Since re-opening the blog, I've written about a number of Australian pop songs - fromthe sublimetothe 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-
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-
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 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-
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+
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+
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+
American folk pop sensation Lissie has been on my radar since lending her sublime vocals to "The Longest Road" - a unusually sparse and organic dance anthem I featured on the blog way back in 2008. Since then the talented singer has steadily built her profile with a gorgeous EP and critically acclaimed album that charted well throughout Europe and made my 2010 'best of' countdown. Given her burgeoning popularity, I was kind of surprised to hear she was touring Australia as Megan Washington's support act but I reasoned that two clinically depressed divas for the price of one was kind of awesome and went along to last night's concert with high expectations. And I was completely under Lissie's spell from the moment she appeared on stage dressed like a 45 year old suburban lesbian.
The low maintenance American opened the show with a beautiful rendition of "Wedding Bells" that gave me goosebumps. Her voice is so pure and effortless, it can't help but move you. Next up was album track "Record Collector", followed by her top 5 Norwegian smash "When I'm Alone". Words can't describe how much this song means to me. It's been a friend to me since mid-last year and should have been a worldwide hit. The track sounds even better live and is ripe for a re-release. I worried that it would all be downhill from there but then she broke into "Bully" and those fears disappeared. What a perfect piece of dusty Americana. Lissie then dragged indie favourite Washington on stage for a duet version of "Everywhere I Go". It sounded amazing but unfortunately highlighted who the real (vocal) talent is and she doesn't share a name with an American city.
After saying goodbye to Megan and talking about how much she loves touring Australia, Lissie served up two album cuts - the haunting "In Sleep" and uplifting "Little Lovin'". I assumed she would close the show with her catchy European single "Cuckoo" but she surprised fans by singing Kid Cudi's "Pursuit Of Happiness" instead. She explained that they both come from the same part of America and made the song her own with a fiery cover that reminded me of a female Bruce Springsteen circa "Nebraska". Lissie's version is on the tour edition of "Catching A Tiger" - just in case you need another excuse to buy it! The show couldn't have been more low key. There were no bells and whistles. Just a woman with raw talent, a guitar and a couple of weathered looking bandmates. I can't wait to see her again.
Yawn. The Australian music industry's night of nights is almost upon us and it's going to be as boring as usual if the recently announced nominations are any indication. Don't get me wrong. I actually like most of the nominees but the bias towards indie rock/alternative pop is as strong as ever. Kylie was largely overlooked despite releasing an album that actually sold more than 10 copies internationally, Vanessa Amorosi's domination of the singles chart was roundly ignored and CC Martini was robbed of ARIA glory yet again for her belated #93 smash "Double Dutch". Haters! The big winners were Sia, Washington, Julia & Angus Stone, Birds of Tokyo and Guy Sebastian (seriously?) - who received 6 nominations each. I think Sia's half dozen are well deserved. After being all but written off in Australia for the past decade, some recognition for her achievements is long overdue. I hope she scoops the pool and throws her pile of ARIAs at Delta Goodrem's head. Here are my 2 cents on the 2010 nominees. Please note I've highlighted who I think should win in red. Not who I necessarily think will win.
Album of the Year Angus & Julia Stone - Down The Way Birds of Tokyo - Birds Of Tokyo Sia - We Are Born Tame Impala - Innerspeaker Washington - I Believe You Liar
I know it's hard to believe given the content of this blog but my taste in music is actually quite diverse and I'm only slightly embarrassed to admit that I purchased all these albums. Not only that but I'm also rather partial to them. While "We Are Born" doesn't quite match the heights of "Some People Have Real Problems", it's rich and interesting. And most importantly, it's fucking fun! Angus & Julia (who I actually went to school with - fun fact!) used to annoy the hell out of me but "Down The Way" is gorgeous, sunny Sunday afternoon of an album. And probably deserves to be here. Same goes for Washington's quirky "I Believe You Liar". The indie pop princess could have gone down the Missy Higgins route of mind numbing pretense but carves out her own little idiosyncratic niche. As for Tame Impala and Birds of Tokyo, they are probably the two least annoying rock bands in the country and almost live up to the hype. So what could have improved this line up:
Aphrodite - Kylie (Sublime from beginning to end) The Lighter Side Of... - Laura Imbruglia (Funny, sad, heartbreaking) Hazardous - Vanessa Amorosi (A consistently brilliant pop album) Calling All Magicians - Danielle Spencer (So incredibly underrated) Ten - Gabriella Cilmi (Desperate but surprisingly lovely and fun)
Single of the Year Angus & Julia Stone - Big Jet Plane Birds of Tokyo - Plans Sia - Clap Your Hands The Temper Trap - Love Lost Washington - How To Tame Lions
How incredibly lame is this line up? Again, a bunch of great songs but (with perhaps the exception of the strikingly beautiful "Plans") are all brilliant album tracks - not killer singles. Even personal faves like "Clap Your Hands" and "How To Tame Lions" don't really cut the cocaine. Seriously, this shit is a 45 year old lesbian's wet dream. I know many of these will be eligible for next year's awards but I'm bitter about the omission of the following triumphs (in no particular order):
So Lonely - Chris Sorbello All The Lovers - Kylie In The Moment - Zoë Badwi We Speak No Americano - Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP Dog - Andy Bull and Lisa Mitchell 10 Date Commandments - Am8er This Is Who I Am - Ness Ness Isn't It Strange - Parralox Ching Ching Ching - Nikka Costa Kingdom - Erika Sometimes We Fall - Vera Fernandez Welcome To Disgraceland - Courtney Act Big, Beautiful & Sexy - Casey Donovan Spin - Casette Kids Sometimes - Miami Horror Filter Freak - Denzal Park Changes - Emma Donovan Shooting Star - Bag Raiders And The Boys - Julia & Angus Stone According To You - Orianthi On Your Side - Danielle Spencer Peek-A-Boo - Bertie Blackman
ROBBED!
Best Female Artist Clare Bowditch - Modern Day Addiction Kylie Minogue - Aphrodite Lisa Mitchell - Oh! Hark! Sia - We Are Born Washington - I Believe You Liar
The omission of Am8er makes this category redundant!
Best Male Artist Dan Kelly - Dan Kelly's Dream Dan Sultan - Get Out While You Can Guy Sebastian - Like It Like That John Butler - April Uprising Paul Dempsey - Fast Friends
Admittedly there's not much to chose from but this is ridiculous! Go John.
Best Group Angus & Julia Stone - Down The Way Birds of Tokyo - Birds Of Tokyo Powderfinger - Golden Rule Tame Impala - Innerspeaker The Temper Trap - Love Lost
Scarlett Belle?
Best Dance Release Art vs Science - Magic Fountain Miami Horror - Sometimes Midnight Juggernauts - The Crystal Axis Pendulum - Immersion Yolanda Be Cool and Dcup - We No Speak Americano
So predictable. I'm glad Yolanda Be Cool and DCUP finally get some respect and I LOVE "Sometimes" but where is Zoë Badwi's stunning club smash "In The Moment" or Kylie's "Get Outta My Way"? And how about Denzal Park's "Filter Freak"? You know, music that people can actually dance to....
Best Pop Release Bluejuice - Head of the Hawk Empire of the Sun - Half Mast Guy Sebastian - Like It Like That Kylie Minogue - Aphrodite Sia - We Are Born
Replace Guy Sebastian with Vanessa Amorosi's "Hazardous" and I can sign off on this. Kind of. Kylie had better win or I'll curse the ARIA voters to walk around smelling of Pink Sparkle for the rest of eternity.
2010 ARIA Award Public Voted Nominees:
And here are the awards voted by the public. They are a mixed bag but a big improvement on the categories decided on by industry members. Note the inclusion of Ness Ness. Bless you, Australia.
Most Popular Australian Album Angus & Julia Stone - Down The Way Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream Guy Sebastian - Like It Like That Jimmy Barnes - The Rhythm and the Blues John Butler Trio - April Uprising Kate Miller-Heidke - Curiouser Powderfinger - Golden Rule Stan Walker - Introducing The Temper Trap - Conditions Vanessa Amorosi - Hazardous
Fair enough but where the fuck is "Hermaphrodite"?!
Most Popular Australian Single Brian McFadden - Just Say So Gabriella Cilmi - On A Mission Guy Sebastian - Like It Like That Guy Sebastian - Art of Love (featuring Jordin Sparks) Kate Miller-Heidke - The Last Day on Earth Stan Walker - Black Box The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition Vanessa Amorosi - This Is Who I am Vanessa Amorosi - Mr. Mysterious Yolanda Be Cool & DCup - We Speak No Americano
I refuse to acknowledge the first name on this list but a double shot of Vanessa, "Sweet Disposition" and finally some props for Gabriella. How delicious!
Most Popular International Artist Beyonce Black Eyed Peas David Guetta Eminem Jason Derulo Katy Perry Ke$ha Lady Gaga Michael Buble Mumford & Sons Owl City Rod Stewart Susan Boyle Taylor Swift Train
Rod Stewart? Seriously. What the fuck? Fingers crossed that Beyjesus wins (or at least Queen Ke$ha) but I fear it will be someone vile and revolting like Taylor Swift or Train. Gross. Ok, enough bitching. The ARIAs aren't usually my cup of tea but I look forward to the award ceremony every year. If nothing else in the vain hope of catching another career ending performance like Madison Avenue's legendarily tragic rendition of "Who The Hell Are You?" from 2000. Cheyne's mid-song break to have a glass of water is positively iconic. Comeback, bitch. We miss you!
Another week, another Pop Panel. I have to admit that this was one of my favourite selections. The winner was always a forgone conclusion but I would have been happy for any of the top 5 to win. There's an interesting mix of Eurotrash, floorfillers and even a bit of indie-pop. We also have the lowest and highest scores in Pop Panel history, which is something of an achievement. I know that's pretty thrilling but more exciting still is our smokin' hot celebrity guest. It's about time things got a little bit sexy around here and until Fadde returns my phone calls, tonight's judge will do nicely! Anyway, here are the usual bitches:
John (US) writer of the amazing Pop Music Notes. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading his blog, check it out. I love it when he goes a little bit country and digs out some old favourites from the 80s and 90s.
But now for our celebrity guest! Sam Taylor caused quite a stir across the internet in 2008. Not only was he managed by Kylie's stylist/gay husband but had the nerve to cover "I Don't Know How To Love Him" as his debut single. It was refreshing to have a pop star who didn't beat around the proverbial bush about being a poof and - better yet - could actually hold a note. He then had two amazing songs on the "Beautiful People" soundtrack before briefly falling off the radar. Happpily, he's back with a brilliant new ballad called "It's A Mistake". Before getting stuck into the reviews, I took the opportunity to ask Sam some questions.
Sam, you have a new single on the way. Tell us more about "It's A Mistake". It's so pretty! Well I was contacted on Myspace by the writer, Charlie Mason (Ashley Tisdale, Cinema Bizarre), back at Christmas and we started to work with each other. He sent me over this song and I knew I had to record it straight away. I fell in love with it the first time I heard it. It took a while to get into the studio and get the song back but I'm really happy with the outcome.
I love your songs on the "Beautiful People" soundtrack. They're almost old fashioned. Have you purposely avoided trends with your music? I'm guessing there's no RedOne on your album! Thank you! I love them too, written by Terry Ronald and Ian Masterson. I dont think I have gone with the trends of things although I would like to do a huge dance song. No, no RedOne but of course I wouldn't say no to working with him, I would probably jump up and down a bit! They make some amazing music.
Do you fear becoming typecast as a balladeer? Erm no, not really cause that's what I enjoy singing and I think people connect with me doing that better than anything I guess, although I haven't got an uptempo pop one out there really.
You first came to our attention as William Baker's new charge. Are you still managed by him? No not any more. I was for about a year and a half, was a good time, he's a very creative man and amazing at what he can do. I learnt a lot from the experience.
Did he at least introduce you to Kylie? Yeah I met kylie a few times, one of the first dinners I had was with her.. I was a bit in shock and awe, but such a loverly person, and an idol for so many, it was a honour to meet her so close and personal.
When is your album being released? We're getting impatient. I'm not sure, I'm getting impatient too! Need to get a few more songs. It's hard by yourself LOL.
I read that you were a big Spice Girls fan. Who was your favourite? Really? Where did you read that? LOL! (I read ithere!) I did like them, not a huge crazy fan but yeah I would say VB or sporty LOL but they are all amazing.
Which pop stars do you find inspiring at the moment? Pop stars... I love Pixie Lott. So fresh and fun and beautiful. Of course, Beyonce (right answer). She is just ridiculous beyond belief. At the moment I just have my iTunes on constant shuffle so I'm listening to everyone and anyone at the moment. I have Rox's album "Memoirs" on at the moment. I love it!
Um, I have to ask... are you single? I'll be in London soon! LOL Hahaha... Yes I am! :P
Listen to Sam's amazing new single "It's A Mistake" (below).
As usual the songs are ranked from lowest to highest.
D'Luv: This is kind of an across-the-board fail on every level, no? I recall the Pop Panel being the first time I heard "Beat Again" last summer. Sadly, Kardinal Offishall only had one hit to rip off. 0/5 John: I didn't like the track when I first heard it, and I haven't listened to the track in about a month. I like it even less now. Huge misstep by these guys when they should have been trying to keep the momentum going. 0/5 Mike: Aren't boybands supposed to be attractive? 0/5 Paul: Oh someone has stripped the boys naked and doused them in vocoder hell. I can imagine them there now, all tied up in microphone wires, balls in mouths while someone feeds their voices through computer technology to give us... this. It's like an X-factor horror movie/porno waiting to happen. Strangely, though I like it (the song, maybe also the thought of them tied up!) - it's awfulness grows on you ever so slowly. 3.5/5 Sam Taylor: I don't know why but I don't like this song, seems to be doing really well, but I can only hear one voice and not sure on it. I like The Wanted better. 1/5 The Prophet: The boys in JLS are bigger faggots than every single member of the pop panel, past and present, combined! Oh and their music sucks too. 0/5 Total: 4.5/30
That old gay from Erasure strikes out on his own with this club anthem.
D'Luv: Andy should have just kept the six bucks he spent on making the video and bought himself two tacos. Or at least hired Lori Watt to direct. The song itself is better than I expected, though. He should just do like the Pet Shop Boys and either opt for animated videos, fill them with stock footage of old Russian movies or hire noted personalities to star in them (again: Lori Watt). 2.5/5 John: I don't hate it, but something is missing. Maybe it's the video budget, because this looks like it was shot in the reception area of a doctor's office. Or a bathhouse, with those flashing skimpy towels covering his nether regions to light the way. Seriously, I miss Andy's upper range being the strongest part of any song he's on. 3/5 Mike: When did Aussie Joe Bugner launch a music career? The video is disturbing on so many levels (although mostly because I suspect it's a terrifying glance into my own future) but I like the song. And want to hear his album. 3/5 Paul: Love that he's still going. Love this tune too - clubby with elements of pop so the Erasure fans don't get too scared. The album is proper decent too with an anthem to both Debbie Harry and drag queens all in one song. Which would have made a slightly better single than this one. 4/5 Sam Taylor: Not a fan. 1/5 The Prophet: AHHHHH! KILL IT! 0/5 Total: 13.5/30
Former RBD member goes solo in a shameless bid to steal Lorena Herrera's Queen of Mexican pop crown!
D'Luv: Cute. I'd snack on the guy in the video's churro. 3.5/5 John: Meh. 2.5/5 Mike: The video totally rips off "Colgando En Tus Manos" but the song is pure Mexi-pop magic. Anahi has been put on notice. 4/5 Paul: Oh another pop-bondage video, and the dude once again is quite cute. I really liked RBD as it goes, and this is a rather enjoyable little pop ditty. In fact, I listened twice in a row and it was much better the second time, so I'm elevating my score to a rather generous 4/5. It's just so damn catchy!! Sam Taylor: No comment. 0/5 The Prophet: No comprende. 0/5 Total: 14/30
The true queen of pop unleashes her latest masterpiece. And yes, this is the official video!
D'Luv: I'm giving Heidi four points for the trashy song. But I'm subtracting four for being married to Spencer. Then I'm giving her five points for splitting with him. And then subtracting two for the tacky video. 3/5 John: Despise pretty much everything that is associated with Speidi, but if I'm being honest, the track itself isn't bad. The lyrics, on the other hand, made me want to find a crowd of pageant girls and go postal. 2/5 Mike: I'm so disappointed in Sam. Everyone knows that Heidi > LC! Rude. Anyway, like everything Heidi has ever recorded, this is fucking BLISS. 5/5 Paul: Spencer needs to disappear, but I'll give Heidi a brief reprieve because this song caught my attention. The vocals are thin enough to slide under a fire door but the song has a certain charm and I can't help think how it might sound if given to someone with a bit more vocal "welly"... it's a proper poptastic tune though so i'll go 3.5/5. Sam Taylor: A 99 p store Britney. I didn't listen the whole way through, not a fan of this song. Plus I'm a fan of The Hills and team LC. LOL! 0/5 The Prophet: The plastic princess of pop is snatching wigs left, right, up, down and all around. 5/5 Total: 18.5/30
The Dutch diva's latest single was penned by Guy Chambers.
D'Luv: The music's okay, but the chorus is weak and the lyrics are atrocious. Oh, and Pink wants her nose ring back, baby. 2/5 John: There isn't anything BAD about the track, but there isn't anything that stands out about it, either. The track sounds like something that was written specifically for Kelly Clarkson, but she was too busy ranting about Ryan Tedder to give it the time of day. 3/5 Mike: This wouldn't sound out of place on Kelly Clarkson's "All I Ever Wanted", which is a big compliment. I love this hot bitch and can't wait to track down her album. 4.5/5 Paul: The beginning of this sounds like Leona Lewis' seminal disco epic "Outta My Head" but with a few more guitars, ergo it's quite nice but I feel like I've heard it all before. 3/5 Sam Taylor: I kinda like this, not the video though but the song is good and she's good. 4/5 The Prophet: Who the fuck is Nikki? Never heard of her, but this is catchy. Ashley Tisdale could do it justice! 3/5 Total: 19.5/30
Korea's most successful girlband attempt to crack the English speaking market. Again.
D'Luv: YES. 4/5 John: What do you mean "again"? They got to #76 in their one week on the Hot 100 with "Nobody"! Anyway, I have been jamming to this track for a couple of weeks now, and I'm a big fan. This summer has a disco feel now thanks to Wonder Girls. 4.5/5 Mike: This makes me want to hook up with a gaysian and move to Korea. Has-Beens Aloud could never! 5/5 Paul: Lovely Nikki (not the singer, from Pop Reviews Now blog) keeps trying to get me into K-pop and has thus far failed. This isn't really changing my mind either - it sounds like a sub-par PussyFlapTrolls and I wasn't even aware that there could be a sup-par version of them until I heard this. Not good. Not good at all... 2/5 Sam Taylor: This made me laugh at first ha! But it's a cute, catchy, cheesy pop song and the video put a smile on my face. 4/5 The Prophet: Why can't American pop be this fun and interesting? 4.5/5 Total: 24/30
Australia's latest indie pop sensation re-visits the 70s.
D'Luv: Lesb-indie rock you don't have to wear thick black-framed glasses and skinny jeans to enjoy! The lead singer chick does an amazing job of tucking her cock up herself in the video, too! For that alone: 4.5/5 John: This is one of those tracks that I like at first listen, but I'm not compelled to listen to again. And what's with everyone doing this "Fireflies"-type banging on the keyboard in a small room motif? 3.5/5 Mike: Megan's been on my radar for a while now but she takes things to the next level with "Rich Kids". Smart, catchy and effortlessly fun - Australia could finally have an indie pop princess who lives up to the hype. 4.5/5 Paul: It's quirky, it's screaming 'look at me, i'm different dammit' and it works too. It's a little stop-start at times and I just wish they'd get on with it, but overall it's quite charming and lovely. 3.5/5 Sam Taylor: I like this one, it's cool. I wanna dance with you singing along in my head. 4/5 The Prophet: Pretentious hipster brats, oh yay. I actually like this though. I wish I was as cool as them. 4/5 Total: 24/30
The backing singer from Destiny's Child ropes in David Guetta for her latest attempt at solo relevance.
D'Luv: Kelendria is the true Destiny's Chylde, and is here to mop up the floor with that amateur Beyonce's wig. Love the song. Love the video. I hope this at least goes to #96 on the U.S. chart! 5/5 John: Love it, love it, love it. Guetta and Kelly should just do a whole album together. Too bad this will follow "When Love Takes Over" to the bottom of the Hot 100. 5/5 Mike: Poor D'Luv clearly bought the extra strong poppers by mistake last night because bitch is tripping if he thinks Kelly is fit to breath the same air as Queen B! Despite her many shortcomings and complete absence of anything resembling star quality or charisma, this is a fucking hot tune and deserves to be massive. 5/5 Paul: Loving the K-star. I call this bossy pop and it totally works for me. Brilliant chorus, brilliant lyrics and totally whip off your top and get your nipples out dancetastic. 4.5/5 Sam Taylor: I like this, not as good as her last one but it's cool. 3/5 The Prophet: I used to be a major fan of hers until she started getting popular and having hits. I liked Kelly better when she was a flop. Whatever. 5/5 Total: 27.5/30
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.
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