Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Guy Sebastian Reclaims ARIA Number One

After being ousted from the top spot last week, Guy Sebastian has returned to the number one position on the ARIA Singles Charts this week with “Who’s That Girl.”

Again he’s keeping company with Jessica Mauboy, who’s holding on to the top 10 by her fingernails with “Saturday Night.”

There doesn’t seem to be any stopping Altiyan Childs, who is again holding down the number three spot on the album charts with his self-titled debut. Guy Sebastian is nipping at his heels though, with Twenty Ten moving up two places to sit at number six.

Click below to see the entire ARIA top 10!

Continue reading “Guy Sebastian Reclaims ARIA Number One” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Leo Sayer, Ian Moss, & James Reyne Headline Melbourne Zoo Concerts

Melbourne Zoo has announced a cracker line-up for its annual Zoo Twilights summer concert series.

Leo Sayer, Ian Moss, and James Reyne are amongst the big names scheduled to play between January 15 and March 13.

Gates will open at 5:30 pm, allowing punters to visit a few animals before the shows start at 7 pm.

Book your tickets through the Melbourne Zoo for the following shows.

15 January 2011 – Wendy Matthews and The Hello Morning
16 January 2011 – The Pink Show
22 January 2011 – James Reyne & Band and Nick Barker
23 January 2011 – Briefcase Full Of Blues: The Blues Bros Tribute  And The Australian Van Morrison Show
29 January 2011 – Babba
30 January 2011 – Ross Wilson and the Peacenicks
5 February 2011 – Diesel & Band and Ryan Meeking
6 February 2011 – The Australian Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show
12 February 2011 – Dragon and Ronit
13 February 2011 – Pure Blondie: The Tribute Show
19 February 2011 – Ian Moss and Matt Walker & Ashley Davies
20 February 2011 – The Australian Queen Tribute Show
26 February 2011 – Babba
27 February 2011 – Neil Diamond Super Hits Show
5 March 2011 – Pseudo Echo and Brittle
6 March 2011 – The U2 Show: Achtung Baby
12 March 2011 – Leo Sayer and Taneille
13 March 2011 – Daryl Braithwaite & Band and Michael Paynter

Image source: Rachel Hofton @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussies Impress in Aria Annual Top 100 Charts

ARIA has revealed its annual top 100 lists, and as it turns out we were a pretty patriotic lot this year.

There were 30 Aussie records in the albums charts, our best showing since 2007. Angus & Julia Stone’s Down the Way was the best charting local disc, landing the number seven possie. Considering its relatively late release, I was also impressed to see Altiyan Childs’ self titled debut sitting at number 19. He just edged out John Butler Trio’s April Uprising, which sat at number 20, and Birds of Tokyo’s self titled debut, which charted at number 24.

It was a less impressive year for Aussie singles, but we still managed to see 14 tracks in the top 100. Guy Sebastian did his bit with both “Who’s That Girl” (42) and “Art of Love” (90), while Yolanda Be Cool and DCup was the standout with “We Speak No Americano” at number 34.

You can see the full results at the ARIA website, but if you’re just interested to see how the Aussies fared click below!

Continue reading “Aussies Impress in Aria Annual Top 100 Charts” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Keith! Party Announce Album Tour

Roof RaisersFeelgood Melbourne hip-hop outfit Keith! Party will hit the east coast capitals later this month to support their sophomore album Roof Raisers.

When I reviewed this disc last year I mentioned its party atmosphere, and I don’t expect anything but a major celebration when the band does it live. There can be up to 20 people in the posse at any one time, including dancers, DJs, performance artists, and even a contortionist. I imagine they have a pretty mad tour bus!

If you want to join in the fun, make sure you catch Keith! Party at the following venues.

8 January 2011 – The Decline of Modern Civilisation @ Step Inn, Fortitude Valley
15 January 2011 – Death Rave @ Dirty Shirlows, Marrickville
25 January 2011 – Official Album Launch @ Newtown Workers Club, Fitzroy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Icecream Hands Reunite for Sweeter Than the Radio

Melbourne’s Icecream Hands will play for their home town one more time later this month. The indie band hasn’t played together since their 2007 album, The Good China.

The one-off show will see Icecream Hands going back in the vault to play their 2000 release, Sweeter Than The Radio, in its entirety. The acclaimed disc was nominated for Best Adult Contemporary Album at that year’s ARIA Awards.

To mark this very special reunion, Dust Devil Music will sell the band’s rare live acoustic album Live at Manchester Lane at the show. If you want a copy, and to relive a bit of Australian music history, make sure you get down to the Northcote Social Club on January 29. And until then, check out this awesome video filmed at that Manchester Lane show!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Emmure Postpones Aussie Tour

New York metalcore act Emmure have postponed their Australian tour, which was scheduled to kick off next Wednesday in Brisbane.

No reason was given for the change, except for the standard “due to circumstances beyond the band’s control” line. That sort of thing is always hard for fans to hear, but at least there is happy news in the announcement that they’ll instead play here in May/June.

Dates and venues for the new Emmure run are yet to be confirmed, so the band is offering refunds to all current ticket holders. Simply take your tickets to your point of purchase for to get your money back.

Image source: Gunmetal Angel @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Waifs Tempting Tour

The Waifs have left us waiting two years for a tour, so they’re making amends in a big way with a monster run of dates through February and March.

The Western Australian born outfit, who now spend much of their time Stateside, will play shows to support their brand new album Temptation. With their sixth disc set to drop in early March, these shows will give some fans a little sneak peek at what’s to come.

Tickets are available from many of the venues now, and if they’re not already they will be soon!

22 February 2011 – Moruya Memorial Hall, Moruya
23 February 2011 – Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong
24 February 2011 – Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
26 February 2011 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
27 February 2011 – Civic Theatre Newcastle, Newcastle
1 March 2011 – The Northern, Byron Bay
2 March 2011 – Nambour Civic Centre, Nambour
3 March 2011 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
5 March 2011 – Old Broadwater Farm, Busselton
6 March 2011 – Castelli Estate, Denmark
8 March 2011 – Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah
9 March 2011 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle
10 March 2011 – Astor Theatre, Perth
12 & 13 March 2011 – Port Fairy Folk Festival, Port Fairy
15 March 2011 – The Gov, Adelaide
17 March 2011 – The Forum, Melbourne
19 & 20 March 2011 – Blue Mountains Folk Festival, Katoomba
21 March 2011 – Moncrieff Theatre, Bundaberg
23 March 2011 – James Cook University Uni Club, Townsville
24 March 2011 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
26 March 2011 – TBA, Darwin
27 March 2011 – Mangrove Resort, Broome

Image source: The Waifs website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bye Bye 2010, Bring on the New Year!

The bubbly is chilling and folks are getting together as we prepare to bid 2010 adieu. The year our Aussie artists produced some cracking tunes which should help get your NYE party started!

Sia has been a musical force for some time, but 2010 saw her step into the spotlight with her fab album We Are Born. It spawned so many singles, including the irrepressibly “Clap Your Hands.”

Washington was this year’s breakthrough artist and with good reason. Bucket loads of charisma, insightful lyrics, and some damned good tunes are a recipe for success in anyone’s language. “Sunday Best” was the song that had me dancing around my lounge room this year.

John Butler Trio’s “One Way Road” is a bit rootsier than the other tracks, but no less fun. I am in awe of the way JB manages to get his mouth around those rapid fire lyrics!

Amy Meredith definitely didn’t get the recognition they deserved this year. I enjoyed their first two singles, but they wowed me with the nostalgic “Young at Heart.” The fun retro feel sent me right back to my childhood! This is definitely the tune to play as the evening is winding down.

What will you be spinning tonight?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Hearts Still Beating” – Leone Western

Hold on to your ears and prepare to listen to the tunes from Melbourne two-piece, Leone Western. This is a band that breaks the mould, which makes their EP Hearts Still Beating a thrilling but challenging listen.

There’s a real lack of polish to these guys, which is both a blessing and a curse. There’s a certain appeal to that emotional rawness, but sometimes I wished the edges were a bit smoother. The guitars are fuzzy and dirty like some grungy garage band. Wailing chords are surprisingly paired with tinny 80s style synthesisers. The combination isn’t always a harmonious one, but I have to give the band credit for trying something new.

Clearly this is an outfit still trying to figure out their sound, but it seems like they’re enjoying doing it. “Les Vagrant” is a delightfully quirky piece of retro pop, and the darker “White Pony” features some amazing vocals. With such an eclectic collection of tunes I’m not sure anyone will like every number, but there’s bound to be something here you’ll latch on to.

That makes Hearts Still Beating a great introduction to Leone Western.  It might be a bit rough around the edges, but it shows a band with a unique sound and a lot of potential.

Image source: Leone Western MySpace

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rickie-Lee Coulter Slammed By Myer Over Carols Wardrobe

While most of us watched the Christmas Eve Carols by Candlelight concert and reveled in the festive season, key sponsor Myer was seething. The retail giant was furious because Ricki-Lee Coulter opted to wear an Alex Perry dress over one from its own stable of designers.

“On several occasions Myer, Channel 9 and Vision Australia made clear to Ricki-Lee’s manager that it was desirable that she wear a designer from the Myer stable,” Myer spokesman Mitch Catlin said. “Myer would have hoped that Ricki-Lee’s manager, who also represents Jennifer Hawkins, the face of Myer, would have had Myer foremost in his mind when it came to dressing talent.”

Apparently Carols organisers were also displeased.

But isn’t this event about raising money for Vision Australia and spreading Christmas cheer, rather than selling a few dresses? If it weren’t for Myer raising the issue I’d have been none the wiser. I might be idealistic, but it seems to me that sponsoring an event should be more about good will than capital gains. All this does is make the retail chain appear petty, which isn’t a good look around Christmas time.

Image source: The Harbour Agency