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MALE VOCAL |
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 Scroll down to check a long list of recent releases from Australia's wealth of singer/songwriters:
NEWS...
It's great to see Australian music in command of the local charts and a lot of that success is due to the Australian media recognising the importance of local stars. Max (Foxtel/Optus/Austar) won ASTRA Award for 'Best Live Music Production' last year when they took a gamble on The Sessions: a series of intimate concert specials featuring Coldplay, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, The Whitlams, Alex Lloyd and Blondie. With Paul Hester hosting the show, The Sessions became a popular highlight of the Max schedule and inspired producers to go one better in 2004. So, with Aussie music going through a purple patch, Max decided to make series 2 an all-Australian affair, shifting the spotlight to 6 highly successful acts that have a strong reputation as great live entertainers. Kasey Chambers, Paul Kelly, George, The John Butler Trio, The Cat Empire and Pete Murray will showcase their talents each Saturday night on Australian televisions, beginning at 6.30pm (EST), August 7. Here's the full line-up:
The MAX SESSIONS: AUSTRALIAN COLLECTION
SAT AUG 7TH – KASEY CHAMBERS - 6.30PM EST
SAT AUG 14TH – PAUL KELLY - 6.30PM EST
SAT AUG 21ST – GEORGE - 6.30PM EST
SAT AUG 28TH – THE JOHN BUTLER TRIO - 6.30PM EST
SAT SEPT 4TH – THE CAT EMPIRE - 6.30PM EST
SAT SEPT 11TH – PETE MURRAY – 6.30PM EST
(posted: July 1, 2004)
The master of sinister melodies is back with a fresh release titled Abattoir Blues/The Lyre Of Orpheus, set to hit the Whammo shelves during September. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' 13th studio LP will be a double album, following the success of Nocturama, and Nick Launay will produce the new record in Paris at Studio Ferber. The current line-up, after the departure of Blixa Bargeld, will be: Nick Cave, Mick Harvey, Thomas Wydler, Martyn Casey, Conway Savage, Jim Sclavunos, Warren Ellis and James Johnston. More information will be available after the album is mixed at Astoria in London. Check Whammo during August to pre-order Abattoir Blues/The Lyre Of Orpheus.
(posted: June 11, 2004)
The Pete Murray story is quite amazing. Here in Australia, in a time of popstars and retro rock, we're seeing the birth of a singer/songwriter with longevity. His album, Feeler, was released without the usual fanfare, gaining strong reviews, causing little hype, but gaining strong industry support. It was those same supporters in the industry that nominated Murray for an Aria Award and since that time his Feeler album has gone from strength to strength, crawling up the charts until, this week, it hit #2, only kept out of the prime position by the release of The John Butler Trio's Sunrise Over Sea album. The presence of Sunrise Over Sea (#1 debut) and Feeler at the top of the Australian album charts must send a strong message to pop-obsessed major labels. Meanwhile Pete Murray's Feel Tour continues to gain weight, with more dates being added each week. In one week of ticket sales Murray sold out 4 Sydney Metro shows, an outstanding acheivement for a local artist. To check out Pete Murray's Feel Tour, click here. To read a review of the Feeler album, click here.
(posted: March 16, 2004)
Pete Murray's rapid climb to fame represents a victory for well-crafted songs, written from the heart. With his LP Feeler climbing to the #3 position on the Aria Albums chart, a national tour has been anticipated and the dates are finally available. The Feel Tour will cover most territories of our sunburnt land, treating regional fans to a rare dose of Murray's signature tunes, like the hit single So Beautiful. After being nominated for 4 Aria Awards, it seems momentum has continually gained pace for the solo performer and Feeler has now been certified platinum. Make sure you book tickets early; Murray's shows are usually sold out. To check the dates for The Feel Tour, click here.
(posted: February 12, 2004)
WHAMMO'S MALE VOCAL TOP 10 (End Of Year Chart For 2003)
TOP 10 MALE VOCAL ALBUMS
1.....DAVID BRIDIE HOTEL RADIO
2.....STEVE KILBEY FREAKY CONCLUSIONS
3.....TEX PERKINS SWEET NOTHING
4.....ALEX LLOYD DISTANT LIGHT
5.....MATT WALKER NAVIGATIONAL SKILLS
6.....MICK THOMAS & THE SURE THING THE HORSES PRAYER
7.....PETE MURRAY FEELER
8.....CHARLTON HILL WATERLINE
9.....JIMMY BARNES HITS
10....DAVID LANE ELEVEN RESONS TO SING |
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 FINN BROTHERS
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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)
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TWO THOUSAND DEMOLITION SONGS
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 RICHARD EASTON
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Did you hear Darkan? No? You missed out on a beautiful collection of songs from a man who successfully combines a Nick Drake-styled penchant for crooning with heartfelt acoustic lullabies that mirror the artist; a man who you can only imagine on the open road, guitar slung over his shoulder, thumb raised to attract the attention of a passing road train or Ute. Two Thousand Demolition Songs is another bulls-eye when it comes to telling stories through music; simple and sparse tunes filled with feeling and mood, dutifully recorded by two likeminded underground stars: J Walker of Machine Translations and Karl Smith of Sodastream. It's hard to pick songs as highlights on such a consistent release but my personal favourite is William-James, which finds Richard at his wistful best. As roots music overruns the urban traditions of dance and rock, Easton's folky wanderings should gain some well-deserved attention; but pay attention because this is music that needs to be discovered; it won't leap out at you but if you absorb its peaceful beauty, you'll discover a simple pleasure that is creeping back into the spotlight: true sentiment.
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 ALEX LLOYD
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Lloyd's worldly travels inspired some powerful tunes for his Distant Light album and this is probably the one standout track that vividly communicates a sense of longing. Its powerful chorus is simple but heart-felt, evoking an undeniable sense of hope that will surely make it a powerful inclusion to radio play lists. Australia's favourite acoustic crooner has been adding non-album b-sides to his single releases and this time the rambling Travel Log, subtle Learning How To Run and rural-edged Once are welcome inclusions. Learning How To Run is Alex at his best, his voice supported by minimal piano and the sensitive lyrics matching an equally melancholy tune. Alex's extended road-trip may have thrown the songwriter into the gloomy depths but some of the results of the ensuing sessions of songwriting are among the best Lloyd has written. Beautiful and Learning How To Run are two good examples.
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 ANDY WHITE
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cd single
Australia has an uncanny knack of luring talented performers to its sunny climate. It's damned beautiful country with a thriving local scene that defies its limited population to excel on the world stage. Of course, it's an extra bonus when we attract a songwriter of Andy White's calibre; a former ‘Irish Songwriter Of The Year’. While Andy's lyrics explore the usual themes of love and loss, his tone is so optimistic that it never quite falls into the category of 'melancholia'. The whimsical Tell Me Why sticks to the tried and true modern folk sounds, but a spoken word story of a Canadian Greyhound Bus reveals another side to his repertoire and adds depth. Australia has welcomed Andy with open arms and after hearing Tell Me Why, I'm not surprised. We love storytellers and likable characters and Andy White combines those two characteristics with approachable pop in the guise of folk.
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 PAUL KELLY
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2 cd pack
I'd like to think that Whammo stops for no one, but the arrival of Paul Kelly's new album has proven me wrong. I instantly - and respectfully - dropped whatever I was doing to review Ways & Means, a 2CD set that treats long-standing fans to 21 superbly crafted tunes by the man generally considered the be Australia's greatest songwriter. For a man who has mastered most genres and definitely dabbled in every possible subject matter, challenges may be dwindling, yet Kelly sinks his teeth into the hardest trick in the book; to write optimistic love songs 'without being banal, sentimental or smug' (his own words). Ways & Means is exactly what you'd expect: exceptionally written, lovingly produced and precisely played. Paul's nephew Dan is credited with many collaborations and as usual, our favourite storyteller has gathered a high profile backing band: Dan & Peter Luscombe, Bill McDonald, Dan Kelly, Graham Lee and Bruce Haymes. Most tracks have a country/folky feel but songs like Heavy Thing and Crying Shame manage to dredge up a growling, electric style of blues that shows Kelly can create a solid and dirty groove. If Kelly's destination was beauty and optimism, Beautiful Feeling and My Way Is To You travel different paths to reach the goal; that's a key to Kelly's genius; a mixture of approaches, all stylised by that distinctive voice, always telling his fans a new story with the intimacy of a close friend. The world seems to have a very low opinion of itself at the moment and there's never been a better time for a gentle reminder of that L.O.V.E thing that we supposedly live for. In Paul Kelly we have writer/performer that manages to catch our most precious commodity and package it. Having said that, Ways & Means is one hell of a package.
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ONE VOICE: THE GREATEST HITS
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 ROD DAVIES
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cd
Rod Davies is a self-taught musician and a professional singer with a wealth of experience, having supported the likes of Tina Arena and Mark Seymour, and also having worked as a session singer and as ‘the voice’ on several TV commercials. Oh, and somehow he’s also managed to fit in a bit of studying along the way – resulting in a degree in psychology, no less. Davies is blessed with a high, clear, Neil Finn-esque voice and as one of the members of the ‘new acoustic pop rock’ movement he also has the gift of a great storytelling voice. The opener Favourite Songs is a corker, with poignant lyrics and beautiful harmonies that immediately made me think of Elliot Smith. Hey You is a lovely ballad with a silly name and is a perfect showcase for Davies’ soaring vocals, Treading Water does just that for the first few minutes then picks up the pace mightily and has a fantastic, energetic ending. Glorious is also as it’s name suggests - it’s sunshine on a cd! - and expresses a dream to ‘wake up in a better place’. Out of My Head should make Neil Finn feel vulnerable and Alia Nation is a well-intentioned if not a bit too earnest protest song about Australia’s treatment of refugees. Davies is accomplished enough to have the benefit of being able to move easily between lovely ballads and sunny harmony-laden pop, however the only drawback is the space between those two points which sometimes threatens to venture into M.O.R/Matchbox 20-ish territory. Comparisons to Neil Finn will be inevitable, seeing as Davies is such an uncanny sound-alike, but thankfully Davies songwriting and song construction is mature and complex enough to let this debut album stand on it’s own two feet. Definitely one to watch.
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 DEAN MANNING
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Dean Manning returned from his extended travels with a head full of images and set about painting those visions with notes, arpeggios and chords. As a previous winner of APRA's 'Songwriter Of The Year' (1998, Leonardo's Bride, Even When I'm Sleeping) Manning certainly has the skills to paint a perfect aural picture and Diplomatic - his first solo album - presents the artist as a hopeful, highly creative and sometimes eccentric character who thinks in metaphors and respects his own fantasies. Musically the album is light, exposing amusing observations delivered through clever lyrics and expressed with a friendly and approachable vocal style. Manning's skills as a musician make this record a diverse and rich-sounding LP because, although the production is minimal, the variety of instruments keeps the listener guessing throughout the 12 songs on offer. It's good to have Dean Manning back on radio; especially the creatively free incarnation that appears on Diplomatic.
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 ALEX LLOYD
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Coming Home marks the beginning of a new campaign for Australia's most recently lauded singer/songwriter; the man who released hits like Amazing (#1 Triple J's Hot 100) and the award-winning album Watching Angels Mend. In terms of modern crooners, it would be impossible to find a more popular and acclaimed artist in Australia and Coming Home doesn't disappoint, in fact, the single's production signals a change in direction. There seems to be more instrumentation, a larger sound and an extra optimism while preserving the strong points of Lloyd's previous efforts; especially that voice, which continues to gain more depth and personality each year. B-sides include the Beatles' Golden Slumbers and the rarities Bird On A Wire and America (acoustic). Australia's 'Best Male Artist' (Aria Awards, 2002) is back and Coming Home suggests that the forthcoming album Distant Light will be a lofty highlight of 2003.
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 ANTHONY ATKINSON
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On the back of Anthony Atkinson's Come Home For Autumn you'll find the artist's elaborate studio set-up: 4 track recorder (tape), acoustic guitar and microphone. It's a simple production technique for honing exposed, honest stories that highlight the human element in Atkinson's repertoire. Thankfully - as a country of music lovers - we've become fascinated with our own colourful characters and cultural identity; Atkinson moves the spotlight onto realistic characters who, by the end of Come Home For Autumn seem familiar and tangible. A good example is Mental Notes Aplenty which instantly sets a scene with the opening line: 'she's the goalie in her work's indoor soccer team- she's sick of watching her colleagues kick goals'. Musically, members of Mid-State Orange, The Lucksmiths, Ruck Rover and The Mabels add deft touches to Come Home For Autumn, adding texture and depth to a basic foundation of guitar and raw vocals. Anthony Atkinson has one of those vocal styles that befriends and the intimate nature of his songwriting only adds to the familiarity.
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GOSSIP (REMASTERED + 3 BONUS TRACKS)
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 PAUL KELLY & THE COLOURED GIRLS
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2 cd pack
Paul Kelly is Australia's greatest songwriter and Gossip is arguably his greatest album. Finally, after so many years, this seminal double LP has been re-issued for the first time, remastered and repackaged in a collectors' edition 8 panel digi pak featuring the original 12" vinyl artwork including lyrics and 3 bonus tracks featured on the original vinyl release. Originally recorded in 1986, Gossip made Paul Kelly a household name and cemented his reputation as a songwriter of rare quality. Hits like Darling It Hurts displayed Kelly's knack for communicating tragedy and the darker side of the Australian psyche. The breakthrough album was more than a collection of 24 catchy tunes; its emphasis on Australian names, characters and stories proved the existence of an Aussie culture and Gossip's success also proved that Australians wanted to hear songs that defined that culture. Kelly paved the way for us to sing about ourselves and value the characteristics - good and bad - that make us Australian. The song Marilinga also signalled the beginning of Kelly's proactive interest in the plight of indigenous Australians; a concern that has led to several insightful compositions penned by the award-winning songwriter and his collaborations with performers like Kev Carmody and Archie Roach. Gossip also introduced Kelly to American audiences when it was released in the US during 1987. It's an introduction that has blossomed into a love affair and led to Kelly's reputation spreading across the globe. For so many reasons Gossip is a 'must have' for discerning music lovers and all those who appreciate good songwriting.
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 RICHARD EASTON
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Obvious comparisons to Nick Drake are certain to plague Richard Easton but From Darkan To Narrogin And Jupiter is worthy of more than a simple nod toward the classics. From the opener, Fields, Easton's voice is compelling and instantly inspires melancholy; it's the perfect soundtrack to accompany your most hopeful fantasies and painful regrets. Sad? Yes but also uplifting and hopeful. With only an acoustic guitar to accompany the vocals, Easton's voice is left bare and exposed but that only adds to the long-lasting impression left by this short collection of 9 songs. This is a rare gem; one of those discs that lures the listener and eventually becomes a high-rotation favourite. From Darkan To Narrogin And Jupiter doesn't raise its voice to be heard, instead it whispers to you, knowing you'll eventually come to love it for all it's strengths and flaws. It sounds a little like true love, doesn't it?
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 DAVID LANE
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Eleven Reasons to Sing is the third album from David Lane, a collection of fine songs that capture the bitter-sweetness of life and love. Driven to write honest, simple songs, David Lane is a compelling performer whose work is loved by musicians and fans througout Australia. After Put Me In A Taxi, David spent three months touring Europe, America and Australia with legendary band The Church. While on the road he wrote four of the songs on the new album. After the Church tour, David began playing live with Richard Boxhall of Love Me, Dean Manning of Leonardo's Bride, and the Cruel Sea's Jim Elliot and Ken Gormley. Excited by the strength of the sound they created together, this line-up was keen to record an album. From celebratory guitar-pop to reggae feels and more fragile pieces, Eleven Reasons to Sing reflects the enjoyment of spirit felt by all those involved in creating the album. Guests include Abby Dobson (Leonardo's Bride) and Chris Abrahams (the Necks). The direction and strength of David's writing is well-realised in this set of very moving songs. The album will be relished by his established fans and capture the hearts of many more.
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 STEVE KILBEY
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With each fresh release from Steve Kilbey, whether it be a solo project or with the Church, Whammo is always inundated with enquiries. It might have something to do with the fact that Steve Kilbey is an under-rated genius. Freaky Conclusions is a glimpse into the development of Kilbey’s creative talents through the early years of the Church. 80 tapes of Steve’s home recordings made between 1980-84 were found in what could be likened to an archeological dig of historical proportions and now – after much fuss and technical sprucing – 13 songs are ready for display. Freaky Conclusions is an absolutely essential release for Church fans and the multitude of obsessive enthusiasts who religiously follow the solo careers of each member.
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 DAVID FRANJ
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please be aware that this item is currently on back order, there may be a delay before we can make shipments on this title
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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 ARCHIE ROACH
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Paul Kelly produced Archie RoachÂ’s debut Charcoal Lane and returns twelve years later to cast an approving eye over the classy production of Richard Pleasance. Archie Roach is an Australian icon, a classic story-teller and positive spokesman for his people. Each album seems to guarantee his status as one of AustraliaÂ’s greatest singer/songwriters and Sensual Being is a great example of Archie Roach at his peak.
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 DAVID BRIDIE
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David Bridie’s ARIA award-winning soundtrack compositions have clearly effected his sound and given this solo effort an epic feel; texture, layers, diversity, rich sounds. It certainly helps when you have the hottest young producer, Nick Littlemore (Pnau) as your co-producer. Add special guests Katie Noonan (George), Dave mason (The Reels) and Amanda Brown (Go-Betweens) to the mix and without hearing a single note you can imagine that Hotel Radio is a special collection of songs. Lead by the title track – the first single – the 13 tracks offer individual slices of life rather than the conceptual efforts of David’s past. Combining the attention to detail of Bridie and Littlemore has resulted in the richest production possible and proof can be found on the snowballing scale of Nation and the beautifully arranged strings of Epiphany. If there is one binding element on Hotel Radio it must be the tasteful combination of acoustic instruments with the modern sounds of drum loops and samples. Bridie’s voice is unmistakable - a hushed whisper that perfectly carries tone and emotion – and works best when presented along-side the unique voice of Dave Mason on Blue Black Sky. Hotel Radio will not scream to be heard; it whispers and coaxes the listener closer until it’s too late: you’re hooked.
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