 |
 |
ADULT CONTEMPORARY |
|
|
 Welcome to our new Adult Contemporary section. If you'd like to make any suggestions to improve this page, please send your e-mails to glenn@whammo.com.au
NEWS:
For the second year running, Jenny Morris & Friends will raise money for The Golden Stave Music Therapy Centre by performing a one-off gig to raise funds. Last year Jenny attracted a star-studded line-up including Diesel, members of INXS, James Blundell, Doug Williams and Melinda Schneider. 2004 sees the return of James, Doug and Melinda as well as Jimmy Barnes, Deni Hines, Rick Price, Billy Thorpe and re-introducing, for the first time on-stage together in 27 years, legendary 70’s glam rockers, Hush. That's right, the original line-up of Keith Lamb, Rick Lum, Smiley Pailthorpe and Les Gock will rock on stage together for this special occasion. “It's been nearly 30 years since this group of desparates have been on stage together," explained Les Gock. "We hope that Nordoff Robbins will forgive us for using their name as an excuse get together on stage. If it wasn't for Nordoff Robbins and APRA it would be another 30 years before HUSH got together on stage again". If you believe that music is therapeutic, you'll be happy to know that the The Golden Stave Music Therapy Centre is pushing the boundaries, exploring 'development and change through the power of music'. Music therapy at the Golden Stave Music Therapy Centre is based on the Nordoff-Robbins approach, which emphasises improvisation and other creative techniques. Let's hope Jenny & Friends can top 2003's impressive fund-raising effort ($35,000). Tickets are $175.00, which covers food, beverages and includes a tax deductible donation of $75.00. Tickets are available at http://www.nordoff-robbins.com.au/basement.
When: Tuesday, 17th August, 2004 from 6.30pm
Where: The Basement, 29 Reiby Place, Sydney
(posted: July 29, 2004)
WHAMMO'S REFINED TOP 10
Albums:
1.....THE SEEKERS THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION
2.....THINGS OF STONE AND WOOD ROLLERCOASTER
3.....MELANIE OXLEY & CHRIS ABRAHAMS BLOOD ORANGES
4.....MICK THOMAS & THE SURE THING THE HORSES PRAYER
5.....THE BLACK SORROWS BETTER TIMES/LUCKY CHARM
6.....COLIN HAY MAN AT WORK
7.....JOE CAMELLERI BAKELITE RADIO
8.....LISA MILLER VERSION ORIGINALE
9.....TEX PERKINS SWEET NOTHING
10...DAVID LANE ELEVEN REASONS TO SING |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 FINN BROTHERS
Add to basket. Normally ships within 10 days $7.95 (US $4.92) (UK £2.75)
cd single
I don't think I've met anyone who is willing to disrespect New Zealand's royal music family: the Finns. Even the haters, cynics and jaded have some inkling of the Finn Brothers' contribution to our region's rich and diverse musical heritage. It's been a long time since Crowded House wooed the world with soft harmonies and unforgettable hooks. It's been even longer since Split Enz' radical cabaret-infused art rock made them the most innovative act of their era. But both acts retain their credibility with ease, especially the radical Enz, spearheaded by a young Tim Finn, long before either of the brothers mellowed. Now, in what most would concede is the twilight of their careers, two things remain unchanged: the ability to pen amazing songs and, of course, the Finn family inheritance: great voices. At times the combination of the two brothers seemed contrived. Firstly, there was Neil's inclusion in Split Enz, then there was the token returning of the favour when Tim mysteriously turned up on Neil's projects. Now, it seems the slate is clean and the brothers are presented as equal partners on Won't Give In, an uplifting gem that seems to automatically attract an epic atmosphere, thanks to the calibre of these fine talents. The light rock flavour of this track attests to the fact that vocals are all-important. The days of unnerving their audience are long-gone. When Neil and Tim strain their pipes to create a euphoric crescendo, it's goose-bump material. I'm sure acts hate it when I do this, but I must say that my favourite track on the disc is Sunset Swim. Sure, it's a b-side, but when the extra tracks on a single are strong, it usually indicates that a great album is on the way. As for the title track, don't take my word for it, take listen for yourself:
Won't Give In (Real Player: Dial-up)
Won't Give In (Real Player: Broadband)
Won't Give In (Windows Media: Dial-up)
Won't Give In (Windows Media: Broadband)
|
|
|
|
 MELISSA TALLON
Add to basket. Normally ships within 10 days $27.95 (US $17.28) (UK £9.66)
cd
Melissa Talon joins the piano-pop market at a tough time. It seems that every girl who grew up with a piano in the living room has decided to make an album. But there is a slightly darker edge to Melissa's music and despite the fact that contributing factors to that mood involve a dark and sad past, it probably is the key to her success. In fact, on brighter tracks like Dreaming she fails to make a dint while on the autobiographical 21 Melissa uses painful memories to capture her audience. I'm not sure what marketing angle her label is going for, but it seems they're keen to sell Melissa as a darker Delta or more depressed Tori, but there is a beautiful voice here and with a more edgy presentation, musically and visually, Melissa might attract the desired attention.
|
|
|
|
 MISSY HIGGINS
Add to basket. Normally ships within 10 days $4.95 (US $3.06) (UK £1.71)
cd extended player
Here's a singer/songwriter that deserves her reputation as a rising star; part of the new wave of rootsy acoustic crooners bumping TV-powered pop acts off the charts. Let's hope they completely succeed because, let's face it, if you like beautiful approachable and original music, a television will never be useful. Turn on your radio. Missy will be all over that medium within a few days with these finely tuned compositions, produced by John Porter (Ryan Adams, The Smiths, Los Lonely Boys) and mixed by Jay Newland (Norah Jones). The production is a major step up for Higgins, who's previous EP provided a warts and all introduction to her talents but lacked the polish of this effort. From brass to silky harmonies, the Scar EP shows the advantage of a top-shelf support cast and as for the songs, the title track is an absolute killer, closely matched by a consistent collection of b-sides. It's true that Missy's more colloquial moments - when the accent seems overdone - left me cringing, but that's what the Australian accent actually sounds like and it's time for us to accept it/embrace it instead of applauding wannabe-American parrots. Missy will be a massive and enduring star on the Australian scene and I'm guessing that her style - which swings between jazz, country and folk - will create a large and diverse audience; the type of fan base that is already leading to sold-out performances as she tours the country.
|
|
|
|
 JACKIE ORSZACZKY & TIBOR TATRAI
Add to basket. Normally ships within 10 days $26.95 (US $16.66) (UK £9.31)
cd
I had an old, dated and ignorant impression of the popularity of jazz and funk in this country until I checked out Jackie Orszaczky's band at the @Newtown venue. I was greeted with a large discerning crowd that hovered around the stage enjoying a large group of the finest musicians in Sydney; players that have contributed to the fat sound on Deserted Downtown. Hamish Stuart's drumming is effervescent (no wonder he's always smiling); Dave Symes adds beef with his pulsing electric bass and vocalists like Tina Harrod add some much needed vocal class. Jackie's reputation as the finest bass player in the country has never been in doubt and his finest medium is this old-school brand of funk that has the soul of the 70s well and truly mastered. Tibor Tatrai's guitar work is divine, dripping with the mood and feel of a man who gets 100% lost in the sound of his music. With Swiss Beret, the band find the heart of Creole and mash it with deranged jazz, but my favourite is Confidential, which has the most solid groove; rubber-neckin bliss that physically moved me. There's something a little daggy about this combo; they're hopelessly lost in their art and never quite seem to be in style, but unlike other scenes, funk and jazz are perennial. Let's hope I continue to see Jackie wheeling his bass rig down King Street for many more years to come.
|
|
|
|
 MY FRIEND THE CHOCOLATE CAKE
Add to basket. Normally ships within 10 days $27.95 (US $17.28) (UK £9.66)
cd
I was asked to interview My Friend The Chocolate sometime in the mid-90s and my reaction was blunt: "Do I have to?". I didn't know the band's music, only the reputation of Not Drowning Waving and the fact that David Bridie was being touted as a genius songwriter. Sitting in what looked like a velvet-covered piano bar, I had to endure a set by the band. Of course, that was the very moment I joined the throngs of devotees and developed deserved respect for the adept musicianship and tunes that have become trademarks of this contemporary pop-edged chamber orchestra. After 15 years, My Friend The Chocolate Cake have defied an unusual name to boast a massive following, Aria Awards, 5 great albums and sold-out festival dates. If you're still saying "huh?", here's the perfect opportunity for you to catch up on the last decade and a half of inspired music: Parade (The Best Of My Friend The Chocolate Cake). There's some beautiful folky, uplifting instrumentals on this collection, but my personal favourite is the lyrically-rich Talk About Love, which I would place in my Top10 Australian love songs. It's a track that makes me completely stop and listen. That doesn't happen often. Amid the brooding cello, floating violins, shuffling snare and subterranean bass, Bridie's voice drifts through these tracks, telling stories with poignant prose that never drifts into the realm of self-indulgence. This style of music could quite easily become unapproachable and high-brow, but it's this act's honesty that allows every fan to understand the music and be a part of each renowned performance. Parade is one of the few 'greatest hits' packages that dutifully represents the desires of its audience.
|
|
|
|
 CHRIS ABRAHAMS
Add to basket. Normally ships within 10 days $30.95 (US $19.14) (UK £10.69)
cd
How do you push the limits of one of the oldest and most popular instruments in the world? I wonder how many people have sat at a piano and felt lost while looking at those same white and black keys that have been mastered and butchered by millions. There are only so many notes and chords. As each year passes, surely it's less likely that a new voice will emerge. That's why Chris Abrahams is inspiring; because his interpretation of feelings, emotions, faces and places, through those same white and black keys, somehow leaves the instrument sounding not only fresh but also unmistakably Chris Abrahams. Glow, his previous LP, instantly opened my eyes to the world of contemporary piano, but it couldn't possibly prepare me for the intense studies on Streaming. Once again, he reveals himself as an explorer of soundscapes all emerging from one piano, dutifully recorded without overdubs. It's a case of 'what you hear is what you get' and what you get is a double dose (2CD) of unique works like the first track Room; another delicate but intense epic. Streaming is for lovers of piano and virtually every fan of escapism.
|
|
|
|
 DHA
Add to basket. Normally ships within 10 days $26.95 (US $16.66) (UK £9.31)
cd
You don't often see a traditional Indian Tabla player at 5am in a dingy nightclub but that's where I was introduced to Bobby Singh, internationally renowned classical player and lynchpin of Australia's fusion collective, Dha. In what seems to have been a fair swap of creativity, Singh was rocking the old DCM dancefloor, adding his unique brilliance to a set by long-standing electronic pioneers The Bird. Ben Walsh from said band returns the favour with his contribution to Dha's self titled debut. Fronted by Bobby's brother, Sukhi, on vocals this stunning 7 track introduction at first sounds more 'traditional' than 'groundbreaking' until you realise that the structure and much of the compositional elements are quite western. Yes, it sounds Indian, as you would expect with the Singh brothers at the helm, yet Dha goes beyond a truly eastern sound and its epic soundscapes, like the hauntingly beautiful Mujh Ko, put the 'world' back into world music. If I'm ever in the position to actually buy a motor vehicle, this will be the album I play as I speed through the desert or the rolling hills of the NSW north coast. I can imagine it fitting perfectly. Then again, Dha are doing a fine job of adding a mystical element to my daily grind at the office.
|
|
|
|
 THINGS OF STONE AND WOOD
Add to basket. Normally ships within 10 days $23.95 (US $14.80) (UK £8.27)
cd
I thought Things Of Stone And Wood were long gone and forgotten. The folksy, melodic four piece have been absent since 1996 and to be truthful their endearing and sweet brand of music gained notoriety while I was in a punk phase. In other words, I would never have explored their repertoire when they were constantly appearing in the Aria Top 50 but now, at the helm of Whammo, it was my duty to give Rollercoaster a listen. It was a surprising session of headphone listening. I now understand why this act appeared from nowhere to record 2 Top 10 albums and 6 Top 50 singles. Greg Arnold has the ability to write and sing tunes that approach the listener like an old friend. It's an ability that won Arnold an APRA 'songwriter of the year' award in 1993. Richard Tankard joins the band on Rollercoaster and his drifting Hammond keys add a whimsical atmosphere to the rustling beats and light acoustics. Any act that would like to criticise Things Of Stone And Wood should first check that they are communicating an Australian sound because this combo certainly does 'keep it real': a distinctively Aussie accent and constant local imagery throughout the quirky lyrical content. Low-key moments like Foldaway Heart won me over; great analogies and honest admissions. I think there is a place for Things Of Stone And Wood in the current musical environment. Their sound seems as valid in 2003 as it was in 1993 and it says good things about an act to consider that a whole decade has failed to age their brand of acoustic pop.
|
|
|
|
 THE CAT EMPIRE
Add to basket. Normally ships within 10 days $27.95 (US $17.28) (UK £9.66)
cd
At first I thought 'oh no, here's another wannabe world music/jazz hybrid' but in reality this is like no other CD released this year. The Cat Empire is special. The musicianship is ridiculously good, the ideas are innovative, and the flow is superb. So, how do I describe The Cat Empire? How's this: Combine Ian Dury, Ricky Martin, Madness and Bob Marley, then add Aussie accents waxing lyrical with creative timing and fantastic rhythm. Latin and jazz rhythms dominate but ska is always ever-present on the brilliant self-titled debut LP from this intelligent Melbourne combo. And the sound? Big Band walls of brass, keyboards, beats and percussion keep the energy sky-high but when trying to find the distinctive defining edge that The Cat Empire have over other big-band combos, you can't go past the percussive, quirky and intimate nature of the vocals. All arrangements seem geared to the fickle 2003 music market with tempo changes and complete genre transitions that always seem coherent and suited to the songs. It's not just the up-tempo brass-powered party flavours that entertain; the low-key laments are my favourite moments; tunes like Lost Song, The Crowd and All That Talking are used strategically to give this album its necessary chilled moments. It doesn't matter if this album fails to please Australia's rock snobs because The Cat Empire is already a sort-after live drawcard overseas after appearances at the Edinburgh Festival and Reading. One listen to The Cat Empire is enough to explain that popularity. This music is beyond genre, attitude or age. Outstanding.
|
|
|
|
 MELANIE OXLEY & CHRIS ABRAHAMS
Add to basket. Normally ships within 10 days $26.95 (US $16.66) (UK £9.31)
cd
Here's a combination of two artists regarded as elite in their chosen forms of musical expression. Melanie Oxley is an instantly identifiable vocalist; you can't mistake that stylised hushed resonance. As for Chris Abrahams (of The Necks fame), just grab yourself one of his solo contemporary piano releases and prepare to feel your jaw unhinge as he intensely studies sounds with single-mindedness of Monet labouring over his famous waterlilies. As a duet, the style of Oxley and Abrahams is a study in pop and the result is a credible work that retains the instant desirability of the genre while adding the sophistication of their advanced talents. Abrahams may have written most of the album but the mutual respect between these two musicians allows an accurate 2-way expression: Abrahams purposely allowing Oxley's voice to command attention while the gifted singer perfectly transmits the emotion of the songwriter's lyrics. Ironically, it's Melanie's downbeat contribution to the writing, Ladder, that caught my attention but the consistency of this LP doesn't allow for weak moments - only highlights - and Abrahams' compositional shining moment comes in the form of Animals. It's a shame that when we think of pop we instantly imagine talentless youngsters and cheesy choreography. Perhaps Blood Oranges could be the start of a slow metamorphosis that allows adults to enjoy catchy tunes without feeling immature. It may be the final step in the adult contemporary phenomenon.
|
|
ONE VOICE: THE GREATEST HITS
|
|
|
|
|
|
 THE HAMPDENS
Add to basket. Normally ships within 10 days $9.95 (US $6.15) (UK £3.44)
cd
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)
|
|
|
|
 NOCTORUM
Add to basket. Normally ships within 10 days $26.95 (US $16.66) (UK £9.31)
cd
One of the beauties of creativity is its ability to morph with the style of others to form a unique blend: a new voice, a new sound. The travel-weary Marty Wilson-Piper has combined forces with Dare Mason and the result is a whimsical journey, both geographically and musically. Sparks Lane has no fixed address - its lyrics drift across countries and seas - but cohesion is achieved with the subtle arrangements, the respect for dynamics and the ability to communicate the wandering subject matter. Wilson-Piper's voice is so clean and true, only retaining the odd imperfection to prove its personality and the conversational tone adds to the 'thereness' achieved on Sparks Lane. The towering layers of melody on My Museum provide a highlight but this LP rarely demands attention, preferring instead to wait for you to join in. Musically, the focus is cruisy and country paced but instrumentally, Sparks Lane successfully combines classical, electronic and folk elements without sounding contrived: every instrument finds its perfect place within each track. It may be in the form of the shuffling beats found on Ask Again or the distorted build-up of Things To Do And Be but diversity simply adds colour to the music of Noctorum, never distracting the listener from the strength of this release: the songs.
|
|
|
|
 RENEE GEYER
Add to basket. Normally ships within 10 days $27.95 (US $17.28) (UK £9.66)
cd
Renee Geyer has done the impossible for an Australian vocalist: to be considered a world-class soul diva and living legend of the most human of crafts. 3 decades of highly emotive and touching renditions have deservedly placed her on a pedestal and Tenderland can only add to her status as the finest female voice in Australia. From the opener, Thieves In the Temple (Prince), Geyer's voice communicates pure soul with a bluesy backdrop of sparse instruments which always remain respectful, complimenting that voice and never overpowering the lady in the spotlight. This self-produced LP is the culmination of 30 years in the music industry and one listen immediately proves that Renee has continually grown as an artist, collecting plaudits and respect from the industry's finest players, many of whom appear on Tenderland: Steve Hadley (bass/drums), Bruce Haymes (keyboards), Ross Hannaford (guitar), Vika and Linda (backing vocals). If you love R&B-styles; grooves in your soul, Tenderland will satisfy and occasionally surprise with its eclectic choice of composition ranging from classic standards to forgotten contemporary gems.
|
|
25 YEAR REUNION CELEBRATION & FUTURE ROAD
|
|
|
|
|
|
 VARIOUS ARTISTS
Add to basket. Normally ships within 10 days $26.95 (US $16.66) (UK £9.31)
cd
From the internet radio station of the same name comes Dig, a 19 track compilation that is so eclectic it borders on bizarre. The only binding factor of this selection is the demographic it aims at; obviously an adult contemporary market. Using the term ‘adult contemporary’ doesn't attract the sneers and laughter that may have plagued the genre ten years ago. Now it's one of the most influential and profitable factors in the global music market and the popularity of the veteran's curcuit in the US proves that fact. You can listen to Dig any time at abc.net.au/dig and hear the classics but you'll also hear the modern artists that are catering for the desires of Dig's audience. That explains why Vika and Linda claim a spot on this compilation with Elvis Costello, Archie Roach as well as Van Morrison, Wicket Beat Sound System and Gare Du Nord. The only pre-requisite for entry is an obvious appeal to a mature audience. Dig fulfils the demand of the many thousands who refuse to leave contemporary music to the kids. Why stop listening to good music? It simply doesn't make sense. Personally, as I approach the big 'four-oh!' I’m glad the ground work has been done by the folks at Dig; I won't have to sell my ghetto-blaster and take up lawn bowls.
|
|
|
|
 PETE MURRAY
Add to basket. Normally ships within 10 days $26.95 (US $16.66) (UK £9.31)
cd
Pete Murray conjures an image of the lone drifter, guitar in hand, experiencing the highs and lows of a transient existence and telling stories of those experiences through song. He's the modern balladeer, combining blues and folk to arrive at his own distinctive sound. You can file Murray with Jack Johnson and the many acoustic-powered crooners gaining exposure in the current market. All energy is devoted to the songs rather than individual performances, even on up-tempo tracks like Lines. The album's title track flags the singer/songwriter's intentions: to create an intimate bond with the listener. It works, there's no doubt about that. With so many CDs piled high on the Whammo desk, songs really need to reach out to be heard and Feeler did that several times as I listened. Feeler, Lines, Freedom, Tonic and Ten Ft Tall are all fine tunes. As for the performance, Pete Murray may have presented the best example of emotive vocals since Shane Nicholson's It's A Movie was released in 2002. There's no need to wait for Murray to develop as an artist- Feeler proves that the evolution is complete.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Adult Contemporary Features On Whammo
|
|
|
|
|
|
*just click on the artist of your choice
DURHAM, JUDITH
ELIXIR |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
