Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Essential as Anything” – Mental as Anything

It seems like Mental as Anything has been around forever. They’re Australia’s ultimate party band, and they’ve made their mark on most of us, whether we want to admit it or not. For me their music reminds me of discos in the 1980s, where I’d dance along to the songs wearing too much fluro. Good times.

Lately I’ve been looking back on the band with the recent release of Essential as Anything, a bumper greatest hits CD. Everything is on here, from early tracks like “The Nips are Getting Bigger” to more recent hits like “Mr Natural.” In fact, there were a few songs I’d even forgotten about until I heard them again! Such is the quality and volume of the Mentals’ back catalogue.

If the 24 tracks aren’t enough for you, don’t despair. The CD also comes with a bonus DVD featuring 37 video clips, interviews, and plenty of documentary footage. Now that’s value.

Essential as Anything is the sort of album you’ll pull out time and time again at family barbeques and as a companion for those long car drives. It’s not likely to change the world, but just like the Mentals, it’s awfully good fun.

Image source: Bigpond Music; Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Tickled Pink for Breast Cancer Research

I’m always happy to promote a good cause, and breast cancer research is one of the best. If you’ve got some spare time on Wednesday, make sure you get on down to Concert for the Cure‘s Tickled Pink show at Sydney University’s St Andrew’s College.

The bands kindly donating their time include Art Vs Science, Bagraiders, Bird Automatic, Underlights, and Cameras.

All profits from tickets will benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Breast Cancer Network Australia. Get out there and support it if you can!

Image source: Redcherryhill @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Free Hashbang SpaceStar MP3 Download

Give your MP3 collection a shot in the arm with some free new music from Hashbang SpaceStar. The Sydney band is offering a download of their debut single “Buy Now and Borrow” for nix.

The song comes from their forthcoming EP Let It Be Known, which was recorded in India earlier this year. It’s a frenetic synth driven track unlike anything I’ve heard this year. If you’re looking for something truly original, this song might just fit the bill.

The EP is scheduled to hit stores in July, but you can get a taste of what’s to come by downloading the single here. Enjoy!

Image source: Hashbang SpaceStar website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Australian Idol Scraps Monday Elimination Shows

Australian Idol is scrapping its drawn-out Monday night shows, opting instead for a two-hour Super Sunday show. The shows will include the performances and the eliminations in one nifty package.

Andrew G confirmed the news and said he’s excited about the change.

“I’m thrilled because it’s harking back to a time of big event, shiny Sunday night television,” he told The Sunday Telegraph. “It’ll be as exciting as anything.”

I’m not sure it’s quite as exciting as Andrew thinks it is. But let’s face it: we never needed half an hour to announce that one person was going home. The sing for your life concept initially sounded intriguing, but once I realised we’d hear the same songs we hated the night before I stopped tuning in. I think the one-night Idol bonanza is a good move. Now if we can just adopt America’s new system allowing the judges to save one eliminated contestant everything will be perfect!

Image source: Newscom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

AC/DC Announce Aussie "Black Ice" Tour Dates

The wait is finally over for AC/DC fans, with the band announcing those long-awaited Australian Black Ice tour dates. The lads will visit Australia next February and March for the first time since 2001’s Stiff Upper Lip tour.

There’s plenty of gaps between the dates, suggesting that more shows will be announced or that the boys are planning an extended holiday! There are rumours that the band will play a very special show at Ayers Rock, but that’s yet to be confirmed.

The shows promise to be a bit of a guitar battle, with Wolfmother providing the support. There’s no word yet on when tickets will go on sale, but here are the dates for your calendar.

11 February 2010 – Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
18 February 2010 – ANZ Stadium, Sydney
25 February 2010 – Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre, Brisbane
2 March 2010 – Adelaide Oval
6 March 2010 – Subiaco, Perth

Image source: PR Photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Whitlams Do Eternal Nightcap

The Whitlams‘ breakthrough album Eternal Nightcap launched the band into the public eye twelve years ago.

It gave us the smash hit “No Aphrodisiac” and sentimental favourites like “Buy Now Pay Later (Charlie No.2)” and “You Sound Like Louis Burdett.” Now the band is revisiting this timeless recording with some very special shows.

The Whitlams will play the album in its entirety in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. Audiences in New South Wales and Victoria are in for a special treat, with the Sydney Symphony and Melbourne Symphony Orchestras joining the band in their home states.

Here are the all important dates!

7 & 8 August 2009 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
25 & 26 September 2009 – Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, Adelaide
3 & 4 December 2009 – Sydney Opera House

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Soulful Seal Announces First Oz Tour

Seal will bring his soul show to Australia later this year. Mr Heidi Klum will visit Oz for his first tour in November to promote his soul covers album, appropriately titled Soul.

“These songs changed the way I looked at the world but hearing Soul also inspired me professionally,” promoter Paul Dainty said in a statement. “This album reminded me that people want to hear great songs and a great voice.”

Tickets are on sale from May 22 for the following shows.

5 & 6 November 2009 – Hamer Hall, Melbourne
8 November 2009 – Convention Centre, Brisbane
10 & 11 November 2009 – State Theatre, Sydney
20 November 2009 – Kings Park, Perth

Image source: PR Photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paul Kelly Plays for Indigenous Students

Paul Kelly boosted the spirits of students in far north Queensland this week.

The acclaimed singer-songwriter performed at Djarragun College at Gordonvale, south of Cairns. The school teaches students from between Cape York and Yarrabah. It is particularly invested in programs to help students avoid run-ins with the law.

It must have been a real thrill for the school’s music department, who accompanied Paul during his performance.

The school’s music department director John Grace said the visit was “a morale booster” for his students.

What a wonderful experience for the students, and what a generous person Paul Kelly must be to donate his time!

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kylie Minogue Announces North American Tour

America’s never really embraced our Kylie like other global destinations, but the pop princess is going to give it another shot. She’ll take her acclaimed X tour to North America later this year.

The flashy show has taken an estimated $70 million in ticket sales so far, but lukewarm American sales of the X album make this a bit of a gamble. It didn’t even reach gold status there, selling just 36, 000 units.

But let’s wish Kylie well! Hopefully this tour could be just the thing to turn the Americans onto Ms Minogue! Here are the dates!

30 September 2009 – Fox Theater, Oakland
3 October 2009 – The Pearl, Las Vegas
4 October 2009 – Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles
7 October 2009 – Chicago, The Congress Theater
9 October 2009 – Air Canada Centre, Toronto
11 October 2009 – Hammerstein Ballroom, New York

Image source: PR Photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Universal Music and eBay Create New Digital Download Store

Universal Music Australia has joined forces with eBay to create a new music sales portal.

“We are incredibly excited to be partnering with eBay.com.au to offer their members access to music,” George Ash, MD of Universal Australia said in a statement. “Music is one of the highest searched topics on the web and the opportunity to help eBay.com.au connect their members with their favourite acts, is without precedent. Universal’s leading market position when partnered with eBay.com.au’s 5 million monthly Australian visitors is a match made in heaven.”

“You can buy practically anything on eBay.com.au,” Deborah Sharkey, MD of eBay added. “The launch of the music portal means that members are able to access digital versions of a vast array of their favourite songs at a low price. eBay is excited about the opportunity and is looking forward to being able to provide access to great music to millions of eBay.com.au users.”

The eBay music store promises to include exclusive releases, special offers, and discounts. It’s those perks that seem to be the real key to the store’s success. Otherwise it seems like just another place to buy digital music, one of a million out there online. eBay might be popular, but the name alone isn’t going to inspire anyone to buy the same old thing they can find elsewhere.

Image source: Mckenna71 @ Stock.xchng