Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jet and Iggy Pop Cover "The Wild One"

When Johnny O’Keefe released “The Wild One” 50 years ago it started an Australian rock and roll revolution. So it’s fitting that the song is being re-released next month with a rock and roll legend and one of Australia’s hottest bands.

Jet recently flew to Miami to record “The Wild One” with the one and only Iggy Pop. Iggy fans will remember his definitive 1980s cover, and the new version is set to introduce a whole new generation to the song.

“My introduction to Johnny O’Keefe came through Iggy Pop covering this song,” says Jet’s Nic Cester. “Although I don’t think we have been directly influenced by Johnny O’Keefe, the ripples that he created are enormous. If the only thing that comes of this is just alerting other Australians that this existed, that’s a good thing.”

The collaboration will be released as a single on 19 July, and as a bonus track on the forthcoming album Johnny O’Keefe – The Wild One. The best of recording features remastered version of JO’K’s biggest hits. Johnny O’Keefe – The Wild One is available in stores from 23 August.

Image credit: Jill Kahn/Supplied by Warner Music Australia 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Age Names Top 50 Aussie Albums

On July 5, some fifty years ago Johnny O’Keefe released The Wild One and Aussie rock was born. To commemorate the event The Age assembled a panel to come up with the top 50 Australian albums of all time. Votes were cast by critics, music journos, musicians, record shop owners, and band managers. The only criteria was this – they had to choose the finest albums by Australian musicians.

Sadly they didn’t ask me. But maybe that’s a good thing. It makes it easier to point out the flaws and the glaring omissions. These lists are never going to be perfect after all, but they do inspire debate.

Midnight Oil, Skyhooks, INXS, and AC/DC all earned their places in the top 10. I can understand Midnight Oil claiming the top spot, but I would have given it to Cold Chisel’s East. I certainly can’t imagine why it’s limped in at number 23. Lyrically, musically, and vocally, Cold Chisel are first class and this album is their best.

But rather than quibble about the folks who should have scored higher, I’m more interested to see who didn’t make it. The list is about blokey rock. Australians might do this well, but it’s certainly not all we do.

There’s no Savage Garden. There’s no James Reyne, not even in his Australian Crawl days. There’s no Divinyls. There’s no Renee Geyer. There’s no Kylie. There’s not even any Farnsy.

But there is plenty of good music there. Maybe the omissions show us just how rich our musical landscape is. Browse the top 50, and tell me what you think of it!

  1. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – Midnight Oil
  2. Radios Appear – Radio Birdman
  3. Living in the 70s – Skyhooks
  4. Hi Fi Way – You Am I
  5. Stoneage Romeos – Hoodoo Gurus
  6. Gossip – Paul Kelly and the Coloured Girls
  7. (I’m) Stranded – The Saints
  8. Kick – INXS
  9. Diesel and Dust – Midnight Oil
  10. Back in Black – AC/DC
  11. Magic Box – Loved Ones
  12. Easy – The Easybeats
  13. Born Sandy Devotional – The Triffids
  14. Crowded House – Crowded House
  15. Human Frailty – Hunters and Collectors
  16. High Voltage – AC/DC
  17. Sunnyboys – Sunnyboys
  18. Wait Long By The River and the Bodies of Your Enemies will Float By – The Drones
  19. 16 Lovers Lane – Go-Betweens
  20. Prehistoric Sounds – The Saints
  21. Circus Animals – Cold Chisel
  22. Hourly, Daily – You Am I
  23. East – Cold Chisel
  24. Doughboy Hollow – Died Pretty
  25. Goodbye Tiger – Richard Clapton
  26. Daddy Who – Daddy Cool
  27. Prayers on Fire – The Birthday Party
  28. Charcoal Lane – Archie Roach
  29. Rose Tattoo – Rose Tattoo
  30. Less is More – Even
  31. Let There Be Rock – AC/DC
  32. Since I Left You – The Avalanches
  33. Icehouse – Flowers
  34. Toward the Blues – Chain
  35. Anthology – The Easybeats
  36. The Good Son – Nick Cave
  37. Highway to Hell – AC/DC
  38. The Low Road – Beasts of Bourbon
  39. The Swing – INXS
  40. Lovetown – Stephen Cummings
  41. Face to Face – The Angels
  42. Post – Paul Kelly
  43. Woodface – Crowded house
  44. Liberty Belle and the Black Diamond Express – Go-Betweens
  45. Tu Plang – Regurgitator
  46. Eternal Nightcap – The Whitlams
  47. Diorama – Silverchair
  48. Starfish – The Church
  49. A Toast to Panama Red – Masters’ Apprentices
  50. Get Born – Jet

Image source: Lex @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Free Augie March Tracks

Augie March know it’s been some time since their fans have been able to get their hands on something new. So they’re offering four free tracks to tide us over until the release of album number four.

The semi-acoustic songs were recorded in Los Angeles, and include a new version of the smash hit “One Crowded Hour.” Just sign up the mailing list to get your hands on them!

Make sure you keep visiting Augie March’s new look website, as they’ll be blogging and adding new music as they record the new album. All very exciting stuff!

Image source: Alanna Spence @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Natalie Bassingthwaighte Splits from Rogue Traders

Natalie Bassingthwaighte has left her Rogue Traders bandmates to pursue her solo career.

Nat originally planned to take time off to record a solo release, but the band have decided to make the split a permanent one.

“As I’m sure every single one of you already knows, this tour was always expected to be our last tour for some time, as we knew Nat was going to work on solo and other commitments, which could take some years to complete,” James Ash said on the band’s online forum.

“Because of this, sadly, after a great deal of consideration we’ve come to the conclusion that as Nat’s career choices are taking her in new and exciting directions, she won’t be able to be a part of the Rogue Traders.

“Nat and I both want you to know that we part company as best friends, with a deep love and respect for each other and what we have achieved over the last three and a half years.”

It’s amazing to think she’s only been with the band since 2004. Natalie’s distinctive vocals gave the band top ten hits including “Voodoo Child,” “Way To Go,” “Watching You,” “Don’t You Wanna Feel” and “I Never Liked You.” Her presence in the band will be sorely missed.

Image source: Sunrise.seven @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jimmy Barnes Goes High Tech

Who says you can’t teach an old rocker new tricks? Jimmy Barnes will be the first Aussie act to use new Alive Drive technology.

When you see Barnesy on his Out of the Blue tour you can pick up an Alive Drive USB wristband featuring exclusive audio, video, and image content, plus live updates via the web.

This is the same sort of flexible USB wristband Matchbox Twenty fans saw when the lads toured here recently.

Jimmy Barnes plays Canberra Theatre tonight.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Metal Gods Psycroptic Ink Worldwide Deal

Tasmanian metal outfit Psycroptic has just scored a major worldwide deal with Nuclear Blast Records.

If you’re not a metal fan, you might not realise how important the deal is but for metal bands, this is the jackpot.

“Nuclear Blast has always been the pinnacle of labels within the metal realm, and to be signed with them is a huge honor for us … and to be the first Tasmanian band to ever be on the label is a pretty awesome bonus as well,” the band said in a statement. “The artist roster is nothing short of amazing, and for Psycroptic to be added to it … well, we couldn’t be happier!!”

The buzz has been slowly building since the band formed in 1999. They’ve released three albums, and there’s another one planned for October. Psycroptic are currently wowing crowds in the US on their Summer Slaughter tour.

Congrats lads – onwards and upwards!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Forgotten Rose Tattoo Album May Be Released

It looks like the wishes of all Rose Tattoo fans may soon be granted. Plans are afoot to release the album they recorded in 1980.

Rose Tattoo completed the album in Los Angeles after Bad Boy for Love. The record company was never happy with it, so the band went back into the studio and made Assault and Battery. For the last 28 years it’s been filed away, but now Aztec Records founder Gil Matthews is planning on releasing this rare recording.

The prospect is of special interest to Aussie rock lovers, as it features the talents of the late Billy Thorpe and Lobby Loyde. So who cares whether it impressed the record execs? We’re all going to want to give it a listen anyway!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sneaky Sound System Release Album Number 2

It’s been a long time since we’ve heard anything from Australia’s hottest dance outfit, Sneaky Sound System, but all that’s soon about to change. Miss Connie, Black Angus, and MC Double D are back with album number two called, funnily enough, 2.

No points for originality there, but it’s still going to do well thanks to a killer first single called “Kansas City.” The album will be repackaged in the UK to include the new stuff plus the best tracks from the first album. The British are going with “Pictures” for the first single, but it won’t be the same old thing. The UK recording will have a distinctly British flavour thanks to remixing by Rich Costey, the man behind Bloc Party, Franz Ferdinand, and Muse.

2 will hit Aussie shelves in August 16 before the Brits get it on September 22. To celebrate the release Sneaky Sound System will play a couple of east coast dates in August. Tickets are on sale from July 3 for the following dates.

16 and 17 of August 2008 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
26 and 27 of August 2008 – The Queensbridge, Melbourne
29 and 30 August 2008 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney

Image source: Hooverdust @ Flickr 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Missy Higgins Kicks Off American Tour

Missy Higgins has just wrapped up an American tour, and what better way to celebrate than starting another one?

The Aussie ex-pat is hitting the Midwest and America’s North East. It all kicks off on July 10 in Madison Wisconsin.

Missy is one of Australia’s finest singer-songwriters, so if you get the chance make sure you check her out.

Here are all the dates!

10 July 2008 – Majestic Theatre, Madison
11 July 2008 – Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaulkee
12 July 2008 – Basilica Block Party, Minneapolis
13 July 2008 – People’s, Des Moines
15 July 2008 – Music Mill, Indianapolis
16 July 2008 – The Crofoot, Detroit
18 July 2008 – Madison Theatre, Covington
19 July 2008 – Phoenix Hill Tavern, Louisville
20 July 2008 – Beachland Ballroom & Tavern, Cleveland
22 July 2008 – The Tralf Music Hall, Buffalo
23 July 2008 – The Phoenix, Toronto
24 July 2008 – Les Saints, Montreal
26 July 2008 – Revolution Hall, Troy
27 July 2008 – Iron Horse, Northampton
29 July 2008 – Wilbur Theatre, Boston
30 July 2008 – The Hi Hat, Providence
31 July 2008 – Webster Hall, New York
2 August 2008 – Theatre of Living Arts, Philadelphia
3 August 2008 – The Birchmere, Alexandria
5 August 2008 – The Record Bar, Kansas City

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Vote For Your Favourite Michael Jackson Tracks

Sony BMG Australia plan to release the ultimate Michael Jackson compilation just for its local fans. For three weeks starting today, the record label is encouraging Aussie MJ devotees to vote for their favourite songs at mj50.com.au.

The 30 most popular songs will appear on the album alongside a new megamix by Jason Nevins. King of Pop will be released only in Australia on August 29, Michael Jackson’s 50th birthday.

Image source: Zoran Veselinovic @ Wikimedia Commons