Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Farewell Jordie Lane & East Brunswick Club

There’ll be a few goodbyes on Jordie Lane’s upcoming blink-and-you’ll-miss it tour. We’ll bid a fond farewell to Jordie, who’s heading abroad to perform at South by Southwest and the Canadian Music Week and work on new material with Grammy Award-winning producer Tom Biller. And we’ll also say goodbye to the East Brunswick Club, which will be demolished to make way for an apartment block.

The East Brunswick Club is one of Victoria’s most enduring venues so it’s a real shame to see it go the way of the dinosaurs. Jordie’s show on February 10 will be one of the last held at the club, so it’s sure to be an emotionally charged night. Ben Salter and Luke Legs will support him on the night.

After that Jordie’s off to Oakleigh’s Caravan Club to play on the same stage as Sweet Jean and Luke Brennan. This gig on February 11 will be the last we’ll see of Jordie for some time, so make sure you don’t miss out!

Image used with permission from Riot House

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shakaya Reunion with The Last Kinection’s “Are We There Yet?”

It was a bit of a blast from the past for me on the weekend when I spotted the new video for The Last Kinection. The single “Are We There Yet?” sees band member Naomi Wenitong reunited with her Shakaya sister Simone Stacey, who handles the track’s chorus.

I remember marveling at the harmonies of these girls way back in 2002 when they shot up the charts with “Stop Calling Me.” I was upset to see them part ways, but thrilled to see they’ve lost nothing over the years. It might be for a short time, but I’m glad to see these girls working together again.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

All Ages Fun at Push Over

Melbourne’s longest running all ages festival Push Over will take over the city’s The Abbotsford Convent on the Labour Day holiday, March 12.

The event will see a killer lineup playing across four stages, including Eagle and the Worm, Parkway Drive, Tonight Alive, Yacht Club DJs, Mantra, Boris the Blade, and more. Nine of the hottest young acts will also battle it out in the FReeZA Push Start grand final.

The day is completely supervised and drug, alcohol, and smoke free to ensure everyone has a good time. Tickets are on sale now for $40 plus the booking fee from Ticketek, Oztix, and Moshtix.

Image used with permission from Remedy Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Let The Cat Out Roadtest Album in Western Australia

Funky Melbourne five-piece Let The Cat Out will give Western Australian audiences a sneak peak at their new album at some upcoming shows in the state.

The band will play tracks from their soon to be released sophomore album Swimming Upstream as well as some old favorites at the gigs. Let The Cat Out’s lead singer and rhythm guitarist Jane McArthur says the album showcases the band’s lush new sound.

“We’ve added in extra instrumentation where we’ve thought it would add to the message and the vibe of the song, whereas in the first album, we were very much trying to stick to the raw sound of the five of us, and be faithful to how we could recreate the songs live. It’s still Let The Cat Out,” she assured fans, “but it’s got a bit more added fire, and a bit more complexity.”

You can see the way the band’s developed at the following shows.

27 January 2012 – Mounties, Mount Helena
29 January 2012 – Redcliffe on the Murray, Pinjarra
31 January 2012 – Perth Blues Club, Perth
1 February 2012 – Mojo’s, Fremantle
3 February 2012 – Whitestar Hotel, Albany
4 February 2012 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
5 February 2012 – Quindanning Tavern, Quindanning

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Let’s Go” – David Campbell

I expected the kind of merry Christmas and happy New Year that all the greeting cards tell us everyone receives, but I didn’t get it this festive season. On December 25 my Grandma had a bad fall, which led to her admission to hospital the day later. Also on Boxing Day my Mam, my mum’s stepmother, found herself in hospital too. While Grandma’s still resting up, Mam passed away. We had her funeral yesterday. Consequently the season which is ordinarily so festive was stressful and sad.

Of course I turned to music, this time the 80s pop showcased on David Campbell’s latest covers album Let’s Go. We have a rule in my family never to buy ourselves anything in the lead up to Christmas, so I was a bit late getting my hands on it. But goodness it was worth the wait.

This is the David Campbell album I’ve been waiting for. Anyone who knows me knows the 80s is my decade, and David’s done it justice. Some clever arrangements see the tunes feeling fresh, although they’re not so different as to alienate the diehard fans.

Funnily enough the album features many of the 80s tracks my husband and I had discussed prior to its release. David equals Tony Hadley’s silky smooth vocals on “True.” Adam Ant’s “Goody Two Shoes” has just the right amount of pep, while “You Make My Dreams Come True” should put a smile on anyone’s face. I’ll say this; David Campbell has impeccable taste.

In some cases he’s even done the unthinkable and bettered the originals. The arrangement of “Missing You” brings out the gutwrenching heart of the lyrics like John Waite’s version never did. I must have heard “Come On Eileen” a million times on radio, yet David’s version has so much energy that I find myself hitting repeat.

This is one of those albums that begs for a sequel, just as we saw with his Swing Sessions. I’m not sure whether I’ll get my wish, but I’m certainly in for an amazing show when David Campbell hits town later this year!

Image source: David Campbell Facebook page

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

2011 in Review | The Musical Year that Was

It’s that time of year again, time to bid 2011 farewell and look ahead to everything 2012 will bring us. But before we close the door on 2011 I thought I’d look back on the music and that made it special for me.

Top 10 Aussie Albums
1.    Busby Marou – Busby Marou
2.   Let’s Go – David Campbell (a welcome Christmas present – look for the review soon!)
3.    Yearlings – Dead Letter Chorus
4.    I Know This Now – Timothy Nelson and the Infidels
5.    One Thousand Origami Birds – Jack Carty
6.    Home – Adrian Deutsch
7.    Bleeders – The Trouble with Templeton
8.    Blood Thinner – Jordie Lane
9.    Go With the River – Owls of the Swamp
10.    Mighty Big Light – Steve Parkin

Top 10 Aussie Tours
1.    Tony Hadley and Go West @ Belmont 16 Footers
2.    Cyndi Lauper @ State Theatre
3.    Dolly Parton @ Allphones Arena
4.    Jimmy Barnes @ Lizotte’s Kincumber
5.    Joshua Radin @ The Enmore
6.    David Campbell @ West Leagues Club
7.    Eddie Vedder @ Civic Theatre
8.    Cold Chisel @ Newcastle Entertainment Center
9.    Indigo Girls @ State Theatre
10.    Rai Thistlewayte @ Lizotte’s Kincumber

Image source: Billy Alexander @ Sxc.hu

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Reece Mastin Still on Top of Singles Charts

I’ve only just returned from some well earned time away from the office, so this week’s chart report is coming to you a bit late. I was happy to arrive home to see Reece Mastin’s still hanging on to his spot on the top of the ARIA singles charts with “Good Night.” While the album’s dropped slightly to number three, it’s still an amazing effort over this competitive Christmas period.

Guy Sebastian is also continuing to hold his own. His summery single “Don’t Worry Be Happy” remains steady at number six.

Cold Chisel’s best of is the only other Aussie release sitting in the top 10 albums chart. It’s slipped slightly to the number 10 position, which is probably to be expected since their tour is done and dusted.

Click below for this week’s top ARIA 10 charts.

Continue reading “Reece Mastin Still on Top of Singles Charts” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Never Ever Launch Single on a Boat

I’m probably too old to be falling in love with them, but try as I might I can’t resist the charms of The Never Ever and their brand new single “At Sixes and Sevens.”

This simple but ridiculously catchy slice of power pop is the first track to come from The Never Ever’s forthcoming EP, Breathe. That disc won’t hit record store shelves next April, but until then we’ve got the single to tide us over.

The Never Ever will also launch the “At Sixes and Sevens” for hometown fans on the Rocks Rhythm Boat in Sydney Harbour on February 12. That’s one of the more unusual spots I’ve heard for a single launch so it should be a night to remember.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lindsay Phillips Releases Bare Bones New Single

Melbourne singer-songwriter Lindsay Phillips strips it all back for his latest single “Only You (And The Lord),” the second to come from his forthcoming album Taedium Vitae.

The stripped back arrangement really highlights just how special Lindsay is. With little to distract us we focus on his rich voice and the lyrics he sings. I love the way his resonant voice interplays with the steel guitar.

It’s a real departure from the lush orchestration of the first single “Exile,” and personally I prefer this. There’s something so genuine and true about “Only You (And The Lord).” Colour me impressed.

Image used with permission from Show Off Recordings

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Sounds of Oz readers. I hope that whatever you’re doing for the holidays you’re enjoying it.

I’ve probably been up since the wee small hours, because I’m still a big kid at Christmas. I’m wearing oversized bell earrings and a tacky necklace with flashing lights which is likely to annoy my younger sisters immensely. I’m sure I’m drinking and eating too much, but sometimes that’s the best way to deal with the small children that inevitably come with family get togethers. I’ve also probably been thoroughly spoiled by my husband and parents. They’re good like that.

I’m certainly not working. I wrote this post well in advance so I could take the day off. I think after a busy year of blogging I deserve the rest, don’t you? I’ll leave you with The Bedroom Philosopher’s very unique take on “12 Days of Christmas” which comes from his A Very Beddy Christmas EP. With a vengeful ex-girlfriend sending the “gifts”, it’s far from the usual seasonal fare!