one-hit wonders. It seemed like just about everything I thought of was released by a Kiwi! I know most Australians seem to claim the New Zealanders as our own anyway, but I resisted the urge to add the musical stylings of Bic Runga, OMC, Mark Williams, and Dave Dobbyn and The Herbs. 

Then I started to realise Australia seems to have a lot more two-hit wonders than one-hit wonders. Did you realise The Sharp, Radio Freedom, Rat Cat, and even Scott Cain graced our charts more than once? So you won’t find them here either.

I also restricted myself to one hit wonders I actually liked. No matter how desperate I got, “Strawberry Kisses” by Nicky Webster was not going to make my list! Here’s what did.

Weddings Parties Anything released plenty of singles, and were favourites on the Australian live circuit for more than a decade, but “Fathers Day” was their only song to achieve any sort of commercial success. This beautiful track about a broken home and a father’s love for his son deservedly won Song of the Year at the 1993 ARIAs. Their follow-up single “Monday’s Experts” was another great song, but it limped into the charts at number 45.

Melbourne’s The Ferrets struck gold in 1977 with their debut single “Don’t Fall in Love.” In actual fact, this song was supposed to be the B-side. But when they decided to sing it on Countdown, Australia went wild. It rocketed to number 2 on the charts. It may be older than I am, but this song is still so much fun.

Things of Stone and Wood were another band who burst onto the charts, then disappeared just as suddenly. Lead singer Greg Arnold wrote “Happy Birthday Helen” as a present for his girlfriend. It must have worked, because he ended up marrying her.

You know, it wasn’t until I started to research this list that I discovered The Dynamic Hepnotics are Aussies. “Soul Kind of Feeling” is 1980s funk at its finest.

The Poor rocked onto the charts in 1994 with “More Wine Waiter Please.” I remember buying their album on cassette while shopping with my grandma, and carefully peeling off the explicit lyrics sticker so my family wouldn’t realise how naughty it was. Wine may not be the most rock and roll drink, but this song still stands up.

Max Merritt may be a Kiwi, but his band The Meteors were 100% homegrown. They reached number 2 in Australia and number 5 in New Zealand in 1975 with the beautiful “Slippin’ Away.” The group disbanded the following year, leaving this stunning track as their greatest legacy.

Peter Blakeley was a member of The Rockmelons before he struck out on his own in 1990. “Crying in the Chapel” was massive, reaching number 2 on the Aussie charts. Sadly, nothing else he recorded came close. I can never resist singing along to this one.

Destiny’s Child covered it in 2001, but before they were even born Australia’s own Samatha Sang had a worldwide hit with “Emotion.” The Bee Gees wrote the track, and even sang the back-up vocals for her, so it was always going to do big things. She was offered more Bee Gees songs, but was determined to make it on her own merits. She never did.

Stunning siblings Matt and Becky Thomas made “Cry” a massive hit for The Mavis’s in 1998. I can’t believe it’s been ten years either. I just love this song, and the film clip is just so pretty.

I couldn’t write a list about Australian one hit wonders without including the granddaddy of them all, “Shaddup You Face” by Joe Dolce. This song regularly makes those worst songs of all time lists, but I still love it. It’s silly, it’s fun, and old Joe even makes it easy to sing along.

Later in the day I’ll clue you in on all the other one hit wonder posts in the music channel. But until then, I’d love to know what you think about one hit wonders. Do you love or loathe the songs I’ve listed. And what did I miss?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Love Songs to Brighten your Valentine’s Day

Sorry to all your cynics out there, but I really love Valentine’s Day. And so in honour of this romantic day I figured I’d bring you some of my favourite Aussie love songs. I hope they make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

“Even When I’m Sleeping” by Leonardo’s Bride is one of those tracks I used to play a lot when my husband and I were doing the long-distance thing. It’s so gorgeous without being overly gooey and sentimental.

“Please Don’t Ask Me” is one of those songs that always makes me cry. I’m sure we’ve all been victims of unrequited love, that most painful love of all! So keep your tissues handy when Farnsy stops talking and starts singing!
Continue reading “Love Songs to Brighten your Valentine’s Day” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

BeXta’s a V.I.P.

The world of DJing is a bit of a boys’ club, so I’m always happy to see an Aussie girl making waves. BeXta has been a big hitVIP Cover in the clubs for years, and she’s just released her hot new single “V.I.P.”

This sexy dance track has been described as “Kylie meets the Potbellyz.” It features Amii Jackson on vocals and production by ex-Pseudo Echo singer Brian Canham.

I know most us never bother with singles anymore, but this one offers real value. There’s six cool mixes, including the pop/electro radio version and some hot club remixes. If you were at the Big Day Out you might recognise the Soundgarden mix, as this was the opening track of her explosive set. And the ReRub mix is perfect for a chilled-out Sunday morning.

BeXta’s getting out there to support the release of “V.I.P.” with some dates all around the country. You can catch the queen of the Australian DJ scene at the following venues:

15 February 2008 – Sublime @ Home, Sydney
22 February 2008 – StarGarden @ Chasers, Melbourne
9 March 2008 – Future Music Festival, Melbourne
29 March 2008 – Family, Brisbane
4 April 2008 – Rise, Perth
18 April – King St Hotel, Newcastle

Image source: BeXta’s official website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Song Obsession: American Television

Ben Lee’s new music video has sparked a whole new love affair with his song “American Television.” With so many great tracks on Ripe it almost got lost, but this clip is all kinds of awesome.

It’s a homage to the TV shows of my youth, with parodies of Doogie Howser M.D., Blossom, ALF, and stacks more. I just love the Michael Jackson-style face melding towards the end. Look out for a cameo appearance by Saved by the Bell’s Kelly Kapowski, Tiffany Amber Thiessen.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussie Aussie Aussie!

In honour of Australia Day I figured I’d put together a collection of some of my favourite patriotic songs. They’re all very different, but they have one thing in common: they were written by proud Australians who weren’t afraid to let the world know they love their country. So grab a beer, put another snag on the barbie and sing along!

I barely recognise Richard Clapton in this clip for “Down in the Lucky Country!” Just ignore the naff special effects and join in with the chorus.

OK, so technically Christina Anu wrote “My Island Home” about Torres Strait rather than Australia generally, but it’s since been adopted as an unofficial anthem. A beautiful song, and a beautiful performance on SBS’s Rockwiz.

Speaking of unofficial anthems, they don’t get much bigger than “I Still Call Australia Home.” I’d really hoped to find a video of the original Peter Allen version, or even Hugh Jackman’s Broadway performance, but Guy Sebastian’s jazzy take will have to do. I saw The Boy from Oz when I was in New York, and I have never felt more proud to be an Australian as I did when this song was performed.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Special Effects Aplenty in New Delta Video

No expense has been spared in the production of the film clip for Delta Goodrem’s new song, “Believe Again.”

According to The Daily Telegraph it uses more than 100 special effects, which is more than most feature films! It took more than six weeks to create the visual masterpiece with teams in Australia, Los Angeles, and Spain. Wow!

And it’s a good thing too. While the video looks superb, this anthemic song is nowhere near as catchy as Delta’s last single “In This Life.” But as Delta’s Australia’s golden girl, I’m sure it’ll sell well anyway when it’s released today. 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

My Top 10 Aussie Guilty Pleasures

This month we’ve been talking about guilty pleasures in the music channel. We all have them, those songs we love but we rarely admit to. From the silliest pop song to the most overblown power ballad, we’re lifting the lid on our secret indulgences. I’ve decided to make this a video post as many of these film clips are so tragic they’re guilty pleasures too.

Olivia Newton-John has produced some of the greatest guilty pleasures around, so choosing just one for my top ten was a tall order. But I’ve gone with “Xanadu,” from the movie which is also a bit of a guilty pleasure. The terrible ’80s fashion, more roller skates than I think I’ve ever seen in a film clip, it’s brilliant.  

I admit it, I’ve been a Human Nature fan for years. I loved them way before they were schmoozing with Motown legends. I loved them when were singing disposable pop songs, and when they were dancing their way around Sydney in terrible film clips. This music video for “Got It Goin’ On” brings together these loves.

Speaking of early musical crushes, I bring you Invertigo. Now there’s a name you haven’t heard in a while, right? They only made one album, and when I listen to it now it’s more than a little bit cheesy. But “Chances Are” is still a great song, and I still love this film clip because Christian Argenti gets all wet in it. Oooer.

And before they were Invertigo, they were Pseudo Echo (well three quarters of them were anyway). Some people may have chosen “Funky Town” for the list, but I maintain their version is far superior to the original. No, the real guilty pleasure is “Listening,” with its big ’80s electro beats and that ridiculously catchy chorus.

I’ve always thought 1927’s “If I Could” was one of the most romantic songs ever written. But we all know how cringe-worthy a good dose of cheesy romance is, particularly when it’s wrapped up in a power ballad. I’m not sure what happened to 1927, but I’m glad they left us this.

While we’re on the topic of romance, they don’t get much soppier than “Especially for You.” Everything about this Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan song is terrible. The lyrics are awful. The film clip is so frustrating (how do they keep missing one another?!). And the less said about Kylie’s perm, the better. But against the odds, I love it.

Neighbours has given us a few guilty pleasures hasn’t it? Another soapie star who decided to give singing a try was Craig McLachlan. Here he is with his band Check 1-2 and his mullet singing out “Mona.” Just try to get this out of your head.

Yes indeed, before he was a soap star in America Rick Springfield was just a kid from Sydney. Sure he didn’t do a lot more than “Jessie’s Girl,” but this song is such a guilty pleasure that I can forgive him. He may not have been a very good dancer, but he was so handsome!

I believe every country deserves a hair band, a group of lads with big fluffy dos capable of belting out an epic ballad. America had Poison, Sweden had Europe, England had Whitesnake, and Australia had Roxus. Sure there was just that one big album, but it spawned the monster hit “Where Are You Now?” I’m actually wondering that myself! Surely there’s another album left in them. 

The ’80s really were all about guilty pleasures, weren’t they? So I figured it was only fitting to end on another gem from the decade that taste forgot, “Change in Mood” by Kids in the Kitchen. This is Aussie New Wave at its best (or worst depending on your point of view).

So there you have it. I’ve spilled my guts, now it’s your turn. I want to hear your guiltiest musical pleasures. Don’t be shy!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Old Man River’s a Ray of Sunshine

Old Man River will brighten up your summer with their new single “Sunshine.”

Funnily enough, they’ve opted to tour the chilly regions of Europe to celebrate its release. They’ll kick off their Italian dates at Milan’s La Casa 139 tomorrow night, before visiting Scandiano, Brescia, Rome, and Ancona. They’ll arrive in Germany on the 17th, and play Hamburg, Munich, Berlin and Koln.

But never fear Aussies. Old Man River will be back before the jetlag kicks in to play a string of shows, including Homebake, the Peats Ridge Festival, and The Falls.

You’d think they’d be tired of touring after all that, but Old Man River are just getting started. In early 2008 they’ll take their delicious blend of folk and pop to Japan, Canada, and the United States.

Image source: Shmulix15 @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Australian Idol Does Big Band

Glitz and glamour was the order of the day, as our Australian Idol top four performed the swing stylings of big band. Some felt right at home with the standards, while other struggled.

Carl Riseley has become the show’s resident swing king, and he did a pretty decent job within his comfort zone. My biggest problem with Carl when he performs in this style is that he shows little originality. While I’m a big Michael Bublé fan, I don’t really like his take on “Me and Mrs Jones.” Just like Michael’s, Carl’s version showed none of the sexiness of the original. The song is about sex more than romance, and both singers seem to miss that point. However, I do think it was vocally stronger than his second performance, “Just Kiss Me.” Those lyrics are just frenetic, and I don’t think he was in the pocket for much of it. However, he’s become a real showman and it was an entertaining effort. I agree with the judges: this was meant to be Carl’s night and he really needed to do more than anyone else to wow us.

Marty Simpson was always going to find tonight more difficult than any of the other Idols, and it showed. He was very clever, choosing modern songs he already connected with and giving them a big band reworking. The arrangements were really very good, but his stage manner showed he wasn’t confident in them. It’s a shame. I thought “American Baby” sounded great, but I would have loved a little more fire from “Light My Fire.”

Matt Corby came next, with some average efforts. He too looked a little uncomfortable, but there was no denying his vocal abilities. First up was Michael Bublé’s take on James Taylor’s “How Sweet It Is,” and then the more traditional big band song “Beyond the Sea.” Overall I was a bit bored by it. The emotional connection I’m used to from Matt was missing, and his performances suffered for it.

Natalie Gauci was last night’s real surprise package. She came out with a stunning rendition of “Orange Coloured Sky” and backed it up with “How High the Moon.” Either performance could have earned her a touchdown, but Mark waited until the end to give it to her, her third touchdown in a row. Natalie’s definitely peaking right now, and I think she deserves to be at the Opera House more than anyone else.

I think either Marty or Carl’s number may be up this week. Marty’s performances were probably the weakest, but he’s got a really strong fan base who must realise he’s more vulnerable this week than he’s ever been. Carl should have shone here, and he didn’t. He did better than Matt, but the teenagers aren’t going to let Mr Corby go just yet.