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 POP NEWS...
Australia's most popular R&B; act, Human Nature, are in the Aria Top 10 this week with their single When You Say You Love Me (#7), from their new album Walk The Tightrope. Both the single and album are climbing the charts as the lads continue in-store appearances across the country. The current run of promotional appearances will prepare the act for a full-scale national album tour later in the year and reacquaint fans. Walk The Tightrope, an album inspired by the Bee Gees, features the act's usual flair for up-beat dance tracks and also features the unreleased Bee Gees track, Love Is Blind; a gift from legend Barry Gibb. With sales of over 1.5 million units, four platinum chart-topping albums, fourteen top 40 hits and a swag of entertainment awards, Human Nature are set to enjoy the most successful album of their career. For a full list of in-store appearance, click here. Walk The Tightrope and When You Say You Love Me are now available on Whammo.
(posted: May 10, 2004)
It's tough to be taken seriously as a singer/songwriter when best known as a television star, but Abi Tucker is determined to convince fans that, unlike the spate of television-powered pop stars, music was always her first passion. Many of the songs on her LP, Dreamworld, were written before her appearances on The Secret Life Of Us as Miranda won her a devoted army of fans. Abi is set to tour extensively to promote the release of Perfect Day, her latest single and to help her rock venues, she's recruited quality personnel from acts like Iota and Killing Time. Fans can expect 'a raw and passionate live show' inspired by her recent trip Byron Bay for Australia's most renowned forum for traditional music: "Having just been to the East Coast Blues & Roots Festival, I feel totally inspired to set on then road with some happening musos". For a list of Abi Tucker tour dates, click here.
(posted: May 3, 2004)
I wonder how many acts major Australian labels will have left when they shed all their old talent. The latest established star to leave a major Oz record company is Tina Arena, who parts with Sony after 10 years, which included 4 studio albums that generated more than 3.5 million sales. Apparently the break is a mutual understanding and Sony Chairman for the Australasian region, Denis Handlin, was magnanimous in his praise for the Aussie star: "Tina is widely recognised not only as one of Australia's most successful female artists, but also as a tremendous ambassador for Australian music abroad." Meanwhile, the lovely Miss Arena is in the middle of a geographical balancing act as her popularity forces her to split her time between the UK, France and Australia. She's currently recording in Italy and if the split with Sony was troubling her, you certainly couldn't tell from her official statement: "I would like to thank all of the Sony family. Their hard work has made so many great things possible for me over the years. I am indebted to them as I am indebted to all of my fans back home who continue to support me and support my music. Rest assured, there's loads more to come!" Just to prove that point, Tina will release a new album this year: "I'm very excited. Music has always been the driving force of my life and right now I feel very alive."
(posted: April 28, 2004)
Last night, the 2004 Logie Awards reached a new low in production standards, barely saved by its obvious focus on the romance of pop sensation, Delta Goodrem and tennis pro, Mark Philippoussis. The couple graciously endured the spotlight and some inane questioning from compaire Eddy Maguire, to emerge as the clear highlight of the evening's lacklustre entertainment. Australian television's 'night of nights' looked more like the set of a cheap cabaret, sewn together from the remnants of several defunct kids' shows. Ordinary overseas guests like Mel Brooks and Anastacia couldn't lift the profile of the occassion. It's hard to think what the evening would have been like without pop royalty like Delta goodrem and Sophie Monk being among the guests. While Delta missed out on her two possible Logie Awards, the crowd favourite took home another people's choice award. It may have been too much for Sophie Monk to bare, as reports suggest the bubbly pop star collapsed later that evening. Other music-oriented shows to take home paper-weights included Australian Idol and Hi-5. With Logie Awards ceremonies like that one, the Aria Awards must be considered the premier televised awards ceremony in Australia.
(posted: April 19, 2004)
Popstars Live finalists can breathe a sigh of relief; there is a life after Popstars. Scott Cain, a previous winner of the event has discovered a career in the lucrative childrens’ entertainment market, signing to ABC Kids Music and also being recognised by the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (ASTRA), who named him ‘Favourite New Subscription Television Presenter’ at a recent awards ceremony. Cain joined the Disney Channel last year and has quickly settled in as a host of AMTV, attracting a loyal following. It's good news for the ABC, who must be hoping their new signing can follow the footsteps of successful label-mates like The Wiggles. Scott will take his music to the people of NSW with a live show, proving that talk of his waning career was simply that: talk.
(posted: April 14, 2004)
WHAMMO'S POP 10 (End Of Year Chart For 2003)
TOP 10 POP SINGLES
1.....KYLIE MINOGUE SLOW
2.....DARREN HAYES I MISS YOU
3.....DANNII MINOGUE I BEGIN TO WONDER
4.....AMIEL LOVESONG
5.....DANNII MINOGUE DON'T WANNA LOSE THIS FEELING
6.....DELTA GOODREM NOT ME, NOT I
7.....DAVID CAMPBELL HOPE
8.....EMMANUEL CARELLA 2 BEAUTIFUL
9.....AMIEL OBSESSION (I LOVE YOU)
10....DELTA GOODREM LOST WITHOUT YOU
TOP 10 POP ALBUMS
1.....KYLIE MINOGUE BODY LANGUAGE
2.....DELTA GOODREM INNOCENT EYES
3.....KYLIE MINOGUE KYLIE: GREATEST HITS 87 - 99
4.....AMIEL AUDIO OUT
5.....SOPHIE MONK CALENDAR GIRL
6.....DANNII MINOGUE NEON NIGHTS
7.....ABI TUCKER DREAMWORLD
8.....RACHAEL KANE APPETITE
9.....SANDRINE TRIGGER
10....BEC CARTWRIGHT BEC CARTWRIGHT |
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 COURTNEY ACT
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"Courtney, Courtney, Courtney" I think I can almost hear the other Australian Idol contestants chanting in the style of the Brady Bunch mantra. She is blond, she would have been able to pull off "that dress" and she is the third Idol to release a single without even making it into the final 12. For those who don't know Courtney Act (Court-in-the Act - gedit?) is Oz's very own answer to Rupal, a drag queen diva who sings. So is she just a novelty act or the real deal? This single will not be the way to tell. Rub Me Wrong is a watered down electronic dance track that would not have been out of place on Holly Valances' last album: catchy, fun and forgettable. The Wayne G Heaven Anthem Radio Edit of the track is also included which brings up the BPMs but sounds like a mix by numbers. Neither version allow us to hear Courtney's voice as it's so over processed she could have been out of the studio when the computer recorded the vocals. We are also treated to her version of AC/DC's You Shook Me All Night Long which at least displays some infectious fun that is so lacking on the title track. To see her perform live, she is the package: looks great, has a passable voice and can put on a show injected with energy but on the single she falls a little flat. I'm hoping it's just the material and once she works with some song writers who take her seriously she will find her level. So, not a great single but I will be curious to hear the album.
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AUSTRALIAN IDOL: THE FINAL 12
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BODY LANGUAGE (OZ EXCLUSIVE BONUS TRACK)
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 KYLIE MINOGUE
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Kylie Minogue won't be remembered as the most innovative artist in music but with Body Language she shows courage. It would have been easy to carbon copy her Fever album and pick up from where she left off, but no, Kylie has 'guts'. She's embraced the 80s-clash electro sounds that have seen acts like Ladytron and Peaches rise to the surface. It's still a very commercial album, so no fans will be shedding any tears; it's not as far removed from the club scene as Impossible Princess, so put those tissues away. Slow is a real 'grower' and keeps creeping into my psyche but next time Kylie makes a video I'd like to see about 100 less dudes in Speedos, thanks. Some may have imagined the single as an aberration. No, Kylie is consistent and offers a stylised sound on each album. This is no exception. Ms Minogue even tries a constricted version of rappin' on Secret (Take You Home) and I must say, it may be very white but it's also kind of sexy- she sounds like a Caucasian version of Lil' Kim. Production is sparse but carefully constructed, ranging from ancient electro to lighter house to unadulterated R&B.; The Afro vibe sinks in with Red Blooded Woman, which sounds as custom-built for the American market as any R Kelly track. It's not only the music that fits a groove; it's also Kylie's voice. You know that cute little falsetto she occasionally breaks into? She's mastered it. It's no secret that I intend to steal Kylie of Olivier, but I'd be satisfied with taking her voice out on a date. For now, I'll have to be satisfied with Body Language. The more passionate devotees will be desperate to get their hands on the Australian version of Body Language. As always, Kylie has added an extra treat for her fellow Aussies in the form of a bonus track: Slo Motion.
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 HOLLY VALANCE
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Pop has decided to re-invent itself. With the release of Kylie's Slow and Holly's State Of Mind, Australian pop stars are leading the charge for a fresh approach. While Kylie opts for electro-influenced grooves, Holly has reversed time to take us back to the 80s with some ancient keyboard voices combined with sparse washes of distorted guitar. The mixing on this track adds to the dynamics and there's no doubt that the Aussie princesses of pop are pre-empting a change in direction. It's sexy, as you'd expect, but also a little dark and mysterious at the same time: a much more interesting prospect for a reviewer who has overdosed on crap House production 10 times over. Mixes by vertigo and Felix Da Housekatt should please the kids who still dig monotonous 4/4 beats but I'll go with the original to escape the drudgery. I'll probably be disowned by my social group for saying this but...I don't mind it (pardon the pun).
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 AMIEL
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"This is my theme song for summer", so said Amiel at the Hopetoun the other night. With that in mind, one can picture clear skies, a burning sun, and melting icy poles as they listen to her latest single Tonight, with a hint of psychedelia in the bass line, and Amiel's voice guaranteed to shine some light on even the most miserable of punters. Once again, Josh Abrahams' stamp is on this one with typically slick production. As a special treat, the sleeve features lyrics from her debut album Audio Out, so no excuses for not singing along to this catchy summer tune.
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KYLIE: GREATEST HITS 87 - 99
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 CHRISTINE ANU
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Lenny Kravitz-style riffing greets the listener on Christine Anu's new single, Talk About Love. The theme continues with growling, dynamic vocals from one of Australia's most charasmatic solo performers. Pasty, lifeless pop-tarts will hang their talentless heads in shame when they hear Talk About Love. Christine has naturally captured the best of En Vogue with the debut single from the forthcoming 45 Degrees album; that sugary mix of funk and rock that is so hard to master. The Jarrad Rogers-produced remix is a cut n paste effort that squeezes the funk out of the track while still celebrating the fine vocal effort. I've got a feeling Christine is about to meet previous expectations and easily surpass them between now and christmas.
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 DELTA GOODREM
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DVD Region:ALL Format:PAL
This DVD release, coinciding with the 2003 ARIA Awards ceremony, is like the full stop at the end of an amazing story in the life of Australia's most successful debutante: Delta Goodrem. After a low-profile attempt at the limelight when Sony Music signed her as a 16 year old, Delta gained fame through her role on Neighbours and the show's fanatical fans gave the young pop star all the momentum she needed. What came next dwarfed Delta's wildest dreams: four consecutive number one singles, a record breaking number one album, success in the UK charts and 10 ARIA nominations. Wow, it will take many years for a local artist to better the achievements of Ms Goodrem, if it ever happens at all. Of course, you'd have to be living in a cave to have missed the tragic news of Delta's recent diagnosis and her ongoing fight with cancer. It doesn't take a clairvoyant to predict the outcome of the 2003 ARIA awards ceremony and it's quite possible that Delta will make 10 trips to the stage. Her mantelpiece will be sparkling by the end of the event. Now Delta's first full-length DVD is available. Simply titled Delta, it's the ultimate video scrap-book for fans and includes exclusive clips, behind the scenes footage, a personal introduction by Delta, live appearances, music videos...just about everything Delta fans need for a complete collection. I'm old, jaded and a bloke, but I'm telling you this for sure: if I don't get one I will cry.
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 THE HAMPDENS
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This talented four-piece - originally from Melbourne, now based in Perth - released their debut EP Brightness Falls in early 2002. The initial run of the EP sold out across Australia. The first single from that release, Croupier, is an indication of why.
Beginning with soothing ambient sounds, a lilting piano hook and lush female vocals, Croupier builds to a chorus complete with piano, violins and acoustic guitars that rival even the most beautiful of George compositions. The highlight of the song is undoubtedly the vocal performance of 19 year-old Susannah Legge. With a voice as soothing and lovely as Morcheeba’s Skye Edwards, but with the same melancholic cool quality of Wicked Beat’s Linda Jannsen, it is both compelling and comforting...(review by Christine K).
As the world pins all its musical hopes on the sandpaper stubble and leather jackets of the garage rock revolution, The Hampdens revive the self-conscious attention to detail that became synonymous with the neu-romantic era. It's more than ironic that this despicably attractive quartet seems more rebellious than the current swarm of snot-nosed kids picking up guitars and pretending that they recently invented rock n roll. The Hampdens' smooth as silk melodies initially inspired a yawn from this reviewer but it didn't take long for Croupier's elated chorus to pickle my senses and tracks like Ambre Solaire and 4Real soon followed its example. The alternating vocal contributions of Andrew McDonald and Susannah Legge provide a beautiful diversity. Susannah, still a teen, lacks the full quota of confidence expected in mainstream music but in reality her voice is so naturally stunning and memorable that the slight nervous accents add to the appeal of this EP. She could be the youngest vocalist from this country to achieve a truly spiritual essence in her delivery since Renee Geyer. Brightness Falls, with its strings, acoustics and sweet harmonies, is the perfect organic rebuttal to the constant barrage of heartless chill-out compilations and hopefully The Hampdens will be rewarded with a similar level of popularity...(review by GM)
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 RACHAEL KANE
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The latest and cutest voice in female pop finally releases her debut album and the ten tunes on Appetite give notice to the lifeless figureheads of pop: write your own songs or perish! Rachel has slowly developed with the help of Peter Farnan (Boom Crash Opera) and Simon Austin (Frente) who helped the youngster pen a strong collection of tunes. Farnan's production expertise adds an extra dimension to Appetite and the relics among us will remember how different Boom Crash Opera were when they invaded the charts in the 80s. That same lateral twist is applied with deft strokes to Appetite and - when combined with Rachael's alluring vocals - results in rich opus that slowly reveals thinly disguised levels of depth, becoming more impressive with each listen. Jumping Out Of My Skin is instantly impressive with its frantic, relentless beat and desperate vocal performance but the majority of the album croons and - rather than jump at the listener - invites you in to Rachael's world; a place where femininity teams up with independence to represent a truly modern and creative woman; a future force in guitar-powered pop.
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 SOPHIE MONK
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Sophie Monk is the most glamorous of the new revolution of Australian pop queens and the blonde bombshell has a few surprises up her sleeves (on the rare occasion she wears them). Firstly, her training in opera will be evident on the debut album Calendar Girl and should separate her from the countless solo opportunists deciding after acting careers that they can suddenly sing. Don’t let the cynics detract from the hard work Sophie has put into her blossoming career; much of the work was fun but arduous. With a long and very public apprenticeship in Popstars to the subsequent Bardot releases, Sophie was gearing up for a highly successful solo career. With television appearances, modeling contracts and festival appearances her experience is complete and both singles from Calendar Girl (Inside Outside and Get The Music On) have become instant hits. The only thing keeping our favourite Calendar Girl away from the #1 position on the ARIA album charts is time.
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 DAVID FRANJ
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David Franj is defying the odds. Without being pushed by a huge record label – the norm for pop artists – he’s managed to create a swell of popularity that seems to reach a different level with each new release. Finally after the success of three singles Oxygen, Never Be Amazing and God Only Knows, Franj releases a long player packed with the intense longing, melancholy and uplifting melody of the songs which have gathered a flock of Franj-loving pop devotees. There are no disappointments on Wrong Place, Wrong Time. The album is basically a collection of potential singles with hypnotic hooks, all communicated with unique vocal styling of Australia’s next solo star.
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 DANNII MINOGUE
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Dannii makes a welcome return with Neon Nights, her first album since 1997's Girl. It’s about time someone came along and provided fans with slammin' beats, fantastic 80's inspired grooves and - frankly - some decent pop dance music. Dannii of course delivers on all accounts. All the singles are here of course: Who Do You Love Now? with Riva, Put The Needle On It and the hot new single I Begin To Wonder (keep a listen out in the clubs for the "bootleg" mix of the song which features a sample of the Dead Or Alive classic You Spin Me Around). Again co writing with long time writing buddies Terry Ronald and Ian Masterson, the songs on this record sound fresh and exciting. Production-wise Dannii teams up with first-time French production team Neimo, also Sweden's Korpi & Blackcell, JCA, Jewels & Stone and Riva. The overall feel of this album is very electro dance, 80's Prince-sounding grooves and a slight American underground club sound while still remaining fresh for today’s music lovers. Tracks like Creep, On The Loop, Push, Come and Get It and Vibe On (use your imagination on this one) will completely go off on any dance floor with the catchy beats and seductive lyrics. Piece Of Time, Mystified and Mighty Fine are completely addictive. This is how quality dance music should sound…and not a rapper in sight. The album's only ballad It Won't Work Out is simply beautiful; a dreamy inspired pop gem with today’s beats over ripping guitar strings. Make sure you leave the CD on at the end of your listen for a hot hidden track in the form of the N Trance Set You Free-sounding Come And Get It Yourself: a quality slice of pop. Neon Nights will ensure Dannii will no doubt shine strongly this year as the album is simply a top quality pop dance affair that fans will lap up in droves. You wanna have some fun, you wanna dance, you want something with no Rap or R&B;? Neon Nights is the prefect album for you.
(review by Leo)
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 DARREN HAYES
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Darren Hayes has proved to everyone he has the staying power and incredible talent for solo success. His concert tour last year proved worthy of good reviews from press and fans alike. Darren begins 2003 with the fourth single from his debut solo album Spin. I Miss You is another power ballad, a niche Darren is famous for. It's had the remix treatment from US producer Dallas Austin - obviously to make the track more ‘radio friendly’ - not that it needs it. Lately it's become the norm, a ballad needs to have the dance mix treatment before radio will touch it- a great shame that radio feels it needs to dictate to how an artist should sound. The main highlight on the single is no doubt the Madonna bootleg mix Crush On Holiday, a constant fixture on radio last year. A pleasant surprise awaits in the final track, an unreleased song Where You Want To Be. While instantly falling in love with this song, I couldn't help but wonder why it was missing off the album; a brilliant track with a gorgeous stirring melody. The track was co written with power producer Rick Nowels. This single is a brilliant package for fans- a ‘must have’ for your Darren Hayes collection. All we need now is a new album from one of Australia's leading male vocalists.
(review by Leo)
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 HUMAN NATURE
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DVD Region:TBA Format:PAL
Human Nature are the premier and most successful vocal group in Australia. A six-year campaign has resulted in three multi-platinum albums and a solid live following of adoring fans. They have consistently released hit after hit, culminating with Here and Now…The Best of Human Nature and like the previous recordings, the greatest hits album was a massive success. Inspired by their growing fame, Human Nature toured Australia, playing to over 200,000 fans. Here and Now is the DVD presentation of these fine vocalists in concert plus backstage footage, an optional commentary and a history of Human Nature’s music videos.
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