Australian Pop Update

Since re-opening the blog, I've written about a number of Australian pop songs - from the sublime to the ridiculous - but there are too many noteworthy singles to comment on individually. So I thought I'd do a round-up post. Here are some random musings on the latest tunes by some of the country's best (and worst) purveyors of pop music.

Stan Walker feat. Static Revenger - Light It Up (Video)

I love Stan and know Dennis (Static Revenger) through Luciana but this unlikely pairing turns out to be a little underwhelming. While "Loud" was slightly generic, it was on trend and positioned the 20-year-old as Australia's answer to Taio Cruz. The track was also fun, catchy and memorable. Three adjectives that don't really apply to "Light It Up". Perhaps it's a grower.
B-

Anthony Callea - Oh Oh Oh Oh (Video)

No.
F

Darren Hayes - Bloodstained Heart (Video)

There's something about Darren Hayes that I just don't like. Maybe it's the fact that he looks like a serial killer. Or it could be those hideous Savage Garden power ballads that mum used to torture me with on the way to school. But I digress. This is first song from Darren that I've liked since "Crush (1980 Me)". It's beautiful and I think everyone should buy it.
A-

Tonight Alive - Let It Land (Video)

These punk/pop rockers are being hailed as the next big thing and they have already amassed a loyal following of crazy stans. I'm not convinced but "Let It Land" is easily their most commercial single to date and at least they're not Short Stack. Keep an eye on these guys.
C+

Shannon Noll - Switch Me On (Video)

Shannon can switch me on anytime he likes. This is a good, old-fashioned pop/rock tune that would have been a massive hit five years ago. It's a little too dated for 2011 but, ironically, that's the main reason I like it so much. "Switch Me On" is a warm and fuzzy flashback to less complicated times. I can't wait for his album.
B+

Gotye feat. Kimbra - Somebody That I Used To Know (Video)

Having already notched up six weeks at number one, there's not much left to say about "Somebody That I Used To Know". Apart from labelling it the "Someone Like You" for underfed hipsters.
A

Marvin Priest feat. Wynter Gordon - Take Me Away (Video)

I really like Marvin and sang the praises of "Own This Club" months before it charted. Furthermore, everyone knows that I worship at the alter of Wynter Gordon. So it pains me to admit that this leaves me cold. The song is fine, the production is tight and the video is a winner but something is missing. Bring on single number three.
B-

Washington - Holy Moses (Video)

This is the bad, indie version of Lady Gaga's "Judas". Seriously, Megan. From "Rich Kids" to this shit?
D-

Architecture In Helsinki - Escapee (Video)

AIH is one of those bands I never mention on the blog but like. A lot. This is a typically clever and well-crafted pop song from one of the country's best pop acts. I love the video too. They are due a commercial breakthrough.
B+

The Potbelleez - Midnight Midnight (Video)

My old friends copy pay homage to the Black Eyed Peas' "Rock Your Body" on the latest single from their sophomore album. Not as embarrassing as it sounds.
C+

Living End - Song For The Lonely (Video)

Unfortunately not a Cher cover but still amazing. The iconic punk rockers continue to be better than your faves 17 years after their debut. Admittedly, this is not their best single but there's better on the album.
B-

Emma Louise - Jungle (below)

"Jungle" is that rarest of finds - a smart, quirky and catchy pop song that isn't so far up its own arse that you automatically want to hate it on principal. Kimbra, I'm looking at you. Emma Louise is starting to get some serious buzz with good reason. She's got the voice, look and sound to cause some serious damage. I can't wait to hear what she does next.
A+

Potbelleez - From The Music

Looking over the blog this morning, I realised I've been neglecting the local music scene. Which is sad because Pop Trash began life specialising in Australian content. So today I thought I'd focus on the Aus-pop gems currently burning up my iPod. The first track you really need to own is "From The Music" by The Potbelleez. I love this band and have a bit of a history with them. A couple of years ago I went out drinking with the legendary CC Martini - time for a comeback! - and she dragged along Blu. I didn't even realise she was in The Potbelleez and made a bit of a spectacle of myself asking why she never gets to sing any of their hits. Shame. Then last year I rocked up to the band's showcase and had a bit of a run in with Cassie Davis.

If I somehow manage an invite to their album launch I'm taping my mouth shut and sitting in the corner. I promise! Speaking of "Destination Now", it's finally set for release in May after being pushed back a couple of times. I can't wait for the album. The first two singles have been great and I love their latest effort. "From The Music" is a typically crisp and catchy dance anthem with a brilliant vocal from the sexy Ilan Kidron. It's already top 30 on iTunes and looks set to be another hit for the band. The video (below) is also pretty cool with its puppets gone wild theme. I'm yet to hear any of the remixes but, on past form, they should definitely be worth hunting down. Expect to hear this on the dancefloor very soon!

Potbelleez, Dane Rumble & My Beef With Cassie Davis!

Dane Rumble

Dear readers, pop trash heaven exists. I know this for a fact because I saw a glimpse of it at last night's joint Dane Rumble/Potbelleez showcase. Both acts were amazing but the real highlight the star studded audience. A-List superstars like Chris Sorbello, @m8er and - cough - Cassie Davis blessed the event with their presence and provided me with hours of entertainment. It was like Pop Trash Addicts brought to life! But more about those movers and shakers later. The showcase kicked off with New Zealand's Dane Rumble. To be honest, I didn't know much about him before the gig. Apparently, he's a big deal at home and after last night I can see why. Sounding like a cross between Dan Black and Travie McCoy - Dane has some killer tunes up his sleeve. His new single "Always Be Here" (check out the video at the bottom of this post) is catchy as fuck, while "Don't Know What To Do" screams future hit. However, the best was yet to come. Dane finished the show with a soft, 80s-tastic electro jam called "Cruel" and it was love at first listen. The song was a #3 smash in New Zealand and I think it could do similar things over here.

The Potbelleez

After Dane's set, I hunted down Chris Sorbello (love spam, bitch!) and settled in for a dose of The Potbelleez. I also caught up with @m8er before the band started. She's doing a showcase of her own next week with Taio Cruz. Take that, h8rz! So, The Potbelleez. I haven't written much about them over the years but I'm a big fan and LOVE their new single "Hello". They opened the show with it and the song sounds even better live. Some old favourites were rolled out including "Don't Hold Back" and Australia's foxiest rap diva Blue rocked the venue by taking over vocal duties on a couple of tracks. I can't tell you what happened after that because I was too hypnotised by the epic tragedy that is Cassie Davis - who crept into the venue looking like she'd just escaped from Cell Block H and hid right up the back behind a group of friends. I guess she was worried about being stormed by her army of fans. Oh wait. I wanted to say hello but Cassie overheard my date saying he bought her album for $2 in a St. Vinnies bargain bin and spent the rest of the evening shooting us death stares. She should be grateful. I got it for free and still felt ripped off! The night ended on a high when Chris introduced me to the amazing Richard Vission. We talked about "I Like That", working with Luciana and Lolene's next single. As I said, pop trash heaven.