Category: Film Clips

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Australian Idol Gives Singers a Second Chance

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!

Image source: Vivido @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tom and Thanh Join Idol Top 12 on Tough Semifinal Night

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.

Image source: Duchessa @ Stock.xchng

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Seven Aussie Videos To Beat the Winter Blues

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
  • “Winter Coat” – Paul Kelly
  • “Jack Frost” – 78 Saab
  • “Midwinter” – The Clouds
  • “Winter’s Tale” – Falling Joys
Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Veronicas "Take Me On The Floor" Video Controversy

The Veronicas video for their latest single “Take Me On the Floor” has caused a commotion! What’s all the fuss about? Well, there’s some footage of girls kissing girls. Apparently the sexy shots mean we’ll never see the clip on Video Hits and the like, who will instead screen a much tamer version.

I watched the clip expecting to see some real fireworks and was a little disappointed. Silhouetted girl on girl action is too hot for daytime TV? What bothers me here is the double standard. I saw much raunchier in the film clip for James Blunt’s “Goodbye My Lover,” but because he was a whiny male cavorting with a naked Mischa Barton that was all OK. And how is this more suggestive than Katy Perry singing her song all about kissing a girl?

Thankfully you’re online, so you can see the stuff those music video shows won’t show you. What do you think? Is it a lot of fuss over nothing, or does it deserve the ban?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

My Olympic Games Soundtrack | Not an Amy Pearson Song in Sight

I am so excited about the Olympics. For the next two weeks I’m going to wear an indent in my couch, getting up early and staying up late enough to soak it all up. While my anticipation is at fever pitch, there’s one thing that has managed to sour my mood. It’s that damned “Ready to Fly” song by Amy Pearson.

I’m sure she’s a really sweet girl. Her voice is pretty enough. But really, does that inspire anyone to get out there and win gold? I’ve been thinking about all the songs I’d much rather hear on the Olympics ads, and so I figured I’d put together this post to get you all into the Olympic spirit.

Channel Seven, if you feel like adopting any of these tracks I’d be thrilled.

“We Can’t Be Beaten” – Rose Tattoo

See this is what an Olympics song should song like. Empassioned vocals, crunchy guitars, and a message to spur our athletes on.

“Better” – The Screaming Jets

I’m a Novacastrian, so this song has a place close to my heart. When the Newcastle Knights faced off with the Manly Sea Eagles in the 1997 rugby league grand final, this song was all over the radio willing our boys to bring home the trophy. Then when they did, we continued to play it. I absolutely love it.

“Holy Grail” – Hunters & Collectors

I don’t know whether Mark Seymour was thinking about gold medals when he wrote “Holy Grail,” but this song works so well as an Olympic anthem that I just don’t care!

“(Simply) The Best” – Tina Turner and Jimmy Barnes

Yes Tina did it first, but it was Jimmy Barnes’ trademark rasp that really made this song. True story: when I worked at K-Mart as a high school student the bosses used to play this track every morning to inspire us. I think it works a lot better in a sports context!

“Playing to Win” – Little River Band

If you can listen to this song without getting fired up you’re just not Australian. Farnsy originally recorded this track with Little River Band, but it’s just as strong as a solo song. It also gives us a good excuse to see that infamous mullet again!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

CDB Are Back!

Well here’s some unexpected news: CDB have reformed! If you weren’t a teenage girl in the 90s this will probably mean nothing to you, so let me refresh your memory.

CDB were Australia’s very own boy band. Along with Human Nature, they showed local girls that we didn’t need the Backstreet Boys or Take That. Their pop-soul anthems like “Hook Me Up” and “Let’s Groove” sold plenty, but then after two albums they disbanded.

But let’s face it. Gary Pinto is wasted as a back-up singer on Australian Idol. And I’d much rather see his brother Brad shaking his booty than working behind-the-scenes writing and producing.

So why reform now? Andrew De Silva sheds some light on this surprising turn of events.

“We have rediscovered the reasons why we first formed the band. The chemistry between us and the combined skills just amaze me,” he explained in a press statement. “It’s been great pursuing our individual goals, but there’s something really special about this group and what we create together. During our time apart we’ve acquired new skills and ideas that we bring back to the band. We have rediscovered CDB but this time with greater experience and promise.”

It looks like the lads have taken some inspiration from Human Nature’s recent Motown success. After all, their 90s contemporaries have managed to stay relevant on the modern musical landscape, so they’re a pretty good model!

So CDB are paying tribute to their favourite artists with The Funk Sessions. It’s due out in October.

Until then I’ll just have to be content watching old footage like this music video for “Hey Girl” on Hey Hey It’s Saturday. Those white outfits make them look like they’re part of a cult, but those harmonies take me right back!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Song Obsession: "Sand" by Jessica Chapnick and Ben Lee

When I read some time ago that Ben Lee had composed the soundtrack for the new Aussie movie The Square I became quite excited. New Ben Lee is always cause for joy, but I was particularly intrigued because he was handing singing duties over to Jessica Chapnick. I heard the song for the first time on Sunrise this morning, and I’m impressed.

She may star in Home & Away, but Jessica is far from those disposable soap popettes we’re so familiar with. Instead she’s cut from that serious balladeer mould that is sure to interest fans of Sarah Blasko and Holly Throsby. Ben has excelled with these romantic yet original lyrics. All in all, I’m in love with this song.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Song Obsession: "I Can’t Break it to My Heart" by Delta Goodrem

I have a confession to make: I love a good torch song. Give me some sappy lyrics and a strong melody and I’m a happy girl. So Delta Goodrem’s latest single “I Can’t Break it to My Heart” is right up my alley.

Just quietly, I found “Believe Again” boring and “You Will Only Break My Heart” a little lacking in substance, so I’m thrilled to see her back to her best with this single. Yes it’s super daggy, but I just love it. The song really seems to come alive when she steps on stage, so please enjoy this version from Delta’s Max Sessions concert filmed earlier this year!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Videos Galore at Graeham Goble’s New Site

Here’s one for all the nostalgia buffs out there. Little River Band founder Graeham Goble has just relaunched his website with an absolute treasure trove of video content.

The site features 50 clips in all, including plenty of rare footage. See Birtles and Goble perform their hit “I’m Coming Home” on the Don Lane Show and the Paul Hogan Show. There’s also a rare duet with John Farnham at the Carols by Candlelight, and some very cool Eagles songs with none other than Glenn Frey!

The spiffy new website coincides with this week’s release of Graeham’s new album Let it Rain. To get you in the mood,here’s the film clip from the LRB classic, “Reminiscing.”