New Song Obsession: “Hold On, I’m Coming On” by Dan Kelly

Gee those Kellys are a talented lot. Dan Kelly, nephew of Paul, has stepped away from his Alpha Males band mates to record his new album Dream. The solo disc features the track “Hold On, I’m Coming On” which is a great slice of cruisy summery pop-rock. This is the kind of tune that lodges itself in your brain, but you don’t really mind because it’s so much fun. The film clip is pretty cool too, with its retro Super 8 camera work. Check it out! And if you like what you hear, make sure you see Dan doing his thing live at the following shows.

18 September 2010 – Republic Bar & Café, Hobart
24 September 2010 – Rosemount Hotel, North Perth
25 September 2010 – Wave Rock Weekender, Hyden
26 September 2010 – Mojo’s Bar, Fremantle
1 October 2010 – Edinburgh Castle Hotel, Adelaide
7 October 2010 – The Maram, Canberra
8 October 2010 – Northern Star, Newcastle
9 October 2010 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney
15 October 2010 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
16 October 2010 – The Loft, Warnambool

“Hit the Bottom” with Lucy’s Crown

I always admire a band that shows some real ambition. And ambitious is the only word that springs to mind on viewing the video for “Hit the Bottom,” the new song from Melbourne indie act Lucy’s Crown.

I’m still trying to work out if I like it, but I know there are certainly parts that resonate. Cowboys, muscle cars, and straightjackets are always winners (unless you happen to be wearing one of the white suits I suppose), and I love the Tori Amos-esque harpsichord interlude in the song. But just like anything that’s a bit left of centre and surreal, it’s not going to please everybody.

But it probably will challenge you, and for that reason alone I think it’s worth a look. So check it out and tell me, what do you think? I think it’s going to take a couple more viewings before I understand it all, and even then I’m not sure!

Thirsty Merc Release “Tommy and Krista” Video

“Tommy and Krista” is one of my favourite cuts from Thirsty Merc’s third album Mousetrap Heart. I was thrilled to see it reaching a wider audience as a single, and now I’m thrilled all over again to see the band has created a film clip to match the song’s charm. I love the retro feel of this official music video. What about you?

Blue King Brown Promise to “Never Fade Away”

The single keep coming from Blue King Brown. The band, who are currently touring the country with John Butler Trio, has just released a vibing new track called “Never Fade Away.”

“‘Never Fade Away’ speaks about finding strength from our families, the importance of family and also the importance of seeing all human beings as being connected and part of a global community,” the band said in a statement. “’Never Fade Away’, the music video, was all shot in our hometown of Melbourne, Australia. It features some of our region’s finest multicultural artists, dancers and musicians; it’s recognition and a celebration of the strong multicultural foundation that is modern Australia.”

The song is the third single from Blue King Brown’s new album Worldwize Part 1: North & South which is in stores now.

Happy Father’s Day

Happy Father’s Day!

I’ll bet there are plenty of readers out there who consider this to be another of those Hallmark holidays, but I don’t mind a day that gives me an excuse to catch up with my Dad. We touch base regularly, but those days where the entire family gets together are a bit rarer.

I’m lucky to enjoy a really good relationship with my Dad. Music has always been a bit of an anchor to that. I remember spending many evenings with him while Mum was working night duty. He’d take out his collection of vinyl and I’d know to stay very still as the tracks played. He’d explain to me the history of the band and the meaning of the lyrics. If not for those special nights I might not be the rabid music fan I am today.

So I figured today was the perfect day to post a few Aussie music videos that remind me of my Dad. Hopefully you’ll enjoy them too!

My Dad loves a bit of Chisel. “Flame Trees” is his favourite Cold Chisel track, and quite rightly so. “Khe Sahn” might be the popular choice, but the lyrics of this song and Jimmy’s impassioned delivery are exceptional.

My Dad is also the reason I’m such a big Richard Clapton. It’s not the coolest thing to admit, but if you saw this guy live you’d get it. I’ve picked “Best Years of Our Lives” not because it’s the best Richard Clapton song (although that’s arguably the case), but because its message is something Dad’s always instilled in me.

I remember when “Holy Grail” was released and it wowed my Dad. He’s generally a bit slower to embrace brand new music, but he loved this Hunters & Collectors track. If it came on the radio, he’d turn it up loud and sing along.

An oldie now, but an important one to include. Country Radio were playing at Newcastle nightspot The Savoy on the night that my Dad met my mother. This song “Gypsy Queen” was their big hit, so perhaps if it didn’t exist and drag them both out that night, I wouldn’t be here!

And no post about the relationship between a father and daughter would be complete without Axiom’s “Little Ray of Sunshine.”

Happy Father’s Day Dad! I love you lots!!

Laneous and the Family Yah Release Wacky “I Am Dog” Video

Laneous and the Family Yah is a band that definitely doesn’t take itself too seriously.

That should be pretty evident on watching the film clip for their new single “I Am Dog,” which documents a day in the life of James Lane, the owner of the World’s First Dog, Cat and Pigeon Zoo. As you’ll soon find out though, these are no ordinary animals. The song might seem pretty silly at first, but focus in on those infectious hooks and the tight instrumentation and you’ll realise there’s more to this band than meets the eye.

“I Am Dog” is the first taste the Laneous and the Family Yah’s second album Found Things, which will hit record stores around the country in September. It’s a blend of soul, punk, and hip hop that’s like nothing you’ve ever heard. After watching that film clip, you know what I’m saying is true!

To coincide with the release of Found Things, Laneous and the Family Yah will join Regurgitator on their album launch tour. Make sure you turn up early at the following shows to check these guys out!

16 September 2010 – The Gov, Adelaide
17 September 2010 – The Hi-Fi, Melbourne
18 September 2010 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
19 September 2010 – The Great Northern, Byron Bay
23 September 2010 – The Maram, Canberra
24 September 2010 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
25 September 2010 – Manning Bar, Sydney

Greenthief Makes a “Plea for Sanctuary”

Brisbane alterna rockers Greenthief have been building a solid reputation as a live act, so it only makes sense that the film clip for their new single “Plea for Sanctuary” showcases that raw, performance energy. The emotive vocals and wailing guitars of this track have definitely suckered me in. It comes from Greenthief’s debut EP Anicca, which is available online through Greenthief’s e-store.

Recoil on the Road

Sydney metal heads Recoil have been pretty busy of late. They’ve just released their debut album The Will to Sin, the single “And a Hard Place” and its accompanying video, and they’re also getting out and doing it live.

“We wanted to focus on the playing and the music itself hence the white background,” said the band’s lead singer Wade of the video’s concept. “We wanted the main focus on us as a band, no distractions and just let people see who we are when we play live.”

The song captures the band’s signature raw heavy metal style. I’m not really into metal, so my reaction might be more extreme than fans of the genre, but it blew my head off. If you’re digging it though, you won’t be disappointed by the band’s live set.

“[Fans] can expect a loud in your face but very tight performance with plenty of energy,” Wade said.

If that sounds like your kind of thing, make sure you get along to one of the following gigs.

21 August 2010 – The Basement, Canberra, ACT
3 September 2010 – Club LED, Newcastle, NSW
2 October 2010 – SFX, Sydney, NSW
8 October 2010 – BAM Festrival, Ivory Rocks, Brisbane, QLD (All Ages)
22 October 2010 – The Home Tavern, Wagga Wagga, NSW

Young Revelry Release Video Ahead of EP Launch

Perth rockers Young Revelry will release their debut EP You and I on Friday, but they’re already giving us a sneak peek with the release of the video for the title track. It’s suitably moody and broody, with a mash-up of eclectic visuals and some rather unsettling animation.

Singer and guitarist Sebastian Astone says “this release best represents what we are about at this stage. It’s the culmination of our first year together.” The Perth act recorded the album in the wilds of the Western Australian bush with the help of producer Woody Annison (Children Collide, Red Riders, Black Cab).

With an ambitious seven tracks, the EP features heaving guitars, driving bass lines, and Astone’s distinctive soaring vocals.

Perthites get the chance to see Young Revelry launching the album this Friday and Saturday with shows at The Bird. Following this the band will embark on a September tour supporting Calling All Cars.