“You’ll Never Walk Alone” – David Campbell

I’m heading home today, so I figured it was only fitting to end this little snapshot of Adelaide music on the artist I’m seeing live on Thursday night: David Campbell. Anyone who’s been reading this blog for a while knows how much I adore David, and I’m definitely looking forward to hearing him playing the tunes from the new Broadway album including “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

Thanks for your patience while I’ve been away. Regular blogging resumes tomorrow!

“No Secrets” – The Angels

As I spend my last full day in Adelaide, I figured it was time to go back in the vault again. I’ve done Chisel, so there seemed like just one obvious choice: The Angels. Doc Neeson and the boys had so many hits, but I think my favourite has to be “No Secrets.” Long before I really understood the words I was singing them loudly; I’m not sure whether that’s a good or a bad thing!

Congratulations to Luke and Kate!

My apologies to Guy Sebastian. I’m sure this Adelaide resident would rather forget his first single, and that electrified hair. But this song does have some beautiful words, and on this day where I’m witnessing the wedding of my friends Kate and Luke it struck a nerve. Planes probably brought them to Adelaide rather than angels, but the sentiment remains the same. May they have a lifetime of wedded bliss ahead of them!

“Gravity” – The Superjesus

“Gravity” by The Superjesus is one of those tracks that takes me back to my angry early twenties. It seems a lifetime ago looking back, but then the crunchy guitar chords and strong vocals of Sarah McLeod definitely hit a nerve. And if I’m honest with you, they still do! Listening to this song it’s hard to believe it’s more than a decade old; how time flies!

I’m Adelaide Bound!

Today I’m getting on a plane bound for Adelaide and taking a very well earned holiday. I could leave you all to your own devices, but I’d much rather give you something to look at while I’m gone. Keeping up with news was always going to be impossible, so I figured I’d treat you to some of my favourite music videos from Adelaide artists. The city is a wealth of musical talent after all, so sit back and enjoy the tunes!

I had to kick off with my favourite Adelaide act, Cold Chisel. There are so many tunes I could have picked here, but I settled on “Cheap Wine.” This was actually the track I fell in love with first. My sister and I got a real kick out of singing about booze as youngsters. Fun fact; it was actually released the year that I was born, yet it still sounds fresh as a daisy.

Chaingang Take Us On a Holiday

It’s not entirely coincidental that I’m posting the video for “Holiday” from Sydney’s Chaingang today. Tomorrow I’m jetting off for a well-earned break, but rest assured I’ll leave plenty of goodies for you to browse while I’m gone.

At any rate, when this song passed my desk the timing seemed too fortuitous to ignore. This is a far cry from Madonna’s poppy “Holiday.” Chaingang’s version is much dirtier, in more ways than one! I love the sexy rock notes of this, not to mention all that milk and tomato sauce in the music video! This is really fun stuff, as any good holiday should be!

The X Factor Live Shows Are Underway!

I was a bit critical of The X Factor due to some questionable judging choices last week, but I approached tonight’s first live show with an open mind. Here’s how it all went down.

Luke and Joel kicked the night off with Good Charlotte’s “Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous.” I thought Guy had picked a smart song; it’s not a track that really challenges the vocals and it does allow natural charisma to shine through. I still stand by my views though that these guys aren’t top 12 material. All the personality in the world can’t make up for an inability to sing.

I always felt Hayley Teal was one of the biggest contenders in the competition, but I was in two minds after the performance tonight. It all started for me when Nat dyed her hair brown. It continued with the slick, choreographed performance of “Bust Your Windows.” She nailed it vocally, but I just worry that we’re losing Hayley in the process. I loved her edges, and I’m a bit disappointed that she’s been polished up. I guess we’ll see what happens next week.

I was a bit skeptical when I heard Kyle had picked Kelly Clarkson’s “Already Gone” for Chris Doe, but I was pleasantly surprised. It wasn’t flawless by any means, but for the first time tonight I felt the heart. This was the connection I’ve been craving all night. There’s definitely some potential there, and I ‘m looking forward to seeing him grow in this competition.

Amanda Grafanakis was up next with Ne-Yo’s “Closer.” I think this was probably the most well rounded performance to that point. The vocals were on point and she performed it really well. I still didn’t feel my socks blown off, but I really couldn’t fault her on anything. If she’s this good in week one, I can’t wait to see how she develops.

Kharizma really impressed me with “Empire State of Mind.” There was that elusive connection that I’ve felt lacking in so many of the performances tonight. They definitely sold the story of the song. For the first time I felt that they stepped up rather than living in Mahogany’s shadow.

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