Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Is Damien Leith The Latest Idol Failure?

Spare a thought for last year’s Australian Idol winner, Damien Leith. “22 Steps,” the debut single from his first original album has already fallen out of the Top 20.

Since its launch two weeks ago, “22 Steps” has dropped from number 11 to number 27. While critics see this as the beginning of the end for Damien, perhaps we shouldn’t be so hasty.

Early reports indicate that his forthcoming album, Where We Land is a solid piece of work. And it should be. After all, this is the first album made under Idol’s new format. Unlike other Idols forced to release a disc in a week, Damien was given time to write and record something he was happy with.

He was always billed as an unlikely Idol, not much to look at but with the voice of an angel. Not exactly the sort of guy that young girls clamber to get close to, but a big hit with the mums. It’s not a coincidence that kids buy the majority of singles, but adults wait for the album release.

Where We Land will hit shelves on August 20. Only then will we learn if Australia’s moved on to the latest reality TV superstar, or whether they still have a soft spot for this likeable Irishman.

Image source: Dave Keeshan @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Slideshows” – Thirsty Merc

Since I bought tickets to see Thirsty Merc in a couple of weeks, I figured it was about time I picked up a copy of Slideshows. As I listened to the opening track’s crunchy guitar chords and clever lyrics I wondered why it took me so long.

The opening ditty, “She’s All I Got” is a corker, with straight-up riffs and a sing-along chorus. It’s backed up by the anthemic radio hit “20 Good Reasons” and new single “The Hard Way.”

There’s a reason why radio loves these guys. They’re genuinely good fun, with cleverly crafted melodies and quirky lyrics. They’ve also become a very safe band, seemingly unwilling to take risks.

That’s not exactly a bad thing, but it does make some of the later album tracks, including “Hey Jacinta” and “She’s My Brother” feel a little tired.

While their self-titled debut showed plenty of cheek in “Emancipate Myself” and “I Wish Somebody Would Build a Bridge,” Slideshows presents none of this naughtiness. It’s a shame.

Slideshows feels like a natural progression for Thirsty Merc. It’s not likely to win them any new fans, but there’s certainly enough here to entertain the ones they have.

For me, it doesn’t have quite the same spark as their first disc, but it’s still a whole lot of fun.

Image source: BigPond Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Season of Idol’s Worth a Look

Another season of Australian Idol kicks off tonight, and I don’t mind admitting that I’m excited.

If you’re a fan, you know the reality talent quest appears to be stronger than ever. Last year it took the revolutionary step to allow musicians to use their own instruments.

Personally this seemed like a no-brainer. After all, don’t we want competitors who are more than karaoke kings and queens?

Anyway, the move encouraged a whole new breed of performers to audition, including series winner Damien Leith, folky Lisa Mitchell, singer songwriter Chris Murphy, and the awesome Bobby Flynn.

Inspired by the success of these gifted individuals, I’m sure we’ll see even more quirky, talented musicians step up this year to try their luck. I can’t wait to watch their journey.

If you’re still not convinced, there’s another reason to watch: Dicko’s back. Dicko: honest, knowledgeable, kind of hot in an old-man way Dicko. While I still have to suffer through Kyle’s malicious snarkiness, Mark’s inane comments, and Marcia’s fence-sitting, knowing I have Dicko to balance things will make it that much easier.

It’s very easy to be cynical about Idol. But think about it this way music fans. How many programs actually showcase new Australian talent these days? We’ve lost Countdown, Hey Hey It’s Saturday, and Recovery. This is one of the only places we can still see young Aussies playing music. For that reason alone, I think it’s worth a look.

Australian Idol kicks off on Channel Ten at 7:30 tonight.

Image source: Wikimedia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Song Obsession: Love Me Like The World is Ending

I caught Ben Lee performing his latest single, “Love Me Like The World Is Ending,” on Sunrise this week. I must admit, although I’ve always liked Ben Lee, I’ve never been a massive fan. But after listening to this song I can’t wait to hear his new album Ripe.

It seems Ben’s mellowing, becoming less pretentious and allowing us to see more vulnerability. This performance, with just an acoustic guitar as accompaniment, showcases that perfectly.

Amazing, right? If you’re in Sydney and enjoyed the song as much as I did, I suggest you get down to Warringah Mall today. Ben will be performing and signing copies of “Love Me Like The World Is Ending” from 1 pm.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fans Fork Out Thousands for Police Tickets

You might remember me talking about how the massive rort that was The Police ticket auction. The end of the Melbourne auction yesterday proved there are some Police fans with very deep pockets.

According to the Herald Sun, punters have paid up to $1600 for a pair of front row seats, a significant mark-up on their $1000 value.

So did the auction discourage scalpers as hoped? Not a chance. Ebay’s still flooded with tickets from all around the MCG, including plenty of seats within the first few rows.

To be fair, a significant number of these tickets are being sold at their face value. Still, there are plenty of people out there looking to make a profit on the show. One scalper is asking $1000 for two sixth row tickets, which originally cost $250 a piece. The sad thing is, he’s likely to find a buyer too.

So, apparently these official auctions aren’t the way to prevent scalping. Even though I’m not at all surprised, it got me thinking: what would stop the fans getting ripped off?

I’d hate for us to get to the point where we needed to show ID when presenting tickets. That’d penalise the people who can’t attend a show and hope to simply recoup their money. But is this the only way to prevent scalping? I’d love to hear your views!

Image source: Isuperwang @ Flickr 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Veronicas Prepare to be Slimed

Australia’s powerhouse pop duo, The Veronicas, will host the country’s most lighthearted awards show, the 2007 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards.

But don’t expect the pretty pair to don expensive designer clothes. They know they’re likely to leave the event dripping in green slime.

“I think it’s kind of a given as hosts that we’ll get slimed so we can prepare ourselves for that,” Jess Origliasso told AAP. “I think we get to slime other people as well so that makes up for it.”

Jess is also relishing the opportunity to attend the ceremony for the first time. While The Veronicas took out three awards last year, they were unable to attend due to recording and touring commitments.

“We were really bummed we couldn’t make it, so it’s great to be able to host this year,” she added.

The Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards hits the Sydney Entertainment Centre on October 10.

Image source: Joel Telling @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

No Splendour for Damien Rice

Hardworking Irish troubadour Damien Rice has pulled out of the upcoming Splendour in the Grass festival due to exhaustion.

“This is not a decision that I made lightly, but the busy touring/travel schedule this year has taken its toll on my health and my voice,” Damien said in a press release. “I’m sorry to say that I am exhausted and need to take some time off right now to recuperate and get my voice back in shape.”

The announcement follows Damien’s withdrawal from the Pentaport and Fuji festivals last weekend.

But dry your tears festival-goers! Aussie acoustic heroes The Waifs will appear at the festival in Damien’s place. As The Waifs are now based in the United States, there aren’t too many chances to catch this brilliant indie act. This will be The Waifs first, but hopefully not their last, Splendour appearance.

Image source: Menage a Moi @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Michael Franti Brings Up! Festival Down Under

Regular visitor to Aussie shores, Michael Franti, is heading to Oz with the Up! Festival next month. His band Spearhead will join local artists Ben Lee, Blue King Brown and Old Man River on the impressive bill.The Up! Festival won’t have a preachy political focus, but it does look to inspire people and get out to do good things.

“My goal is to put on a kick-ass f*cking show!” he said in an official press release. “When people leave the festival, I want them to feel inspired and motivated. We are living in an era of cynicism. One thing that kills cynicism for me is a healthy dose if fun.”

Bootleggers are in for a treat, as Franti is actually encouraging people to record the shows.

“I want to encourage people to have their voices heard and get used to that. One way of giving back to the community is allowing everyone to record, videotape, upload, download, blog any way they can and share it. All cameras, phones, audio recorders are legal! Everything’s legal at the Up! Festival.”

Continue reading “Michael Franti Brings Up! Festival Down Under” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Another Homecoming Tour for Kylie?

It was only six months ago that Kylie Minogue wowed Aussie audiences with her Showgirl Homecoming tour, but word is that she’ll be back before the end of the year.

Kylie is rumoured to announce her Aussie tour at a special 20th anniversary party in London tomorrow. The party is set to be a star-studded affair, with Jason Donovan, Michael Gudinski, and Parisi all planning to attend.

Can you believe it’s been 20 years since Kyles exploded onto the global music scene with her cover of Little Eva’s “Locomotion”? It’s enough to make a blogger feel old!

An Aussie tour announcement is expected shortly after the party, so stay tuned!

Image source: Kyprithasina/Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Delta’s Ready for a Comeback

Australians haven’t heard a lot about Delta Goodrem since she headed to Britain to live with Irish beau, Bryan McFadden. But that’s all set to change, with news the one-time media darling will release a new album later this year.

Sony BMG insiders told the Sydney Morning Herald they’re thrilled with Delta’s new upbeat songs. This bodes well for Delta, whose dark second album, Mistaken Identity, fell flat with the public.

But let’s face it: Delta has a lot more to smile about these days. She’s very much in love and free from the cancer that plagued her shortly after her second album release.

Her friends report that Delta has been inspired by her new relationship, and is ready to wow fans back home. No doubt they’re ready to have her back too!

Image source: SunriseOn7 @ Flickr.com