Friday, February 5, 2010

I think I have found love...


Hunter Parrish. Weeds = awesome show. Can act. Can Dance. Clearly likes musicals (Broadway). Good looking. Sense of Humour.




Oh I just want to find one!


Monday, February 1, 2010

Grammy's fashion critic.

PART ONE:


The most noteworthy - Lady GaGa.










Okay, I'm not a fan of hers, I'll just put it out there. But I have to say, Kudo's to her. That lady is clever, and has managed her career very smartly indeed. She could have been about a one hit wonder, but through her kooky ways, outrageous outfits, crazy performances and controversy (man, woman, both?) surrounding her career, she has kept herself in the public eye. And - mostly out of the papparazzi's sneaky shots of celebs stumbling out of clubs, outside looking tired and haggard without their make up etc...the shots they don't want us to see. So something I never thought I'd say - Congrats Lady GaGa. You are a clever woman.









Katy Perry -









I think she is so so beautiful. But the outfit (minus the back) is just doing nothing for me. She's young, gorgeous, fit....why wear something so Nanna like? Oh Katy. This one's a bit cold rather than hot.




Beyonce:




Okay, kudos to Beyonce for showing off her curves, and not looking like the usual stick thin, cliche celeb. But really? That dress? Not bootylicious at all. The colour is so blah. I'd choose that colour for my carpet, not my dress.


Rihanna -








Can't say that this does a lot for me. A good choice of shoes, to tone down the outrageous dress, but the dress or maybe the colours are just way too much. Teamed with the dirty blonde hair, it only makes Rihanna look about 10 years older than she actually is.







Thursday, December 17, 2009

The Betrayed - Lostprophets (Album review)

The fourth studio album from Welsh band Lostprophets has been some time coming, but the wait was well worth it. ‘The Betrayed’ due for release in January 2010, takes us through a combination of musical styles – with some songs reminiscent of the progressive rock style of the first album ‘The Fake Sound Of Progress’ combined with more radio friendly songs (A Better Nothing, Where We Belong) that are similar style to hugely popular 2006 release ‘Liberation Transmission.’

What Ian Watkins and co. have accomplished in the making of this album, is finding a happy medium, and a happy balance between keeping new and old fans happy (think to 2nd album, ‘Start Something’)

The album opens on the crashing drums, introducing us to the first song cleverly titled ‘If It Wasn’t For Hate, We’d Be Dead By Now.’ After the first minute, Ian Watkins vocals reach that soaring level we are so accustomed to. Not quite Liberation Transmission, not quite Fake Sound of Progress.
The first obvious thing is the heavy emphasis and focus on some solid drums and clever guitar work. Where for the majority of Liberation Transmission, Watkins vocals had a more focal role, with the odd guitar solo thrown in (‘4AM forever etc.), in The Betrayed you can’t help but notice the obvious emphasis being placed on the instruments, creating a heavier sound, not un-similar to their original style.

The second track ‘Dstryr and Dstryr’ has a similarity to song ‘Burn Burn’ (‘Start Something’) with midpoint in the song Ian’s soft vocals building up to become louder, making it the sort of song you just want to chant along to.
The lyrics and build up in this one – ‘Destroyer, destroyer we live inside of you’ is in a very similar style to the point in Burn Burn – ‘Burn Burn, for us, for them, for you.’ The defiance in this song and in ultimately in the album is that trademark Lostprophets style that had been previously missing from Liberation Transmission.

Track ‘It’s Not The End Of The World But I can See it From Here’ may as well been stamped with ‘Lostprophets.’ It is the Lostprophets we are accustomed too, whether they are leaning towards progressive rock, or being more mainstream – catchy lyrics and tune, awesome guitar solo, and Ian’s distinctive vocals.

‘Where We Belong’ is an obvious single choice for the band, with the lyrics portraying the journey taken towards the making of the album.

Personal favourites and stand out tracks from the CD, would probably have to be ‘Dstryr Dstryr, If It Wasn’t For Hate We’d Be Dead Right Now,’ ‘Streets Of Nowhere’ (the boys at their mainstream best- try not singing along to this song) and ‘Next Stop Atro City’ (An awesomely fast paced song, catchy lyrics and because who doesn’t like a song that showcases Ian Watkins screaming vocals.)

Overall, I would recommend picking up a copy of this CD. Lostprophets have made a real effort to keep older and newer fans happy, and it has paid off for them. After a 3 year gap between CDs it’s great to hear some fresh tunes from the boys. As guitarist Stuart Richardson states, the album is ‘No bullshit, no tricks; raw, pissed off, and catchy as f***.’ And if you’re anything like me, you couldn’t ask for anything better or anything more from Lostprophets. Except maybe an Australian tour sometime in the future...
8/10

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Top 5 Albums of 2009;

2009 was a year of some great music, and breakthrough artists as well as highlighting the promise of just how good 2010 will be music wise.

1) My number one spot goes to The Getaway Plan for the 'Best of The Getaway Plan (2005-2009.) If you are anything like me, and were absolutely gutted when these incredibly talented Melbourne lads broke up, then you'll understand my choice. From featuring their hit singles off the successful album 'Other Voices, Other Rooms' as well as including all the tracks from their first demo and their first EP 'Hold Conversation', with b-sides from singles also thrown in, it is a perfect mix of The Getaway Plan, showcasing the versatility they had. Whether it's the passion displayed in with the screaming vocals in 'The New Year' or the soft, haunting piano and vocals on 'Melophobia', the boys never fail to disappoint. RIP.

2) The Dreamers EP - Young Heretics
Wow. Is the first word I expressed after hearing the opening track 'Bones Of A Rabbit.' Kitty Hart and Matthew Wright aka Young Heretics have wowed fans and critics alike with their 4 song EP, just a teaser of what to expect on their album due out in 2010. If it's anything like the EP displays, this will be one act to watch in 2010. Whether their vocals are soaring over the top of a full orchestra or softly blending in with acoustic guitar, the duo has showcased their amazing musicianship and vocal range in this EP. For only $5, I would recommend anyone to get it.

3) First Temple - Closure In Moscow
The debut album from Aussie band Closure In Moscow, didn't fail to disappoint. The CD starts with a bang, and doesn't fail to disappoint, showcasing the bands ear for melody, crazy instrumentals and the amazing voice of Chris de Cinque. The CD also showcases the bands versatility with punk driven tracks they became known for, as well as mixing in more diverse sounds, such as song 'A Night at the Spleen.' Ever heard a punk type song that you can just get up and dance to? - (yes dance, not mosh). The chorus is ridiciulously catchy with Chris' falsetto vocals 'dance with me through the night, we'll feel alright, we'll make it last all night' will guarantee you'll walk around singing it for the next couple days. A promising first release from the boys - excited to see how well they can develop and extend on their sound on their sophmore album.

4) Hot Mess - Cobra Starship
Who can deliver cheesy, catchy electro pop-rock songs and still remain cool? Cobra Starship can. Gabe Saporta's charisma mixed in with his clever, cutting and most of the time highly amusing lyrics, make for great, catchy songs to get up and dance to. The band shows that they are in it for the fun of it, and don't take life to seriously, a breath of fresh air in the power hungry music scene. I mean how can you not (secretly) love lyrics such as 'Yo give it up, cause I know what you've got, you can ride to the top, but you can't ride on my cock' followed by 'I'm not street but I do what I gotta do, so what? you got a crew? I got a crew too'
While it's not lyrics to make you think, or make you feel the power of music, sometimes we all need a bit of plain fun and dance time.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

A night with British India (26/11/2009) - Capital, Wagga Wagga

It was a rainy, windy, Thursday night in Wagga Wagga. Sounds like an ideal and perfect concert time doesn't it? Well if anyone can pull a decent enough crowd in a rural town it's British India. It's not secret we love these guys, and I'm starting to think maybe the feelings are reciprocated as the 4 lads from the Melbourne garage rock band, grace good old Wagga Wagga with their presence for the third time this year.


If you haven't witnessed a show by these boys before, I'm just going to put it out there. You're missing out. Big time.


The energy and pure joy they play with is simply amazing. Take note particularly of lead guitarist Nic Wilson and lead singer Declan Melia, who never tire of giving their performance their absolute all, and play like it's the last time they'll ever play. Nic's talent as lead guitarist was particular evident throughout the night, and it is quite an amazing thing to watch.


British India pleased with a range of older and newer songs. While the crowd took a while to warm up with the first few songs, soon enough the crowd was just as energetic as the boys as they launched into a cover of Rage Against The Machines 'Killing In The Name.' If there is any one song to get a crowd pumped, THAT would be it.


Seeing as the tour was in support of their new song 'Vanilla' the highlight of the night was definitely seeing that song for the first time live. Other crowd pleasers included singles 'Run The Red Light', 'Tie Up My Hands', 'I Said I'm Sorry' and 'God Is Dead (Meet The Kids)'


Judging by the sounds of the new song 'Vanilla' it looks like the forthcoming studio album from the boys 'Avalanches' will not fail to disappoint.

All in All, not bad for a Thursday night.


*Last time I checked, 'Vanilla' was available for free download on Triple J's website. Get onto it!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

CD review- The Dreamers EP, Young Heretics

The Dreamers EP is the first release from Melbourne duo Young Heretics, made up by The Getaway Plan's former frontman Matthew Wright and Kitty Hart - half the time rumoured to be his twin sister, or his lover. Let's hope just not both.

Relationship aside, the EP is probably the best $5 I have ever spent in my life. In a world where increasingly unoriginal tunes (Black Eyed Peas anyone) are hitting our airwaves, this was like a breath of fresh air.

From the opening of my personal favourite 'Bones of A Rabbit' Kitty draws us in with her mysterious and really quite eerie vocals, before Matthew chimes in, their harmonies blending in with the soft piano in the background. Their voices together make a haunting and harmonious effect - these two both have amazing pipes on them, that's for sure. The music along with their vocals build up and hit an inevitable climax, their passion clearly heard through the combination of both their voices.

Drums and percussion introduce us to the next song on the EP, the single 'The Lost Loves' probably the most radio friendly song. Kitty once again opens the song, her vocals slightly clearer and not as eerie as before, creating a more radio friendly feel. Matthew once again joins in, harmonising in the background, the focus of the lyrics remaining mostly on Kitty.

Dark Prince takes us to a more calmer place, and slows down the pace, with Kitty's vocals only being accompanied by piano for the first few verses of the song. After the first two minutes or so, Matthew's softer vocals blend in into the background to end the song. Of all the songs, this one probably has the most dreamlike and intimate quality about it.

Slow guitar and swirling wind introduces us to the last song 'Winter Makes A Sleeper', Kitty's vocals more softer and dreamier and slightly distorted in the closing track, giving it an aged feel. The track, apparently a demo recorded a few years back, doesn't hold the theatrics and orchestral instruments of the other songs, taking a more stripped back approach, one that flows well with the lyrics. This therefore closes the EP in a more mysterious way, the wind dying out to signal that the end has come.

The EP opens with a bang, and ends in a dreamlike trance, showcasing the versatility of the duo. Even with only 4 tracks, it manages to encompass mystery, suspense, darkness, intimacy and versatilty - no easy feat. The vocals combined with the musical diversity of the instruments leave a haunting effect on the listener. This EP combines originality, diversity, inspiration and creativity - leaving you wondering what could be achieved on a full length album. If you're jumping off The Getaway Plan bandwagon be prepared to be disappointed - Matthews muscianship is mainly showcased through instrumentals, with Kitty's vocals overpowering his.

For fans of...? I don't really know what to liken or compare this too. Fans of Bertie Blackman and similar artists may enjoy this. Either way, with the Australian music scene being fronted by idiots like Short Stack, it is great to see that creativity still exists out there somewhere.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

My Sister's Keeper - Film review

Based on the best-selling novel by Jodi Picoult, My Sisters Keeper tells the thought provoking tale of a young girl who is suing her parents for medical emancipation – the right to decide what she does with her body.

Seen through different viewpoints, the film takes us on a journey through the past and the present, and shows us just how the walls of this family foundation began to crumble over time.Cameron Diaz takes on a different film role as the stubborn and tough mother of a teenage daughter Kate, who has been battling cancer on and off ever since she was a young child. Diaz does a solid and convincing job as playing Sara Fitzgerald, a role quite different to her usual comedic appearances. Her other daughter Anna (Abigail Breslin) was conceived specifically to be a genetic match for her sister Kate.

The real story begins when we learn Anna is suing her parents to the rights of her own body, and her right NOT to give up a kidney for her dying sister. The movie however isn’t so much about the legal battle. It jumps back and forth to show how Kate’s illness has affected the family’s life, and just how Anna came to making the decision to finally stand up and say no.
The narration throughout the movie is effective in giving us greater insight to these characters, as well as the weary father Brian (played by Jason Patric) and troubled older brother Jesse (Evan Ellingson.)

The film generally glosses over the nastier side of the cancer, instead focusing on many slow motion scenes, designed to tug at the heartstrings of the audience. While effective in showing the families every emotion at the time, the happy times, and the bittersweet ones, the slow-mo can get all a bit too much and too repetitive throughout the movie. The real acting credit goes to Sofia Vassilieva, who plays the cancer stricken Kate.
Through her honest portrayal of the character, we as an audience are taken on the journey through her life with her. From her first love, to her last days, Sofia plays such a convincing role, it’s almost as if she isn’t acting it. Ultimately her demonstration of courage and the obvious love she feels for her family, will get the audience dabbing at their eyes.

The diverse twist that makes the movie worthwhile seeing is the simple question behind it – Who is in the right here, and how can a legal decision be made on such grounds? On one hand you have Sara Fitzgerald, who loves both her daughters, but is determined to put her everything into saving Kate’s life, even if that means having Anna donate, against her will or not. On the other hand, you have Anna, with the knowledge she was born for a specific purpose, who considers her sister her best friend, but wants her right to be able to make decisions for her own body – with the knowledge Kate will die without her help. It’s easy to jump back many times throughout the movie, before coming to the somewhat frustrating conclusion that – there is no right answer.

Fans of the book, will be disappointed with the ending of the film, which I’ll just add, does not stay true to the book in the slightest. I’ll readily admit right here, I would have cried had the ending been the original one. However just as I felt a tad teary with the very real portrayal of Kate’s final days, my annoyance came in the overcome this, when I realised the ending had changed. This is the end, spoiled the movie for me.
In having said that though, My Sisters Keeper is a well made, and a well acted out film. While believable for the most part, it is slightly let down by the ending – Fans of the book, may be disappointed with the unreal ending, and the false pretense of everybody playing ‘happy families’ in the end. People who didn’t read the book previously will find it a thought provoking and emotional film to watch, but nevertheless it is a worthwhile cinema experience.