Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Reece Mastin Back on Top of ARIA Singles Charts

After last week’s stumble Reece Mastin is back on top of the ARIA singles charts with “Good Night.” Only Michael Buble could keep Reece out of the top spot on the album charts, but I’m sure he’s more than happy with a number two debut. It’s tough to compete with a Christmas album at this time of year!

Guy Sebastian’s also holding steady on the singles charts with “Don’t Worry Be Happy.” It’s at number six this week.

Cold Chisel’s tour has seen their latest best of album reenter the charts at number eight. Triple J’s Like a Version 7 has also reentered the top 10 this week. How exciting to see more local releases occupying those top spots!

Click below for this week’s ARIA top ten.

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Justin Townes Earle Announces Blues and Roots Sideshows

Steve isn’t the only Earle heading to Oz next April. Justin Townes Earle, the son of the “Copperhead Road” singer, will also play intimate shows around the country next year.

He’s far from a household name but Justin has earned a loyal following here. In fact, this will be his fifth visit to our shoes since he first touched down in 2008.

“It’s my favourite place to tour on earth without question,” he recently said in an interview. “It’s very intriguing, and the women are very beautiful, tall and sensual. It’s awesome. It reminds me of Dr Seuss and I like that.”

I have no clue what he’s on about either, but I am impressed by his bluesy take on country and folk music. If you are too you can catch him at the following venues.

4 April 2012 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney
5 April 2012 – Menniyan Town Hall, Meeniyan
6 April 2012 – Boogie Festival, Tallarook
7-9April 2012 – Blues and Roots Festival, Byron Bay
11 April 2012 – The Regal Ballroom, Melbourne
12 April 2012 – The Prince, Melbourne
13 April 2012 – Estonian House, Adelaide
14 April 2012 – Fly by Night Club, Fremantle
15 April 2012 – The Rosemount Hotel, Perth

Image source: RS @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sublime Reform With Rome for Australian Tour

When I was in high school Sublime were one of the biggest ska bands in the world. Then in 1996 their lead singer Bradley Nowell tragically died of a heroin overdose, and it all came to an abrupt end. The band members went their separate ways, and it seemed the Sublime story was told. Not quite.

Original Sublime members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh met California’s Rome in 2008. The trio began to jam together, and suddenly Sublime were back in business. Now with the new moniker Sublime in Rome, the ska-punk act is bringing their reformed lineup to Australia next year.

“Sublime has so many fans and attracts new fans every year who were never able to see Sublime perform live after Bradley passed away,” explained Bradley Nowells’ widow, Troy Nowell-Holmes. “One of the inspirations for forming ‘Sublime with Rome’ was to bring Brad’s spirit in his music back to the fans and to give the new fans a glimpse of what it was like to see Sublime live.”

Make sure you arrive early because Mat McHugh from The Beautiful Girls will be warming up the crowds. Tickets go on sale tomorrow for the following shows.

4 April 2012 – Cooly Hotel, Gold Coast
5 April 2012 – HiFi, Brisbane
7 April 2012 – UNSW Roundhouse, Sydney
9 April 2012 – Palace Theatre, Melbourne
10 April 2012 – HQ Complex, Adelaide
11 April 2012 – Metropolis, Fremantle

Image used with permission from Riothouse Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Saint Jude Impress with New Single

What do you get when the lads from Downhills Home, Little John, and Dynamo join forces? You get a band called Saint Jude, and some bloody good music.

The experience these musicians have behind them ensures this new act feels very seasoned. There’s something effortless about their new single “All Ways Were Lost” which is perfect for those listless summer days. I’m besotted by the jangly guitars, the seemingly casual harmonies, and the relaxed alt-country feel.

Saint Jude will launch “All Ways Were Lost” this Sunday night at Coburg’s Post Office Hotel. If the single’s any indication, anyone who can make it is in for an amazing night.

Image source: Saint Jude website copyright Amy Piesse

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kraftwerk’s Michael Rother Tours Australia

Fans of German experimental electronica are in for a real treat as Michael Rother is heading to Australia for a rare tour. It’s unusual for him to play anywhere, so seeing him gigging so far from home is pretty extraordinary.

Michael’s given us some of the most interesting music out of Germany with his bands Kraftwek, Neu!, and Harmonia.
Michael’s Harmonia bandmate Dieter Moebius and Neu! bandmate Hans Lampe will round out the bill on these very special Australia shows. The artists will play together and separately, so expect to hear a few Neu! and Harmonia tracks.

See these German electronic pioneers at Brisbane’s The Zoo on March 15 and Sydney’s Oxford Arts Factory on March 17. Tickets are on sale now.

Image used with permission from Singhala Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Molly Meldrum in Critical Condition

Like everyone who cares about music in this country, I’m reeling with the news of Ian “Molly” Meldrum’s accident. As I write he’s still lying in a coma in a Melbourne Hospital after falling from a ladder the day before. The idea that one misstep while hanging some Christmas lights can see you facing down death is a pretty scary one.

The thought of an Australian music industry without Molly Meldrum is also pretty hard to comprehend. Since I was tiny the Man with the Hat was there telling me to do myself a favour and listen to our local artists. He championed small acts and made them superstars. I wonder whether so many of our household names would have been recognised without his support.

If anyone can make it through a battle like this, it’s Molly. He’s got more spirit than most of us, and hopefully that will see him through. My thoughts are certainly with him and his nearest and dearest at this scary time.

Image source: Eva Rinaldi @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dan Kelly Plays The Tote for Christmas

Dan Kelly’s ringing in the festive season with a special Christmas show at Melbourne’s Tote Hotel on December 23.

Dan will play with his Dream Band in their first show since Boogie Festival a few months ago. They’ll be ably supported on the night by the sublime harmonies of Gostelradio, instrumental surf band The Bluebottles, and eclectic dance act Honky Kong DJs.

This sounds like a much better way to celebrate the season than another lunch with your boring rellies. Tickets are available now from The Tote, and at the door on the night if they last that long!

Image source: Twp @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mushu Back with “Traps”

Sydney band Mushu are back with their new single “Traps,” our first taste of the indie rock act’s forthcoming EP.

Since the release of their self-titled EP in 2010 the band has been honing their live show with gigs here and in North America, and I think that’s reflected in the single. It’s a bit darker than their previous material, but there’s a spontaneous energy that’s so infectious. I predict that fans of Nick Cave and Tom Waits are going to eat it up.

I’m really enjoying watching the progression of this local act. “Traps” is another stellar single which has me eagerly awaiting the release of that next EP next year.

Image used with permission from Mushu

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Lazys Tour New EP

Central Coast hard rock act The Lazys are hitting the road to support their new EP, Temptation Never Liked You. The band will kick off their tour in front of hometown fans in January before travelling through Queensland, Victoria, and Tasmania.

The disc is a great reflection of the band’s raw energy as it was recorded at Newtown’s Notes Live. Acclaimed producer Matt Lovell gave the project some fine tuning to find the right balance between a studio sound and live performance.

If you want to check out a show it’s worth getting your tickets in advance as they’ll come bundled with a free copy of the EP. Get yours from the venues now!

13 January 2012 – The Entrance Leagues Club, Bateau Bay
20 January 2012 – Beetle Bar, Brisbane
3 February 2012 – Sandringham Hotel, Sydney (with special guests GrimSkunk)
4 February 2012 – Fitzroy Hotel, Windsor (with special guests GrimSkunk)
10 February 2012 – New Market Hotel, Bendigo
11 February 2012 – Cherry Bar, Melbourne
17 February 2012 – Spurs Tavern, Devonport
18 February 2012 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart

Image used with permission from Revolutions Per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cold Chisel @ Entertainment Centre, Newcastle – 11 December 2011

The last time I saw Jimmy Barnes he was stripping things back with an acoustic show at the most intimate of venues, Lizotte’s on the Central Coast. Just a few short months later I witnessed a show that couldn’t have been more different. He was back with his Cold Chisel band mates and playing it loud in Newcastle great big shed, the Entertainment Center. While I appreciated the quietness of the first gig, there’s something about seeing a Chisel show that can’t be beat.

Before the rock veterans graced the stage we were treated by a set by The Break. Psychedelic surf music is an unusual entrée for some pub rock, but the skill of these musicians made it a tasty treat. The Break features members of Midnight Oil who spoke fondly of their love of our city. That sort of flattery helped win over the crowd, who listened attentively to the drum-heavy instrumental tracks.

While the crowd appreciated The Break, the excitement went up a notch when Cold Chisel took to the stage. It was sad at first to look out and see someone else sitting in Steve Prestwich’s chair, but new drummer Charley Drayton settled into his very big shoes. He slotted in seamlessly, helping original members Jimmy Barnes, Ian Moss, Phil Small, and Don Walker belt out hit after hit. We knew the lyrics to all the songs and sang along enthusiastically.

While I appreciated the loud rock numbers, the moments when the band stripped things back were real highlights. A pared back version of “When the War Is Over” was a fitting tribute to the late Steve Prestwich. I also appreciated the reggae-tinged take on “Breakfast at Sweethearts,” one of my personal favourites that wasn’t played the last time I saw them live. I’m also not sure anything can beat singing along to numbers like “Khe Sahn” and “Flame Trees.”

It wasn’t a perfect show. Jimmy’s voice seemed to be showing the strain from all that touring, especially during the ballads. The mix also wasn’t quite right, with Don Walker’s keys dominating at times they should have been more subtle, particularly in the stripped back moments.

But even these minor niggles couldn’t detract from seeing the band that I believe are the greatest Australia’s ever produced. It’s amazing to have them back in business.

Image source: Stephen Katulka