Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Casey Donovan Launches Career Comeback

We’ve all read the news stories claiming the latest Australian Idol winner Natalie Gauci hasn’t met public expectations. A number two single and top ten album sounds like a success to me, but in failing to hit the number one spot poor Nat’s already been written off by many. Perhaps she can take heart knowing how another “fallen Idol,” Casey Donovan, has landed on her feet.

Casey’s Idol journey in 2004 was spookily similar to Natalie’s. Through consistent performances she won over the public, taking the crown over her more fancied pretty boy rival Anthony Callea. Despite strong debuts, Casey’s career quickly faded while Anthony’s soared.

The fickle public all but forgot about her. Casey used this time out of the spotlight to her advantage, honing her performance skills at some low-key gigs and crafting a fine collection of songs.

These tracks are featured on Eye to Eye, her first independent release. Copies are available through Casey’s MySpace page, which also includes snippets of the EP’s songs. She may not have the backing of a major label anymore, but with songs this good who needs it?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rock On This Australia Day

Warner Music will release one of the best rock compilations I’ve seen just in time for Australia Day. Why’s it so good? Because it’s 100% homegrown, and no one rocks harder than Aussies!

50 Years of Australian Rock & Roll is a three-disc set charting the history of the local rock scene. That should keep the whole family happy: Mum and Dad can bop along to Johnny O’Keefe and The Deltones while the kids rock out to some Wolfmother and Eskimo Joe.

Watching the promo video’s made me pretty excited about this release. We can all get our hands on 50 Years of Australian Rock & Roll when it hits stores on January 26.

Image source: Michael Coghlan @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kylie Honoured By The Queen

She may be Aussie born and bred, but Kylie Minogue has been named an Officer of the British Empire.

“I feel deeply touched to be acknowledged by the UK, my adopted home, in this way,” Kylie told Britain’s Sky News.

“I am almost as surprised as I am honoured to be awarded an OBE by Her Majesty The Queen.”

The Queen’s New Years Honours recognise an individual’s contributions to Britain.

Kylie received the title for her service to the entertainment community.

Image source: sosodave @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Free Paul Kelly Downloads

Everyone loves downloading music, but there seems to be fewer ways to legally do it these days. Luckily Aussie balladeer Paul Kelly is making things a bit easier on his fans by offering some free downloads.

Paul is offering downloads of more than 100 live recordings. The move is inspired by his 2007 A-Z concerts, where he performed 100 songs over four nights in alphabetical order.

Visit Paul’s website tomorrow for the A songs. A new letter’s songs will be made available each month for the next two years.

It’s going to take a really long time to get it, but I bet the entire collection will be worth the wait!

Image source: Andrew Braithwaite @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Bigger Better Power Ballads II" – Various

I’ve just arrived home after five days road-tripping. As every seasoned traveller knows, you need two things for a good road trip: good company and good music. My husband took care of the former, but after about 15 hours in the car, we started to tire of the CDs I’d packed. Thankfully while buying petrol in Bairnsdale I stumbled across EMI Australia’s massive compilation album, Bigger Better Power Ballads II.

I’ve heard a few compilation albums in my time, but none have impressed me as much as this one. Power ballad veterans like Journey and Queen sit comfortably alongside newer artists like Nickelback and The Fray. Power ballad enthusiasts have long overlooked the contributions of women, but this compilation doesn’t forget female masters like Pat Benatar and Tina Turner. But unfortunately the Australian content is a little light on, with only Moving Pictures and Youth Group flying the flag.

You’ve heard all the songs before, which makes it excellent for a long car trip. My husband I loved singing along to Toto’s “Africa” and Mr. Big’s “Be With You.” At three discs it’s also the perfect length, because once you reach the end of the third disc you’re ready to hear disc one again.

If you’re road tripping these summer holidays, and even if you’re not, Bigger Better Power Ballads II is a lot of fun. It’s so good it’s inspired me to track down the original.

Image source: Chaos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Best of 2007

This is the time when I like to look back fondly on the year that was while I’m anticipating what the New Year will bring. 2007 was a great year for Aussie music. While record sales fell throughout the rest of the world, we continued to support local artists like Silverchair, Powderfinger, and Sneaky Sound System. It was also a massive year for touring, with local legends and international superstars selling out venues around the country.

I’ve got lots to look forward to in 2008. I’ve already nabbed tickets for Matchbox Twenty, Michael Bublé, The Duhks, k.d. lang, Rocky Horror Show, and Santana. How many more gigs do you think I can cram in before the year’s out?

Here’s what I loved about 2007. It’s all completely subjective – I didn’t buy all the albums released this year and I didn’t go to all the shows the rest of the critics did. But when I look back at 2007, these are the things I’ll think of fondly.

Top 10 Aussie Albums

  1. Ripe – Ben Lee
  2. Skin – Katie Noonan
  3. Get Ready – Human Nature
  4. Rock-Bottom Jackpot – Dé Jah Groove
  5. The Memphis Album – Guy Sebastian
  6. The Swing Sessions 2 – David Campbell
  7. Greatest Hits: 18 Kids – Keith Urban
  8. No Man’s Woman – Various Artists
  9. Where We Land – Damien Leith
  10. Slideshows – Thirsty Merc

Top 10 Aussie Songs

  1. “Love Me Like the World is Ending” – Ben Lee
  2. “Sew My Name” – Josh Pyke
  3. “Funky Tonight” – John Butler Trio
  4. “Time To Begin” – Katie Noonan
  5. “20 Good Reasons” – Thirsty Merc
  6. “In This Life” – Delta Goodrem
  7. “Peachy” – Missy Higgins
  8. “Planet New Year” – Sarah Blasko
  9. “UFO” – Sneaky Sound System
  10. “Innocent” – Small Mercies

Top 10 Gigs

  1. John Mayer @ Sydney Entertainment Centre
  2. Tori Amos @ Civic Theatre
  3. Amos Lee @ Lizotte’s
  4. Lionel Richie @ Bimbadgen Estate
  5. Elton John @ Tempus Two
  6. Dave Matthews Band @ The Hordern
  7. Daughtry @ The Gaelic
  8. Bobby Flynn @ Lizotte’s
  9. Boyz II Men @ Newcastle Workers Club
  10. Steely Dan @ Bimbadgen Estate

Image source: Roven Images @ Unsplash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussies Set To Wow America

David Campbell, Eskimo Joe, and Shannon Noll will take part in Australia Plays Broadway next month, a celebration of Aussie talent.

The concert extravaganza will showcase the diversity of Australian performers, with the worlds of theatre, opera, dance, symphony, rock, and cabaret all represented.

Caroline O’Connor, Christine Anu, Richard Walley, Raymond Crowe, Penbroke Orchestra, Lisa Moore, and the Australian Dance Theater will also take the stage.

Americans won’t know most of these artists, but with tickets selling from just $50 it’s worth taking a chance on some Aussie culture. Australia Plays Broadway will hit Jazz at Lincoln Centre’s Rose Theatre on January 22.

Image source: Brianwilsonisgod @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Delta and Olivia Sing for Cancer Research

Two of the biggest female voices in Australia, Delta Goodrem and Olivia Newton-John, will join forces next year for breast cancer research.

The pair will join an Asian artist to record two songs next February. One of these tunes will become the theme for The Great Walk to Beijing charity event, which will raise money for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre.

“Olivia reached out to her when she was ill, they’ve known each other for a long time,” Delta Goodrem’s spokesperson told The Daily Telegraph.

“Delta adores Olivia, she’s a big inspiration for her. It’s very exciting for them both.”

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Natalie Imbruglia’s Big Screen Dreams

Natalie Imbruglia may be the next superhero or supervillain, after she auditioned for a role in Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine.

The Daily Telegraph revealed the Aussie songstress tried out for a part in the Hugh Jackman blockbuster two weeks ago.

There’s no word yet on whether Nat plans to put singing on the backburner to pursue an acting career, but she’s certainly been doing more of it these days. She wrapped up filming the local indie flick Elise in Adelaide earlier this month.

“Shooting (Elise) and getting to play such an interesting character was a dream come true,” Imbruglia said. “I am still pinching myself about the whole experience and I definitely want to do more film.”

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Between Kylie's Sheets

Fancy getting into bed with Kylie Minogue? Well it needn’t be just a fantasy, because our very own pop princess is launching her own manchester line in February.

According to The People, the sheets and linens will be inspired by Kylie’s visits to some of the world’s most expensive hotels. Ooh la la!

“It’s a great sideline for Kylie who received an offer too good to refuse,” a source said.

It makes sense. Kylie’s already designed a perfume and some lingerie, so why not some bedding?