Category: Video

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Happy Australia Day!

Happy Australia Day Sounds of Oz readers! I hope that whatever you’re doing, whether it’s planning a big family barbeque or simply having a day off work, you’re enjoying it.

I always like to post a video on January 26 that makes me pause and think how good we’ve got it, and how special this country is. While watching Oprah’s Australian advertorials this month, I knew what I’d have to post in 2011. “I Still Call Australia Home” has always been a song that’s affected me. I honestly think it should be our national anthem, as it stirs me much more than “Advance Australia Fair.”

But that’s a discussion for another time. For now it’s just an amazing song made better by the presence of some of our best entertainers, and a great big Aussie flag.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

R.I.P. Steve Prestwich

While we were still reeling from the untimely death of Sherbet’s Harvey James, we learned that we’d also lost Steve Prestwich. The Cold Chisel drummer died from a brain tumour on Sunday at the age of 56.

Steve began to play with Jimmy Barnes, Ian Moss, and Don Walker in the early 70s outfit Orange. They changed their name to Cold Chisel in 1974, and the rest is history. He helped Don Walker write one of the band’s greatest songs, “Flame Trees,” and also put pen to paper for “When the War is Over” and “Forever Now.”

Following Chisel’s demise in 1983, Steve joined Little River Band and helped “When the War is Over” become a hit all over again. But he was back for Chisel’s reunion shows.

I remember attending the Last Wave of Summer gig at Newcastle Entertainment Centre back in 1998. This was a band I never expected to see live, and I lapped it up. I am so thrilled that I got to see Steve Prestwich doing his thing, and so sad to see him taken from us all too soon. Here’s the music video of Cold Chisel doing “When the War is Over” to remember him by.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Level Spirits Release “Take It Out” Music Video

The first music video to catch my attention this year is the quirkily cool “Take It Out,” the debut single from The Level Spirits. There’s an alt country vibe to this track, which features gorgeous vocals from Molly-Jean Morrison. I also love the film clip, which takes a fun look at the perfect nuclear family, with the addition of a handy voodoo doll. The Melbourne band has currently taken up residence at The Cherry Bar, so if you like this tune make sure you venture out on Wednesdays to see what they’re all about!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Guy Sebastian Reclaims ARIA Number One

After being ousted from the top spot last week, Guy Sebastian has returned to the number one position on the ARIA Singles Charts this week with “Who’s That Girl.”

Again he’s keeping company with Jessica Mauboy, who’s holding on to the top 10 by her fingernails with “Saturday Night.”

There doesn’t seem to be any stopping Altiyan Childs, who is again holding down the number three spot on the album charts with his self-titled debut. Guy Sebastian is nipping at his heels though, with Twenty Ten moving up two places to sit at number six.

Click below to see the entire ARIA top 10!

Continue reading “Guy Sebastian Reclaims ARIA Number One” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Icecream Hands Reunite for Sweeter Than the Radio

Melbourne’s Icecream Hands will play for their home town one more time later this month. The indie band hasn’t played together since their 2007 album, The Good China.

The one-off show will see Icecream Hands going back in the vault to play their 2000 release, Sweeter Than The Radio, in its entirety. The acclaimed disc was nominated for Best Adult Contemporary Album at that year’s ARIA Awards.

To mark this very special reunion, Dust Devil Music will sell the band’s rare live acoustic album Live at Manchester Lane at the show. If you want a copy, and to relive a bit of Australian music history, make sure you get down to the Northcote Social Club on January 29. And until then, check out this awesome video filmed at that Manchester Lane show!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bye Bye 2010, Bring on the New Year!

The bubbly is chilling and folks are getting together as we prepare to bid 2010 adieu. The year our Aussie artists produced some cracking tunes which should help get your NYE party started!

Sia has been a musical force for some time, but 2010 saw her step into the spotlight with her fab album We Are Born. It spawned so many singles, including the irrepressibly “Clap Your Hands.”

Washington was this year’s breakthrough artist and with good reason. Bucket loads of charisma, insightful lyrics, and some damned good tunes are a recipe for success in anyone’s language. “Sunday Best” was the song that had me dancing around my lounge room this year.

John Butler Trio’s “One Way Road” is a bit rootsier than the other tracks, but no less fun. I am in awe of the way JB manages to get his mouth around those rapid fire lyrics!

Amy Meredith definitely didn’t get the recognition they deserved this year. I enjoyed their first two singles, but they wowed me with the nostalgic “Young at Heart.” The fun retro feel sent me right back to my childhood! This is definitely the tune to play as the evening is winding down.

What will you be spinning tonight?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kylie Clip Banned in Asia

When Kylie Minogue released her single “All the Lovers” in June, we said the sexy music video was the best part about it. But it seems that several Asian countries don’t agree as they’ve banned the raunchy clip from their screens.

Television stations in several countries including Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia won’t play the music video which features “all the lovers,” gay and straight indulging in a serious make-out session.

“I think, yes, it’s sexy but I also think it’s very touching and sensual and the message is love,” Kylie told Spanish private television station Cuatro when quizzed about the controversy.

I have to agree with her. It’s sexy but hardly pornographic. This sort of thing just makes you glad to live in (mostly) open-minded Australia, and in a world with the internet where anyone can see anything they please! So if you haven’t watched it yet, here it is for your viewing pleasure!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Sounds of Oz readers! I hope you’re all enjoying the day, spending time with your families or friends, eating too much, and playing with a few shiny new toys. Unless you scored a new laptop, there’s probably no reason for you to be online reading my blog!

But if you are, thank you, and here’s some Tim Minchin for your trouble. This gorgeous Christmas tune, “White Wine in the Sun,” really captures the Aussie experience of Christmastime. It’s certainly more poignant than any songs about winter wonderlands, isn’t it? So enjoy dear readers, and have yourself a merry little Christmas!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Song Obsession: “All I Ever Wanted” by Mark Wilkinson

I pride myself on loving music of all genres, but there’s no denying that I have a special place in my heart for folky acoustic singer songwriter types. The latest to cross my path and worm his way into my subconscious is Mark Wilkinson.

It was love at first listen when I heard his new single “All I Ever Wanted.” The film clip, which was recorded in Cape Town, is every bit as uplifting. I can’t wait to hear more from this Sydneysider when he releases his debut album Truth Came Running in February.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sydneyvision Winner Dyan Tai Asks “Why Sydney”

Anyone described as the Asian love child of Prince and Lady Gaga has enough going on to get me interested. And so it’s well worth taking a look at Dyan Tai, the recent winner of the Sydneyvision Song Contest. Think Eurovision for Sydney’s burbs.

Dyan won the title with this delightfully campy dance ode to his home city, “Why Sydney.” If you’re still searching for Mr or Miss Right in the big smoke, it’s likely to strike a chord.

“Why Sydney” isn’t a song that tries to be anything other than what it is. Don’t go looking for the deeper meaning because you’ll be disappointed. It’s fun and more than a little silly, but you’ll find yourself singing it long after the video ends!