Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Spicks & Specks’ Barry Morgan’s Debut Album in Stores

The finale of Spicks and Specks saw me shedding a few tears, but one of my favourite moments was the return of Barry Morgan. The retro throwback ended up being the quiz show’s surprise breakout star, so I’m thrilled to see he’s just released an album.

The Touch of You features Barry’s current single “Big Bossa” and other waltz, two-step, and rock and roll numbers all played with his distinctive style. I’m not sure whether the tunes will have quite the same charm without watching Barry in action. Surely we need a companion DVD! Until then, there’s this music video.

You can take a piece of Barry home today, as The Touch of You is in stores now.You can also catch him at the following shows around the country later this month.

22 June 2012 – Notes, Newtown, Sydney
30 June 2012 – Regal Ballroom, Northcote
5 July 2012 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Penny Hewson Comes Home

After spending the last decade soaking up the Los Angeles sun and thriving music scene, Melbourne singer-songwriter Penny Hewson has returned home.

She’s wasted no time since touching down. She signed a deal with Popboomerang Records, and released this sweet single “This One’s For You,” which gives us our first taste of her forthcoming album It’s An Endless Desire.

Don’t mistake Penny’s sweetness for saccharine. While she sings like an angel there’s a real truth and vulnerability to her lyrics that ensure she’s not just another pop princess. It’s catchy, but it’s not throw-away music.

Hometown fans can catch Penny playing at the Grace Darling in support of Kellie Lloyd’s album launch on June 15. She promises more shows will come as that disc drops this winter.

Image used with permission from Penny Hewson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Good Ship Announce Album Tour

A few months after they teased us with the lead single “Seven Seas,” The Good Ship are preparing to unleash their grandly titled second album O’ Exquisite Corpse.

The follow-up to 2010’s Avast! Wretched Sea features the dark beauty and debauched lyrics we’ve come to expect from Queensland’s pirate rockers.

The Good Ship will celebrate the album’s July release with an East Coast tour. Catch this quirky Aussie act at the following shows.

29 June 2012 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
6 July 2012 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
14 July 2012 – The Zoo, Brisbane
3 August 2012 – Great Northern, Newcastle
4 August 2012 – Good God Small Club, Sydney
11 August 2012 – The Rails, Byron Bay (Free)
12 August 2012 – Nimbin Hotel, Nimbin (Free)

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Behind the Stars” – Paul Greene & the Other Colors

There’s not a lot of flash or fanfare to Paul Greene. When he releases a new album the industry barely murmurs. Yet he continues to be one of Australia’s most consistent singer-songwriters.

The rest of the music world might not be making a lot of noise about Paul’s latest album Behind the Stars, but the disc has taken up permanent residence in my stereo. It’s one of those albums that makes you want to press play again the moment that the final track ends.

I was surprised by the opening title track; it’s very different to that easy pop rock I associate with Paul Greene. That difference isn’t a bad thing though. It’s a beautiful tune, with haunting vocals and lovely lush orchestration. After that somewhat experimental number, Behind the Stars settles into a more familiar feel. Don’t mistake that familiar feel for being middle of the road. It’s a gift to create music so instantly accessible.

I found myself writing copious notes about the tracks as they washed over me. I noted the great bluesy groove of “Her Minor Key,” the striking simplicity of the romantic “Enough of You,” the no frills John Cougar Mellencamp vibe of “What You’ve Got Goin’ On,” and the cheerful mood “Bad Luck Lately” put me in.

But then I realised I could say something positive about every single track on the disc. There are no fillers here; it’s just a good honest album jam packed with good honest song writing and genuine talent. Behind the Stars is another solid stunner from Paul Greene.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lisa Mitchell @ Christ Church Cathedral, Newcastle – 4 June 2012

On Monday night I braved the cold and set off down the freeway to catch the first show of Lisa Mitchell’s Heavenly Sounds tour. I’m not religious, but the opportunity to see this exciting singer-songwriter perform in Newcastle’s stunning Christ Church Cathedral was too tempting to refuse.

Georgia Fair warmed up the crowds with their harmony-laden brand of folk music. I’ve seen the lads perform a few times now, but against the dramatic church setting they delivered perhaps their best set yet. The superb acoustics of the church worked well with their stripped back style, and I lapped up every second of it. Of course, there was more to come.

When Lisa Mitchell took to the stage it became clear that this wouldn’t be just another musical performance. She started her set reading some poetry from John Burroughs before welcoming her musicians and supporting vocal trio on stage. It was an unusual beginning, but one befitting a night with this quirky talent. She played a few gorgeous new songs before pleasing the masses with “Neopolitan Dreams.” I’ve always loved this whimsical track, and it sounded especially good in the church.

That easy mix of old and new tunes continued throughout the evening. She chatted shyly in between the songs. That banter still doesn’t seem to come naturally to the softly spoken singer, but I appreciated the effort. I also found it interesting to watch her stammering, then singing so effortlessly. She’s clearly a girl most comfortable making music.

While leaving Lisa to perform solo, her band discovered the lunar eclipse outside. She was desperate to see it too, but dutifully played a few more numbers before rushing off. An encore was inevitable, but the break allowed her to see the sky’s performance. She assured us there’d be a little left after she played some more, and sure enough we managed to see the tail end of it as we left the church. Staring up at the moon was a fitting end to a night that wasn’t religious, but definitely felt spiritual. Lisa Mitchell has the voice of an angel, and it’s impossible to be unmoved as she encourages you to chant with her or clap along. If the Newcastle show was any indication, fans are in for a real treat as Lisa takes in churches around the rest of the country.

Image source: Wideangle@108dB @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Stanleys Rock the Globe, Retro Style

The Stanleys are set for world domination with their feel-good retro power pop anthem “Always.”

The irresistible single is the handiwork of Aussie’s Mark De Renzo and Jamie Horsburgh and their Norwegian buddy Norway. Fittingly the trio visited studios in Oslo, Paris, Perth, and Sydney to lay down the EP which features the title track.

The Stanleys laid a solid foundation last year with shows in Europe, North America, Japan, and Australia. This summer they’ll cement their reputation as a band to watch with shows in China, North America, and Australia.

Has this song put a smile on your dial?

Image credit: Lisa Businovski

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Elephant Eyes Wow with “Mother Said” Single

I’m not sure what it is about Australian songstresses naming themselves after the peepers of our animal friends, but following Owl Eyes comes new Melbourne band Elephant Eyes.

The moniker’s a bit left of centre but you’ll soon forget all that on listening to the outfit’s dark new piano pop single “Mother Said.” The track comes from the Elephant Eye’s forthcoming debut album, which should be killer if this song’s any indication.

Elephant Eyes will celebrate the digital release of “Mother Said” with a hometown show at The Grace Darling on Friday, June 8. Be there or be square!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jacob Butler Unplugs on Kids WB

Kids WB isn’t usually the place I head for live musical performances, but with most networks scrapping their variety shows I suppose we have to take them where we can! Perhaps I should start watching the kiddies’ cartoon show more often, because in amongst the animation they featured Jacob Butler playing an acoustic rendition of his current single “Come My Way.”

I’m such a fan of this song, and in acoustic mode it’s even better. The song’s also going great guns at the moment, with airplay on two of Germany’s biggest radio stations. Now if only we could get some local stations on board! This is one of those tracks that deserves to be heard!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jackson Firebird Release Rocking Debut

Old school Aussie pub rockers Jackson Firebird will release their debut album, charmingly titled Cock Rockin’, this Friday.

The Mildura natives have earned a reputation for their energetic live shows, and engineer/producer Mick Wordley has managed to capture that spontaneity in the album’s ten tracks. There’s nothing fancy here, but that raw, organic rock should strike a chord with music lovers craving a return to basics.

Of course it’s only fitting for a band that prides itself on its live shows to waste no time before getting back on stage. Jackson Firebird will celebrate Cock Rockin’s June 8 release with the Paper Scissors Rock tour. See what all the buzz is about at the following shows.

7 June 2012 – Retreat Hotel, Brunswick (Free)
8 June 2012 – The Patch, Wollongong
9 June 2012 – The Vanguard, Newtown
10 June 2012 – Great Northern Newcastle
11 June 2012 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
14 June 2012 – Retreat Hotel, Brunswick (Free)
15 June 2012 – Wheelers Hill Hotel, Wheelers Hill
16 June 2012 – Bended Elbow, Geelong
21 June 2012 – Retreat Hotel, Brunswick (Free)
22 June 2012 – The Loft, Warrnambool
28 June 2012 – Retreat Hotel, Brunswick (Free)
30 June 2012 – Settlers Tavern, Mildura

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Catherine Britt Scores Woody Guthrie Folk Festival Slot

Our own Catherine Britt will join a who’s who of international country and folk music at the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival in Oklahoma this July.

Catherine is part of an all-star bill which includes Billy Bragg, Judy Collins, Red Dirt Rangers, and Woody’s son Arlo. This year’s even is especially poignant as it commemorates what would have been Woody’s 100th birthday.

The slot comes at the perfect time for Catherine, who’s preparing to release her fifth studio album Always Never Enough in August. May bigger and better things come from her appearance!

Image used with permission from Thrillhill Entertainment