Category: Video

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

Natalie vs. Matt: Australian Idol Showdown

Last night our Australian Idol hopefuls Natalie Gauci and Matt Corby had one last chance to impress the public. But did they pull it off? Who deserves the winner’s crown? Here’s my verdict on the final showdown.

Matt Corby kicked off the night with his rendition of the winner’s single, “Here I Am.” Newspaper reports earlier in the week suggested Matt hated the song, and while he denied these claims his performance told a different story. I thought he looked really uncomfortable, particularly during the verses.

He looked a lot more at home performing Radiohead’s “High and Dry.” I’m sure Radiohead fans probably hated his loungy treatment of the song, but I’m not a Radiohead fan. I really liked it, but I think his falsetto needs some work.

I was less enthusiastic about his closing song, “Mind’s Eye” by Wolfmother. This should have rocked. The band did, but Matt’s performance felt laboured and tired.

Natalie Gauci seems to be the master of turning hideous pop songs into gold. Just as she did weeks ago with “Umbrella,” Nat did a great version of Timbaland’s “Apologise.”

She followed it up with a breathtaking version of Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill.” Considering how she struggled with the high notes in “Ray of Light,” I was a little nervous about this, but she pulled it off for a commanding performance. For me, this was the performance of the night.

She closed the show with the winner’s single “Here I Am.” This is the way this song needs to be sung, no question. Her performance had vulnerability and strength all at the same time. Wow.

Reading my comments, I guess you know which way I’m hoping the verdict goes. I’m backing Natalie for the exciting performances she’s delivered in recent weeks. Matt started the competition really strong, but lately he’s been a bit lacklustre. Natalie, on the other hand, has gone from strength to strength. I also really don’t want to hear Matt’s version of “Here I Am” saturating radio waves. It’s going to be a really close call, but Natalie has my vote.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The McClymonts’ Bright Debut

Meet Australia’s answer to the Dixie Chicks, The McClymonts.

Just like their American counterparts, sisters Samantha, Brooke, and Mollie McClymont are sexy, sassy, and they’re bringing country into the 21st century.

“If we can have even a quarter of the success of the Dixie Chicks, we’d be stoked,” Samatha told The Sunday Telegraph.

“We are always going to get that comparison because we are three girls playing country music, but our music is different.”

The girls released their debut album Chaos and Bright Lights this week. The record is upbeat and modern, with just a hint of traditional bluegrass. Yee-haw!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Australian Idols Sing the Viewers’ Choices

It’s crunch time on Australian Idol, with only three young hopefuls remaining. Tonight we’ll see one of them leave the comp, paving the way for the final two to sing for the ultimate title at the Opera House. You’d think all of that would have inspired some outstanding performances, but did it?

Natalie Gauci was first up, singing the viewer’s choice of “Ray of Light.” I agree with Kyle – this is the worst thing I’ve seen Natalie do. Personally I’ve never liked the song, and it did Natalie no favours. If nothing else, it proved that Natalie can’t sing anything. Thankfully, this wasn’t her only song of the night. Pink’s “Nobody Knows” was a much better choice, and I really enjoyed it. 

I was really excited when I heard the home viewer had picked “You Give Me Something” for Carl Riseley, but I didn’t think this worked at all. Vocally it wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either. I thought his version of “For Once in My Life” was better, but it still wasn’t up to the standard I’d expect at this stage of the competition. I like Carl a lot, but I’m wondering whether he peaked too early. 

I was beginning to despair that the viewers’ choices would unintentionally sabotage all of the Idols, when Matt Corby appeared. Evermore’s “It’s Too Late” was the perfect song for him, forcing him to step out of the introspective space he’s inhabited for the last few weeks and really perform. In my eyes, this was the performance of the night. He closed the show with a soaring rendition of  “Across the Universe.” It didn’t quite have the “Idol Moment” I think he was aiming for, but it came pretty close.

I honestly have no idea who will go tonight. If the punters vote on performance alone, Carl should be shown the door but we all know more comes into play than that. His status in the bottom two last week will only inspire more Carl fans to pick up the phone. I feel Matt and Natalie have been our most consistent performers and deserve places at the Opera House, but will it happen? You’ll have to watch tonight’s elimination show to find out!

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.