Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rob Thomas Hooks Up with INXS

Rob Thomas has taken time out from his current promotional tour of Australia to record with INXS. The Matchbox Twenty lead singer laid down lead vocals on the INXS’ classic “Never Tear Us Apart.”

“I’m recording a version of NEVER TEAR US APART with INXS!!!,” Rob tweeted yesterday from Sydney. “I’m geeked.”

This isn’t their first crack at the song. Jon Farris joined Matchbox Twenty during their last Australian tour for performances of “Never Tear Us Apart” and “Don’t Change.”

The cover is expected to appear on INXS’ new album, which features the band’s classic songs recorded with special guest vocalists. There’s no release date as yet, but I can’t wait to hear it!

Image source: ZUMA Press

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Short Stack Tour Debut Album

Two-thirds of the band aren’t even out of their teens, and already Short Stack have a sold-out tour and a number two ARIA smash single, “Sway Sway Baby,” under their belt. If you missed out on tickets last time, you’ll be thrilled to know the lads are hitting the road in December.

The band’s third national tour is in support of their long awaited album, Stack is the New Black, which hits stores on August 14. The band worked on the album in between HSC exams and major national tours with The Veronicas, Simple Plan, and Good Charlotte.

“We never thought we had any good songs until we got signed and people were like, ‘These are actually quite good’,” lead vocalist and guitarist Shaun Diviney said. “For us, more than anything the album is a timeline because we have songs on there that were written when we first started out then songs we wrote a week before the album was recorded. It’s really cool to see how we’ve progressed as a band, and how we’ve grown up.”

The album is an eclectic mix, with everything from epic ballads to frenetic electro-tinged rock.

“It’s got a song on there for everyone depending on what genre you like,” said the band’s bassist, Andy Clemmensen. “When you listen to some albums, you can only listen halfway through before you get over hearing their voice or hearing the same sounds but I think ours you can listen to the whole way through because it changes up so much.”

You can enjoy the tracks and the band’s energetic live performance at the following shows! Tickets go on sale on July 31.

11 December 2009 – Doyalson RSL
12 December 2009 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
13 December 2009 – Metro, Perth
16 December 2009 – Tivoli, Brisbane
18 December 2009 – Festival Hall, Melbourne
19 December 2009 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gods of Rock Tour Oz

Are you ready to rock? If so you’ll snap up tickets to Slayer and Megadeth’s massive double-header tour of Oz.

Slayer are visiting on the back of their recently completed World Painted Blood CD, while Megadeth will showcase tunes from their upcoming album Endgame.

It’s not often that you get an international double act as explosive as this, so don’t expect tickets to last long when they go on sale on Monday August 10.

7 October 2009 – Riverstage, Brisbane
8 October 2009 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
9 October 2009 – Festival Hall, Melbourne
11 October 2009 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
13 October 2009 – Challenge Stadium, Perth

Image source: Newscom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jaimi Faulkner: One to Watch

Sometimes an artist crosses your path and you wonder where they’ve been all your life. Their music feels familiar, like home. That’s the sort of instant connection I found when I heard songs from Jaimi Faulkner.

He’s recorded many albums right here in our own backyard. Why isn’t he all over radio, and attracting the attention of the media? I have no clue. His bluesy voice and soulful tunes are like a warm blanket, and after a hearing a few I’m determined to track down more. I know the lighting on this YouTube clip is bad, but take a listen to this. You won’t regret it.

 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rob Thomas Shows Australia Some Tour Love

The tour announcements that send me giddy just keep on coming. Rob Thomas touched down in Sydney for a promo tour today, and he’s already making plans for a return visit.

Rob will play wineries around the country under the Day on the Green banner with a few entertainment centre shows thrown in for good measure. He’ll be here on the back of his latest solo album, Cradlesong.

Aussie songstress Vanessa Amorosi will join the gorgeous Rob for the shows. Tickets go on sale on Friday August 7 for all shows except for Sandalford Wines, which goes on sale a few days later on August 10.

5 February 2010 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
7 February 2010 – Leconfield Winery, McLaren Vale
11 February 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
13 February 2010 – Hope Estate Winery, Hunter Valley
14 February 2010 – Centennial Vineyards, Bowral
17 February 2010 – ACER Arena, Sydney
20 February 2010 – Rochford Winery, Yarra Valley
21 February 2010 – Sandalford Wines, Swan Valley

Image source: ZUMA Press

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hey Hey It's Back!

When I was growing up Saturday meant just one thing: a night around the television with Hey Hey It’s Saturday. Daryl, Ossie, Dickie Knee, Red, Wilbur and the gang brought variety into our loungerooms and supported local musicians in a way no other variety show has done since. Ten years since it left our screens it’s back, at least temporarily.

Channel Nine has commissioned two live reunion specials to screen later this year. If they rate well, there’s talk the program will return as a regular weekly series.

“It is exciting. There’s been a lot of talk about the show coming back and it has finally happened,” he said.

“We are ringing various cast members to say it is going to happen 10 years after it last happened. It is emotional for us as a cast and it must be for the audience who have missed the show over the years.”

The announcement comes after 18 months of negotiations, and a massive push by fans through Facebook. More than 43,000 supporters joined a Facebook group to bring back the show. The work’s not quite done, but this is certainly the first step.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jane's Addiction Cancel Australian Appearances

Sorry Jane’s Addiction fans: the band has cancelled their Sydney and Melbourne shows, and their appearance at Splendour in the Grass. But this isn’t just another example of flaky rock stars not valuing their Aussie fans. Percussionist Steven Perkins has been admitted to the Infectious Disease Ward at Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Hospital, so they’ve got a pretty damned good excuse!

“I know how excited we were to come play in Australia, and how long the fans there have waited for this,” lead singer Perry Farrell announced in a statement. “I want everyone Down Under to know that we will come back as soon as we can.”

“We are saddened by the news that Jane’s Addiction will not be playing and they will be greatly missed at Splendour,” added co-promoters Jessica Ducrou and Paul Piticco. “We wish Stephen a speedy recovery.”

The Living End have gallantly stepped up as a last-minute Splendour replacements, but if that doesn’t satisfy you refunds are available. But there are conditions. You’ve got to submit your request before 10 am tomorrow morning, Saturday 25th July. You can do this online through http://support.qjump.com.au or in person at the Splendour in the Grass Festival box office.

Image source: Newscom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tori Amos Announces Sinful Aussie Tour

There are certain artists that really thrill me. Announcements of new albums or tours send me spinning. They bring me heady joy that’s pure and unadulterated. Tori Amos is one such artist.

I’ve seen her live a few times now, and she always keeps me coming back for more. Her Abnormally Attracted to Sin tour will be no exception.

Tori will wing her way around the country in November, stopping in at some of the country’s most hallowed venues along the way. She’s doing it at a fairly leisurely pace, which suggests there may be more dates to come. But I’m not taking any chances, and grabbing my tickets when they go on sale on July 31.

12 November 2009 – Regent Theatre, Melbourne
16 November 2009 – Opera House, Sydney
19 November 2009 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
21 November 2009 – PCEC Riverside Theatre, Perth
24 November 2009 – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane

Image source: Newscom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Powderfinger Head Up Homebake Lineup

The cream of Australia’s music industry will head to The Domain in Sydney on December 5 for the 15th anniversary of Homebake.

Powderfinger have been named as headliners, but there’s plenty more of interest on the bill. Take for example the reunions of Underground Lovers and Tumbleweed, with original line-ups no less. The line-up also boasts “A special performance by Tim Finn,” as if his regular slots weren’t special enough. And acts that spend most of their time abroad like Sia, Daniel Merriweather, and Midnight Juggernauts will also make their presence felt. Add perennial favourites Jet, Hilltop Hoods, Eskimo Joe, Sarah Blasko, and more and you’ve got the recipe for a rollicking good time.

Tickets are on sale from August 17 from Ticketek, Moshtix, and the Homebake website.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tame Impala Announce Sundown Syndrome Aussie Tour

The lads from Tame Impala have a new single, “Sundown Syndrome,” and they want to celebrate its release with all the fans. So they’re packing up their guitars and heading all around the country for, funnily enough, the Sundown Syndrome tour.

They’ll start in Caringbah on September 16 and snake their way around Oz for 22 big shows. The dates go on sale tomorrow, ahead of the iTunes release of “Sundown Syndrome” this Friday.

16 September 2009 – Bizzo’s, Caringbah
17 September 2009 – Waves Nightclub, Wollongong
18 September 2009 – ANU, Canberra
19 September 2009 – Indie Music Festival, Albury
24 September 2009 – Mona Vale Hotel
26 September 2009 – Manning Bar, Sydney
27 September 2009 – Coffs Harbour Hotel
30 September 2009 – Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
1 October 2009 – Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast
2 October 2009 – HiFi Bar, Brisbane
4 October 2009 – Sands Tavern, Maroochydore
8 October 2009 – Breakers, Geraldton
9 October 2009 – Arts Centre, Fremantle
10 October 2009 – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury
15 October 2009 – Republic Bar, Hobart
16 October 2009 – Hotel New York, Launceston
17 October 2009 – Uni Bar, Adelaide
18 October 2009 – Sandbar, Mildura
21 October 2009 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
22 October 2009 – Eureka, Geelong
23 October 2009 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne

Image source: Michael Spencer @ Wikimedia Commons