Posted on by Lauren Katulka

R.I.P. James Freud

Like so many of you out there, I was shocked and saddened to hear of the death of The Models front man James Freud.

It appears that he committed suicide after a long battle with alcohol. His struggles were well documented in his memoirs, but it’s still shocking to hear that he’s gone.

“It is with much sorrow that we share the news of the passing of James Freud,” a statement from Mushroom Music read. “James Freud passed away this morning. James’ battle with alcoholism has been well chronicled. His two books on his recovery and five years sobriety were bestsellers and gave a lot of people who were suffering the same affliction comfort and hope. Unfortunately, James has succumbed to his disease and taken his own life this morning.”

I remember feeling his absence while watching The Models being inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame last weekend. What a shame he wasn’t there to take that final bow.

The Models back catalogue was exhaustive, but “Out of Mind, Out of Sight” was always my favourite track. It’s a predictable choice I suppose, but there’s a reason why radio flogs these songs. Sometimes they’re just that good.

So I wanted to post it and remember James in better times. If you’ve got any fond memories of The Models or James, please share them.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brooke Fraser Announces Aussie Tour

Brooke Fraser is all over radio with her new single “Something in the Water,” but the Kiwi-born songstress is keen to show us she’s got many more amazing tunes under her belt. She’ll play shows around the country in January to promote her latest album Flags.

Brooke is currently based in Sydney, but with her spending time in the United States and New Zealand lately I think it’s been far too long since we’ve seen her live. With Flags sitting pretty in the ARIA top 20 there seems no better time to welcome her back to Oz!

Tickets for the following shows will be available from November 5.

22 January 2011 – The Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne
25 January 2011 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide
27 January 2011 – The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley
29 January 2011 – Venue: City Recital Hall, Sydney

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Walk” – Israel Cannan

Israel CannanThat dreaded lurgy of mind is still hanging around, but I heard once that music is the best medicine. I’m not sure whether the gentle strains of Israel Cannan’s new album Walk are helping me get rid of the germs any quicker, but they’re certainly not hurting matters.

This album is my kind of music, with its lush, organic sounds, honest lyrics, and heartfelt delivery. As each track unfolded I found myself thinking just how good it was. I have some early favourites; I love the jangling rhythm and harmonica strains of “To The Left,” the driving beats of “Let It Rain,” and the slow build and emotional words of “Where the Story Unfolds.”

While these tunes are revving me right now, I have a feeling that my list of favourites is going to change after a few listens. While some of them speak to me more than others in this moment, they’re all brilliant. This is the kind of album packed with songs that work together as a unit, rather than seeming like a collection of singles. And again, that’s back to the honesty of this recording; it seems more like an attempt to document a period of time than an effort to make money.

Mellow and gentle, and above all real, Walk by Israel Cannan is the perfect thing for soothing my current malady.

Image used with permission from Stephen Green Consulting

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hayley Teal Gets X Factor Boot

I was shocked to see tonight’s X Factor elimination show come down to Hayley Teal and Luke and Joel. Hayley wasn’t a great surprise after turning in a lacklustre performance of a middle-of-the-road song, but I thought Luke and Joel were last night’s stand out.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 22: Sally Ann Chatfield,India Rose Madderson and Hayley Teal from the X factor arrive at the 'Snaparazzi Soiree' at Riva St Kilda on October 22, 2010 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Lucas Dawson/Getty Images)


I really didn’t want to see either of them go; Luke and Joel have been growing on me, and Hayley has always been one of my favourites. But ultimately someone had to leave us, and that someone was Hayley.

I truly feel Hayley was a victim of Natalie’s mentorship, which is sad. Her most disappointing performances came when she was forced into unnatural choreography with mainstream pop songs containing artificial lyrics. When she had something great, she shone. I hope we see her finding some of those great songs now that she’s out of the reality TV show machine.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jazz in the Vines @ Tyrell’s Winery, Pokolbin – 30 October 2010

When I’m unwell, it takes a lot for me to leave the comfort of home and venture out. But I found myself doing just that on Saturday when I took in the annual Jazz in the Vines festival. This is always a highlight of my yearly concert calendar, and I wasn’t going to let any virus hold me back.

Being sick made this a different kind of Jazz in the Vines for me. I couldn’t indulge in the all that brilliant wine, or dance up the front near as the stage as I usually do. But I could enjoy the music, and enjoy it I did.

Sadly it took me a bit longer to get out than it might have if I were well, and I missed the Silver Bell Quartet. But I’m so glad I arrived for the Adrian Cunningham Quartet. Led by the incredibly sexy and talented Adrian Cunningham, the quartet treated us to instrumental jazz gems. The set only became stronger when Steve Clisby joined them for several numbers. Their version of “God Bless The Child” was exquisite, and I also loved their swinging version of “Moondance.”

Somewhere around the end of their set the unseasonably summery weather started to get to me. It’s terrible to be sick when you’re supposed to be out having fun, but the gentle acoustic guitar strains of Bruce Mathiske were probably the best medicine for it. I must admit, I was a bit dizzy and faint to remember much of his set, but his version of “Classical Gas” was outstanding.

After getting plenty of water and some yummy calamari in me I started to feel a little better, just in time for James Morrison to take the stage. He’s always a Jazz in the Vines highlight, and this year was no exception. His exceptional talent and charisma just makes for a wonderful show. It was also kind of thrilling to see my new crush Adrian Cunningham taking his place in James’ band. While I was lapping up the instrumental stuff, the energy levels went up a notch when Doug Parkinson joined James. I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to see this Australian legend doing his thing; he really is a truly magnificent artist. My parents have been seeing him since the ’70s and swear that his voice is only getting better. I really don’t doubt it. Those reality TV show contestants could learn a thing or two about performing a cover version from Doug; whether he was encouraging us to get up and dance with some Blood Sweat and Tears or Joe Cocker numbers, or wowing us with a show stopping version of “Somewhere,” he was incredible.
Continue reading “Jazz in the Vines @ Tyrell’s Winery, Pokolbin – 30 October 2010” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The X Factor Gets Set for Summer

This week The X Factor finalists gave us a bit of summer loving with feel-good summer hits.

Altiyan Childs kicked things off with a little Bryan Adams and “Summer of ’69.” What a way to start a show. He is a real rock star, and he’s just looking better and better each week. This was a bit more restrained than we’ve seen him, and it only showed that he doesn’t need the gimmicks to impress.

From the high of Altiyan to the low of Hayley Teal’s take on “California Gurls.” I feel like Natalie keeps pushing her into this generic pop mode, with choreography and middle of the road songs that just doesn’t work for her. She seemed so much more comfortable when she was taking on Led Zeppelin a couple of weeks back. There was no connection at all, which really isn’t her fault. I really hope that Natalie starts to give her some meatier material to sink her chops into; this just isn’t the Hayley I fell in love with.

Andrew Lawson gave us a cruisy take on Maroon 5’s “Sunday Morning.” I really liked the arrangement, and couldn’t fault the vocals. However I still feel there’s a veneer about him. It’s all a bit saccharine, as if he’s delivering what he thinks us girls want rather than what he actually is. It just doesn’t quite ring true for me.

Continue reading “The X Factor Gets Set for Summer” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Abbe May Gets Retro with “Mammalian Locomotion”

Don’t confuse her with Kylie; Perth girl Abbe May is introducing us to a very different kind of locomotion with her dark and brooding new single “Mammalian Locomotion.”

The title track from her forthcoming debut album features smoldering vocals and wailing guitars. Abbe May headed to Brooklyn to shoot this video with UK director Zena Loxton. If you love retro roller dancing, you’re going to lap this up.

Abbe May is currently touring Western Australia before she brings her music to the rest of the country with a national tour early next year. And from there? Why the world of course!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dan Kelly’s Trippy New “Dream” Music Video

I love a music video that’s just as creative as the song it supports. Who wants to watch just another live performance spliced together with backstage footage after all? I’d much rather check out something like this trippy video for Dan Kelly’s new song called “Dream.”

With a name like that, you know that the film clip has to be pretty far out. SPOD saw Dan’s cruisy beatnik-style stream-of-conscious song realised in technicolour, after a painstaking two months editing. I’m glad he went to the effort; this is pretty awesome.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

All Aboard The Good Ship

I don’t hear a lot of music describing itself as porno-pirate-folk-rock, but there couldn’t be a better description for Brisbane act The Good Ship.

Just as naughty as captain Jack Sparrow but not as camp, the band have just released their beautifully bawdy debut Avast! Wretched Sea. The single “These Are a Few of My Favourite Flings” is just a taste of the original opus.

To celebrate the single release, the motley crew will travel up and down the East Coast. If you love pirates, archaic instruments, and a damn good time make sure you catch The Good Ship at one of the following shows.

29 October 2010 – “Shiver Me Pumpkins” Halloween Show @ The Troubadour, Brisbane
30 & 31 October 2010 – Nimbin Hotel, Nimbin
5 November 2010 – The Excelsior Hotel, Surry Hills
20 November 2010 – Grace Darling Hotel, Melbourne
21 November 2010 – The Tote, Melbourne
27 November 2010 – Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, Adelaide
4 December 2010 – The Joynt, South Brisbane
7 December 2010 – 2 January 2011 – The Woodford Folk Festival

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

British India Jet Off for UK Tour

British India have left our shores for a while as they pursue their dreams of global domination.

They’re spending the week in Europe, playing nine shows to support their first UK EP Vanilla. This short play album features four tracks from the monster disc Avalanche. Not sure why the Brits are only getting a snippet; I’d feel a bit ripped off I were them!

Hopefully the Poms will develop a taste for our garage rock band though, because they’ll be back across the pond for another tour in May. That’s set to be a busy month for them, as they’re also booked in to play MUSEXPO in Los Angeles.

Don’t think British India will forget about their fans back home though. They’re planning to release a new single in the New Year, and they’ll play capital cities and regional centers to support it.

It sounds to me like those British India boys won’t be getting a full night’s sleep any time soon! If you want to catch British India, here are all the shows confirmed thus far!

29 October 2010 – Taylor Johns House, Coventry
3 November 2010 – The Croft, Bristol
4 November 2010 – The Crawdaddy, Dublin
5 November 2010 – The Borderline, London
6 November 2010 – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
10 November 2010 – The Well, Leeds
11 November 2010 – Night & Day, Manchester
12 November 2010 – Stereo, Glasgow
13 November 2010 – Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh
20 November 2010 – Narrogin Rev Heads, Narrogin
4 December 2010 – Rising Sun, Auckland
10 December 2010 – Festival of the Sun, Port Macquarie

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment