Tag: greatest hits

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Zoot Release Best Of Album With Brand New Song

Zoot might have been one of Australia’s greatest reverse supergroups. Beeb Birtles became a founding member of Little River Band, Rick Brewer joined The Ferrets, Darryl Cotton had a smash hit “Same Old Girl” and an illustrious stage and TV career, and Rick Springfield was responsible for a little ditty called “Jessie’s Girl.” But before all that, they were a force in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s.

Fifty years after releasing their debut single, the remaining members of Zoot have signed a brand new deal with EMI and released a career defining best-of album, Zoot Archaeology. It includes all the hits you love and a brand new cover of The Dream Academy’s “Life in a Northern Town.”

The album is dedicated to Darryl Cotton, who succumbed to liver cancer in 2012, just one year after rejoining his bandmates on the Rick Springfield and Friends Cruise in the Caribbean. After he passed away, Rick discovered both he and Darryl had recorded versions of “Life in a Northern Town.”

“Sitting in the studio listening to Darryl’s solo vocal gave us all goosebumps,” Rick recalled. Producers combined the two versions and Beeb added a third verse. “Fifty-four years after I met Darryl, we have a new Zoot song,” Beeb said. “Thanks to Rick, I got to sing one more time with my best friend.”

Zoot Archaeology is out now.

Image used with permission from Revolutions Per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

James Reyne Takes the Hits on the Road

He’s currently keeping Rod Stewart company on his Aussie tour, but James Reyne is already looking ahead to solo shows. Just as he’s doing on his current supporting stint, James will play a hit-filled set in capital cities around the country.

Over 90 minutes, James will take crowds on a trip down memory lane with his best known Australian Crawl hits, solo smashes, and more.

“Last year we did a run of shows playing Australian Crawl songs, had such a good time doing it, and audiences responded so enthusiastically that we thought that the only thing that could possibly be better was to play all the hits,” James explained. “I’m talking about The Crawl hits, the solo hits and even some Company Of Strangers. Yes folks, it’s nothing but hits, hits, hits – all killer no filler!”

See James Reyne on his All the Hits: Solo – Crawl – More shows at the following venues, with Pseudo Echo supporting.

14 & 15 August 2015 – The Palms at Crown, Melbourne
22 August 2015 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
28 & 29 August 2015 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
5 September 2015 – The Astor, Perth
11 & 12 September 2015 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide

Image used with permission by Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

James Reyne Plays Greatest Hits

I’ve always thought of James Reyne as the perfect model for how an Australian musician should conduct their career. He continues to produce top quality albums and gig all around the country, delicately striking the balance of giving the fans what they want to hear while developing his artistry. There hasn’t been a lot of fanfare around his more recent album releases, but they’re always fabulous.

Late in 2013, James celebrated those songs and all his old favourites at his A Crawl to Now shows at The Basement in Sydney. It seems it had so much fun that he’s taking the show on the road. The gigs which will feature the hits from James’ Australian Crawl days, his time with Company of Strangers, and his stellar solo songs. They’ll be all acoustic too, with able support from Tracy and Brett Kingman.

“Whilst I’m not inclined to get all nostalgic, it feels like the right time to go through this material and present it songbook style,” James said in a press release. “The songs we’ve chosen are a lot of fun to perform – and it scratches my never-ending itch to tour, to play live!”

If you’ve never seen James play, this is the perfect opportunity. And if you have, you know you won’t want to miss these greatest hits sets.

4 April 2014 – Wrestpoint, Hobart
5 April 2014 – Country Club, Launceston
11 April 2014 – Flying Saucer Club, Caulfield
12 April 2014 – Royal Theatre, Castlemaine
13 April 2014 – Caravan Club, Oakleigh
17 April 2014 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
18 April 2014 – The Basement, Sydney
19 April 2014 – Lizotte’s, Dee Why
20 April 2014 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
30 April 2014 – Friends Restaurant, Perth
1 May 2014 – The Deck Restaurant, Busselton
2 May 2014 – Charles Hotel, Perth
4 May 2014 – Boab Tavern, Wycombe
9 May 2014 – Norwood Hotel, Adelaide
10 May 2014 – Goolwa Aquatic Centre ‘Concert Club’, Goolwa

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

James Reyne Plays Greatest Hits in Sydney

James Reyne will celebrate his career over two big nights at Sydney’s The Basement this November. The Aussie music icon will play his A Crawl to Now shows on November 1 and 2.

James will play some of his greatest hits from more than 20 albums with an acoustic trio. In the first half he’ll offer up solo hits, some new material, and perhaps even a few numbers from his supergroup Company of Strangers. In the second half, James will trot out smash singles from the Australian Crawl days.

“This will be the first comprehensive look at the past unto the present that we’ve ever undertaken,” James said. “Up until now I’ve not contemplated sifting through all of the Australian Crawl material with the intention of performing it ‘songbook’ style. I’m very excited about these shows.”

These gigs are fast approaching, but general admission tickets are still available for both shows through The Basement.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dave Dobbyn Plays Greatest Hits Down Under

When I received a press release telling me Dave Dobbyn was returning to our shores for the first time in 20 years I was shocked. It seemed like just yesterday I saw him supporting Shawn Mullins at Newcastle Workers Club. However on consulting Shawn’s discography, it seems my tour was probably even longer than two decades ago! Way to make a girl feel old!

I must admit, on the night I heard Dave was on the Shawn Mullins’ bill I thought I’d enjoy “Slice of Heaven,” and that was about all. Yet I found there was much more to this Kiwi than that radio favourite. I thoroughly enjoyed his set, and I’m sure folks will feel the same when he returns to Australia in November. He’ll be playing a greatest hits set, which I’m assured compromises much more than “Slice of Heaven.”

Find out what else is in Dave’s repertoire when he plays the major capitals later this year. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, September 24, for the following shows.

14 November 2012 – The Corner, Melbourne
15 November 2012 – The Basement, Sydney
16 November 2012 – The Hi-Fi, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rogue Traders Releasing Double Disc

Rogue Traders are closing one chapter and beginning the next with the release of The Sound of Drums.

The double disc features a greatest hits collection, which features songs from Rogue Traders’ first three albums, and the band’s brand new studio album, Night of the Living Drums.

“Ten years is a huge milestone for any band,” said Rogue Traders’ creative force James Ash. “This record sums up what we’ve done so far – and also lays down our plans for the future!”

The Sound of Drums hit stores on November 11. Ash and Rogue Traders frontwoman Mindi Jackson will hit the promotional trail next month to support the release ahead of a full-scale tour in the New Year.

Image used with permission from Revolutions Per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bachelor Girl Reform for Greatest Hits Tour

90s pop sensations Bachelor Girl are celebrating the release of their best of album with one last tour.

Loved & Lost: The Best of Bachelor Girl remembers the hits of Tania Doko and James Roche, including “Permission to Shine,” “Buses and Trains,” and “I’m Just a Girl.” The album, which will hit stores on April 15, also features four unreleased tracks recorded between 2002 and 2003.

The Australian tour sees Bachelor Girl back on home soil after a lengthy overseas stint. Tania’s been living in Los Angeles and Stockholm, while James has been based in London. It seems they’re thrilled to come home, and to come back together.

“It’s amazing to think it’s been almost 20 years since James and I met and started working together” Tania sad in a statement. “It’s also been several years since we’ve both lived in Australia for more than a few months at a time. 2011 has never been a more perfect year to celebrate our career ‘gems,’ tour a new release for our fans, and expose some of our favourite lost tracks. We really can’t wait to get out there and play!”

Get your tickets from the venues for the following shows.

28 May 2011 – Forum II, Melbourne
3 June 2011 – The Basement, Sydney
4 June 2011 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Revolutions

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Doves Do Greatest Hits Down Under

That old saying that time flies when you’re having fun seems to hold true for Doves. It’s hard to believe that this British band burst onto the scene 12 years ago.

They’ll remind us of just what they’ve achieved when they bring their The Best of the Doves tour to Oz next February. The run of dates, which includes an appearance at the Playground Weekender Festival, is timed to coincide with the release of The Places Between: The Best of Doves. Personally I’m not sure whether four studio albums is really enough to draw from when compiling a greatest hits record, but that seems to be the way bands do things these days.

At any rate, these shows should be something pretty special with hit singles and band favourites all making their way into the sets. Tickets for the shows go on sale next Monday, November 29.

15 February 2011 – Hi-Fi Bar, Brisbane
17 February 2011 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
18 February 2011 – Playground Weekender Festival, Wisemans Ferry
19 February 2011 – The Forum, Melbourne
21 February 2011 – Metropolis, Fremantle

Image used with permission from Light Parade

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gyroscope Slams Warner Over Greatest Hits Release

The lads from Gyroscope have lashed out at former record label Warner Music for releasing a greatest hits record without their consent or knowledge.

2008 ARIA Awards - Arrivals


The band only became aware of the release when fans alerted them through Facebook. They say the album does not represent value for money.

“The song selection, artwork and everything about this release has been done without consultation with the band,” they said. “Gyroscope are a band who have always put our fans first. In our opinion, the release of this album without consultation with the band, and without including any material from our new album Cohesion, does not represent good value for our fans.”

I’ve got to say I side with Gyroscope on this one. Material from a mere three albums does not a greatest hits make, particularly when the first two didn’t exactly set the world alight. Compare that to the latest disc which debuted at number 3 on the ARIA charts and you quickly realise this is no “best of” at all.

I think anyone who doesn’t already own all four discs would be better off filling the gaps in their collection than buying this greatest hits CD, but if you do want The Best Of Gyroscope you’ll find it in stores next week.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Williamson Recruits Stars for Greatest Hits Album

Kasey Chambers, Shannon Noll, and Russell Crowe are amongst the stars who’ve lent their voices to Absolute Greatest – 40 Years True Blue, a John Williamson greatest hits album set to hit stores next weekend.

The first disc features John’s most iconic songs including his first chart topper “Old Man Emu,” “Rip Rip Woodchip,” and “Home Among the Gumtrees.” Disc two sees other notable Aussies reinterpreting John Williamson classics, including James Reyne taking on “Chandelier of Stars,” Wendy Matthews singing “Flower on the Water,” and John’s daughter Ami playing “Truckie’s Wife.”

“Organising all those people was a bit like trying to get the horses lined up at the barrier,” John told The Sunday Telegraph.

I think it’s probably worth the effort though. Greatest hits collections are never much of a drawcard for enthusiasts who’ve probably got all the big tracks at home already. The covers should attract those country diehards, while those who’ve never bought a John Williamson album can now get all the hits in one place.